Abstract:
A current collector for a rail-mounted vehicle includes a collector arm and an insulation system which has insulating posts for the electrically insulating fastening of the collector arm on a vehicle roof element above an electrically grounded roof surface. In order to achieve a flatter roof structure, the insulation system includes an electrically insulating layer, which is disposed between the roof surface and the collector arm and is spaced apart from the roof surface by an air gap.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a current collector for a rail vehicle comprising a collector arm and an insulation system, which has insulating posts for fastening the collector arm in electrically insulating fashion on an electrically grounded vehicle roof element above an electrically grounded roof surface. 
     Rail vehicles which draw their energy from an electric overhead line have a current collector comprising a collector arm, which is fastened on the vehicle roof. In order to electrically insulate the collector arm and the generally electrically ground vehicle roof, the current collector is provided with an insulation system, which insulates the collector arm from the vehicle roof to a sufficient extent. 
     In addition to providing insulation, the insulation system also has the task of fastening the collector arm mechanically to the vehicle roof since this fastening also needs to be electrically insulating. For this purpose, the insulation system comprises post insulators, which are used both for insulation and for mechanical fastening of the collector arm on the vehicle roof. Such post insulators are generally plate insulators, which protrude upwards from the electrically grounded vehicle roof and bear a collector arm carrier in the form of a post structure, on which the collector arm is fastened. 
     In the case of high-speed trains, the collector arm carrier can be a platform, which terminates the vehicle roof at the top. The post insulators are arranged below the platform and therefore within the railcar roof so that as little air resistance as possible is generated during travel of the vehicle. Owing the platform which terminates at the top, an aerodynamic form is achieved. 
     Precisely in the case of high-speed trains, it is advantageous to configure the trains to be flat overall in order to reduce air resistance. Since this is not intended to have a disadvantageous effect on the standing height within the vehicle, it is advantageous to keep the roof structure as small as possible in terms of its thickness. The thickness of the roof structure is preset, inter alia, by the height of the insulation system. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the present invention consists in specifying a current collector for a rail vehicle which enables a flat roof structure. 
     This object is achieved by a current collector of the type mentioned at the outset, in which, in accordance with the invention, the insulation system comprises an electrically insulating layer, which is arranged between the roof surface and the collector arm and is spaced apart from the roof surface by an air gap. 
     The invention is based on the consideration that the previously conventional post insulators need to have a sufficiently large insulation length in order to reliably avoid electrical flashover through the air past the post insulators even in the case of high levels of humidity or rain. Since the electrically grounded vehicle roof is generally arranged below the insulation system, this air flashover path from the grounded roof surface upwards forms the minimum insulation path which is critical for the thickness of the roof structure. The invention is based on the further consideration that a suitable solid insulator provides considerably better electrical insulation than an air layer. If the air layer can be replaced at least partially by a solid insulator, therefore, the flashover path is smaller, with the result that the high-voltage input of the post insulators can also be arranged closer to the electrically grounded vehicle roof element. By virtue of this closer arrangement, the thickness of the roof structure can be reduced. 
     The insulating posts are expediently those elements which act both as insulators and bear the current collector. The current collector is intended for mounting on the electrically grounded vehicle roof element with its roof surface. The vehicle roof element and with it the roof surface can be, but do not need to be, part of the current collector. However, it is possible for the roof surface to be part of the vehicle roof element, which is part of the current collector. The roof surface can be an outer roof surface or an inner roof surface, which is arranged within the vehicle roof. It expediently forms a closed surface which is water tight with respect to the vehicle interior and in particular is resistant to flashovers with respect to conventional railroad high voltages. Purely theoretically, it is also possible for the roof surface to be an imaginary plane, which is spanned by a plurality of fastening elements of the post insulators. 
     The insulating layer expediently comprises a layer consisting of an electrically insulating material, advantageously a solid insulator. One or more further layers, for example a UV resistant layer and/or a water-repelling layer, can be provided in addition, wherein the insulating layer expediently completely consists of electrically insulating material. 
     The electrically insulating layer is advantageously a closed layer, which does not have any openings in its surface at the bottom within its closed surface, apart from water removal sections which may be provided and are formed in a targeted manner. The collector arm can be arranged so as to loop over an overhead line and is expediently in the form of a pantograph. 
