EP1069019B1 - Device for producing an electrical connection - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for realizing an electrical plug connection of an electric coupling device for an automatic pull coupling according to the preamble of claim 1, further an electric coupling device and an automatic pull coupling with such an electric coupling device.

Automatic train couplings enable the automated connection of two rail vehicles, with two such couplings establishing a rigid connection between the vehicles in the coupled state.

• Peter Nolle, Hans Friedrich "Die automatische Kupplung in Europa", ETR Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau, Heft 4/92
• Adolf Felsing, Eberhardt Hoffmann "Die automatische Zugkupplung - Stand der Entwicklung und Versuchsprogramm", ETR Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau, Heft 4/95.

Automatic train couplings are described in detail in the following articles:

• Peter Nolle, Hans Friedrich "The automatic clutch in Europe", ETR Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau, issue 4/92
• Adolf Felsing, Eberhardt Hoffmann "The automatic train coupling - state of development and test program", ETR Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau, issue 4/95.

When air lines and electrical lines are automatically coupled, one speaks of fully automatic train couplings.

From EP 05 01 244 an automatic train coupling has become known, comprising a coupling head and a line coupling with a protruding, elastically push-back, and in the coupling state pneumatically forward, in the pressing direction against a counter-coupling coupling head, loaded line coupling head.

DE 43 10 741 shows an automatic train coupling with a coupling body and an electrical coupling, which subsequently, i.e. after mechanical coupling is completed. Such a coupling only has to be moved in the longitudinal direction apart from the compensation of certain transverse play between the mechanical couplings.

The electric clutch known from DE 43 10 741 is designed such that the electric clutch is released before mechanical uncoupling, so that the longitudinal guidance of the electric clutch is not damaged by the transverse movements forced by the mechanical clutch.

From DE 15 63 964 an electric coupling device has become known with two collapsible coupling halves, which are equipped with shift rods that can be pushed out of the housing halves. After centering the coupling halves, they are electrically connected to each other using the shift rods and piston drives.

All described coupling devices each comprise at least one device for realizing an electrical connection in the form of an electrical plug connection, comprising a plug device and a plug element. These functions are implemented, for example, by the interaction of pin contacts with a socket, butt contacts or knife contacts. A generic plug connection, comprising a plug device with at least one first electrical contact, which can be brought into operative connection with a complementary second electrical contact of a plug element by inserting and touching the contact surfaces, is known from the document DE 43 16 902 A1. In this case, the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts of plug-in devices and plug-in element are viewed in cross-section in the installed position, aligned at an angle to the theoretical insertion axis of the plug-in element in the plug-in device, and the contact surfaces themselves are designed as lubricating surfaces. The disadvantage of these designs of the devices for realizing an electrical plug connection in an electric coupling device known from the prior art is that, on the one hand, large forces are generated to generate them the electrical connection, due to the contact pressure required to hold the connection, and furthermore, these systems are very susceptible to malfunction with regard to their function in relation to the external influences, in particular vibrations, which occur when used in automatic train couplings, so that the presence of an electrical connection in the coupled Condition cannot always be guaranteed reliably. Another disadvantage of the electrical coupling devices with a device for realizing an electrical connection according to the prior art is that the couplings are often susceptible to faults, since they are exposed to temperature and environmental influences, in particular dirt, without protection.

An embodiment of the contact surfaces of pressure contacts in plug-in connections with a curved cross section in convex or concave shape to achieve the widest possible contact surface is known from the document DE-PS-1 563 964. However, this solution has essentially the same disadvantages as the solutions described so far.

A connection device for the plug connection of a plug part with a socket part, which is to be produced with a low plug-in force, and also has an electrical connection with low electrical resistance even after prolonged continuous operation, is known from WO 99 32343 A, wherein a spring-loaded intermediate element is provided, which is used in the Merging is clamped, creates an electrical connection and engages in a socket or plug-side recess. It proves disadvantageous, however, that the connection is susceptible to faults, particularly with regard to the small electrical and mechanical contact areas.

The invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a device for realizing an electrical connection, in particular an electrical plug connection for use in electrical coupling devices for an automatic train coupling, in such a way that the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided, in particular the susceptibility to faults by ensuring a safe electrical Connection is significantly reduced even under load. The electric clutch should both in the coupled as have adequate protection against weather and environmental influences, especially pollution, in the uncoupled position.

The contact pressure on the plug-in element that is to be used to implement and maintain the electrical connection should be as low as possible, while at the same time high separation and coupling speeds, i.e. high speeds in the implementation of the electrical coupling and the disconnection process, i.e. the solution of the electrical coupling are desired. In the axial direction, i.e. When viewed in the installation position in the direction of the theoretical connecting axis of the two rail vehicles or waggons to be connected by means of the automatic train coupling, the electrical contact and thus the electrical connection must be ensured at all times and under disruptive influences within the interlocking play of the electrical coupling. for example, even with strong vibrations in this direction. Due to the intended use and the associated requirements for possible downtime and changeover times to be provided, the device for realizing the electrical connection should be characterized by a long service life and low maintenance.

The solution according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations are given in the subclaims.

The device for realizing an electrical connection comprises a plug-in device carrying at least one first electrical contact or a plurality of first electrical contacts and a plug-in element carrying at least one second electrical contact or a large number of second electrical contacts, the first contacts being used to implement the electrical connection the second contacts can be brought into active connection. The electrical contacts are connected to corresponding connecting lines. For the electrical coupling of the plug device and plug element, the electrical contacts of the plug device are brought into operative connection with the electrical contacts on the plug element by inserting the plug element into the plug device. This is done by the contacts lying flat together. According to the invention, this is achieved by the curved design of the contact surfaces on the plug-in device or on the plug-in element as lubricating surfaces, which are oriented at an angle to the axis of insertion of the plug-in element into the plug-in device when viewed in cross section of the device. When viewed in cross-section, the contact surfaces in the form of lubricating surfaces, which can be described and brought into operative connection with one another by the electrical contacts of the plug-in element and the plug-in device, are preferably curved or arcuate, or can be described by at least one circular arc, such that the contact between the electrical contacts of the individual elements is retained even in the case of a theoretically possible relative movement of the plug element with respect to the plug device in the direction of the insertion axis of small size, which can be characterized by the theoretically permissible longitudinal play, ie the electrical contacts at least partially touch. The sliding surfaces on the plug-in element can be described by at least two different radii. The plug contacts of the plug device which are complementary to the plug element are preferably circular in cross section and form the contact surface which is complementary to the sliding surface on the plug element and which can be described by only one radius.

The alignment taking place at an angle to the insertion axis and the arcuate configuration enable a high contact pressure to be provided even with a small force on the plug element.

The cross-sectional area of the sliding surfaces on the plug-in element are created in the form of a toggle lever when viewed in cross section. This forms forging surfaces in the coupling area, which enable the realization of an electrical contact through surface contact. The electrical contacts are arranged on the sliding surfaces or are formed by the plug element when it is made of an electrically conductive material. The connecting lines extend in the electrical plug-in element up to the sliding surfaces and, when coupled to the plug-in device, come into operative connection with the contacts contained therein.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible to produce electrical contacts in a simple and reliable manner. Due to the design of the areas that come into active connection with surface contact, the force required to generate and maintain the contact can be kept considerably lower compared to the designs known from the prior art. The toggle lever effect enables a safe contact in the case of large vibrations occurring in the axial direction when used in electric clutches. in the direction of the theoretical connecting axis of the rail vehicles to be coupled to one another by means of the automatic train coupling. The geometrical design of the plug element with toggle lever and sliding surfaces with a complementary arrangement and design of the contact surfaces of the plug device which are circular in cross section in the theoretically possible contact area furthermore enables the realization of a short coupling path. The contact path in the axial direction is considerably less than the designs known in the prior art. Since most of the total frictional resistance occurs at the contact point, the coupling and separation energy can be kept low.

