ELECTRIC CONTACT COUPLING AND CENTER BUFFER COUPLING FOR A RAIL VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle. The invention further relates to a center buffer coupling for a rail vehicle.

[0002] Conventional electrical contact couplings for automatic center buffer couplers of a rail vehicle are generally arranged adjacent to a mechanical contact coupling of the center buffer coupler and have a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements is arranged. The electrical contact coupling also has a protective flap to cover access to the connection elements of the interface unit. The protective flap is connected to an actuating device for moving the protective flap between a first position, in which the protective flap covers the access, and a second position, in which the protective flap releases the access.

[0003] EP 1102696 B1 discloses an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center or center buffer coupling for rail vehicles. The electrical contact coupling has a contact carrier that can be attached to the coupling head and is guided longitudinally in the longitudinal direction of the center buffer coupling. This contact carrier has contacts for electrical connections and can be moved from a rear, uncoupled position to a front, ready-to-couple position.

[0004] The contact carrier is covered by a protective flap in the rear position and exposed in the front position when the protective flap is pivoted.

[0005] DE 811360 discloses an arrangement for the automatic opening of the protective flaps on the line coupling of an automatic vehicle coupling. The arrangement consists of an elastic bracket located on the front of the protective flap, with a curved end face such that, upon contact with the end face of the counter-protective flap, both protective flaps are opened by pivoting about a rotation or pivot axis arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle coupling on the coupling housing of the line coupling.

[0006] DE1778648 discloses an electrical contact coupling with a pivotable protective flap arrangement having end wall curvatures designed as rolling curves, wherein a side plate below the lower edge of the protective cap carries an extension in which a recess is arranged that can interact positively with a complementarily designed tip of a counter-coupling. However, slippage within the area of ​​the end wall curvatures cannot be reliably ruled out.

[0007] In known self-acting protective flaps that open synchronously through contact between an electrical contact coupling and a mating electrical contact coupling, the respective protective flaps are held in the closed position by a spring device arranged externally on the housing of the electrical contact coupling and the mating electrical contact coupling, respectively, and articulated to the respective protective flap. Opening occurs against the spring device when the protective flaps of the electrical contact coupling and mating electrical contact coupling meet as they are brought together, with their surfaces rolling against each other.Conventionally exposed spring elements of the actuating device for moving the protective flap can be damaged or lost by flying gravel or similar debris, significantly impairing the functionality of the actuating device, especially when closing the protective flaps. To improve the synchronization of opening and prevent slippage, such self-acting protective flaps are, for example, equipped with a rubber element on the end face that contacts the mating coupling. This element serves to increase friction when in contact with the end face of the protective flap of a mating electrical contact coupling or to create a certain degree of positive engagement. These rubber parts, which are usually extruded profiles or mats, are attached to the protective flap by gluing or riveting.A disadvantage of such a solution is that, with a protective flap curved around several axes, such parts are difficult to attach or require the production of specially made molded parts, which involves additional tooling costs.

[0008] From the subsequently published DE 10 2019 132 642 A1, a design of a protective flap is known which has a spray elastomer coating applied at least partially to the front face to provide a surface with increased static friction in order to be able to cooperate better with the protective flap of a mating coupling.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved electrical contact coupling for an automatic center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, characterized by the trouble-free opening and closing of the interface unit. This involves enabling trouble-free synchronous opening of the protective flaps of interconnected electrical contact couplings by overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, reliable opening must be achieved even with more complex surface geometries of the end faces and under extreme weather conditions.

[0010] The problem is solved by an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle with the features of claim 1. The problem is further solved by a center buffer coupling for a rail vehicle with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures.

[0011] The present invention provides an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle, comprising a housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements is arranged, a protective flap for covering an access to the connection elements of the interface unit, and an actuating device connected to the protective flap for moving the protective flap between a first position in which the protective flap covers the access, and a second position in which the protective flap releases the access.wherein at least one rolling zone is arranged on the end face surface of the protective flap for interaction with a rolling zone of a mating electrical contact coupling and wherein the rolling zone has positive locking elements for forming a positive locking effect in at least one direction of the travel path of the protective flap when interacting with positive locking elements of a mating electrical contact coupling which are designed to be complementary to the positive locking elements of the electrical contact coupling.

[0012] Complementary positive locking elements are understood to be two positive locking elements of different types that are designed to form a positive locking connection effective in at least one direction, preferably two or more directions, when interacting with each other. In the simplest case, the positive locking elements are formed by correspondingly shaped projections and recesses.

