Expandable funnel

Abstract

The invention relates to an introduction funnel arrangement (A) for a conductor line (SL), having an introduction funnel (1) the first end (1a) of which is pivotably supported on the conductor line (SL), and the introduction funnel is movably supported on a route by a longitudinal guide (2, 2', 2''), characterised in that at least one pressing unit (3) applies a force to the introduction funnel in a direction of a stop such that the longitudinal guide (2, 2', 2'') is formed when the introduction funnel (1) lies against the stop.

Description

[0001] Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KG Westicker Straße 52 59174 Kamen

[0002] Expandable funnel

[0003] The present invention relates to an entry funnel arrangement for a conductor rail, comprising an entry funnel which is pivotably mounted at its first end on the conductor rail, and the entry funnel is slidably mounted on a track by means of a longitudinal guide.

[0004] Here and in the following, the term "conductor rail" refers to a current-carrying conductor arrangement and / or busbars for movable loads, whereby the movable loads are supplied with power via a current collector over the conductor rail. For this purpose, the current collectors have contacts in the form of carbon brushes, each of which is electrically connected to a busbar of the conductor rail and slides along the busbar as the load moves. The busbars of a conductor rail are usually arranged in insulating profiles, which are thus also part of the conductor rail. A conductor rail can have several busbars arranged parallel to each other. These can be used for power supply and / or data transmission.

[0005] To ensure that the brushes of a current collector are guided into the corresponding conductor rail when entering a section of the conductor rail, so-called entry funnels are used. Entry funnels for conductor rails are generally known and available on the market in various designs.

[0006] Due to thermal expansion or contraction, which occurs during operation or due to solar radiation, conductor rails

[0007] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 regularly undergoes changes in length. If the conductor rail exceeds a certain length, these changes can become significant, necessitating a sliding suspension of the conductor rails to prevent damage and ensure reliable operation. Known sliding suspensions include, for example, metal clamps or rings in which the conductor rail is mounted to slide longitudinally.

[0008] Since an entry funnel attached to the conductor rail moves along with the rail, the entry funnel cannot be rigidly fixed to the track or a mounting element attached to it. Furthermore, the shape and cross-section of known entry funnels differ from the profile of the conductor rail, meaning that the same sliding suspensions used for the conductor rails cannot be employed. Because the entry funnel can also have a considerable weight and is sometimes subjected to significant mechanical stress when the pantograph is lowered, a sliding suspension is comparatively complex and therefore expensive. Conversely, with a rigid, otherwise free-floating attachment of the entry funnel to the ends of the conductor rail, there is a risk that the entry funnel will not be stably positioned due to its own weight and / or the mechanical stress during pantograph lowering, and thus will not be able to fulfill its purpose.

[0009] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide an entry funnel arrangement which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] This problem is solved with an entry funnel arrangement having the features of claim 1 in that at least one pressure means applies force to the entry funnel in the direction of a stop, such that longitudinal guidance is formed when the entry funnel is in contact with the stop.

[0011] Because the entry funnel is subjected to force by a pressure means in the direction of a stop, such that a longitudinal guide is formed when the entry funnel rests against the stop, the entry funnel can be attached directly to the conductor rail and still reliably perform its function.

[0012] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 The function is fulfilled. A rigid attachment or sliding suspension of the entry funnel to the track is therefore unnecessary. The longitudinal guide ensures that the funnel – without being attached to the track – is always in the correct position to receive the incoming current collector contacts or brushes and guide them towards the conductor rail, threading them into it. The entry funnel can nevertheless move longitudinally along with the conductor rail, thus ensuring damage-free operation even with temperature fluctuations and the associated contractions / expansions of the conductor rail. Furthermore, the entry funnel arrangement according to the invention is mechanically very robust and therefore requires little maintenance and is not prone to failure. Further advantages arise from the dependent claims.

[0013] The longitudinal guide can have a recess in a guide element. This recess can, for example, be slot-shaped and incorporated into a guide element. The guide element can, for example, be a metal body attached to a track, rigidly connected to the track and providing sufficient stability for the longitudinal guide. Of course, the guide element can also be indirectly attached to the track or to a ceiling, wall, or supporting element. This is the case, for example, if another retaining element or fastener is located between the track and the guide element.

