Scharfenberg coupler

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Scharfenberg coupler on a DUEWAG GT6-70D/N low floor tram. Note the partially worn off Schaku logo on the right. Schaku on a GT670DN.jpg
Scharfenberg coupler on a DUEWAG GT6-70D/N low floor tram. Note the partially worn off Schaku logo on the right.

The Scharfenberg coupler [1] (German : Scharfenbergkupplung, abbreviated Schaku) is a commonly used type of fully automatic railway coupling.

Contents

Designed in 1903 by Karl Scharfenberg in Königsberg, Germany (today Kaliningrad, Russia), the coupler has gradually spread from transit trains to regular passenger service trains, although outside Europe its use is generally restricted to mass transit systems. The Schaku is superior in many ways to the AAR (Janney/knuckle) coupler because it also automates electrical and pneumatic connections and disconnections. However, there is no standard for the placement of these electro-pneumatic connections. Some rail operators have placed them on the sides while others have placed them either below or above the mechanical portion of the coupler.[ dubious discuss ]

Working principles

The face of the Scharfenberg coupler has a protruding cone and a matching cup. Inside the cone there is a rigid metal hoop connected to a revolving, spring-loaded metal disk with a notch on the opposite side. When ready to couple, the spring turns the disk so the hoop is extended from the cone. As the cars meet, the hoop enters the cup on the other coupler, stopping against the disk. The hoops are then pressed back into their own coupler, causing the disks to rotate until the notches align with the hoops. After the hoops have entered, the notches on the disks spring back into the hoop extended position, locking the coupling. In the coupled position, forces on the hoops and disk will balance out, which means that the Scharfenberg, unlike many other couplers, is not dependent on heavy latches to stay locked.

Small air cylinders, acting on the rotating heads of the coupler, ensure the engagement of the components, making it unnecessary to use force to get a good coupling. Joining portions of a passenger train can be done at very low speed (less than 3 km/h or 2 mph in the final approach), so that the passengers are not jolted. One problem with the coupler is that it is often hard to connect it in a curve. Planned coupling is normally done on a straight flat track, while there has been trouble coupling a broken down train at an unplanned place.

Uses

Scharfenberg couplers on Swedish SL X60 EMU

Rail equipment manufacturers such as Alstom offer the Schaku as an option on their mass transit passenger cars and locomotives. Presently, Scharfenberg couplers are in use on the following passenger transit systems:

Australia

Brazil

Canada

Europe

Spain

  • Renfe commuter, regional and high speed trainsets and multiple units
  • Talgo III trainsets (now retired)
  • Euskotren EMUs
  • FGV trainsets
  • Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao metros (some are used only if a train needs to be towed)
  • CAF Urbos trams (towing only, some adapted with electric connections)
  • Iryo and Ouigo high speed trainsets
  • Feve (now renfe) electric and diesel multiple units

United Kingdom

Indonesia


New Zealand

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

Taiwan

Thailand

United States

Types

Type 10 as used on TGV J20 667 Scharfenbergkupplung.jpg
Type 10 as used on TGV
The Shanghai Metro is among several metro systems that use the Type 35 Scharfenberg coupler 111 entering Lianhua Road Station (20180211155341).jpg
The Shanghai Metro is among several metro systems that use the Type 35 Scharfenberg coupler

Voith is known to offer the following types of Scharfenberg couplers: [7]

See also

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References

  1. us.voithturbo.com: Scharfenberg coupler
  2. "Class 175 - Arriva Trains Wales". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  3. "Class 180". The Railway Centre. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  4. "System Data for Mechanical and Electrical Coupling of Rail Vehicles". Rail Safety and Standards Board. Archived from the original on 5 July 2008.
  5. "Class 333 - Northern Rail (by Arriva)". www.angeltrains.co.uk. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  6. Lo, Chris (2019-08-12). "In pictures: Glasgow Subway shows off its new driverless trains". Railway Technology. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  7. "Scharfenberg couplers". Voith. Archived from the original on 7 July 2019.