Passage assembly and electrical coupler assembly for multi-compartment vehicle, and multi-compartment vehicle having passage assembly or electrical coupler assembly

Abstract

A tunnel assembly comprises a tunnel (1) for being arranged between two carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle. The channel comprises a first bellows (20) having a frame (22) for connecting the first bellows to an opposing frame (32) of a second bellows (30) of the channel. Also included is a first electrical coupler (40) connected to the frame (22) of the first bellows (20) and a second electrical coupler (50) connected to the opposing frame (32) of the second bellows (30). A first support (70) is fixedly connected to a frame (22) of the first bellows (20), where a first electrical coupler (40) is movably mounted on the first support (70) so as to be movable between an advanced position and a retracted position, and a second support (80) is fixedly connected to an opposing frame (32) of the second bellows (30) so as to be movable between an advanced position and a retracted position. Wherein the second electrical coupler (50) is movably mounted on the second support (80) so as to be also movable between an advanced position and a retracted position. The channel assembly also includes an advancement mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) operable to advance the first and second electrical couplings from their respective retracted positions to their respective advanced positions. An electrical coupler is disposed outside the frame (22) and the opposing frame (32) and is operable from inside the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical coupling assembly for a gangway of a multi-compartment vehicle such as a bus, tram or other rail vehicle, and a gangway assembly comprising a corresponding electrical coupling assembly. The invention also relates to a multi-compartment vehicle having an electrical coupling assembly or a gangway assembly. Background Art

[0002] Multi-carriage vehicles, such as buses or trams, typically include a passage between two adjacent carriages, through which passengers walk between the carriages. Adjacent carriages are mechanically connected by means of mechanical couplers (which may also be automatic couplers). In addition, the wires extending along the multi-carriage vehicle for transmitting energy and / or data need to be connected or disconnected between the two carriages each time the carriages are connected or uncoupled, for which electrical couplers are provided. In modern transportation, there are a large number of wires, and therefore, electrical couplers typically include a corresponding large number of plugs and / or sockets on a single body for simultaneous connection. The electrical coupler is usually mounted to the mechanical coupler, and the two are arranged together under the passage. However, due to space limitations, it may be necessary to place the electrical coupler separately from the mechanical coupler, for example, on the side of the passage or more commonly on the top of the passage.

[0003] US2931317A discloses a channel having a bellows connected to a carriage of a multi-carriage vehicle, the bellows comprising a frame connected to a counter frame arranged on another carriage of the multi-carriage vehicle. An electrical connector having electrical contacts is mounted to the frame outside the bellows, and corresponding electrical counter contacts are arranged above the counter frame of the other carriage. When the carriages are combined together to form a connection relationship, the male pin first contacts and aligns with the female end of the carriage. Then, the alignment member on the frame of the bellows is aligned with the female alignment unit of the carriage. The electrical connector can be elastically mounted by a spring to assist in establishing the correct alignment and interconnection of the corresponding adjacent electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are provided with flat end surfaces and are contacted with each other due to being pressed backward into their respective housings against the action of the spring.

[0004] EP4098506A1 considers that it is disadvantageous when the electrical connector is exposed to adverse weather conditions outside the tunnel. In addition, when the electrical connection is made simultaneously with the mechanical connection, it is impossible to electrically disconnect the carriage independently of the mechanical connection. EP4098506A1 proposes a tunnel with two corrugated tubes. The wires are guided through the frame of the corrugated tube to the electrical hubs respectively installed inside the frame. Between the hubs, the wires are manually connected by means of bridge wires.

[0005] However, manually manipulating the wires within the channel is cumbersome and can even be dangerous. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fast and safe electrical connection between adjacent carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a channel assembly, the channel assembly comprising:

[0008] a channel for being arranged between two cars of a multi-carriage vehicle, wherein the channel comprises a first bellows having a frame for connecting the first bellows to an opposing frame of a second bellows of the channel or to an opposing frame of a car, and

[0009] - a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, wherein the first electrical connector is connected to a frame of the first bellows and the second electrical connector is connected to an opposing frame of the second bellows or is configured to be connected to an opposing frame of a carriage or a carriage,

[0010] The channel component also includes one or both of the following:

[0011] - a first support fixedly connected to the frame of the first bellows, wherein the first electrical connector is movably mounted on the first support so as to be movable relative to the frame

[0012] movable between an advanced position and a retracted position; and

[0013] a second support fixedly connected to the counter-frame of the second bellows or adapted to be fixedly connected to the car or the counter-frame of the car, wherein the second electrical coupling is movably mounted on the second support so as to be movable relative to the counter-frame or the car between an advanced position and a retracted position,

[0014] The channel assembly further includes a propulsion mechanism operable to propel one or both of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding advanced position.

[0015] Thus, the electrical couplers are mounted separately from the mechanical couplers, i.e. the electrical couplers are mounted on the frame of the bellows and the opposing frame of the bellows, respectively, or on the frame of one bellows and the carriage or the opposing frame of the carriage, respectively. By movably mounting the electrical couplers on the respective supports, they can be safely and easily pushed from their disconnected position to the connected position independently of the mechanical coupling of the carriage. In particular, the pushing and thus the connection of the electrical couplers is achieved via a pushing mechanism, thereby avoiding manual manipulation of individual wires.

