Electrical coupler for a first car of a multi-car vehicle

Abstract

The electrical coupling comprises - a housing with an end opening, - an insulation block arranged in the end opening, - a cover with a closed position, and - an arm attached to the cover and the housing, wherein the attachment of the arm to the housing allows the arm to rotate relative to the housing about an axis of rotation, and optionally a series of arms connected to each other to allow one arm to rotate relative to an adjacent arm, wherein the cover has a housing contact surface which contacts or is in close proximity to a cover contact surface of the housing, a reference line passes through the point of the cover contact surface which is furthest from a base plane, and a reference plane which is closer to the base plane than the reference line, a portion of the housing contact surface intersects the reference plane when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical coupler for a first car of a multiple car vehicle. The invention also relates to a coupler for mechanically coupling a first car of a multiple car vehicle to a second car of the multiple car vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical coupler. BACKGROUND

[0002] From DE 100 15 420 B4 an electrical coupler for a multiple car vehicle is known. These electrical couplers are typically used for multiple car vehicles that are trains.

[0003] The electrical coupler is typically used in combination with a coupler for mechanically coupling a first car of such a multiple car vehicle to a second car of such a multiple car vehicle. Typically, the electrical coupler is attached to the main coupler (the coupler that mechanically couples the first car to the second car). The purpose of the arrangement of the electrical coupler as part of the main coupler is to facilitate the connection of the electrical cables of the first car to the electrical cables of the second car. In many designs of multiple car vehicles, multiple cables lead from the first car to the second car, which means that when the first car is connected to the second car, multiple connections between the cables need to be made. Similar to the electrical coupler known from DE 100 15 420 B4, the electrical coupler is used to connect the free ends of the cables together into one insulation block. In such a design, the intention is that by attaching the electrical coupler of one car (the first car) to the adjacent car (the second car), the connections between the multiple cables can be made, resulting in the connection between all the ends of the multiple cables. Thus, the effort required to connect the multiple cables can be reduced to one connection step.

[0004] Thus, the electrical coupler according to the invention is suitable for use on a first car of a multiple car vehicle. The electrical coupler according to the invention is suitable for connection to an electrical coupler of a second car of a multiple car vehicle in order to connect the ends of the cables of the first car to the ends of the cables of the second car.

[0005] An electrical coupling known from DE 100 15 420 B4 has a housing with an end opening. The edge of the housing surrounds the end opening, wherein the housing extends along a longitudinal axis. The design of the type disclosed in DE 100 15 420 B4 has an insulation block (not shown in the figures of DE 100 15 420 B4). Such an insulation block is usually arranged in the end opening. Usually, the insulation block has a flat end face facing the outside of the housing. The end face is usually arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The end face usually has a hole leading through the insulation block or a recess leading into the insulation block. Usually, the hole or the recess is adapted for the end of at least one cable to be arranged within the hole or the recess or for at least one cable to be arranged protruding from the hole or the recess to the outside of the end face. The flat end face can be said to lie in an end face plane.

[0006] The design of DE 100 15 420 B4 shows a cover having a closed position, wherein the cover is arranged in front of the end face of the insulation block (the insulation block is not shown in DE 100 15 420 B4). The cover also has an open position, wherein the cover is arranged along a side of the housing. In the design shown in DE 100 15 420 B4, the cover in the open position is arranged along a top side of the housing.

[0007] The electrical coupling of DE 100 15 420 B4 has several arms, wherein each arm is attached to the cover and to the housing. The attachment of each arm to the housing is done in such a way that the connection between the single arm and the housing allows the single arm to rotate relative to the housing around a rotation axis. All arms on one side of the housing rotate around different rotation axes. The arrangement of the arms on one side of the housing can be mirrored by arranging further arms on the opposite side of the housing, wherein the arms on the opposite side of the housing mirroring the arms on one side of the housing will be designed to rotate around the same rotation axis as the mirrored arms.

[0008] In the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4, the rotation axis around which one of the two arms arranged on one side of the housing rotates is oriented parallel to the end face plane (if DE 100 15 420 B4 has an insulation block, the plane in which the end face of the insulation block of DE 100 15 420 B4 lies).

[0009] The designed cover of DE 100 15 420 B4 has a housing contact surface which in the closed position of the cover contacts a cover contact surface of the housing, wherein in the design of DE 100 15 420 B4 the cover contact surface of the housing is the outermost surface of the seal 22. Figure 1 of DE 100 15 420 B4 shows that a surface of the cover (which would then be called the housing contact surface of the cover) is in contact with the outermost part of the seal 22 (which would then be called the cover contact surface of the housing). The cover contact surface is provided on an edge. In the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4 the seal 22 forms part of the edge surrounding the end opening. In the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4 the cover contact surface, i.e. the outermost surface of the seal 22, is arranged to extend parallel to the end face plane.

[0010] In the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4 a base plane can be defined which is oriented perpendicular to the end face plane and which contains one of the rotation axes.

[0011] In the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4 a reference line can be defined which extends parallel to the end face plane and which extends parallel to such a base plane and which extends through a point in the cover contact surface (the outermost surface of the seal 22) which is furthest from the base plane. In figure 1 of DE 100 15 420 B4 such a reference line would be oriented perpendicular to the plane of the paper and would pass through the topmost part of the seal 22 in figure 1 of DE 100 15 420 B4.

[0012] It can be seen from DE 100 15 420 B4 Figure 3 that in the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4 an effort is required to ensure that all parts of the housing contact surface intersect a reference plane which contains the reference line and which extends perpendicular to the base plane. Although the design of the cover of DE 100 15 420 B4 has other elements which protrude towards the housing, that is to say those parts of the cover which are designed to occupy the axis 43 and which are arranged closer to the housing than those surfaces of the cover which are intended to be in contact with the seal 22 (the housing contact surface) (see figure 1), the design of DE 100 15 420 B4 is accomplished in a way which ensures that the housing contact surface of the cover moves past the seal 22 with a substantial clearance. On the one hand, such a design makes it necessary to move the cover substantially away from the housing when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position. The dynamics of the movement of the cover and the design in which several arms rotate around several rotation axes are also necessary from the design known from DE 100 15 420 B4. SUMMARY

[0013] Given this background, the following question arises: to provide an electrical connector with a cover that can be moved from a closed position to an open position along one side of the housing in a way that uses less space and / or by means of a simple mechanical design.

[0014] This problem is solved by the electrical connector according to this application. The problem is also solved by the connector according to this application for mechanically connecting the first car of a multi-car vehicle to the second car of a multi-car vehicle. The problem can also be solved by the method described in this application.

[0015] This invention is based on the concept of breaking with the notion that opening the cover from a closed position to an open position requires all portions of the cover's contact surface to move around and above the seal. In the design according to the invention, as the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the cover's contact surface intersects a reference plane that includes a reference line and extends perpendicularly to the base plane at a point closer to the base plane than the reference line. In a preferred example, where the reference line is horizontally arranged, the design according to the invention allows a portion of the cover's contact surface to extend below the reference line as the cover moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0016] This invention is based on the inventor's analysis that the more a portion of the housing contact surface crosses a reference plane that is closer to the base plane than the reference line, the less the cover needs to move away from the housing to clear the seal or cover contact surface during its journey from the closed position to the open position, and / or the greater the complexity of the cover's motion dynamics required to move the cover from the closed position to the open position can be reduced.

