EP1826093B1 - Device for crossconnecting data and/or signal lines between two vehicle bodies - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement for switching through electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, with a said first car body associated first E-coupling head and the second car body associated second E Coupling head, wherein the first and second E-coupling head each having a support plate, and wherein the support plate of the first E-coupling head has a first number of contact terminals of a first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals, and the support plate of the second E-coupling head a second number of contact terminals of a second type terminal and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals.

By the term "E-coupling head" is meant herein throughout the head or the head portion of an electrical contact coupling.

Arrangements for establishing an electrical connection between adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle are known in particular, for example, from rail vehicle technology. For example, in the German Patent DE 199 26 058 A1 an electrical contact coupling described (hereinafter abbreviated to "E-coupling"), which is particularly suitable for use with central buffer couplings of a rail vehicle.

However, with the mid-bumper coupler types currently in use, there are quite a number of differently configured cable couplings or e-couplings, each depending on the design of the mechanical coupling and the design of the contact terminals used in the e-coupling.

In the German patent DE 499 955 For example, the E-coupling heads of the E-coupling are firmly connected to the coupling heads of the mechanical coupling. In contrast, in the German patent DE 927 445 the respective E-coupling heads of the electrical contact coupling with respect to the coupling heads of the mechanical coupling pivotally executed, wherein in the patent DE 2 414 384 A1 an electrical contact coupling is described, in which the E-coupling heads are displaceable parallel to the mechanical coupling axis.

The coupling heads of the mechanical couplings of the cited prior art have at the front end a plane, arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis abutting surface or end face, which comes with the corresponding abutment surface of the counter-coupling used. The data signals and power cables are transmitted via project-specific designed E-coupling heads, which are also referred to as "E-boxes". The E-coupling heads are usually arranged below, above or to the side of the mechanical coupling heads such that they are durchgekuppelt during or after the coupling process of the mechanical coupling heads, as a result, a through connection of the data and / or signal lines.

Specifically, it is usually provided that the E-coupling heads each have a support plate, which are in the coupled state in the common coupling plane for the E-coupling. On or in the respective carrier plates are contact terminals and accordingly complementary thereto formed contact terminals (hereinafter referred to as "complementary contact terminal") provided which are in the coupled state of the E-coupling heads engaged with each other and thus allow the switching through the data signals and power cables.

In order to ensure that the contact terminals and complementary contact terminals provided on the respective carrier plates of the E-coupling heads to be coupled can be connected to one another in the coupled state, it is imperative that the same type of terminals be used for both E-coupling heads.

By the term "terminal type" as used herein is meant a type of contact which is compatible with a complementary type of contact of the same type, that is, a contact terminal which is engageable with a complementary contact terminal of the same type for connection of data / signal lines is. As an example of a terminal type of a contact type, a socket / plug arrangement may be mentioned, wherein both the sockets and the plugs of this arrangement are made compatible with respect to the size and the physical or geometric design. It is essential that the contact terminals and complementary contact terminals of the same type of terminal are identical in function, in particular with regard to their design and arrangement.

When coupling the E-coupling heads, it must be ensured that only the contacts on the vertical center longitudinal plane are always coupled in function and in the correct direction without any further measures. Left and right of this level arranged contacts of the cable coupling of a vehicle end are usually to be coupled to the end of the neighboring vehicle on the opposite side. This problem has been solved, for example, in that the contact terminals are redundant, that is, the left and right of the vertical center longitudinal plane functionally occupied contacts are arranged mirror-symmetrically to both sides.

The project-oriented versions of these E-couplings in the form of the E-boxes of the cited prior art usually represent individual solutions for the design and arrangement of an electrical contact coupling. For example, a change in the line arrangement, which in the project phase but also in the later Operation may occur frequently, usually only with considerable technical and economic effort and often only with restrictions implemented.

In particular, it has proven to be problematic that if, for example, in the course of the modernization of the traction technology, the arrangement of the provided on a support plate of an E-coupling head contact terminals and complementary contact terminals must be changed, the E-coupling of the new type not with the E Compatible with the old-type coupling so that car bodies that are still equipped with the old E-coupling can not be coupled to already modernized car bodies with the new E-coupling. This would only be possible if all car bodies used in rail traffic, which were originally equipped with the old-type E-coupling, were retrofitted with the new E-coupling.

However, since retrofitting or retrofitting an e-coupler is usually relatively time consuming, the transitional period in which bodies with both an old e-coupler and body with a new e-coupler are on the road extends for a relatively long time Duration. During this transitional period, it is often possible, especially for logistical reasons, to make a train with compatible E-coupling heads only with great effort. In general, it is rather necessary to take an entire train out of service and completely convert. However, this requires that at the same time a variety of car bodies is not operational, which increases the total cost of ownership overall.

It should also be borne in mind that the maintenance and conversion capacities normally provided are not designed to modernize or convert a large number of complete train sets at the same time. In particular, it should be noted that it usually remains not only with the retrofitting of the E-coupling or the E-coupling head, but that much more data or signal lines in the affected car body must be installed and connected accordingly. Not least for these reasons, the conversion or retrofitting of car bodies with a modernized and new e-coupling has proven to be extremely expensive.

Based on this problem, the present invention is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement for switching through electrical and / or optical data or signal lines for rail vehicles, which is compatible for several different types of E-coupling.

The object underlying the present invention is achieved by an arrangement for switching through electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle of the type mentioned above, that a first adapter device is provided, which between the first and the second E-coupling head is arranged, wherein a third number of contact terminals of a third terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals are arranged on one of the support plate of the first E-coupling head facing the first end face of the adapter device. Furthermore, a fourth number of contact terminals of the second terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals are provided on one of the support plate of the second E-coupling head facing the second end face of the adapter device. It is on the first End face of the adapter device, the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand arranged such that at least a portion of the provided on the first end face of the adapter device contact terminals or complementary contact terminals with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the first E-coupling head is connectable. Furthermore, on the second end face of the adapter device, the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand arranged such that at least a part of the provided on the second end face of the adapter device contact terminals or complementary contact terminals with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the second E Coupling head is engageable.

The term "connectable" as used herein means that the at least one part of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals provided on the first end face of the adapter device can be connected to the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the first E-coupling head during a coupling process.

By contrast, in this specification, the term "engageable" in this specification means connecting or switching through the at least one part of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals provided on the second end face of the adapter device to the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the second contact terminal. Coupling head, said connecting or switching is independent of a coupling operation and in particular also independent of the coupling state of the first and the second E-coupling head of the E-coupling arrangement.

With the solution according to the invention, it is therefore possible for a first E-coupling head, which has the first number of contact terminals of the first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals, to be connected to a second E-coupling head assigned to the second car body, which has a second number of contact terminals of a second terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals, wherein the provided in the support plate of the first E-coupling head first number of contact terminals, for example, also be different from that provided in the support plate of the second E-coupling head second number contact terminals can. Alternatively or additionally, however, the solution according to the invention also makes it possible for the E-coupling heads to be coupled to one another can be, each having contact terminals of different terminal types.

