EP4069572A1 - Electrical contact coupling and middle buffer coupling for a rail vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling (1) for an automatic middle buffer coupling (2) of a rail vehicle, having: a coupling housing (10), in which an interface unit (12) with a plurality of connection elements (14) is arranged; a protective flap (16) for covering an access opening (18) to the connection elements (14) of the interface unit (12); and an actuating device (20) connected to the protective flap (16) for moving the protective flap (16) between a first position (P1), in which the protective flap (16) covers the access opening (18), and a second position (P2), in which the protective flap (16) exposes the access opening (18), the actuating device (20) having at least one spring element (20a, 20b) which is surrounded at least in regions by the protective flap (16). The invention further relates to a middle buffer coupling (2) for a rail vehicle.

Description

Electrical contact coupling and central buffer coupling for one

Rail vehicle

The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic telpuffer coupling with a rail vehicle. The invention relates to the Weite Ren a central buffer coupling for a rail vehicle.

Conventional electrical contact couplings for automatic central buffer couplings of a rail vehicle are usually arranged adjacent to a mechanical contact coupling of the central buffer coupling and have a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements is arranged. The Elektrokontaktkupp development also has a protective flap for covering an access to the connection elements of the interface unit. The protective flap is connected to an actuating device for moving the protective flap between a first position in which the protective flap covers the access and a second position in which the protective flap releases the access.

EP 11 02696 B1 discloses an electrical contact coupling for an automatic cal central or central buffer coupling for rail vehicles. The Elektrokon contact coupling has a attachable to the coupling head and in the longitudinal direction of the central buffer coupling longitudinally displaceable guided contact carrier, which has contacts for electrical connections and which can be moved from a rear, uncoupled position in a front, ready-to-couple position.

The contact carrier is covered in the rear position by a protective flap and exposed in the front position when the protective flap is pivoted.

DE 811 360 discloses an arrangement for automatically opening the protective flaps on the line coupling of an automatic vehicle coupling lung. The arrangement consists of an elastic bracket arranged on the front side of the protective flap with an end face bent in such a way that, when the latter touches the end face of the counter-protective flap, the two protective flaps can be opened by pivoting around a rotary or control arm arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle coupling on the coupling housing of the line coupling. Pivot axis is brought about.

In known automatic, synchronously opening protective flaps of an electrical contact coupling and a mating electrical contact coupling to be coupled with this, the respective protective flaps are arranged on the outside of the housing of the electrical contact coupling or the mating electrical contact coupling and the respective protective flap hinged spring device in the closed Position held. The opening takes place against the spring device when the protective flaps of the electrical contact coupling to be connected and the mating electrical contact coupling to be connected come together when the surfaces of the latter roll over one another. Conventionally exposed spring elements of the actuating device for moving the protective flap can, however, be damaged or lost by whirled up gravel stones or the like and thereby significantly impair the functionality of the actuating device, especially when closing the protective flaps.

To improve the synchronicity of opening and avoid slipping, such automatic protective flaps are provided with a rubber element on the face contacting the mating coupling, for example, which serves to increase the friction on contact with the face of the protective flap of a mating electrical contact coupling or a certain amount To generate form fit. These rubber parts, which are mostly extruded profiles or mats, are glued or Rivets attached to the protective flap. The disadvantage of such a solution is that with a protective flap curved about several axes, such parts can only be attached with difficulty or specially made molded parts have to be produced, which is associated with additional tool costs.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, which is characterized by a trouble-free release and re-covering of the interface unit. A trouble-free, synchronous opening of the protective flaps of the electrical contact couplings to be connected to one another is to be made possible by eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an electrical contact coupling and a central buffer coupling are to be provided for a rail vehicle, which enable improved protection of a spring element actuating a protective flap of the electrical contact coupling and implement the necessary frictional engagement of the protective flaps when opening, simply and more cheaply, even with more complex surface geometries of the end faces . For this purpose, the friction elements required for this should be able to be fastened in a simple manner and inexpensively to a protective flap curved around several axes. Improved functionality also means that unintentional closing in the event of failure of the spring elements is reliably avoided.

The object is achieved with an electrical contact coupling for an automatic With telbuffer coupling of a rail vehicle with the features of claim 1 patent.

The invention is also achieved with a central buffer coupling for a rail vehicle with the features of claim 15. Beneficial Embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures.

The present invention creates an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, with a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements is arranged, a protective flap for covering an access to the connection elements of the interface unit, and an actuating device connected to the protective flap for moving the protective flap between a first position in which the protective flap covers the access and a second position in which the protective flap releases the access, the actuating device having at least one spring element which is at least partially enclosed by the protective flap.

The present invention also provides a central buffer coupling for a rail vehicle, with a mechanical contact coupling, in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, for mechanically coupling rail vehicles, and an electrical contact coupling according to the invention.

