DE102020204445A1 - Electric coupling for a track-bound vehicle, automatic coupling with such an electric coupling and method for coupling and uncoupling - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical coupling (1), comprising a coupling housing (3), a protective flap (6) for covering or releasing the access to the connection elements (5) of the interface unit (4) in the coupling housing as required, a positioning device (8) for positioning the Electric coupling (1) opposite the counter-electric coupling (1 ') and an actuating device (7) for moving, in particular for pivoting, the protective flap (6) between a covering position (I-SK) that describes the covering of the access to the connection elements (5) and a release position (II-SK) describing the release of access to the connection elements (5) and vice versa. The invention is characterized in that the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) in relation to the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') and the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) are designed and arranged separately from one another, especially to be operated one after the other.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical coupling for a track-bound vehicle, in particular an electrical contact coupling for use on an automatic coupling of a rail vehicle, in detail with the features from the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to an automatic coupling with an electrical coupling of this type arranged thereon and a method for operating, in particular coupling and uncoupling, such an electric coupling.

Electric couplings in track-bound vehicles are used in order to be able to transmit electrical current and, depending on the design, data between two mechanically coupled cars of a track-bound vehicle. For this purpose, the electrical coupling has a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements in the form of electrical contacts and / or data couplers for coupling to the connection elements of a counter-electrical coupling is arranged. The electrical coupling and the counter-electrical coupling to be coupled with it are usually pneumatically driven forwards and together after the mechanical coupling of two adjacent carriages, whereby the connection elements are brought into engagement with one another. To disconnect the electrical connection, the individual electrical coupling is pulled back again. Bringing these into engagement or working with one another is made possible by a positioning device which, in the simplest case, moves the electrical coupling, viewed in the longitudinal direction thereof, with respect to the counter-electrical coupling on the mechanical coupling. The engagement position of the connection elements corresponds to the coupled position, the disconnected position corresponds to the uncoupled position.

Various versions of the positioning device are used for this pushing together and retraction, such as, for example, pneumatic cylinder / piston units arranged behind it, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the electric coupling, the piston rod of which is attached directly to the electric coupling and thus realizing the forward and backward movement of the electric coupling. Extended versions often have toggle kinematics, which on the one hand increase the force of the cylinder and at the same time enable mechanical locking of the kinematics by reaching a dead center position after the electrical coupling has advanced, which prevents the electrical coupling from being unintentionally retracted in the event of a compressed air failure on the actuating cylinder.

While the connection elements of the electrical couplings in the advanced and thus coupled state are protected by a circumferential seal between the coupled electrical couplings against external environmental influences, such as e.g. B. rain, snow or dirt are protected, this protection is implemented in the retracted and thus decoupled state by a protective flap, which is pivotably attached to the electrical coupling in the simplest case. This is assigned an actuating device for moving the protective flap, which is positively coupled to the positioning device. When the electrical coupling is advanced, the protective flap is pushed against a control arm that is firmly attached to the coupling head and thus forcibly opened. The closing also works compulsorily in that the protective flap is also moved against the control arm when the electrical coupling is withdrawn and thereby swivels back in front of the connection elements. Since the protective flap is opened and closed by the movement of the electrical coupling, the stroke performed by the actuation must be correspondingly large in order to implement the required pivoting movement until the connection elements are fully released. This means that a sufficiently large displacement path and thus the length of the guide must be taken into account for the design and execution of the positioning device. Furthermore, if a cylinder / piston unit is used, sufficient free space must be made available behind the electrical contact coupling.

In modern rail vehicles, however, there is increasingly less space available for the arrangement of a corresponding positioning device precisely at this point.

The invention was therefore based on the object of developing an electrical coupling for a track-bound vehicle in such a way that the installation space required for the arrangement and functioning of the actuating device of the protective flap and the positioning device is significantly reduced and thus more free space behind the electrical coupling for other structural and functional elements Arrangement on a mechanical coupling in track-bound vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, can be provided. Furthermore, simple kinematics for actuation and positioning with a minimum number of required components are sought.

The solution according to the invention is characterized by the features of claims 1, 15 and 16. Advantageous refinements are described in the subclaims.

• ein Kupplungsgehäuse, in welchem eine Schnittstelleneinheit mit einer Mehrzahl von Anschlusselementen zum Koppeln mit den Anschlusselementen einer Gegen-Elektrokupplung angeordnet ist;
• eine Schutzklappe zum bedarfsweisen Abdecken oder Freigeben des Zugangs zu den Anschlusselementen der Schnittstelleneinheit
• eine Positioniereinrichtung zum Positionieren der Elektrokupplung gegenüber der Gegen-Elektrokupplung und
• eine Betätigungseinrichtung zum Bewegen, insbesondere zum Verschwenken der Schutzklappe zwischen einer das Abdecken des Zuganges zu den Anschlusselementen beschreibenden Abdeckstellung und einer die Freigabe des Zugangs zu den Anschlusselementen beschreibenden Freigabestellung und umgekehrt; ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
• die Positioniereinrichtung zum Positionieren der Elektrokupplung gegenüber der Gegen-Elektrokupplung und die Betätigungseinrichtung zum Bewegen der Schutzklappe derart ausgebildet und angeordnet sind, unabhängig voneinander und insbesondere nacheinander betrieben zu werden, wobei zum Koppeln mit einer Gegen-Elektrokupplung zuerst die Betätigungseinrichtung die Schutzklappe in die Freigabestellung bewegt und mit oder nach Erreichen der Freigabestellung die Positioniereinrichtung die Elektrokupplung gegenüber der Gegen-Elektrokupplung positioniert.