Another advantage is that, due to the small coupling path and the surface contact, the friction path can also be kept low due to the short plug path. The relative movement of the contact surfaces on the plug element relative to the contact surfaces in the plug is determined, as a result of which a self-cleaning effect is achieved.

• a) Ausführung der Schmiegeflächen in Bezug auf die theoretische Einführachse mit einem bestimmten Radius r in Umfangsrichtung
• b) Ausführung der Schmiegeflächen bezogen auf die theoretische Einführachse als ebene Flächen in Umfangsrichtung der Rotationsachse.

The plug-in device and plug-in element preferably have a large number of electrical contacts. In this case, the plug-in device and the plug-in element have a corresponding number of plug-in element segments or plug-in device segments, each of which carries the contacts. There are a multitude of possibilities for the design of the plug element and the plug device. With regard to the geometry, they can be subdivided into a so-called rotationally symmetrical arrangement or flat arrangement in a view in the direction of insertion of the plug element into the plug. In the flat arrangement, the plug device and the plug element have one essentially rectangular cross-section. In the planar arrangement, the plug element and plug device are designed in a view in the direction of insertion of the plug element into the plug device with respect to the insertion axis essentially rotationally symmetrically. In the former case, the sliding surfaces are designed in a direction parallel to the insertion axis of the plug element into the plug device, the surfaces preferably not being curved in this direction. Accordingly, the complementary contact surfaces in the plug device are executed. In the second case, there are essentially two options for executing the contact surfaces in the circumferential direction of the insertion axis of the plug element in the plug:

• a) Execution of the forging surfaces with a certain radius r in the circumferential direction with respect to the theoretical insertion axis
• b) Execution of the sliding surfaces with respect to the theoretical insertion axis as flat surfaces in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis.

The latter option offers the advantage of easier production.

Since the contacts can only be realized via the configuration of the forging surfaces, other less expensive materials can also be used as carrier materials for the electrical contacts. The execution of the individual segments from plastic is conceivable. In the event that the segments consist entirely of a metallic material, insulation must be provided

In a further aspect of the invention, the plug-in device has a socket which is designed as a spring clip segment and which supports the plug-in device segments elastically. The plug-in device segments are also viewed in cross-section, can be subdivided into at least three partial areas, a first partial area which is designed as a projection and which engages in the bulge of the socket, a second partial area which carries the electrical contacts and a third partial area which is connected to the toggle lever of the plug-in element has a complementary contour, however, with a larger dimension and thus enables a form-fit entrainment of the plug-in element under certain operating conditions.

The form-fitting engagement of the plug element in the plug device due to the geometrical design of the plug element and plug device, in particular in the area of the contact to be realized in the form of conforming contact surfaces and the toggle lever, an electrical connection can be reliably established even at high plug speeds or in the case of stiffness. In analogy, this statement also applies to the separation process. The geometric configuration also makes it possible for an electrical contact to be reliably established in the axial direction within the interlocking play of the electric coupling, even with large vibrations. If the separation speed is high, the contact is returned to its starting position by positive locking.

In another aspect of the invention, the socket is preferably designed to be open on the side facing away from the insertion side of the plug element. Together with the V-shaped design of the individual segments, there is thus the possibility of easy removal of deposits, e.g. Dust, sand e.t.c.

The device designed according to the invention for realizing an electrical connection is versatile. A preferred use is for those applications in which high contact forces are to be provided with a small plug force. An example of this are electric coupling devices that can be used in automatic train couplings.

Fig. 1a

verdeutlicht eine erfindungsgemäß gestaltete Vorrichtung zur Realisierung einer elektrischen Verbindung mit rotationssymetrisch aufgebauten Steckelement und Steckeinrichtung;

Fig. 1b

zeigt eine Ansicht I-I gemäß Figur 1a;

Fig. 1c

verdeutlicht eine Ansicht II-II gemäß Figur 1a;

Fig. 2

verdeutlicht eine erfindungsgemäß gestaltete Vorrichtung zur Realisierung einer elektrischen Verbindung in Flachanordnung;

Fig. 2b

zeigt eine Ansicht I-I gemäß Figur 1a;

Fig. 2c

verdeutlicht eine Ansicht II-II gemäß Figur 1a;

Fig. 3

verdeutlicht eine alternative Ausführungsform.