If, for example, in the course of modernization of the traction technology, the number, the arrangement and / or the terminal type of the provided on the support plate of the E-coupling heads contact terminals and complementary contact terminals must be changed, with the help of the first adapter device even then the two E Coupling heads can be coupled to one another, although, for example, the E-coupling head of the first car body has not been correspondingly modernized or replaced by a new (modernized) E-coupling head or converted accordingly, and although the modernization has already taken place in the E-coupling head of the second car body ,

In other words, this means that the second E-coupling head, which has already been modernized in this example, that the number and / or the terminal type of the provided on the support plate of the second E-coupling head contact terminals or complementary contact terminals different from the first number or the first terminal type is arranged in the support plate of the first E-coupling head contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, with the first E-coupling head can be coupled.

Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the third number of third-terminal-type contact terminals and the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals provided on the first end face of the adapter device facing the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head are each identical to the first number or the first first terminal type are arranged on the support plate of the first E-coupling head contact terminals and complementary contact terminals. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the fourth number of contact terminals of the second terminal type and the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals provided on the second end face of the adapter device facing the support plate of the second E-coupling head are identical to the second one arranged on the second support plate of the second E-coupling head Number of contact terminals of the second terminal type and with the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals. With the aid of the adapter device of this configuration, it is thus possible for the first E-coupling head, which has a carrier plate in which contact terminals and complementary contact terminals of the first contact type, to be connectable to the second E-coupling head, to connect the contact terminals and complementary terminals. Contact terminals of a different type and of a different number.

Advantageously, the first adapter device, which is arranged between the first and the second E-coupling head, as a modular unit on the second E-coupling head attachable, so that the two E-coupling heads, which are not mutually incompatible contact terminals or ., Complementary contact terminals have, with each other are connectable.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention, it is provided that when the at least one part of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals provided on the second end face of the adapter device is in engagement with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the second e-coupling head in that the first end face of the first adapter device lies in a coupling plane common to the two E-coupling heads. This ensures in particular the safe and trouble-free switching through the electrical and / or optical data or signal lines between the two adjacent car bodies of multi-unit vehicle.

In a further embodiment, it is advantageously provided that the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other two support plates of the first and second E-coupling head are arranged symmetrically to each of a vertical central longitudinal plane of the respective support plate. Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that on the second end face of the adapter device, the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand are arranged symmetrically to a vertical central longitudinal plane of the second end face of the adapter device, wherein the central longitudinal plane of the support plate of the second E-coupling head with the Center longitudinal plane of the second end face of the adapter device coincides in order to ensure a secure and "robust" switching through the data or signal line can.

In a further preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention it is provided that, on the one hand, the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head can be brought into a coupling plane of the first E-coupling head, in which the carrier plate the first E-coupling head is arranged transversely to the coupling direction, and in that the support plate of the second E-coupling head can be brought into a coupling plane of the second E-coupling head, in which the support plate of the second E-coupling head is arranged transversely to the coupling direction, wherein the Coupling plane of the first E-coupling head and the coupling plane of the second E-coupling head parallel to each other. The advantage of this embodiment is to be seen in particular in that the E-coupling heads must be set only in the coupled state or immediately before performing a coupling operation in the respective coupling levels. In the uncoupled state, it is therefore possible to withdraw the two E-coupling heads from their respective coupling planes, thus protecting the respective end plates with the contact terminals provided therein or complementary contact terminals, in particular against mechanical influences, but also against protection.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the mutually parallel coupling planes of the first and the second E-coupling head are aligned and spaced such that in a state when the first adapter device is attached to the second E-coupling head, the coupling plane of the first E Coupling head coincides with the coupling plane of the first adapter device. It should be noted that in this case the interface between the first adapter device and the end plate of the second E-coupling head is present in the coupling plane of the second E-coupling head when the second E-coupling head is brought into its coupling plane. Of course, however, other orientations and spacings of mutually parallel coupling planes of the first and the second E-coupling head are conceivable.

In a preferred development of the last-mentioned preferred embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention, in which the respective carrier plates of the first and second E-coupling head can be brought into the respective coupling planes, it is provided that the carrier plate of the second E-coupling head via a preferably pneumatically or hydraulically effected translational movement of the second E-coupling head is movable in the coupling plane of the second E-coupling head. The translational direction corresponds to the coupling direction.

It would also be conceivable that additionally or alternatively, the support plate of the first E-coupling head via a preferably pneumatically or hydraulically effected translational or via a circular movement of the first E-coupling head in the coupling plane of the first E-coupling head is movable.

In order to achieve that the first E-coupling head, on the support plate of which the first number of terminal terminals of the first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals is provided, with the second E-coupling head is compatible, on the support plate, the second number of contact terminals of the second terminal type and the corresponding number of complementary terminals is provided in a further particularly preferred embodiment, that the third number of arranged on the first end face of the adapter device contact terminals or complementary contact terminals identical to the first number of arranged on the support plate of the first E-coupling head Contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, wherein the third terminal type arranged on the first end face of the adapter device contact terminals or complementary contact terminals identical to the first type terminal on the support plate the first E-coupling head arranged contact terminals and complementary contact terminals is.

In another advantageous embodiment, it would also be conceivable for a second adapter device to be arranged between the first adapter device and the carrier plate of the first e-coupling head, wherein a fifth number is provided on a first end face of the second adapter device facing the carrier plate of the first e-coupling head Contact terminals of the first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contacts are provided. On the first end face of the second adapter device, the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand are preferably arranged such that at least part of the contact terminals provided on the first end face of the second adapter device or complementary contact terminals with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals Support plate of the first E-coupling head can be brought into engagement, wherein a sixth number of contact terminals of the third contact type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals are provided on one of the support plate of the second E-coupling head and the first end face of the first adapter device facing the second end face of the second adapter means , Wherein on the second end face of the second adapter device, the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand are arranged such that at least part of the on the second end face of the second adapter device arranged contact terminals or complementary contact terminals is connectable with the provided on the first end face of the first adapter device contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, and wherein when the at least a portion of the disposed on the second end face of the second adapter means contact terminals or complementary contact terminals with the on the first end face of the first contact means provided contact terminals or complementary contact terminals are connected, the first end face of the first adapter means and the second end face of the second adapter means lie in a common for the two E-coupling heads coupling plane.

It should be noted that with regard to the terms "connectable" and "engageable" in an analogous manner, the above applies. Accordingly, the switching through or the connection of the at least one part of the contact terminals arranged on the second end face of the second adapter device or complementary contact terminals with the provided on the first end face of the first adapter means contact terminals or complementary contact terminals and the connection or connection the at least one part of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals arranged on the second end face of the second adapter device with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals provided on the first end face of the first adapter device are each independent of the respective coupling state of the respective E coupling heads.

The achievable with the last-mentioned embodiment advantages are obvious: With this preferred development of the inventive arrangement for switching through electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle, it is therefore possible that the first Car body assigned first E-coupling head is also connectable to the second car body associated second E-coupling head to which the already described first adapter device is mounted such that it is arranged between the first and second E-coupling head, if on the Support plate of the first E-coupling head facing the first end face of the first adapter means arranged third number of contact terminals of the third terminal type and the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals not with the first number and / or with the first terminal type in the Trägerp latte of the first E-coupling head provided contact terminals or complementary contact terminals is compatible. This is done with the provision of the second Adapters achieved, which is preferably attached to the first E-coupling head such that it lies between the support plate of the first E-coupling head and the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head facing first end face of the first adapter device.

Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the third number of contact terminals arranged on the first end face of the first adapter device facing the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head is identical to the second end face of the first E-coupling head facing the carrier plate of the second E-coupling head and the first end face of the first adapter device second adapter means arranged sixth number of contact terminals of the third contact type and the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals.

It would also be conceivable, however, for the said third number to be different from the said sixth number, wherein a part of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals arranged on the first end face of the first adapter device or a part of the contact terminals or contact terminals arranged on the second end face of the second adapter device Complementary contact terminals in the coupled state remain unoccupied, that is, not switched through.

It is furthermore preferred that the fifth number of contact terminals provided on the first end face of the second adapter device facing the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head and the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals are identical to the first number of contact terminals arranged on the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head. Complementary contact terminals is. Similarly, the fourth number of contact terminals provided on the second E-coupling head facing the carrier plate of the second E coupling head and the corresponding number of complementary contact terminals may be identical to the second number of contact terminals or complementary provided on the carrier plate of the second E-coupling head Contact terminals.

Of course, however, it is not absolutely necessary that in the present invention, the fifth number is identical to the first number and / or that the fourth number is identical to the second number. If there is no such identity with regard to the respective numbers, it is conceivable that at least a part of the Contact terminals or complementary contact terminals is not switched through between the first and second adapter device and the first and second E-coupling head. This of course applies to all embodiments of the present invention.

The preferred further development of the arrangement according to the invention, in which, in addition to the first adapter device, the second adapter device is also provided has, in addition to the above, further significant advantages, which are particularly evident in practical use and will be briefly described below.

Namely, in the course of the modernization of the train technology, the number, the arrangement and / or the terminal type provided on the support plate of the E-coupling heads contact terminals and complementary contact terminals must be changed, with the help of the first adapter device even then the two E-coupling heads coupled to each other when, for example, the E-coupling head of the first car body has not been appropriately modernized or replaced by a new (modernized) E-coupling head or converted accordingly, and if at the E-coupling head of the second car body, the refurbishment has already taken place.

Accordingly, the first adapter device ensures coupling of the incompatible first and second E-coupling heads. In other words, this means that with the first adapter device compatibility between the incompatible first and second E-coupling heads can be achieved. This is particularly advantageous for the transitional period of a modernization phase, during which only a part of the E-coupling heads used during driving is already equipped or retrofitted with the modernized E-coupling head (second E-coupling head).

However, during this transitional period it must also be ensured that not only a first E-coupling head corresponding to the "old" standard with a "new"("modernized") standard corresponding second E-coupling head is compatible or detachable, but that in this Transitional time is also a "new" standard corresponding second E-coupling head with a "new" standard corresponding first E-coupling head compatible or can be coupled. In this case, it should be remembered that the two E-coupling heads, which in themselves are compatible, since they each correspond to the new modernized standard, due to the provision of the first adapter device on the second E-coupling head are no longer compatible or detachable.

This problem can now be solved with the aid of the second adapter device, which achieves the compatibility between the intrinsically incompatible complex consisting of the first E-coupling head with the first adapter device and the second E-coupling head.

Advantageously, in a manner analogous to the first adapter device, the second adapter device, which is arranged between the first and the second E-coupling head, as a modular unit on or on the first E-coupling head attachable, so that the two E Coupling heads are connectable to each other.

As a preferred development of the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, in which in addition to the first adapter device in the inventive arrangement for switching through electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle also provided a second adapter device is, may be mentioned that on the support plate of the first E-coupling head, the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a central longitudinal plane of the support plate of the first E-coupling head, wherein on the first end face of the second adapter means the contact terminals on the one hand and the Complementary contact terminals on the other hand are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a vertical central longitudinal plane of the first end face of the second adapter device, and wherein the central longitudinal level of the support plate of the first E-coupling head coincides with the central longitudinal plane of the first end face of the second adapter device.

It would be conceivable in this embodiment that on the second end face of the second adapter device the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals on the other hand are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a vertical central longitudinal plane of the second end face of the second adapter device, and that on the first end face of the first adapter means the contact terminals on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals are, on the other hand, arranged mirror-symmetrically to a vertical central longitudinal plane of the first end face of the first adapter device, wherein in the coupled state of the first and second E-coupling head, the central longitudinal plane of the second end face of the second adapter device coincides with the central longitudinal plane of the first end face of the first adapter device.

In a preferred further development, it is furthermore provided that the sixth number of contact terminals or complementary contact terminals arranged on the second end face of the second adapter device is identical to the third number of contact terminals or complementary contact terminals arranged on the first end face of the first adapter device.

In one possible implementation of the arrangement according to the invention, it is further provided that the contact terminals and complementary contact terminals of the first terminal type and of the third terminal type are designed as pressure-contact terminals, wherein the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the second terminal type as plug-socket terminals are formed. Of course, however, a correspondingly reverse arrangement is conceivable, in which therefore the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the first terminal type and the third terminal type are designed as plug-socket terminals, and wherein the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the second terminal type as pressure contact Terminals are formed.

In a preferred further development of the solution according to the invention, which is characterized in that the first E-coupling head of the first car body is compatible with the second E-coupling head of the second car body in a particularly easy to implement way, it is provided that the first adapter device independently the coupling state of the E-coupling heads on the second E-coupling head can be fastened, so that the at least a part of the provided on the second end face of the first adapter means contact terminals or complementary contact terminals with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the second E-coupling head into engagement can be brought, in which case the first end face of the first adapter device is in the common for the two E-coupling heads coupling plane.

In a further preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, in which, in addition to the first adapter device, the second adapter device is provided which is arranged between the first adapter device and the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head, it is provided that the second Independent of the coupling state of the two E-coupling heads adapter device is fastened to the first E-coupling head, so that the at least a part of the provided on the first end face of the second adapter means contact terminals or complementary contact terminals with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the support plate of the first E-coupling head can be brought into engagement, in which case the second end face of the second adapter device is in the common coupling plane for the two E-coupling heads.

In a preferred realization of the two last-mentioned preferred embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention, in which the first and / or the second adapter device can be fastened to the second or first E-coupling head independently of the coupling state of the two E-coupling heads, it is provided that the first and / or second adapter device are designed such that they can be releasably secured to the respective E-coupling head. This is advantageous in that in a very short time and with the least possible effort, the first or second adapter device can be attached to the associated E-coupling head, so that the two E-coupling heads are converted accordingly, in spite of the possibly different number of In spite of the possibly different types of terminals provided on the support plates of the first and second E-coupling head contact terminals or complementary contact terminals provided on the respective support plates contact terminals or complementary contact terminals.

In a particularly preferred further development of the arrangement according to the invention or of the above-described further developments of the arrangement, it is provided that the first and / or second adapter device has at least one carrier plate, in or on which the respective contact terminals and complementary contact terminals are arranged, wherein the first and second end faces of the adapter device correspond to the respective end faces of the carrier plate.

