COUPLER COMPRISING A BLOCKING MECHANISM FOR PREVENTING COUPLING OF THE MECHANICAL COUPLER, AND METHOD TO OPERATE A COUPLER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention comprises a coupler for a railway vehicle having a blocking mechanism for preventing undesired coupling of the mechanical coupler.

BACKGROUND

Railway couplers are used to couple railway cars to each other through a mechanical coupling and often also through other forms of couplings as well (e.g., electrical, pneumatical). The mechanical coupler generally comprises a hook plate inside the coupler head, connected to a protruding shaft that is configured to fit into a recess of a hook plate on another coupler. As the protruding shafts of two couplers each extend into the coupler head of the meeting coupler and engage with the recess there, the hook plates are rotated simultaneously and thereby lock the shafts in place so that retraction is prevented until the hook plates are rotated again to release them.

However, since the mechanical coupler generally takes place automatically as soon as one coupler hits another with sufficient force, it is difficult to prevent undesired coupling in situations where a coupler may impact against another, but where coupling is not intended. Once an undesired coupling has taken place, the couplers need to be disengaged again before normal operation may resume and this is time consuming and cumbersome.

At present, there are no known solutions where unintended coupling of railway couplers can be prevented. There is therefore a need for improvements within this area.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems discussed above. This is achieved by a coupler and a method to operate a coupler according to the appended independent claims.

The coupler according to the present invention comprises a coupler head that houses a mechanical coupler comprising a hook plate that is pivotably mounted in the coupler head, the mechanical coupler also comprising a shaft mounted on a first end of the hook plate and a recess arranged on a second end of the hook plate for receiving a shaft from second coupler so that a rotation of the hook plate causes a mechanical coupling. Furthermore, the coupler comprises a blocking mechanism for preventing coupling of the mechanical coupler.

A main advantage of the present invention is that undesired coupling of the coupler can be avoided. Generally, mechanical coupling takes place by one coupler being brought into contact with another, wherein the protruding shafts of each coupler enter the recesses of the opposite couplers and cause a rotation of the hook plates that couple the couplers to each other. However, by providing the blocking mechanism on the mechanical coupler the rotation of the hook plate is efficiently prevented, thereby allowing the couplers to contact each other without the mechanical coupling taking place. It is particularly to be noted that the mechanical coupling is prevented by the present invention even when the invention is arranged on only one of the couplers, since preventing the rotation of even one of the hook plates will also prevent rotation of the other. This is especially advantageous since it suffices that the blocking mechanism is provided on one of the couplers in order to achieve this main benefit.

Suitably, the blocking mechanism comprises a first member with a first contact portion, the first member being connected to the hook plate, and the blocking mechanism also comprises a second member with a second contact portion, the second member being connected to the coupler head. Also, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to contact each other in a blocking position so that movement of the first member in relation to the second member is prevented, thereby blocking rotation of the hook plate of the mechanical coupler. Thereby, a simple yet efficient blocking is achieved by the first member and the second member contacting each other in the blocking position and preventing rotation of the hook plate.

Suitably, the first member is pivotably connected to the hook plate in an attachment point that is arranged between the first end and the second end of the hook plate in a circumferential direction, so that a rotation of the hook plate causes movement of the first member in a transversal direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction along the coupler, and so that a movement of the first member in the transversal direction causes rotation of the hook plate. Thereby, rotation of the hook plate can be efficiently prevented by preventing the first member from moving in the transversal direction. This is a particular advantage since the first member extending in the transversal direction can give access to the first member from outside of the coupler head, in particular where the first member protrudes through an opening to an outside of the coupler head.

Also, the first contact portion suitably comprises a notch with a first blocking surface and the second contact portion is arranged on an engagement member of the second member configured to enter the notch so that the second contact portion contacts the first blocking surface for preventing movement of the first member in relation to the engagement member of the second member. Thereby, the first contact portion and second contact portion are able to engage in an efficient and reliable way so that movement of the first member can be prevented when the blocking mechanism is engaged.

Suitably, the engagement member is a hook that is pivotably arranged on the second member and said hook is configured to pivot into the notch and contact the first blocking surface in the blocking position. Thereby, the engagement member is held more stably against the first blocking surface so that disengagement of the blocking mechanism is prevented. It is particularly advantageous to provide the engagement member in the form of a hook since this allows for a gripping of the first blocking surface that renders the engagement between the engagement member and the first member stable and reliable.

Also, the blocking mechanism may further comprise a control member that is configured to move the engagement member into the blocking position. Thereby, the engagement member is operated in a reliable and efficient way without requiring handling of the engagement member directly.

Suitably, the control member also comprises a biasing device configured to bias the engagement member towards the first member in the blocking position. Thereby, the engagement member is stably and securely held, and since the spring is able to be compressed and expanded longitudinal forces against the control member may be absorbed by the spring to avoid damage to the blocking device. In some embodiments, the biasing device comprises a spring.

Further, the blocking mechanism may comprise a handle for operating the control member, said handle being accessible from one side of the coupler head and the handle being configured to move along a path that is at least partly transversal for moving the engagement member into the blocking position and to move in the opposite direction for moving the engagement member out of the blocking position. Thereby, the operation of the blocking mechanism is rendered efficient and reliable without requiring additional components, while at the same time the path being at least partly transversal efficiently prevents undesired disengagement of the blocking mechanism due to longitudinal forces acting on the coupler head or on the parts of the blocking mechanism or mechanical coupler.

The blocking mechanism suitably comprises a second handle that is accessible from a second side of the coupler head, wherein the second handle is connected to the control member for operating the control member. Thereby, manual operation of the blocking mechanism is possible regardless of on which side of the coupler the operator is located, rendering the engaging and disengaging of the blocking mechanism even more convenient.