An electrical coupling according to the invention for a track-bound vehicle, in particular an electrical contact coupling for use on a automatic coupling of a rail vehicle, comprising:

• a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements for coupling with the connection elements of a counter-electrical coupling is arranged;
• a protective flap for covering or releasing access to the connection elements of the interface unit as required
• a positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling with respect to the counter-electrical coupling and
• an actuating device for moving, in particular for pivoting, the protective flap between a covering position describing the covering of the access to the connection elements and a release position describing the release of the access to the connection elements and vice versa; is characterized in that
• the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling opposite the counter-electrical coupling and the actuating device for moving the protective flap are designed and arranged in such a way that they can be operated independently of one another and in particular one after the other, with the actuating device first moving the protective flap into the release position for coupling to a counter-electric coupling and with or after reaching the release position, the positioning device positions the electrical coupling opposite the counter-electrical coupling.

Connection elements are, in particular, components for transmitting electrical current and / or data, such as contacts, sockets; Plug, data coupler, etc. understood.

Positioning the electrical coupling opposite a counter-electrical coupling is understood to mean moving it towards and away from it. In the simplest case, this is a purely translational movement, which takes place as a displacement in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling and, when arranged on a mechanical, in particular automatic, coupling in the longitudinal direction of the coupling.

The possibility of separate and thus independent operation of the actuating device and positioning device means that the forced coupling of the movements of the protective flap and the electrical coupling is canceled. This inventive cancellation of the forced coupling between the positioning device and the actuating device for moving the protective flap and thus the forced coupling between the movements when actuating the protective flap and during positioning, in particular when moving the electric coupling, the respective movements can be carried out individually and independently of one another in a staggered manner. The required movements of the protective flap and electrical coupling can thus be optimized for themselves with regard to the available installation space, which also applies to the devices that implement these movements. In particular, the travel path for positioning no longer has to be transferred and translated to the pivoting movement of the protective flap, which means that it can be shortened considerably. The individual devices - actuating device and positioning device - can be made smaller and considerably simpler with regard to the kinematics required to generate the respective movement.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating device for moving the protective flap and the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling with respect to the counter-electrical coupling are connected in series with regard to their mode of operation. The series connection means that the individual devices and thus the movement of the protective flap and the movement for positioning the electrical coupling are also operated one after the other and not superimposed on one another. The term series connection is to be understood functionally here and essentially describes the mode of operation of the actuating device and the positioning device for coupling one after the other. The decoupling is done in reverse. First the positioning device is activated, then the actuating device. Overall, for the electrical coupling and its required travel and thus the distance from the mating coupling in the uncoupled position, only so much installation space has to be provided in the longitudinal direction that the protective flap can be pivoted into the starting position of the electrical contact coupling without hitting the mating electrical contact coupling. However, a larger installation space is preferably provided. In the uncoupled position, a distance of at least 10 mm is preferably selected between the coupling plane of the coupling and the protective flap.

In terms of the device, the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling with respect to the counter-electrical coupling generally comprises a drive or an energy source which is effective directly or at least indirectly via at least one adjusting device on the electrical contact coupling. The positioning device can be placed directly on the coupling housing of the electrical coupling or on a component connected to it for connection to the mechanical coupling, in particular a guide or the component guided in the guide, which is connected to the coupling housing, attack. It is crucial that the coupling housing with the interface unit can be moved relative to the counter-electrical coupling and thus also relative to the mechanical coupling carrying the electrical coupling.

In terms of device, the actuating device for moving the protective flap generally comprises a drive or energy source, which is preferably effective directly on the protective flap or at least indirectly, i.e. via at least one adjusting device on the protective flap, and at least one adjusting device for at least indirect action on the protective flap.

The direct attack of the drive of the positioning device on the electrical coupling or a component connected to it, as well as the drive of the actuation device on the protective flap, offers the advantage of very simple adjustment kinematics, whereby, depending on the design, the drive movement does not have to be converted into another type of movement, but rather transmitted directly can be.

Depending on the design of the drives, they can be operated one after the other or a control device is provided for individually controlling the drives of the positioning device and the actuating device. The latter case offers the advantage of realizing the sequence of movements of positioning and opening / closing the protective flap completely independently of one another in terms of time without affecting the device design of the positioning device and actuating device, while in the former case the interconnection of the drives must be designed according to the specific actuation sequence.

Designs with a common drive for the positioning device and actuation device or with separate drives are conceivable. In the latter case, the individual drives can be designed specifically for the individual functions and are smaller. Furthermore, different types of drives can also be used if necessary.

