EP1741611B1 - Coupling device for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupling device (1) has a carrier device, an interface unit (2) with connecting elements and a protective cap (4) for an access point (2.1) connected to an operating device (6) with an operating element (6.1). The turning axis of the operating element is arranged so that the turning motion of the protective cap has a component perpendicular to the contact surface (2.3) between the protective cap and the interface unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling device for vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, with a carrier device, an interface unit which is connected to the carrier device and has connection elements, a protective cap for covering an access to the connection elements of the interface unit and an activation device connected to the protective cap for the method of Protective cap between a first position in which the protective cap covers the access, and a second position in which the cap releases the access, wherein the carrier device and the interface unit are movable in a first direction relative to each other, the actuating device for operation by the relative movement between is formed of the support means and the interface unit, the actuator comprises at least on one side of the protective cap only one cap carrying the actuator, and the Betä Tilting element is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis on the support means.

In addition to mechanical forces, electrical energy and electrical or optical signals must in many cases also be transmitted between coupled rail vehicles. This is usually done via a so-called Elektrokontakt- or cable coupling. In order not to suspend the cable coupling halves possible shocks when coupling the vehicles, the cable coupling halves are usually coupled together only when the central buffer clutches of the two rail vehicles are already mechanically closed.

When the cable coupling halves are brought into contact with each other, the housings of the cable coupling halves to be coupled are precisely brought together with the aid of centering devices, and the sealing surfaces are then pressed against the housing front frame in such a way that a reliable seal against the environment is achieved. When uncoupled, a protective cover covers access to the connection elements or contacts of the cable coupling. As a result, the housing interior, in particular held therein and under tension connection elements, to be protected against contact and contamination.

A generic coupling device is for example from the DE-OS 1 904 511 known. In this coupling device, the pivot axis of the cap carrying the actuating element is arranged offset far to the rear perpendicular to the contact surface between the cap and the interface unit. This has the consequence that the protective cap immediately upon opening or closing mainly performs a movement component parallel to the contact surface between the protective cap and the interface unit.

Although this coupling device has the advantage that a high translation of the movement is achieved by the large distance between the protective cap and the articulation point of the actuating element on the carrier device, so that a relatively large movement of the protective cap can be achieved with a relatively small positioning movement of the interface device. This ensures that the protective cap is moved sufficiently quickly out of the linear movement space of the interface device, so that the interface device can continue to travel undisturbed in the direction of the further interface device to be coupled with it.

In this generic coupling device, however, there is the problem that only a comparatively poor sealing of the connection elements of the interface device is achieved by the mainly tangential to the sealing surface movement of the cap when opening or closing or a relatively high wear of the sealing elements in the sealing surface in purchase must be taken.

Another coupling device with such a protective cap is for example from the DE 196 21 083 A1 known. The protective cap is arranged here pivotable about a fixed axis on the housing of the cable coupling half. The cable coupling half is moved forward for coupling via a drive relative to its carrier. In this case, a control pin fixedly connected to the carrier engages in a sliding guide of the protective cap in order to open it or to close it in the opposite direction. The simple pivotal mounting of the protective cap on the housing of the cable coupling half has the disadvantage that prevail when loosening the cap from its seat on the housing as well as the application of the cap on their seat on the housing relatively unfavorable relative movement conditions. The relative movement has a strong component tangential to the contact surface. This is on the one hand relatively wear-prone for the seals provided in the contact area, on the other hand, it is comparatively complicated in these kinematic conditions to ensure a sufficient sealing force in the contact area. Both have a detrimental effect on the achievable seal.

Similar problems exist in the coupling device consisting of the and the DE 195 01 009 A1 is known. There, the cap is pivotally held on both sides of a hinged to the housing of the cable coupling half lever arm, which subtracts the cap almost tangentially upwards from the contact surface. Another disadvantage of this arrangement lies in the relatively bulky design of the actuator for the protective cap, which requires comparatively long lever arms and thus comparatively and thus requires a relatively large amount of space.