Also, the coupler may comprise a trigger connected to the first member for triggering a movement of the first member when the blocking mechanism is not in the blocking position. Thereby, the mechanical coupling is facilitated when the blocking mechanism is not engaged.

The second contact portion of the second member is suitably configured to interact with the first contact portion of the first member in the blocking position so that triggering of the first member is prevented. Thereby, the blocking position not only prevents rotation of the hook plate but also the functioning of the trigger, so that undesired coupling is prevented even further.

In embodiments comprising the trigger, the trigger is suitably configured to cause movement of the first member in a trigger direction, and the second contact portion is then configured to push against the first contact portion in the blocking position to prevent movement of the first member in the trigger direction. Thereby, the trigger is efficiently blocked by the blocking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the trigger is combined with the blocking mechanism such that the blocking mechanism is engaged by holding the trigger in the activated position, thereby causing the blocking mechanism to form the blocking position.

Suitably, such embodiments comprise the trigger having a trigger member and also having a connecting member configured to slidably connect the trigger member to the coupler head such that the trigger member is slidable in a trigger direction between a non-activated position and an activated position, wherein the second member of the blocking mechanism is connected to the trigger such that a movement of the trigger member causes a corresponding movement of the second member, and wherein the blocking mechanism further comprises an engagement member configured to hold the blocking mechanism in the blocking position by preventing the trigger member from moving from the activated position. Thereby, the blocking mechanism is realized in a compact and convenient way and the functions of triggering the coupler and of blocking coupling are provided together in a highly advantageous way. By holding the trigger in the activated position, triggering by a second coupler is prevented and the first member of the blocking mechanism is held in the blocking position such that coupling of the mechanical coupler is efficiently prevented.

The trigger may also comprise a stop on the connecting member and the connecting member may be arranged in a through-hole in the coupler head. Also, the engagement member may further be configured to prevent the trigger member from moving by holding the stop at a distance from the through-hole. Thereby, an efficient blocking is achieved since the position of the trigger and thereby also of the second member is maintained by the presence of the engagement member. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the engagement member is inserted between the stop and the through-hole in the coupler head so that the movement of the connecting member is efficiently prevented.

Also, the blocking mechanism suitably comprises a control member configured to move the engagement member to and/or from the blocking position, wherein the control member is operated mechanically by a mechanical member contacting the engagement member or is operated by an actuator controlling the engagement member. Thereby, the engagement member can be brought to the blocking position and/or from the blocking position in an efficient and reliable way. A mechanical operation by a mechanical member may for instance be a wire or a rod pushing or pulling the engagement member and may also comprise a biasing device that biases the engagement member either towards the blocking position or in the opposite direction so that the mechanical member need only be operated in one of the directions. An actuator may comprise an electrical or an electromagnetic activation such as an electrical motor or a solenoid that acts on the engagement member by means of a component that is extended or retracted by the actuator. When an actuator is used, a biasing device may also be provided to bias the engagement member in one direction and require the actuator to act against the bias in order to bring the engagement member in the opposite direction.

In some embodiments, the first member of the blocking mechanism is integrated with the hook plate instead of being provided as a separate component.

In such embodiments, the blocking mechanism comprises a first member with a first contact portion, the first member being integrated with the hook plate, and the blocking mechanism also comprising a second member with a second contact portion, the second member being connected to the coupler head, and wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to contact each other in a blocking position so that movement of the first member in relation to the second member is prevented, thereby blocking rotation of the hook plate of the mechanical coupler. Thereby, the rotation of the hook plate is blocked in an efficient way closer to the axis of rotation of the hook plate. This has the same advantages as disclosed above with reference to embodiments providing the first member as extending from the hook plate but requires fewer components and can be made in a compact and efficient way.

In such embodiments, the first member is suitably a knuckle on the hook plate and the first contact portion is suitably a surface of the knuckle, and the second contact portion is suitably arranged on an engagement member of the second member, the engagement member preferably being configured to push the second contact portion towards the first contact portion such that the second contact portion prevents rotation of the hook plate. Thereby, the highly compact design is realized, and the blocking position is efficiently reached by the engagement member pushing the second contact portion into place to block the rotation of the hook plate.

Also, the engagement member is suitably configured to push the second contact portion towards the first contact portion by a biasing device acting on the engagement member to provide a bias towards the blocking position. Thereby, the blocking mechanism is biased towards the blocking position and will automatically reach it by the second contact portion falling into place as soon as the hook plate is rotated to the uncoupled position.

The blocking mechanism suitably comprises a control member for moving the engagement member away from the blocking position, wherein the control member is preferably controlled by an actuator. Thereby, the engagement member is operated in a reliable and convenient way, and this is advantageous in particular in combination with the biasing device since this means that the actuator can move the engagement member away from the blocking position and that the blocking position will be engaged in situations where the actuator is not actively counteracting it.

Suitably, in all embodiments of the present invention, the coupler further comprises an uncoupling mechanism for uncoupling the coupler from a similar coupler. Thereby, the coupler can be uncoupled when in a coupled state with another coupler. Also, the uncoupling mechanism is preferably separate from the blocking mechanism. Thereby, the handling of the coupler is improved since the blocking mechanism operates separate from the uncoupling mechanism, e.g., by a separate handle.

An uncoupling mechanism is arranged to or suitable for rotating the hook plate. More specifically, an uncoupling mechanism is arranged to rotate the hook plate in first direction. The blocking mechanism is arranged to prevent rotation of the hook plate in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

In some embodiments, the blocking mechanism can be automatically operable by the blocking mechanism being configured to engage or disengage when a criterion is fulfilled. Thereby, the blocking position can be reached without requiring an operator actively engaging the blocking mechanism. Also, the blocking mechanism can be disengaged without requiring the human operator to act. The criterion can be related to operation parameters of the railway vehicle in which the coupler is mounted, such as a movement speed. Alternatively, the criterion can be related to a position of the railway vehicle such as the railway vehicle being at a station or another area suitable for coupling. In this way, coupling of the mechanical coupler can be prevented in situations where coupling would be undesirable, such as when the speed of the train is too high or when the train is not in a suitable area such as a station.

