Electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a track-bound vehicle, and automatic central buffer coupling having such an electrical contact coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling (8) for an automatic central buffer coupling (1) of a track-bound vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a housing (9) with at least one electrical contact carrier (10) which has contact terminals (11) for electrical connections, wherein the housing (9) is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to a coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) between a first position, in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its inoperative position ready for coupling, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its coupled position, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a spring mechanism (13) with which the housing (9) is pretensioned into the second position, and wherein a stop mechanism is provided for controlling the movement sequence of the housing (9) between the first and second position.

Description

[0001] ELECTROCONTACT COUPLING FOR AN AUTOMATIC CENTER BUFFER COUPLING OF A RAIL-GUIDED VEHICLE AND AUTOMATIC CENTER BUFFER COUPLING WITH SUCH AN ELECTROCONTACT COUPLING

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates generally to track-guided vehicles and, in particular, to rail vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to coupling arrangements for track-guided vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, which incorporate automatic center buffer couplings.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, it relates to an automatic center buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle, wherein the automatic center buffer coupling has an electrical contact coupling.

[0005] According to a further aspect of the invention, this relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle.

[0006] Electric center buffer couplings, which enable quick and easy coupling and uncoupling of wagons of a track-guided vehicle, are essentially familiar from rail vehicle technology. When mechanically connecting / coupling two adjacent wagons in a train, the mechanical coupling heads of the automatic center buffer coupling are frictionally connected to transfer traction and impact forces between the mechanically coupled wagons.

[0007] In addition to the mechanical coupling of adjacent wagons, electrical lines, such as power supply and / or data lines, are usually coupled simultaneously via several contact terminals arranged in an electrical contact carrier. Conventional electrical contact couplings for automatic center buffer couplings of a rail-guided vehicle are usually arranged adjacent to the mechanical coupling head of the center buffer coupling and typically have a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements (terminals) is arranged.

[0008] The electrical contact coupling also typically includes a protective flap (also referred to herein as "flap") for covering access to the connection elements of the interface unit. In approaches known from the prior art, the protective flap is connected to an actuating device for moving the protective flap between a first position, in which the protective flap covers the access, and a second position, in which the protective flap releases the access.

[0009] For example, it is known from document EP 4 069 572 A1 that the electrical contact coupling is pushed forward toward the coupling plane by compression springs, while the protective flap is held in the closed position by leg springs. During the coupling process, the flaps of two adjacent electrical contact couplings collide and press against each other. The electrical contact couplings can deflect backward against the compression springs during the coupling impact and are pressed against each other by these springs when coupled.

[0010] To be able to push the flaps together, they must have a specific contour relative to their rotational axis and protrude forward beyond the coupling plane. The flap, which protrudes forward when closed, then lies above the housing of the electrical contact coupling when open.

[0011] The disadvantage of such an electrical contact coupling is particularly that, due to the necessary special contour and geometry of the flap above the housing of the electrical contact coupling, a relatively large free space is necessary so that the flap can be accommodated there when the electrical contact coupling is open.

[0012] Thus, the approach known from EP 4 069 572 A1 is not suitable for electrical contact couplings that require a reduced overall height due to their application or design. The flap geometries required for mutual pressing together cannot generally be modified to such an extent that such installation space requirements can be met while simultaneously maintaining the mutual pressing-together function.

[0013] On the other hand, for example, from the document DE 40 13 493 A1, a typical electric contact coupling used in passenger transport with an automatic central buffer coupling of type 10 is known, in which the electric contact coupling is moved forward towards the coupling level with the aid of a pneumatic cylinder and deflection levers after the mechanical coupling process has been completed.

[0014] When the housing of the electrical contact coupling is moved forward toward the coupling plane, the flap of the electrical contact coupling is folded upward by a control arm. The tension springs on the flap move past a dead center when the flap is opened, so that the tension springs keep the flap closed when closed and open when opened.

[0015] The electrical contact coupling known from DE 40 13 493 A1 requires a sensor system that detects the condition of the mechanical coupling. Furthermore, compressed air is required to move the electrical contact coupling to the coupling level, which supplies the movement cylinder of the electrical contact coupling drive.

[0016] Finally, an appropriate control system is required to control the necessary valves for controlling the movement cylinder and for moving the electrical contact coupling.

[0017] However, such a pneumatic advance of the electrical contact coupling is not possible with automatic central buffer couplings, which do not have compressed air.

[0018] A further disadvantage of the electrical contact coupling used in passenger transport is that it also requires a relatively large installation space. The inclusion of the necessary sensors and control system for the pneumatic drive also increases the weight and complexity of the electrical contact coupling.

[0019] Based on the discussed problem, the present invention is based on the object of providing an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling, which is characterized by a simple and robust design, wherein the coupling process of the electrical contact coupling is to be carried out purely mechanically and without its own pneumatic drive, without sensors and without control.

[0020] In particular, the electrical contact coupling should have the lowest possible height both in the closed and open state.

[0021] Separately from this, the task is to specify an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a track-guided vehicle with a corresponding electrical contact coupling.

[0022] With regard to the electrical contact coupling, the object underlying the invention is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention are specified in dependent patent claims 2 to 37.

[0023] With regard to the central buffer coupling, the object underlying the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim 38. An advantageous development of the automatic central buffer coupling according to the invention is specified in the dependent patent claim 39.

[0024] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to an electrical contact coupling having a housing with at least one electrical contact carrier having contact terminals for electrical connections. The housing of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to a coupling head of the central buffer coupling between a first position, in which the electrical contact coupling is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position. However, unlike the electrical contact coupling discussed above and known, for example, from the document DE 40 13 493 A1, the solution according to the invention for the longitudinal displacement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling does not utilize a complex pneumatic feed mechanism.Rather, the solution according to the invention provides that the electrical contact coupling has a spring mechanism with which the housing is preloaded and moved into the second position.

[0025] In other words, because the housing of the electrical contact coupling is preloaded in the first position, i.e. in the position in which the electrical contact coupling is in its ready-to-couple position, by means of the spring mechanism, the preload force of the spring mechanism can be used to longitudinally displace the housing in the coupling direction.

[0026] According to the invention, a stop mechanism is further provided in this context, by means of which the movement sequence of the housing between the first and second position is controlled.

[0027] In particular, in the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the spring mechanism serves as preferably the only drive for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position to the second position.

[0028] In the first position of the electrical contact coupling housing, the spring mechanism biases the housing toward the second position. The electrical contact coupling housing rests on the control element via the stop element. As long as the control element is not moved, the electrical contact coupling housing also remains stationary.

[0029] According to implementations of the stop mechanism, it is provided that it has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism, strikes or pushes against a control element mounted for rotation about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction. The control element is designed such that when the control element is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0030] The control element preferably serves as the only drive for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the second position to the first position.

