EP1302381B1 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A pluggable connector (100) has a carrier plate (2) arranged transversely to the plug-in direction, the carrier plate having a number of contacts (3,5,7,9) and a corresponding number of complementary contacts (4,6,8,10), in which the contacts (3,5,7,9) on the one hand and the complementary contacts (4,6,8,10) on the other hand are arranged symmetrically to a perpendicular mirror-image axis (19).

Description

The present invention relates to a connector, in particular for manufacturing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies of a rail vehicle. Such a plug-in connector, which is the nearest to the stand Technique is known from CH-A-424906.

A connector, in particular for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies of a rail vehicle, is basically from the Rail vehicle technology known. The German patent DE 19 926 058 A1, for example describes an Eletro contact coupling for central buffer couplings in rail vehicles, this coupling being particularly useful for dog clutches, e.g. B. the Design "AAR", "Janney" or the type "Willison" are suitable.

Depending on the design of the mechanical coupling, there is a whole series of differently configured cable couplings. In the German patent DE For example, 499 955, the electrical contact coupling is fixed to the mechanical coupling connected. In the German patent DE 927445 is the electrical contact coupling with respect to the mechanical coupling listed pivotally, wherein in the patent DE 2 414 384 A1 discloses an electrical contact coupling which is parallel to the mechanical coupling axis is displaceable, is described.

The dome heads of the mechanical couplings of said prior art have at the front end a plane, arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis abutting surface or Face on, with the corresponding abutting surface of the counter coupling for use come. The data signals and power cables are project specific designed electrical contact couplings, also referred to as E-boxes be transferred. These electrical contact couplings are below or laterally arranged the mechanical short coupling. The project-oriented execution of this Electric contact couplings in the shape of the E-boxes of said state of As a rule, technology provides individual solutions for training and arrangement an electrical contact coupling there. For example, a change in the line arrangement, What may often happen in the project phase but also in later operation is in the Usually only with considerable technical and economic effort and often only with Restrictions implemented.

The present invention is based on the problem, such, in particular the vehicle technology known connector, but preferably not exclusively for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies of a Rail vehicle, such that the connector universal and not more project-oriented can be used. Especially in rail vehicle technology prepare the previously used electrical contact couplings for energy and / or signal transmission certain problems, in so far as project-oriented and special Execution in the form of E-boxes to handle the entire arrangement inflexible is. For example, the replacement of defective connectors, but also a change of contact types, for example during the project phase or later Operation, so far only feasible by replacing the entire electrical contact coupling becomes.

On the basis of the described problem, the present invention was the The object is a connector for establishing an electrical connection, in particular for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies a railway vehicle of the type mentioned in such a way, that the connector is universal and for a wide range of different requirements is usable, whereby project-specific changes of contact types also during the company realized quickly and without much effort of costs or material can be.

This object is achieved in a connector of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. A carrier plate is arranged transversely to the direction of insertion and has a number of contacts and corresponding number of complementary contacts, wherein the contacts on the one hand and the complementary contacts, on the other hand, symmetrical to a vertical mirror axis are arranged.

The solution according to the invention contrasts with a number of significant advantages the known from the prior art and explained above connector. By using a carrier plate as a basic carrier is achieved that the technical Execution of the electrical contact coupling independent of the respective application is feasible. On the basis of the carrier plate is achieved that the executed electrical plug connection no longer, as usual, in closed and project specific constructed e-boxes are executed. This is a basic requirement that it is possible for the user, based on this carrier plate different Variably arrange connectors. The connector of the present invention is thus available as a modular design. The contacts and associated complementary contacts are symmetrical in this embodiment to a vertical mirror axis arranged. In this version, two identical connectors can be coupled together without having to distinguish whether the connector is as projecting part or designed as a receiving part.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

A constructive realization for the contacts or complementary contacts exists in that one for making an electrical connection is a male connector assembly (Industrial connection) is chosen, which has already proven itself in the industry. Of course, other design measures are also conceivable here.

Preferably, the contacts and complementary contacts are arranged on the carrier plate. This facilitates on the one hand the production of such connectors, since the Carrier plate as a basic carrier in combination with the contacts and complementary contacts can be manufactured as a module. On the other hand protects the carrier plate in this Embodiment the contacts and complementary contacts against mechanical loads, such as pulling forces occurring transversely to the connector, since the carrier plate derives these forces from the electrical contacts.