To counteract the unfavorable kinematic conditions in the immediate opening or closing of the cap, is in the DE 100 15 420 A1 a generic coupling device proposed in which the protective cap is supported and actuated on both sides via two respective lever arms articulated on the housing of the cable coupling half. Although this arrangement achieves more favorable kinematic conditions in the immediate opening or closing of the protective cap with a larger component of movement perpendicular to the contact surface, it is comparatively complex in terms of its design.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a coupling device of the type mentioned, which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above or at least to a lesser extent and in particular a simple design with favorable kinematic conditions in the immediate opening or closing of the cap allows and ensures a robust and reliable coverage of the connection elements of the interface device.

The present invention solves this problem starting from an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features stated in the characterizing part of claim 1.

The present invention is based on the technical teaching that one can achieve a simple design with a favorable kinematic conditions in the immediate opening or closing of the cap and on the other a reliable coverage of the connection elements when the pivot axis of the actuating element arranged on the support means such is that the pivoting movement of the protective cap at its immediate opening or closing mainly has a component of movement perpendicular to the contact surface between the protective cap and the interface unit.

It has been shown that even with such a comparatively simple kinematics with only one actuator in a small space with simple means a movement can be achieved, both a quick removal of the cap from the movement space of the interface unit and a favorable kinematics immediately when opening or closing the cap allows. This ensures on the one hand a good seal and on the other hand a low wear of the sealing elements.

According to the invention, the pivot axis of the actuating element is arranged for this purpose at least in the vicinity of the plane of the contact surface between the protective cap and the interface unit, preferably in the plane of the contact surface between the protective cap and the interface unit.

Due to the mounting of the actuating element and thus also the protective cap on the carrier device, on the one hand, a simple design with optionally only one actuating element, that is, for example, a pivotably mounted lever, can be achieved. On the other hand, thanks to the fact that the protective cap is not held on the interface device whose movement does not necessarily have to follow, a comparatively complex relative movement profile between the protective cap and the interface device can be achieved in a simple manner. This allows in particular the realization of favorable kinematic conditions in the immediate opening or closing of the protective cap. Thus, for example, immediately before closing the protective cap, the pivoting movement of the protective cap can already be completed and the remaining closing movement can be achieved solely by a (for example linear) traversing movement of the interface device.

The actuating device may in principle be designed in any suitable manner in order to achieve the desired movement of the protective cap. Because of the particularly simple design, the actuating device preferably comprises a first control element which is designed to cooperate with a second control element, wherein the interaction of the first control element with the second control element causes an actuation of the actuating device under mutual relative movement. The first control and the second control can then interact, for example in the manner of a slotted guide and thus cause the desired movement of the protective cap. In particular, all forces acting on the actuating device for actuating the protective cap can be introduced into the protective cap via the two control elements.

Because of the particularly simple design, the first control element is preferably designed in the manner of a projection, while the second control element is designed in the manner of a guideway. So can be easily z. B. achieve complex pivoting movements of the cap. Combined with the movement of the interface device, a comparatively complex profile of the relative movement between the protective cap and the interface device can thus be achieved, which has an advantageous profile, in particular during the immediate opening and closing of the protective cap. In this case, preferably at least one of the controls is designed to be adjustable, for example designed to be twistable and / or displaceable or arranged in order to reduce the manufacturing or assembly costs. Preferably, the first control element is connected to the interface unit, while the second control element is connected to the actuating element. The interface device can then be designed comparatively simple.

In preferred variants of the coupling device according to the invention, it is provided that the first control element has a first control surface and the second control element has a second control surface. The first control surface and the second control surface are arranged such that mutual relative movement of the first control element and the second control element effects a movement of the protective cap from the first position.

The method of the protective cap from the second position out can then be done by other controls. However, it is preferably additionally or alternatively provided that the first control element has a third control surface, while the second control element has a fourth control surface. The third control surface and the fourth control surface are then arranged such that a mutual relative movement of the first control element and the second control element causes a process of the protective cap from the second position. This then results in a particularly compact design with few components to be assembled or manufactured.