[0031] In particular, in the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the electrical contact coupling and in particular relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, wherein furthermore the housing of the electrical contact coupling is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to the control element.

[0032] According to implementations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is coupled or can be coupled and in particular operatively connected or operatively connected to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock of the automatic central buffer coupling in such a way that a rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock about a main axis, specifically between an uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, the control element is rotated in a preferably synchronous manner about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0033] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the control element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc, wherein the stop element is pressed against an edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism, wherein in a state in which the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling designed as a rotary lock is in the uncoupled position, the stop element is pressed against a first edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc, and then, when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling designed as a rotary lock is transferred from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, the stop element runs along a second edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc,wherein the first edge region of the control element, which is at least partially or partially designed as a cam disc, is preferably partially complementary to a circumferential geometry of the stop element and in particular trough-shaped.

[0034] Different designs are possible for the specific design of the stop mechanism:

[0035] Thus, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that - as already indicated above - the control element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk, wherein the stop element is pressed against an edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism and thus the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element is tapped or can be tapped.

[0036] According to preferred implementations of this (first) embodiment, the stop element is designed as a guide roller pressed against the edge area of ​​the control element, which is at least partially or partially designed as a cam disk, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism. Of course, other designs for the stop element are also possible.

[0037] It is conceivable in this context that the control element is designed in such a way that when the control element is initially rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is first moved, in particular in a pulsed manner, relative to the control element and / or relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular in a direction, in particular longitudinal direction, opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is displaced longitudinally in the coupling direction relative to the control element and / or relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.In this case, it is advisable for the control element to be designed at least partially or in some areas as a cam disc, and for the particularly pulse-like movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, the cam disc has a region designed in particular as a projection.

[0038] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the stop element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc and the control element as a lever element, wherein the stop element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc is pressed against the control element designed as a lever element due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism.

[0039] According to a realization of this second embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control element designed as a lever element has a guide roller against which - at least temporarily when rotating the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction - an edge region of the stop element designed at least partially or regionally as a cam disk is pressed due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism.

[0040] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the control element is designed as a cam disc which is at least partially closed and has a guide groove, and the stop element is designed as an element, in particular a sliding block, which is at least partially or partially received in the guide groove.

[0041] The advantages of the inventive solution are particularly evident in the fact that only extremely low force is required to manipulate / rotate the control element when coupling the electrical contact coupling. Thus, the inventive solution is particularly suitable for the control element to be rotated, for example, by a main bolt of the mechanical coupling rotating during mechanical coupling. It should be noted that the mechanical coupling process is then not influenced, or only slightly influenced, by the additional mass of the control element of the electrical contact coupling.Independently of the specific design of the stop element, it is conceivable that the control element has a pin or shaft region which extends along the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which axis the control element is rotatable relative to the housing, wherein the pin or shaft region is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt which is at least partially or regionally received in a housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, wherein the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which axis the pin or shaft region of the control element extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main bolt of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0042] Alternatively, the control element can be connected or connectable directly to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock and in particular to a main bolt of the automatic central buffer coupling, in such a way that a rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock or a rotation of the main bolt about a main axis, namely between an uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, the control element is rotated in a synchronous manner.

[0043] According to preferred embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it comprises a guide system with at least one guide rod and preferably with two guide rods extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction. The guide rods guide the movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling during longitudinal displacement of the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0044] A particularly compact design of the electrical contact coupling can be achieved by combining the spring mechanism with the guide system. For example, it is conceivable that the preferably two guide rods are each designed as spring guide rods. Of course, other designs are also possible.

[0045] According to embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has a carrier with which the guide rods, together with the housing of the electrical contact coupling which is displaceable relative to the guide rods, can be connected to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, preferably above the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0046] The electrical contact coupling according to the invention preferably further comprises a flap which is designed to cover an end face of the housing with the contact terminals in the first position of the housing, and which is further designed such that it pivots open (automatically) when the housing of the electrical contact coupling moves from the first position to the second position and thus exposes the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0047] To realize such an automatic pivoting-opening process of the flap, a cam mechanism, in particular at least partially closed, can be assigned to the flap in order to detect a longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the guide rods of the guide system and to use the detected movement to pivot the flap relative to the housing.

[0048] In particular in this context, it is conceivable that the cam mechanism, which is in particular at least partially closed, and / or a pivoting mechanism associated with the flap is designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the flap at least when a position of the flap is fixed relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the cam mechanism, which is in particular at least partially closed, and / or a pivoting mechanism assigned to the flap is designed in such a way that a pivoting movement of the flap, which is in particular initiated manually or attempted accordingly, is at least substantially prevented when the electrical contact coupling is in its second position.

[0050] According to embodiments of the present invention, the electrical contact coupling according to the invention comprises centering elements connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling. To achieve a particularly flat and compact design of the electrical contact coupling, the centering elements should be arranged laterally and below the flap of the electrical contact coupling, specifically in a state in which the flap covers the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0051] Finally, according to a conceivable embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that a locking device is assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling for locking the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling as required.

[0052] According to preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to an electrical contact coupling comprising a housing and an electrical contact carrier, wherein the electrical contact carrier has contact terminals for electrical connections. The housing is longitudinally displaceable relative to a coupling head of a center buffer coupling between a first position and a second position in the coupling direction. In the first position, the electrical contact coupling is in its rest position, ready for coupling, while in the second position, the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position.

[0053] The electrical contact coupling further comprises a spring mechanism with which the housing is preloaded into the second position. Furthermore, a stop mechanism is used, which is designed to control the movement of the housing between the first and second positions (and vice versa).

[0054] In the preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the stop mechanism comprises a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism, strikes or pushes against a control element mounted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction. The control element is designed such that when the control element is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.In particular, in the preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is designed such that upon initial rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is first moved, in particular in a pulsed manner, relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular in a direction opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the coupling element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling in the coupling direction.

[0055] Through this measure, and in particular through the pulsed movement of the housing of the central buffer coupling, an "icebreaker function" can be implemented. Any icing on the movable components of the electrical contact coupling can thus be removed.

[0056] To implement this de-icing function, it is conceivable that the control element is designed, at least partially or in part, as a cam disk. For the particularly pulsed movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, the cam disk of the control element has a portion designed, in particular, as a projection.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the control element comprises a pin or shaft region extending along the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element is rotatable relative to the housing. The pin or shaft region is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt at least partially or regionally received in a housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling. In particular, it is provided that the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region of the control element extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main bolt of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0058] The preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises a guide system with at least one and preferably with two, in particular lateral, guide rods extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction, with which a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling is guided or can be guided during longitudinal displacement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling. The preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods are each designed in particular as a spring guide rod, in which a compression spring of the spring mechanism is received by an end region of the corresponding guide rod and clamped between a stop formed on the housing of the electrical contact coupling and a pressure plate fastened to the end of the guide rod.It is advisable that the pressure plate attached to the end of the guide rod is part of an anti-twist device.