[0014] If several conductor rails are arranged side by side, a separate entry funnel is usually provided for each conductor rail, since the longitudinal extent of the conductor rails arranged parallel in the conductor rail is often not the same. In this case, the guide element must then have a number of longitudinal recesses corresponding to the number of entry funnels.

[0015] In some embodiments, the guide element may have a plate-like section into which the recess(s) is / are formed. For example, the guide element may be a metal plate with the recesses. In addition to the plate-like section, the guide element may have fastening means in the form of edges, screws,

[0016] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 Have clamps or the like to be attached to a track or an object belonging to the track.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plate-like section of the guide element can form the stop against which the entry funnel rests. For example, the plate areas between several slot-shaped recesses in the guide element can form the stop for the entry funnel. For this purpose, the entry funnel can have a counter-stop surface that corresponds to the stop of the guide element.

[0018] As previously described, the guide element can be attached to, or attachable to, the track or an object belonging to the track. Suitable attachment points include ceilings, walls, support structures, and the like. Of course, it is also possible for the guide element to be located at the entry funnel, with the counter-stop surface, for example, positioned on the track.

[0019] In some embodiments, a guide means is arranged at the respective entry funnel, preferably at its second end, which engages in the recess of the guide element or can be inserted into it, or is inserted into it, with the guide means together with the recess forming the longitudinal guide. However, it is also possible for the guide means to be arranged on the track, for example, if a guide element, e.g., in the form of a slotted plate, is arranged at each entry funnel.

[0020] The guiding element can be, for example, a nose, a projection, or a pin that fits into the slot-shaped recess of the guide element, thus providing longitudinal guidance and preventing lateral movement. The guiding element serves solely for longitudinal guidance during contraction / expansion of the conductor rail and can therefore be designed without fasteners and consequently very simply. The guiding element does not create any attachment to the guide element.

[0021] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 In some embodiments, the guide element can be formed by a body, for example made of metal or plastic, which also has the counter-stop surface for the stop. The body can, for example, be arranged at the second end of the entry funnel and, together with the entry funnel, be pressed or pulled towards the stop by the pressure means. With a corresponding design of the body, the counter-stop surface rests against the stop of the guide element, and the guide element simultaneously rests in the recess of the guide element, thus forming the longitudinal guide.

[0022] To attach the entry funnel to the conductor rail, a bracket can be provided at the end of the conductor rail. The bracket can, for example, be simply pushed onto the end of the conductor rail and additionally screwed to it for secure fastening. However, other fastening methods are also possible, such as welding, bonding, clamping, or combinations thereof. The crucial factor is that the bracket's attachment is sufficiently robust to securely and pivotably mount the entry funnel to the conductor rail. The bracket can incorporate an axle on which the entry funnel is pivotally mounted.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pressure means can include a strut, a rod, and / or a spring element. For example, the pressure means can include a strut whose length is variable by means of a double-threaded element and which is connected to a spring in alignment with it. The length of the strut and the spring constant of the spring element thus allow the preload of the entry funnel, or the force with which the entry funnel is subjected to the stop, to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the pressure means can connect the entry funnel to the bracket, wherein the entry funnel is pivotable and the bracket is rigid.

[0024] In some embodiments, the conductor rail is slidably mounted by means of a sliding suspension. For example, the conductor rail can be embedded in a metal or plastic socket, which allows longitudinal displacement (in x-

[0025] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 direction) but holds the conductor rail rigidly transversely to the longitudinal direction (in the y and z directions). In some embodiments, the sliding suspension can be connected or connectable to a mounting element, such that the conductor rail can be attached to the track, a ceiling, a wall, or a support element. Naturally, further fasteners or elements can be arranged, for example, between the track and the mounting element or between the mounting element and the sliding suspension. The crucial point is that the conductor rail is held slidably in the sliding suspension and that the sliding suspension can be rigidly connected to the track or an object belonging to the track via a mounting element.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket of the entry funnel can be connected to the mounting element via a retaining and / or fastening element. Since the entry funnel can sometimes be quite heavy and is attached to the conductor rail or conductor rail end via the bracket, the conductor rail ends can be subjected to significant stress. To reduce or minimize these mechanical stresses, it is advantageous to connect the retaining and / or fastening element to the rigid mounting element. This allows the vibrations and weight of the entry funnel to be at least partially transferred to the mounting element. The retaining and / or fastening element could, for example, be a spring, a strut, or a wire. It is important to ensure that the movement of the entry funnel or conductor rail remains possible.This can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the holding and / or fastening device is elastic or has the same coefficient of expansion as the corresponding conductor rail section.