[0017] The electrical connector according to the invention has a housing with an end opening, wherein the edge of the housing surrounds the end opening, and wherein the housing extends along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the housing is a casting, wherein the housing may be cast from metal or may be cast or molded from plastic.

[0018] The electrical connector has an insulating block arranged in an end opening. Setting the insulating block as a separate component from the housing in the end opening provides greater design freedom for the insulating block's material, but also greater design freedom for its geometry, particularly for the geometry of the devices disposed within the insulating block for cable ends. Arranging the insulating block as a separate component within the housing also allows for the use of several insulating blocks of different designs within the same housing. Therefore, based on the same housing, the electrical connector according to the invention can be readily adapted to the specific multi-carriage vehicle in which it is used and the cable arrangement within that vehicle by simply adjusting the design of the insulating block.

[0019] According to the invention, the insulating block has a flat end face facing outwards from the housing. Providing such a flat end face provides a clear reference for designing individual connections between cables to be connected. Connecting the end of one cable to the end of another cable is typically achieved by providing a male connector at one end of one cable and a female connector at the other end of the other cable. The interaction between the male and female connectors required to provide a secure connection typically depends on the length of the distance the male connector inserts into the female connector. Providing a reference end to the insulating block with a flat end face makes it easier to arrange the male and / or female connectors of the respective ends of the cables relative to this reference. Providing a flat end face to the insulating block also provides a reference for designing how these two electrical connectors are interconnected. If the connection between these two electrical connectors is designed such that the flat end faces of the insulating blocks of these electrical connectors are positioned relative to each other in a specific manner, the cable connection can be guaranteed to be reliably made, for example, the male connectors of the respective connectors are inserted into the female connectors of the respective connectors at least a predetermined distance. Alternatively, additional measures at the electrical connectors can be used to determine the distance between the end faces. This measure can be a protruding pin that extends from the electrical connector and engages with a socket located at another electrical connector. The design of the pin and socket can be used to set any seal compression as well as the engagement of female and male connectors.

[0020] The plane containing the flat end face will be called the end face plane.

[0021] If, as part of an electrical connector, the connector for the cable end has a male component extending along a longitudinal axis or a female component designed to receive the male component extending along a longitudinal axis, in a preferred embodiment, the end face plane is perpendicular to such a longitudinal axis and / or the longitudinal axis of the housing preferably extends in the same direction / parallel to such a longitudinal axis.

[0022] According to the invention, the end face plane is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and / or the longitudinal axis of the housing is understood as an axis extending from the end face plane of the housing.

[0023] The end face of the insulating block has at least one hole, preferably more than one hole, i.e., a hole through which the insulating block is guided, or has at least one recess, preferably several recesses, leading to the insulating block, wherein at least one hole or at least one recess contains the end of at least one cable, or is adapted for the end of at least one cable to protrude outward from the end face from the hole or recess. In a preferred embodiment, the end of the cable will be the female or male component of a cable connector, which is introduced into the female component based on the male component. The present invention provides the possibility of providing such a female component within the insulating block. However, a design where the female component of the connector protrudes outward from the insulating block is even feasible. However, considering that the insulating block is preferably used to prevent current from jumping from one connector between cables to connectors of different cables, it is preferable that the actual connection between the male and female components occurs within the insulating block. Therefore, it is preferred if the female component of the connector at the cable end is arranged within the insulating block. A design where an insulating block has only a female component is feasible. In such a design, a particular electrical connector will work with an electrical connector in an adjacent compartment that has only a male component. However, such a design is also feasible: the insulating block of a particular electrical connector has female connections at certain ends of the cable and male connectors at the ends of other cables to be connected to that particular electrical connector. Another design is feasible: male connections are grouped in certain areas of the insulating block, and / or female connections are grouped in other areas. A design where the female connector is located on one side of the mid-plane and the male connector on the other side is feasible. More complex designs with multiple connectors (e.g., data bus connectors) can also be used, which can be placed on the mid-plane. Arranging the connectors symmetrically around the mid-plane increases stability.

[0024] According to the invention, the electrical connector has a cover having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover is disposed in front of the end face of the insulating block, and in the open position, the cover is disposed along the side of the housing. The side of the housing along which the cover is disposed in the open position can be selected according to the design of the connector or the space between two compartments of a multi-compartment vehicle to be connected. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is disposed along the top side of the housing (above the housing). However, a design in which the cover is disposed along the left or right side of the housing in the open position, or even below the housing, is also feasible.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the cover will have an edge and will also have other portions of the housing disposed inside the edge, these portions being offset relative to the edge. Thus, the cover can have a trough shape, wherein the edge is the foremost portion projecting in one direction, while a surface disposed adjacent to but inside the edge projects away from the edge toward the bottom surface of the cover. This trough shape of the cover allows for the accommodation of male components for connectors of cable ends projecting from the end face of the insulating block.

[0026] According to the invention, in a first alternative, the arm is attached to the cover and to the housing, wherein the attachment of the arm to the housing allows the arm to rotate relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. This alternative is the simplest version of the invention in terms of the number of parts used, as it can be implemented with only a single arm. In a preferred embodiment of this design, another arm is provided, disposed on the opposite side of the housing, which is also attached to the cover and to the housing, i.e., attached to the opposite side of the housing, wherein the attachment of this additional arm to the housing allows the additional arm to rotate relative to the housing about the same axis of rotation as the arm.

[0027] In a second alternative to the invention, a series of arms is provided. The individual arms of this series are connected to each other in a manner that allows one arm to rotate relative to an adjacent arm about a rotation axis, thereby attaching one arm of the series to a housing, wherein attachment to the housing allows the arm to rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis by which an arm rotates relative to its adjacent arm about it is a different rotation axis from the rotation axis around which the arm attached to the housing rotates relative to the housing. In a design providing a series of arms, one arm of the series is connected to a cover. In a preferred embodiment, in a design operated with a series of arms, the series of arms consists of two arms.

[0028] By making the arm integral with the cover, attachment of the arm, or one arm in a series of arms, to the cover can be provided. Thus, the arm can be part of the cover that protrudes from it. In alternative embodiments, arm-to-cover attachment can be achieved by screwing the arm onto the cover, bolting the arm to the cover, or gluing or welding the arm to the cover.

[0029] According to the invention, the arm attached to the housing is oriented parallel to the end face plane relative to the axis of rotation of the housing about which it rotates.

[0030] According to the invention, the cover has a housing contact surface that contacts or is adjacent to a cover contact surface of the housing disposed on the edge of the housing in the closed position. The cover contact surface is at least partially located in or extends parallel to the end face plane.