     The insulating layer can be formed as an interlayer between a collector arm carrier and the vehicle roof or form the collector arm carrier itself, so that, in addition to its insulating function, it also has the function of bearing the collector arm. 
     If the insulating layer is in the form of an interlayer, the insulating posts are expediently post insulators, which can be oriented in particular horizontally. The insulating layer in the form of an interlayer is then arranged between the roof surface and expediently at least in each case one part of the post insulators, with the result that each of the post insulators is arranged at least partially opposite the roof surface in relation to the interlayer, in particular above the insulating layer. Advantageously, the post insulators are arranged completely above the insulating layer, in particular in such a way that a perpendicular shadow of the post insulators falls completely onto the insulating layer. Furthermore, the insulating layer is advantageously closed in the region of the post insulators, i.e. the post insulators and/or also an electrical bushing do not reach through the insulating layer. In the case of an arrangement of the insulating layer between the post insulator and the grounded roof surface, in addition a direct electrically conductive water path between the two voltage potentials can be interrupted. 
     An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the current collector has a collector arm carrier, which is borne by the insulating posts, wherein the electrically insulating layer is an interlayer between the collector arm carrier and the roof surface, which interlayer is mounted so as to be electrically insulating with respect to the collector arm carrier, in particular spaced apart therefrom by an air gap. Owing to the double air layer, a particularly good insulating effect and therefore a flat roof structure can be achieved. 
     Furthermore, it is advantageous if the insulating layer is in the form of a plate, in particular a self-supporting plate, consisting of at least one electrically insulating material. With the aid of this air layer, the electrical field can be diminished effectively over a small distance owing to the low material-specific dielectric constant of air (∈ r =1). A particularly simple and self-supporting insulating structure can be achieved, which is spaced apart from elements arranged above and below. Expediently, the insulating layer is oriented parallel to the roof surface. 
     If the insulating posts are post insulators, it is advantageous in the case of moist air and in particular also in the case of rain, in order to maintain a high level of insulation effect with respect to the vehicle roof, if in each case one air layer is provided between the post insulators and the insulating layer and between the insulating layer and the electrically grounded roof surface. Water discharged from the insulating layer can be passed over a sufficiently large path, with the result that an electrical flashover over the water path is reliably avoided. 
     A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the post insulators are each arranged horizontally or at least inclined with respect to the perpendicular. In other words, a straight line between the high-voltage end and the grounding end of a post insulator has a horizontal component. In this way, a compact roof structure can be achieved even in the case of a large insulation length. Expediently, the straight line is inclined through more than 45° with respect to the perpendicular, in particular more than 70°. The perpendicular is expediently perpendicular to the grounded roof surface and/or is arranged in the direction of gravity in the case of a level vehicle. A very compact roof structure can be achieved if the straight line is arranged horizontally. If the post insulators are plate insulators, the straight line expediently runs perpendicular to the plates. 
     In particular in the case of horizontally oriented post insulators, it is advantageous if the insulating layer is arranged parallel to the post insulators. In this way, a particularly flat roof structure can be produced. 
     In the case of the presence of a collector arm carrier for supporting the collector arm, it is advantageous if the path between the collector arm carrier and the electrically grounded railcar roof, or the roof surface thereof, is also interrupted by the insulating interlayer. In general terms, it is advantageous if the collector arm is mounted on a collector arm carrier, which is supported by post insulators relative to the vehicle roof, wherein the insulating layer is arranged between the supporting structure and the roof surface. The supporting structure is advantageously arranged between post insulators. It can form an outer roof surface, which contributes to the aerodynamic configuration of the roof, in particular in the case of high-speed trains. 
     Generally, neither the post insulators nor the post structure are water-tight in such a way that the insulating layer remains dry even in the case of rain falling on the vehicle. In order to avoid flashovers over water bridges, it is therefore advantageous if the insulating layer has a sloping surface, on which water flows away downwards. The slope relates to a horizontal vehicle. The water can be discharged in a targeted manner to a favorable point, so that undesired electrical water bridges are avoided. The entire interlayer, which is in particular in the form of a plate, can be a sloping plane, or only part thereof. A plurality of sloping planes or convex and/or concave surfaces are also possible. 
