Electrical switching device for a railway vehicle and railway vehicle comprising such a device

Abstract

Electrical switching device for railway vehicle and railway vehicle comprising such a device This switching device (100) for railway vehicle (10) comprises two connectors (110, 120) configured to be connected to each other in an engaged configuration. One of the connectors is fixed relative to a base (102), the other connector being carried by a support (140). The support is movable in rotation relative to the base around a main axis (Z140) and movable in translation relative to the base along the main axis, the rotation and translation of the support being controlled by a control member (160).When the two connectors are in the engaged configuration, the support is translationally movable relative to the base parallel to the main axis, between the engaged position and a locking position, in which rotation of the support is prevented, and a contact force between the two connectors is greater than a contact force between the two connectors in the engaged position. Figure for abstract: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical switching device for a railway vehicle and railway vehicle comprising such a device

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical switching device for a railway vehicle, as well as to a railway vehicle comprising such a device.

[0002] Commonly, an electrical switching device for a railway vehicle comprises one or more fixed connectors, each forming a receptacle, and one or more movable connectors, each associated with a respective fixed connector and received in the corresponding receptacle. Connection devices comprising knives mounted on a rotating support and clamped between two spring blades are commonly used because they have a simple and robust structure.

[0003] The quality of the electrical connection between a fixed connector and the associated mobile connector depends in particular on the contact pressure between these two connectors. However, the currents flowing through these two connectors have electrodynamic effects which tend to reduce the contact pressure. The spring blades are thus designed to pinch the blades, so as to ensure significant contact pressure between the blades and the corresponding blades.

[0004] US-2016 / 0329176-A1 describes, for example, a switching device comprising metal knives carried by a rotating support. Each receptacle is formed by two spring blades, which are positioned opposite each other and which form a clamp, each knife being pinched between the two blades. Typically, the penetration or extraction of the knives in the clamps requires the application, at the level of the rotating support, of a torque of the order of 30 to 50 Nm - Newton meters -.

[0005] A high clamping force has the consequence of increasing the forces necessary for inserting the knives into the corresponding receptacle, which requires increasing a rotational actuating force of the knife support and reinforcing the structure of the rotary support and / or of a control member actuating the rotation of the rotary support, which leads to an increase in the costs and / or masses of these elements, which is not desirable.

[0006] It is these problems that the invention more particularly intends to remedy, by proposing an improved connection device, with a simple structure and offering an electrical connection that is easy to establish and of good quality.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a switching device for a railway vehicle, the switching device comprising: - a first connector, which includes two guides arranged opposite one another the other on either side of a connection plane and providing a receptacle which extends along the connection plane, and - a second connector, associated with the first connector and comprising a connection portion, which comprises two opposite contact faces extending on either side of a median plane and which is configured to be received in the receptacle in an engaged position of the second connector, in which each contact face faces a respective guide and the median plane coincides with the connection plane, the switching device then being in an engaged configuration, - a base, which extends parallel to the connection plane, and - a support, which is movable in rotation relative to the base around a main axis orthogonal to the connection plane, - a control member, configured to control the rotation of the support relative to the base,

[0008] in which: - the first connector is carried by one of the elements chosen from the base and the support, while the second connector is carried by the other of the elements from the support and the base, - the second connector is movable relative to the first connector in a relative engagement movement parallel to the connection plane, between a retracted position, in which the connection portion is distant from the receptacle, and the engaged position.

[0009] According to the invention: - the support is movable in translation relative to the base along the main axis, - the control member is configured to control the translational movements of the support relative to the base, - when the second connector is in the engaged position, the support is movable in translation relative to the base in a locking direction parallel to the main axis, between the engaged position and a locking position, in which each contact face is opposite a respective guide and the median plane is offset relative to the connection plane, the connection device then being in a locking configuration, and - the second connector is elastically deformable, so that, in the locked position, a contact force between the first connector and the contact faces is greater than a contact force between the first connector and the contact faces in the engaged position.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, the contact pressure between the first and second connectors is generated by elastic deformation of the second connector during the translational movement of the support, while the second connector is already received in the receptacle. In other words, during the rotational movement of the support, the force required to insert the connection portion into the receptacle is reduced, and the connection between the first and second connectors is easy to establish. The contact pressure between the first and second connectors, generated by the translational movement of the support, contributes to the quality of the electrical connection.