[0031] It is feasible to design the housing contact surface of the lid of the present invention to be provided by the surface of a seal forming part of the lid. It is also feasible to design the lid contact surface of the housing to be provided by a sealing surface forming part of the housing, for example, in designs known in DE 10015 420B4. If the housing contact surface is provided by a sealing surface, it is feasible to design the lid contact surface of the lid of the present invention to be provided by a surface of the basic material constituting the housing (e.g., metal or plastic) rather than a seal. In this design, in the closed position, the housing contact surface (i.e., the specific surface of the seal) will contact and seal the lid contact surface of the housing. If the lid contact surface is provided by a sealing surface, it is feasible to design the housing contact surface of the lid of the present invention to be provided by a surface of the basic material constituting the lid (e.g., metal or plastic) rather than a seal. In this design, in the closed position, the lid contact surface (i.e., the specific surface of the seal) will contact and seal the housing contact surface of the lid. It is also feasible to design the lid contact surface of the lid of the present invention to be provided by a seal, and the housing contact surface of the lid to be provided by a closure element. In this design, in the closed position, the two seals will contact.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the housing contact surface is provided by the base material constituting the lid (e.g., metal or plastic) and not by the sealing surface, while the lid contact surface of the housing is provided by the base material of the housing (e.g., metal and plastic) and not by the sealing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the housing contact surface and the lid contact surface are used to define the closed position of the lid. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the closed position of the lid can be defined as the position where the housing contact surface of the lid contacts the lid contact surface of the housing. Placing the housing contact surface of the lid against the lid contact surface of the housing stabilizes the lid on the housing. It is anticipated that in this design, the relative movement of the lid relative to the housing is reduced. This can also have a positive effect on the additionally provided sealing. If the position of the lid relative to the housing is stabilized by the contact between the housing contact surface and the lid contact surface, then in a preferred embodiment, the additional sealing between the lid and the housing may be in a compressed position in the closed position, but will not be frequently compressed or decompressed, as if the lid were arranged away from the housing in a manner that allows the lid to rattle.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover has a first housing contact surface and a second housing contact surface, while the housing has a first cover contact surface and a second cover contact surface. In the closed position of the cover, the first housing contact surface contacts the first cover contact surface, and the second housing contact surface contacts the second cover contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first cover contact surface is provided by a sealing surface that contacts the first housing contact surface, the first housing contact surface being a surface of the base material constituting the cover, and the second cover contact surface being a surface of the base material constituting the housing and contacting the first housing contact surface, the first housing contact surface being a surface of the base material constituting the cover. By selecting the distance between the first and second housing contact surfaces and by selecting the distance between the second cover contact surface and the seal, and by selecting the surface to which the seal is attached, this design allows for precise definition of the space available for the seal and allows for definition of the seal's compressibility. The direct contact between the second housing contact surface and the second cover contact surface defines the relative position of the cover and the housing. This allows the first housing contact surface and the seal to be arranged relative to a reference point (the second housing contact surface; the second cover contact surface), where their positions are fixed, thus allowing for definition of the space for the seal.

[0034] According to the invention, the cover contact surface is at least partially located in or extends parallel to the end face plane. If the cover contact surface is provided by a seal, the position of the cover contact surface can be changed; the cover contact surface can have a first position occupied when the cover is closed, and can have a second position different from the first position occupied when the cover is open. If the cover contact surface is provided by a seal, the electrical connector according to the invention can be designed such that when the cover moves toward its closed position, the cover and its housing contact surface contact the cover contact surface before reaching its (final) closed position. As the cover continues to move toward its (final) closed position, the cover compresses the seal, and the cover housing contact surface pushes the cover contact surface into its first position. As the cover moves from its closed position to its open position, the elasticity of the seal causes the cover contact surface to leave its first position and move to its second position. In a preferred embodiment, if no compressive force is applied to the seal, the second position of the cover contact surface is the position occupied by the cover contact surface.

[0035] The electrical connector according to the invention has a base plane. The base plane is defined to be oriented perpendicular to the end face plane and includes an axis of rotation about which an arm connected to the housing rotates relative to the housing.

[0036] According to the present invention, a reference line located in or extending parallel to the end face plane and parallel to the base plane passes through the point on the cover contact surface that is farthest from the base plane in one direction. Preferably, the "one direction" is a direction perpendicular to the base plane. Preferably, the "point on the cover contact surface that is farthest from the base plane in one direction" is the point on the cover contact surface that is farthest from the base plane in a direction perpendicular to the base plane among all points on one side of the base plane. Other points on the cover contact surface arranged on the other side of the base plane may be even farther from the base plane. As mentioned above, the cover contact surface can have at least two positions (a first position, a second position). Therefore, the reference line can also have at least two positions, since the position of the reference line depends on the position of the cover contact surface.

[0037] According to the invention, when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the housing contact surface intersects the reference plane at a location closer to the base plane than the reference line, the reference plane including the reference line and extending perpendicularly to the base plane. If the electrical connector according to the invention is oriented, for example, such that the reference line extends horizontally and the base plane is positioned below the reference line, then the invention will provide, in this particular orientation of the electrical connector, that a portion of the housing contact surface passes below the reference line when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position. This rule even applies if the cover contact surface—by virtue of being the surface of the seal, which is compressed by the cover and released by its own elasticity once the cover is lifted off the seal—has at least two positions (a first position, a second position). The advantages of the invention are achieved if, during the travel of the cover from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the housing contact surface intersects the reference plane at a point closer to the base plane than the reference line (regardless of where it may be at that moment).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a first reference line lies in or extends parallel to the end face plane, extends parallel to the base plane, and extends through the point on the first cover contact surface furthest from the base plane in one direction. A second reference line lies in or extends parallel to the end face plane, extends parallel to the base plane, and extends through the point on the second cover contact surface furthest from the base plane in one direction. Preferably, when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the housing contact surface intersects with the first reference plane, which includes the first reference line and extends perpendicularly to the base plane at a point closer to the base plane than the first reference line. When the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the housing contact surface (most preferably the same portion) intersects with the second reference plane, which includes the second reference line and extends perpendicularly to the base plane at a point closer to the base plane than the second reference line.

[0039] As described above, the cover contact surface can have at least two positions (a first position and a second position). Therefore, the reference line can also have at least two positions, since the position of the reference line depends on the position of the cover contact surface.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the housing contact surface is the surface of the cover, which has an annular shape and surrounds the central portion of the cover. The annulus formed by the housing contact surface can be a circular ring. The ring can also be a rectangular or polygonal ring. The ring can also be a free-form ring. Embodiments where the annular housing contact surface has a constant width are feasible. In alternative embodiments, the width of the annular housing contact surface can vary along the path surrounding the ring.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the cover contact surface is a surface of the housing that has an annular shape and surrounds the central portion of the housing. The annular ring formed by the cover contact surface can be circular. The ring can also be rectangular or polygonal. The ring can also be a free-form ring. Embodiments where the annular cover contact surface has a constant width are feasible. In alternative embodiments, the width of the annular cover contact surface can vary along the path around the ring.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the cover contact surface is annular and has at least one longitudinal surface portion as part of the annulus. The longitudinal surface portion is considered to be a surface portion having an extension in a first direction that is at least twice as large as its extension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the longitudinal surface portion may be a rectangular surface portion.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the annular cover contact surface may have two longitudinal surface portions arranged parallel to each other, wherein a first end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to a first end of the other longitudinal surface portion via a first side surface portion, and a second end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to a second end of the other longitudinal surface portion via a second side surface portion, thereby forming the annular cover contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first side surface portion has a portion that serves as a longitudinal surface portion. In a preferred embodiment, the second side surface portion has a portion that serves as a longitudinal surface portion.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, a first end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to a first side surface portion via a circular surface portion (also referred to as a "corner piece"). In a preferred embodiment, the first side surface portion is connected to a first end of the other of the two longitudinal surface portions via a circular surface portion (corner piece). In a preferred embodiment, a second end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to a second side surface portion via a circular surface portion (also referred to as a "corner piece"). In a preferred embodiment, the second side surface portion is connected to a second end of the other of the two longitudinal surface portions via a circular surface portion (corner piece).