[0013] The present invention further provides a central buffer coupling for a rail vehicle, comprising a mechanical contact coupling, in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, for mechanically coupling rail vehicles, and an electrical contact coupling according to the invention.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a surface on the protective flap by means of the positive locking elements, which advantageously enables the synchronous, preferably automatic, opening of the protective flaps of electrical contact couplings without additional measures on the protective flaps, in particular without the need for costly additional elements, even under the most extreme weather conditions, such as snow and ice. The positive locking elements enable a reliable mechanical interaction of the protective flaps of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled, regardless of the surface roughness of the end faces. Furthermore, a positive locking mechanism can be maintained even in the presence of wear.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the individual positive locking element is integrally formed on the protective flap, in particular by a manufacturing process or a subsequent forming process, forming it as a single unit with the flap. The formation of the positive locking elements by means of molded recesses on the protective flap is particularly advantageous. These recesses do not require any additional material or material application and simultaneously form the inner and outer surfaces of the protective flap. This offers the advantage of producing the positive locking elements simply, in one or very few operations. Due to their integral design, the positive locking elements are securely attached to the protective flap and do not add any extra weight.

[0016] The positive locking elements in the individual rolling zones are arranged and designed to form a positive locking connection acting in at least one direction of the travel path of the protective flap when interacting with positive locking elements of a mating electrical contact coupling, which are designed to be complementary to the positive locking elements of the electrical contact coupling, during movement in the direction of the mating electrical contact coupling. "Complementary" in this context means, in particular, that they are opposite to each other and complement each other in such a way as to be suitable for forming a positive locking connection.

[0017] The protective flap is rotatably or pivotably mounted, and the end face of the protective flap, in particular the at least one rolling zone provided or formed on it, is at least partially curved about the axis of rotation or pivoting. The mounting is arranged and designed such that, when force is applied to the end face, a moment is generated about the moment of contact when two protective flaps of two electrical contact couplings to be coupled meet, and the electrical contact coupling moves perpendicular to the pivot axis, causing the end faces to roll against each other.This allows for the provision of a self-opening protective flap that is automatically actuated when the carriages of a rail vehicle to be coupled move towards each other, and thus also the electrical contact couplings of these, without the need for additional drive devices and specially designed actuating devices, which results in lower costs for the electrical contact coupling.

[0018] To make the electrical contact coupling reversible, i.e., usable with an identically designed electrical contact coupling on the adjacent car regardless of the car's orientation, at least two or a plurality, in particular an even number, of rolling zones are provided on the end face according to the invention. At least a portion of each rolling zone and at least a portion of the arrangement areas of the positive locking elements in the respective rolling zone, preferably the entire rolling zone and all arrangement areas therein, are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central plane. The central plane can be described by a theoretical axis oriented longitudinally, in particular a longitudinal axis arranged in the width direction of the protective flap's extension in its central region, and by a perpendicular to this axis in the vertical direction.The positive locking elements arranged in each of the mutually mirror-image arrangement areas are each designed as complementary positive locking elements. This allows electrical contact couplings of the same type, which are provided at the opposing end areas of wagons, especially rail vehicles, to be coupled together in a simple manner, with the release of the interface unit being automatically effected by the positive locking and a force component in the longitudinal direction of the electrical contact coupling on the protective flaps that are in operative contact with each other.In particular, the release occurs automatically when the electrical contact couplings of two rail vehicles, especially wagons, to be coupled move towards each other, by the engagement of the complementary positive locking elements of the electrical contact coupling and the counter-electrical contact coupling, as the two wagons to be coupled continue to move towards each other, the force component acting on the protective flap in the longitudinal direction causes a moment which causes the protective flap and counter-protective flap to roll or roll away.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, two such rolling zones are provided on the end face of the protective flap. However, it is also conceivable that the individual sub-areas of the rolling zones, preferably the entire individual rolling zones, are arranged in pairs as mirror images with respect to the central plane.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, positive locking elements of various types, in particular at least positive locking elements of a first type and positive locking elements of a second type, are arranged in a single rolling zone, wherein the respective positive locking elements of each type are identical with respect to shape, cross-sectional profile, and dimensions. In a particularly advantageous further development of this embodiment, the positive locking elements of the first and second types are complementary to each other, thereby minimizing the variety of shapes required for the positive locking elements. Furthermore, in combination with the aforementioned features, an electrical contact coupling that is reversible with respect to the protective flap can be provided.