One idea of the present invention is that the at least sectionally enclosing the spring element by the protective flap enables improved protection of the at least one spring element compared to conventional solutions. For example, the at least one spring element can be effectively protected from gravel stones or the like that are blown up.

According to a preferred development it is provided that the protective flap for the clutch housing is pivotably mounted on respective side surfaces of the clutch housing, the protective flap one two parallel having mutually arranged plates having first pivot bearing and a second pivot bearing having two plates arranged parallel to one another. By providing a first pivot bearing and a second pivot bearing each with two plates arranged parallel to one another, a required installation space defined in the width direction of the electrical contact coupling can be provided in which the respective spring elements can be inserted. Furthermore, such a design of the pivot bearing provides effective protection of the respective spring elements from external influences.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the two plates of the first pivot bearing and the second pivot bearing arranged parallel to one another, essentially perpendicular to the end face of the protective flap, are integrally formed with the protective flap, in particular welded or formed as a cast part. Thus, an effective mounting of the protective flap on the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling can be made possible in an advantageous manner. The integral formation of the pivot bearing with the protective flap enables a simple solution, with reduced complexity, for protecting the spring elements that steer or reset the protective flap and which is also easy to handle with regard to assembly.

According to a further preferred development it is provided that the first spring element is arranged between the plates of the first pivot bearing arranged parallel to one another and the second spring element is arranged between the plates of the second pivot bearing arranged parallel to one another. Thus, an effective protection of the first spring element and the second spring element against external environmental influences can advantageously be provided. In this case, the first spring element and the second spring element are each formed by a leg spring, wherein a first axial end portion of the respective leg spring is attached at least with telbar on the clutch housing and a second axial end portion of the respective leg spring on the protective flap. Such an arrangement of the respective leg springs enables an improved resetting of the protective flap compared to conventionally used tension springs from the second position in which the protective flap releases access to the first position in which the protective flap covers access to the connection elements of the interface unit , can be guaranteed in a space-optimized design.

According to a further preferred development it is provided that the first spring element and the second spring element are at least partially enclosed in the width direction of the electrical contact coupling by an outer plate of the respective pivot bearing and at least partially enclosed in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact coupling by an end face of the protective flap. The first spring element and the second spring element are thus effectively protected from environmental influences both in the front and in the lateral direction of the electrical contact coupling, and in the connected state are almost completely shielded by the protective flaps by rotating the protective flap and making contact with the mating electrical contact coupling. In particular, essential areas of the outer peripheral surfaces of the spring elements can be kept free of direct contact with the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the first axial end section of the respective leg spring is inserted into a receptacle arranged on the respective side surface of the coupling housing, and the second axial end section of the respective leg spring on a rear side of the end face of the protective flap in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact coupling is present. The leg springs can thus be advantageous Way be received in a compact design in the respective pivot bearings.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the first spring element and the second spring element are designed to apply a predetermined restoring force to the protective flap in order to reset it to the first position. Due to the contact of the second axial end portion of the respective leg spring on the flint side of the end face of the protective flap, this can effectively be acted upon by the predetermined restoring force.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that each of the plates has an opening into which a bearing bush for mounting the protective flap on the clutch housing is inserted. The pivot bearings in conjunction with the bearing bushes inserted therein thus advantageously have the functionality of holding the leg springs on the one hand and the mounting of the pivot bearings on the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling on the other.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that an end face of the interface unit is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact coupling approximately 30 mm behind the protective flap when the protective flap is in the closed state. The protective flap thus offers effective protection of the interface unit in the closed state. The protective flap is also arranged pivotably to the coupling housing by the respective pivot bearing in such a way that the protective flap can be pivoted axially as far as behind the interface unit in the second position in which it releases access to the connection elements of the interface unit. The at least partially encapsulated arrangement of the spring elements in the protective flap can advantageously be combined with at least one additional, function-improving measure on the protective flap to improve functionality when opening and closing and to avoid damage. A first of these further developments concerns the improvement of the flap friction on the face of the protective flap, a second further development concerns a measure which prevents undesired closing, especially if the spring elements are damaged. Each of these advanced designs can be used on its own combined with the partially encapsulated spring device. Preferably, however, both advanced versions of the protective flap are used in order to guarantee a high level of functionality and safety when the protective flaps are operated.