An advantageous embodiment of the connector is that the contacts and complementary contacts received in the corresponding holes in the carrier plate are. In this embodiment, the integration of the contacts or complementary contacts in the carrier plate particularly easy to implement. As a rule, if standard components of the industry are used which are commonly used Contacts or complementary contacts already for inclusion in a hole arrangement executed. A fastening device of the contacts or complementary contacts for an integration in the form of a hole arrangements is therefore already in most cases available. As a result, in the production of the connector according to the invention recourse to standard contacts or complementary contacts be, whereby the manufacturing cost of such connector significantly reduced becomes. Furthermore, a hole arrangement provides a good mechanical hold the Contact or complementary contacts. Especially with mechanically stressed Connections is the connector according to the invention can be used in this embodiment, because here the mechanical load of the electrical contacts and complementary contacts can be largely reduced and possibly occurring lateral forces be forwarded directly to the carrier plate via the hole arrangement.

Preferably, the contacts and complementary contacts are from the back of the carrier plate accessible. About industrial connections can in this embodiment on rear open end the cables are connected to the individual connectors. On the one hand, this design provides a physical separation of different ones To carry out contact types particularly well. For example, data signal lines be connected to these contacts or complementary contacts, the as far away from the contacts or complementary contacts that lie with cable lines are connected. This will affect the data signals through the possibly pulsed power cables significantly reduced. On the other hand, it is possible to and connect data lines to shielded contacts. By accessibility the contacts or complementary contacts of the back of the carrier plate is the further possible, possibly defective plug connections to exchange. So it has to be in In this case, no longer the entire electrical contact coupling to be replaced, as it is was common in connectors of the known type. In particular, an accessibility proves the contacts and complementary contacts from the back of the carrier plate then as an advantage if contact types have to be changed during operation. Especially This is a common process in the project phase. The modular embodiment The connector according to the invention enables the user to different Variably arrange or replace plug-in connections.

In a possible embodiment of the connector according to the invention is a Centering device for self-centering two when making the connector executed to be coupled together connector. For this purpose, two Zentrierorgane provided on the connector, which in the coupling process with the complementary Centering of the verkuppelnden connector in conjunction to step. The advantage of this embodiment is that occurring during the coupling process Transverse forces are largely avoided, creating a mechanical load the contacts or the complementary contacts is kept as small as possible. Advantageous is in this embodiment that the centering device during the coupling process works independently, making the coupling process largely independent expires without effort and special attention on the part of the user is to perform.

A constructive realization of the centering used in the centering is that a centering pin or complementary centering used becomes. Both Zentrierorgane are preferably mirror-symmetrical on the support plate arranged. The advantage of this embodiment is that centering pins or centering bushes have already been tried as Zentrierorgane, so resorting to technical experience can be and additionally in the production of the inventive Connector can be used on standard components. Because of that two Zentrierorgane (centering pin, centering) symmetrical to the vertical Longitudinal plane of the contact mirror of the support plate are arranged, is further given the modular design of the entire connector.

Another advantage proves that the contacts or complementary contacts of the invention Connector can represent any contact types. So can For example, lines for transmission of energy, air pressure lines, signal lines or lines are connected for transmission of data. There are Both fiber optic contacts or complementary contacts as well as contacts or Complementary contacts for TV signals and video signals without any effort in the invention Plug connector can be integrated. Especially when using the connector in complex plants, for example in rapid transit trains, it is increasing Mass required to transmit a large number of signals and data whereby more and more fiber-optic transmission means are used. This is the connector according to the invention in this embodiment, especially for such complex systems with large data transfer suitable.

When using the connector according to the invention to car bodies by means of so-called "short couplings" coupled to each other, there is a constructive realization in that on guide rods, which run in the direction of insertion, a sliding movement the connector is permitted in the plugging direction. This is a simple one and found favorable training and arrangement, the connector according to the invention with the mechanical short couplings used in rail vehicle technology to combine. Of course, here are other constructive measures conceivable.