The solution according to the invention is explained below with reference to figures. The following is shown in detail:

Fig. 1a

illustrates a device designed according to the invention for realizing an electrical connection with a rotationally symmetrical plug element and plug device;

Fig. 1b

shows a view II of Figure 1a;

Fig. 1c

illustrates a view II-II according to Figure 1a;

Fig. 2

illustrates a device designed according to the invention for realizing an electrical connection in a flat arrangement;

Fig. 2b

shows a view II of Figure 1a;

Fig. 2c

illustrates a view II-II according to Figure 1a;

Fig. 3

illustrates an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 1 a illustrates an embodiment of a device designed according to the invention for realizing an electrical connection 1, comprising a plug device 3 carrying first electrical contacts 2 and a plug element 5 carrying second electrical contacts 4, which by coupling an electrical connection between the plug device and the plug device 3 and the plug element 5 connected or connected to these electrical line systems, here representative 6a and 6d for the electrical contacts 2a and 2d of the plug device 3 and 7a and 7d for the electrical contacts 4a and 4d of the plug element 5.

The connector 3 carries six electrical contacts in the case shown. These are shown in FIG. 1c in a view from above of the plug-in device 3 as shown in FIG. 1a and labeled 2a-2f. The plug element 5 carries the complementary electrical contacts 4a to 4f which can be brought into operative connection with them, as shown in view II according to FIG. 1a in FIG. 1c. For this purpose, the plug device 3 is divided into six plug device segments 3a to 3f and the plug element into six plug element segments 5a to 5f. These segments can be made of plastic. Only in the area of the contact surfaces are they then coated with an electrical contact material to implement the function, which is connected to the electrical connecting lines 6a to 6f or 7a to 7f. However, it is also possible to manufacture the individual segments, plug-in element segments 5a to 5f and plug-in device segments 3a to 3f entirely from an electrically conductive material, for example metallic material, the contact surfaces not requiring any separate coating. In this case, however, appropriate insulation must be provided between the individual segments to ensure functionality and safety.

The coupling is done mechanically and electrically. For the electrical coupling of plug device 3 and plug element 5, the electrical contacts 2 of the plug device 3 are brought into operative connection with the electrical contacts 4 on the plug element 5. This is done by the contacts lying flat against one another. According to the invention, this is achieved by means of sliding surfaces 8 on the plug device or 9 on the plug element 5. According to the invention, the contact surfaces which can be described and can be brought into operative connection with one another by the electrical contacts 4a to 4f of the plug-in element and 2a to 2f of the plug-in device are designed as sliding surfaces 8a to 8f or 9a to 9f in cross section such that the contact between the electrical contacts 4a to 4f and 2a to 2f even with a theoretically possible relative movement from plug element 5 to plug device 3 of small size (longitudinal play compensation) in the direction of the insertion axis A of plug element 5 into plug device 3. Over a certain distance when the plug element 5 is displaced with respect to the plug device 3 in the direction of the insertion axis A, there is thus a flat contact of the sliding surfaces 8a to 8f and thus the electrical contacts 2a to 2f coupled to them or arranged thereon with the contacts complementary thereto of the plug element 5 9a to 9f. For this purpose, at least the course of the slide surfaces on one of the two elements - plug-in element 5 or plug-in device -, preferably the slide surfaces 9a to 9f on the plug-in element 5, can be described by at least two different radii, - preferably the slide surfaces 9a to 9f are characterized by a hyperbola. , while for the other element the cross-section can be described by a radius when viewed in cross-section. The electrical contacts 2a to 2f complementary to the plug-in element 5 or the fusible surfaces 8a to 8f on the plug-in device 3, which can be described in terms of their cross-section, are preferably circular and form the abutment surfaces on the male element 5 which are complementary to the lubricating surface 9a to 9f and which are characterized by only have a radius described. The contact surfaces of the electrical contacts, viewed in the coupled state of plug device 3 and plug element 5, are oriented at an angle to the insertion axis A.