[0045] According to the invention, the reference line passes through the point on the cover contact surface furthest from the base plane. In a preferred embodiment, the point on the cover contact surface furthest from the base plane in one direction is a point on a longitudinal surface portion. In a preferred embodiment, the cover contact surface has a longitudinal surface portion extending parallel to the base plane. In an alternative embodiment, the point on the cover contact surface furthest from the base plane in one direction is located at a peak of the cover contact surface. For example, the peak of the cover contact surface can be formed by a first longitudinal surface portion of the cover contact surface joining a second longitudinal surface portion of the cover contact surface at the peak, wherein the first and second longitudinal surface portions are arranged at an angle. The angle in the preferred embodiment is a small angle. This angle can be, for example, less than 170°, preferably less than 160°, preferably less than 150°, and preferably less than 130°. The peak of the cover contact surface can be formed, for example, by an arched surface portion on the cover contact surface, wherein the peak is the apex of the arched surface portion. If the cover contact surface has an annular shape, the peak is the portion of the annulus furthest from the base plane in a direction perpendicular to the base plane.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the annular cap contact surface has a maximum width plane parallel to the reference line and equal to or parallel to the base plane. The annular cap contact surface intersects the maximum width plane twice, once with a portion of the ring and once with another portion of the ring. In the maximum width plane, the two portions of the ring intersecting the maximum width plane are furthest apart from each other than the distances between other portions of the ring that intersect with other planes extending parallel to the maximum width plane. In other words, regarding the width of the ring forming the annular cap contact surface in a direction parallel to the reference line, the ring has the maximum width in the maximum width plane.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, wherein

[0048] The annular cap contact surface has two longitudinal surface portions arranged parallel to each other.

[0049] • The first end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to the first end of the other of the two longitudinal surface portions via a first side surface portion, and the second end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to the second end of the other of the two longitudinal surface portions via a second side surface portion, to form an annular cover contact surface.

[0050] • The first side surface portion has a longitudinal surface portion

[0051] • The second side surface portion has a longitudinal surface portion

[0052] The longitudinal surface portions of the first side surface and the second side surface are arranged on the opposite side of the maximum width plane, different from the reference line; for example, if the reference line is located above the maximum width plane, then the longitudinal surface portions of the first side surface and the second side surface are located below the maximum width plane. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the cover contact surface located between the maximum width plane and the reference line does not extend perpendicularly to the maximum width plane. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the cover contact surface located between the maximum width plane and the reference line converges toward the point of the cover contact surface furthest from the base plane. Preferably, if the point of the cover contact surface furthest from the base plane in a direction parallel to the longitudinal portion of the cover contact surface extending from the base plane converges toward the end of the longitudinal portion of the cover contact surface.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the distance from the maximum width plane to the base plane is shorter than the distance from the maximum width plane to the reference line. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum width plane is the base plane.

[0054] The arrangement in which the shell contact surface and the cover contact surface are closely adjacent is understood to mean that the distance between the shell contact surface and the cover contact surface is no more than 10 mm, preferably no more than 7 mm, preferably no more than 5 mm, and preferably no more than 3 mm.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the housing contact surface extends parallel to the cover contact surface. In a preferred embodiment, the housing contact surface is entirely arranged in a plane. In a preferred embodiment, the cover contact surface is arranged in a plane.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector has a series of two arms, namely a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is attached to the housing, wherein the attachment of the first arm to the housing allows the first arm to rotate relative to the housing about a main axis, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are connected to each other in a manner that allows the first arm to rotate relative to the second arm about a second axis, wherein the second arm is attached to a cover. In a preferred embodiment, the main axis and the second axis are parallel to each other.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the first arm has a first end to which the roller is attached. In this preferred embodiment, the first arm has a second end opposite to the first end, to which the second end is attached. In this embodiment, the attachment of the first arm to the housing is arranged between the first end and the second end.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector has a support frame, wherein the housing is supported by the support frame but can slide relative to the support frame.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, a stationary guide rail is provided as part of a support frame, in which rollers are arranged and move along the guide rail as the housing slides relative to the support frame.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, a spring is provided, one end of which is attached to an arm or one of a series of arms, and the other end is attached to a housing.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the housing has an inlet opening disposed opposite to the end opening. In a preferred embodiment, the insulating block can be inserted into the housing through the inlet opening. It is feasible that the insulating block, after being inserted into the inlet opening and sliding through the housing, moves slightly out of the end opening. At this position, a seal can be added, and then the insulating block is pressed back into the end opening.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector according to the invention has an inlet and also has a rear member that can be used to close the inlet.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the seal may be disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulating block and the inner peripheral surface of the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is integral with a seal forming part of the edge and providing a cover contact surface. Such a seal may be a seal having two protrusions, each protrusion being annular, the two annular protrusions being arranged parallel to each other and connected to each other by a connecting wall.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the insulating block has a recess on its outer peripheral surface, and the housing has a hole into which a screw, bolt, or pin is inserted, protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the housing and engaging the recess in the insulating block. This allows the insulating block to be attached to the housing and to be secured in position within the housing.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the recess may also hold a block into which a screw, bolt, or pin is inserted.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the insulating block is made as a single unit. In an alternative, equally preferred embodiment, the insulating block consists of at least two sub-blocks attached to each other.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the ends of at least 5 cables, preferably at least 10, and preferably at least 15 cables are attached to the insulating block.

[0068] The connector according to the invention for mechanically connecting the first carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle to the second carriage of the multi-carriage vehicle has an electrical connector according to the invention.

[0069] In the method for assembling electrical connectors according to the invention, the end of a cable is provided to be attached to a hole or recess in an insulating block, arranged either within the hole of the recess or protruding outward from the hole or recess on the end face, while the insulating block is outside the housing. The method according to the invention provides that the insulating block is inserted into the housing through an access opening, and the insulating block is attached to the housing such that the insulating block is arranged at the end opening. Therefore, the method according to the invention allows the end of a cable to be attached to the insulating block while the insulating block is outside the housing. The method steps allow workers more space to handle the cable and perform the steps required to attach the cable end to the insulating block. The method steps also allow workers to check that the cable end is correctly connected to the insulating block. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments. The following are shown in these drawings:

[0071] Figure 1a b is a schematic perspective view of a connector for mechanically connecting the first car body of a multi-car vehicle to the second car body of a multi-car vehicle, wherein the multi-car vehicle according to the invention has an electrical connector according to the invention.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connector according to the invention, wherein the cover is in the closed position;

[0073] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A close-up schematic perspective view of the electrical connector shown, with the cover in the open position;

[0074] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The electrical connector shown is in a side view with the cover in the closed position.

[0075] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The electrical connector shown is shown in a side view, with the cover slightly open.

[0076] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a side view of the electrical connector, with the cover half open.