[0021] Each individual positive locking element is characterized by an extension in the width direction and height direction of the protective flap, whereby the cross-sectional profile of the individual positive locking element in the width direction is constant according to a first alternative and variable according to a second alternative.

[0022] Preferably, the positive locking elements of various types arranged in a rolling zone are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, wherein the positive locking elements arranged in a rolling zone are formed in particular by alternating raised areas and recesses, which extend with the main directional component in the width direction of the protective flap. This provides a type of interlocking that enables a defined engagement with the positive locking elements of a mating electrical contact coupling. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the raised areas or recesses are formed by projections on the protective flap.These features are oriented in different directions on the protective flap to form raised and recessed areas, and in cross-sectional profile (in a plane parallel to the central plane of the protective flap), they functionally describe a toothing, preferably a circular arc toothing, with the radii describing the tooth geometry and transitions being chosen to be relatively large. The resulting profile can also be described as wavy or corrugated.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the protective flap is pivotably mounted on the housing about a pivot axis, and the basic contour of the end face surface of the protective flap is characterized in cross-section in the position covering the access by a sequence of radii, each of which increases the distance between the pivot axis and the surface of the end face, wherein the radii increase vertically in the direction of the travel path for opening the protective flap, starting from a horizontal plane laid through the pivot axis.The force applied to the protective flap, resulting from its interaction with the protective flap of a mating electrical contact coupling when moving them towards each other to engage, creates a moment about the pivot axis. This moment, due to the mutual engagement of the protective flaps via the positive locking elements, ensures a secure rolling motion of the protective flaps against each other when the interface unit is released. The required longitudinal travel distance relative to the pivot angle can be easily varied by adjusting the radii and adapted to the specific application.

[0024] In the simplest case, two rolling zones are provided on the protective flap, wherein the positive locking elements arranged in each rolling zone describe a wave profile in cross-section in the vertical direction in a section plane describable by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, a first section of the end face of the protective flap is essentially arcuate, and further sections surrounding the first section, in particular laterally, top and / or bottom, are angled relative to the first section. The protective flap thus has a geometry curved about several axes.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the connection elements of the interface unit are provided to be connected to electrical lines, in particular electrical supply lines and / or electrical signal lines.

[0027] The electrical contact coupling can thus advantageously provide a connection between electrical lines, in particular electrical supply lines and / or electrical signal lines, between respective rail vehicles.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment, the electrical contact coupling is arranged in an installation position of the center buffer coupling in the rail vehicle above, below, or to the side of the mechanical contact coupling. The arrangement of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention can thus be flexibly adapted to the respective structural or systemic requirements of the center buffer coupling.

[0029] The described configurations and training programs can be combined in any way desired.

[0030] Further possible embodiments, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned.

[0031] Brief description of the drawings: The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention.

[0032] Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2a a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic center buffer coupling of the rail vehicle with the protective flap closed according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2b a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic center buffer coupling of the rail vehicle with the protective flap open according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a view of the end face of a protective flap designed according to the invention; Figs. 4a to 4 in a longitudinal section showing the positions of the protective flaps of an electrical contact coupling and a mating electrical contact coupling between the closed and open positions; Fig.5a to 5: A schematic representation of an end face of a protective flap with an exemplary possible arrangement and design of the rolling zones.

[0034] In the figures of the drawings, identical reference symbols denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0035] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrical contact coupling 1 for an automatic center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The electrical contact coupling 1 is attributable to a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, and is designed for coupling with a mating electrical contact coupling of another vehicle that can be coupled to the vehicle. Fig. 2a shows the in Fig.1 The depicted electrical contact coupling 1 in an arrangement on such a central buffer coupling 2 in the closed position, which Fig. 2b in the open position. The same reference numerals are used for identical elements in the figures.

[0036] The electrical contact coupling 1 for a (in Fig. 1 The automatic center buffer coupler of the rail vehicle (not shown) has a housing 10 in which a (in Fig. 1 The interface unit (not shown) is arranged with a plurality of connection elements. The electrical contact coupling 1 is shown in the uncoupled position, covering the interface unit, i.e., free from contact with a mating electrical contact coupling.