[0011] According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such a connection device may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics taken in isolation or in any technically admissible combination: - When the second connector is moved from its retracted position to its engaged position, the contact force between the first connector and the corresponding second connector is zero on at least one of the contact faces of the second connector. - When the holder is moved from its engaged position to its locked position, rotational movements of the holder around the main axis are prevented. - When the second connector is in any intermediate position between the engaged and retracted positions, translational movements of the second connector relative to the first connector parallel to the main axis are prevented. - When the support is in the retracted position, the second connector can be moved in translation relative to the first connector, in a locking direction parallel to the locking direction, between the retracted position and a locking position, in which rotational movements of the support around the main axis are prevented. - The blocking direction is oriented in the same direction as the locking direction. - The switching device further comprises a return member, which generates a return force tending to push the support in the locking direction. - The return force is adjustable, so as to adjust the contact force between each first connector and the corresponding second connector when the switching device is in the locking configuration.

[0012] The invention also relates to a railway vehicle comprising a body and a switching device as defined previously, in which the switching device is on board the railway vehicle.

[0013] According to another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a communication device mutation as described above, the use comprising the following successive steps: - while each second connector is initially distant from the corresponding first connector, pivoting the support around the main axis so as to insert each second connector into the receptacle of the corresponding first connector, each second connector then being in the engaged position, - then, moving the support in translation along the main axis, so as to elastically deform each second connector and to increase a contact pressure between each second connector and the corresponding first connector.

[0014] This use induces the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding the switching device of the invention.

[0015] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two embodiments of a switching device, of a railway vehicle and of the use of such a switching device, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0016] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a top view of a railway vehicle according to the invention, comprising a switching device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0017] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective of the switching device of [Fig.l];

[0018] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents, on two inserts A) and B), details of the switching device of [Fig.2], shown respectively in a first configuration called “blocking”;

[0019] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] schematically represents, on two inserts A) and B), the details of the switching device of [Fig.3], shown respectively in a second configuration called “retracted”;

[0020] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] schematically represents, on two inserts A) and B), the details of the switching device of [Fig.3] and 4, shown respectively in a third configuration called “intermediate”;

[0021] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] schematically represents, on two inserts A) and B), the details of the switching device of figures 3 to 5, represented respectively in a fourth configuration called “engaged”;

[0022] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically represents, on two inserts A) and B), the details of the switching device of figures 3 to 6, shown respectively in a fifth configuration called “locking”; and

[0023] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective of a switching device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.l] represents a railway vehicle 10. The railway vehicle 10 comprises a body 12 and travels on a railway track, comprising rails 14. The rails 14 are here rectilinear and horizontal. The railway vehicle 10 moves on the railway track by means of one or more electric motors carried by the body 12. The motor(s) are not shown. The electrical energy is for example captured from a contact wire suspended above the rails 14. The contact wire is not shown.

[0025] For the distribution and processing of electrical energy, the railway vehicle 10 comprises a switching device 100, which is here carried by the body 12; in other words, the switching device 100 is preferably mounted on the railway vehicle 10. The switching device 100 is here placed on the roof of the body 12. Other configurations are of course possible; for example, the switching device 100 is placed inside the body 12, preferably in a high-voltage compartment. The switching device 100 is used, for example, during maintenance operations to earth other electrical equipment of the railway vehicle 10.

[0026] According to another variant not shown, the switching device 100 is used in a stationary railway installation, for example in a power substation.

[0027] The switching device 100 will now be described with the aid of FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0028] The switching device 100 comprises a base 102. The base 102 is here made in a plate and extends along a base plane P102. In use, the base 102, considered rigid and non-deformable, is carried by the body 12. The base 102 comprises an upper face 104A, here oriented upwards, and a lower face 104B opposite the upper face 104A. For convenience, a height direction Z102 is defined as being a direction orthogonal to the upper face 104A and oriented in the same direction as the upper face 104A.

[0029] For clarity of the drawing, the base 102 is shown in dotted lines and transparent in [Fig.2],

[0030] The switching device 100 comprises a first electrical device 106, which is fixed to the base 102. The first electrical device 106 is here a circuit breaker, which is arranged on the side of the upper face 104A and which has a generally cylindrical shape of circular section extending along an axis parallel to the height direction Z102.