The first further development of the protective flap is characterized by the fact that the front surface of the protective flap is provided with an at least partially flat sprayed elastomer coating. The at least partial application of the sprayed elastomer coating to the front surface of the protective flap provides a surface with increased flake friction, which advantageously enables automatic protective flaps of electrical contact couplings to open synchronously. The injection-molded elastomer coating can also be advantageously flexibly adapted to any surface geometry of the protective flap, as it solidifies without tension and, in addition to chemical flaking, develops a mechanical memory effect that pulls the coating permanently against the substrate and reduces the tendency to detach, e.g. in the case of rubber sheets, counteracts this. The injection-molded elastomer coating can also be coated over and repaired at any time in the event of wear and / or damage. According to a preferred development of this embodiment, it is provided that the injection-molded elastomer coating has a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore. Depending on the intended use, a sprayed elastomer coating with a suitable degree of hardness can thus be provided in an advantageous manner. A hardness level of 60 Shore is used, for example, to repair damaged soft rubber linings, a hardness level of 85 Shore is suitable for protecting components subject to wear, erosion and cavitation, such as the protective flap of an electrical contact coupling in the present case.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the injection-molded elastomer coating has an impact elasticity between 40 and 63%, preferably between 45 and 63%. Thus, in an advantageous manner, an impact elasticity suitable for the respective purpose, for example according to DIN 53512, can be provided.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the injection-molded elastomer coating has a coefficient of static friction between 0.6 and 0.7, which enables improved synchronous opening of adjacent protective flaps of the electrical contact couplings, which rest against one another in the closed state.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the injection-molded elastomer coating has a layer thickness between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm. The injection-molded elastomer coating is advantageously sprayed in layers onto the surface of the protective flap. The polymerization begins after about a minute, so that suitable layer thicknesses for the application can also be achieved on vertical surfaces without flowing off. In addition, processing can be carried out under almost all climatic conditions. According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the sprayed elastomer coating has a predetermined shock absorption, in particular in relation to the layer thickness of the sprayed elastomer coating. Due to a definable impact elasticity of the material of the sprayed elastomer coating, a shock absorption suitable for the respective application can be achieved in an advantageous manner by setting a suitable layer thickness of the sprayed elastomer coating.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that a first section of the front surface of the protective flap is essentially curved, and further sections surrounding the first section, in particular laterally, above and / or below, are angled to the first section. The protective flap thus has a geometry that is curved about several axes. The injection-molded elastomer coating is advantageously designed to cover the geometry, which is curved about several axes, in a stress-free manner and to achieve effective adhesion on the surface of the protective flap.

In order to enable, in particular, optimized actuation and rolling of the end faces of the protective flaps of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled, the radius between the pivot axis and the respective contact point on the end face of the protective flap is reduced in the opening direction when the end faces are viewed against each other.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the front surface of the protective flap has an electrochemically active coating and a primer formed thereon, on which primer the sprayed elastomer coating is applied. The provision of the electrochemically active coating has the advantage of providing protection against migration. This electrochemically active corrosion protection prevents infiltration of coating edges and protects against rusting in the event of partial damage.

In addition, a primer is applied to the electrochemically active coating. This advantageously enables better adhesion of the sprayed elastomer coating and the separation of the sprayed elastomer coating from the electrochemically active coating.

The second further development relates to the provision of a projection preventing the unge wanted closing of the protective flap of a counter-electrical contact coupling. By providing the projection on the end face of the protective flap, a protective element is provided which, when the protective flaps of the electrical contact coupling and the mating electrical contact coupling are respectively open, advantageously enables the respective protective flaps to be closed only when the electrical contact coupling is open having a predetermined distance from the counterelectro contact coupling. A length of the projection of the protective flap is dimensioned such that the protective flaps can only be closed when they are out of reach of the connection elements of the interface units. In this way, effective protection against damage to the connection elements of the interface units can be provided in an advantageous manner.

According to a preferred development of this embodiment, it is provided that the projection of the protective flap is formed integrally with one of the plates for the pivot bearings, in particular by one of the plates, the projection being formed by an extension of the plate in the plane of the plate. Thus, the plate in question has both the function of being part of the pivot klager and of forming the projection of the protective flap. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projection of the protective flap is integrally formed with an inner plate of the first pivot bearing and / or the second pivot bearing arranged in the width direction of the electrical contact coupling, adjacent to the coupling housing, in particular through the inner plate. Thus, the mobility of the projection of the protective flap in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact coupling is advantageously given without interacting with the connection elements of the interface unit of the counter electrical contact coupling. At the same time, the projection of the protective flap provides an effective support for the additional protective flap of the mating electrical contact coupling.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the further protective flap of the mating electrical contact coupling arranged adjacent to the electrical contact coupling rests on the projection of the protective flap when the protective flap and the further protective flap are in the open state. Thus, in the open state of the protective flaps, effective protection of the connection elements of the respective interface units can advantageously be provided.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the projection of the protective flap of the electrical contact coupling is designed to close the protective flap and the further protective flap when a predetermined distance of the projection of the protective flap from the adjacent mating electrical contact is reached when the electrical contact coupling and the mating electrical contact coupling are moved apart release clutch.