In a particularly advantageous, very simple design of the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling relative to the counter-electrical coupling, this comprises a guide extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling for guiding the electrical coupling, which is designed to be attached to a mechanical coupling or a component connected to it , for example equipment rack to be attached and the drive of the positioning device is at least indirectly, preferably directly coupled to the electrical coupling, in particular the coupling housing or the connection of the coupling housing with the axial guide and designed to transmit a translational movement to this. The positioning movement takes place as a simple translational movement in the form of a displacement / movement in the direction and from the direction of the counter-electrical coupling and thus relative to the mechanical coupling carrying the electrical coupling. The output movement of the drive is preferably also carried out as a translational movement. In this case, no conversion is required.

In order to realize a very simple deflection of the protective flap, this together with the drive forms, in the simplest case, a thrust rocker. For this purpose, the protective flap is pivotably mounted on the coupling housing about a horizontal pivot axis arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling, and the drive of the actuating device for moving the protective flap is coupled at least indirectly, preferably directly, to the protective flap eccentrically to the pivot axis.

The arrangement of the individual drives takes place in a particularly advantageous manner either directly on the electrical coupling and / or on the mechanical coupling supporting it. In particular, the individual drive of the actuation device for moving the protective flap is arranged on the electric coupling, in particular the coupling housing or a component of a connection unit that can be connected to the electric coupling for arranging the electric coupling on the coupling and / or the individual drive of the positioning device for positioning the electric coupling in relation to a mating coupling on the electrical coupling has means to be mounted on the coupling carrying the electrical contact coupling.

• - elektrischer Antrieb, insbesondere Stellmotor
• - hydraulischer Antrieb, insbesondere Zylinder/Kolbeneinheit
• - pneumatischer Antrieb, insbesondere Zylinder/Kolbeneinheit

There are a number of possibilities with regard to the design of the drives. For example, the individual drive of the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling with respect to the counter-electrical coupling and / or the actuation device for moving the protective flap can be designed as a drive selected from the following drives:

• - electric drive, especially servomotor
• - hydraulic drive, in particular cylinder / piston unit
• - pneumatic drive, in particular cylinder / piston unit

Pneumatic drives are preferably used, since compressed air is available for other functions anyway, for example brakes on the rail vehicle, and must be present on every car, which is why there is one corresponding line connection between the car to be connected to each other is already present.

In detail, a single drive of the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling opposite the counter-electrical coupling and a single drive of the actuation device for moving the protective flap are designed as a pneumatic drive, in particular a cylinder / piston unit, the pneumatic drives of the actuation device and positioning device being connected in series and can be coupled to a common pressure medium supply via an actuating device. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the pneumatic drive of the positioning device, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling, is arranged on the side of the coupling housing opposite the access to the connection elements and is connected to the coupling housing. The pneumatic drive has a support device which is designed to be attached to the mechanical coupling. Optionally, a compensation device is preferably provided between the support device and the pneumatic drive to compensate for movements transverse to the drive direction of the pneumatic drive and torsional movements of the electrical coupling with respect to the coupling head.

The pneumatic drive of the positioning device particularly advantageously comprises a cylinder / piston unit which is positively and / or non-positively connected to the coupling housing of the electrical coupling on the side opposite the access to the connection elements, the cylinder / piston unit being viewed as a prefabricated structural unit in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling is flanged to this. For this purpose, the cylinder is preferably connected directly to the coupling housing of the electrical coupling and takes on the function of transmitting the movement to the electrical coupling. In this case, the piston takes over the guiding function, on which the cylinder is guided so that it can be displaced relatively in the longitudinal direction.

The connection of the cylinder / piston unit to the electrical coupling, in particular the coupling housing of the electrical coupling on the side opposite the access to the connection elements, can be done in a non-positive or positive manner.

In a first embodiment, the entire cylinder / piston unit can be flanged onto the electrical coupling as a fully functional unit. This can be provided as a pre-assembled unit and does not require any additional sealing measures compared to the electrical coupling. In a second embodiment, the bottom of the cylinder is also formed by the coupling housing of the electric coupling. In this design, the length of the cylinder is also reduced, which provides additional space behind the electrical coupling. Furthermore, due to the concentration of functions, the cylinder base is saved as a single component.

To implement the series connection, both pneumatic drives are connected to one another accordingly. The coupling and uncoupling is controlled via a switching valve connected to a common pressure medium supply. The interconnection takes place in such a way that in a first switching position of the switching valve the electrical coupling is brought into the functional position “uncoupled” and held and in a second switching position of the switching valve the electrical coupling is brought into the functional position “coupled” and held.

In an alternative embodiment, the positioning device for positioning the electric clutch opposite the counter-electric clutch has an axial guide for guiding the electric clutch and an electric servomotor, the output of the electric servomotor at least indirectly, preferably directly, with the electric clutch, in particular the clutch housing or the connection of the coupling housing is coupled to the guide. The actuating device for moving the protective flap also comprises an electric servomotor, the output of the electric servomotor being coupled at least indirectly, preferably directly, to the protective flap. In this case, a control device is provided for the separate control of the servomotors.

An automatic coupling of a track-bound vehicle for mechanical coupling with a mating coupling of another track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle with a coupling lock having a coupling lock for coupling with the mating coupling, has an electric coupling according to the invention positioned there. This can either be attached directly to the coupling head or via an equipment rack.