[0031] The first electrical device 106 here comprises a control member, which is used to control the electrical device 106 and which is represented by a control box 108 located on the side of the lower face 104B.

[0032] The first electrical device 106 comprises first connectors 110, here at number of two. The first connectors 110 are fixed to the rest of the electrical device 106, itself fixed to the base 102. The first connectors 110 are thus carried by the base 102 and are considered to be immobile relative to the base 102.

[0033] The switching device 100 also comprises second connectors 120, each first connector 110 being configured to be electrically connected to a respective second connector 120. Each first connector 110 and the associated second connector 120 together form a pair 130 of connectors. In the illustrated example, the switching device 100 comprises two second connectors 120, and therefore two pairs 130 of connectors.

[0034] The switching device 100 also comprises a support 140, which carries the second connectors 120. The support 140 is movable relative to the base 102, so as to connect or disconnect the first and second connectors 110 and 120 of each pair 130 of connectors.

[0035] The first connectors 110 operate similarly to each other and are preferably identical to each other. Similarly, the second connectors 120 operate similarly to each other and are preferably identical to each other. In the following, the operation of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 located on the top of [Fig. 2] is described.

[0036] The first connector 110 comprises two guides 112 arranged opposite each other and on either side of a connection plane PI 10, which is parallel to the base plane P102. The two guides 112 are made of an electrically conductive material, preferably a metal, such as copper or one of its alloys, and provide between them a receptacle VI10, in other words a receiving volume, which extends along the connection plane PI 10.

[0037] The second connector 120 is formed in a plate of an electrically conductive material, preferably a metal, such as copper or one of its alloys. The second connector 120 here has the shape of an elongated parallelepiped blade, which is fixed by a first end to the support 140, and a second end of which, opposite the first end, forms a connection portion 122 of the second connector 120. Each connection portion 122 is configured to be received in the receptacle VI10 of the corresponding first connector 110, which belongs to the same pair of connectors 130.

[0038] Each connection portion 122 comprises two opposite contact faces 124A and 124B, which extend on either side of a median plane P122. When the connection portion 122 is received in the corresponding receptacle VI10 and the median plane P122 coincides with the connection plane PI 10, the second connector 120 is in a so-called “engaged” position. Each contact face 124A or 124B is then opposite a respective guide 112. The connection device 100 is then in a so-called “engaged” configuration.

[0039] The first connector 110 is electrically connected with the corresponding second connector 120 when the connection device 100 is in the engaged configuration and physical contact exists between one of the contact faces 124A or 124B and the facing guide 112. It is understood that the quality of the electrical connection between the first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120 depends in particular on the extent of a contact surface and a contact force between the contact faces 124A or 124B and the guides 112, the greater the surface area and the contact force, the better the electrical connection.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the support 140 has an “F” shape, and comprises a guide portion 142, by which the support 140 is connected to the base 102, and a support portion 144, which carries the second connectors 120.

[0041] The guide portion 142 here has an elongated shape extending along a main axis Z140 parallel to the height direction Z102, while the support portion 144 here comprises two branches 145, which extend radially to the main axis Z140. The two branches 145 are therefore parallel to the base plane P102. The branches 145 are each of elongated shape and parallel to each other, each of the branches 145 being connected by a first end to the guide portion 142 and carrying, at a second end opposite the first end, a second connector 120.

[0042] Other shapes of the support 140 are of course possible.

[0043] The guide portion 142 is connected to the base 102 by a bearing 150, which provides a pivot-sliding type kinematic connection around the main axis Z140. The bearing 150, which is shown in section in FIGS. 3 to 7, is here produced by a tube 152, arranged on the base 102 around an orifice 154 crossed by the guide portion 142.

[0044] Thus, the support 140 is both movable in rotation relative to the base 102 around the main axis Z140 and movable in translation relative to the base 102 parallel to the main axis Z140. The bearing 150 here comprises a bearing 156, made for example of sintered bronze, to reduce friction between the support 140 and the bearing 150.

[0045] The movements of the support 140 are controlled by a control member 160. In the first embodiment, the control member 160 is a manual actuator, i.e., actuated by hand by an operator. The control member 160 is preferably located, relative to the base 102, on the opposite side of the first and second connectors 110 and 120, i.e. here on the side of the lower face 104B. The control member 160 is thus located on the same side of the base 102 as the housing of order 108.