The time at which the protective flap of the electrical contact coupling and the other protective flap of the mating electrical contact coupling is closed can thus be determined as a function of the distance between the electrical contact couplings. become true. The essentially synchronous closing of the protective flaps can also advantageously ensure that, in the event of a defect in a return spring of one of the protective flaps, the protective flaps are carried along by the protective flaps arranged in a form-fitting manner when the protective flaps are closed.

According to a further preferred development it is provided that the protective flap of the electrical contact coupling and the further protective flap of the mating electrical contact coupling can have a different geometry in longitudinal section, the end face of the protective flap of the electrical contact coupling having a lower inclination than the end face of the further protective flap of the mating electrical contact coupling.

Thus, in an advantageous manner, the rest of the protective flap can be made possible on the projection of the protective flap, the protective flaps remaining in their designated position in the open state.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the connection elements of the interface unit are connected to electrical lines, in particular electrical supply lines and / or electrical signal lines. The electrical contact coupling can thus advantageously provide a connection of electrical lines, in particular electrical supply lines and / or electrical signal lines, between respective rail vehicles.

According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling is arranged in an installation position of the central buffer coupling in the rail vehicle above, below or to the side of the mechanical contact coupling. The arrangement of the electrical contact according to the invention clock coupling can thus be flexibly adapted to the respective structural or systemic requirements of the central buffer coupling.

The present invention also creates a central buffer coupling for a rail vehicle, with a mechanical contact coupling, in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, a mechanical counter coupling, in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, which is designed to interact with the mechanical contact coupling, an electrical contact coupling according to the invention , and a mating electrical contact coupling which is designed to interact with the electrical contact coupling.

The refinements and developments described can be combined with one another as desired.

Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention.

Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned emerge with a view to the drawings. The elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily shown true to scale with respect to one another.

Show it: 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a back of a protective flap of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic Mittelpufferkupp ment of the rail vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic central buffer coupling of the rail vehicle with GE opened protective flap according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic central buffer coupling of the rail vehicle with GE closed protective flap according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and

5 shows a schematic front view of a central buffer coupling for a rail vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an arrangement of an electrical contact coupling and a mating electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the open position.

In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols denote the same or functionally identical elements, parts or components, unless nothing

The opposite is stated.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to a In a preferred embodiment of the invention. The electrical contact coupling 1 for the automatic central buffer coupling 2 of the rail vehicle has a coupling housing 10 in which an interface unit (not shown in FIG. 1) with a plurality of connection elements is arranged. The electrical contact coupling 1 also has a protective flap 16 for covering an access 18 to the connection elements of the interface unit. In addition, the electrical contact coupling 1 has an actuating device 20 connected to the protective flap 16 for moving the protective flap 16 between a first position P 1 shown in FIG. 1, in which the protective flap 16 covers the access 18, and one (not shown in FIG th) second position in which the protective flap 16 releases the access 18 on. The method is carried out by pivoting about a theoretical pivot axis D extending in the width direction B of the electrical contact coupling 1. Fig. 6 shows the electrical contact coupling 1 in the open position before the contacts are brought together with a mating electrical contact coupling 1b.

The actuating device 20 has a first spring element 20a enclosed in sections by the protective flap 16 and a second spring element 20b enclosed in sections by the protective flap 16. The protective flap 16 is pivotably mounted to the coupling housing 10 on respective side surfaces 10a, 10b of the coupling housing 10, in particular about a pivot axis D theoretically describable by the structural elements.

The protective flap 16 has a first pivot bearing 16a having two plates 16a1, 16a2 arranged parallel to one another and a second pivot bearing 16b having two plates 16b1, 16b2 arranged parallel to one another. The two plates 16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 of the first pivot bearing 16a and the second pivot bearing 16b, which are arranged parallel to one another, essentially perpendicular to the end face 16c of the protective flap 16, are integrally formed with the protective flap 16, in the present embodiment they are welded. In an alternative embodiment, the protective flap 16 with the plates 6a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 of the first pivot bearing 16a and the second pivot bearing 16b is designed as a cast part.

The first spring element 20a is arranged between the plates 16a1, 16a2 of the first pivot bearing 16a, which are arranged parallel to one another. The second spring element 20b is arranged between the parallel plates 16b1, 16b2 of the second pivot bearing 16b.

The first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b are each formed by a leg spring. A first axial end section 20a1, 20b1 of the respective leg spring is attached to the clutch housing 10. A second axial end section 20a2, 20b2 of the respective leg spring is attached to the protective flap 16. The reverse variant is also conceivable.

The first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b are enclosed in sections in the width direction B of the electrical contact coupling 1 by an outer plate 16a2, 16b2 of the respective pivot bearing 16a, 16b and also enclosed in sections in the longitudinal direction L of the electrical contact coupling 1 by an end face 16c of the protective flap 16.