[0037] The electrical contact coupling 1 is characterized by an extent in the longitudinal direction L, which in the installed position coincides with the longitudinal axis LK of the central buffer coupling 2, an extent in the lateral direction B (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) and an extent in the vertical direction, i.e. height direction H.

[0038] The electrical contact coupling 1 has a protective cover 16 to cover an access point 18 to the connection elements 14 of the interface unit 12. The protective cover 16 is described as having a travel path between a first position P1, in which the protective cover 16 covers the access point 18 and which is shown here, and a second position P2 (in Fig. 2b (as shown), in which the protective flap 16 releases the access 18, is movable, in particular movable. The travel path describable by the movement of the protective flap 16 is indicated in the illustrated case by a double arrow and is characterized by a principal directional component in the vertical direction.

[0039] An actuating device 20 is provided for moving the protective flap 16 between positions P1 and P2 and / or vice versa. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuation in at least one direction between positions P1 and P2 and / or vice versa is fully automatic through interaction with a counter-protective flap of the counter-electrical contact coupling. Return is preferably achieved by spring force. The travel path between positions P1 and P2, or vice versa, is advantageously described by a simple pivoting movement, as in the illustrated case. For this purpose, the protective flap 16 is rotatably mounted on the housing 10 about a pivot axis D.

[0040] The end face of the protective flap 16 facing away from the interface unit 12 has an end face surface 17. According to the invention, at least two rolling zones 19 are provided on the end face surface 17 of the protective flap 16 for interaction with counter-rolling zones of an end face surface of a counter-electrical contact coupling. For a reversible design of the protective flap, rolling zones are arranged in pairs, here two, forming a pair of rolling zones 19.1, 19.2. In the at least one rolling zone, here 19.1 and 19.2, positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 are provided, which interact with complementary positive locking elements of a counter-electrical contact coupling to form a positive locking effective in the direction of the travel path. The interaction of the positive locking elements 25.1, 25.The contact between the electrical contact coupling 1 and the complementary positive locking elements of a mating electrical contact coupling can be linear or planar. The positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 on the protective flap 16 are arranged and aligned such that, when interacting with the end face of a mating protective flap of a mating electrical contact coupling, a positive locking connection is generated as they move towards each other. During further movement of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling 1 towards each other during and after the positive locking connection is established, the protective flaps 16 of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling roll towards each other, at least in the area of ​​their rolling zones 19.1 and 19.2.

[0041] The arrangement and design of the at least two rolling zones 19.1 and 19.2, respectively, and the positive-locking elements arranged therein, depend on the contour design of the protective flap 16 and the desired travel distance. To make the electrical contact coupling 1 reversible with respect to the protective flap 16, i.e., so that the couplings that can be coupled to each other – the electrical contact coupling and its mating electrical contact coupling – can couple with each other when identically designed, at least two or an even number of rolling zones are provided on the protective flap 16. In the illustrated case, two rolling zones 19.1 and 19.2 are provided. The individual rolling zones 19.1 and 19.2 in Fig. 1 This extends over a portion of the end face surface 17. This surface is characterized by its extent in the vertical direction H and the width direction B along the end face surface 17. At least portions of the two rolling zones 19.1, 19.2 and the arrangement areas of the positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 provided therein are arranged as mirror images with respect to a central plane ME. The central plane ME can be described by a theoretical axis in the longitudinal direction L, in particular one in the width direction of the extent of the protective flap 16 in the central region of this longitudinal axis L, and a perpendicular to this axis in the vertical direction H. The positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 arranged in each of the mutually mirror-image arrangement areas within the rolling zones 19.1, 19.2 are each designed as complementary positive locking elements.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the protective flap 16 is provided with only positive locking elements 25.1 of a first type and positive locking elements 25.2 of a second type, wherein the positive locking elements 25.1 of the first type are designed to be complementary to the positive locking elements 25.2 of the second type, and vice versa. By arranging these elements accordingly, it can be ensured that two protective flaps of identical construction can be optimally connected to an electrical contact coupling and a mating electrical contact coupling. For this purpose, at least a portion of the rolling zones 19.1 and 19.2 on a protective flap 16 is arranged in a mirror image with respect to the central plane ME. The arrangement of at least a portion of the arrangement areas of the positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 within these zones is also preferably mirrored, but in these arrangement areas, the positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 are always arranged in a complementary manner.In the illustrated case, the positive locking elements 25.1 and 25.2 in the two rolling zones 19.1, 19.2 are formed by alternating protrusions and depressions arranged in the direction of the travel path of the protective flap 16, and thus vertically in the illustrated case. In a cross-sectional plane, describable by the longitudinal and vertical directions of the electrical contact coupling, through the protective flap 16, a wave-like contour or a type of toothed geometry results. The positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 describing the individual protrusions and depressions preferably extend directly in the width direction over a portion of the end-face surface 17. The profile of the individual protrusions or depressions in the width direction can be chosen to be constant over the entire extent in this direction or, as in the illustrations, Fig. 1 bis 3 These interlocking elements 25.1, 25.2 are variable, particularly in the width direction of the front surface 17, and converge on both sides of it. In the simplest case, these interlocking elements are incorporated during the manufacture of the protective flap 16, preferably formed by deformation, for example by stamping or directly molded during casting.