[0077] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The electrical connector shown is in a side view with the cover in the open position.

[0078] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the electrical connector shown, with the cover in the closed position;

[0079] Figure 9 forFigure 2 A schematic perspective view of the electrical connector shown, with the cover slightly open;

[0080] Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the electrical connector shown, with the cover half open;

[0081] Figure 11 for Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the electrical connector shown, with the cover in the open position;

[0082] Figure 12 for Figure 2 A schematic perspective close-up of the electrical connector shown, with the cover half open;

[0083] Figure 13 According to Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the housing of the electrical connector;

[0084] Figure 14 for Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the electrical connector shown, with the cover in the closed position;

[0085] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Close-up details;

[0086] Figure 16 For can be Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a seal used in conjunction with an electrical connector;

[0087] Figure 17 It is based on Figure 15 A schematic perspective view of the seal;

[0088] Figure 18 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical connector according to the present invention;

[0089] Figure 19 It is based on Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical connector;

[0090] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a schematic perspective exploded view, on which cable strands are attached.

[0091] Figure 21 It is based on Figure 20 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical connector;

[0092] Figure 22 according to Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the insulating blocks, backing components, and cables of an electrical connector;

[0093] Figure 23 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the insulating block of the electrical connector;

[0094] Figure 24 to 27 They can be combined to form Figure 23 A schematic perspective view of the sub-blocks of the insulating block shown;

[0095] Figure 28 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective close-up of the electrical connector details;

[0096] Figure 29 yes Figure 2 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the details of the electrical connector shown, with the cover partially open;

[0097] Figure 30 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the ends of two electrical connectors, facing each other, with their respective caps in the closed position;

[0098] Figure 31 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the ends of two electrical connectors, facing each other, with their respective covers slightly open;

[0099] Figure 32 This is a schematic side view of the combination of the first electrical connector according to the present invention and the second electrical connector according to the present invention;

[0100] Figure 33 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic side view showing details of the electrical connector, with the cover in the closed position;

[0101] Figure 34 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective view showing the details of the electrical connector;

[0102] Figure 35 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic side view showing details of the electrical connector, with the cover slightly open;

[0103] Figure 36 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective view showing the details of the electrical connector;

[0104] Figure 37 It is based on Figure 2 A side view of the electrical connector details, with Figure 35 Compared to the middle cover, the cover is further opened;

[0105] Figure 38 It is based on Figure 2A schematic perspective view showing the details of the electrical connector;

[0106] Figure 39 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective close-up view of the electrical connector with its cover in the open position;

[0107] Figure 40 for Figure 2 A schematic perspective close-up of the electrical connector shown, with the cover half open;

[0108] Figure 41 This is a schematic front view of another embodiment of an electrical connector with the cover in the open position;

[0109] Figure 42 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective close-up of an electrical connector, showing convex and concave connections at the cable ends protruding from the end face of the insulating block.

[0110] Figure 43 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the electrical connector, showing convex and concave connections at the cable ends protruding from the end face of the insulating block. Detailed Implementation

[0111] Figure 1a Figures b show two possible designs for the connector 1 used to mechanically connect the first car and the second car of the train. Figure 1a In this configuration, the electrical connector according to the invention for the first carriage of such a train is attached to connector 1 and arranged above connector 1. Figure 1b The present invention provides two electrical connectors. One electrical connector is arranged on each side of connector 1.

[0112] Figure 2 Electrical connector 2 is shown. Electrical connector 2 includes housing 3. Housing 3 has end opening 4. Edge 5 of housing 3 surrounds end opening 4. Housing 3 extends along longitudinal axis A.

[0113] An insulating block 6 is arranged in the end opening 4. The insulating block 6 has a flat end face 7 facing the outside of the housing 3. The flat end face 7 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 3. The end face 7 has a hole 8 passing through the insulating block 6.

[0114] The flat end face 7 is located in the end face plane B.

[0115] Cover 9 has a closed position, such as Figure 2 As shown, cover 9 is positioned in front of end face 7 of insulating block 6. In the open position of cover 9 (as shown...) Figure 3 As shown), the cover 9 is arranged along the top side of the shell 3.

[0116] A first arm 10 and a second arm 11 from a series of arms are shown, connected to each other in a manner that allows the first arm 10 to rotate relative to the adjacent arm (i.e., the second arm 11) about a rotation axis C. The first arm 10 of this series of arms is attached to a housing 3. The connection of the first arm 10 to the housing 3 allows the first arm 10 to rotate relative to the housing 3 about a rotation axis D. One of the arms in this series of arms, the second arm 11, is attached to a cover 9. The first arm 10 is oriented parallel to the end face plane B about its rotation axis D relative to the housing 3.

[0117] The cover 9 has a housing contact surface 12. In the closed position, the housing contact surface 12 contacts the cover contact surface 13 of the housing 3. The cover contact surface 13 is disposed on the edge 5. The cover contact surface 13 extends at least partially parallel to the end face plane B.

[0118] The base plane E is defined as being oriented perpendicular to the end face plane B and containing the axis of rotation D.

[0119] Reference line 14 extends parallel to end face plane B and also parallel to base plane E. Reference line 14 extends in one direction E through the point on the cover contact surface 13 furthest from the base plane.

[0120] When the cover 9 moves from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the housing contact surface 12 intersects the reference plane F containing the reference line 14 and extends perpendicularly to the base plane E at a point closer to the base plane E than the reference line 14.

[0121] Figure 3 The electrical connector 2 is shown with cover 9 in the open position, wherein cover 9 is arranged along the top side of housing 3.

[0122] Figure 3 Edge 5 is shown to contain seal 15. Figure 3 It is also shown that edge 5 and the seal 15 forming part of edge 5 surround the end opening 4 like a ring. Figure 3 It also shows a series of arms consisting of a first arm 10 and a second arm 11.

[0123] Figure 2 The electrical connector 2 is shown to have a support frame 16. A housing 3 is supported by the support frame 16 but can slide relative to it. The support frame 16 includes two rods 17 that serve as tracks on which the housing 3 slides relative to the support frame 16. The support frame 16 also includes a hydraulic cylinder 18 attached to a base 19 of the support frame 16. The rods 17 are also attached to the base 19. The piston of the hydraulic cylinder 18 contacts the housing 3. Driving the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 18 outward causes the housing 3 to slide along the rods 17... Figure 2 Slide to the left side. Pull the piston of hydraulic cylinder 18, causing housing 3 to move along rod 17. Figure 2Slide to the right in the middle.

[0124] The support frame 16 has two plates 20. Each plate 20 has a stationary guide rail 21. A roller 22 attached to the first end of the first arm 10 is disposed in the stationary guide rail 21 and moves along the guide rail 21 as the housing 3 slides relative to the support frame 16.

[0125] like Figure 6 As shown, a spring 23 is provided, one end of which is attached to one of the arms in a series of arms, namely the second arm 11, and the other end is attached to the housing 3.