[0059] According to further developments of the last-mentioned aspect, it is provided in particular that the compression spring of the spring mechanism is assigned a bellows in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism is at least partially or regionally accommodated.

[0060] It is particularly preferably provided that the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods each run at least partially or in regions laterally next to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, preferably in each case at least substantially in a region spaced horizontally from a central longitudinal axis of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0061] The preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises at least one support associated with the guide system, with which the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system are connected or connectable to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, together with the housing which is displaceable relative to the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods, preferably above the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0062] In this context, it is advisable for the carrier to be designed in two parts and to have carrier areas arranged at least partially or in regions to the side of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0063] The preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system each run through a passage formed in the carrier or through a passage formed in a carrier region of the carrier and are fixed there, preferably releasably, to the carrier or to the carrier region of the carrier.

[0064] According to embodiment variants of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has a first stop against which the carrier abuts or against which the carrier is adjacent at a distance across a reduced gap area when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the first position, and has a second stop opposite the first stop in the coupling direction, against which the carrier abuts or against which the carrier is adjacent at a distance across a reduced gap area when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the second position.

[0065] In this context, it is advisable that the first and second stops are connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling and preferably each have a through-opening through which one of the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods of the guide system is guided and there in particular releasably fixed.

[0066] The preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises a flap or cover configured to cover an end face of the housing with the contact terminals when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the first position. The flap or cover is further configured such that it pivots open when the housing of the electrical contact coupling transitions from the first position to the second position, thus exposing the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0067] In this context, it is preferred that the cover or flap be assigned a cam mechanism, in particular an at least partially closed cam mechanism of a pivoting mechanism, for sensing a longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the guide rods of the guide system and for using the sensed movement to pivot the cover or flap relative to the housing. In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the cover or flap preferably has a guide pin on each side, protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, which is at least partially or partially received in a guide groove of the cam mechanism.

[0068] In order to ensure that ice or dirt can be removed "automatically" from the guide groove of the cam mechanism by the movement of the guide pin projecting perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, it is preferably provided that a phase is formed at the ends of the guide groove of the cam mechanism.

[0069] It is preferably provided that a cam disc mechanism is arranged on the side of the cover or flap, each cam disc mechanism being connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected to one of the two lateral guide rods, preferably in that the control arm and the guide rod form a unit, in particular in the form of a machined forged part.

[0070] The electrical contact coupling according to the invention preferably has a locking device associated with the housing of the electrical contact coupling, with the aid of which the housing of the electrical contact coupling can be locked relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling as required.

[0071] According to a conceivable implementation of such a locking device, it is provided that the locking device has a blocking element which can be inserted, in particular manually, into a longitudinal displacement path of the carrier between the carrier and the second stop, if necessary, and in particular can be manually pivoted in, which blocking element is designed to block a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling in its state inserted into the longitudinal displacement path and preferably pivoted in.

[0072] In a locked state of the housing of the electrical contact coupling brought about by the locking device, the stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling no longer strikes the control element mounted so as to be rotatable about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling, designed as a rotary lock, is rotated from its uncoupled position into the coupled position.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that, particularly for drainage reasons, the housing of the electrical contact coupling has an inclined surface—compared to a horizontal plane—and in particular a surface inclined toward the rear of the electrical contact coupling, with drainage slopes preferably being added to the top. This easy-to-implement yet effective measure ensures that water and dirt can be drained away independently.

[0074] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electrical contact coupling comprises a preferably detachably attachable cover for at least partially or regionally covering at least one upper side of the housing of the electrical contact coupling. This also provides further protection for the components of the electrical contact coupling.

[0075] Preferably, the cover is designed in particular in the form of a bent sheet, preferably with stiffened beads, and is designed to be placed onto the housing of the electrical contact coupling from above. In particular, it is provided that the cover is designed to rest on both sides, preferably at exactly three points, when placed onto the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0076] This includes in particular the support, a collar or pressure plate of the guide rod and a control arm associated with the cover or flap with the cam mechanism.

[0077] The invention further relates to an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a track-guided vehicle according to the independent patent claim 38.

[0078] The automatic central buffer coupling is, in particular, a Scharfenberg coupling. It comprises a coupling head for mechanically and force-lockingly connecting a first wagon to an adjacent second wagon, as well as an electrical contact coupling of the type described above, arranged above the coupling head.

[0079] According to embodiments of the central buffer coupling according to the invention, the coupling head has a coupling head housing and a coupling lock, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, wherein the coupling eye is connected to the frog with a first end rotatable about a coupling eye axis and has a free end, and wherein the frog has a mouth which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling.

[0080] In this embodiment of the central buffer coupling according to the invention, the stop mechanism of the electrical contact coupling has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which stop element strikes or abuts against a control element mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism of the electrical contact coupling, wherein the control element is designed such that when the control element is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0081] In particular, in this embodiment variant, it is provided that the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element of the electrical contact coupling is rotatable relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, coincides at least partially or in regions with the main axis of the frog of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, wherein when the frog is rotated about the main axis, the control element of the electrical contact coupling is preferably also rotated.

[0082] The automatic central buffer coupling comprises, in particular, a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling element with a locking mechanism. The coupling element, which serves as a coupling element, is designed, in particular, as a rotary coupling with a coupling eye and a frog, the frog being rotatable about a main axis between a coupled and an uncoupled position.

[0083] The coupling eye, which also serves as a coupling element, is connected to the frog at a first end or a first end region, which can be rotated about a coupling eye axis, and has a second free end or a second free end region. The frog has a mouth for receiving a corresponding second end or a corresponding second end region of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling.

[0084] A spring-loaded mechanism can be associated with the frog. In these embodiments, the frog can be rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism, and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position by the force of the spring-loaded mechanism.

[0085] The uncoupled position is also generally referred to as the ready-to-couple position, since in this position the center buffer couplings of the two wagons can be moved towards each other and coupled.

[0086] If necessary, the dome lock or its core can also be rotated to a position that is over-tightened compared to the dome-ready position, i.e., opened more than necessary. In this over-tightened position, the spring mechanism is fully tensioned.

[0087] This over-extended position also constitutes a ready-to-couple or uncouple position within the meaning of the present disclosure. Furthermore, such a ready-to-couple or uncouple position is also referred to as a standby position.