When using the connector according to the invention in combination with the mechanical short couplings, it proves to be an advantage, a regenerative attenuator to use, which is the sliding movement of the connector during the coupling process attenuates. The attenuator makes it possible that the coupling of the Connectors without special effort or attention of the user can be carried out. The realization of this attenuator can, for example by a spring, but also by a gas-hydraulic buffer, etc. take place. in this connection can be resorted to already proven attenuators. Of course But other constructive measures are conceivable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connector comprises a locking device, which an unintentional release of the connector after the coupling process prevented. In particular for the use of the connector in plants, the strong mechanical forces, such as vibrations are exposed, is such Locking device useful to the operation of the durchgekuppelten connectors to guarantee and thereby ensure operational safety at all times.

A constructive realization of a locking device is that a hook and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrically arranged eyelet is used. These Type of locking device is a standard component and already in many applications tested. Due to the mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the eyelet and the hook The modular design of the connector is also given. Of course they are here also other constructive measures conceivable.

The advantages and expediencies of the invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the figures clearly.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht des Kontaktspiegels der Trägerplatte bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht von zwei gekuppelten Steckverbindern gemäss der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a front view of the contact surface of the support plate in a preferred embodiment of the connector according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a side view of two coupled connectors according to the embodiment of Fig. 1st

Fig. 1 shows a front view of the contact surface of a support plate (2) of an inventive Connector (100) in a preferred embodiment in a not shown car body, which by means of a so-called "close coupling" (also not shown) is provided. This embodiment is for example in a car body a multi-unit vehicle, such as a rail vehicle, a S-Bahn train or a tram train, to be found. The support plate (2) has a Variety of contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and a plurality of complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10). The contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are in the contact mirror of the carrier plate (2) on both sides of the vertical mirror axis (19) arranged symmetrically. In the illustrated embodiment, these contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) or complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) each as self-contained plug-in modules which are available as standard components of the prior art are. To accommodate the plug-in modules in the support plate 2 are holes (11 to 18), which are drilled in the carrier plate (2).

The contact (4) and the associated complementary contact (3) is used in this embodiment the transmission of electrical energy. At the contact (6) and the corresponding Complementary contact (5) each have 14 connections available. These connections are used for data transmission. The contact (10) or Complementary contact (9) sees a shielded data transmission on each 22 individual connections in front. The data transmission takes place via one data bus line each. to Shielding of the contacts used for data transmission (10) and the corresponding thereto Complementary contacts (9) serves a (not shown) shield the respective plug-in modules. Furthermore, the contact (8) and the associated complementary contact (7) a terminal for a power transmission. In the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment of the connector (100) according to the invention is a physical separation of the different types of contact performed. Thus, a possible influence on the data signals transmitted via the contact modules (8, 10 or 7, 9) run through the terminals for power transmission via the contact modules (4, 3) done, largely reduced.

Furthermore, the connector 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a centering device provided for self-centering. The centering device consists of a centering pin (21) and a mirror axis to the symmetrically arranged centering bushing (20). At the Making the connection between two connectors (100) or (101) engages the Centering pin (21) or the centering bush (20) in the centering bush (20) (not shown) or the centering pin (21) (not shown) of the complementary centering device the other connector (101) or (100). This is when pairing two connectors (100) and (101) achieved a self-centering.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 of the connector (100) with a locking device (26, 27) for preventing unintentional Loosened the connector after the coupling process equipped. In the illustrated Embodiment, the locking device (26, 27) consists of a hook (26) and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrically arranged eyelet (27). Either Hook (26) and eye (27) are standard components and as a locking device in different Applications tested.

The connector (100) is connected via guide rods (22, 23) to the (not shown) Car body connected. Based on the side view of the embodiment shown here the connector (100) according to the invention are shown in Fig. 2 in greater detail with respect to the guide rods (22, 23) explained.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of the connector shown in Fig. 1 (100) dar. In this form of representation will be seen that on the support plate (2) arranged centering device is a socket-pin device. It can be seen here in the foreground the outside of the centering bushing (20), whereby the corresponding, on the mirror-symmetrical side of the support plate (2) mounted centering pin (21) is almost completely obscured. Therefore, in this view, only the top of Recognize centering pin (21).

The support plate (2) is further provided with a lateral stiffener (28). At this Stiffener (28) is attached to the hook (26) of the locking device. On the in the Side view of Fig. 2 unrecognizable opposite stiffener (29) is located the corresponding locking device in the form of an eyelet (27).