In order to realize such a compact design, the second control element is preferably fork-shaped, wherein the second control surface and the fourth control surface are facing each other and are formed on opposite regions of the second control element. The first control element can then be embodied as a simpler-for example, pin-shaped or plate-shaped projection or the like, which forms the first and third control surfaces and engages in the fork of the second control element during actuation.

As mentioned, all actuation forces for the protective cap can be initiated via the control elements. In other advantageous variants of the coupling device according to the invention, however, it is provided that the actuating device comprises a clamping device which biases the protective cap in its first position against a first stop. By such a clamping device on the one hand manufacturing tolerances can be compensated in a simple manner and also can be easily achieved a corresponding sealing force on the contact surface between the cap and the interface device, which then constitutes the first stop.

Preferably, the actuating device is designed in the manner of a bi-stable element with two stable end positions. The tensioning device therefore preferably comprises a spring device, which is articulated on the actuating element and the carrier device in such a way that it traverses a dead center with an at least local maximum of the pretensioning of the spring device when the protective cap moves between the first position and the second position. The spring device is then biased at least in the first position and the second position of the protective cap, so that they represent the two stable end positions. Such an arrangement can be achieved both with a compression spring arrangement and with a tension spring arrangement. However, because of the simpler design of the spring device, tension spring arrangements are preferred.

Preferably, for this purpose, it is provided that the actuating element is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis on the carrier device and the clamping device comprises a spring device which is stretched between a first articulation point on the actuating element and a second articulation point on the carrier device. The connecting line of the first linkage point and the second linkage point cuts the pivot axis of the actuating element when moving the protective cap between the first position and the second position. In the position in which the connecting line and the pivot axis intersect is then the dead center.

In order to achieve a limited movement of the protective cap in the region of the second position of the protective cap in a simple manner, the actuating device preferably comprises a clamping device which biases the protective cap in the vicinity of its second position against a second stop.

In particularly advantageous variants of the coupling device according to the invention it is provided that the actuating device comprises a third control element, which is designed to cooperate with a fourth control element, wherein the interaction the third control element with the fourth control causes biasing the protective cap in its second position against a third stop. As a result, the protective cap can be pressed, for example, against a sealing element which prevents the penetration of dirt into the protective cap, which could then also be transported into the interior of the interface device during the next closing of the protective cap. Preferably, therefore, the third stop is formed as the protective cap against the environment sealing sealing element.

Preferably, the third control is connected to the interface unit while the fourth control is connected to the actuator. It is understood, however, that also a different arrangement can be selected.

In order to achieve a uniformly good sealing by the protective cap, it is preferably provided that the protective cap is arranged pivotably on the actuating element such that a contact force introduced in its first position via the actuating element has a substantially uniform contact area between the protective cap and the interface unit Surface pressure generated.

The present invention can be used for any interface devices. The interface unit preferably comprises electrical and / or optical connection means, since its advantages are particularly effective here.

In particularly simple variants, the interface unit can be moved relative to the carrier device via a drive unit. The drive unit can be a separately controlled drive. However, it is preferably a drive mechanism that draws its energy from the relative movement between components of the vehicles to be coupled.

The present invention can also be used for any type of coupling. Particularly advantageously, the coupling device according to the invention can be used if it is formed as part of a central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, with a coupling device according to the invention.

Figur 1

eine schematische Vorderansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungseinrichtung mit in ihrer ersten Endstellung befindlicher Schutzkappe;

Figur 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Kupplungseinrichtung aus Figur 1 mit in ihrer ersten Endstellung befindlicher Schutzkappe;

Figur 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Kupplungseinrichtung aus Figur 1 in einer Stellung der Schutzkappe kurz nach Durchfahren des Totpunktes;

Figur 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Kupplungseinrichtung aus Figur 1 mit in ihrer zweiten Endstellung befindlicher Schutzkappe.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the subclaims or the following description of a preferred embodiment, which refers to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic front view of a preferred embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention with located in its first end position protective cap;

FIG. 2

a schematic side view of the coupling device FIG. 1 with in its first end position located protective cap;

FIG. 3

a schematic side view of the coupling device FIG. 1 in a position of the protective cap shortly after passing through the dead center;

FIG. 4

a schematic side view of the coupling device FIG. 1 with protective cap in its second end position.

The FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a preferred embodiment of the coupling device 1 according to the invention, which is part of a central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle.

The coupling device 1 comprises an interface unit in the form of an electrical cable coupling 2 with - not shown - electrical connections. The cable coupling 2 is mounted on a carrier device in the form of a carrier 3. The FIGS. 2 to 4 show schematic side views of the coupling device 1 with different positions of a protective cap 4, which in an in FIGS. 1 and 2 shown first end position closes the access 2.1 to the electrical terminals of the cable coupling 2 sealing.

The cable coupling 2 is mounted longitudinally displaceably on the carrier 3. For this purpose, the carrier 3 on two guide rods 3.1, which extend through corresponding slide bushes 2.1 on the cable coupling 2. The cable coupling 2 can be moved linearly by a drive 5 along a first direction 5.1. The drive 5 can be a separately controlled drive. However, it is preferably a drive that derives its energy from the relative movement between the two vehicles to be coupled.

For coupling the cable coupling 2 with a counterpart on a second vehicle, the drive 5 shifts the cable coupling 2 in the first direction 5.1 relative to the carrier 3 from the in FIG. 2 illustrated retracted end position in the direction of the second vehicle. The drive 5 is preferably designed so that the cable coupling 2 only comes into contact with its counterpart on the other vehicle when the mechanical coupling of the two vehicles is already substantially complete, so that the cable coupling 2 as few mechanical shocks or the like through the Coupling process is suspended. Centering 2.2 provide accurate guidance of the cable coupling 2 and its counterpart relative to each other.

In the in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated retracted end position of the cable coupling 2 covers the cap 4, the electrical connections of the cable coupling 2 and thus prevents an unwanted contact with these possibly under voltage electrical connections as well as contamination or other impairment of the connections.

In order to allow coupling with the counterpart on the other vehicle, the protective cap 4 has its in the Figures 1 and 2 be shown out the first end position. This is done via two symmetrically arranged on both sides of the cable coupling 2 actuators 6 by the relative movement along the direction 5.1 between the cable coupling 2 and the carrier. 3

For this purpose, the actuating device 6 comprises an actuating element in the form of a lever 6.1, which is articulated pivotably about an axis perpendicular to the direction 5.1 pivot axis 6.2 on an arm 3.2. The arm 3.2 is rigidly connected to the carrier 3, in other words part of the carrier. 3

The lever 6.1 carries the protective cap 4. For this purpose, the protective cap 4 is articulated in its central region about an axis 4.1 pivotally mounted on the lever 6.1. The axis 4.1 extends at least approximately through the center of gravity of the protective cap 4, so that it essentially retains its pivoting angle to the lever 6.1 without the influence of further external forces. Due to this central articulation of the protective cap 4 on the lever 6.1, a preferably uniform distribution of the contact force introduced via the lever 6.1 over the first stop-forming contact surface 2.3 of the cable coupling 2 with the protective cap 4 is achieved.

The pivot axis 6.2 of the lever 6.1 runs parallel to the plane of the contact surface 2.3 between the cable coupling 2 and the protective cap 4 and is in the in the Figures 1 and 2 shown first end position of the protective cap 4 in the vicinity of the plane of the contact surface 2.3 arranged. This results in the immediate opening or closing of the cap 4 by the pivoting of the lever 6.1, a relative movement between the cable coupling 2 and the protective cap 4, which has a component perpendicular to the contact surface 2.3 mainly. This is advantageous under wear and sealing aspects.