Particularly preferred in the last-mentioned embodiment, in which the adapter device has at least one carrier plate on which the respective contact terminals and complementary contact terminals are arranged, the first and second end faces of the adapter device corresponding to the respective end faces of the carrier plates, it is provided that the Adapter device further comprises a support structure for holding the support plate, wherein the adapter device with Help the support structure can be attached to the respective E-coupling head in particular releasably. It would be conceivable here, for example, that the adapter device is flanged to the respective E-coupling head with the aid of screws. Of course, however, other embodiments for releasably securing the adapter device or the support structure of the adapter device to the respective E-coupling head are also conceivable here.

In order to prevent the first and the second E-coupling head are detachable, provided on the face of the first E-coupling head directly adjacent to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads contact Terminals or complementary contact terminals of a terminal type, the different , That is, incompatible with the terminal type of those contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, which are provided on the immediately adjacent to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads end face of the first adapter means is provided in a preferred development of the inventive arrangement that between the the first and the second E-coupling head a terminal type-specific Verpolsicherung is provided.

In a preferred embodiment of the last-mentioned embodiment, in which such a polarity reversal protection is provided, the polarity reversal protection has at least one receiving part and at least one complementary part designed for this purpose, wherein the at least one receiving part and the at least one male part are designed such that in that the at least one male part can only be received by the at least one receiving part if contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of a terminal type are provided on the end face of the first E-coupling head immediately adjacent to the coupling plane for the two E coupling heads which is the same as or compatible with the terminal type of those contact terminals or complementary contact terminals provided on the end face of the first adapter device immediately adjacent to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads nd.

It would be conceivable, for example, that the receiving part of the reverse polarity protection is a socket or a bush-like member, while the male part of the reverse polarity protection is a bolt or a bolt-like member.

In a further preferred realization of the latter two embodiments, which have the polarity reversal, it is provided that the polarity reversal is further designed such that a coupling process of the first and second E-coupling head is actively prevented with the polarity reversal, if the arrangement of the on to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads immediately adjacent end face of the first E-coupling head provided contact terminals and complementary contact terminals is not mirror symmetry to the arrangement of those contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, which on the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads are provided immediately adjacent end face of the first adapter device.

It would be possible, for example, that the at least one receiving part and / or the at least one male part of the polarity reversal fuse are designed such that in the latter case, if the coupling process of the first and second E-coupling head must be prevented, at least a receiving part and / or the at least one male part for a movement of the joint plane of the two E-coupling heads immediately adjacent end face of the first E-coupling head in the common coupling plane and on the other hand, a movement of the common coupling plane of the two E Blocking heads immediately adjacent end face of the first adapter device blocked in the common coupling plane.

In a case when no further (second) adapter device is arranged between the first adapter device and the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head, it is provided that the end face of the first E-coupling head immediately adjacent to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads is the end face of the first E-coupling head is.

However, if a further, second adapter device is arranged between the first adapter device and the carrier plate of the first E-coupling head, it is preferably provided that the end face of the first E-coupling head immediately adjacent to the common coupling plane is the second end face of the further second adapter device.

In an advantageous, although partially known from rail vehicle technology solution, it is provided that the inventive arrangement further comprises a Centering device for self-centering of the two when switching through the data and / or signal lines to be coupled to each other to be coupled E-coupling heads is provided, said centering at least one of the first E-coupling head associated first centering and at least one second E-coupling head associated second centering, wherein the at least first and second centering member in the coupling operation of the first and second E-coupling head communicate with each other.

In this preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, it would be conceivable that two Zentrierorgane are provided on the respective E-coupling heads, which occur in the coupling process with the complementary centering of the E-coupling head to be verkuppelnden. The advantage of this embodiment is that the transverse forces occurring during the coupling process are largely avoided, whereby a mechanical load on the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals is kept as small as possible. A further advantage of this embodiment is that the centering device operates independently during the coupling process, as a result of which the coupling process runs largely independently and can be carried out without effort and in particular without attention on the part of the user.

A constructive realization of the centering elements used in the centering device is that a centering pin or a complementary centering is used. Both Zentrierorgane are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically on the support plate of the respective E-coupling heads. The advantage of this embodiment is that centering pins or centering bushes have already been tested as centering devices, so that can be used on technical experience and additionally in the production of the inventive arrangement for switching through electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines between two adjacent Car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle can be used on standard components. The fact that the two centering (centering, centering) are arranged in an advantageous manner symmetrical to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the contact mirror of the respective support plate, in addition to the already mentioned advantages of the other, the modular design of the entire arrangement according to the invention is given.

In a preferred realization of the last-mentioned embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, in which further a centering device for Self-centering of the two provided when switching through the data and / or signal lines to be coupled to each other E-coupling heads, it is provided that the centering of a preferably adjacent to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads end face of the first or the second E -Cupplungskopfes arranged centering pin and a preferably arranged on one of the common coupling plane directly adjacent end face of the other E-coupling head and mirror-symmetrical to the common coupling plane aligned centering are formed.

For example, it is conceivable that lines are used for the transmission of energy, air pressure lines, signal lines or lines for the transmission of data in the inventive arrangement. In this case, both fiber-optic contact terminals or complementary contact terminals and contact terminals or complementary contact terminals for TV signals and video signals without effort in the inventive arrangement can be integrated.

The solution according to the invention is suitable both for switching through electrical and also optical data and / or signal lines. Accordingly, in a preferred realization of the arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the contact terminals or the complementary contact terminals are each designed as terminals for energy, signal, compressed air and / or data transmission.

Finally, to prevent unintentional release of the first and second E-coupling head after the coupling process, a locking device is provided, said locking device preferably has at least one hook and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrically arranged eyelet. Of course, other implementations with regard to the locking device are also conceivable.

In particular, for the use of the inventive arrangement in systems that are exposed to strong mechanical forces, such as vibrations, such a locking device is useful to guarantee the operation of the coupled signal or data connections, and thus to ensure the reliability at all times , A constructive realization of a locking device is that a hook and a corresponding, mirror-symmetrically arranged eyelet are used. This type of locking device is a standard component and has already been tested in many applications. Due to the mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the eyelet and the hook is the modular structure of Arrangement according to the invention also given. Of course, other design measures are conceivable here as well.

Incidentally, advantages and expediencies of the invention will be apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kupplungsanordnung zum Verkuppeln zweier benachbarter Wagenkästen eines mehrgliedrigen Schienenfahrzeuges;

Fig. 2:

eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung einer E-Kupplungsanordnung gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung im ungekuppelten Zustand;

Fig. 3:

eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 2 gezeigten E-Kupplungsanordnung im gekuppelten Zustand;

Fig. 4:

eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen E-Kupplungsanordnung in einem gesperrten Zustand nach Ansprechen der Verpolsicherung;

Fig. 5:

eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung einer E-Kupplungsanordnung gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung im gekuppelten Zustand; und

Fig. 6:

eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung der in Fig. 5 gezeigten bevorzugten Ausführungsführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen E-Kupplungsanordnung in einem gesperrten Zustand nach Ansprechen der Verpolsicherung.