Suitably, the blocking mechanism can be remotely operable, preferably remotely operable from inside a train on which the coupler is mounted. Thereby, the blocking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged without requiring an operator to be present beside the coupler and this is highly advantageous from a safety perspective as well as a convenience perspective, where it is time saving and less cumbersome to be able to block or allow coupling without having to leave the train.

The present invention also relates to a method to operate a coupler for a railway vehicle, the method comprising

- providing a coupler according to any embodiment of the invention,
- setting the coupler in an uncoupled state, and
- engaging the blocking mechanism, thereby preventing coupling of the mechanical coupler of the coupler.

The blocking mechanism may be activated, e.g., by pulling a handle, prior to or after an activation of an uncoupling mechanism. However, the blocking mechanism is engaged after the coupler is in an uncoupled state

The method suitably also comprises disengaging the blocking mechanism from the blocked position, thereby enabling coupling of the mechanical coupler of the coupler. Thereby, both blocking coupling and enabling coupling are possible within the scope of the invention.

Many additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by the skilled person in view of the detailed description below.

DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 discloses a perspective view of a coupler according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 discloses a cross-sectional view from above of a first embodiment of the present invention with a coupler in an uncoupled state and a blocking mechanism disengaged;

FIG. 3 discloses a cross-sectional enlarged view from above of the circle of FIG. 2 showing the blocking mechanism;

FIG. 4 discloses a cross-sectional view from above of the first embodiment with the coupler in a coupled state and the blocking mechanism disengaged;

FIG. 5 discloses a cross-sectional view from above of the first embodiment with the coupler in an uncoupled state and the blocking mechanism engaged;

FIG. 6 discloses a cross-sectional enlarged view from above of the circle of FIG. 5 showing the blocking mechanism;

FIG. 7 discloses a cross-sectional view from above of the first embodiment with the coupler in an uncoupled state and the blocking mechanism during disengagement;

FIG. 8 discloses a cross-sectional enlarged view from above of the circle of FIG. 7 showing the blocking mechanism;

FIG. 9a discloses a detailed view from above of a second embodiment of the invention with the blocking mechanism engaged;

FIG. 9b discloses a detailed view from above of the second embodiment with the blocking mechanism disengaged;

FIG. 10a discloses a planar view from above of a third embodiment of the invention with the blocking mechanism engaged;

FIG. 10b discloses an enlarged view from above of the circle of FIG. 10a showing the blocking mechanism;

FIG. 11a discloses a planar view from above of a fourth embodiment of the invention with the blocking mechanism disengaged;

FIG. 11b discloses a planar view from above of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 11b with the blocking mechanism engaged;

FIG. 12a discloses a perspective view of the coupler head with the engagement member for blocking the blocking mechanism of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 12b discloses a planar view from the side of the trigger and blocking mechanism of the fourth embodiment in the blocking position;

FIG. 12c discloses a planar view of the engagement member of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 13a discloses a planar view from above of a fifth embodiment of the invention with the blocking mechanism disengaged;

FIG. 13b discloses an enlarged planar view from above of the fifth embodiment with the second contact portion in contact with the first member but not in the blocking position; and

FIG. 13c discloses an enlarged planar view from above of the fifth embodiment with the blocking mechanism in the blocking position.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The design and function of railway couplers are well-known within the art. However, before describing the present invention with reference to FIG. 2 onwards, the main parts and function of a coupler according to the prior art will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1.

Thus, FIG. 1 discloses a coupler 100 for railway vehicles, comprising a bracket 102 for mounting on an end of a railway car and a coupler head 101 for coupling to a second coupler of similar design that is mounted on an end of another railway car. Between the bracket 102 in a rear end of the coupler 100 and the coupler head 101 in a front end of the coupler 100, a drawbar 103 is provided and other components such as buffers and deformation tubes 104 are provided in connection with the drawbar 103 so that forces can be elastically or non-elastically absorbed. In the coupler head 101, a mechanical coupler 108 comprising a pivotable hook plate 104 from which a shaft 105 protrudes through a first opening 109. A cone 111 is typically also provided in connection with the shaft 105 and configured to extend into a second opening 110 of a similar coupler in a coupled state.

The hook plate 104 is arranged to be rotatable around a substantially vertically oriented axis and also comprises a recess 106 that is accessible through the second opening 110. On the coupler head 101, additional couplers 107 are generally also provided, and these may include an electrical coupler, a pneumatic coupler, and optionally also other kinds of couplers.

The mechanical coupler 108 operates by the shaft 105 extending in a forwards direction, i.e. away from the rear end at the bracket 102, so that when meeting the second coupler (not shown) the shaft 105 is able to protrude into the second opening of the second coupler and fit into the recess of the hook plate of the second coupler. At the same time, the shaft of the second coupler protrudes into the second opening 110 of the coupler 100 of FIG. 1 and contacts the recess 106 of the hook plate 104. By the shafts pushing into the recesses, the hook plate 104 is brought to rotate so that the coupler 100 of FIG. 1 is mechanically coupled to the second coupler. The coupling itself takes place automatically when the coupler 100 and the second coupler are brought into contact with each other with sufficient force so that a buff stroke is created that causes the hook plates to rotate.

In order to uncouple the mechanical coupler 108, the hook plates 104 are brought to rotate back so that the shaft 105 is released from the recess of the second coupler and so that the shaft of the second coupler is released from the recess 106 of the coupler 100 of FIG. 1.