[0027] In some embodiments, the entry funnel has a V- or U-shaped profile section in longitudinal cross-section for guiding a current collector's brush. The profile section can be made of metal or plastic and serves to initially receive the brush upon entry and guides it towards the conductor rails as the current collector moves. The V- or U-shaped cross-section, or the resulting recess, advantageously has a larger cross-section than the

[0028] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 Mounting of the conductor rail profile. The mounting of the profile section can also taper towards the conductor rail to gradually center the carbon brush so that it is optimally aligned upon entering the conductor rail.

[0029] In some designs, the V- or U-shaped profile section can be secured in a bracket. For example, the profile section can be inserted into the bracket. Additional or other fastening mechanisms can also be incorporated into the bracket. The bracket can be made of a robust metal, allowing for easy attachment of the pressure or guide element. Another advantage of the bracket is that the profile sections, which tend to be subject to higher wear, can be replaced. This makes maintenance of the entry funnel quick and easy.

[0030] For better understanding, the invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0031] They show:

[0032] Figure 1 shows one end of a 4-pole conductor rail with an entry funnel arrangement according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 shows an entry funnel of a conductor rail;

[0034] Figure 3 Detail view of a guide element of an entry funnel arrangement.

[0035] Figure 1 shows one end of a conductor rail SL with four conductor tracks / busbars arranged side by side. These could, for example, represent a three-phase power supply and a protective earth (PE) conductor. Of course, other conductor track configurations are also possible. In this example, all four busbars are fundamentally identical in construction, so the reference symbols for all four parallel strands are interchangeable. However, it is also possible that one conductor track, for example the PE conductor, has a physically different design than the others.

[0036] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 Conductor traces. This can be advantageously implemented, for example, as part of reverse polarity protection.

[0037] At the end of the conductor rail SL shown, an entry funnel assembly A is arranged, comprising four parallel entry funnels 1. The entry funnels 1 serve to receive and guide the brushes of a current collector (not shown). The entry funnels 1 are pivotably mounted at their first end 1a to the ends of the conductor rail SL by means of a bracket lc. At the opposite second end 1b of the entry funnel 1, a body K with a guide element 2" is attached. Between the second end 1b and the bracket lc, a pressure element 3 in the form of a strut 3' and a spring element 3" is pivotably arranged. The spring element 3" pulls or pushes the entry funnel 1 or the guide element 2" via the leverage of the axis of rotation AX in the z-direction, thus preventing the entry funnel 1 from sagging in the opposite direction to the z-direction.By overcoming the spring force of the spring element 3", the respective entry funnel 1 with its guide means 2" can be swung out of the recess 2'.

[0038] The guide element 2" lies in a slot-like recess 2', which is incorporated into a plate-like section 2b of a guide element 2a. The guide element 2" and the recess 2' thus form a longitudinal guide 2, such that movement of the entry funnel 1 in the x-direction is guided and limited. If the entry funnel 1 shifts due to thermal expansion or contraction of the conductor rail SL, the entry funnels 1 remain in the correct orientation for the contact brushes of the current collectors.

[0039] The guide element 2" is held in the recess 2' by the pressure element 3. The entry funnel 1 rests against a stop of the guide element 2a with a counter-stop surface (not shown). The plate-like section 2b forms, at least partially, the stop for the counter-stop surface of the entry funnel 1.

[0040] The guide element 2a is attached by means of screws to the track (not shown) or a support (not shown), a wall or other rigid structure.

[0041] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 The object is attached directly or indirectly. The guide elements 2" and thus the entry funnels 1, however, are not permanently connected to the guide element 2a or the track / beam / wall, etc. The guide element 2a therefore serves exclusively for longitudinal guidance, but not for attaching the entry funnels 1. The entry funnels 1 are attached exclusively via the bracket lc and the pressure element 3 to the conductor rail SL.