[0016] Although it is usually sufficient if only one of the two electrical couplings is movably mounted and the other is fixed, it is preferred that the first electrical coupling is movably mounted on the first support and the second electrical coupling is movably mounted on the second support. In other words, the arrangement is symmetrical. This is advantageous for multi-carriage vehicles such as long passenger trains, in which the carriages can be turned 180° relative to each other and their connection must be allowed.

[0017] Further preferably, it may be advantageous to arrange the first electrical coupling and / or the second electrical coupling outside the channel, in particular outside the frame and the counter-frame, respectively, in order to keep the inside of the channel as free as possible.

[0018] The propulsion mechanism is preferably operable from the inside of the passage, in particular manually operable. This facilitates the rapid coupling of two adjacent carriages, since the frame and the counter-frame are usually connected by corresponding personnel from the inside of the passage, and if the propulsion mechanism is also operable from the inside of the passage, the electrical coupling can be carried out immediately after the mechanical coupling of the frames.

[0019] Preferably, the frame comprises a through hole connecting the inner side of the frame and the outer side of the frame, wherein the propulsion mechanism extends from the inner side of the first bellows through the through hole to the outer side of the first bellows and is operable from the inner side of the first bellows. The same applies to the opposing frame. Specifically, the propulsion mechanism may include a first part and a second part, the second part being separate from the first part but having the same function as the first part, wherein the first part is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector and the second part is configured to cooperate with the second electrical connector. Therefore, in the following, whenever the propulsion mechanism is mentioned, it means that it may include two corresponding parts.

[0020] In one embodiment, the advancement mechanism includes an operating spindle extending through the through hole and configured so that turning the operating spindle causes the first electrical connector to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position. This allows a motor or manually operated handle to be attached to the innermost end of the spindle to operate the advancement mechanism.

[0021] At the respective other end of the operating spindle, the advancement mechanism may include an advancement shaft, wherein the operating spindle and the advancement shaft engage with each other, such that turning the operating spindle causes the corresponding electrical connector to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position by means of the advancement shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the advancement shaft may be fixed and have a thread that engages with a portion of the electrical connector, such that rotation of the advancement shaft causes the first electrical connector to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position by means of the advancement shaft. Alternatively, the advancement shaft may be fixedly connected to the electrical connector and move with the electrical connector when the operating spindle is rotated.

[0022] In a variant, the operating spindle and the propulsion shaft are engaged with each other by means of a worm gear. The worm gear may have a trapezoidal thread so that the worm gear is self-locking.

[0023] In another variant, the operating spindle and the propulsion shaft are coupled to each other by means of a rocker. This arrangement is less complicated.

[0024] Furthermore, a mark visible from the inside of the passage may be provided, and an indicator also visible from the inside of the passage may be provided, and the indicator is arranged so that when the electrical connector moves from its retracted position to its advanced position (e.g. when the above-mentioned operating spindle is rotated), the indicator changes position relative to the mark. Therefore, the indicator is preferably arranged on the operating spindle, and the mark may be arranged on the inside of the frame. In this way, a person can easily identify whether the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are in a coupled state or an uncoupled state from the position of the indicator relative to the mark.

[0025] As described above, a handle may be provided for manual operation of the advancement mechanism. Preferably, the handle is detachable so as not to extend into the passage and to prevent unauthorized use. Thus, the detachable handle may be configured to be connected to the advancement mechanism from the inside of the passage and configured to be used to manually operate the advancement mechanism from the inside of the passage so as to advance the corresponding electrical connector from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0026] Optionally, a motor may be provided and configured to drive the propulsion mechanism so as to propel the corresponding electrical connector from its retracted position to its advanced position. The motor further facilitates the operation of the propulsion mechanism. A motor may be provided for each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. In addition to the handle, the motor may be provided so that the handle may only need to be used in the event of a motor failure. The motor may be remotely or manually operable from the inside of the channel, for example by entering a code on a corresponding touch pad, etc. Specifically, the motor may be arranged on the inside of the first bellows.

[0027] Further, at least one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may comprise a removable front cover, which is movable between a closed position, in which the removable front cover covers the electrical contacts of the electrical connector, and an open position, in which the electrical contacts are uncovered and ready to be coupled with the electrical contacts of the respective other electrical connector. This is particularly advantageous in case the electrical connector is arranged outside the passage, i.e. the electrical contacts are protected from snow and ice. But it is also advantageous for an electrical connector placed inside the passage, i.e. the electrical contacts are protected from unintentional touching in the decoupled state of the electrical connector. Preferably, both the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector comprise such a removable front cover.