The contact force between the cap 4 and the cable coupling 2 is in the in the Figures 1 and 2 shown first end position of the protective cap 4 by a clamping device 6.3 of the Betätigungseinrichtung'6 generated. The clamping device is designed as a simple prestressed in the first end position of the cap 4 tension spring 6.3, which is articulated on the one hand on the lever 6.1 and the other on the arm 3.2.

In order to move the protective cap 4 out of the first end position by the movement of the cable coupling 2, the actuating device 6 has a first control element 6.4 attached to the cable coupling 2, which interacts with a second control element 6.5 arranged on the lever 6.1 when the cable coupling 2 moves. The first control element 6.4 is formed as a plate-shaped projection on the cable coupling 2, while the second control 6.5 is a fork-shaped area 6.5 of the lever 6.1.

To move out of the cap 4 from her in the Figures 1 and 2 shown first end position, the first control element 6.4 on a first control surface 6.6, which cooperates with a second control surface 6.7 on the second control 6.5. The second control surface 6.7 is part of a guideway, which is formed on the fork-shaped second control 6.5.

The articulation point of the protective cap 4 on the lever 6.1 has a significantly higher distance to the pivot axis 6.2 of the lever 6.1 than the second control surface 6.7, so that in this way a movement ratio is achieved. This causes a rapid, wear-reducing lifting of the cap 4 of the cable coupling 2 as soon as the cable coupling 2 is moved in the direction of 5.1 and the cap 4 is pivoted about the pivot axis 6.2 of the lever 6.1 in the direction of 6.8.

If the cable coupling 2 is moved further in the direction 5.1, then the protective cap 4 pivots about the pivot axis 6.2 in the direction 6.8. Thus, the spring 6.3 is stretched more and more until the spring tension reaches its maximum in a dead center, in which the line 6.9 cuts through the two pivot points of the spring 6.3, the pivot axis 6.2. Up to this dead center, the torque generated by the spring force counteracts the lever 6.1 of the pivoting movement. If the dead center passes through, the torque generated by the spring force acts on the lever 6.1 now in the direction 6.8 of the pivoting movement.

Approximately at this time, a third control surface 6.10 of the first control element 6.4 engaging in the fork-shaped second control element 6.5 engages with a fourth control surface 6.11 of the second control element 6.5. As FIG. 3 3, the third control surface 6.10 lies on the side of the first control element 6. 6 facing away from the first control surface 6.6. Furthermore, arranged in the interior of the fork-shaped second control element 6.5 fourth control surface 6.11 and the second control surface 6.7 facing each other. This ensures that the two controls 6.4 and 6.5 now counteract the torque generated by the spring force on the lever 6.1 and limit further pivotal movement or allow only in a progressive method of the cable coupling 2 in the direction 5.1 a defined further pivotal movement.

At the bottom of the arm 3.2, a second stop in the form of a stop surface 3.3 is provided which engages at a certain position of the lever 6.1 with a 6.1 attached to the lever stop pin 6.12 engaged so that further pivoting of the cap 4 is suppressed in the direction of 6.8 , The protective cap 4 is already pivoted downwards so far at this time that the cable coupling 2 moves in the direction 5.1 over the protective cap 4 without touching it under the effect of appreciable contact forces. It may merely be that the protective cap 4 rotatable substantially without resistance on the lever 6.1, depending on its pivoting angle with respect to the lever 6.1, easily grinds on the underside 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 without appreciable contact forces acting here.

If the cable coupling 2 continues to move in the direction 5.1 after abutment of the abutment pin 6.12 on the abutment surface 3.3, no further pivotal movement of the protective cap 4 takes place. In particular, the first control element 6.4 is disengaged from the further disengagement of the cable coupling 2 in the direction 5.1 bifurcated second control 6.5.

Only when attached to the cable coupling 2 third control 6.13 of the actuator 6 engages with an integrally formed on the lever 6.1 fourth control 6.14 of the actuator 6 engages the cap 4 in the process of the cable coupling 2 in the direction 5.1 again against the direction 6.8 pivots , As a result, the protective cap 4 moves against the torque generated by the spring 6.3 to its underside facing 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 defined.