Due to the flat contact of the contacts 2a to 2f on the contacts 4a to 4f at an angle to the insertion axis A, all that is required to press the plug-in element 5 is a force component which is oriented perpendicular to the sliding surfaces 8a-8f or 9a to 9f. The total force to be applied in the direction of the insertion axis A compared to conventional designs with pin and socket can thus be kept considerably lower. The contact path and thus also the friction path, which is determined by the electrical contact surfaces sliding on one another, in the direction of the insertion axis is also considerably shortened compared to conventional designs. Since the largest part of the total frictional resistance during the coupling and release process at the contact points, i.e. the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts, the required coupling and separation energy can be kept very small.

The plug element 5 is designed in its end region 10 in the direction of insertion of the plug element 5 into the plug device 3 in cross section in the individual segments 5a to 5f in the form of a toggle lever. The geometric design as a toggle lever offers, in addition to the cross-sectionally curved configuration of the sliding surfaces 9a-9f, the advantage that when the plug device 3 is designed in the coupling area with a correspondingly larger recess complementary to the toggle lever, a larger dimension during the disconnection process, that is to say the loosening of the electrical connection at a high disconnection speed Carried into the starting position. For this purpose, the plug-in device 3 comprises a socket 11, which is designed as a spring clip segment and in which the individual plug-in device segments 2a to 2f are elastically supported and supported. The individual plug-in device segments 3a to 3f are V-shaped in a view II-II according to FIG. 1a as shown in FIG. 1c, the end regions 12.1a, 12.1b-12.6a, 12.6b of the individual legs 12.1 to 12.6 in a bulge 13 the version 11 intervene. Viewed in cross-section, as shown in FIG. 1a, each segment 3a to 3f can be subdivided into at least three partial areas, a first partial area 14 which is designed as a projection and which engages in the bulge 13 of the holder 11, a second partial area 15 which the electrical contacts 2 carries and a third portion 16, which has a complementary to the toggle of the plug-in element 5 but with a larger dimension and thus allows a positive entrainment of the plug-in element 5 under certain conditions of use. The socket 11 is preferably designed to be open on the side facing away from the insertion side of the plug element 5. Together with the V-shaped design of the individual segments 3a to 3f, there is therefore the possibility of easily removing deposits, such as dust, sand, etc

The device for realizing an electrical plug connection 1 shown in FIGS. 1 is a design with a circular contour in the view of the insertion axis A viewed in the insertion direction. For this purpose, the individual elements - plug-in element 5 and plug-in device 3 are preferably designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical about the insertion axis A. This means that the individual electrical contacts 2a to 2f of the plug-in device 3 or 4a to 4f of the plug-in element 5, viewed in the circumferential direction around the insertion axis A, are arranged at uniform intervals from one another. Other designs are also conceivable, but should only be aimed for in special applications. The sliding surfaces 8a-8f of the plug-in device and the sliding surfaces 9a to 9f of the plug-in element, viewed in the circumferential direction to the insertion axis, are aligned in this direction in FIGS. 1 and are straight. There is also the possibility, not shown here, of aligning the sliding surfaces in the circumferential direction with respect to the insertion axis A on a specific diameter.

FIGS. 2a to 2c illustrate a further embodiment of a device designed according to the invention for realizing an electrical connection 1.2 in a flat arrangement. The basic structure corresponds essentially to that described in FIG. 1, which is why the same reference numerals are used for the same elements. The flat arrangement is characterized in that plug device 3.2 and plug element 5.2 can be described by a rectangular contour in a view from above, ie on the insertion axis A. The sliding surfaces 8a.2 and 8b.2 of the plug-in device 3.2 are designed in the form of a circular arc when viewed in cross section of the device 1.2. The view from above according to FIG. 2b illustrates an embodiment of the forging surfaces parallel to the insertion axis or a plane which can be described by the insertion axis A and a perpendicular to the latter.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a device for realizing an electrical connection 1.3, in which the elements of the plug element 5.3 forming the contact surfaces are each formed by a spring clip.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1.2, 1.3