[0046] The control member 160 comprises a rod 162 with two opposite ends. The rod 162 is fixed to the guide portion 142 by a first end, while the second end, opposite the first end, carries a handle 164. The handle 164 is intended to be manipulated and moved by an operator. The rod 162 is here arranged radially to the main axis Z140. It is considered that the rod 162, the handle 164 and the guide portion 142 form a rigid and non-deformable subassembly.

[0047] The control member 160 also comprises a sleeve 166, which is integral with the base 102, and which here has a generally cylindrical shape of circular section and axis aligned with the main axis Z140. The sleeve 166 is crossed by the guide portion 142. A light 168 is provided in the sleeve 166, this light 168 being configured to be crossed by the rod 162 and to guide the movements of the rod 162.

[0048] The guide portion 142 is therefore guided both by the bearing 150 and by the movements of the rod 162 which circulates in the slot 168. In other words, the rotational movements of the guide portion 142 around the main axis Z140 and the translational movements of the guide portion 142 along the main axis Z140 are determined, apart from assembly clearances, by the shape of the slot 168. By extension, the movements of the support 140 relative to the first electrical device 106, as well as the relative movements of each second connector 120 relative to the corresponding first connector 110, are determined by the shape of the slot 168, in other words by the control member 160.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the light 168 has a first portion 170, which is here rectilinear and is arranged radially to the main axis Z140. The first portion 170 comprises two opposite ends, with a front end 172A and a rear end 172B. In Figures 2 to 7, the front end 172A is located on the left, while the rear end 172B is located on the right.

[0050] The movement of the rod 162 in the first portion 170 from the rear end 172B to the front end 172A defines an engagement movement R170 of the rod 162, and therefore of the support 140. The engagement movement R170 is illustrated by the sequence of figures 4, 5 and 6. The engagement movement R170 is here a rotational movement around the main axis Z140 and is represented by an arrow in the shape of an arc centered on the main axis Z140. By extension, when the rod 162 moves in the first portion 170, each first connector 110 moves relative to the corresponding second connector 120 according to the engagement movement R170.

[0051] The first portion 170 is arranged so that when the rod 162 approaches of the front end 172A during the engagement movement R170, each second connector 120 is inserted into the corresponding receptacle VI10 and moves into the engaged position. When the rod 162 is in abutment against the front end 172A, the switching device 100 is in a so-called engaged configuration. When the rod 162 is in abutment against the rear end 172B, the rod 162 is in a so-called retracted position, while the switching device 100 is in a so-called retracted configuration. Each connection portion 122 is then moved away from the corresponding receptacle VI10.

[0052] The first portion 170 is connected, by the front end 172A, to a second portion of the lumen 168, this second portion being called the front lumen 174. The front lumen 174 is here rectilinear and arranged parallel to the main axis Z140. It is understood that when the rod 162 circulates in the front lumen 174 of the lumen 168, the movement of the guide portion 142 is a translation movement T174 along the main axis Z140. This translation movement T174 is represented by a double rectilinear arrow. It is also a translation movement of the support 140 relative to the base 102.

[0053] The front light 174 has a bottom 175, the movement of the front end 172A of the first portion 170 towards the bottom 175 of the front light 174 defining a locking direction D176. By extension, the movement of the rod 162 in the front light 174 in the locking direction D176 is a locking movement of the switching device 100, a movement in a reverse direction being an unlocking movement. The locking movement D174 corresponds to the sequence of FIGS. 6 and 7. In the first embodiment, the locking direction D176 is oriented in the same direction as the direction Z102, that is to say according to an outgoing normal of the upper face 104A.

[0054] The control member 160 advantageously comprises a return member 177, which generates a return force tending to push the support 140 from its engaged position towards its locking position, in other words in the locking direction D176. The return member 177 is here represented by a spring, which is compressed against an element 177A considered to be fixed relative to the base 102. The element 177A belongs, for example, to a protective housing of the control member 160. The protective housing is not shown.

[0055] When the rod 162 is in abutment against the bottom 175 of the front light 174, the switching device 100 is in a so-called locking configuration. The return member 177 thus tends to maintain the switching device 100 in the locking configuration, in particular when the railway vehicle 10 is traveling and the switching device 100 is subjected to vibrations.