     Particularly advantageously, the insulating layer forms an upwardly convex plate. By virtue of the bulbous formation at the top, rain can flow away downwards and to the rim of the insulting layer. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible for the insulating layer to have at least one upwardly concavely shaped region, with a water runoff point being at the lowest point of said region. The water is passed onto this runoff point, which is designed in particular to allow water to be removed in insulating fashion. 
     A particularly insulating discharge of water can be achieved if the insulating layer has at least one discrete water runoff point. The water runoff point is expediently arranged at a particularly favorable location and/or is embodied in such a way that an electrical water bridge is avoided. The water runoff point can be formed by a concavely curved formation of the insulating layer. As a result, a water channel or a plurality of water channels can be formed, which water channel(s) guide(s) the water in a targeted manner onto the water runoff point. The curvature can be continuous and/or with a bend. 
     It is furthermore advantageous if the insulating layer has at least one water runoff point, to which a water removal section is connected. The water removal section is expediently designed in such a way that it discharges the water in an electrically favorable manner from the insulating layer, for example directs the water in an outflow direction, for example in a targeted manner in one direction or areally away from the insulating layer. The water removal section can have ribs, which are arranged externally on the insulating layer. 
     Advantageously, the water removal section is formed from electrically insulating material so that an electrical bridge is avoided. 
     In addition, it is proposed that the water removal section is longer than the straight path between the insulating layer and the roof surface in the region of the water runoff point. By this means too, an electrical bridge can be counteracted. The length of the water removal section is formed by the flow path of the water on/in the water removal section, for example. 
     It is furthermore proposed that the insulting layer encloses an air space between it and the roof surface therebelow, and a heater is provided for heating the air space. Snow on the insulating layer can be melted and an insulating effect can be improved. The air space is expediently terminated externally, possibly apart from one or more ventilation openings for feeding and discharging warm air or for dehumidifying the air space. All of the ventilation openings should in this case have in total a cross section of below 1/20, in particular below 1/50, of the surface of the insulating layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention and the way in which they are achieved will become clearer and more easily understandable in connection with the description below of the exemplary embodiments, which will be explained in more detail in connection with the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a current collector on the vehicle roof of a locomotive of a rail vehicle in a perspective view at an angle from above, 
         FIG. 2  shows the insulation system of the current collector comprising an insulating layer beneath post insulators, 
         FIG. 3  shows an alternative and upwardly convexly curved interlayer having lateral ribs, 
         FIG. 4  shows a detail of a further upwardly concavely shaped interlayer comprising an inner water runoff point and a water removal section connected thereto, 
         FIG. 5  shows a concavely and convexly curved interlayer in a view from above, and 
         FIG. 6  shows a schematic sectional illustration through the insulating layer shown in  FIG. 5  comprising two water removal sections. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view at an angle from above of a vehicle roof element  2  of a vehicle roof of a locomotive of a rail vehicle, in which a current collector  4  is installed. The vehicle roof element  2  has an electrically grounded roof surface  6 , which has a depression  8  in the region of the current collector  4 . The current collector  4  is located in this depression  8  and is fastened to the vehicle roof element  2  via four post insulators  10 . The post insulators  10  bear a collector arm carrier  12 , which is expediently electrically conductive. In this exemplary embodiment, the collector arm carrier  12  is in the form of a platform, on which the collector arm  14  of the current collector  4  is fitted. The collector arm carrier  12  is supported relative to the vehicle roof element  2  by the post insulators  10 . It forms an outer roof surface, which contributes to the aerodynamic configuration of the vehicle roof  2 . During travel, the collector arm  14  is in electrical contact with an overhead line (not illustrated) for current tapping and for energy consumption for driving the rail vehicle. 
     The collector arm  14  is provided at the top with two bows for looping onto an overhead line of a railroad network and for tapping of the railroad mains voltage. The collector arm  14  is connected to the traction components and auxiliary power supplies of the rail vehicle via an electrical connection. This electrical connection can be in the form of a cable link comprising a plug connector or cable sealing end on the current collector. 