[0126] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The opening sequence of cover 9 of electrical connector 2 is shown. Figure 4 The cover 9 is shown to be in the closed position. Figure 2 Electrical connector (as shown in the image). Figure 7 The open position of cover 9 is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows how the lid moves from the closed position ( Figure 4 , Figure 2 Move to the open position ( Figure 3 , Figure 7 The intermediate steps of ) . As shown in its relationship with rod 17, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the middle, rod 17 extends to the left (the end of rod 17 is at...). Figure 4 , Figure 5 (Not shown in the text) Figure 6 It is shown as having an end in the middle. Figure 7 The middle is displayed as arranged in Figure 7 Within the support structure of edge 5, shell 3 has been removed. Figure 4 The position shown is slidable, where housing 3 will be oriented toward one end of rod 17. Figure 12 The position (to the right of center) is positioned on the housing closer to the opposite end of rod 17. Figure 3 , Figure 7 (as shown in the image). Therefore... Figure 4 to Figure 7 The sequence indicates that pushing the housing 3 along the rod 17 causes the cover 9 to move from the closed position ( Figure 4 Move to the open position ( Figure 7 ).

[0127] exist Figure 4 to Figure 7 In the image, the plate 20 and the stationary guide rail 21 set in the plate are not shown, and the second arm 11 is also shown in perspective to simplify the interpretation of the motion.

[0128] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, the cover contact surface 13 is the frontmost part of the seal 15.Figure 6 and 7 It also shows that the cover contact surface 13 is located in a plane: in Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the cover contact surface 13 is located in the reference plane F.

[0129] from Figure 3 to Figure 7 As can be seen, the embodiment shown here consists of a series of two arms, namely a first arm 10 and a second arm 11, wherein the first arm 11 is attached to the housing 3, thereby connecting the first arm 10 to the housing 3 to allow the first arm 10 to rotate relative to the housing 3 about the main axis (i.e., the axis of rotation D), and thereby the first arm 10 and the second arm 11 are connected to each other in such a way that the first arm 10 is allowed to rotate relative to the second arm 11 about the second axis (i.e., the axis of rotation C), thereby the second arm 11 is attached to the cover 9. Figure 3 to Figure 7 It is also shown that the first arm 10 has a first end to which the roller 22 is attached, and thus the first arm 10 has a second end opposite to the first end, to which the second end is attached to the second arm 11, so that the attachment of the first arm 10 to the housing 3 is arranged between the first end and the second end.

[0130] Although Figure 4 A close-up side view is shown, but Figure 8 Electrical connectors in the same operating position are shown, but in perspective. Although Figure 5 A close-up side view is shown, but Figure 9 Electrical connectors in the same operating position are shown, but in perspective. Although Figure 6 A close-up side view is shown, but Figure 10 Electrical connectors in the same operating position are shown, but in perspective. Although Figure 7 A close-up side view is shown, but Figure 11 The electrical connectors are shown in the same operating position, but in perspective.

[0131] Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 The cover 9 is shown in the closed position, positioned in front of the end face 7 of the insulating block 6. To open the cover, the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 18 pushes the housing 3 forward. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, roller 22 is located to the left of the vertical line passing through the axis of rotation D when cover 9 is in the closed position. When housing 3 moves forward (towards...) Figure 3 to Figure 11 When the roller 22 reaches the left side of the rotation axis D (see left side), roller 22 reaches the left side of the rotation axis D (see left side of the rotation axis D). Figure 5 , Figure 9 To the right of the vertical line of ) . The first part of the opening movement of cover 9 advantageously causes cover 9 to lift off cover contact surface 13, which is arranged almost linearly on seal 15, i.e.Figure 3 to Figure 11 Oriented horizontally to the left. This almost linear movement of the cover 9 away from the seal 50 prevents the seal 15 from being unevenly compressed, and thus reduces the possibility of damage to the seal 15.

[0132] Roller 22 from Figure 4 The position in the middle to Figure 5 The movement of the position within is controlled by the stationary guide rail 21 of plate 20. The housing 3 is pushed forward. Figure 3 to Figure 11 The left side of the rotation axis D can also be moved to the left. Assuming that plates 20 and stationary guide rails 21 disposed within these plates 20 form part of the support frame 16, and that the housing 3 remains stationary as it moves relative to the support frame, the movement of the housing 3 causes the roller 22 to abut against the right-facing surface of the stationary guide rail 21. Further forward (leftward) movement of the housing 3 causes the roller 22 to... Figure 4 The indicated position (to the left of the vertical line passing through the axis of rotation D) is moved to... Figure 5 The position shown (to the right of the vertical line passing through the axis of rotation D). As the housing 3 moves further forward (at... Figure 3 to Figure 11 (From center to left), the axis of rotation D also moves forward (in) Figure 3 to Figure 11 (From center to left). The design of guide rail 21 and the forward movement of the rotation axis D cause roller 22 to occupy... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The location shown.

[0133] Figure 12 Showing with Figure 10 and Figure 6 A view of cover 9 in a similar position as shown. Figure 12 The perspective view shown identifies a housing contact surface 12 located inside the cover 9, which is intended to contact the cover contact surface 13, which is the front side of the seal 15.

[0134] Figure 13 A perspective view of housing 3 is shown. Figure 13 The view in the image does not show the seal 15, which forms part of the edge 5 when inserted and forms the cover contact surface 13. Figure 13 The housing 3 is also shown to have an inlet opening 25 opposite to the end opening 4. An insulating block 6 can be inserted into the housing 3 through the inlet opening 25. A rear part 26 is provided to close the inlet opening 25.

[0135] Figure 14 and 15 A cross-sectional view of electrical connector 2 is shown. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The selected view shows the seal 15 inside the cover 9. Selecting this view indicates that the seal 15 is compressed.

[0136] Figure 16 and17 Seal 15 is shown. Seal 15 is a double seal. Seal 15 has a first protrusion 27 and a second protrusion 28. Protrusions 27 and 28 are interconnected by a wall 29. Protrusion 27 forms part of edge 5. Due to its annular shape, protrusion 27 mates with cover 9 to prevent liquid from reaching end face 7 of insulating block 6 when cover is in the closed position. When cover is in the open position, protrusion 27 acts as a seal that interacts with a similar seal on the electrical connector of the second compartment to which the electrical connector is connected. In the embodiment shown here, the forward surface of protrusion 27 forms cover contact surface 13. Figure 14 and 15 As shown, the forward surface of the protrusion 27 interacts with the housing contact surface 12 of the cover 9. Reference line 14 is also provided on the forward surface of the protrusion 27.

[0137] The protrusion 28 serves as a seal to seal the insulating block 6 onto the inner circumferential surface of the housing 3.

[0138] The special design of the seal 15 offers advantages during the assembly of the electrical connector 2. The seal 15 can be placed on the insulating block 6, since the insulating block remains outside the housing 3. The insulating block 6 is then introduced into the housing 3 through the inlet opening 25. A slightly inwardly pushed protrusion 27 is used to allow the insulating block and the seal 15 located thereon to be introduced through the inlet opening 25. When the insulating block reaches... Figure 14 and Figure 15 When in the position shown, protrusion 27 will expand back to its original position. Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The normal position shown.

[0139] like Figure 14 As shown, the insulating block 6 has an additional rearward seal 13.