The mode of operation according to the invention is as described in the method according to claim 16, in which
At the same time or offset in time to the completion of the mechanical coupling of the coupling head of the automatic coupling with the coupling head of a mating coupling, the actuating device of the protective flap moves the protective flap into the release position and, at the same time as the release position is reached or delayed in relation to this, the positioning device moves the electric coupling relative to the mating electric coupling the functional position "coupled" moves
and
in which before or with the initiation of the mechanical decoupling of the coupling head of the automatic coupling from the coupling head of a counter-coupling, the positioning device moves the electrical coupling relative to the counter-electrical coupling into the "uncoupled" functional position
and at the same time as the functional position “uncoupled” or with a time delay, the actuating device moves the protective flap into the covering position.

• 1a den Grundaufbau und die Grundfunktion einer erfindungsgemäßen Elektrokupplung mit zweistufiger Betätigung in einer Seitenansicht;
• 1b und 1c eine Ansicht auf eine Elektrokupplung von vorn;
• 2 bis 2d in schematisiert vereinfachter Darstellung mögliche Grundausführungen des Aufbaus von Betätigungseinrichtung und Positioniereinrichtung;
• 3 beispielhaft anhand eines Flussdiagrammes den Ablauf der Betätigung beim Kuppeln der Elektrokupplung mit einer Gegen-Elektrokupplung;
• 4 eine vorteilhafte konstruktive Ausführung mit pneumatischer Betätigung in einer Seitenansicht;
• 5a den Pneumatikplan in der Funktionsstellung „gekuppelt“;
• 5b den Pneumatikplan in der Funktionsstellung „entkuppelt“.

On the basis of exemplary embodiments, further advantageous features of the invention are explained with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned can not only be implemented advantageously in the combination shown, but can also be combined individually with one another. The figures show in detail:

• 1a the basic structure and the basic function of an electric clutch according to the invention with two-stage actuation in a side view;
• 1b and 1c a view of an electric coupling from the front;
• 2 until 2d in a schematically simplified representation possible basic designs of the structure of the actuating device and positioning device;
• 3 using a flow chart as an example, the sequence of actuation when coupling the electric clutch with a counter-electric clutch;
• 4th an advantageous structural design with pneumatic actuation in a side view;
• 5a the pneumatic plan in the "coupled" functional position;
• 5b the pneumatic plan in the functional position "uncoupled".

The figures are described in more detail below.

the 1a clarify in a schematically simplified representation the basic structure and the basic function of an inventive, in particular two-stage actuation of an electric clutch 1 for an automatic coupling 2 of a track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. the 1b and 1c show an example of an electric coupling 1 in a front view. the 2a until 2c illustrate possible basic concepts for device-related implementation of the actuation according to the invention in a highly simplified schematic representation.

1a illustrates a coupling provided on a track-bound vehicle 2 , in particular automatic clutch arranged electric clutch 1 in a view in the longitudinal direction, which in the installed position corresponds to the longitudinal direction on the vehicle. The electric coupling 1 is activated during or after the coupling of the mechanical coupling 2 with a mating coupling 2 ' with a counter-electrical coupling 1' coupled.

The single electric coupling 1 includes a clutch housing 3 , in which an interface unit 4th with a plurality of connection elements 5 for coupling with the connection elements of a counter-electrical coupling 1' is arranged. With the connection elements 5 it can be elements for transmitting power and / or data, for example in the form of plugs, sockets, contacts, contact pins or data couplers.

The electric coupling 1 includes a protective flap 6th for covering or releasing access to the connection elements as required 5 the interface unit 4th . the 1b and 1c show an example of a front view of the electric coupling 1 the protective flap 5 in a covering position I-SK ( 1b) and a release position II-SK . ( 1c ) The covering position I-SK is by covering the opening in the clutch housing 3 characterized while the release position II-SK access to the connection elements 5 the interface unit 4th releases. In 1a is the protective flap 6th reproduced in the release position by means of a broken line. For moving the protective flap 6th from the covering position I-SK in the release position II-SK and vice versa is an actuator 7th intended. In the simplest case, the protective flap is moved 6th from the covering position I-SK in the release position II-SK by pivoting about an axis, in particular a horizontal pivot axis R. which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling 1 is aligned. The movement of the protective flap 6th but can also take place as a superimposed movement, for example a combined pivoting and sliding movement. However, the latter leads to more complex kinematics.

To the electric coupling 1 with the counter-electrical coupling 1' a positioning device is to be coupled 8th for positioning the electric coupling 1 compared to the counter-electrical coupling 1' intended. This is preferably used, as indicated by the double arrow, to move the electric coupling 1 on the mechanical coupling 2 and opposite the counter-electrical coupling 1' in the longitudinal direction, in particular towards this, around the connection elements 5 with the connection elements 5 'of the counter-electrical coupling 1' to couple, in particular to contact and / or connect. The method is preferably carried out in a guided manner, in particular along a guide 12th . The functional position "coupled", in which the electric coupling, for example, along a guide is brought into a position in which the connecting elements 5 are brought into operative connection with the connection elements 5 'of the counter-electrical coupling, is with II-EK marked, the "uncoupled" position with I-EK .