Device for realizing an electrical connection

2

electrical contacts on the connector

3, 3.2, 3.3

plug-in device

3a-3f

Socket device segments

4, 4a-4f

electrical contacts on the plug element

5, 5.2, 5.3

plug-in element

5a-5f

Plug element segments

6, 6a, 6d

electrical connections on the contacts of the connector

7, 7a, 7d

electrical connections on the contacts of the plug element

8a-8f

Lubricating surfaces on the plug device

9a-9f

Lubricating surfaces on the plug element

10

end

11

version

12.1-12.6

Leg of the connector segments

12.1a, 12.1b - 12.6a, 12.6b

End areas of the legs

13

bulge

14

first section

15

second section

16

third section

Claims (10)

1. Device (1, 1.2, 1.3) for creating an electrical plug connection,
   comprising a socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3) with at least one or a plurality of first electrical contacts (2, 2a - 2f), which can be brought into active connection with second electrical contacts (4a - 4f) of a plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3) complementary thereto by insertion to produce mutual contact between the contact surfaces,
   the said contact surfaces being formed as bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) with a curved cross-section,
   the cross-sections of the bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) on the plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3) and the socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3) being shaped in a circular arc,
   and at least the bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) of the plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3) or the socket device (3, 3.3, 3.3) being in each case describable by at least two different radii in such manner that, even when a relative movement of selectable magnitude occurs between the plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3) and the socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3), at least partial areal contact between the bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) of the plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3) and the socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3) is ensured,
   characterised by the following features:

   the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts (2a - 2f, 4a - 4f) of the socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3) and the plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3), viewed in cross-section, are directed at an angle to the theoretical insertion axis A of the plug element (5, 5.2, 5.3) into the socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3).
2. Device for creating an electrical plug connection according to Claim 1,
   characterised by the following feature:

   viewed from above along the insertion axis A, the plug element (5.2) and the socket device (3.2) have an essentially rectangular cross-section.
3. Device for creating an electrical plug connection according to Claim 2,
   characterised by the following features:

   with respect to a plane in which the insertion axis A lies, the plug element (5.2) and the socket device (3.2) are formed symmetrically;

   the orientation of the bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) being parallel to the said plane.
4. Device for creating an electric plug connection according to any of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterised by the following features:

   the plug element (5) comprises a plurality of plug element segments (5a - 5f);

   the socket device (3) comprises a plurality of socket device segments (3a - 3f);

   the segments (5a - 5f, 3a - 3f) are arranged in the direction circumferential with respect to the insertion axis A in a rotationally symmetrical manner.
5. Device for creating an electrical plug connection according to Claim 4,
   characterised by the following feature:

   the bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) are orientated along the direction circumferential to the insertion axis A and are formed flat in this direction.
6. Device for creating an electrical plug connection according to Claim 4,
   characterised by the following feature:

   the bevel surfaces (8a - 8f, 9a - 9f) are orientated along the direction circumferential

   to the insertion axis A and are formed curved in this direction.
7. Device for creating an electrical plug connection according to any of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterised by the following features:

   the socket device (3, 3.2, 3.3) comprises a casing (11) that provides elastic support for the socket device segments (3a - 3f);

   each of the segments (3a - 3f) can be divided into three part-zones, a first part-zone (14) that engages in the casing in a form-enclosed way, a second part-zone (15) which carries the electrical contacts and a third part-zone (16), which comprises a recess complementary to the contour of the plug element in the coupling area but is of larger size, for the form-enclosed locking of the plug element.
8. Device for creating an electrical plug connection according to Claim 7,
   characterised by the following feature:

   in the third part-zone (16) the socket device segments (3a - 3f) comprise two limbs forming a V-shape, which are supported inside the casing (11).
9. Electro-coupling device for an automatic train coupling,
   characterised in that
   it comprises at least one device for creating an electrical plug connection according to any of Claims 1 to 8.
10. Automatic train coupling,
    characterised in that
    it comprises an electro-coupling device according to Claim 9.