When the term “connected” is used herein, this is to be understood as one component being joined to or attached to another component, either directly or via at least one intermediate component or object. Thus, two parts that are connected may be integrated to form a single part or may be joined to each other in any suitable way. Alternatively, they may be connected to each other by one of them being joined or attached to an intermediate component that is in turn joined or attached to the other of them. Also, they may be connected to each other by a series of such intermediate components that together form the connection between one component and another.

The term “blocking position” is used herein to denote a position of the blocking mechanism where coupling of the mechanical coupler is prevented. The blocking position may thus refer to the position of the blocking mechanism as a whole but may also refer to a position that an individual part of the blocking mechanism takes when the blocking mechanism is active and prevents coupling.

The present description discloses a number of embodiments and variants of the present invention, and it is in particular to be noted that any feature from one embodiment may freely be combined with features from any other embodiment, as long as such a combination is not explicitly disclosed as undesirable or unsuitable.

The invention will now be described in more detail, first in a plurality of embodiments for the coupler 10 as such and then in the method according to the invention.

In a first, second, third and fourth main embodiment, as well as in variants of these embodiments, the main principle of the invention is that a first member 21, 21B that is connected to the hook plate 14 is blocked from moving by a second member 22, 22B that is connected to the coupler head 11. This blocking takes place by a first contact portion 23, 23B on the first member 21, 21B interacting with a second contact portion 24, 24B on the second member 22, 22B, in some embodiments caused by an engagement member 25, 25B that brings the second contact portion 24, 24B towards the first contact portion 23, 23B.

In a fifth main embodiment, as well as in variants of this embodiment, the main principle of the invention is the same as for the first four main embodiments, except that the first member 21A is integrated with the hook plate 14 such that the first contact portion 23A is a portion of the hook plate 14 and the blocking is formed by the second contact portion 24A being brought into contact with the first contact portion 23A and thereby prevents rotation of the hook plate 14.

Thus, the operating principles of the various embodiments are the same although the design of the first member 21, 21A, 21B differs.

In the following, similar or identical components of the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and it is in particular to be emphasized that the design and operation of components are similar in all embodiments unless they are explicitly stated to differ.

FIG. 2 discloses a coupler 10 with a coupler head 11 in which a mechanical coupler 18 is arranged. The mechanical coupler 18 comprises a hook plate 14 that is pivotably mounted in the coupler head 11 on a hook plate pivot 12. On a first end 141 of the hook plate 14, a shaft 15 is mounted and the shaft 15 is suitably pivotable on a shaft pivot 151 that is fixed to the hook plate 14 and that may comprise a protruding pin 12A that is mounted on the hook plate 14 or that is integrated with the hook plate 14. On a second end 142 of the hook plate 14, a recess 16 is provided. In the first embodiment of FIG. 2, the first end 141 and the second end 142 are opposite ends of the hook plate 14 so that they are arranged diametrically opposite on either side of the hook plate pivot 12. In some embodiments, the first end 141 and the second end 142 may instead be at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction around the hook plate 14 so that they are separated but not diametrically opposite.

The first end may alternatively be referred to as a first portion of the hook plate, and the second end may alternatively be referred to as a second portion of the hook plate.

The hook plate pivot 12 may comprise a pin 12A that is fixed in relation to the coupler head 11, and furthermore a spring 13 may be provided and be arranged to bias the hook plate 14 in a rotational direction R (see FIG. 7) so that the hook plate 14 is urged towards a position where the shaft 15 is extended from the coupler head 11, i.e. a direction that is counter-clockwise in FIG. 2. This corresponds to an uncoupled position.

In FIG. 2, the coupler 10 is shown in an uncoupled state with a second coupler 10′ that is of similar design as the coupler 10. The second coupler 10′ thus comprises a second coupler head 11′ housing a second mechanical coupler 18′ with a second hook plate 14′ that is pivotable on a second hook plate pivot 12′ and to which a second shaft 15′ is pivotably attached on a second shaft pivot 151′. The second hook plate 14′ also comprises a second recess 16′ and a second spring 13 that urges the second hook plate 14′ towards the uncoupled state where the second shaft 15′ is extended from the second coupler head 11′, i.e. in a counter-clockwise direction of FIG. 2.

In the uncoupled state shown in FIG. 2, the shaft 15 of the mechanical coupler 18 protrudes towards the second recess 16′ of the second hook plate 14′ and the second shaft 15′ of the second mechanical coupler 18′ protrudes towards the recess 16 of the hook plate 14 but the hook plates 14, 14′ are not rotated towards a coupled position in a coupled state.

FIG. 4 shows the coupled state where the shaft 15 and the second shaft 15′ each are pushed into their respective receiving recess 16, 16′, causing the hook plate 14 and the second hook plate 14′ to rotate to the coupled state. In this state, the shafts 15, 15′ cooperate with the recesses 16, 16′ so that a secure coupling of the coupler 10 to the second coupler 10′ is achieved.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a blocking mechanism 20 that is configured to prevent the mechanical coupler 18 from coupling when the blocking mechanism 20 is engaged. In FIG. 2 and shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the blocking mechanism is disengaged.

The blocking mechanism 20 comprises a first member 21 that is connected to the hook plate 14. In the first embodiment, the first member 21 is also pivotably mounted on the hook plate 14 in an attachment point A so that a rotation of the hook plate 14 causes a movement of the first member 21 at least partly in a transversal direction T that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L along the coupler 10 from the rear end. The first member 21 further comprises a first contact portion 23 that in the first embodiment is in the form of a notch on the first member 21. In the first embodiment, the first contact portion 23 is arranged on or near one end of the first member 21 that is opposite to an end of the first member 21 that is attached to the hook plate 14. In other embodiments, however, the first contact portion 23 may instead be arranged near the hook plate 14. The blocking mechanism 20 also comprises a second member 22 that is connected to the coupler head 11, and the second member 22 comprises a second contact portion 24 configured to interact with the first contact portion 23.