[0088] The locking mechanism, which holds the coupling lock in the appropriate position or releases it for transition to another position by rotating the frog, comprises, for example, a plunger that can be moved in the coupling direction of the central buffer coupling against a spring force, and a ratchet bar that can be moved transversely or diagonally to the coupling direction. The ratchet bar is, for example, connected to the frog in an articulated manner and, when the frog is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, can be moved into a detent position. In this detent position, the ratchet bar blocks the frog from rotating backward, i.e., from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.

[0089] The plunger, in turn, can be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, in which the plunger is displaced against the spring force, the plunger locks the latching rod in the detent position. In the second position, in which the plunger is displaced from the first position by the spring force, the plunger releases the latching rod from the detent position.

[0090] The function of such an automatic central buffer coupling is as follows: two compatible coupling heads on two wagons or vehicles to be coupled together are locked together by inserting the second end of the respective coupling eye into the mouth of the frog of the other coupling head and holding it in place by rotating the frog. This mechanically couples the two wagons or vehicles.

[0091] The two dome closures are loaded exclusively by tensile forces, which are evenly distributed between both dome eyes within the parallelogram formed by the dome eyes and the frog pieces.

[0092] Compressive forces, on the other hand, are transmitted through a special profile on the front of the coupling head housing. This profile typically comprises, as is also advantageous in the present invention, a cone and a funnel enclosed by a wide, particularly flat, front surface. The profile can be formed by a separate front plate attached to the front of the coupling head housing. The profile, together with the cone or funnel, can form sliding and centering surfaces and, in particular, determine the gripping area in terms of lateral, vertical, and angular offset. When the coupling heads meet, they center themselves and slide into each other.

[0093] When two rail vehicles or wagons are moved towards each other, their coupling locks or frogs are in the ready-to-couple or uncoupled position, in which the frogs are held in particular by the latching rods. During coupling, the cones dip into the funnels of the coupler head housing profiles. The cones press on the pistons and push them back, so that the pistons release the latching rods from their latching position. This releases the coupling locks and rotates them under the force of the respective spring accumulator until the frog hits a predetermined stop, usually the coupler head housing. The coupling eyes guided in the funnels engage in the frog mouths, the two coupling locks are interlocked and the coupled position is achieved. Accidental separation of the coupling locks is not possible.Normal wear and tear does not affect the safety of the coupling lock.

[0094] To uncouple the coupling heads, a decoupling device rotates both coupling locks, i.e., the two frogs, against the force of the spring-loaded mechanisms until the coupling eyes slide out of the frog mouths. The rotating frogs are designed to displace the ratchet rods sufficiently far that, when the vehicles or wagons are separated, the frogs are prevented from rotating back from the over-drawn position beyond the ready-to-couple position by moving the ratchet rods into their locking positions.

[0095] Uncoupling devices are available in various designs. For example, manually operated, mechanical uncoupling devices have levers, cables, and / or chain hoists that act on various types of latches and, when activated, release the latch position.

[0096] Automated uncoupling devices comprise, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric motor, in particular a linear actuator, which uncouples the central buffer coupling.

[0097] The coupling process occurs when an automatic center buffer coupling of a first car or car body collides with an automatic center buffer coupling of an adjacent, second car or car body at low speed. This creates a mechanical connection between the two cars or car bodies using the coupling heads. For this to happen, both automatic center buffer couplings involved in the coupling process must be in an open, ready-to-couple state. In addition to the stable states of "coupled" and "open," each automatic center buffer coupling has another state known as the "buffer position." In this state, the cars or car bodies can be pushed, with the compressive forces being transmitted via the automatic center buffer couplings, which in the classic screw coupling occurs via the side buffers of the cars or car bodies.

[0098] However, in the buffer position, the adjacent automatic central buffer couplings of the neighboring wagons or wagon bodies do not couple.

[0099] This special function contradicts the actual principle of automatic coupling. Therefore, the "buffer position" function must be actively enabled and actively disabled.

[0100] The buffer position described is required, for example, for shunting operations on the hump and the so-called shunting and running-off. The hump is an infrastructure facility for re-sorting train formations. The hump is divided into three basic areas: the entry group, the hump, and the directional track.

[0101] In the solution according to the invention, due to the movement sequence of the housing of the electrical contact coupling being synchronized with the coupling lock of the central buffer coupling, the electrical contact coupling is always in its first position (rest position) when the central buffer coupling is in the buffer position or in the uncoupled ("open") position. In the first position (rest position) of the electrical contact coupling, the at least one electrical contact carrier with the contact terminals is protected or covered accordingly by the (closed) flap or cover.

[0102] In the coupled position of the central buffer coupling, however, the electrical contact coupling - unless it is locked in the first position - is in the second position, in which the flap or cover is in its open state.

[0103] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of the automatic central buffer coupling according to the invention;

[0105] FIG. 2 shows schematically and in a front view the exemplary embodiment of the automatic central buffer coupling according to FIG. 1;

[0106] FIG. 3 shows schematically and in a first isometric view the automatic central buffer coupling according to FIG. 1 and FIG.

[0107] 2 electrical contact couplings used;

[0108] FIG. 4 schematically and in a second isometric view the electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 3;

[0109] FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically and in a view from below a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 5A), in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 5C) and in an intermediate position (FIG. 5B);

[0110] FIGS. 6A, 6B schematically and in a view from below a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 6A) and in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 6B);

[0111] FIGS. 7A to 7B schematically show, in a bottom view, another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, specifically in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 7A) and in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 7B); FIGS. 8A to 8C schematically show, in a side view, an exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, specifically in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 8A), in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 8C), and in an intermediate position (FIG. 8B);

[0112] FIG. 9 shows schematically and in an isometric view another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention;

[0113] FIG. 10 shows schematically and in a side view a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is in its first position, wherein the electrical contact coupling is correspondingly locked;

[0114] FIG. 11 schematically shows an isometric view of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0115] FIG. 12 schematically shows a front view of the further exemplary

[0116] Embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0117] FIG. 13 schematically and in a further isometric view, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0118] FIG. 14 schematically shows the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10, but this time without a preferably detachably attached cover;

[0119] FIG. 15 shows a schematic and isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 14; FIG. 16 shows a schematic and frontal view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 14;

[0120] FIG. 17 schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 14;

[0121] FIG. 18 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10, but this time in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is in its first position but not locked;

[0122] FIG. 19 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18;

[0123] FIG. 20 schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18;

[0124] FIG. 21 schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18;

[0125] FIG. 22 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18, but without the preferably detachably attachable cover;

[0126] FIG. 23 shows a schematic and isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 22; FIG. 24 shows a schematic and frontal view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 22;

[0127] FIG. 25 schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 22;

[0128] FIG. 26 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10, but in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is in its second position;

[0129] FIG. 27 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26;

[0130] FIG. 28 schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26;

[0131] FIG. 29 schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26;

[0132] FIG. 30 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26, but without the preferably detachably attachable cover;

[0133] FIG. 31 shows a schematic and isometric view of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 30;

[0134] FIG. 32 shows a schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 30; FIG. 33 shows a schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 30.