Alternatively, the first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b can be completely enclosed, for example in the width direction and / or in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact coupling 1. The first axial end section 20a1, 20a2 of the respective leg spring is inserted into a receptacle arranged on the respective side surface 10a, 10b of the clutch housing 10. The second axial end section 20b1, 20b2 of the respective vision Kelfeder rests on a rear side 16c1 of the front side 16c of the protective flap 16 in the longitudinal direction L of the electrical contact coupling 1.

The first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b are also designed to act on the protective flap 16 with a predetermined restoring force F in order to return it to the first position P1.

The spring elements 20a and 20b cause a restoring force due to their connection to the coupling housing and protective flap when the protective flap is adjusted. Due to the extensive inclusion / sheathing according to the invention of the spring elements 20a, 20b in the protective flap 16, however, these are no longer exposed to environmental and weather conditions, so that their function is always guaranteed.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a rear side of a protective flap pe the electrical contact coupling for the automatic central buffer coupling of the rail vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. An inner plate 16a1 of the first pivot bearing 16a has an opening 24a. An outer plate 16a2 of the first pivot bearing 16a has an opening 24b. Furthermore, an inner plate 16b1 of the second pivot bearing 16b has an opening 24c. In addition, an outer plate 16b2 of the second pivot bearing 16b has an opening 24d.

In the openings 24a, 24b of the plates 16a1, 16a2 of the first pivot bearing 16a, in the assembled state of the protective flap 16 on the Elektrokontaktkupp ment 1, a bearing bush 22a, shown symbolically in dashed lines in Fig. 2, for mounting the protective flap 16 on the coupling housing 10 is inserted.

Likewise, in the assembled state of the protective flap 16, a bearing bush 22b, shown symbolically in dashed lines in FIG. 2, is inserted into the openings 24c, 24d of the plates 16b1, 16b2 of the second pivot bearing 16b. The integral design of the plates 16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 of the first pivot bearing 16a and of the second pivot bearing 16b with the part forming the end face 16c can be seen, with the mutually facing surfaces of the plates 16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 of the first pivot bearing 16a and of the second pivot bearing 16b with the rear side 16c1 describe and delimit the receiving space for the spring elements 20a, 20b in three directions. The projection 26 of the protective flap 16 is formed integrally with one of the plates, in particular by one of the plates 16b1. The projection 26 is formed here by an extension of the plate 16b1 in the plane of the plate.

The projection 26 of the protective flap 16 is integrally formed with an inner plate 16a1, 16b1 of the first pivot bearing 16a in the width direction B of the electrical contact coupling, adjacent to the coupling housing 10, in particular through the inner plate 16a1. Alternatively, the projection 26 of the protective flap 16 can be formed integrally, for example, with an inner plate 16b1 of the second pivot bearing 16b arranged in the width direction B of the electrical contact coupling adjacent to the coupling housing 10, in particular through the inner plate 16b1. Furthermore, alternatively, the projection 26 of the protective flap 16 can be integrally formed by respective plates 16a1, 16b1 of both the first pivot bearing 16a and the second pivot bearing 16b, in particular by the inner plates 16a1, 16b1.

3 shows a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic central buffer coupling of the rail vehicle with the protective flap open according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. An end face 12a of the interface unit 12 is arranged in the longitudinal direction L of the electrical contact coupling 1 about 30 mm behind the protective flap 16 in the closed state of the protective flap 16. In the present illustration, the protective flap 16 is shown in the second position P2, in which the protective flap 16 releases access 18 to the connection elements 14 of the interface unit 12. For this purpose, the protective flap is pivoted about the theoretical pivot axis D. The pivoting is preferably carried out with the generation of a pretensioning force of the individual spring elements 20a, 20b, which when the electrical contact coupling 1 moves apart from an identical counter-electrical contact coupling, a restoring force for the automatic closing of the individual protective flaps 16, in particular pivoting into the first position, as shown in Figure 4, effect.

In the present embodiment, the connection elements 14 of the interface unit 12 are connected to electrical lines 22, in particular electrical supply lines 22a and electrical signal lines 22b. In addition, the interface unit 12 has at least one centering device 23.

Alternatively, the interface unit 12 can, for example, only have connection elements for electrical supply lines or electrical signal lines or hydraulic lines or a combination of these.

An end surface 16c of the protective flap 16 has an injection-molded elastomer coating 4 applied over the entire surface in the present embodiment. Alternatively, for example, a partially applied injection-molded elastomer coating can be applied to the front surface 16c of the protective flap 16.

The injection-molded elastomer coating 16b has a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore. A hardness of 85 Shore is particularly advantageous because it is suitable for the Protection of components subject to wear, erosion and cavitation is advantageous.