[0043] The end face 17 of the protective flap 16 is preferably curved. The curvature is characterized by at least one radius or, as in the illustrated case, by a plurality of different radii r1 to rn. This is exemplified in the Fig. 1 as well as the Fig. 4a bis 4c , in which the actuation of the protective flap 16 and its movement along a travel path between positions P1 and P2 is shown. In detail, a first section 26a1 of the end-face surface 17 of the protective flap 16 is essentially arc-shaped, the arc being defined by a or as shown here and in the Fig. 4a Several radii r1 to rn are generated, resulting in a better representation. The first section 26a1 is surrounded laterally, above, and below by further sections 26a2, 26a3, 26a4 (the lower section is in Fig. 1 (not shown) are angled towards the first section 26a1, such that the overall surface of the protective flap 16 in the section plane has a geometry curved about several axes. This design coordinates the longitudinal displacement of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the pivoting movement of the protective flap 16. Depending on the specific curvature, the displacement can be shorter or longer.

[0044] In the illustrated case, the actuating device 20 preferably has spring elements 20a, 20b arranged at the respective axial end sections of the protective flap 16, which enable the protective flap to close automatically. Specifically, the actuating device 20 here comprises a first spring element 20a and a second spring element 20b, both of which are partially enclosed by the protective flap 16. The protective flap 16 has a first pivot bearing 16a comprising two plates 16a1, 16a2 arranged parallel to each other, and a second pivot bearing 16b comprising two plates 16b1, 16b2 arranged parallel to each other. The two plates 16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 of the first pivot bearing 16a and the second pivot bearing 16b, arranged parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to the front face of the protective flap 16, are integrally formed with the protective flap 16 and welded together in the present embodiment.In an alternative version, the protective flap 16 with the plates 16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 of the first pivot bearing 16a and the second pivot bearing 16b is designed as a cast part.

[0045] The first spring element 20a is arranged between the parallel plates 16a1, 16a2 of the first pivot bearing 16a. The second spring element 20b is arranged between the parallel plates 16b1, 16b2 of the second pivot bearing 16b. The first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b each consist of a torsion spring. A first axial end section 20a1, 20b1 of each torsion spring is attached to the coupling housing 10. A second axial end section 20a2, 20b2 of each torsion spring is attached to the protective flap 16. The reverse configuration is also conceivable.

[0046] The first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b are partially enclosed in the width direction B of the electrical contact coupling 1 by an outer plate 16a2, 16b2 of the respective pivot bearing 16a, 16b and also partially enclosed in the longitudinal direction L of the electrical contact coupling 1 by an end face of the protective flap 16.

[0047] Alternatively, the first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b can, for example, be completely enclosed in the width and / or length direction of the electrical contact coupling 1. The first axial end section 20a1, 20a2 of the respective torsion spring is inserted into a receptacle arranged on the respective side surface 10a, 10b of the coupling housing 10. The second axial end section 20b1, 20b2 of the respective torsion spring rests against a rear surface of the end face 17 of the protective flap 16, located in the longitudinal direction L of the electrical contact coupling 1. The first spring element 20a and the second spring element 20b are further configured to exert a predetermined restoring force F on the protective flap 16 to return it to the first position P1.

[0048] The spring elements 20a and 20b, due to their connection to the coupling housing 10 and the protective flap 16, exert a restoring force when the protective flap 16 is adjusted. Because the spring elements 20a and 20b are largely enclosed within the protective flap 16, they are no longer exposed to the elements and weather conditions, thus ensuring their continued functionality.