According to the invention are the positioning devices 8th and the actuator 7th free of a forced coupling with each other. This means that the movement of the protective flap is not superimposed 6th , especially when pivoting out of the covering position I-SK in the release position II-SK or vice versa and the method of the electric coupling 1 for coupling or uncoupling. The individual movements are carried out one after the other, preferably the individual devices are controlled one after the other.

In detail, the actuating device is first activated 7th for moving the protective flap 6th from the covering position I-SK in the release position II-SK . Once this has been reached, the positioning device is activated 8th to the electric coupling 1 with the protective flap open 6th in the position II-SK to spend, in which an operative connection of the connection elements 5 is possible with the connection elements 5 'of the counter-electrical coupling.

The sequence of the method is exemplified using a flow chart in FIG 3 reproduced. Accordingly, during the engagement of the mechanical clutch 2 or upon completion of this, the control device 7th for moving the protective flap 6th in a release position II-SK activated or controlled. This moves the protective flap 6th from the covering position I-SK in the release position II-SK in process step VA. If this position according to VB is reached, the positioning device is activated after this or with a slight time delay of in particular a maximum of 4 seconds 8th controlled, activated or put into operation according to VC. The entire electrical coupling 1 is then along a guide 12th Shifted in the longitudinal direction until the connection elements are coupled 5 with the connection elements of the counter-electrical coupling 1' according to VD.

The process of uncoupling is exactly the opposite, ie the positioning device is installed first 8th active and moves the electric clutch 1 in the "uncoupled" position I-EK , then the protective flap 6th in the retracted position of the electrical coupling 1 the covering position I-SK spent.

The minimum displacement of the electric coupling 1 must through the functional separation of the actuation of the protective flap 6th and positioning of the electrical coupling only the extent of the pivoting range of the protective flap of the electrical coupling 1 correspond in the longitudinal direction.

the 2a until 2d illustrate the basic possibilities of device implementation.

According to 2a are the actuating device 7th for the protective flap 6th and the positioning device 8th connected in series with regard to their mode of operation and are therefore necessarily operated one after the other. The actuator 7th (shown by means of a dotted line) comprises at least one adjusting device 12th and a drive 9 , the positioning device 8th (Dash-dot-dot line) at least one adjusting device 13th and the drive 9 . Both use accordingly 1a a common drive 9 . This first acts on at least one adjusting device 12th the actuator 7th and if this is the protective flap 6th in the desired functional position II-SK has spent which the release of the connection facilities 5 corresponds to the at least one adjusting device 13th the positioning device 8th .

2 B shows another arrangement with shared use of a common drive 9 , however, are actuators 7th and positioning device 8th not connected in series or designed and arranged in such a way that they are necessarily operated in series. Depending on the design of the drive 9 appropriate means are to be provided, which are the actuating device first 12th the actuator 7th and when the release position is reached II-SK the control device 13th act on or drive the positioning device.

2c illustrates an embodiment in which the actuating device 7th and positioning device 8th separate drives 9.1 , 9.2 exhibit. In order to enable a coordinated mode of operation, a device is preferred 11 provided which the individual drives 9.1 and 9.2 one after the other. Such a design is, for example, when using electric servomotors as drives 9.1 and 9.2 conceivable. When setting up 11 it can then be, for example, a control device via which the individual electric servomotors are controlled separately, ie independently of one another and preferably one after the other, in such a way that the individual adjustment movements on the protective flap 6th and electric coupling 1 do not overlap in time.

2d illustrates a particularly advantageous embodiment in which the actuating device 7th and positioning device 8th also separate drives 9.1 , 9.2 but both are connected in series. Such a design is particularly in the case of hydraulic or preferably pneumatic drives can be used. These preferably use a common supply of pressure medium and are connected to one another pneumatically or hydraulically in series. In order to enable a coordinated mode of operation, a device is also provided here, for example in the form of a switching valve 21 the drives 9.1 and 9.2 with the pressure medium supply to realize the necessary adjustment movements for coupling or uncoupling the electric coupling 1 connects with or from a counter-electrical coupling or blocks it.

• - elektrische Antriebe, insbesondere Stellmotoren
• - hydraulische oder pneumatische Antriebe

Die Übertragung der Stellbewegung kann mechanisch, hydraulisch oder pneumatisch erfolgen.With regard to the design of the actuating device 7th and positioning device 8th itself there are a number of possibilities. The following designs are conceivable for the drives:

• - electric drives, in particular servomotors
• - hydraulic or pneumatic drives

The actuating movement can be transmitted mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, pneumatic drives are used, since compressed air is available in any case when used in rail vehicles.

4th shows an example in a simplified representation of a particularly advantageous structural design of such an electric coupling 1 with two-stage pneumatic actuation. The basic configuration corresponds to that in 2d described.

The electric coupling 1 is shown in a view in the longitudinal direction. When used in track-bound vehicles, this also corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the latter. The electric coupling 1 is on an automatic clutch 2 arranged for mechanical coupling of the cars to be connected to one another of a track-bound vehicle, in particular fastened. The mechanical clutch 2 is only indicated here as an example. The connection of the electric coupling 1 this can be done directly via corresponding connection components or an equipment rack.