[0028] In one embodiment, the movable front cover is configured to open automatically when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are brought into proximity with each other. For example, the front covers may contact each other when the electrical connectors are moved toward each other, and when at least one of the electrical connectors is further advanced, they press against each other and push each other into an open state. A spring may be provided on one or preferably both front covers to urge the front covers back toward their closed state when the electrical connectors are moved apart. Alternatively or additionally, the front cover may be hingedly mounted by means of a lever, wherein the lever is guided so as to rotate relative to the electrical connector when the electrical connector is advanced.

[0029] The channel assembly may also include a locking mechanism configured to allow the frame to be locked to the opposing frame after the frame has been connected to the opposing frame and before the advancement mechanism is operated to advance one or both of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector from the respective retracted position to the respective advanced position. In this way, the frame and the opposing frame are aligned to the greatest extent possible, thereby pre-aligning the electrical connectors relative to each other before the advancement mechanism is operated. This helps prevent damage to the electrical connectors, particularly their electrical connectors (plugs and sockets).

[0030] An elastic connection may be provided to allow at least one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to be elastically moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the first bellows. That is, for situations where the pre-alignment is not accurate enough for the electrical connectors of the two electrical connectors to perfectly mate, further alignment is automatically achieved with the aid of the elastic connection. Although the tip of the male connector (plug) is usually tapered and, therefore, is guided into the female connector (socket) when moving forward, this action is facilitated by allowing the (one or more) electrical connectors to bend elastically sideways, if necessary.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic connection can be realized by at least one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, preferably both, being elastically mounted on a corresponding one of the first support and the second support to allow such lateral bending. More specifically, (one or more) electrical connectors can be elastically mounted on the associated support by means of elastic material or rubber.

[0032] Preferably, the first electrical connector has a first set of spare electrical contacts and the second electrical connector has a second set of spare electrical contacts, the second set of spare electrical contacts being arranged to mate with the first set of spare electrical contacts of the first electrical connector. Here, the first set of spare electrical contacts and the second set of spare electrical contacts are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical midplanes of the respective first and second electrical connectors, so that the first set of spare electrical contacts of the first electrical connector can mate with the second set of spare electrical contacts of the second electrical connector.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is provided, the electrical connector assembly comprising a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the electrical connector assembly further comprising one or both of the following:

[0034] a first support configured as a frame of a first bellows fixedly connected to a passage of a multi-car vehicle, wherein the first electrical coupling is movably mounted on the first support so as to be movable relative to the first support between an advanced position and a retracted position, and

[0035] a second support configured to be fixedly connected to an opposing frame of a second bellows of a passage of a multi-compartment vehicle or to an opposing frame of a compartment or compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle, wherein the second electrical coupling is movably mounted on the second support so as to be movable relative to the second support between an advanced position and a retracted position,

[0036] The electrical connector assembly further includes a propulsion mechanism operable to propel one or both of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding advanced position.

[0037] The electrical connector assembly may have the same structure and provide the same functions as the first connector and the second connector of the channel assembly described above.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-compartment vehicle is provided, the multi-compartment vehicle comprising the above-mentioned passage assembly and / or electrical connector assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The foregoing and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

[0040] In the attached picture:

[0041] Figure 1 A channel assembly is shown with an electrical coupler at the top of the channel;

[0042] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The side view shows the Figure 1 Electrical connectors;

[0043] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an electrical connector of the invention in a non-operating, retracted state;

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A perspective view of an electrical connector in an operating state;

[0045] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The perspective view and the side view are shown respectively. Figure 1 The cross-section of the channels and connectors;

[0046] Figure 6 Yes Enter Figure 1 A perspective view of a channel having a handle for operating an electrical connector from inside the channel;

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A detailed view of the top side of the channel with the operating handle shown;

[0048] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment;

[0049] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The perspective view and the top view are shown respectively. Figure 8 The cross-section of the electrical connector;

[0050] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment;

[0051] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Shown is the installation on the channel Fig.10 Details of the electrical connectors; and

[0052] Fig.12 The arrangement of the electrical connections of the electrical coupler is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1 A channel assembly is shown, which includes a channel 1 and two electrical connectors 40, 50 mounted on the top thereof. The arrangement of the electrical connectors 40, 50 can also be located on the side of the channel 1. Figure 1 In the illustrated case, the electrical connectors 40, 50 are in contact with each other through their respective front ends, while the wires 42, 52 lead to their respective rear ends. Three wires 42, 52 are shown, but there may be more or fewer wires. The electrical connectors 40, 50 and the wires 42, 52 are used to establish an electrical connection between two adjacent cars of a multi-car vehicle. To this end, the wires 42, 52 each have a plug for connecting the wires 42, 52 to a corresponding socket on the adjacent car.

[0054] The passage 1 comprises two bellows 20, 30. Each bellows comprises a mounting frame 21, 31, by means of which the bellows 20, 30 are mounted on the respective open ends of the carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle (not shown). On the respective other ends of the bellows 20, 30, end frames 22, 32 are provided. When two adjacent carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle are coupled together, the end frames 22, 32 contact each other and are usually manually locked to each other. For example, a suitable locking mechanism is disclosed in EP 2002998 A1. Hereinafter, the end frame 22 may sometimes be referred to as a "frame" or a "first frame", and the other end frame 32 may sometimes be referred to as an "opposing frame" or a "second frame". When the end frames 22, 32 are locked to each other, the passage 1 is closed and a passage 10 is provided between two adjacent carriages. That is, the bellows 20, 30 and their mounting frames 21, 31 and the end frames 22, 32 are all closed in the circumferential direction.