[0140] like Figure 14 and 15 As shown, the annular frame 31 is disposed in the recess of the insulating block 6. The screw 32 passes through the wall of the housing, its head resting against the outside of the housing and capable of sealing the exterior of the housing. It can be used to engage with a suitable threaded hole in the frame 31 to secure the insulating block 6. Figure 14 and 15 The position is shown. Similarly, the rear part 26 also has a similar frame 33, which is disposed in a suitable recess in the rear part 26. Screws 34 are used to fix the frame 33, which secures the rear part 26 to the indicated position. Figure 14 The position shown. The rear part 26 is also provided with a seal 35.

[0141] Figure 18 and Figure 19 Different possible geometric designs for housing 3 are shown. Although inFigure 13 In the embodiment shown, the housing 3 is a box-shaped design, but Figure 18 and 19 The housing 3 is cylindrical in design. In this design, instead of a double seal 15 with protrusions 28 for the insulating block 6, a separate top plate 36 is provided, which seals the outer peripheral surface of the insulating block 6 to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 3.

[0142] Figure 20 and Figure 21 Used Figure 18 and Figure 19 The illustrated embodiment demonstrates an advantageous method for assembling electrical connectors.

[0143] According to the preferred method for assembling the electrical connector 2, the cable 37, reaching the electrical connector via the cable strand 38, passes through a suitable opening in the rear member 26. The suitable opening in the rear member 26 is sealed against the cable strand 38. Between the insulating block 6 and the rear member 26, the cable 37 is separated from the cable strand 38. The end of the cable 37 passes through a hole 8 in the insulating block 6. The corresponding portion of the male / female connection type is connected to the outward end of the cable 37 in the insulating block 6.

[0144] Figure 20 , Figure 21 A male connector 39 protruding from the insulating block 6 is shown. Once the cable end passes through the hole 8 in the insulating block 6 and is attached to the male connector 39, the position of the cable end 37 within the insulating block 6 is fixed. Assuming this work is performed with the insulating block 6 and end piece 26 outside the housing, the worker can check that all connections are correct. After this work is completed, the worker inserts the insulating block 6 through the inlet opening 25, pushes the insulating block 6 into the end opening 4, and closes the inlet opening 25 with the rear piece 26. The insulating block 6 and the rear piece 26 are then secured to the housing 3 using the aforementioned frames 31, 33 and screws 32, 34.

[0145] Figure 22 Showing with Figure 13 The same method is used for different shaped embodiments of housing 3 shown in the examples.

[0146] Figure 23 to 27 The diagram shows that the insulating block 6 can be composed of multiple sub-blocks 40. The use of sub-blocks 40 allows the insulating block 6 to be individually designed for the type of cable 37 connected to the corresponding electrical connector 2. A single sub-block 40 can have protrusions 31 and recesses 42. Corresponding protrusions 41 project into corresponding recesses 42 in adjacent sub-blocks 40. This stabilizes the arrangement of the sub-blocks 40 adjacent to each other. Figure 23As can be seen, the insulating block has an annular recess 43 for accommodating the protrusion 28 of the seal 15. The insulating block 6 also has an annular recess 44 for accommodating an additional seal 30. The additional recess 45 can be used to engage with the screw 32, thus eliminating the need for the frame 31.

[0147] and Figure 4 to Figure 7 The view shown shows the second arm 11 drawn in perspective. Figure 28 A similar view of the first arm 10 and the second arm 11 is shown, with the second arm 12 fully drawn. Figure 28 The second arm 11 is shown to have lever 44.

[0148] Figure 29 As shown, a portion of the housing contact surface 12 intersects with the reference plane F containing the reference line 14, and at a point closer to the base plane E ( Figure 29 (Not shown in the image) Extends perpendicularly to the base plane E, and then reference line 14 is in that position when cover 9 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0149] Figure 31 In Figure 30 Two electrical connectors 2 according to the invention, arranged adjacent to each other, are shown. When two carriages of a train approach each other, they can achieve... Figure 30 , 31 The situation is shown below. Figure 30 and 31 The situation shown is before the two carriages of the train are finally pushed together, so that the connectors used to mechanically link the two carriages together engage with each other. Figure 30 and 31 The diagram shows the final connection of the connector.

[0150] Figure 30 The position of the cover 9 of the corresponding electrical connector 2 in the closed position is shown. Figure 31 As shown, by using the corresponding hydraulic cylinder 18 of the corresponding electrical connector 2, the corresponding housing 3 of the corresponding electrical connector 2 is pushed toward the end of the rod 17. Figure 31 The situation described is similar to Figure 5 The situation is similar. The corresponding cover 9 has been lifted off the seal 15. The corresponding housing contact surface 12 of the corresponding cover 9 remains in contact with the corresponding cover contact surface 13 of the corresponding housing 3.

[0151] Figure 33 to 38 The initial movement of cover 9 from the closed position to the open position is shown. Figure 33 and 34 Showing with Figure 4 , Figure 8 The positions of the cover 9 are similar to those shown, thus indicating the closed position of the cover 9. Figure 34It is emphasized that the lever 44 of the second arm 11 is separated from the outer peripheral surface 45 of the main shaft belonging to the defining axis of rotation D. To reach... Figure 35 , 36 At the position shown, the casing has moved forward. Figure 33 , 35 (Left side of 37). For example, regarding... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, this initial forward movement of the housing 3 causes the roller 22 to move from the left side of the vertical line, through the vertical line intersecting the rotation axis D, to the right side of the vertical line. This movement causes the rotation axis C to move to the left, and also causes the second arm 11 to move to the left. This leftward movement causes the lever 44 of the second arm 11 to contact the outer peripheral surface 45. The contact between the lever 44 and the outer peripheral surface 45 limits the amount of forward movement that the second arm 11 can make. The contact between the lever 44 and the outer peripheral surface 45 ends the phase of the main horizontal movement of the cover 9 and begins the phase of the main vertical movement of the cover (the vertical and backward movement of the lead 9).

[0152] like Figure 33 , Figure 35 and Figure 37 As shown, the housing 3 has a horizontal guide surface 46. In the closed position of the cover 9, the second arm 11 rests against the horizontal guide surface 46. Furthermore, the second arm 11 extends from... Figure 33 The location shown is to Figure 35 The movement of the indicated position keeps the second arm 11 in contact with the horizontal guide surface 46. The restriction of the horizontal movement of the second arm 11, achieved by the contact between the lever 44 and the outer peripheral surface 45, causes the second arm 11 to leave the horizontal guide surface 46 as the forward (leftward) movement of the housing continues. Figure 37 The horizontal guide surface 46 is shown to be free and not in contact with the second arm 11.

[0153] Spring 23 preloads the second arm 11, causing it to move counterclockwise around rotation axis C and counterclockwise around rotation axis D. In the second arm 11... Figure 33 and Figure 35 In the arrangement shown, the horizontal guide surface 46 prevents the second arm 11 from rotating counterclockwise about the rotation axis C or about the rotation axis D.

[0154] Figure 39 For display purposes, the electrical connector 2 according to the invention can have multiple reference lines based on a single design. Figure 39 Reference lines 14, 47, and 48 are shown. Figure 39 The design shown has three reference lines 14, 47, and 48, and therefore also three parallel reference planes F. Figure 39(Not shown in the image). The first reference plane will include reference line 14 and extend perpendicularly to the base plane. The second reference plane will include the second reference line 47 and extend perpendicularly to the base plane E. The third reference plane F will include reference line 48 and extend perpendicularly to the base plane E. Figure 40 As shown, the cover 9 has a housing contact surface 12 designed to engage with a cover contact surface 13. This surface is provided by the outward surface of the protrusion 27 of the seal 15. However, the cover 9 also includes another housing surface 49. This housing contact surface 49 is designed to contact another cover contact surface 50 disposed on the housing 3.