The clutch housing 3 has, on its side facing the counter-electrical coupling, an opening for receiving the interface unit carrying the connection elements. This is to protect the connection elements from contamination by means of a protective flap 6th coverable. 4th shows the cover position I-SK . The protective flap 6th is about the actuator 7th from the covering position I-SK in the release position II-SK moveable. In the simplest case, the movement takes place as a pure pivoting movement. There is also the protective flap 6th on the clutch housing 3 around a horizontal pivot axis R. pivoted. The actuator 7th includes a pneumatic drive 9.1 , which at least one, preferably on both sides of the electrical coupling 1 has cylinder / piston units arranged on this when viewed in the longitudinal direction. These are with a pressure medium supply 22nd connected, only indicated here.

The drive 9.1 , in particular the piston of the cylinder / piston unit is either directly or via an adjusting device 12th with the protective flap 6th tied together. The cylinder / piston unit is arranged in such a way that the direction of movement of the piston or cylinder coincides with the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling 1 coincides. The required pivoting movement of the protective flap 6th can be done directly by a translatory movement of the piston of the actuator 9.1 are generated by this or a component connected to it eccentrically to the pivot axis R. on the protective flap 6th is hinged. Protective flap 6th and drive 9.1 thus form a pusher rocker.

The drive 9.1 , in particular the cylinder / piston units can be pivoted or immovable on the electric coupling 1 be attached. The preferably immovable fastening offers the possibility of designing the lines between the flap cylinder and the actuating cylinder as fixed pipes. Compared to flexible pneumatic hoses, these take up less installation space, allow smaller bending radii and can thus be closer to the electrical coupling 1 embarrassed.

The electric coupling 1 is also along a guide 13th lengthways electrical coupling 1 and in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical coupling 2 for the purpose of the method can be moved in the direction of the counter-electrical coupling. The leadership 13th preferably extends, viewed in the longitudinal direction, within the extent of the electrical coupling 1 in this direction, but can also extend beyond that. The electric coupling 1 is here at the lead 13th movably mounted. The positioning device is used to move it 8th provided which a drive 9.2 in the form of a cylinder / piston unit, which in the longitudinal direction on the from the connection side of the electrical coupling 1 facing away from the side is arranged, ie in the longitudinal direction behind this.
The cylinder / piston unit is here preferably directly on the clutch housing 3 the electrical coupling arranged, in particular flanged. The connection can be made with a force fit or a form fit. In the in 4th The embodiment shown is the cylinder / piston unit as a fully pre-assembled and functional unit on the electrical coupling 1 flange-mountable. In the case shown, this has a cylinder 17th on, which one with its cylinder bottom 19th at least partially on a support surface on the clutch housing 3 arrives at the plant. The attachment 20th takes place here, for example, through the wall of the cylinder 17th screw connections extending in the longitudinal direction and connecting them to the coupling housing. It would also be conceivable to provide the cylinder with a thread in the bottom area and with a complementary thread on the coupling housing 3 to engage. In this version, the stroke is via the cylinder 17th on the electric coupling 1 transfer. To do this is the cylinder 17th in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling 1 aligned. The piston 18th , in particular the piston rod is used to link to the mechanical coupling 2 and the guide of the cylinder 17th .

The cylinder / piston unit is supported here via a linkage 25th on the mechanical coupling 2 away. Thus the relative movements of the mechanically coupled couplings that occur while driving in the coupled state 2 , 2 ' not on the electric coupling 1 transmitted is the piston rod 18th of the cylinder 17th by a compensation device 23 with the coupling head of the mechanical coupling 2 tied together. This can e.g. B. a ball joint head, a system with an elongated hole or a cardanic articulation as shown 24 (The ball joint head is shown), the latter between one with the coupling 2 , in particular the coupling head of these connected pins 26th and the piston rod 18th is arranged.

Conceivable, but not shown here in detail, there is also the possibility of the cylinder base 19th directly from the clutch housing 3 to train the electrical coupling. The cylinder too 17th has connections, not shown here, for connection to the pressure medium supply 22nd on.

the 5a and 5b illustrate by way of example an advantageous embodiment of the pneumatic system for implementing the series connection of the pneumatic drive 9.1 and 9.2 .

5a shows the electric coupling 1 in the open position intended for coupling with the counter-electrical coupling, 5b the uncoupled position. The cylinder / piston units of both drives 91, 9.2 are on the one hand via a device for controlling the individual drives, in particular a switching valve 21 connectable to the pressure medium supply. The individual drives 9.1 , 9.2 , in particular the cylinder / piston units of these are also connected to one another pneumatically. The interconnection takes place in series and is established by the connections between the individual pressure chambers of the cylinders of the individual cylinder / piston units and the cylinder / piston units with the pressure medium supply 22nd realized. The individual cylinders 14th and 17th each have three connections, the cylinder 14th the connections A14.1 , A14.2 and A14.3 , the cylinder 17th the connections A17.1 , A172 and A17.3. The first connections A14.1 and A17.1 are on the pressurized chambers for the purpose of generating the movements required for coupling 27 and 28 on the cylinders 14th and 17th intended. Third connections in each case A14.3 and A17.3 at the chambers 27 and 28 the cylinder 14th and 17th are via a shut-off valve R1 connected in the form of a check valve, which is the transition from the chamber 27 to the chamber 28 and thus the loading of the chamber 28 before reaching the release position II-SK the protective flap 6th prevented. A second check valve R2 is in the compound of degrees A17.1 and A14.2 provided and prevented when the chamber is acted upon 28 stepping into the chamber 29 on the cylinder 14th and thus holding the position of the piston 15th of the drive 19 in the corresponding position, which is the release position of the protective flap coupled with this 6th is equivalent to.

