Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 42,000 people, generates €5.6 billion in sales, operates in more than 50 countries around the world and is today one of the biggest family-owned companies in Europe.
Ecological and social responsibility have priority at Voith. Acting sustainably is an essential element of our success. We are making our sustainability strategy transparent for the general public.
Voith is a pioneer in respect of innovations and technology. With 11000 active patents and around 400 new patents each year Voith belongs to the top 20 patent applicants in Germany.
Completing 60 years of Indo-German diplomatic ties, the countries celebrate this event with the “Indo-German Urban Mela” in different Indian metropolises. Voith is official “City Partner” of the Urban Mela in Delhi and currently presented the company in its pavilion to the Indian society.
Moving away from fossil energy carriers and focusing on wind, sun and water: Voith supports the energy transition with technical solutions for regenerative power generation.
The Scharfenberg Coupler. An Operating Principle Prevails.
There are principles that cannot be surpassed. The Scharfenberg coupler developed over 100 years ago still provides fast and easy coupling and uncoupling today. Thanks to its modular construction and specific enhancements, it meets the most demanding requirements. It is safe and reliable. To date, more than 500,000 Scharfenberg couplers have been delivered. A straightforward operating principle has prevailed. Around the world.
The Scharfenberg Coupling Principle – Balancing of Forces
Exploded view of a coupler head and coupler lock
At the center of each automatic Scharfenberg coupler is the coupler lock. It consists of a rotating hooked plate, a coupling link and tension springs. During coupling, the coupling link of one coupler engages the hooked plate of the mating coupling. This balances the forces. A quite simple operating principle that has proven itself even in extreme situations. It offers maximum safety with minimal wear.
The cone and funnel shape design of the coupler front plates establishes a rigid and slack-free connection, thus reducing coupler play to a minimum. Combined with coupler head extensions and a guiding horn, this provides the couplers with a maximum possible gathering range. This way, automatic coupling is possible even under horizontal, vertical or angular offset, as for example in curves or on hilltops.
The couplers have not yet been pushed together. The coupling links of the locks are located at the front of the conical elements. Because of the geometry, the hooked plates rotate against the force of the tension springs during coupling until the coupling links slip into the indentations on the hooked plates. The lock is then rotated back by the tension springs and remains securely in the coupled position.
Coupled Position
The couplers have been pushed together. The coupling links are locked in the indentations on the hooked plates. The balanced parallelogram of forces creates a sate and reliable connection that is subject to little wear. A high level of comfort is assured.
Uncoupling
The hooked plates in the couplers are rotated against the force of the tension springs. The coupling links slip out of the indentations on the hooked plates. The couplers can now be separated without the need for a significant amount of force. The special design of the locks allows uncoupling even when the cars are in an awkward position. For instance, in curves, on hills or when the cars are under traction. For maximum safety, re-coupling is not possible unless the cars have moved apart.
Modular and Individually Configurable - the Basic Scharfenberg Principle
Automatic coupling and uncoupling – safe and reliable
Simultaneous coupling of mechanical, pneumatic and electrical components
Low wear and minimal maintenance
Jerk-free starting thanks to spring-loaded elements
Safety even during impact thanks to energy-absorbing components, adaptable to the application
The modules of the Scharfenberg coupler – whether for the head or the linkage – are available in different designs. Combining them yields a coupler that is perfect for the particular application.