[0155] Figure 41 Another possible design for the housing 3 and the insulating block 6 is shown. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cover rotates about the axis of rotation D. Figure 41 express

[0156] The annular cover contact surface 13 provided by the foremost surface of the seal 15 has two longitudinal surface portions arranged parallel to each other, namely a top longitudinal surface portion and a bottom longitudinal surface portion.

[0157] • The first end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to the first end of the other of the two longitudinal surface portions via a first side surface portion, and the second end of one of the two longitudinal surface portions is connected to the second end of the other of the two longitudinal surface portions via a second side surface portion, to form an annular cover contact surface.

[0158] • The first side surface portion has a longitudinal surface portion

[0159] • The second side surface portion has a longitudinal surface portion

[0160] The longitudinal surface portions of the first and second side surfaces are arranged below the plane of maximum width (which is also the base plane E). Figure 41 In the illustrated embodiment, the point of the cover contact surface 13 furthest from the base plane E in one direction is a portion of the longitudinal section of the cover contact surface, i.e., a portion of the top longitudinal section extending parallel to the base plane E. The portion of the cover contact surface arranged between the maximum width plane and the reference line converges toward the end of the longitudinal portion of the cover contact surface 13.

[0161] Figure 43 In Figure 42 The end of the cable is shown. Figure 42 , 43(Not shown) may include a male connector 39 or a female connector 51. The male connector 39 may be designed to pass through a hole in the insulator 6. The male connector 39 and female connector 51 protrude from corresponding holes 8 on the end face 7 of the insulator 6. On the inward side of the insulator 6, the male connector 39 and female connector 51 have connecting ends 52 that connect to the remainder of the cable. Figure 43 (Not shown in the image). The male connector 39 and female connector 51, which pass through the hole 8 of the insulating block 6, have a seal 53 to prevent fluid from entering the inside of the housing 3.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (2) for a first compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle, the electrical connector being adapted to connect to an electrical connector for a second compartment of the multi-compartment vehicle to connect an end of a cable (37) of the first compartment to an end of the cable (37) of the second compartment, the electrical connector (2) comprising: • A housing (3) having an end opening (4), wherein the edge (5) of the housing (3) surrounds the end opening (4), and wherein the housing (3) extends along a longitudinal axis (A). • An insulating block (6) is disposed in the end opening (4), the insulating block (6) having a flat end face (7) facing the outside of the housing (3) and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the housing (3), the end face (7) having a hole (8) or a recess leading to the insulating block (6), at least one hole (8) or the recess being adapted for the end of at least one cable (37) to be disposed in the hole (8) or the recess, or to be arranged to protrude outward from the hole (8) or the recess from the end face (7), the flat end face (7) being located in the end face plane (B). • Cover (9), the cover having a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cover (9) is disposed in front of the end face (7) of the insulating block (6), and in the open position the cover (9) is disposed along one side of the housing (3). and • An arm attached to the cover and the housing, wherein the attachment of the arm to the housing allows the arm to rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis around which the arm rotates relative to the housing is oriented parallel to the end face plane, or A series of arms (10, 11) are connected to each other in a manner that allows one arm (10) to rotate relative to an adjacent arm (11) about a second axis (C), wherein one arm (10) of the series of arms (10, 11) is attached to the housing (3), wherein the attachment of the arm (10) to the housing (3) allows the arm (10) to rotate relative to the housing (3) about a main axis (D), wherein the main axis (D) around which the arm (10) rotates relative to the housing (3) is oriented parallel to the end face plane (B), and one arm (11) of the series of arms (10, 11) is attached to the cover (9). The cover (9) has a housing contact surface (12) that contacts or is adjacent to a cover contact surface (13) of the housing (3) arranged on the edge (5) in the closed position of the cover (9), wherein the cover contact surface (13) is at least partially located in or extends parallel to the end face plane (B). The base plane (E) is defined to be oriented perpendicular to the end face plane (B) and includes the main axis (D) around which the arm (10) attached to the housing (3) rotates relative to the housing (3). The reference line (14) is located in or extends parallel to the end face plane (B) and parallel to the base plane (E), and passes through the point on the cover contact surface (13) that is furthest from the base plane (E) in one direction. Its features When the cover (9) moves from the closed position to the open position, a portion of the housing contact surface (12) intersects the reference plane (F) containing the reference line (14) at a point closer to the base plane (E) than the reference line (14), and the reference plane (F) extends perpendicular to the base plane (E).

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover contact surface (13) forms a ring around the end opening (4) and / or the housing contact surface (12).

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover contact surface (13) is located in a plane and / or the shell contact surface (12) is located in a plane.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It includes a series of two arms (10, 11), namely a first arm (10) and a second arm (11), wherein the first arm (10) is attached to the housing (3), wherein the attachment of the first arm (10) to the housing (3) allows the first arm (10) to rotate relative to the housing (3) about a main axis (D), wherein the first arm (10) and the second arm (11) are connected to each other in a manner that allows the first arm (10) to rotate relative to the second arm (11) about a second axis (C), and wherein the second arm (11) is attached to the cover (9).

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that... The first arm (10) has a first end, wherein the roller (22) is attached to the first end, and The first arm (10) has a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the second end is attached to the second arm (11). The attachment of the first arm (10) to the housing (3) is arranged between the first end and the second end.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes a support frame (16), wherein the housing (3) is supported by the support frame (16) but is slidable relative to the support frame (16).

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes a stationary guide rail (21), which is part of the support frame (16), wherein the roller (22) is arranged in the guide rail (21) and moves along the guide rail (21) when the housing (3) slides relative to the support frame (16).

8. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes a spring (23), which is attached at one end to the second arm (11) or one of the series of arms (10, 11) and at the other end to the housing (3).

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing (3) has an inlet opening (25) arranged opposite to the end opening (4), and the insulating block (6) can be inserted into the housing (3) through the inlet opening (25).

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, Includes a rear part (26) that closes the inlet opening (25).

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, Includes a seal (15) disposed between the outer peripheral surface (45) of the insulating block (6) and the inner peripheral surface of the housing (3) and / or a seal disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the rear member (26) and the inner peripheral surface of the housing (3).

12. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The insulating block (6) is a single piece or consists of at least two sub-blocks (40) attached to each other.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Includes a support frame (16), wherein the housing (3) is supported by the support frame (16) but is slidable relative to the support frame (16).

14. A connector for mechanically connecting a first car body of a multi-car vehicle to a second car body of a multi-car vehicle, characterized in that, The connector has an electrical connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for assembling an electrical connector according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, include • Attach the end of the cable (37) to the hole (8) or recess of the insulating block (6), either within the hole (8) or recess or protruding outward from the end face (7) from the hole (8) or recess. • Insert the insulating block (6) into the housing (3) through the inlet opening (25) and attach the insulating block (6) to the housing (3) such that the insulating block (6) is arranged in the end opening (4).

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