[0135] FIG. 34 shows schematically and in a sectional view the guide system of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0136] FIG. 35 schematically and in a plan view from below the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention with the control element and the stop mechanism;

[0137] FIG. 36 schematically and in a first isometric view, the cover or flap of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0138] FIG. 37 schematically and in a (further) isometric view a

[0139] Embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10; and

[0140] FIG. 38 shows a schematic sectional view of part of the housing of the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 10.

[0141] In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally equivalent elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0142] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of an automatic center buffer coupling 1 according to the present invention. The automatic center buffer coupling 1 is, in particular, an automatic center buffer coupling for the freight car of a rail vehicle. In particular, it is an automatic Scharfenberg coupling.

[0143] The automatic central buffer coupling 1 has a coupling head 2 for mechanically and force-lockingly connecting a first wagon (not shown) to an adjacent second wagon (also not shown).

[0144] The coupling head 2 comprises a coupling head housing in which a coupling lock is accommodated. Although not visible in the drawings, the coupling lock is preferably designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. The coupling eye is connected to the frog by a first end, preferably rotatable about a coupling eye axis, and has a free end. On the other hand, the frog has a mouth arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling.

[0145] The coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 thus formed forms a rigid connection when coupled to a coupling head 2 of a counter-coupling system. This coupling thus enables the coupling of electrical connections in particular. This is achieved via an electrical contact coupling 8 attached to the coupling head 2.

[0146] In the embodiment of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electrical contact coupling 8 is arranged and fastened above the coupling head 2 of the mechanical coupling in a detachable manner by means of screws.

[0147] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 1, which shows the coupling head 2 of the automatic center buffer coupling 1 in the uncoupled state, the coupling head housing has a profile on the front. The profile is formed by a cone 4 and a funnel 5. The cone 4 and the funnel 5 are enclosed by a wide, flat end face. The end face can be formed by an end plate 3 detachably connected to the coupling head housing or by an end plate 3 formed integrally therewith. To enlarge the gripping range within which a coupling process can still be initiated as intended when the center buffer couplings 1 are axially offset from one another and can be completed after adjustment to one another, the exemplary embodiment of the center buffer coupling 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings has a gripper 6.

[0148] An exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact coupling 8 is arranged above the coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 and is connected to the coupling head housing of the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 by means of a screw connection.

[0149] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical contact coupling 8 is shown in a state in which it is advanced or coupled. In this state, a flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is pivoted upward, so that the front area of ​​the electrical contact coupling 8 is exposed.

[0150] The structure and operation of the electrical contact coupling 8 used in the central buffer coupling 1 according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 are described in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 3 to FIG. 9.

[0151] In brief, the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the embodiments shown in the drawings comprises a housing 9 with at least one electrical contact carrier 10. The at least one electrical contact carrier 10 has contact terminals 11, in particular for electrical connections.

[0152] The housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 between a first position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.

[0153] A guide system is used for this purpose. In the exemplary embodiments of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in the drawings, the guide system comprises two guide rods 21 extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction, with which a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is guided during longitudinal displacement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0154] As further shown, the guide rods 21 of the guide system are designed in particular as spring guide rods.

[0155] In other words, each guide rod 21 of the guide system is assigned a spring mechanism 13 with which the housing 9 is preloaded into the second position, i.e. into the position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its ready-to-couple or coupled position.

[0156] In addition, the guide system has a support 22 with which the guide rods 21 together with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which is displaceable relative to the guide rods 21, above the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 can be connected to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, for example via a screw connection.

[0157] From the illustration in FIGS. 8A to 8C, it can be seen in particular that the electrical contact coupling 8 further comprises a flap 23, which is designed to cover an end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11 in the first position of the housing 9. In this context, reference is made to the illustration in FIG. 8A.

[0158] The flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is further configured such that it automatically pivots open when the housing 9 moves from the first position to the second position, thus exposing the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11. In this regard, reference is made to the illustration in FIG. 8C, which shows the electrical contact coupling 8 in the second position of the housing 9.

[0159] A closed cam mechanism 24 is used to automatically pivot the flap 23 open. A guide groove is formed in a side plate, into which a guide element connected to the flap 23 engages. During a longitudinal movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 relative to the guide rods 21 of the guide system, the movement is detected by the element engaging in the guide groove and used to pivot the flap 23 relative to the housing 9.

[0160] Specifically, there are bolts on both sides of the flap 23 that extend laterally into a guide contour or guide groove of a sheet metal attached to the guide rods 21. When moving forward, the bolts follow the contour or guide groove, thus pushing the flap 23 into the open position. When moving back, the contour or guide groove ensures that the flap 23 closes. Preferably, leg springs are used on both sides. These are located on the flap's rotation axis and rest on the one hand against the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and on the other hand against the flap 23.

[0161] In this way, the leg springs always try to push the flap 23 into the closed position and thus support the closing when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves back and in particular prevent rattling noises.

[0162] The guide contour or guide groove is also designed so that the flap 23 cannot be opened manually when the electrical contact coupling 8 is retracted, but can only be pivoted upward approximately 1° before the bolt contacts the sheet metal. This prevents persons from accidentally or unauthorizedly touching the contacts located under the flap 23.

[0163] In the extended, open position without counter-coupling, housing 9 is pushed approximately 3 mm beyond the coupling plane. When the electrical contact couplings of two assemblies to be coupled meet, they deflect backward against their compression springs and are pressed together by them.

[0164] The illustration in FIG. 2 particularly shows that the electrical contact coupling 8 has centering members / centering elements 25 that align the electrical contact couplings 8 with respect to one another. Due to the extremely flat flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8, the centering elements 25 cannot be arranged in an area covered by the flap 23. Therefore, in the solution according to the invention, the centering elements 25 are arranged laterally and below the flap 23.

[0165] To control the movement of the housing 9 between the first and second positions, the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention utilizes a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism comprises a stop element 12 connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact coupling 8, strikes or pushes against a control element 14 mounted rotatably about an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0166] As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5A-C, FIG. 6A, B and FIG. 7A, B, the control element 14 is designed such that when the control element 14 is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0167] In detail, in the embodiments of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A-C, it is provided that the control element 14 of the stop mechanism is designed at least partially or in some areas as a cam disk 15, wherein the stop element 12 of the stop mechanism is pressed against an edge region of the control element 14 designed at least partially or in some areas as a cam disk 15 due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact coupling 8, and thus the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element 14 is tapped or can be tapped.