[0042] The conductor rail SL is mounted so as to be displaceable or slidable in the x-direction by means of a sliding suspension 4. The sliding suspension 4 is arranged on a mounting element 4a, which is attached directly or indirectly to the track or a support, a wall, or another rigid object. Additional stability is provided by a fastening element 4b located between the bracket lc and the mounting element 4a. Vibrations during the retraction of the pantograph, as well as the weight of the brackets lc and the entry funnel 1, are thus at least partially transferred to the mounting element 4. For the conductor rail SL to be able to expand and contract, the fastening element 4b must either be elastic or have the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the conductor rail SL.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a single entry funnel 1 at the end of a conductor track of a conductor rail SL. The body K, to which the guide element 2" is integrally formed, is clearly visible. In addition to the guide element 2", the body K has a counter-stop surface 2b'. When the pressure element 3 applies force to the entry funnel in the z-direction, thus pressing the guide element 2" into the recess 2' (not shown), the counter-stop surface 2b' rests against the corresponding plate-like section 2b of the guide element 2a, preventing the entry funnel from moving further in the z-direction. The body K is mounted in a fixing 2b" to which the pressure element 3 is also attached by a screw. The preload can be adjusted via the variable length of the strut 3'.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the body K and the second end lb of the entry funnel 1. The entry funnel 1 consists of a V-shaped profile section ld, which is attached to a bracket le. The fastening 2b" is arranged on the bracket le, in which the body K is held.

[0045] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 is and to which the pressure means 3 is attached. The end-face opening of the V-shaped profile piece ld serves to receive a brush (not shown) of a current collector, which is inserted in direction R.

[0046] VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025

Claims

Patent claims 1. Entry funnel arrangement (A) for a conductor rail (SL), with at least one entry funnel (1) which is pivotably mounted at its first end (1a) on the conductor rail (SL), and the entry funnel (1) is slidably mounted on a track by means of a longitudinal guide (2, 2', 2"), characterized in that at least one pressure means (3) applies force to the entry funnel (1) in the direction of a stop, such that when the entry funnel (1) abuts the stop, the longitudinal guide (2, 2', 2") is formed.

2. Entry funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal guide (2) has at least one, in particular slot-shaped, recess (2') in a guide element (2a) for each entry funnel (1).

3. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide element (2a) has a plate-like section (2b) in which the at least one recess (2') is provided.

4. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one section of the plate-like section (2b) forms the stop against which the entrance funnel (1) abuts with a counter-stop surface (2b').

5. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the guide element (2a) is attached or attachable to the track, a ceiling, a wall, a support element or to the entrance funnel (1), in particular rigidly.

6. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the entrance funnel (1), in particular at a second end (lb), or the track has a guide means (2") VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 has which engages in the recess (2') or can be inserted into it or is inserted into it, wherein the guide means (2") together with the recess (2') forms the longitudinal guide (2) for an entry funnel (1).

7. Entry funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide means (2") and the counter-stop surface (2b") are formed by a body (K) which is arranged in particular at the second end (lb) of the entry funnel (1).

8. Entry funnel arrangement (A) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry funnel (1) is pivotably attached to the conductor rail (SL) by means of a holder (lc).

9. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure means (3) comprises a strut (3'), a rod and / or a spring element (3").

10. Entry funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the pressure means (3) connects the entry funnel (1) to the holder (lc).

11. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor rail (SL) is slidably held by means of a sliding suspension (4).

12. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 11, characterized in that the sliding suspension (4) is connected or connectable to a mounting element (4a) such that the conductor rail (SL) can be attached to the track, a ceiling, a wall or a support element.

13. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 12, characterized in that the holder (lc) is connected to the mounting element via a holding and / or fastening means (4b).

14. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to one of the preceding VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025 Claims, characterized in that the entry funnel (1) has a profile section (ld) with a V- or U-shaped cross-section for guiding a brush of a current collector.

15. Entrance funnel arrangement (A) according to claim 14, characterized in that the V- or U-shaped profile piece (ld) is fastened in a holder (le), in particular inserted.

16. Entry funnel arrangement (A) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number of entry funnels (1) corresponding to the number of conductor rails is provided. VA0286WO / GE / 22.08.2025

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