Show it:

Fig. 1:

a perspective view of a coupling arrangement for coupling two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit rail vehicle;

Fig. 2:

a horizontal sectional view of an E-coupling arrangement according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the uncoupled state;

3:

a horizontal sectional view of the in Fig. 2 shown E-coupling arrangement in the coupled state;

4:

a horizontal sectional view of the in Fig. 2 shown embodiment of the E-coupling arrangement according to the invention in a locked state after addressing the reverse polarity fuse;

Fig. 5:

a horizontal sectional view of an E-coupling arrangement according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in the coupled state; and

Fig. 6:

a horizontal sectional view of the in Fig. 5 shown preferred embodiment of the invention E-coupling arrangement in a locked state after addressing the reverse polarity.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a coupling arrangement for coupling two (not explicitly shown) car bodies. The illustrated clutch assembly comprises a clutch 1 associated with the first car body and a clutch 1 'associated with the second car body. Both clutches 1, 1 'exist in Essentially each of a pull rod whose respective wagenkastenseitiges end, for example via a (not shown) bearing block or similar device is hinged to the car body. At the opposite end of the pull rod of the coupling head is arranged. This is composed of a mechanical coupling head and an E-coupling head 2, 2 'together. The mechanical coupling head is used primarily to transmit tensile / impact forces between the verkuppelten car bodies in operation. The E-coupling heads 2, 2 ', however, serve to transmit data and / or signals between the car bodies coupled to one another.

In the in Fig. 1 illustrated perspective view of the coupling arrangement, the two mechanical coupling heads are not yet verkuppelt each other, since there is still a gap between them, so that a power transmission between the car bodies is not guaranteed. The two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'are also not yet verkuppelt each other. Accordingly, the data and / or signal lines between the adjacent car bodies have not yet been switched through.

The coupling of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'takes place in that both E-coupling heads 2, 2' are moved into the common coupling plane C, so that the individual contacts or complementary contacts lie in the impact plane or common coupling plane C and thus a Switching through the corresponding data or signal lines is made possible. The E-coupling heads 2, 2 'are for this purpose, for example, with a translational movement, that is moved with a movement parallel to the coupling longitudinal axis S, in the common coupling plane C; however, it would also be possible to "screw in" at least one of the E-coupling heads 2, 2 'to be coupled by means of a rotary movement into the common coupling plane C ".

In such a coupling arrangement, as in Fig. 1 is shown as an example, the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'must be made compatible to each other so that they can be coupled together.

The compatibility of the E-coupling heads 2, 2 'is present when the contact terminals used in the respective E-coupling heads 2, 2' or complementary contact terminals are of the same terminal type. Accordingly, care must be taken that the respective vertical center longitudinal planes of the respective carrier plates of the first and second E-coupling heads 2, 2 'coincide in the coupled state, and that the left and right of this central longitudinal plane arranged contacts or

Complementary contacts in the first E-coupling head 2 with respect to the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, which are provided in or on the support plate of the second E-coupling head 2 ', are arranged on the opposite side.

Furthermore, the compatibility of the E-coupling heads 2, 2 'requires that the geometric arrangement of the respective contact terminals or complementary contact terminals on the respective carrier plates of the E-coupling heads is selected so that the switching of the data or signal lines is possible when the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'are placed in the common coupling plane C.

Conversely, if the two to be coupled E-coupling heads 2, 2 'are not compatible, that is, if the arrangement or the terminal type on the respective support plates of the first and second E-coupling head are different from each other, the switching is the Data / signal cables not possible. As already described above, occurs such a case, for example, when in the course of modernization of the E-coupling heads 2, 2 'already a part of the car bodies of the vehicle fleet with "new" (modernized) E-coupling heads 2' is equipped, and wherein the rest of the car bodies still with the old system (E-coupling heads 2) is used.

In such a case, it must be ensured that a car body whose E-coupling head already conforms to the modernized, new standard, also with a car body is detachable having an E-coupling head according to the old, original standard. Since the terminal type, that is, the type of contact and / or the arrangement of the contacts on the support plate is usually changed during such a modernization phases, the problem of incompatibility of the E-coupling heads to be verkuppelnden in the modernization phase.

With the inventive arrangement, as described below with reference to the FIGS. 2 to 6 is described in more detail, this problem can be solved in a simple to implement and very cost-effective manner.

In Fig. 2 Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of an E-clutch assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown in the uncoupled state. The E-coupling arrangement consists of a first E-coupling head 2, the (not shown) first car body of a multi-unit vehicle, is assigned in particular a rail vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the first E-coupling head 2 is designed such that it can be pivoted by a rotational movement in the common coupling plane C. However, it would also be conceivable that the first E-coupling head 2 is offset by means of a translational movement in the coupling plane C. Of course, a combination or superposition of different types of movement is conceivable.

The inventive arrangement for switching through the electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a second E-coupling head 2 ', which is associated with a (also not shown) second car body. In the illustrated embodiment, the second E-coupling head 2 'by means of a translational movement along the coupling longitudinal direction S in the common coupling plane C can be displaced.

Both E-coupling heads 2, 2 'each have a support plate 3, 3', in or on which the respective contact terminals or complementary contact terminals are arranged. The term "contact terminal" in the present specification is to be understood as meaning both electrical and optical terminals. Of course, it is also conceivable that compressed air or the like is transmitted via the terminals.

In or on the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2, a first number of contact terminals 102, 104 and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals 101, 103 are provided. The complementary contact terminals are - as the term already expresses - complementary executed with respect to the contact terminals.

In the following, it should be assumed that in the carrier plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2, the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of a first terminal type. For example, it would be conceivable to design these contact terminals as a plug-socket arrangement or as a pressure contact. The contact terminals 102, 104 and the complementary contact terminals 101, 103 are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a central longitudinal plane A1 of the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2.

Like the first E-coupling head 2, the second E-coupling head 2 'with a support plate 3' is provided. In this support plate are also contact terminals 202, 204th and complementary contact terminals 201, 203 integrated, mirror-symmetrically with respect to a central longitudinal plane A2 of the support plate 3 'of the second E-coupling head 2'. However, unlike the first E-coupling head 2, the contact terminals 202, 204 and the complementary contact terminals 201, 203 of the second E-coupling head are not of the first terminal type, but of a second terminal type, which is different from the first terminal type in the illustrated embodiment.

Furthermore, the number (first number) of the respective contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, which are integrated in the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2, different from the number (second number) in the support plate 3 'of the second E-coupling head Coupling head 2 'provided contact terminals or complementary contact terminals.

Due to the different types of terminals in the two to be verkuppden E-coupling heads 2, 2 'coming contact terminal or complementary contact terminals and due to the different numbers of contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, the two E-coupling heads 2, 2' incompatible , as a result, a switching through of electrical and / or optical data and / or signal lines, which are connected to the respective carriage box-side ends of the integrated in the respective carrier plates 3, 3 'contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, is not possible.

According to the invention, therefore, a first adapter device 11 is provided between the E-coupling heads 2, 2 'to be coupled. In the preferred and in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, this first adapter device 11 at the front end of the second E-coupling head 2 'is arranged. In detail, the adapter device 11 has a carrier plate 14, which is preferably releasably secured by means of a support structure 15 on the end face of the second E-coupling head 2 '.

The first adapter device 11 has a third number of contact terminals 302, 304 of a third terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals 301, 303 on a first end face 12 facing the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2.