FIG. 2-3 and FIG. 4 each show the blocking mechanism 20 in a disengaged state where the hook plate 14 is free to rotate and thereby to couple and uncouple. However, FIG. 5-6 show the blocking mechanism 20 in an engaged state where the second contact portion 24 contacts the first contact portion 23 so that the blocking position is achieved. Movement of the first member 21 is then prevented by the interaction of the first contact portion 23 and the second contact portion 24, and by thus holding the first member 21 in the blocking position a rotation of the hook plate 14 is prevented so that no coupling can take place.

The attachment point A for the first member 21 in the hook plate 14 is in the first embodiment between the first end 141 and the second end 142 in a circumferential direction of the hook plate 14. This is to be understood as a movement along a circumference of the hook plate 14 from the first end 141 passing the attachment point A before reaching the second end 142. In the first embodiment, the attachment point A is about half-way between the first end 141 and the second end 142 in the circumferential direction, but in other embodiments the attachment point A could instead be arranged closer to either the first end 141 or the second end 142.

By the first member 21 being attached in this way to the hook plate 14, a rotation of the hook plate 14 causes a movement that is at least partly in the transversal direction T. Conversely, a movement of the first member 21 in the transversal direction T causes a rotation of the hook plate 14 around the hook plate pivot 12. When the first member 21 is held in the blocking position the rotation of the hook plate 14 is therefore prevented so that coupling of the mechanical coupler 18 is no longer possible.

In the first embodiment, the first contact portion 23 comprises a notch in the first member 21 with a first blocking surface 23′, and the second contact portion 24 is arranged on an engagement member 25 that in the blocking position is held in the notch so that the second contact portion 24 contacts the first blocking surface 23′. The engagement member 25 is preferably in the form of a hook that pivots into the notch 23 and that is held against the first blocking surface 23′ so that movement of the first member 21 in the transversal direction towards the hook plate 14 is prevented by the second contact portion 24 on the hook 25 contacting the first blocking surface 23′.

It is an advantage to provide the engagement member 25 as a hook, since the blocking position is more firmly established where the engagement member cannot be pushed linearly out of contact with the first contact portion 23 by a longitudinally applied force. Instead, the hook 25 needs to be pivoted in an arc to come out of engagement with the first blocking surface 23′ of the first contact portion 23.

In the first embodiment, the second contact portion 24 comprises a second blocking surface 24′ that in the blocking position grips the first blocking surface 23′.

In other embodiments, the engagement member 25 could instead be provided as an object that performs a linear movement towards the first member 21 in the longitudinal direction or that moves in another direction, such as parallel to the first member 21.

The engagement member 25 forms part of the second member 22 and the blocking mechanism 20 also comprises a control member 40 that is connected to the engagement member 25 and that is configured to move the engagement member 25 into the blocking position. The control member 40 is in the first embodiment moved by operating a handle 41, 42 connected to the control member 40, but other ways of operating the control member are also possible within the scope of the present invention as will be described in more detail further below.

In the first embodiment, the control member 40 is connected to the engagement member 25 via a biasing device 26 that is configured to bias the engagement member 25 towards the first member 21 in the blocking position. In other embodiment, the control member 40 could instead be connected to the engagement member 24 in other ways, operating the engagement member and the biasing device 26 simultaneously or in series so that the biasing device is brought into a position where it can bias the engagement member 25 towards the first member 21. Alternatively, the control member 40 can operate the engagement member 25 only, while the biasing device 26 is held stationary or is moved in another way. In the first embodiment, the biasing device 26 comprises a spring.

In some embodiments, the control member 40 is connected to a first handle 41 or same-side handle 41 that is arranged on a first side 11′ of the coupler head 11 so that it is operable from a side of the coupler head 11 where the blocking device 20 is arranged. In other embodiments, the control member 40 is instead connected to a second handle 42 or opposite side handle 42 that is arranged on a second side 11″ of the coupler head so that it is operable from an opposite side of the coupler head 11 from the first side 11′. In the first embodiments described herein, both a first handle 41 and a second handle 42 are provided so that an operator can operate the handle 41, 42 to engage the blocking mechanism 20 regardless of which side of the coupler head 11 he is located at. The handles 41, 42 are connected to each other via the control member 40 itself that extends through the coupler head 11 in a direction that is at least partly transversal so that the handles 41, 42 are rendered accessible from both sides of the coupler head 11. When operating the control member 40 to engage the blocking mechanism 20, the control member 40 is moved along a path that is at least partly in the transversal direction T towards the side of the coupler head 11 where the blocking mechanism is held, whereas a disengaging of the blocking mechanism 20 takes place in an opposite direction along the path towards the opposite side of the coupler head 11. In other embodiments, the movement for engaging and disengaging the blocking mechanism 20 may be in other directions as well. It is advantageous that the direction of movement of the control member 40 is at least partly transversal, since this decreases the risk of an impact to the coupler head causing unintended engaging or disengaging of the blocking mechanism 20. Any impacts to the coupler head 11 during use are likely to occur mainly in the longitudinal direction since this is the direction of movement of the coupler head 11 along a rail, and therefore such impacts are very unlikely to cause engaging or disengaging of the blocking mechanism 20 by movement of the control member 40 when a path that is at least partly transversal is used for this purpose. In the first embodiment, the path is substantially transversal so that a longitudinal component of the path is kept as small as possible or even eliminated. This further decreases or even eliminates said unintended operation of the control member 40. In some embodiments, a lock can also be provided to lock the control member 40 in place with the blocking mechanism engaged in the blocking state and/or disengaged, and this is also advantageous in preventing unintentional operation of the control member 40.