[0055] When adjacent cars of a multi-carriage vehicle are coupled to each other, they are usually coupled mechanically by means of mechanical couplings, which are usually arranged under the floor 11 of the passage 1, and as described above, the passage is closed by connecting the end frames 22, 32 of the bellows 20, 30 to each other. The passage 1 may have more than two bellows or even a single bellows 20. In the case of a single bellows 20, the opposing frame 32 to which the end frame 22 of the single bellows is attached may become part of the car.

[0056] In addition to closing the mechanical coupler and channel 1, the electrical couplers 40, 50 need to be connected to each other. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C This is illustrated in more detail. Figure 2A The electrical connectors 40, 50 are shown arranged on top of the bellows 20 and 30 in a situation where the channel 1 is not yet closed, i.e. the end frames 22, 32 of the bellows 20, 30 are at a distance from each other. In this position, the front covers 41, 51 of the electrical connectors 40, 50 are in a closed position in which they cover the electrical contacts from environmental influences. Figure 2B The bellows 20, 30 are shown in a closed state, with the end frames 22, 32 contacting each other. As can be seen, the front covers 41, 51 are partially open. More specifically, when the bellows 20, 30 move toward each other and the couplings 40, 50 touch each other, the front covers 41, 51 push each other open, thereby rotating about the hinges 43, 53, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CAs shown, the front covers 41, 51 contact each other through their respective curved front surfaces so that the front covers 41, 51 rotate around the hinges 43, 53 when the electrical connectors 40, 50 are close to each other. Return springs 44, 54 may be provided to urge the front covers 41, 51 back to their respective closed positions when the electrical connectors 40, 50 are moved apart.

[0057] Figure 2C 4 and 5. The final step of coupling the electrical connectors 40 and 50 is shown. That is, in order to electrically couple the electrical connectors 40 and 50, the electrical connectors 40 and 50 are even further moved toward each other and abut against each other until their electrical contacts (not shown) are mated. This state is shown in FIG. Figure 2C As shown. Figure 2B and Figure 2C By comparison, it can be seen that the electrical connectors 40, 50 have been moved relative to the supports 70, 80 by which they are mounted on the top of the end frames 22, 32. At the same time, the front covers 41, 51 have been moved from Figure 2B Their partially open position shown is moved to Figure 2C The fully open position is again reached by the front covers 41, 51 being pushed against each other and rotated about the hinges 43, 53 respectively as the electrical connectors 40, 50 move towards each other into their coupled state.

[0058] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Detailed perspective views of the electrical connectors 40, 50 in their closed state (i.e., when the end frames 22, 32 are spaced apart from each other) and in a coupled state, in which the end frames 22, 32 are connected to each other and the electrical connectors 40, 50 are advanced so that their electrical contacts mate. This corresponds to Figure 2A and Figure 2C The situation shown, Figure 1 The perspective shown corresponds to Figure 2B The situation shown is that the channel 1 is closed but the electrical connectors 40, 50 are not yet connected. Figure 4As shown, the electrical connector 50 includes a holder 55, which holds a housing in which an electrical contact (not shown) is accommodated, and a carriage 56, which is slidably movable in a guide 81 of a support 80. An elastic connector 57 between the holder 55 and the carriage 56 allows the electrical connector 50 to move slightly laterally when the electrical connectors 40, 50 are coupled to each other. In this way, misalignment of the end frames 22, 32 or misalignment of the electrical connectors 40, 50 on the end frames 22, 32 can be compensated during the coupling of the electrical connectors 40, 50. The elastic connector 57 can be made of an elastic material or rubber. Of course, the elastic connector 57 and the guide 81 for the carriage 56 are identically provided on both sides of the electrical connector 50. The construction of the electrical connector 40 is the same as that of the electrical connector 50. This applies to all embodiments disclosed herein and ensures that adjacent carriages can be coupled to each other independently of their ends facing each other.

[0059] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the channel 1 with two electrical connectors 40, 50 in a connected state, Figure 5B 4 is a detailed cross-sectional side view thereof. As can be seen, the front cover 41, 51 is in a fully open position. In the housing 48, 58 of the electrical connector 40, 50, the electrical connector block 49, 59 is accommodated and includes electrical contacts that mate with each other. The electrical connector 40, 50 is mounted on the top of the end frame 22, 32 by means of the support 70, 80. Since the electrical connector 40, 50 is arranged on the outside of the end frame 22, 32, the advancement mechanism is configured to be operable from the inside of the channel. To this end, the end frame 22, 32 includes a through hole connecting the inside of the corresponding end frame with the outside thereof, and the advancement mechanism extends through the through hole so as to be operable from the inside of the channel 1. To this end, the advancement mechanism for advancing the electrical connector 40, 50 from its respective retracted position to its respective advanced position includes an operating spindle 72, 82 extending through the through hole. Rotating the operating spindle 72 and the operating spindle 82 respectively causes the corresponding electrical connector 40 and the electrical connector 50 to be advanced from their retracted position to their advanced position respectively. Rotating the operating spindles 72, 82 in opposite directions causes the electrical coupler to retract from its advanced position to its retracted position. Although the electrical coupler 40 is mounted on the end frame 22 ("first frame"), the electrical coupler 50 need not necessarily be mounted on the end frame 32 ("opposite frame") of the second bellows 30, but may likewise be mounted on the opposite frame of a car body of a multi-car vehicle, or directly on the car body, for example where the channel 1 comprises a single bellows.