In the following - only for the purpose of simplifying the description - be assumed that the number of in the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2 integrated contact terminals 102, 104 and complementary contact terminals 101, 103 (first number) is identical to the arranged on the first end face 12 of the first adapter means 11 number of contact terminals 302, 304 and complementary contact terminals 301, 303 (third number). Furthermore, it should be assumed that the terminal type of the arranged in the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head contact terminals 102, 104 and complementary contact terminals 101, 103 (first terminal type) identical to the terminal type on the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11th arranged contact terminals 302, 304 and complementary contact terminals 301, 303 (third terminal type) is.

The contact terminals 302, 304 on the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11 are arranged with respect to a central longitudinal plane A3 of the support plate 14 of the first adapter device 11 mirror-symmetrical to the complementary contact terminals 301, 303. It is provided that the central longitudinal plane A3 of the support plate 14 of the first adapter device 11 in the coupled state (see Fig. 3 ) coincides with the central longitudinal plane A1 of the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2.

Accordingly, the compatibility of the first E-coupling head 2 is made to the second E-coupling head 2 ', since the provided in the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2 contact terminals 102, 104 and complementary contact terminals 101, 103 compatible with those on the first end surface 12 of the first adapter device 11 disposed contact terminals 302, 304 and complementary contact terminals 301, 303 are. In other words, this means that the first E-coupling head via the configuration of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals on the first end face 12 with the first adapter device can be coupled. In a coupling operation, the contact terminals 102, 104 and the complementary contact terminals 101, 103 can thus be brought into engagement with the corresponding contact terminals 302, 304 or complementary contact terminals 301, 303.

On the other hand, a fourth number of contact terminals 202 ', 204' of a second type of terminal and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals 201 ', 203' are provided on the carrier plate 3 'of the second E-coupling head 2' facing second end face 13 of the first adapter device , Since the contact terminals on the second end face 13 of the first adapter device 11 are of the same terminal type (second terminal type) as those contact terminals shown in FIG Carrier plate 3 'of the second E-coupling head 2' are present, the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals can be engaged with each other.

Fig. 3 shows the E-coupling arrangement according to Fig. 2 in a coupled state, in which the contact terminals 102, 104 or complementary contact terminals 101, 103 of the first E-coupling head 2 via the first adapter device 11 with the corresponding contact terminals 202, 204 and complementary contact terminals 201, 203 of the second E Coupling head 2 'are connected, whereby a switching through the corresponding (not shown) signal lines can be made possible.

Due to the first adapter device 11, it is thus possible to couple the per se incompatible E-coupling heads 2, 2 'with each other. In the coupled state, the respective center longitudinal planes A1, A2 and A3 of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'and the first adapter device 11 are aligned identically to one another.

In the according to a first embodiment in the FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrated arrangement of the invention is further provided a Verpolsicherung 30, which is preferably designed terminal type-specific and thus prevents the first and the second E-coupling head 2, 2 'can be coupled when on the common coupling plane C of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'immediately adjacent end face 3 of the first E-coupling head 2 contact terminals or complementary contact terminals are provided by a terminal type, which is different from the terminal type of those contact terminals or complementary contact terminals, which on the common coupling plane C of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'immediately adjacent end face 12 of the first adapter device 11 are provided. This case is however in the in Fig. 3 shown state of the clutch assembly is not given. Accordingly, the Verpolsicherung 30 has also not addressed here, so that the coupling of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'is feasible.

On the other hand is in Fig. 4 a case shown in which the Verpolsicherung 30 has addressed, and thus does not allow the coupling of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 '. In the in Fig. 4 In contrast to the case shown in FIG Fig. 3 Case shown the occupation of the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals on the first end face 12 of the adapter device 11 vice versa. In detail, here would be Contact terminals or complementary contact terminals that are not compatible with each other, in the common coupling plane C collide. For this reason, the coupling process is prevented by means of reverse polarity protection 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the reverse polarity fuse 30 has a receiving part 31 and a male part 31 ', which are designed such that the pin-like male part 31' of the reverse polarity fuse is only received in the female-like part 31 'of the reverse polarity fuse 30 can, if the terminal type specific assignment in the common coupling plane C of the clutch assembly is compatible with each other. Of course, other embodiments of the Verpolsicherung 30 are conceivable.

Particularly preferably, the reverse polarity protection 30 is also designed as a self-centering device 40, wherein the pin 41 of the polarity reversal 30 as the first centering and the socket 41 'of Verpolsicherung 30 as the second Zentrierorgan the centering device 40 for self-centering of the two when switching through the data and / or signal lines to be coupled to each other E-coupling heads 2, 2 'acts. As shown, the centering members 41, 41 'are each formed mirror-symmetrically to the common coupling plane C. Of course, it is also conceivable that the Verpolsicherung 30 and the self-centering device 40 are each formed as a completely separate modular units.

Furthermore, a locking device (not shown) may further be provided to prevent the first and second E-coupling head 2, 2 'unintentionally released after the coupling process. It would be conceivable that the locking device has at least one hook or a corresponding, mirror-symmetrically arranged eyelet. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable here.

Below we refer to the FIGS. 5 and 6 A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. In Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view of an E-coupling arrangement according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the coupled state.

The second preferred embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 5 is substantially identical to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in the FIGS. 2 to 4 is shown, with the exception that in Fig. 5 shown embodiment between the first adapter device 11 and the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2, a second adapter device 21 is further arranged.

With regard to its construction, the second adapter device 21 is essentially comparable to the first adapter device 11. In detail, a fifth number of contact terminals 102 ', 104' of the first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals 101 ', 103' are provided on one of the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2 facing first end surface 22 of the second adapter device 21. In this case, the contact terminals 102 ', 104' arranged on the first end face 22 of the second adapter device 21 on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals 101 ', 103' on the other hand are spatially arranged such that at least a part of those provided on the first end face 22 of the second adapter device 21 Contact terminals 102 ', 104' or complementary contact terminals 101 ', 103' with the contact terminals or complementary contact terminals of the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2 is engageable.

On one of the support plate 3 'of the second E-coupling head 2' and the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11 facing the second end face 23 of the second adapter means 21 is further a sixth number of contact terminals 302 ', 304' of the third contact type and a corresponding number complementary Contact terminals 301 ', 303' provided. On the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21, the contact terminals 302 ', 304' on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals 301 ', 303' on the other hand arranged such that at least a part of the disposed on the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21 contact terminals 302th ', 304' or complementary contact terminals 301 ', 303' can be brought into engagement with the contact terminals 302, 304 or complementary contact terminals 301, 303 provided on the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11.

The entire arrangement according to the second preferred embodiment is designed so that when the at least a portion of the disposed on the second end face 23 of the second adapter means 21 contact terminals 302 ', 304' and complementary contact terminals 301 ', 303' with the on the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11 provided contact terminals 302, 304 and complementary contact terminals 301, 303 are engaged, the first end face 12 of the first adapter means 11 and the second end face 23 of the second Adapter device 21 in the common for the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'coupling plane C.

For ease of description (but not to be interpreted as limiting), it is assumed that the sixth number of contact terminals 302 ', 304' or complementary contact terminals 301 ', 303' arranged on the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21 is identical to the third number which is arranged on the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11 contact terminals 302, 304 and complementary contact terminals 301, 303.