Furthermore, the injection-molded elastomer coating has a coefficient of static friction between 0.6 and 0.7 and a layer thickness between 2 mm and 5 mm, in the present embodiment of 3 mm.

A first section 16c-1 of the front surface 16c of the protective flap 16 is essentially arcuate. Further sections 16C-x surrounding the first section 16c-1 laterally, at the top and at the bottom are angled to the first section 16c-1, so that an entire surface of the protective flap 16 has a geometry that is curved about several axes.

The injection-molded elastomer coating 16b has a predetermined shock absorption that is related to the layer thickness of the injection-molded elastomer coating 16b. The front surface 16a of the protective flap 16 also has an electrochemically active coating (not shown in FIG. 1) and a primer formed thereon. The sprayed elastomer coating 16b is applied to the primer.

The projection 26 on the protective flap can also be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3. The projection 26 of the protective flap 16 is plate-shaped and is arranged in a plane running essentially perpendicular to the end face 16c of the protective flap 16. This serves in cooperation with the protective flap of a counter-electrical contact coupling to prevent the unwanted closing of the protective flap.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling 1 ge according to Figure 3 for the automatic central buffer coupling of the rail vehicle with a closed protective flap according to the preferred embodiment the invention. In the present illustration, the protective flap 16 is arranged in the first position P1, in which the protective flap 16 covers the access 18 to the connection elements 14 (not shown in FIG. 4) of the interface unit 12.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of a central buffer coupling 2 for a rail vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the inven tion. The mechanical coupling 3 and the electrical contact coupling 1 can be seen, which are fastened to the mechanical coupling 3 via corresponding connecting devices 25, in particular carriers. The arrangement is above here. However, an arrangement below is also conceivable. Alternatively, the electrical contact coupling 1 can be arranged, for example, to the side of the mechanical contact coupling or under the mechanical contact coupling 3.

The central buffer coupling 2 for the rail vehicle has a mechanical contact coupling 3, in the present embodiment a Scharfenberg coupling, for the mechanical coupling of rail vehicles. The central buffer coupling 2 also has the electrical contact coupling 1.

The mode of operation is illustrated in FIG. 6. Figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an arrangement of an electrical contact coupling 1 and a counter-electrical contact coupling 1b for an automatic central buffer coupling 2 of a rail vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the open position of the protective flaps 16 of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the protective flap 17 of the counterpart -Electric contact coupling 1b before moving the contacts together. The electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling 1b are preferably constructed as described in FIGS. The stationary order of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling can also be seen 1b to the mechanical contact coupling 3a, 3b via a respective carrier device 25.

The central buffer coupling 2 for the rail vehicle comprises a mechanical contact coupling 3a (shown symbolically in FIG. 6), which is designed as a Schar fenberg coupling. Furthermore, the central buffer coupling 2 for the rail vehicle comprises a mechanical counter-coupling 3b (also shown symbolically), which is designed as a Scharfenberg coupling. The mechanical counter-coupling 3b is designed to interact with the mechanical contact coupling 3a. The electrical contact coupling 1 is assigned to the mechanical contact coupling 3a. The mating electrical contact coupling 1b is assigned to the mechanical mating coupling 3b. The assignment is made in such a way that the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling 1b are already opened before the mechanical couplings 3a, 3b are brought together by the protective flaps 16, 17 touching each other and by a force component acting on them in the vertical direction Pivot axis D can be pivoted, the end faces 16c and 17a of the protective flaps 16, 17 virtually rolling off one another.

For this purpose, the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling 1b are each arranged in a stationary manner on the mechanical coupling 3a, 3b. In the simplest case, this takes place via connecting elements 25 which form a carrier. This can advantageously be designed in such a way that - but not shown here - there is an arrangement that is stationary relative to the mechanical coupling 3a, 3b, but which can include elastic elements or spring devices that enable resilient support in the sense of a damping effect. The arrangement of the electrical contact coupling 1 in the longitudinal direction L is carried out in coordination with the end faces of the mechanical couplings 3a, 3b that the protective flaps of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling 1b are first opened, which release the contacts of the interface unit and then the electrical contacts are brought into contact with each other in the further process.

For this purpose, the respective protective flap 16, 17 is moved between a first position P1, in which the protective flap 16 covers the access 18, and a second position P2, in which the protective flap 16 releases the access 18.

On the end face 16c of the protective flap 16, a projection 26 is also arranged. On the projection 26 of the protective flap 16 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 - as shown in FIG. 6 - in the open position the further protective flap 17 of the adjacent mating electrical contact coupling 1b is placed. The projection 26 of the protective flap 16 is designed to enable a closing of the protective flap 16 when reaching a pre-enclosed distance from the adjacent mating electrical contact coupling 1b.