The support plate (1) via the guide rods (22, 23) to the not shown Close coupling of the car body connected. Due to the selected in Fig. 2 side view of the connector (100), the guide rod (23) can not be seen because they is covered by the guide rod (22). Both guide rods (22, 23) extend in Plug-in direction (1) and allow a sliding movement of the connector (100) in the insertion direction to. To damp this sliding movement during the coupling process is a regenerative Attenuator (24, 25) (obscuring the attenuator (25)). How to is recognized, in the illustrated embodiment, a spring device as Attenuator used.

The side view of the embodiment of the connector (100) according to the invention illustrates that the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10), which are accommodated in the carrier plate (2), from the rear side of the carrier plate (2) are accessible. About industrial connections are at the rear open end at the Back of the carrier plate (2) the cables (cables, fiber optic fiber optic cables, etc.) connected to the individual plug-in modules.

This design allows the user to variably connect different lines to the Connect connector (100). A possibly defective line can thus without great Expenditure to be exchanged. Furthermore, there is a change of contact types also after installation of the connector (100) in the system (for example in a close coupling a rail vehicle) without any difficulty by simply exchanging individual Plug-in modules or contacts to realize.

3 shows a side view of two coupled connectors (100) and (101), respectively. according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. In this coupled position, the connectors (100) and (101) by means of the hook (26) and the eyelet (27) arrested.

During the coupling process, a self-centering occurred by the centering bushing (20) has received the centering pin (21) of the respective connector (100) or (101).

By with respect to the mirror axis (19) symmetrical structure of the respective connector (100) and (101) may be the modular arrangement for transmitting data signals and electrical energy used clutch can be implemented.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug-in direction

2

support plate

3

plug

4

Rifle

5

plug

6

Rifle

7

plug

8th

Rifle

9

plug

10

Rifle

11 to 18

hole

19

mirror axis

20

centering

21

Centering

22

guide rod

23

guide rod

24

Regenerative Attenuator

25

Regenerative Attenuator

26

hook

27

eyelet

28

stiffening

29

stiffening

100

Connectors

101

Connectors

Claims (10)

1. A plug-in connector (100, 101), particularly to provide an electrical connection between adjoining waggons of a rail vehicle, having a carrier plate (2) transverse to the plugging direction with multiple contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and an equal number of complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10), whereby the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) on the one side and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) on the other side are arranged symmetrically to the vertical axis of symmetry (19), and whereby the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are freely accessible from the back of the carrier plate (2), and have guide rods (22, 23) running in the plugging direction (1) which allow the plug-in connector (101) to slide in the plugging direction (1).
   characterised by
   a bracing element (28) on the carrier plate (2) via which the carrier plate (2) is connected in a sliding manner to the guide rods (22, 23).
2. A plug-in connector according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are constructed as sockets.
3. A plug-in connector according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and/or the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are located on the carrier plate (2).
4. A plug-in connector according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and/or the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are located in corresponding holes (11, 13, 15, 17, 12, 14, 16, 18) in the carrier plate (2).
5. A plug-in connector according to any of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterised by
   a centering device for self-centering two connectors (100, 101) which are coupled together to form a connection, with two centering elements (20, 21) which connect with the complementary centering device of the other connector (100, 101).
6. A plug-in connector according to Claim 5,
   characterised in that
   the centering elements (20, 21) consist of a centering pin (21) and a centering bush (20) located on the carrier plate (2) symmetrical to the axis of symmetry (19).
7. A plug-in connector according to any of the foregoing Claims,
   characterised in that
   the contacts (3, 5, 7, 9) and the complementary contacts (4, 6, 8, 10) are designed as terminals for the transmission of power, signals, compressed air and data.
8. A plug-in connector according to any of the foregoing Claims,
   characterised by
   a regenerative attenuator (24, 25) which dampens the sliding movement of the connector (100, 101) during coupling.
9. A plug-in connector according to any of the foregoing Claims,
   characterised by
   a stopping device (26, 27) to prevent the connector accidentally being detached after the coupling procedure.
10. A plug-in connector according to Claim 9,
    characterised in that
    the stopping device (26, 27) has a hook (26) and a corresponding eye (27) arranged in mirror symmetry.

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