The second adapter device 21 has a carrier plate 24, in or on which the respective contact terminals and complementary contact terminals are arranged or integrated. Furthermore, a support structure 25 is provided for holding the support plate 24, wherein the second adapter device 21 can be preferably releasably attached to the first E-coupling head 2 by means of this support structure 25.

As shown, on the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21, the contact terminals 302 ', 304' on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals 301 ', 303' on the other hand mirror-symmetrical to a vertical central longitudinal plane A5 of the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21. On the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11, the contact terminals 302, 304 on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals 301, 303 on the other hand also mirror-symmetrical to a vertical central longitudinal plane A6 of the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11. In the coupled state ( Fig. 5 ) of the first and second E-coupling head 2, 2 ', the central longitudinal plane A5 of the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21 coincides with the central longitudinal plane A6 of the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11.

Both in the first preferred embodiment according to Fig. 2 as well as in the second preferred embodiment according to Fig. 5 is the first adapter device 12 independent of the coupling state of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'fastened to the second E-coupling head 2', so that the at least a portion of the provided on the second end face 13 of the first adapter means 11 contact terminals 202 ', 204' or Complementary contact terminals 201 ', 203' with the contact terminals 202, 204 and complementary contact terminals 201, 203 of the second E-coupling head 2 'is engageable, in which case the first end face 12 of the first adapter device 11 in the for the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'common coupling plane C is located.

In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 5 in addition, the second adapter device 21 regardless of the coupling state of the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'fastened to the first E-coupling head, so that the at least a portion of the provided on the first end face 22 of the second adapter device 21 contact terminals 102', 104 'or Complementary contact terminals 101 ', 103' with the contact terminals 102, 104 and complementary contact terminals 101, 103 of the support plate 3 of the first E-coupling head 2 is engageable, in which case the second end face 23 of the second adapter device 21 in the for the two E-coupling heads 2, 2 'common coupling plane C is located.

As in the preferred first embodiment according to the FIGS. 2 to 4 is also in the preferred second embodiment according to Fig. 5 both a Verpolsicherung 30 and a centering device 40 is provided, the operation of the terminal type-specific Verpolsicherung 30 based on Fig. 6 is recognizable. In Fig. 6 is - in contrast to Fig. 5 - The E-coupling arrangement according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention in a locked state after addressing the reverse polarity 30 shown.

It should be noted at this point that the solution according to the invention is not limited to those couplings which are used only in rail vehicle technology. Rather, the solution according to the invention is applicable to all multi-unit vehicles.

It should also be noted that, of course, the first to third terminal types of the contact terminals and the complementary contact terminals may be different from each other. It should also be understood that the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth number of the intended contact terminals or complementary contact terminals can each be different from each other. Incidentally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, of course, the features and properties described in this specification with respect to the individual preferred embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other.

Claims (27)