[0056] Without external intervention from an operator, the switching device 100 remains as such in the locking configuration, in which each first connector 110 is electrically connected to the corresponding second connector 120. Optionally, a first lock is provided to block the rod 162 in the front light 174, to avoid the risk of untimely manipulation and thus lock the switching device 100 in the locking configuration. The first lock is not shown.

[0057] Advantageously, the first portion 170 is connected, by the rear end 172B, to a third portion of the light 168, this third portion being called the rear light 178. The rear light 178 is here rectilinear and arranged parallel to the main axis Z140. The rear light 178 comprises a bottom 179, the movement of the rear end 172B of the first portion 170 towards the bottom 179 of the rear light 178 defining a locking direction D180. The locking direction D180 is oriented in the same direction as the locking direction D176, i.e. here in the same direction as the direction Z102.

[0058] By extension, the movement of the rod 162 in the rear light 178 in the locking direction DI80 is a locking movement for the support 140, as well as for each first connector 110 relative to the corresponding second connector 120, a movement in an opposite direction being an unlocking movement. The locking movement DI80 corresponds to the sequence of FIGS. 4 and 3. When the rod 162 is in abutment against the bottom 179 of the rear light 178, the switching device 100 is in a locked configuration. The return member 177 advantageously tends to maintain the switching device 100 in the locking configuration. Due in particular to the geometry of the rear light 178, the rotational movements of the support 140 around the main axis Z140 are prevented - to within dimensional clearances.

[0059] Without external intervention from an operator, the switching device 100 thus remains in the blocking configuration, no electric current being able to flow between the first and second connectors 110 and 120. Optionally, a second lock is provided to block the rod 162 in the rear light 178, to lock the switching device 100 in the blocking configuration. The second lock is not shown.

[0060] A sequence of operation of the switching device 100 is now described, using FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0061] In [Fig. 3], the switching device 100 is initially in the blocking configuration, maintained by the return member 177. The switching device 100 is open and locked.

[0062] The user then actuates the control member 160, here by moving the rod 162, using the handle 164 and against the elastic force of the control member. reminder 177, towards the rear end 172B of the first portion 170 of the light 168, which corresponds to the unlocking movement of the support 140. At the end of the unlocking movement, the switching device 100 is in the retracted configuration, shown in [Fig.4]. The switching device 100 is then opened and unlocked. Each first connector 110 is then aligned with the corresponding second connector 120, as shown in the insert A) of [Fig.4]. The connection plane PI 10 of each first connector 110 is then merged with the median plane P122 of each corresponding second connector 120.

[0063] The user then moves the rod 162 into the first portion 170 of the lumen 168 according to the engagement movement R170, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. During the engagement movement, the support 140 pivots around the main axis Z140, each second connector 120 approaching the corresponding first connector 110, as shown in [Fig. 5].

[0064] At the end of the engagement movement, the switching device 100 is in its engaged configuration, that is to say that each second connector 120 is received in the corresponding receptacle VI10, as illustrated in the insert A) of [Fig. 6]. The switching device 100 is then closed, but not locked.

[0065] During the engagement movement, the connection plane PI 10 of each first connector 110 remains merged with the median plane P122 of the corresponding second connector 120, so as to facilitate the insertion of each second connector 120 into the corresponding receptacle VI10. In other words, when the second connector 120 is in any intermediate position between the engaged and retracted positions and due in particular to the geometry of the first portion 170 of the light 168, the translational movements of the second connector 120 relative to the first connector 110 parallel to the main axis Z140 are prevented.

[0066] Preferably, the receptacle VI10 is wide enough so that, when inserting the connection portion 122 into the corresponding receptacle VI10, the connection portion 122 is not pinched between the two guides 112. This results in the fact that when the second connector 120 is moved from its retracted position to its engaged position, the contact force between the first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120 is zero on at least one of the contact faces 124A or 124B of the second connector 120. Ideally, the contact force is zero on both contact faces 124A and 124B.

[0067] Compared to the switching devices of the prior art, the insertion force of each second connector 120 into the corresponding receptacle VI10 is reduced, equal for example to the friction force of the connection portion 122 on one of the guides 112, or even zero if a dimensional clearance exists between the connection portion 122 and each of the 112 guides.

[0068] Since the connection portion 122 is not pinched, a contact force between each first connector 110 and the corresponding contact faces 124A and 124B is also minimal, or even zero. The operation of the support 140 is thus facilitated.