The third control element 6.13 and the fourth control element 6.14 are arranged so that they only come into engagement when the cable coupling 2 is moved so far in the direction of 5.1, that the contact surface 4.2 of the cap 4, with which they in their first position on the Contact surface 2.3 of the cable coupling 2 is applied, in the second end position of the protective cap 4 (see FIG. 4 ) is at least as far sealed by the bottom 2.4 of the cable coupling 2, that no dirt or the like can get into the region of the protective cap 4, in the first end position of the cap 4 (see FIG. 2 ) covers access 2.1 to the connections. This is, as mentioned, prevented from accumulating in the open position of the cap 4 soiling or the like, which could reach the next closing of the cap 4 in the region of the terminals of the cable coupling 2.

In order to achieve the sealing end of the protective cap 4 with the underside 2.4 of the cable coupling 2, the corresponding area of the underside 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 and / or the contact surface 4.2 of the protective cap 4 is preferably provided with one or more sealing elements. For example, the corresponding region of the underside 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 may be provided with a corresponding flat support of a soft rubber material or the like.

The sealing force with which the protective cap 4 rests against the underside 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 is determined by the movement position of the cable coupling 2 in the second end position of the protective cap 4. The further the cable coupling 2 is moved in the direction of 5.1, the greater the sealing force. In order to limit the sealing force or to achieve a less steep increase in the sealing force, at least one of the components in the kinematic chain between the third control element 6.13 and the underside 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 can be formed elastically in sections.

The closing of the protective cap 4 when uncoupling the two vehicles takes place in accordance with the reverse order by moving the cable coupling 2 against the direction of 5.1. This is - defined by the third control element 6,13 and the fourth Control 6.14 and due to the torque generated by the spring 6.3 - first the protective cap 4 is pivoted in the pivoting direction 6.8 and thereby from its second end position ( FIG. 4 ) lifted from the bottom 2.4 of the cable coupling 2 until the stop pin 6.12 rests against the stop surface 3.3 again. After a certain further travel of the cable coupling 2, the third control surface 6:10 comes back into engagement with the fourth control surface 6.11, so that the cap 4 again - contrary to the direction of 5.1 and against the torque generated by the spring 6.3 - due to the process of the cable coupling 2 against the pivoting direction 6.8 is pivoted until the dead center is reached. Almost by passing through the dead center, the first control surface 6.6 again engages with the second control surface 6.7 and thus prevents uncontrolled closing of the protective cap 4 against the pivoting direction 6.8 by the torque generated by the spring 6.3. The first control surface 6.6 and the second control surface 6.7 then define the - caused by the torque generated by the spring 6.3 - closing movement of the protective cap 4 during further movement of the cable coupling 2 against the direction 5.1 to the first end position of the protective cap 4 (FIG. FIG. 2 ) is reached again.

The present invention has been described above by way of example, in which the contact surfaces between the protective cap and the cable coupling are formed substantially flat.

Claims (19)

1. A coupling device for vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, including

   - a carrier device (3),

   - an interface unit (2), connected to the carrier device (3) and possessing connection elements,

   - a protection cap (4) to cover an access (2.1) to the connection elements of the interface unit (2) and

   - an operating device (6) connected to the protection cap (4) to move the protection cap (4) between an initial position in which the protection cap (4) covers the access (2.1) and a second position in which the protection cap (4) releases the access (2.1), with

   - the carrier device (3) and the interface unit (2) being movable in relation to each other in an initial direction (5.1),

   - the operating device (6) for operation being formed by the relative movement between the carrier device (3) and the interface unit (2) and

   - the operating device (6) having at least on one side of the protection cap (4) only one operating element (6.1) bearing the protection cap (4),