1. An arrangement for crossconnecting electrical and/or optical data and/or signal lines between two adjoining car bodies of a multi-member vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, having a first E-coupling head (2) allocated to the first car body and a second E-coupling head (2') which is not compatible with the first E-coupling head allocated to the second car body, wherein the first and the second E-coupling head (2, 2') each comprise a carrier plate (3, 3'), and wherein the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2) comprises a first number of contact terminals (102, 104) of a first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals (101, 103), and the carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2') comprises a second number of contact terminals (202, 204) of a second terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals (201, 203),
   characterized by
   a first adapter device (11) arranged between the first and the second E-coupling head (2, 2'), wherein a third number of contact terminals (302, 304) of a third terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals (301, 303) are arranged on a first end face (12) of the adapter device (11) facing the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), and a fourth number of contact terminals (202', 204') of the second terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals (201', 203') are provided on a second end face (13) of the adapter device (11) facing the carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2'), wherein the contact terminals (302, 304) on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (301, 303) on the other are arranged on the first end face (12) of adapter device (11) such that at least some of the contact terminals (302, 304), complementary contact terminals (301, 303) respectively, provided on the first end face (12) of adapter device (11) can be connected to the contact terminals (102, 104), complementary contact terminals (101, 103) respectively, of the first E-coupling head (2), and wherein the contact terminals (202', 204') on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (201', 203') on the other are arranged on the second end face (13) of adapter device (11) such that at least some of the contact terminals (202', 204'), complementary contact terminals (201', 203') respectively, provided on the second end face (13) of adapter device (11) can engage with the contact terminals (202, 204) complementary contact terminals (201, 203) respectively, of the second E-coupling head (2').
2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein when the at least some of the contact terminals (202', 204'), complementary contact terminals (201', 203') respectively, disposed on the second end face (13) of the adapter device (11) engage with the contact terminals (202, 204) complementary contact terminals (201, 203) respectively, of the second E-coupling head (2'), the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) lies in a common coupling plane (C) for the two E-coupling heads (2, 2').
3. The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact terminals (102, 104; 202, 204) on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (101, 103; 201, 203) on the other are respectively arranged inversely symmetrical on the two carrier plates (3, 3') of the first and second E-coupling heads (2, 2') to a respective central vertical longitudinal plane (A1, A2) of the respective carrier plate (3, 3'), and wherein the contact terminals (202', 204') on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (201', 203') on the other are arranged inversely symmetrical on the second end face (13) of the adapter device (11) respective a central vertical longitudinal plane (A3) of the second end face (13) of adapter device (11), wherein the central longitudinal plane (A2) of carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2') corresponds to the central longitudinal plane (A3) of the second end face (13) of adapter device (11).
4. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2) can be moved into a coupling plane (C1) of the first E-coupling head (2) in which the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2) is arranged transverse to the coupling direction (S), and wherein the carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2') can be moved into a coupling plane (C2) of the second E-coupling head (2') in which the carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2') is arranged transverse to the coupling direction (S), wherein the coupling plane (C1) of the first E-coupling head (2) and the coupling plane (C2) of the second E-coupling head (2') run parallel to one another.
5. The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2') can be brought into the coupling plane (C2) of the second E-coupling head (2') by means of a preferably pneumatically or hydraulically effected translatory movement of the second E-coupling head (2').
6. The arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2) can be brought into the coupling plane (C1) of the first E-coupling head (2) by means of a preferably pneumatically or hydraulically effected translatory or circular movement of the first E-coupling head (2).
7. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third number of contact terminals (302, 304), complementary contact terminals (301, 303) respectively, arranged on the first end face (12) of adapter device (11) is identical to the first number of contact terminals (102, 104), complementary contact terminals (101, 103) respectively, arranged on the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), and wherein the third terminal type of the contact terminals (302, 304), complementary contact terminals (301, 303) respectively, arranged on the first end face (12) of the adapter device (11) is identical to the first terminal type of the contact terminals (102, 104), complementary contact terminals (101, 103) respectively, arranged on the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2).
8. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second adapter device (21) is further arranged between the first adapter device (11) and the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), wherein a fifth number of contact terminals (102', 104') of the first terminal type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals (101', 103') are provided on a first end face (22) of the second adapter device (21) facing the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), wherein the contact terminals (102', 104') on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (101', 103') on the other are arranged on the first end face (22) of the second adapter device (21) such that at least some of the contact terminals (102', 104'), complementary contact terminals (101', 103') respectively, provided on the first end face (22) of the second adapter device (21) can engage with the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, of the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), and wherein a sixth number of contact terminals (302', 304') of the third contact type and a corresponding number of complementary contact terminals (301', 303') are provided on a second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) facing the carrier plate (3') of the second E-coupling head (2') and the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11), wherein the contact terminals (302', 304') on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (301', 303') on the other are arranged on the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) such that at least some of the contact terminals (302', 304', complementary contact terminals (301', 303') respectively, arranged on the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) can engage with the contact terminals (302, 304), complementary contact terminals (301, 303) respectively, provided on the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11), and wherein when the at least some of the contact terminals (302', 304'), complementary contact terminals (301', 303') respectively, arranged on the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) are engaged with the contact terminals (302, 304), complementary contact terminals (301, 303) respectively, provided on the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11), the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) and the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) lie in a common coupling plane (C) for the two E-coupling heads (2, 2').
9. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the contact terminals (102, 104) on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (101, 103) on the other are arranged inversely symmetrical on the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2) respective a central longitudinal plane (A1) of the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), and wherein the contact terminals (102', 104') on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (101', 103') on the other are arranged inversely symmetrical on the first end face (22) of the second adapter device (21) respective a vertical central longitudinal plane (A4) of the first end face (22) of the second adapter device (21), wherein the central longitudinal plane (A1) of the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2) corresponds to the central longitudinal plane (A4) of the first end face (13) of second adapter device (21).
10. The arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the contact terminals (302', 304') on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (301', 303') on the other are arranged inversely symmetrical on the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) respective a central vertical longitudinal plane (A5) of the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21), and wherein the contact terminals (302, 304) on the one hand and the complementary contact terminals (301, 303) on the other are arranged inversely symmetrical on the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) respective a central vertical longitudinal plane (A6) of the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11), wherein the central longitudinal plane (A5) of the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) corresponds to the central longitudinal plane (A6) of the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) in the coupled state of the first and second E-coupling head (2, 2').
11. The arrangement according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the sixth number of contact terminals (302', 304'), complementary contact terminals (301', 303') respectively, arranged on the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) is identical to the third number of contact terminals (302, 304), complementary contact terminals (301, 303) respectively, arranged on the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11).
12. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, of the first terminal type and of the third terminal type are configured as pressure contact terminals, and wherein the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, of the second terminal type are configured as plug-and-socket terminals.
13. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, of the first terminal type and of the third terminal type are configured as plug-and-socket terminals, and wherein the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, of the second terminal type are configured as pressure contact terminals.
14. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first adapter device (12) can be fixed to the second E-coupling head (2') independent of the coupling state of the E-coupling heads (2, 2') such that at least some of the contact terminals (202', 204'), complementary contact terminals (201', 203') respectively, disposed on the second end face (13) of the first adapter device (11) can engage with the contact terminals (202, 204), complementary contact terminals (201, 203) respectively, of the second E-coupling head (2'), wherein the first end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) then lies in the common coupling plane (C) for the two E-coupling heads (2, 2).
15. The arrangement according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the second adapter device (21) can be fixed to the first E-coupling head (2) independent of the coupling state of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') such that at least some of the contact terminals (102', 104'), complementary contact terminals (101', 103') respectively, disposed on the first end face (22) of the second adapter device (21) can engage with the contact terminals (102, 104), complementary contact terminals (101, 103) respectively, of the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), wherein the second end face (23) of the second adapter device (21) then lies in the common coupling plane (C) for the two E-coupling heads (2, 2').
16. The arrangement according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the first and/or second adapter device (11, 21) is designed such that it can be detachably fixed to the respective E-coupling head (2, 2').
17. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter device (11, 21) comprises at least one carrier plate (14, 24) in or on which the respective contact terminals and complementary contact terminals are arranged, wherein the first and the second end faces (12, 13, 22, 23) of the adapter device (11, 21) correspond to the respective end faces of the carrier plate (14, 24).
18. The arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the adapter device (11, 21) further exhibits a supporting structure (15, 25) for holding the carrier plate (14, 24), wherein the adapter device (11, 21) can be in particular detachably fixed to the respective E-coupling head (2, 2') by means of the supporting structure (15, 25).
19. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a terminal type-specific polarization (30) is provided between the first and the second E-coupling head (2, 2') which prevents the coupling of the first and the second E-coupling head (2, 2') when the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, disposed on the directly adjoining end face (3, 23) of the first E-coupling head (2) to the common coupling plane (C) of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') are of a terminal type which differs from the terminal type of those contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, disposed on the directly adjoining end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) to the common coupling plane (C) of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2').
20. The arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the polarization (30) comprises at least one receiving component (31) and at least one received component (31') configured complementary thereto, wherein the at least one receiving component (31) and the at least one received component (31') are designed such that at least one received component (31') is then only accommodated by the at least one receiving component (31) when the directly adjoining end face (3, 23) of the first E-coupling head (2) to the common coupling plane for the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') has contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, of the same terminal type as the terminal type of those contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, disposed on the directly adjoining end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) to the common coupling plane of the E-coupling heads (2,2').
21. The arrangement according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the polarization (30) is further of such a design that a coupling of the first and second E-coupling head (2, 2') is prevented when the arrangement of the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, provided on the directly adjoining end face (3, 23) of the first E-coupling head (2) to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') is not inversely symmetrical to the arrangement of those contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, provided on the directly adjoining end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2').
22. The arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the at least one receiving component (31) and/or the at least one received component (31') of the polarization (30) is designed such that in the event that coupling of the first and second E-coupling heads (2, 2') is to be prevented, the at least one receiving component (31) and/or the at least one received component (31') blocks a movement of the directly adjoining end face (3, 23) of the first E-coupling head (2) to the common coupling plane (C) of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') and a movement of the directly adjoining end face (12) of the first adapter device (11) to the common coupling plane (C) of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2').
23. The arrangement according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when no further adapter device (21) is arranged between the first adapter device (11) and the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), the directly adjoining end face (3, 23) of the first E-coupling head (2) to the common coupling plane (C) of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') is the end face of the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), and wherein when a further, second adapter device (21) is arranged between the first adapter device (11) and the carrier plate (3) of the first E-coupling head (2), the directly adjoining end face (3, 23) of the first E-coupling head to the common coupling plane is the second end face (23) of the further, second adapter device (21).
24. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a centering device (40) for the self-centering of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') to be coupled together upon crossconnecting of the data and/or signal lines is further provided, wherein the centering device (40) exhibits at least one first centering member (41) allocated to the first E-coupling head (2) and at least one second centering member (41') allocated to the second E-coupling head (2') which contact each other upon the coupling of the first and second E-coupling head (2, 2').
25. The arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the centering members are formed by a centering bolt (41) preferably arranged on a directly adjoining end face of the first or second E-coupling head (2, 2') to the common coupling plane of the two E-coupling heads (2, 2') and a centering sleeve (41') preferably arranged on a directly adjoining end face of the other E-coupling head (2', 2) to the common coupling plane (C) and inversely symmetrical to said common coupling plane.
26. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact terminals, complementary contact terminals respectively, are designed as terminals for the transmission of energy, signals or data.
27. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking device to prevent an unintended releasing of the first and second E-coupling head (2, 2D subsequent coupling is provided, wherein the locking device preferably comprises at least one hook and a corresponding eye arranged inversely symmetrical.

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