The Traction Coupler of Knorr Bremse München

Picture: 'The European Railway Picture Gallery'

Preliminary calculations have shown that high expenses are necessary for the new centre coupler, because of as the fact, that it works without the old side buffer plates. Now the pressure between the vehicles rest on the centre coupler only - it means a rigid and expensive design. Even the draft gear is inexpensive for the draw coupler (with side puffer plates!) because of the smaller force necessary for draw.

The idea is fascinating - but the realisation is quite difficult to make a simple and inexpensive design. This because of the requirement to couple the air pipes automatically too. Even for a save 'catching' during the couple process - if the couplers have horizontal and/or vertical differences - big catching elements are necessary , similar to the automatic centre coupler for pressure and draw. It means the main advantage is the renunciation of the heavy and expensive draft gear - and this is a lot!

Another question seems to speak against the use of the old side buffer plates. According new studies it is said, that the safety against derailment with the side buffer plates is less then thought before. It is said that especially in unfavourable curves (reverse curves) more derailments happened then before announced.

The coupler shown in the picture protrudes in front of the 'coupler plan'. During the coupler operation the coupler will pressed in and the 'short-position' becomes automatically.

Information regarding test results are unknown for the author.