     The post insulators  10  are plate insulators, which are not arranged perpendicularly between the collector arm carrier  12  and the roof surface  6  in the depression  8 , as is conventional, but bear the collector arm carrier  12  between them. For this purpose, the post insulators  10  can be arranged horizontally or at an angle, so that a straight line between the high-voltage end and the grounding end runs horizontally or at an angle to the vertical. The collector arm carrier  12  does not need to be plate-shaped as in this exemplary embodiment, but can also be constructed from struts or have another suitable shape. 
     The horizontal arrangement can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein  FIG. 2  shows the current collector  4  in a schematic lateral illustration. The collector arm  14  is not illustrated in  FIG. 2  for reasons of clarity. The post insulators  10  are arranged with their grounding end  16 , i.e. the grounded end or the end of the low potential, on the roof surface  6  and are fastened with this end to the vehicle roof element  2 . The current collector  4  is fastened on the high-voltage end  18 , said current collector resting on the collector arm carrier  12 , for example, which is fastened at the high-voltage end  18 , in this exemplary embodiment via a fastening element  20 . 
     An electrically insulating interlayer  22  consisting of a solid insulator is arranged between the roof surface  6  in the depression  8  and the post insulators  10 . The insulating layer  22  is in the form a plate, which is fastened at the front and at the rear on the roof surface  6  or the vehicle roof element  2  via posts  24  in the form of perpendicular side walls. By virtue of this arrangement, the high-voltage end  18  of each post insulator  10  is separated from the roof surface  6  by the insulating layer  22 . In other words: the insulating layer  22  is arranged between the high-voltage ends  18  of the post insulators  10  and the roof surface  6 . The arrangement is such that the shortest line between the high-voltage end  18  and the roof surface  6  passes through the insulating layer  22 . 
     Not only the high-voltage end  18  but the majority of each post insulator  10  is separated from the roof surface  6  by the insulating layer  22 , with the result that a direct electrical flashover from the high-voltage end  18  and the majority of the post insulator  10  onto the roof surface  6  is suppressed. The collector arm carrier  12 , which is kept at the voltage level of the overhead line or the collector arm  14  during operation of the rail vehicle, is separated from the roof surface  6  over its entire surface by the insulating layer  22 , i.e. the insulating layer  22  is arranged completely beneath the entire collector arm carrier  12 . 
     The insulating layer  22  is arranged parallel to the post insulators  10 , wherein the direction of arrangement of the post insulators  10  is formed by an imaginary straight line between the high-voltage end  18  and the grounding end  16 . In each case one air layer is provided between the post insulators  10  and the insulating layer  22  and also between the insulating layer  22  and the electrically grounded roof surface. 
     During travel of the rail vehicle, both the collector arm carrier  12  and the insulating layer  22  are exposed to rain, so that water can accumulate on the insulating layer  22 . This water forms an electrically conductive layer, which produces undesired contact with the ground potential of the roof surface in the case of an unsuitable flow away towards the roof surface  6  and therefore brings this ground potential into a region which is undesirably close to the post insulators  10 , in particular to the high-voltage end  18  thereof. 
     One possibility for removing the water in a targeted manner and suppressing undesired water bridges is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an alternative interlayer  26  on the roof surface  6  of the vehicle roof  2 . The descriptions below relating to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures are restricted substantially to the difference in respect of the exemplary embodiments in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to which reference is made as regards features and functions which remain the same. Component parts which substantially remain the same are in principle denoted by the same reference symbols and features which are not mentioned are carried over to the following exemplary embodiments without being described again. 
     The insulating layer  26  shown in  FIG. 3  is a plate consisting of a solid insulator, in the same way as the insulating layer  22 , but this plate is not flat, but has an upwardly convexly curved surface  28 , for example an upper, straight apex line or first line and two lower gutter lines  30 . The surface  28  of the insulating layer  6  is thus angled on both sides so that the water flows away downwards on both sides from the first line to the two gutter lines  30 . Instead of the straight first line, a two-dimensional curvature, such as a surface of a section of a sphere or another body of revolution with a vertical axis of rotation, is also possible. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the water is passed to the two gutter lines  30 , which form a water runoff point  32 , at which the water leaves the insulating layer  26 . The two water runoff points  32  are linear. 