[0049] The Fig. 2a , 2b The figures illustrate the use of an electrical contact coupling 1 on a central buffer coupling 2. The central buffer coupling 2 for the rail vehicle has a mechanical contact coupling 3, in the present embodiment a Scharfenberg coupling, for mechanically coupling rail vehicles, and also the electrical contact coupling 1.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the electrical contact coupling 1 is in a Fig. 2a , 2bThe installation position of the central buffer coupling 2 shown in the rail vehicle is arranged above the mechanical contact coupling 3 and connected to it by corresponding connecting elements 26.

[0051] Alternatively, the electrical contact coupling 1 can, for example, be arranged to the side of the mechanical contact coupling or below the mechanical contact coupling 3.

[0052] In the Fig. 2a In the representation of the electrical contact coupling 1 in its arrangement position on the central buffer coupling 2, the protective flap 16 is in the first position P1, in which the protective flap 16 covers the access 18 to the connection elements 14 of the interface unit 12. Fig. 2b Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the electrical contact coupling for the automatic center buffer coupling 2 of the rail vehicle with the protective flap 16 opened accordingly, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The protective flap 16 is shown in the second position P2 in this illustration, in which the protective flap 16 releases access 18 to the connection elements 14 of the interface unit 12.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the connection elements 14 of the interface unit 12 can be connected to electrical lines 22, in particular electrical supply lines 22a and electrical signal lines 22b, and are connected in the installation position on the vehicle.

[0054] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a protective flap 16 in a view of the end face 17. Visible are the two rolling zones 19.1, 19.2, arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction of the protective flap 16 and forming a pair. These zones contain positive locking elements of different types, specifically positive locking elements 25.1 of a first type and positive locking elements 25.2 of a second type, which, when interacting with complementary positive locking elements of a mating electrical contact coupling, form at least one positive locking connection in the vertical direction in the opening direction of the protective flap. The arrangement is preferably directly alternating in the vertical direction of the protective flap 16. For this purpose, areas for the positive locking elements are provided in each of the rolling zones 19.1, 19.2. To make the protective flap reversible, not only partial areas of the rolling zones 19.1, 19.2 are provided.2, but also the arrangement areas for the positive locking elements in these sub-areas are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central plane ME, which can be described by an axis in the longitudinal direction L and a perpendicular to this in the vertical direction H. In the arrangement areas, which are assigned to each other in pairs, positive locking elements are arranged that are complementary to each other. In the case shown, these are positive locking elements 25.1 and 25.2, where 25.1 is formed by protrusions or projections, while 25.2 is designed as recesses or indentations.

[0055] Each rolling zone 19.1, 19.2 is characterized by positive locking elements of at least one type; preferably, positive locking elements of different types are provided, which are preferably arranged alternately in the vertical direction. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the positive locking elements of different types in a rolling zone are formed by positive locking elements that are complementary to each other. In the illustrated case and in the Fig. 1 bis 4 To illustrate, each individual rolling zone 19.1, 19.2 is characterized by the alternating arrangement of two types of positive locking elements, one type being 25.1 and the other type being 25.2. The type of positive locking element 25.2 is the complementary positive locking element to the positive locking element 25.1 and vice versa.

[0056] Specifically, in the present case, in a single rolling zone 19.1, 19.2, positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2, describing raised and recessed areas in the vertical direction, are arranged alternately. These extend in the width direction B of the protective flap 16 and are oriented such that a positive locking connection in the vertical direction is possible. Both the positive locking elements of the first type and the positive locking elements of the second type in both rolling zones 19.1, 19.2 are identical with regard to geometry, extent, and dimensions. Furthermore, the alternating arrangement is identical, particularly with regard to the distances between them.

[0057] The execution according to Fig. 3 This illustrates a particularly simple design of a scheme in which raised and recessed areas alternate. In this design, the rolling zones 19.1 and 19.2 differ in the number of positive locking elements 25.1 and 25.2 arranged within them. The mirrored arrangement thus applies only to a portion of rolling zone 19.1 and to the corresponding arrangement areas in rolling zone 19.2.

[0058] The Fig. 4a bis 4c show an example of an electrical contact coupling 1 according to one of the Fig. 1 bis 3 in conjunction with a counter-electrical contact coupling 1' in various positions. Fig. 4a This illustrates position P1, in which the protective flap 16 of the electrical contact coupling 1 or 16' of the mating electrical contact coupling 1' still covers the respective interface unit. However, the protective flap 16 already contacts the mating protective flap 16' of the mating electrical contact coupling 1, and a positive connection is formed by the two electrical contact couplings 1, 1' moving towards each other.