In some embodiments, the coupler 10 also comprises a trigger 30 that is connected to the first member 21 so that a movement of the first member 21 is triggered by activating the trigger 30 when the blocking mechanism 20 is not engaged. This aids in causing the coupling of the mechanical coupler 18 since the triggered movement of the first member 21 that is attached to the hook plate 14 causes a rotation of the hook plate 14 that is continued by a shaft pushing against the recess 15 of the hook plate 14. When the blocking mechanism 20 is engaged so that the second contact portion 24 is held against the first contact portion 23 in the blocking position, the triggering is prevented so that rotation of the hook plate 14 caused by the trigger 30 is not possible. The trigger 30 acts by an impact caused by the second coupler 10′ against the trigger 30 causing a movement in a trigger direction D that is substantially parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal direction. However, in the blocking position, the blocking mechanism 20 of the first embodiment is configured so that the second contact portion 24 pushes against the first contact portion 21, preferably at least partly in a direction that is opposite to the trigger direction D, so that the engagement member acts against any movements of the trigger 30 and suitably so that the biasing device 26 provide a bias in the direction that is opposite to the trigger direction D. Thereby, any movements of the trigger 30 are absorbed by the biasing device 26 and the biasing device 26 continues to urge the engagement member 25 towards the first member 21 so that rotation of the hook plate 14 is prevented despite the triggering of the trigger 30. Even if a small movement of the first member 21 should take place before being absorbed by the biasing device, this movement will not be large enough to cause the first member 21 to exit the blocking position. For this purpose, a shoulder 31 may be provided on the trigger 30 (see FIG. 8) so that only a movement that brings the first member 21 past this shoulder 31 may allow the rotation of the hook plate 14. Thus, the trigger 30 is activated by an impact on the trigger 30 and the activation causes a movement in the trigger direction D.

Engaging the blocking mechanism 20, i.e. causing the blocking mechanism to enter the blocking position and thereby prevent coupling of the mechanical coupler 18, will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2-3 and FIG. 5-6.

Starting from FIG. 2-3, the mechanical coupler 18 is in an uncoupled state and the blocking mechanism 20 is not engaged. In order to engage the blocking mechanism 20, the first handle 41 or the second handle 42 is pushed in the transversal direction T as shown by the arrow of FIG. 5. This movement causes the engagement member 25 of the second member 22 to pivot in the counter clockwise direction from a disengaged position as shown in FIG. 2-3 to an engaged position as shown in FIG. 5-6 so that the second contact portion 24 is brought into contact with the first contact portion 23 of the first member. The pivoting movement of the engagement member 25 that is in the form of a hook in the first embodiment causes the movement to the engaged position as shown by the arrow of FIG. 6, so that the hook at least partly enters the notch 23 of the first member 21. The movement of the control member 40 caused by operating the first handle 41 or the second handle 42 also pushes the biasing device 26 into place so that the biasing force is applied in the direction shown by the arrow of FIG. 6.

It is advantageous that the hook 25 contacts the first blocking surface 23′ and that the first blocking surface 23′ is arranged at least partly in a direction perpendicular to the transversal direction, since this allows the hook 25 to hold the control member 21 by the second blocking surface 24′ of the second contact portion 24 contacting the first blocking surface 23′ so that a transversal movement towards the hook plate 14 is prevented. It is also advantageous that the first blocking surface is inclined so that the hook 25 may grip it and prevent the hook being pushed away from the first member 21 in a direction opposite to the arrow of FIG. 6, since this prevents the hook from coming loose from the notch 23 of the first member 21 if a trigger force is applied from the trigger 30 or if any other force should be applied in a longitudinal direction on the first member 21.

When disengaging the blocking mechanism 20, the first handle 41 or second handle 42 is moved in a direction from the first side 11′ of the coupler head 11 towards the second side 11″, and this is a direction E opposite to the one used to engage the blocking mechanism 20. This is shown by the arrow of FIG. 7.

When disengaging, the movement of the control member 40 causes the hook 24′ to be pivoted out of the notch 23 and the biasing device 26 to be removed so that the second contact portion 24 on the second engagement member 25 of the second member 22 is no longer pressed towards the first contact portion 23 of the first member 21. This releases the first member 21 so that it is both able to move when the hook plate 14 rotates in the counter clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow on the hook plate 14, and when it is triggered by the trigger 30.

FIG. 8 discloses the disengaging of the second contact portion 24 in more detail, showing the movement of the engagement member 25 and the freedom of movement for the first member 21 caused by the removal of the second contact portion 24.

In the first embodiment, the first member 21 is a rod but in other embodiments it could be realized in other ways as long as it is able to be mounted on the hook plate 14 and be held immobile in relation to the second member 22.

FIG. 9a-9b disclose a second embodiment with automatic operation of the blocking mechanism 20 using a solenoid 43 with a rod 44 that is extended or retracted and that pushes the control member 40 so that the second contact portion 24 is engaged or disengaged.

FIG. 10a-10b disclose a third embodiment with automatic operation of the blocking mechanism 20, using a motor 45 that controls a position of the second contact portion 24 and that causes the second contact portion 24 to extend towards the first contact portion 23 of the first member 21. The control member 40 is in this embodiment may in this embodiment be held inside a housing 40′ that is connected to the second member 22 in order to protect against dust or dirt.