     The two water runoff points  32  are arranged relatively tightly against the roof surface  6 . If, for example, as a result of snow fall or the formation of ice between the insulating layer  26  and the collector arm carrier  12  which bears the collector arm  26 , a path with a low electrical resistance should form between the collector arm carrier  12  and the insulating layer  26 , care should be taken to ensure that no short circuit is produced as a result of flowing water from the insulating layer  26  onto the roof surface therebeneath of the vehicle roof. 
     Since the path from the water runoff points  32  to the roof surface  6  is too short to reliably avoid a water, snow or ice bridge with a low electrical resistance, in each case one water removal section  34  is arranged at the water runoff points  32 . In this exemplary embodiment, the water removal sections  34  are in the form of longitudinal ribs, which at the same time form the posts for the insulating layer and are corrugated in this exemplary embodiment. Owing to the corrugated form or ribbed form, the path along which the water flows from the top to the bottom along the ribs at the rib-shaped water removal section  34  is longer than the imaginary shortest straight path between the water runoff point  32  and the roof surface  6 . As a result, the distance of the path of the water at the water removal section  34  is extended to such an extent that the formation of electrical bridges is safely avoided. The water removal section  34  is formed from a solid insulator, as is the case for the insulating layer  26 . It is in the form of a circumferential side wall between the roof surface  6  and the insulating layer  26 , with the result that water running off from the insulating layer must flow away on each of the four sides on the rib form. Owing to the circumferential termination of the insulating layer  26  with the water removal section  34 , a closed air space  29  is formed between the insulating layer  26  and the roof surface  6 . This air space can be heated by supplying warm air or by a heated roof surface  6 . As a result, indirect heating of the insulating layer  26  is possible. With the aid of a heated interlayer  26 , ice and snow on the insulating layer  26  can be melted and can flow away in the form of water. 
     Owing to the short path between the insulating layer  26  and the roof structure there beneath, or the roof surface  6 , it may furthermore be advantageous to restrict the water runoff from the insulating layer  26  to a few in particular discrete points. At these water runoff points, further measures for avoiding short circuits can be taken. Correspondingly, the insulating layer  26  is expediently shaped in such a way that the water flows away at individual water runoff points provided specially for this purpose. Such a water runoff point can be within the insulating layer  26 , as is indicated in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a further exemplary embodiment of an insulating layer  36  for arrangement between the roof surface  6  and the collector arm carrier  12  (not illustrated). The insulating layer  36  is illustrated in section form and only in detail and is concavely curved at the top, for example in the form of a funnel, so that the water runs to the lowest point in the concave form. At this point, a water runoff point  38  in the form of an opening is arranged in the insulating layer  36 . The water runoff point  38  is arranged particularly tightly against the roof surface  6 , but a water removal section  40  is connected to the water runoff point  38 , which water removal section extends the path of the water from the water runoff point  38  to the roof surface  6  by virtue of it guiding the water path with respect to the straight and shortest path between the water runoff point and the roof surface  6 . In  FIG. 4 , the water removal section  40  is in the form of a spiral coil, wherein other suitable forms can also be advantageous for extending the water path. The water removal section  40  is formed from a solid insulator in the form of a channel or closed tube, so that a flashover from a coil to the adjacent coil is prevented. The length of the water removal section is formed by the flow path of the water at or in the water removal section. 
     A further embodiment of an insulating layer  42  comprising water runoff points  44  and water removal sections  46  connected thereto is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows the insulating layer  42  from above, whereas  FIG. 6  shows a schematic section through the insulating layer  42  along the line VI-VI. The insulating layer  42  is upwardly convexly curved with an upper first line  48 . Owing to the bent curvature, channels  50  are produced which each lead to a water runoff point  44 . Paths of the water flowing from the first line  48  or the rims of the insulating layer  42  to the water runoff points  44  are illustrated by arrows in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The water removal sections  46  are configured analogously to the water removal section  40  in  FIG. 4 , wherein other embodiments extending the water path can also be advantageous. 
     Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail using the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived herefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.