[0060] The lower end of the operating spindle 72, 82 extending into the channel 1 can be manually operated by means of a handle, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, or for example by means of a motor mounted inside the respective end frame 22, 32. Thus, as shown from Figure 6 As can be seen from the inside perspective view of the passage 1, a person standing in the passage 10 can use the handle 90 to rotate the operating spindles 72, 82 between the coupled position and the uncoupled position. The indicators 73 and 83 on the operating spindles 72, 82 are aligned with the markings 23 and 33 on the end frames 22, 32, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 as shown in the detailed view in .

[0061] Figure 8 A first embodiment of an electrical connector 40 is shown, wherein the operating mechanism comprises a worm gear. More specifically, the electrical connector 40 is movably mounted on a support 70 by means of a guide 71. In this embodiment, the guide 71 consists of two guide rails in the form of parallel rods. Pins 48A and pin holes 48B are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 48 so as to mate and align with corresponding pins and pin holes (not shown) of a corresponding second electrical connector 50. When the electrical connectors 40, 50 are coupled and aligned by means of the pins and pin holes, the elastic connectors 47 and 57 associated with the electrical connectors 40, 50 allow the electrical connectors 40, 50 to be elastically moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the channel 1 (i.e. in a lateral direction and / or an upward direction) to compensate for misalignment of the end frames 22, 32 or incorrect installation of the electrical connectors 40, 50 on the end frames 22, 32.

[0062] In this embodiment, the automatic opening of the front cover 41 when the electrical connector 40 is pushed is achieved by means of a lever 41A, which in this case is a gas strut. The lever 41A is hinged to the support 70 at one end and to the front cover 41 at the opposite end, and the front cover 41 rotates around the hinge 43.

[0063] Next, the worm gear mechanism will be described. That is, the operating spindle 72 is operated by the handle 90 and extends through the end frame 22 with its upper end 72A extending into the gear box 72B, where it is engaged with the propulsion shaft 72C by means of a worm gear connection. Rotating the operating spindle 72 causes the electrical connector 40 to be moved from the end frame 22 by means of the propulsion shaft 72C. Figure 8 The advancement shaft 72C is fixed to its retracted position as shown to its advanced position. Heretofore, the advancement shaft 72C is fixed and has threads that engage with a portion of the electrical coupler 40 so that rotation of the advancement shaft 72C via the worm gear connection causes advancement of the electrical coupler 40. The details of the worm gear connection can be seen from Fig.9A Cross-sectional perspective view and Fig. 9B obtained in the top view.

[0064] Fig.10is a perspective view of an electric coupling 50 according to a second embodiment. The electric coupling 50 differs from the electric coupling 40 of the first embodiment only in that the guide member 81 is formed of two guide rails 81, wherein the electric coupling 50 is slidably guided, and further, in that the transmission between the operating spindle 82 and the propulsion shaft 72C does not include a worm gear connection but includes an over-knee mechanism. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B It is further shown in Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A portion of the mechanism is shown in perspective and top view, respectively. Thus, the propulsion shaft 82C is connected to the upper end 82A of the operating spindle 82 by means of a rocker bar 82D. Rotating the operating spindle 82 by 180° causes the rocker bar 82D to rotate around the upper end 82A of the operating spindle 82, thereby pulling the propulsion shaft 82C. Of course, the propulsion shaft 82C may have any form, and may even be integrally formed with the housing 58 of the electrical connector 50. Although the electrical connector 40 according to the first embodiment and the electrical connector 50 according to the second embodiment may cooperate with each other for coupling, it is preferred that the electrical connectors 40, 50 mounted to the carriages of the multi-carriage vehicle are identical.

[0065] Fig.12 The electrical connector 40 is shown without the front cover 41 removed, thereby exposing its electrical contacts. The electrical connector 40 has a first set of electrical contacts 40A and a second set of electrical contacts 40B. The two sets of electrical contacts 40A, 40B are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical midplane A, and they are alternate to each other, which means that the electrical contacts of the first set of electrical contacts 40A have the same function as the electrical contacts of the second set of electrical contacts 40B. This has the effect that the first set of alternate electrical contacts 40A of the first electrical connector 40 can be mated with the second set of alternate electrical contacts 40B of the second electrical connector 40.