The projection 26 of the protective flap 16 is plate-shaped and arranged in a plane running essentially perpendicular to the end face 16c of the protective flap 16. This is designed to be suitable, in the second position of the protective flap, to be aligned on this in the direction of its protective flap of the counter-electrical contact coupling that it rests on it.

By analogy, the mating electrical contact coupling 1b also has a projection of this type, which cannot be seen in this illustration, on which, in turn, the protective flap 16 of the electrical contact coupling rests in this position. A section 26a of the projection 26 protruding beyond an end face 12a of the interface unit 12 in the open state of the protective flap 16 is inclined in such a way that a first edge 26b and a second edge 26c of the projection 26 each by 30 to 60 degrees, in the present case Embodiment about 45 degrees, are inclined to the longitudinal axis LA of the electrical contact coupling 1a.

Although the present invention has been described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in many different ways. In particular, the invention can be changed or modified in many ways without deviating from the essence of the invention. For example, a shape, dimension or nature of the components of the electrical contact coupling can be modified as a function of the respective structural or systemic requirements.

List of reference symbols

1 electrical contact coupling

2 central buffer coupling

3, 3a, 3b mechanical contact clutches 4 coating 10 clutch housing

10a, 10b side faces

12 interface unit

12a front side

14 connection elements

16 protective cover

16a first pivot bearing

16b second pivot bearing

16a1, 16a2 plates 16b1, 16b2 plates 16c front side 16c1 rear side

16c-1, 16c-x sections 18 access 20 actuating device 20a first spring element

20a1, 20b1 first axial end section 20a2, 20b2 second axial end section 20b second spring element

22a, 22b bearing bush 23 centering

24a, 24b opening 24c, 24d opening 25 connecting device 26 advantage

26a section

26b first edge

26c second edge B width direction D pivot axis F restoring force L longitudinal direction

LA longitudinal axis of the electrical contact coupling P1 first position P2 second position