The switching valve 21 is designed as a 5/2-way valve in the case shown and is located in the in 5a Functional position of the electric coupling shown 1 in the switch position II . First the chamber 27 of the cylinder 14th of the drive 9.1 over the connection A14.1 pressurized with pressure medium. The piston 15th is in the longitudinal direction of the protective flap 6th pushed away and creates a moment about the pivot axis R. . This happens until the approval II-SK is reached. The transfer of pressure medium into the chamber is as long as it is 28 on the cylinder 17th of the drive 9.2 locked. If this is reached, the chamber 28 over the connection A17.3 applied and causes a force against the piston surface of the piston 18th and thereby shifting the electrical coupling 1 in the direction of the mating electrical coupling.

5b shows the pneumatic diagram in the switch position I. of the 5/2-way valve and the electrical coupling 1 in the uncoupled position. The protective flap 6th is in the cover position I-SK and the electric coupling 1 in the retracted position. In this switching position, the cylinder is first 17th the cylinder / piston unit of the drive 9.2 , especially the Chamber 30th over the connection A17.2 applied. The chamber 28 is about the connection A17.1 relieved. The cylinder 17th is opposite the piston 18th from the electric coupling 1 pushed away and pulls this due to the connection 20th with the clutch housing 3 with himself. Is the end position I-EK reached, the chamber 29 of the cylinder 14th the cylinder / piston unit of the drive 9.1 acted upon via the connection A14,2 and the chamber 27 over the connection A14.1 relieved. The piston 15th moves lengthways in the direction of the protective flap 6th and swivels it into the covering position I-SK .

List of reference symbols

1

Electric coupling

1'

Counter-electrical coupling

2

Clutch, automatic clutch

2 '

Mating coupling

3

Clutch housing

4th

Interface unit

5

Connection elements

6th

Protective flap

7th

Actuating device protective flap

8th

Positioning device electric coupling

9

drive

9.1,9.2

drive

11

Control device

12th

Adjusting device of the actuating device 7

13th

Adjusting device of the positioning device 8th

14th

cylinder

15th

Pistons

16

Articulation

17th

cylinder

18th

Pistons

19th

Cylinder bottom

20th

link

21

Switching valve

22nd

Pressure medium supply

23

Compensation device

24

cardanic linkage

25th

Linkage / support

26th

Cones

27

chamber

28

chamber

29

chamber

30th

chamber

R1, R2

Check valve; Check valve

A14.1, A14.2

connection

A14.3

connection

A17.1, A17.2

connection

A17.3

connection

I; II

first switching position / second switching position switching valve

I-SK

Cover position protective flap

II-SK

Release position protective flap

I-EK

Functional position "uncoupled"

II-EK

Functional position "coupled"

R.

Swivel axis

Claims (16)