   - the operating element (6.1) being swivel-mounted around a pivoting axis (6.2) on the carrier device (3),

   characterised in that

   - the pivoting axis (6.2) of the operating element (6.1) is arranged in such a way, at least in the vicinity of the plane of the contact area (2.3), between the protection cap and the interface unit (2) that the pivoting movement of the protection cap (4) during its direct opening or closing principally has a motion component arranged vertically to the contact area (2.3) between the protection cap (4) and the interface unit (2).
2. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pivoting axis (6.2) of the operating element (6.1) is arranged in the plane of the contact area (2.3) between the protection cap (4) and the interface unit (2).
3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the operating device (6) comprises a first control element (6.4) designed for interaction with a second control element (6.5), with the interaction between the first control element (6.4) and the second control element (6.5) resulting by means of movement in relation to one another in operation of the operating device (6).
4. Coupling device according to claim 3, characterised in that

   - the first control element (6.4) is designed in the manner of a projection and

   - the second control element (6.5) is designed in the manner of a guide surface.
5. Coupling device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that

   - the first control element (6.4) is connected to the interface unit (2) and

   - the second element (6.5) is connected to the operating element (6.1).
6. Coupling device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that

   - the first control element (6.4) has a first control surface (6.6) and the second control element (6.5) has a second control surface (6.7), with the first control surface (6.6) and the second control surface (6.7) being arranged in such a way that movement of the first control element (6.4) and the second control element (6.5) in relation to one another results in the protection cap (4) travelling out of the first position

   and/or

   - the first control element (6.4) having a third control surface (6.10) and the second control element (6.5) having a fourth control surface (6.11), with the third control surface (6.10) and the fourth control surface (6.11) being arranged in such a way that movement of the first control element (6.4) and the second control element (6.5) in relation to one another results in the protection cap (4) travelling out of the second position.
7. Coupling device according to claim 6, characterised in that the second control element (6.5) is furcate in shape, with the second control surface (6.7) and the fourth control surface (6.11) facing each other and being located at opposite positions on the second control element (6.5).
8. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that the operating device (6) comprises a clamping device (6.3) which pretensions the protection cap (4) in its first position against a first stop (2.3).
9. Coupling device according to claim 8, characterised in that the clamping device comprises a spring device (6.3) articulated to the operating element (6.1) and the carrier device (3) in such a way that on movement of the protection cap (4) between the first position and the second position, it travels through a dead centre with an at least local maximum of the pretension of the spring device (6.3).
10. Coupling device according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that

    - the operating element (6.1) is swivel-mounted around a pivoting axis (6.2) on the carrier device (3),

    - the clamping device comprises a spring device (6.3), tensioned between a first articulation point on the operating element (6.1) and a second articulation point on the carrier device (3), with

    - the connecting straight line (6.9) between the first articulation point and the second articulation point intersects the pivoting axis (6.2) of the operating element (6.1) during travel of the protection cap (4) between the first position and the second position.
11. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that the operating device (6) comprises a clamping device (6.3) that pretensions the protection cap (4) against a second stop (3.3) in the vicinity of its second position.
12. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that

    - the operating device (6) comprises a third control element (6.13) designed to interact with a fourth control element (6.14) with

    - interaction of the third control element (6.13) with the fourth control element (6.14) results in pretensioning of the protection cap (4) located in its second position against a third stop (2.4).
13. Coupling device according to claim 12, characterised in that

    - the third control element (6.13) is connected to the interface unit (2) and

    - the fourth control element (6.14) is connected to the operating element (6.1).
14. Coupling device according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the third stop (2.4) is designed as a sealing element sealing the protection cap (4) against its surroundings.
15. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that the protection cap (4) is arranged to pivot on the operating element (6.1) in such a way that contact pressure exerted in its initial position over the operating element (6.1) over the contact area between the protection cap (4) and the interface unit (2) generates an essentially uniform surface pressure.
16. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that the interface unit (2) comprises electrical and/or optical means of connection.
17. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that the interface unit is movable in relation to the carrier device by means of a drive unit.
18. Coupling device according to one of the above claims, characterised in that it is designed as a central buffer coupling of a rail vehicle.
19. Vehicle, particularly a rail vehicle, with a coupling device according to one of the above claims.

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