Claims

Claims 1. Electrical contact coupling (1) for an automatic central buffer coupling (2) of a rail vehicle for interacting / connecting with a mating electrical contact coupling of another rail vehicle, with a coupling housing (10) in which an interface unit (12) with a plurality of connection elements ( 14) is arranged; a protective flap (16) pivotably mounted about an axis of rotation for covering an access (18) to the connection elements (14) of the interface unit (12); and an actuating device (20) connected to the protective flap (16) for moving / moving the protective flap (16) between a first position (P 1), in which the protective flap (16) covers the access (18), and a second position (P2), in which the protective flap (16) releases the access (18), the actuating device (20) having at least one spring element (20a, 20b) which is at least partially enclosed by the protective flap (16). 2. Electrical contact coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective flap (16) to the coupling housing (10) on respective side surfaces (10a, 10b) of the coupling housing (10) is pivotably GE superimposed, wherein the protective flap (16) one two parallel to each other ordered plates (16a1, 16a2) having first pivot bearing (16a) and a second pivot bearing (16b) having two plates (16b1, 16b2) arranged parallel to one another, the two being parallel to one another, essentially perpendicular to the end face (16c) of the protective flap ( 16) arranged plates (16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2) of the first pivot bearing (16a) and of the second pivot bearing (16b) are integrally formed with the protective flap (16), in particular with welds or protective flap and plates are formed as a one-piece cast part. 3. Electrical contact coupling according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first spring element (20a) between the parallel plates (16a1, 16a2) of the first pivot bearing (16a) and the second spring element (20b) between the parallel to each other arranged plates (16b1, 16b2) of the second pivot bearing (16b) is arranged, wherein preferably the first spring element (20a) and the second spring element (20b) are each formed by a leg spring, and a first axial end section (20a1, 20b1) of the respective leg spring on the clutch housing (10) and a second axial end portion (20a2, 20b2) of the respective leg spring is attached to the protective flap (16). 4. Electrical contact coupling according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the first spring element (20a) and the second spring element (20b) in the width direction (B) of the electrical contact coupling (1) through an outer plate (16a2, 16b2) of the respective Schwenkla gers (16a, 16b) are at least partially enclosed and at least partially enclosed in the longitudinal direction (L) of the electrical contact coupling (1) by an end face (16c) of the protective flap (16), the first axial end section (20a1, 20a2) of the respective Schen Kelfeder is inserted into a on the respective side surface (10a, 10b) of the coupling housing (10) arranged receptacle (10c1, 10c2), and wherein the second axial end portion (20b1, 20b2) of the respective leg spring at a longitudinal direction (L) of the Elektrokontaktkupp ment (1) on the rear side (16c1) of the front side (16c) of the protective flap (16). 5. Electrical contact coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spring element (20a) and the second spring element (20b) are designed to reset the protective flap (16) to the first position (P1) with a predetermined restoring force (F) to apply. 6. Electrical contact coupling according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each of the plates (16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2) has an opening (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) into which a bearing bush (22a, 22b) for Storage of the protective flap (16) is inserted on the coupling housing (10). 7. Electrical contact coupling according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that or a first section (16a1) of the front surface (16a) of the protective flap (16) is essentially arcuate and is characterized by a sequence of different radii to the pivot axis, the radii increasing in the pivoting direction for opening the protective flap or the further sections (16a2, 16a3, 16a4) surrounding the first section (16a1), in particular laterally, above and / or below, being angled to the first section (16a1). 8. Electrical contact coupling according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an at least partially applied injection-molded elastomer coating (4) is provided on the front surface (16c) of the protective flap (16). 9. Electrical contact coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that the injection-molded elastomer coating (4) by at least one of the the following properties or a combination of these is characterized: - a hardness between 60 and 90 Shore - an impact elasticity between 40 and 63%, preferably between 45 and 63% - a coefficient of friction between 0.6 and 0.7 - a layer thickness between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably about 3 mm. 10. Electrical contact coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front surface (16c) of the protective flap (16) has an electrochemically active coating and a primer formed thereon, on which primer the sprayed elastomer coating (4) is applied . 11. Electrical contact coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a projection (26) is arranged on one end face (16c) of the protective flap (16), on which a further protective flap (17) of an adjacently arranged counter-electrical contact coupling (1b) can be placed, and wherein the projection (26) of the protective flap (16) is designed to enable the protective flap (16) to close when a predetermined distance is reached from the mating electrical contact coupling (1b) arranged next to it. 12. Electrical contact coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that the projection (26) of the protective flap (16) is plate-shaped ausgebil det and in a substantially perpendicular to the end face (16c) of the protective flap (16) is arranged, preferably as an im open state of the protective flap (16) in the longitudinal direction (L) beyond one end face (12a) of the interface unit (12) standing portion (26a) of the projection (26) is inclined such that a first edge (26b) and a second edge (26c) of the projection (26) each by 30 to 60 degrees, in particular about 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis (LA) the electrical contact coupling (1a) are inclined. 13. Electrical contact coupling according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the projection (26) of the protective flap (16) is integrally formed with one of the plates of the protective flap for receiving the pivot bearing, in particular by one of the plates (16b1), the The projection (26) is formed by an extension of the plate (16b1) in the plate plane, preferably the projection (26) of the protective flap (16) with a widthwise (B) of the electrical contact coupling (1a), adjacent to the coupling housing (10) arranged, inner plate (16a1, 16b1) of the first pivot bearing (16a) and / or of the second pivot bearing (16b) is integrally formed, in particular by the inner plate (16a1, 16b1). 14. Electrical contact coupling according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end face (12a) of the interface unit (12) in the longitudinal direction (LA) of the electrical contact coupling (1) about 30 mm behind the protective flap (16) in the closed state of the protective flap (16 ) is arranged. 15. Central buffer coupling (2) for a rail vehicle, with a mechanical contact coupling (3a), in particular a Schar fenberg coupling; a mechanical mating coupling (3b), in particular a Schar fenberg coupling, which is designed to interact with the mechanical contact coupling (3a); an electrical contact coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14; and a mating electrical contact coupling (1b) which is designed to interact with the electrical contact coupling (1a). 16. Central buffer coupling (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that the electrical contact coupling (1) is stationary or at least resilient in an installation position of the central buffer coupling (2) in the rail vehicle above, below or to the side of the mechanical contact coupling (3) . 17. Central buffer coupling (2) according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the end faces (16c, 17a) of the protective flaps (16, 17) of the electrical coupling to be coupled (1) and mating electrical contact coupling (1b) in cross section viewed by a sequence of different radii to the axis of rotation or pivot axis (D) of the protective flap (16, 17) are characterized, wel che are designed and arranged in such a way when contacting the protective flaps (16, 17) of electrical contact coupling (1) and mating electrical contact coupling ( 1b) to allow the front sides (16c, 17a) of the protective flaps (16, 17) to roll in the opening direction, the radii of the contact points or the contact lines that follow one another when opening, in particular the distances between, describing the contour of the front sides (16, 17) The contact point and pivot axis decrease. 18. Central buffer coupling according to claim 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the further protective flap (17) of the adjacent electrical contact coupling (1a) arranged counter-electrical contact coupling (1b) in the open state of the protective flap (16) and the further protective flap (17) on the projection (26) of the protective flap (16) and the projection (26) of the protective flap (16) of the electrical contact coupling (1) is designed to close the protective flap (16) and the further protective flap (17) when the electrical contact coupling (1) and the mating electrical contact coupling (1b) move apart ) when a predetermined distance of the projection (26) is reached Release the protective flap (16) from the adjacently arranged Gegenelektrokon contact coupling (1b).