[0059] During the further movement of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the mating electrical contact coupling 1' towards each other, the positive locking between the complementary positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 in the rolling zones 19.1, 19.2 on the protective flaps 16, 16' of electrical contact coupling 1 and mating electrical contact coupling 1' causes them to roll or slide against each other and to carry the protective flaps along in a vertical direction by pivoting about the axes of rotation D, D'. This is in Fig. 4b reproduced.

[0060] In the Figur 4c Position P2 is reached and the electrical contact coupling 1 and counter-electrical contact coupling 1' couple as they move towards each other by bringing their connecting elements 14, 14' into operative contact with the interface unit 12, 12'.

[0061] The direction of movement of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the counter-electrical contact coupling 1' is each indicated by an arrow.

[0062] These figures show the geometry of the protective flap 16, 16' as well as the design of the positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 in section.

[0063] The Fig. 5a bis 5c The following examples illustrate possible alternative designs and arrangements of the rolling zones. Fig. 5a Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment with a single pair of rolling zones 19.1, 19.2, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane ME, wherein the arrangement areas for the complementary positive locking elements are also arranged symmetrically. In the case shown, these are the positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2. Here, too, at least two types of positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 are provided in one rolling zone, wherein preferably the different types of mutually complementary positive locking elements 25.1, 25.2 are formed.

[0064] In contrast, it shows Fig. 5b An example is a design with two pairs of rolling zones 19.11, 19.21 and 19.21 and 19.22. In these designs, the arrangement of the rolling zones 19.11, 19.21 and the areas provided therein for the positive locking elements are also completely mirror images of the rolling zones 19.21, 19.22.

[0065] This also applies to Fig. 5c , however, several pairs of rolling zones 19.11, 19.21 to 19.13, 19.23 are provided here, which are positioned differently on the end face 17.

[0066] In the explanations according to the Fig. 5a bis 5c The positive locking elements are arranged alternately. According to Fig. 5d , which includes training according to Fig. 5c As shown, a different sequence can also be chosen. The crucial point is that, if reversibility is desired, at least a partially mirror-image arrangement of complementary positive locking elements must always be provided. It is also possible to provide more than two types of positive locking elements per rolling zone.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments but can be modified in many ways. In particular, the invention can be altered or modified in many ways without deviating from the core of the invention.

[0068] For example, the shape, dimensions or properties of the components of the electrical contact coupling can be modified depending on the respective structural or systemic requirements.

[0069] In all versions, the individual positive locking element is designed and arranged with complementary positive locking elements to enable at least one positive locking in the direction of the travel path when interacting with a counter-electrical contact coupling. Reference symbol list

[0070] 1 Electrical contact coupling 1' Counter-electrical contact coupling 2 Center buffer coupling 3 Mechanical contact coupling 10 Housing 12 Interface unit 14 Connection elements 16 Protective flap 16' Counter-protective flap 16a1, 16a2, 16b1, 16b2 Plates 16a, 16b Swivel bearing 17 Front surface 18 Access 19.1, 19.2 Rolling zones 19.11, 19.12, 19.13 Rolling zones 19.21, 19.22, 19.23 Rolling zones 20 Actuating device 20a, 20b Spring elements 20a1, 20a2, 20b1, 20b2 Axial end section 22 Electrical lines 22a Supply lines 22b Signal lines 23 Connecting elements 25.1, 25.2 Positive locking elements 26a1, 26a2, 26a3, 26a4 Areas P1 First position P2 Second position D Swivel axis B Width direction L Longitudinal direction H Height direction r1 to rn Radii