[0066] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail in the following paragraphs:

[0067] 1. A channel assembly, comprising:

[0068] a channel 1 for being arranged between two carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle, wherein the channel 1 comprises a first bellows 20 having a frame 22 for connecting the first bellows 20 to an opposing frame 32 of a second bellows 30 of the channel 1 or to an opposing frame of a carriage, and

[0069] a first electrical connector 40 and a second electrical connector 50, wherein the first electrical connector 40 is connected to the frame 22 of the first bellows 20 and the second electrical connector 50 is connected to the counter frame 32 of the second bellows 30 or is configured to be connected to the vehicle compartment or the counter frame of the vehicle compartment,

[0070] The channel component also includes one or both of the following:

[0071] a first support 70 fixedly connected to the frame 22 of the first bellows 20 , wherein the first electrical connector 40 is movably mounted on the first support 70 so as to be movable relative to the frame 22 between an advanced position and a retracted position; and

[0072] a second support 80 fixedly connected to the counter-frame 32 of the second bellows 30 or adapted to be fixedly connected to the car or to the counter-frame of the car, wherein the second electrical coupling 50 is movably mounted on the second support 80 so as to be movable relative to the counter-frame 32 or to the car between an advanced position and a retracted position,

[0073] The channel assembly further includes an advancement mechanism 72 , 72C, 82 , 82C operable to advance one or both of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding advanced position.

[0074] 2. The channel assembly of paragraph 1, wherein the channel assembly includes both a first support 70 and a second support 80, the first electrical connector 40 being movably mounted on the first support and the second electrical connector 50 being movably mounted on the second support.

[0075] 3. The channel assembly according to paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical connector 40 is arranged outside the frame 22.

[0076] 4. A channel assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the advancement mechanism 72 , 72C, 82 , 82C is operable from the inside of the channel 1 .

[0077] 5. A channel assembly according to paragraph 4, wherein the advancement mechanism 72, 72C, 82, 82C is manually operable from the inside of the channel 1.

[0078] 6. A channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the frame 22 includes a through hole connecting the inner side of the frame 22 and the outer side of the frame 22, wherein the propulsion mechanism 72, 72C, 82, 82C extends from the inner side of the first bellows 20 through the through hole to the outer side of the first bellows 20 and is operable from the inner side of the first bellows 20.

[0079] 7. The channel assembly of paragraph 6, wherein the advancement mechanism 72, 72C, 82, 82C includes an operating spindle 72 extending through the through hole and configured such that rotating the operating spindle 72 causes the first electrical connector 40 to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0080] 8. A channel assembly according to paragraph 7, wherein the advancement mechanism 72, 72C, 82, 82C also includes an advancement shaft 72C, wherein the operating spindle 72 and the advancement shaft 72C are engaged with each other, so that rotating the operating spindle 72 causes the first electrical connector 40 to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position by means of the advancement shaft 72C.

[0081] 9. The channel assembly of paragraph 8, wherein the advancement shaft 72C is fixed and has threads that engage a portion of the first electrical connector 40 such that rotation of the advancement shaft 72C causes the first electrical connector 40 to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0082] 10. Channel assembly according to paragraph 8 or 9, wherein the operating spindle 72 and the advancing shaft 72C are engaged with each other by means of a worm gear.

[0083] 11. A channel assembly according to paragraph 8 or 9, wherein the operating spindle 72 and the advancing shaft 72C are engaged with each other by means of a rocker rod 82D.

[0084] 12. A channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, further comprising a mark 23 and an indicator 73, wherein the mark 23 is visible from the inside of the channel 1, and the indicator 73 is also visible from the inside of the channel 1 and is arranged so that it changes position relative to the mark 23 when the first electrical connector 40 moves from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0085] 13. A channel assembly according to paragraph 12, wherein the marking 23 is arranged on the inner side of the frame 22.

[0086] 14. The channel assembly according to any of paragraphs 7 to 11, including paragraph 12 or 13, wherein the indicator 73 is arranged on the operating spindle 72.

[0087] 15. The channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14 further includes a detachable handle 90, which is constructed to be connected to the advancement mechanism 72, 72C from the inside of the channel 1 and is used to manually operate the advancement mechanism 72, 72C from the inside of the channel 1 so as to advance the first electrical connector 40 from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0088] 16. The channel assembly of any of paragraphs 1 to 15, further comprising a motor configured to drive the advancement mechanism 72, 72C to advance the first electrical connector 40 from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0089] 17. A channel assembly according to paragraph 16, wherein the motor is operable from inside the first bellows 20.

[0090] 18. Channel assembly according to paragraph 16 or 17, wherein the motor is arranged inside the first bellows 20.

[0091] 19. A channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein at least one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 includes a movable front cover 41, 51, which is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the movable front cover covers the electrical contacts of the one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50, and in the open position, the electrical contacts are not covered and are ready to be connected with the electrical contacts of the corresponding other of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50.

[0092] 20. The channel assembly according to paragraph 19, wherein the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 each include a removable front cover 41 , 51 .