In both the second and the third embodiment, the blocking mechanism 20 may be operated remotely by a train operator from inside the train in which the coupler 10 is mounted. Alternatively, the blocking mechanism 20 may be engaged and/or disengaged automatically when given criteria are fulfilled, such as when the coupler 10 is moving above or below a given speed or when the coupler 10 is in a given area such as a station where coupling might take place. In the first embodiment, the blocking mechanism 20 is largely arranged outside of the coupler head 11, but in other embodiments the blocking mechanism 20 could instead be held inside the coupler head 11 with only the first or second handle 41, 42 available from outside the coupler head 11. In yet other embodiments, the control member 40 could also be operated automatically as described above, and the means for operating the control member 40 could in such embodiments be placed outside the coupler head 11 or inside.

FIG. 11a-11b disclose the fourth embodiment of the invention, that differs from the embodiments described above by the blocking mechanism 20 being combined with the trigger 30. Thus, the trigger 30 comprises a trigger member 36 connected to a connecting member 32 that is slidably mounted on the coupler head 11, suitably by extending through a through-hole 35 in the coupler head and being provided with a stop 34 outside of the coupler head 11. In this embodiment, the connecting member 32 is disclosed as a rod and ending with a stop 34. In alternative embodiments, the connecting member 32 could have any other shape and be arranged on the coupler head 11 in another way.

The trigger member 36 is thereby slidable in the trigger direction D between a non-activated position shown in FIG. 11a and an activated position shown in FIG. 11b. In the activated position, the trigger member 36 is pushed by a cone 111′ of a second coupler 100′ entering the coupler head 11 and contacting the trigger 30.

The second member 22B of the blocking mechanism 20 is mounted on the trigger 30 (see FIG. 12b) so that the second member 22B moves together with the trigger member 36. This in turn means that an activation of the trigger 30 also pushes the second member 22B in the trigger direction D. The first member 21B is in this embodiment in the form of a latch rod that is pivotably attached to the hook plate 14 and extends past the trigger 30. On the first member 21B, the first contact portion 23B is provided as a notch or indentation such that the first member 21B is held in place against the trigger in the non-blocking position (FIG. 11a) and instead held in place against the second member 22B in the blocking position (FIG. 11b). When the trigger is activated, the connecting member 32 is pushed in the trigger direction D and a distance is created between the stop 34 and the through-hole 35 (see FIG. 12b) and the blocking position is achieved by an engagement member 25B being placed between the stop 34 and the through-hole 35 so that retraction of the connecting member 32 to the non-activated position is prevented. This results in the second member 22B being held in the blocking position of FIG. 11b, where the second contact portion 24B contacts the first contact portion 23B so that movement of the first member 21B is prevented, thereby also preventing rotation of the hook plate 14 itself. The stop is in this embodiment a nut arranged on a thread of the connecting member 32, but may in other embodiments be attached in other ways and provided as another component as long as a secure mounting of the stop 34 on the connecting member 32 is achieved.

FIG. 12a shows the coupler head 10 from outside, where the stop 34 protrudes and where the engagement member 25B is provided and controlled by an actuator 40B or a mechanical member 40B. When the trigger 30 is in the activated position, the stop 34 protrudes so that the engagement member 25B can be slid between the stop 34 and the coupler head 10 and thereby hold the connecting member 32 immobile. When a mechanical member 40B is used, this may comprise a wire or rod that is pushed or pulled so that a force is transferred to the engagement member 25B. When an actuator is used, this may comprise an electrical means such as an electrical motor or an electromagnetic means such as a solenoid and function as disclosed above with reference to other actuators of the present invention.

Also, a biasing device such as a spring may optionally be provided to bias the engagement member 25B in one direction and require only that the mechanical member 40B or actuator 40B is used when it is desired to move the engagement member 25B against the bias.

FIG. 12b discloses the fourth embodiment from the side, showing the connecting member 32 extending through the through-hole 35 and the engagement member 25B placed between the stop 34 and the coupler head to create the blocking position. Also, the trigger 30 may comprise a trigger biasing device 33 that provides a bias towards the non-activated position so that the trigger member 36 is extended in the direction opposite to the trigger direction D as long as it is not blocked by the engagement member 25B.

FIG. 12c discloses the engagement member 25B in more detail, with the stop 34 and the mechanical member 40B that in this example of the fourth embodiment is connected to the engagement member 25B by a wire. Suitably a lid (not shown) is also provided to cover the stop 34 and the engagement member 25B to prevent dirt or dust from possibly interfering with operation of the trigger 30 and the blocking mechanism 20.

FIG. 13a-13c disclose the fifth main embodiment of the invention, that differs from the embodiments described above mainly by the first member 21A being provided as integrated with the hook plate 14 instead of a separate member that is pivotably connected to the hook plate 14. Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the first member 21A is suitably formed as a knuckle on the hook plate 14 (but optionally also as another shape) and with the first contact portion 23A as a portion of the first member 21A that is in contact with the second contact portion 24A in the blocking position (see FIG. 13c).

The second member 22A is suitably provided as an elongated member that is attached to the coupler head 10 and with the second contact portion 24A provided on a pivotable engagement member 25A that reaches the blocking position by pivoting into place with the second contact portion 24A held against the first contact portion 23A. In FIG. 13a, the coupler 10 is in a coupled position (although the second coupler is not shown in this Figure) and the blocking mechanism 20 is not engaged. FIG. 13b shows the hook plate 14 having pivoted towards the uncoupled position and the second contact portion 24A rests against the first member 21A but is not yet in the blocking position. FIG. 13c, lastly, shows the hook plate 14 having pivoted to the uncoupled position and the second contact portion 24A having reached the blocking position against the first contact portion 23A. Suitably, the blocking mechanism 20 comprises a biasing device 26A that biases the engagement member 25A towards the blocking position such that this position is reached as soon as the coupled head 14 is in the uncoupled position. As shown in particular in FIG. 13b, the first member 21A may comprise a guiding surface 27 that guides the second contact portion 24A to the blocking position.