[0168] In particular, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 5A-C, it is provided that the stop element 12 is designed as a guide roller 16 which, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13, is pressed against the edge region of the control element 14 which is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15.

[0169] An alternative embodiment of the stop mechanism is shown in FIGS. 6A, B. In this embodiment, the stop element 12 is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15 and the control element 14 as a lever element 17, wherein the stop element 12, designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15, is pressed against the control element 14, designed as a lever element 17, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13.

[0170] Here too, it is advisable for the control element 14 designed as a lever element 17 to have a guide roller 18 against which - at least temporarily when rotating the control element 14 about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction - an edge region of the stop element 12 designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15 is pressed due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13.

[0171] FIG. 7A, B shows a further embodiment of the stop mechanism.

[0172] In this embodiment, the control element 14 is designed as a closed cam disc 15 with a guide groove 19 and the stop element 12 as an element (guide element 20), in particular a sliding block, which is at least partially or regionally received in the guide groove 19.

[0173] The axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element 14 is rotatable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, preferably coincides with the axis of a main bolt 7 that is at least partially or partially received in the coupling head housing of the central buffer coupling 1. In particular, it is thus conceivable for the control element 14 to be formed on an end region of an extension of the main bolt 7.

[0174] In the solution according to the invention, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is not yet pushed forward when the automatic central buffer coupling 1 is ready for coupling. This longitudinal displacement in the coupling direction is prevented by the stop mechanism.

[0175] As shown, for example, in FIG. 5A, a stop, for example in the form of a roller (guide roller 16), is attached to the underside of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, while a cam disc 15 is attached to an extension of the main bolt 7 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0176] When ready for coupling, the cam disc 15 points rearward, so that the roller or stop rests against the larger diameter of the cam disc 15. Therefore, the spring mechanism 13 cannot move the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 forward in the coupling direction.

[0177] During mechanical coupling, the main pin of the automatic center buffer coupling 1 rotates forward with the cam disc 15, thus releasing the movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 in the coupling direction. The spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact coupling 8 pushes the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 forward along the guide rods 21. The advance is geometrically limited by the shape of the cam disc 15.

[0178] FIG. 9 shows a schematic and isometric view of another aspect of the present invention.

[0179] In detail, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, in which the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has a locking device 26.1 in order to lock the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 if necessary.

[0180] The locking device 26.1 shown in FIG. 9 is designed as a locking pin. This is inserted through a hole in the support 22 and engages a hole located below it in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, so that the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 can no longer be advanced.

[0181] However, it is not absolutely necessary for the locking device 26.1 to have a hole in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 into which the locking pin is inserted. It could also be a simple contact surface that rests against the pin from behind, thus preventing the housing 9 of the center buffer coupling 1 from moving in the coupling direction. Providing such a locking device 26.1 is particularly advantageous during maintenance work. The contacts / terminals of the electrical contact coupling 8 are securely protected from access.

[0182] It is also conceivable that the locking device 26.1 is used, for example, when coupling to couplings that are not electrically compatible.

[0183] A further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is described below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 10 to FIG. 38.

[0184] Like the previously described embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 38 is designed for an automatic central buffer coupling 1 of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle.

[0185] The electrical contact coupling 8 has a housing 9 with at least one contact carrier 10, which has contact terminals 11 for electrical connections. The housing 9 is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to a coupling head of the central buffer coupling 1 between a first position, in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.

[0186] In FIG. 10 to FIG. 17, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in its first position, wherein the electrical contact coupling 8 is locked in this position.

[0187] In contrast, FIGS. 18 to 25 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention in a state in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is also in its first position, but here is not locked.

[0188] FIGS. 26 to 33 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention in its second position. Like the previously described first exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the electrical contact coupling 8 of the further exemplary embodiment comprises a spring mechanism 13, with which the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is preloaded into the second position.

[0189] Furthermore, a stop mechanism is used to control a movement sequence of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 between the first and second positions.

[0190] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 35, the stop mechanism comprises a stop element 12 connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13, strikes or abuts against a control element 14 mounted rotatably about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction. The control element 14 is designed such that when the control element 14 is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0191] In particular, it can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 35 that the control element 14 is designed, at least partially or in some areas, as a cam disk 15. The cam disk 15 has a region 36, which is designed, in particular, as a projection. This serves to move the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 in a pulsed manner, thus providing an icebreaker function.

[0192] In detail, the control element 14 designed as a cam disk 15 is designed such that when the control element 14 is initially rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is first moved, in particular in a pulse-like manner, relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, in particular in a direction opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the control element 14 or the cam disk 15 about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 in the coupling direction.The control element 14 has a pin or shaft region 27 which extends along the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element 14 is rotatable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, wherein the pin or shaft region 27 is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt 7 which is at least partially or regionally received in a housing 9 of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0193] In this case, the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region 27 of the control element 14 extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main bolt 7 of the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0194] To convert a rotary movement of the pin or shaft portion 27 into a sliding movement of the housing 9 of the center buffer coupling 1, a lifting mechanism is used, as shown schematically in the sectional view according to FIG. 38. What is important here is that no ball bearing is used, but rather a ring seated on a plain bearing.

[0195] The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention according to FIG. 10 to FIG. 33 further comprises a guide system with two lateral guide rods 21 extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction, with which a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is guided or can be guided during longitudinal displacement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0196] As can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 34, the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system are each designed as a spring guide rod, in which a compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is received by an end region of the corresponding guide rod 21 and is clamped between a stop 34 formed on the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and a pressure plate 32 fastened to the end of the guide rod 21.

[0197] Preferably, the pressure plate 32 attached to the end of the guide rod 21 also serves as part of an anti-rotation device. As can also be seen from the sectional view according to FIG. 34, the compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is assigned a bellows 33, in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is at least partially or partially accommodated.

[0198] In FIG. 10 to FIG. 13 and in FIG. 18 to FIG. 21, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown, each with a preferably detachably attachable cover 31, which serves to cover at least partially or regionally at least one upper side of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0199] In FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 and FIG. 22 to FIG. 25, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown without a corresponding cover 31.

[0200] The cover 31 is designed, in particular, in the form of a bent sheet, preferably with stiffened beads, and is designed to be placed from above onto the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. In particular, the cover 31 is designed to rest on both sides, preferably at exactly three points, when placed onto the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0201] From the illustrations of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention without cover 31, i.e. the illustrations in FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 and in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25, it can be seen that, in particular for drainage reasons, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has an inclined surface - compared to a horizontal plane - and in particular a surface inclined towards the rear of the electrical contact coupling 8, wherein drainage slopes are preferably added to the upper side.