[0069] From the engaged configuration, the user then moves the rod 162 into the front light 174 in the locking direction D176, to move the switching device 100 into the locking configuration. The switching device 100 is then closed, and locked.

[0070] During the locking movement, while the support 140 is moved from its engaged position to its locking position, the rotational movements of the support 140 around the main axis Z140 are prevented in particular due to the geometry of the front light 174, so that the connection portion 122 remains received in the receptacle VI10. Each second connector 120, resting on the guides 112, undergoes a bending force and deforms in bending, as shown schematically on the insert A) of [Fig.7].

[0071] Each second connector 120 is designed so that, when the switching device 100 is in the locking configuration, the bending deformation of each second connector 120 remains in the elastic domain. Thus, when each second connector 120 is no longer subjected to any external stress, each second connector 120 returns to its initial shape. The material of each second connector 120 is thus chosen to provide both good electrical conductivity and good elasticity, preferably a copper alloy.

[0072] The elastic return of each second connector 120 generates on the support 140 a force which opposes the return force generated by the return member 177. If the front light 174 has a length, measured in the locking direction D176, which is too short with respect to the return force generated by the return member 177, it is understood that the rod 162 is pushed back into abutment against the bottom 175 of the front light 174. In this situation, the contact force between each first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120 is then linked to the length of the front light 174, in other words to a stroke of the locking movement.

[0073] If the front light 174 has a sufficient length with respect to the return force generated by the return member 177, the elastic return forces of each second connector 120 and the return force are balanced. In other words, the contact force between each first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120 is linked to the return force generated by the return member 177, in other words linked to the characteristics of the return member 177, in particular its stiffness constant, its length, etc.

[0074] Advantageously, the return member 177 is configured to generate a force of intensity return adjustable by the operator, so that the operator can adjust the contact force between each first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120. In a variant not shown, the return member comprises a pneumatic cylinder or equivalent, the internal pressure of which is adjustable by the operator.

[0075] It is understood that a contact force between the first connector 110 and the contact faces 124A and / or 124B depends in particular on the amplitude of the locking movement D176, as well as on the materials chosen for the first and second connectors, their geometry, etc. In particular, in the example illustrated the locking movement has a sufficient stroke to bend the connection portion 122 to the point that it comes into contact with the two guides 112. Preferably, the guides 112 are elastically deformable, so as to accommodate the bending of the connection portion 122 and to increase a contact surface between each first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120.

[0076] In a variant not illustrated, the travel of the locking movement is more reduced, the connection portion 122 then only being pressed against the upper guide 112. Even in this case, in the locking position, the contact force between each first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120 is greater than the contact force between each first connector 110 and the corresponding second connector 120 in the engaged position.

[0077] The contact force required to have an acceptable electrical connection depends on the specifications of the switching device 100, the materials used, etc. Based on the principles of the invention described above, a switching device 100 can be designed that meets the connection needs.

[0078] When each second connector 120 is in the locking position, the contact force between the first connector 110 and the contact faces 124A and / or 124B is greater than a contact force between the first connector 110 and the contact faces 124A and 124B in the engaged position.

[0079] Thus, thanks to the invention, the insertion force of each second connector 120 in the receptacle VI10 is reduced, in other words the connection is easy to establish. Then, the contact force between each first connector 110 and the second connector 120 is increased by the locking movement of the support 140, so as to guarantee a good quality electrical connection.

[0080] The invention is implemented using the control member 160, which comprises mechanical elements that are simple to manufacture and robust.

[0081] A switching device 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in [Fig. 8]. In the second embodiment, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references and operate in the same way. In the following, we mainly describe the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0082] One of the main differences of the second embodiment with the first embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, the first connectors 110 are carried by the support 140, while the second connectors 120 are carried by the electrical device 106. Thus the second connectors 120 are carried by the base 102 and are considered to be immobile relative to the base 102.

[0083] Another difference is that in the second mode, the movements of the support 140 are controlled by an actuator 260, which is automatic here. The actuator 260 is represented by a housing. By way of non-limiting example, the movements of the support 140, namely the rotational movement R170 around the main axis Z140 and the translational movement T174 along the main axis Z140, are controlled by electric, or even pneumatic, servomotors or equivalent, integrated into the actuator 260.