The blocking mechanism 20 further comprises the control member 40A that is configured to move the engagement member 25A, in some embodiments only in a direction away from the blocking position but in other embodiment in both directions. The control member 40A may be realized as a mechanical member or an actuator that in some embodiments control operation of the engagement member 25A by moving the engagement member 25A directly (e.g. by pushing on the engagement member 25A near the pivot where the engagement member 25A is attached to the second member 22). In other embodiments the control member 40A may instead be designed to remotely control the engagement member 25A, for instance as an electromagnet configured to pivot the engagement member 25A from the blocking position when engaged. The control member 40A may be designed and operated as described above with reference to the mechanical member or actuator of any of the other embodiments.

When the blocking mechanism 20 is automatically operable as described above in connection with various embodiments of the invention, this is suitably realized by the blocking mechanism 20 being configured to engage or disengage when a criterion is fulfilled. This criterion may be a parameter of the coupler or the railway car or train on which the coupler is arranged, such as a movement speed. The blocking mechanism 20 can thereby be engaged automatically when the train travels at a high speed where coupling would not be possible or desirable. Alternatively, the criterion may be a parameter of a location of the railway car or train, such as its position being at a station or in another area where coupling is suitable or its position being outside of such a station or area. Thereby, the blocking mechanism 20 can be engaged automatically when the train is outside of areas suitable for coupling. In yet another alternative, the criterion may be any other parameter that affects the suitability of coupling, such as the presence of another coupler to which coupling is possible, weather conditions where coupling is desirable or undesirable, or status of the coupler as such so that coupling can be prevented in situations where damage to the coupler would render coupling unsuitable. Also, any other parameter affecting operation may form such a criterion. In some embodiments, a plurality of criteria may also be used.

In order to automatically operate the blocking mechanism 20, a control unit not shown may be provided and be operatively connected to the blocking mechanism 20 so that the blocking mechanism 20 can be engaged or disengaged in response to a command from the control unit. The control unit may be provided in the coupler, in a railway vehicle or train on which the coupler is mounted, or in any remote location. Operatively connecting the control unit to the blocking mechanism 20 may comprise transmitting signals from the control unit to the blocking mechanism 20 where an actuator (not shown) may act to engage or disengage the blocking mechanism 20. It may also comprise transmitting commands from the control unit 20 by means of a pneumatic connection, a mechanical connection, or any other suitable connection. The parameter used as a criterion may be measured or detected by at least one sensor and be transmitted to the control unit where processing circuitry is provided to generate an engaging or disengaging command based at least partly on the measured or detected parameter. In some embodiments, the control unit may alternatively comprise processing circuitry that is distributed in more than one location and/or that communicates with at least one remote processing circuitry.

Where the blocking mechanism 20 is remotely operable as described above, this may be realized through a mechanical, electrical or pneumatic connection from a remote location, such as inside the train on which the coupler is mounted, to the blocking mechanism 20 in the coupler 10. Suitably, at least one actuator is provided in the blocking mechanism 20 to operate the blocking mechanism 20 in response to a command received through the connection. The command may be in the form of a mechanical force, an electrical signal, pressurized air being provided in a pneumatic connection, or any other suitable command or combination of commands.

The coupler 10 suitably also comprises an uncoupling mechanism (not shown) for uncoupling the mechanical coupler 18 and optionally also an electrical coupler, pneumatic coupler, or any other kind of coupler that connects the coupler 10 to a similar coupler. The uncoupling mechanism may comprise an uncoupling cylinder having a cylinder rod arranged to push against the hook plate 14 to force a rotation of the hook plate 14 and thereby cause uncoupling. In some embodiments, this may be realized by the uncoupling cylinder having a cylinder rod arranged to push against a part of the hook plate 14, preferably against a coupler knuckle formed on or extending from the hook plate 14. The uncoupling mechanism may alternatively comprise a rod connected to the hook plate 14 such that pushing or pulling the rod causes rotation of the hook plate 14 so as to realize the uncoupling of the mechanical coupler. Suitably, the uncoupling mechanism is separate from the blocking mechanism 20 so that no feature of the blocking mechanism 20 also form part of the uncoupling mechanism. This is advantageous since it enables the uncoupling mechanism and the blocking mechanism 20 to operate side by side without interfering with each other. It is also convenient to use e.g., separate handles for the uncoupling mechanism and the blocking mechanism since this renders operation of the mechanisms easier and allows for repair or replacement to one of the mechanisms without also requiring modifications to the other.

The present invention also comprises a method to operate a coupler for a railway vehicle in order to engage the blocking mechanism 20 as disclosed above. The method specifically comprises providing the coupler 10 according to any embodiment of the present invention, setting the coupler 10 in the uncoupled state and engaging the blocking mechanism 20 so that coupling of the mechanical coupler 18 of the coupler 10 is prevented.

Suitably, the method also comprises disengaging the blocking mechanism (20) from the blocked position, thereby enabling coupling of the mechanical coupler 18.

The method according to the invention may also comprise performing or enabling any of the features disclosed herein when describing the coupler of the invention.

For all embodiments, the blocking mechanism is not pneumatic controlled. The coupler preferably comprises a pneumatic pipe, i.e., a pipe for compressed air or gas. Said pneumatic pipe is preferably a break pipe, in other words brakes on the train to which the coupler is connected are pneumatically controlled. The blocking mechanism is independent of or separate from or not connected to said pneumatic pipe. Thus, the pneumatic system, which is used for brakes, is independent of the blocking mechanism, and the brake system of the train can be more reliable because the blocking mechanism does not use air or gas from the break pipe.

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

COUPLER COMPRISING A BLOCKING MECHANISM FOR PREVENTING COUPLING OF THE MECHANICAL COUPLER, AND METHOD TO OPERATE A COUPLER

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