Electrical coupling (1), in particular electrical contact coupling for a track-bound vehicle for use on an automatic coupling (2) of a rail vehicle, comprising: a coupling housing (3) in which an interface unit (4) with a plurality of connection elements (5) for coupling to the Connection elements (5 ') of a counter-electrical coupling (1') is arranged; a protective flap (6) for covering or releasing the access to the connection elements (5) of the interface unit (4) as required; a positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) in relation to the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') and an actuating device (7) for moving, in particular for pivoting the protective flap (6) between a covering the access to the connection elements (5) descriptive covering position (I-SK) and a release position (II-SK) describing the release of access to the connection elements (5) and vice versa; characterized in that the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) opposite the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') and the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) are designed and arranged in such a way, operated separately from one another, in particular operated one after the other to be, whereby for coupling with a counter-electrical coupling (1 ') first the actuating device (7) moves the protective flap (6) into the release position (II-SK) and at the same time or after reaching the release position (II-SK) the positioning device ( 8) the electrical coupling (1) is positioned opposite the counter-electrical coupling (1 '). Electrical coupling (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) and the positioning device for positioning the electrical coupling (1) with respect to the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') are connected in series with regard to their mode of operation. Electrical coupling (1) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) with respect to the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') comprises a drive (9, 9.2) which is connected to the electrical coupling (1) directly or via an adjusting device (13) and the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) comprises a drive (9, 9.1) which is connected to the protective flap (6) directly or via at least one adjusting device (12). Electrical coupling (1) Claim 3 , characterized in that a control device (11) is provided for individually controlling the individual drive (9, 9.1, 9.2) of the positioning device (8) and the actuating device (7). Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 3 or 4th , characterized in that the drive (9, 9.2) of the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) opposite the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') and the drive (9, 9.1) of the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) is formed by a common drive (9). Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) with respect to the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') comprises an axial guide extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling (1) for guiding the electrical coupling (1), which guide is designed in this way is to be attached to a coupling (2) or a component connected to it and the drive (9, 9.2) of the positioning device (8) at least indirectly, preferably directly with the electrical coupling (1), in particular the coupling housing (3) or the Connection of the coupling housing (3) is coupled to the axial guide and / or the protective flap (6) is mounted on the coupling housing (3) so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (R) arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling (1) and the drive (9 , 9.1) of the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) at least indirectly, preferably directly with the protective flap (6) eccentrically to the pivot axis (R) is pelt. Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , characterized in that the individual drive (9, 9.1) of the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) on the electrical coupling (1), in particular the coupling housing (3) or a component of a connection unit that can be connected to the electrical coupling (1) for arranging the electric coupling (1) on the automatic coupling (2) and / or the individual drive (9, 9.2) of the positioning device (8) for positioning the electric coupling (1) with respect to a counter-electric coupling (1 ') on the Electrical coupling (1) has means to be mounted on the automatic coupling (2) carrying the electrical coupling (1). Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , characterized in that the individual drive (9, 9.1, 9.2) of the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) opposite the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') and / or the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6 ) is designed as a drive selected from the following drives: - electric drive, in particular servomotor - hydraulic drive, in particular cylinder / piston unit - pneumatic drive, in particular cylinder / piston unit Electrical coupling (1) Claim 8 , characterized in that a single drive (9, 9.2) of the positioning device (8) for positioning the electrical coupling (1) opposite the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') and a single drive (9, 9.1) of the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) are designed as a pneumatic drive, in particular a cylinder / piston unit, the pneumatic drives of the actuating device (7) and positioning device (8) being connected in series and being able to be coupled to a common pressure medium supply (22) via an adjusting device. Electrical coupling (1) Claim 9 , characterized in that one of the cylinder / piston units of the actuating device (7) and the positioning device (8) are coupled to a common pressure medium supply via a switching valve (21) with at least two switching positions (I, II); the cylinder / piston units of the actuating and positioning device (7, 8) are pneumatically interconnected in series with one another in such a way that in a first switching position (I) of the switching valve the electrical coupling (1) is brought into the functional position "uncoupled" and held and in a second switching position (II) the electric clutch (1) is brought into the functional position "coupled" and held. Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that the pneumatic drive (9.2) of the positioning device (8) viewed in the longitudinal direction of the electrical coupling (1) is arranged on the side opposite the access to the connection elements (5) and is connected to the coupling housing (3), the pneumatic drive (9.2) has a support device (25) which is designed to be attached to the automatic coupling (2), with optionally a compensating device (24) between the support device (25) and the pneumatic drive (9.2) for Compensation of movements transverse to the drive direction of the pneumatic drive (9.2) and torsional movements of the electric coupling with respect to the coupling head is provided. Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 8 until 11 , characterized in that the pneumatic drive (9.2) of the positioning device (8) comprises a cylinder / piston unit which is positively and / or non-positively connected to the coupling housing (3) of the electrical coupling (1) on the access point to the connecting elements (5) opposite side is connected, wherein the cylinder / piston unit is flanged to this as a prefabricated structural unit viewed in the longitudinal direction of the electric coupling (1). Electric coupling (1) according to one of the Claims 8 until 11 , characterized in that the pneumatic drive (9.2) of the positioning device (8) comprises a cylinder / piston unit which is positively and / or non-positively connected to the coupling housing (3) of the electrical coupling (1) on the access point to the connecting elements (5) opposite side is connected, the bottom (19) of the cylinder from the coupling housing (3) of the electric coupling (1) is formed. Electrical coupling (1) Claim 8 , characterized in that the positioning device (8) for positioning the electric clutch (1) opposite the counter-electric clutch (1 ') comprises an axial guide for guiding the electric clutch (1) and an electric servomotor, the output of the electric servomotor at least indirectly , is preferably coupled directly to the electrical coupling (1), in particular the coupling housing (3) or the connection of the coupling housing (3) to the guide; the actuating device (7) for moving the protective flap (6) comprises an electric servomotor, the output of the electric servomotor being coupled at least indirectly, preferably directly, to the protective flap (6); a control device is provided for the separate control of the servomotors. is coupled. Automatic coupling (2) of a track-bound vehicle for mechanical coupling with a mating coupling (2 ') of another track-bound vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle with a coupling lock having a coupling lock for coupling to the mating coupling (2') and an electrical coupling (1) positioned on this according to one of the Claims 1 until 14th . Method for actuating one on an automatic clutch (2) according to Claim 15 arranged electric coupling (1), in which the actuating device (7) of the protective flap (6), the protective flap (6) in moves the release position and at the same time as the release position (II-SK) is reached or with a time delay relative to this, the positioning device (8) moves the electrical coupling (1) relative to the counter-electrical coupling (1 ') into the "coupled" functional position (II-EK) and in which before or with the initiation of the mechanical uncoupling of the coupling head of the automatic coupling (2) from the coupling head of a mating coupling (2 ') the positioning device (8) decouples the electric coupling (1) relative to the mating electric coupling (1') into the functional position "(I-EK) moves and at the same time when the functional position is" uncoupled "(I-EK) or with a time delay the actuating device (7) moves the S Protective flap (6) moved into the covering position (II-SK).

Images