[0084] In the embodiments shown, each switching device 100 or 200 comprises two first connectors 110, each associated with a respective second connector 120.

[0085] In a variant not shown, the switching device comprises a single first connector, associated with a second connector. According to another variant, the switching device comprises three first connectors, or even more, each associated with a respective second connector. More generally, regardless of the number of first connectors that the switching device comprises, each first connector is associated with a respective second connector.

[0086] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Switching device (100), for a railway vehicle (10), the switching device (100) comprising: • a first connector (110), which comprises two guides (112) arranged opposite each other on either side of a connection plane (PI 10) and providing a receptacle (VI10) which extends along the connection plane (PI 10), and • a second connector (120), associated with the first connector (110) and comprising a connection portion (122), which comprises two opposite contact faces (124A, 124B) extending on either side of a median plane (P 122) and which is configured to be received in the receptacle (VI10) in an engaged position of the second connector (120), in which each contact face (124A, 124B) faces a respective guide (112) and the median plane (P122) coincides with the connection plane (PI 10), the switching device (100) then being in an engaged configuration, • a base (102), which extends parallel to the connection plane (PI 10), and • a support (140), which is movable in rotation relative to the base (102) around a main axis (Z 140) orthogonal to the connection plane (PI 10), • a control member (160; 260), configured to control the rotation of the support (140) relative to the base (102), in which: • the first connector (110) is carried by one of the elements chosen from the base (102) and the support (140), while the second connector (120) is carried by the other of the elements from the support (140) and the base (102), • the second connector (120) is movable relative to the first connector (110) according to a relative engagement movement (R 170) parallel to the connection plane (PI 10), between a retracted position, in which the portion of connection (122) is distant from the receptacle (VI10), and the engaged position, characterized in that: • the support (140) is movable in translation (T 174) relative to the base (102) along the main axis (Z140), • the control member (160;260) is configured to control the translational movements of the support (140) relative to the base (102), • when the second connector (120) is in the engaged position, the support (140) is movable in translation relative to the base (102) in a locking direction (D176) parallel to the main axis (Z140), between the engaged position and a locking position, in which each contact face (124A, 124B) is opposite a respective guide (112) and the median plane (P 122) is offset relative to the connection plane (PI 10), the connection device (100) then being in a locking configuration, and • the second connector (120) is elastically deformable, so that, in the locking position, a contact force between the first connector (110) and the contact faces (124A, 124B) is greater than a force of contact between the first connector (110) and the contact faces (124A, 124B) in the engaged position.;

2. The switching device (100) of claim 1, wherein when the second connector (120) is moved from its retracted position to its engaged position, the contact force between the first connector (110) and the corresponding second connector (120) is zero on at least one of the contact faces (124A, 124B) of the second connector (120).

3. A switching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, when the support (140) is moved from its engaged position to its locked position, rotational movements of the support (140) about the main axis (Z140) are prevented.

4. A switching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the second connector (120) is in any intermediate position between the engaged and retracted positions, translational movements of the second connector (120) relative to the first connector (110) parallel to the main axis (Z 140) are prevented.

5. Switching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the support (140) is in the retracted position, the second connector (120) is movable in translation relative to the first connector (110), in a locking direction (D180) parallel to the locking direction (D176), between the retracted position and a locking position, in which rotational movements of the support (140) around the main axis (Z140) are prevented.

6. A switching device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the blocking direction (DI80) is oriented in the same direction as the locking direction (D176).

7. Switching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a return member (177), which generates a return force tending to push the support (140) in the locking direction (D176).

8. A switching device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the return force is adjustable, so as to adjust the contact force between each first connector (110) and the corresponding second connector (120) when the switching device (100) is in the locking configuration.

9. A railway vehicle (10), comprising a body (12) and a switching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the switching device (100) is on board the railway vehicle (10).

10. Use of a switching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following successive steps: • while each second connector (120) is initially distant from the corresponding first connector (110), pivoting (R170) the support (140) around the main axis (Z 140) so as to insert each second connector (120) into the receptacle (VI10) of the first connector (110) corresponding, each second connector (120) then being in the engaged position, then, moving (T174) the support (140) in translation along the main axis (Z140), so as to elastically deform each second connector (120) and to increase a contact pressure between each second connector (120) and the corresponding first connector (110).

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