[0093] 21. The channel assembly according to paragraph 19 or 20, wherein the movable front cover 41, 51 is configured to open automatically when the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 are close to each other.

[0094] 22. The channel assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 21 further includes a locking mechanism, which is configured to allow the frame 22 to be locked to the opposing frame 32 after the frame 22 has been connected to the opposing frame 32 and before operating the advancement mechanism 72, 72C, 82, 82C to advance one or both of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 from the corresponding retracted position to the corresponding advanced position.

[0095] 23. The channel assembly according to any of paragraphs 1 to 22, comprising an elastic connector 47 , 57 which allows at least one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 to move elastically in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the first bellows 20 .

[0096] 24. A channel assembly according to paragraph 23, wherein the elastic connectors 47, 57 are realized by at least one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 being elastically mounted on a corresponding one of the first support member 70 and the second support member 80 so as to allow the at least one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 to move in a direction perpendicular to the propulsion direction of the at least one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50.

[0097] 25. The channel assembly according to paragraph 24, wherein said at least one of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 is elastically mounted on said corresponding one of the first support 70 and the second support 80 by means of an elastic material or rubber.

[0098] 26. A channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 25, wherein the first electrical connector 40 has a first set of spare electrical contacts 40A, 40B, and the second electrical connector 50 has a second set of spare electrical contacts arranged to mate with the first set of spare electrical contacts 40A, 40B of the first electrical connector 40, wherein the arrangement of the first set of spare electrical contacts and the second set of spare electrical contacts are symmetrical relative to the vertical midplane A of the corresponding first electrical connector 40 and second electrical connector 50, so that the first set of spare electrical contacts 40A, 40B of the first electrical connector 40 can mate with the second set of spare electrical contacts of the second electrical connector 50.

[0099] 27. A channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 26, wherein the advancement mechanism 72, 72C, 82, 82C includes a first part 72, 72C and a second part 82, 82C, the second part 82, 82C is separate from the first part 72, 72C, but has the same function as the first part 72, 72C, wherein the first part 72, 72C is constructed to cooperate with the first electrical connector 40, and the second part 82, 82C is constructed to cooperate with the second electrical connector 50.

[0100] 28. An electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector assembly comprising a first electrical connector 40 and a second electrical connector 50, the electrical connector assembly comprising one or both of the following:

[0101] a first support 70 configured to be fixedly connected to the frame 22 of the first bellows 20 of the passage 1 of the multi-car vehicle, wherein the first electrical coupling 40 is movably mounted on the first support 70 so as to be movable relative to the first support 70 between an advanced position and a retracted position, and

[0102] a second support 80 configured to be fixedly connected to the counter-frame 32 of the second bellows 30 of the passage 1 of a multi-compartment vehicle or to the counter-frame of a compartment or compartment of a multi-compartment vehicle, wherein the second electrical connector 50 is movably mounted on the second support 80 so as to be movable relative to the second support 80 between an advanced position and a retracted position,

[0103] The electrical connector assembly further includes a propulsion mechanism 72 , 72C, 82 , 82C operable to propel one or both of the first electrical connector 40 and the second electrical connector 50 from the corresponding retracted position to the corresponding advanced position.

[0104] 29. A multi-compartment vehicle comprising a channel assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 27 or an electrical coupler assembly according to paragraph 28.

Claims

1. A channel assembly, comprising: A channel (1) is arranged between two carriages of a multi-carriage vehicle, wherein the channel (1) comprises a first bellows (20), the first bellows (20) having a frame (22), the frame (22) being used to connect the first bellows (20) to an opposing frame (32) of a second bellows (30) of the channel (1) or to an opposing frame of a carriage, and a first electrical connector (40) and a second electrical connector (50), wherein the first electrical connector (40) is connected to the frame (22) of the first bellows (20), and the second electrical connector (50) is connected to the opposing frame (32) of the second bellows (30) or is configured to be connected to a vehicle compartment or an opposing frame of a vehicle compartment, Wherein, the channel assembly further includes one or both of the following: a first support (70) fixedly connected to the frame (22) of the first bellows (20), wherein the first electrical connector (40) is movably mounted on the first support (70) so as to be movable relative to the frame (22) between an advanced position and a retracted position; and a second support (80) fixedly connected to the counter-frame (32) of the second bellows (30) or adapted to be fixedly connected to a car or a counter-frame of a car, wherein the second electrical connector (50) is movably mounted on the second support (80) so as to be movable relative to the counter-frame (32) or the car between an advanced position and a retracted position, The channel assembly further comprises a propulsion mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C), the propulsion mechanism being operable to propel one or both of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding advanced position.

2. The channel assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The channel assembly includes both the first support member (70) and the second support member (80), the first electrical connector (40) being movably mounted on the first support member, and the second electrical connector (50) being movably mounted on the second support member.

3. The channel assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical connector (40) is arranged outside the frame (22).

4. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The advancement mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) is operable from the inside of the passage (1), preferably manually operable.

5. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The frame (22) includes a through hole connecting the inner side of the frame (22) and the outer side of the frame (22), wherein the propulsion mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) extends from the inner side of the first bellows (20) through the through hole to the outer side of the first bellows (20) and is operable from the inner side of the first bellows (20), Preferably, the advancement mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) comprises an operating spindle (72), the operating spindle extending through the through hole and configured such that rotating the operating spindle (72) causes the first electrical connector (40) to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position. More preferably, the advancement mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) further comprises an advancement shaft (72C), wherein the operating spindle (72) and the advancement shaft (72C) are engaged with each other, so that rotating the operating spindle (72) causes the first electrical connector (40) to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position by means of the advancement shaft (72C), wherein even more preferably, the advancement shaft (72C) is fixed and has threads that engage with a portion of the first electrical connector (40) such that rotation of the advancement shaft (72C) causes the first electrical connector (40) to be advanced from its retracted position to its advanced position, Among them, most preferably, the operating main shaft (72) and the propulsion shaft (72C) are engaged with each other by means of a worm gear or by means of a rocker rod.

6. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprises a mark (23) and an indicator (73), wherein the mark is visible from the inside of the channel (1), and the indicator is also visible from the inside of the channel (1) and is arranged so that the indicator changes position relative to the mark (23) when the first electrical connector (40) moves from its retracted position to its advanced position.

7. The channel assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The marking (23) is arranged on the inner side of the frame (22), including claim 5, wherein preferably, the indicator (73) is arranged on the operating spindle (72).

8. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a detachable handle (90), which is constructed to be connected to the advancement mechanism (72, 72C) from the inside of the channel (1) and is used to manually operate the advancement mechanism (72, 72C) from the inside of the channel (1) so as to advance the first electrical connector (40) from its retracted position to its advanced position.

9. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further includes a motor, which drives the propulsion mechanism (72, 72C) so as to propel the first electrical connector (40) from its retracted position to its advanced position, wherein preferably, the motor is one or both of the following: operable from the inner side of the first bellows (20), and arranged on the inner side of the first bellows (20).

10. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: At least one of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50), preferably both, comprises a movable front cover (41, 51), which is movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the movable front cover covers the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50), and in which the electrical contacts are uncovered and ready to be connected with the electrical contacts of the corresponding other of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50), wherein preferably, the movable front cover (41, 51) is configured to open automatically when the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) are close to each other.

11. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10 further includes a locking mechanism, which is configured to allow the frame (22) to be locked to the opposing frame (32) after the frame (22) has been connected to the opposing frame (32) and before operating the advancement mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) to advance one or both of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding advanced position.

12. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising an elastic connector (47, 57), which allows at least one of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) to elastically move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the first bellows (20), wherein preferably, the elastic connector (47, 57) is realized by at least one of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) being elastically mounted on a corresponding one of the first support member (70) and the second support member (80) so as to allow the at least one of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) to move in a direction perpendicular to the propulsion direction of the at least one of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50), wherein preferably, the at least one of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) is elastically mounted on the corresponding one of the first support member (70) and the second support member (80) by means of an elastic material or rubber.

13. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The first electrical connector (40) has a first group of spare electrical contacts (40A, 40B), and the second electrical connector (50) has a second group of spare electrical contacts, and the second group of spare electrical contacts are arranged to mate with the first group of spare electrical contacts (40A, 40B) of the first electrical connector (40), wherein the arrangement of the first group of spare electrical contacts and the second group of spare electrical contacts are symmetrical relative to the vertical midplane (A) of the corresponding first electrical connector (40) and second electrical connector (50), so that the first group of spare electrical contacts (40A, 40B) of the first electrical connector (40) can mate with the second group of spare electrical contacts of the second electrical connector (50).

14. The channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The propulsion mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) includes a first part (72, 72C) and a second part (82, 82C), wherein the second part (82, 82C) is separate from the first part (72, 72C) but has the same function as the first part (72, 72C), wherein the first part (72, 72C) is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector (40) and the second part (82, 82C) is configured to cooperate with the second electrical connector (50).

15. An electrical connector assembly, comprising a first electrical connector (40) and a second electrical connector (50), the electrical connector assembly comprising one or both of the following: A first support (70) configured to be fixedly connected to a frame (22) of a first bellows (20) of a passage (1) of a multi-car vehicle, wherein The first electrical connector (40) is movably mounted on the first support (70) so as to be movable relative to the first support (70) between an advanced position and a retracted position, and a second support (80) configured to be fixedly connected to an opposing frame (32) of a second bellows (30) of a passage (1) of a multi-car vehicle or to an opposing frame of a car or a car of a multi-car vehicle, wherein the second electrical connector (50) is movably mounted on the second support (80) so as to be movable relative to the second support (80) between an advanced position and a retracted position, The electrical connector assembly further comprises a propulsion mechanism (72, 72C, 82, 82C) operable to propel one or both of the first electrical connector (40) and the second electrical connector (50) from a corresponding retracted position to a corresponding advanced position.

16. A multi-compartment vehicle comprising a channel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or an electrical coupling assembly according to claim 15.

Images