Claims

1. Electrical contact coupling (1) for an automatic central buffer coupling (2) of a rail vehicle, having a housing (10) in which an interface unit (12) having a plurality of connection elements (14) is arranged; a protective flap (16) for covering an access (18) to the connection elements (14) of the interface unit (12), said access facing in the longitudinal direction of the housing (10); and an actuation device, which is connected to the protective flap (16), for moving the protective flap (16) so as to describe a movement travel having a main direction component perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing (10) between a first position (P1), in which the protective flap (16) covers the access, and a second position (P2), in which the protective flap (16) releases the access (18), and vice versa, wherein, on the end-side surface (17) of the protective flap (16), at least one rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) is arranged for interaction with a rolling zone of a mating electrical contact coupling (1'), wherein the individual rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) comprises form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) for forming a form-fitting engagement, which acts in at least one direction of the movement travel of the protective flap (16), upon interaction with form-fitting elements of a mating electrical contact coupling (1') which are designed to be complementary to the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) of the electrical contact coupling; characterized in that, on the end-side surface (17), at least two or a plurality of rolling zones (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) are provided, wherein in each case at least one subregion of the individual rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) and at least one subregion of the arrangement regions of the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) in the rolling zones (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23), preferably all of the rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) and all of the arrangement regions therein, are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a centre plane (ME), which can be described by a theoretical axis oriented in the longitudinal direction (L), in particular a longitudinal axis arranged in the width direction of the extent of the protective flap as seen in its central region, and a perpendicular to it in the vertical direction (H), wherein the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) arranged in each of the arrangement regions arranged mirror-symmetrically to each other are each formed as form-fitting elements (25.2, 25.1) which are designed to be complementary to each other.

2. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the individual form-fitting element (25.1, 25.2) is formed integrally on or with the protective flap (16), in particular is formed by protuberances formed thereon by a production method or a downstream shaping method.

3. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the individual subregions of the individual rolling zones (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23), preferably all of the individual rolling zones (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23), are arranged in pairs mirror-symmetrically with respect to the centre plane (ME) .

4. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that form-fitting elements of various types, in particular at least form-fitting elements (25.1) of a first type and form-fitting elements (25.2) of a second type, are arranged in an individual rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23), wherein the respective form-fitting elements of a type are each designed to be characterized identically with regard to shape, cross-sectional profile and dimensions.

5. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the individual form-fitting element (25.1, 25.2) is in each case characterized by an extent in the width direction (B) and height direction (H) of the protective flap (16), wherein the cross-sectional profile of the individual form-fitting element (25.1, 25.2) in the width direction (B) is constant according to a first alternative and variable according to a second alternative.

6. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) of various types arranged in a rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, wherein the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) arranged in a rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) are formed in particular by alternately arranged elevations and depressions, which are formed extending with the main direction component in the width direction (B) of the protective flap (16).

7. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the protective flap (16) is mounted on the housing (10) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (D) and the basic contour of the end-side surface (17) of the protective flap (16), as seen in cross section in the position (P1) covering the access, is characterized by a sequence of radii (r1 to rn) which in each case the distance between the pivot axis and the surface of the end-side surface, wherein the radii increase proceeding from a horizontal plane placed through the pivot axis (D), as seen in the vertical direction (H) in the direction of the movement travel for opening the protective flap (16).

8. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) arranged in a rolling zone (19.1, 19.2, 19.11, 19.12, 19.13, 19.21, 19.22, 19.23) describe a corrugated profile or round spiral toothing profile in a sectional plane of the protective flap that can be described in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, as seen in cross section in the vertical direction.

9. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two rolling zones (19.1, 19.2) are provided on the protective flap (16), wherein the form-fitting elements (25.1, 25.2) arranged in each rolling zone (19.1, 19.2) describe a corrugated profile in a sectional plane that can be described by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, as seen in cross section in the vertical direction.

10. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a first portion of the end-side surface (17) of the protective flap (16) is of substantially arcuate design and characterized by a sequence of different radii (r1 to rn) towards the pivot axis (D), wherein the radii increase as seen in the pivoting direction for opening the protective flap and the further portions which surround the first portion, in particular laterally, and / or at the top and / or at the bottom are angled with respect to the first portion.

11. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the actuation device (20) comprises at least one spring element (20a, 20b) which is at least partially enclosed by the protective flap (16) and coupled therewith, wherein the opening of the flap is effected counter to the spring force by interaction with the protective flap (16') of a mating electrical contact coupling (1').

12. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection elements (14) of the interface unit (12) are connected to electrical lines (22), in particular electrical supply lines (22a) and / or electrical signal lines (22b).

13. Central buffer coupling (2) for a rail vehicle, having a mechanical contact coupling (3), in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, for mechanical coupling of rail vehicles; and an electrical contact coupling (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 12.

14. Central buffer coupling according to Claim 13, characterized in that the electrical contact coupling (1) is arranged in an installation position of the central buffer coupling (2) in the rail vehicle in the vertical direction above, below or to the side of the mechanical contact coupling (3).