[0202] The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is preferably provided with a locking device 26.2 to lock the electrical contact coupling 8 in its first position. Furthermore, in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided that the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system extend at least partially or in regions laterally next to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, preferably each at least substantially in a region horizontally spaced from a central longitudinal axis of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0203] As in the first exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has at least one carrier 22, with which the two in particular lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system together with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 which is displaceable relative to the two lateral guide rods 21 are connected or can be connected to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, preferably above the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0204] In the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided in this context in particular that the carrier 22 is designed in two parts and has carrier regions 22.1, 22.2 arranged at least partially or in regions laterally of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0205] The two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system each extend through a passage of the support 22 formed in one of the two support areas 22.1, 22.2 and are preferably releasably fixed there to the support 22 or to the support area 22.1, 22.2 of the support 22. This can be seen in particular in the sectional view according to FIG. 34.

[0206] The guide system has a first stop 28 against which the carrier 22 abuts or to which the carrier 22 adjoins at a distance over a reduced gap area when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in the first position (see FIG. 10 to FIG. 25).

[0207] Furthermore, the guide system has a second stop 29 opposite the first stop 28 in the coupling direction, against which the carrier 22 abuts or against which the carrier 22 adjoins at a distance across a reduced gap area when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in the second position (cf. FIG. 26 to FIG. 33).

[0208] The first and second stops 28, 29 are connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and each have a through-opening through which one of the preferably two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system is guided and there, in particular, releasably fixed (cf. FIG. 34).

[0209] In the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 33, the aforementioned locking device 26.2 has a blocking element 30, which can be inserted, in particular manually, and in particular manually pivoted into a longitudinal displacement path of the carrier 22 between the carrier 22 and the second stop 29, as needed. The blocking element 30 is designed, in its inserted into the longitudinal displacement path and preferably pivoted-in state, to block a movement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0210] The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is further provided with a cover or flap 23.

[0211] The cover or flap 23 is designed to cover an end face of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 with the contact terminals 11 in the first position of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. Furthermore, the cover or flap 23 is designed to pivot open when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves from the first position to the second position, thus exposing the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11.

[0212] To implement this pivoting movement, the cover or flap 23 is assigned a cam disk mechanism 24 of a pivoting mechanism, in particular a cam disk mechanism that is at least partially closed. The cam disk mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism serves to detect a longitudinal movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 relative to the guide rods 21 of the guide system and to use the detected movement to pivot the cover or flap 23 relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. As can be seen in particular from the isometric views in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the cover or flap 23 preferably has a guide pin 35 on each side, protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, which is at least partially or regionally received in a guide groove of the cam disk mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism.

[0213] The side views of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, such as the views according to FIG. 10, FIG. 14, FIG. 18, FIG. 22, FIG. 26 and FIG. 30, show that a corresponding chamfer is formed at the ends of the guide groove of the cam mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism associated with the cover or flap 23.

[0214] It can also be seen from the side views of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention that a cam disk mechanism 24 is arranged laterally of the cover or flap 23, each of which is connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected to one of the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system.

[0215] As can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 34, the control arm and the guide rod 21 preferably form a unit, in particular in the form of a machined forged part.

[0216] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combined consideration of all features disclosed herein. Reference symbols list

[0217] 1 (automatic) central buffer coupling

[0218] 2 coupling head

[0219] 3 front plate

[0220] 4 cones

[0221] 5 funnels

[0222] 6 grippers

[0223] 7 main bolts

[0224] 8 Electrical contact coupling

[0225] 9 housings

[0226] 10 electrical contact carriers

[0227] 11 Contact terminal

[0228] 12 stop element

[0229] 13 Spring mechanism

[0230] 14 Control

[0231] 15 cam disc

[0232] 16 Leadership role

[0233] 17 Lever element

[0234] 18 Leadership role

[0235] 19 Guide groove

[0236] 20 guide element

[0237] 21 Guide rod

[0238] 22 carriers

[0239] 22.1, 22.2 Carrier area

[0240] 23 Flap / Cover

[0241] 24 cam mechanism

[0242] 25 Centering element

[0243] 26.1, 26.2 Locking

[0244] 27 Pin or shaft area

[0245] 28 first attack

[0246] 29 second attack

[0247] 30 Blocking element

[0248] 31 Cover

[0249] 32 pressure plates

[0250] 33 Bellows

[0251] 34 Stop 35 Guide pin

[0252] 36 Cam disc area

Claims

Patent claims Electrical contact coupling (8) for an automatic central buffer coupling (1) of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a housing (9) with at least one electrical contact carrier (10) which has contact terminals (11) for electrical connections, wherein the housing (9) is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to a coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) between a first position in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its coupled position, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a spring mechanism (13) with which the housing (9) is pretensioned into the second position, and wherein a stop mechanism is provided for controlling the movement sequence of the housing (9) between the first and second positions.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 1, wherein the spring mechanism (13) serves as the preferably sole drive for moving the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the first position to the second position. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop mechanism has a stop element (12) connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), which, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13), strikes or abuts against a control element (14) mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, wherein the. The control element (14) is designed such that when the control element (14) is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing (9) is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1). The electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3, wherein the control element (14) serves as the preferably sole drive for moving the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the second position to the first position. The electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control element (14) is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the electrical contact coupling (8), and in particular relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, and wherein the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to the control element (14).Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control element (14) is coupled or can be coupled and in particular operatively connected or operatively connected to a coupling closure designed as a rotary closure of the automatic central buffer coupling (1) in such a way that a rotation of the coupling closure designed as a rotary closure about a main axis, specifically between an uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling closure designed as a rotary closure, the control element (14) is rotated in a preferably synchronous manner about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 6, wherein the control element (14) is designed at least partially or regionally as a cam disc (15), and wherein the stop element (12) is pressed against an edge region of the control element (14) designed at least partially or regionally as a cam disc (15) due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13), wherein in a state in which the dome closure designed as a rotary closure of the. automatic central buffer coupling (1) is in the uncoupled position, the stop element (12) is pressed against a first edge region of the control element (14) which is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc (15), and then, when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling (1) designed as a rotary lock is transferred from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, the stop element (12) runs along a second edge region of the control element (14) which is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc (15), wherein the first edge region of the control element (14) which is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc (15) is preferably designed in regions complementary to a circumferential geometry of the stop element (12) and in particular is trough-shaped.

8. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the control element (14) is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk (15), and wherein the stop element (12) is pressed against an edge region of the control element (14) designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk (15) due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13), and the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element (14) is thus tapped or can be tapped, wherein the stop element (12) is preferably designed as a guide roller (16) pressed against the edge region of the control element (14) designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk (15) due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13).

9. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the control element (14) is designed such that upon initial rotation of the control element (14) about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing (9) is first moved, in particular in a pulsed manner, relative to the control element (14) and / or relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), in particular in a direction, in particular longitudinal direction, opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the control element (14) about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing (9) the electrical contact coupling (8) is longitudinally displaced in the coupling direction relative to the control element (14) and / or relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1).

10. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 9, wherein the control element (14) is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc (15), and wherein for the particularly pulse-like movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), the cam disc (15) has a region (36) designed in particular as a projection.

11. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the stop element (12) is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk (15) and the control element (14) as a lever element (17), wherein the stop element (12) designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk (15) is pressed against the control element (14) designed as a lever element (17) due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13), wherein the control element (14) designed as a lever element (17) preferably has a guide roller (18) against which - at least temporarily when rotating the control element (14) about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction - an edge region of the stop element (12) designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk (15) is pressed due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13).

12. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control element (14) is designed as a cam disc which is at least partially closed and has a guide groove (19) and the stop element (12) is designed as an element (20) which is at least partially or partially received in the guide groove (19), in particular in the form of a sliding block.

13. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the control element (14) has a pin or shaft region (27) which extends along the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element (14) can be rotated relative to the Housing (9) is rotatable, wherein the pin or shaft region (27) is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt (7) which is at least partially or regionally received in a housing (2) of the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), wherein the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region (27) of the control element (14) extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main bolt (7) of the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1); or wherein the control element (14) is connected or connectable directly to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock and in particular to a main bolt of the automatic central buffer coupling (1), in such a way that a rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock orof the main bolt about a main axis, namely between an uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling closure designed as a rotary closure, the control element (14) is rotated in a synchronous manner.

14. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a guide system with at least one and preferably with two parallel to each other and extending in the coupling direction, in particular lateral guide rods (21), with which a movement of the housing (9) during longitudinal displacement of the housing (9) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) is guided or can be guided.

15. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 14, wherein the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods (21) are preferably each designed as a spring guide rod, in which a compression spring of the spring mechanism (13) is received by an end region of the corresponding guide rod (21) and is clamped between a stop (34) formed on the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) and a pressure plate (32) fastened to the end of the guide rod (21), wherein the pressure plate (32) at the end the pressure plate (32) attached to the guide rod (21) is preferably part of an anti-twist device.

16. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 15, wherein the compression spring of the spring mechanism (13) is assigned a bellows (33) in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism (13) is at least partially or regionally received.

17. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods (21) each run at least partially or in regions laterally next to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), preferably in each case at least substantially in a region spaced horizontally from a central longitudinal axis of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

18. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the guide system has at least one carrier (22) with which the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods (21) together with the housing (9) which is displaceable relative to the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods (21) are connected or can be connected to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), preferably above the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1).

19. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 18, wherein the carrier (22) is designed in two parts and has carrier regions (22.1, 22.2) arranged at least partially or in regions laterally of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

20. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods (21) each run through a passage formed in the carrier (22) or each through a passage formed in a carrier region (22.1, 22.2) of the carrier (22) and are fixed there preferably releasably to the carrier (22) or to the carrier region (22.1, 22.2) of the carrier (22).

21. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 14 to 20 and at least according to claim 18, wherein the guide system has a first stop (28) against which the carrier (22) abuts or against which the carrier (22) is spaced apart across a gap region when the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is in the first position, and a second stop (29) opposite the first stop (28) in the coupling direction, against which the carrier (22) abuts or against which the carrier (22) is spaced apart across a gap region when the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is in the second position.

22. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 21, wherein the first and second stops (28, 29) are connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) and preferably each have a through-opening through which one of the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods (21) of the guide system is guided and fixed there, in particular releasably.

23. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) further comprises a flap or cover (23) which is designed to cover an end face of the housing (9) with the contact terminals (11) in the first position of the housing (9), and which is further designed such that it pivots open when the housing (9) moves from the first position to the second position and thus releases the end face of the housing (9) with the contact terminals (11).

24. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 23 and one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the cover or flap (23) is assigned a particularly at least partially closed cam mechanism (24) of a pivoting mechanism for tapping a longitudinal movement of the housing (9) relative to the guide rods (21) of the guide system and for using the tapped movement to pivot the cover or flap (23) relative to the housing (9). Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 24, wherein the cam mechanism (24), which is in particular at least partially closed, is designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the cover or flap (23) at least when a position of the cover or flap (23) is fixed relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8). Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the cam mechanism (24), which is in particular at least partially closed, is designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the cover or flap (23), which is in particular manually initiated or attempted accordingly, at least when the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its second position.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the cover or flap (23) preferably has a guide pin (35) on each side, protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, which guide pin is received at least partially or regionally in a guide groove of the cam mechanism (24). Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 27, wherein a chamfer is formed at the ends of the guide groove of the cam mechanism (24). Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 24 to 28, wherein a cam mechanism (24) is arranged laterally of the cover or flap (23), each cam mechanism being connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected to one of the two lateral guide rods (21), preferably in that the control arm and the guide rod form a unit, in particular in the form of a machined forged part. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has centering elements (25) connected to the housing (9), wherein, in a state in which the cover or flap (23) covers the end face of the housing (9) with the contact terminals (11), the centering elements (25) are preferably arranged laterally and below the cover or flap (23). Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 1 to 30, wherein a locking device (26.1, 26.2) is assigned to the housing (9) for locking the housing (9) relative to the coupling head (2) of the center buffer coupling (1) as required. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 31 and at least claim 21 or 22, wherein the locking device (26.2) a blocking element (30) which, if necessary, can be inserted, in particular manually, and in particular manually pivoted into a longitudinal displacement path of the support (22) between the support (22) and the second stop (29), which is designed to block a movement of the housing (9) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) in its state inserted into the longitudinal displacement path and preferably pivoted in. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 31 or 32 and at least claim 3 and claim 6, wherein in a position established with the aid of the locking device (26.1, 26.2) caused locked state of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), the stop element (12) connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) no longer strikes or abuts the control element (14) mounted rotatably about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling (1), designed as a rotary lock, is rotated from its uncoupled position into the coupled position. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 1 to 33, wherein, in particular for drainage reasons, the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) has a - compared to a horizontal plane - ge. inclined surface and in particular a surface inclined towards the back of the electrical contact coupling (8), wherein drainage slopes are preferably added to the top.

35. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a preferably detachably attachable cover (31) for at least partially or regionally covering at least one upper side of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

36. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 35, wherein the cover (31) is designed in particular in the form of a bending sheet, preferably with stiffened beads, and is designed to be placed from above onto the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

37. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the cover (31) is designed to rest on both sides at preferably exactly three points when placed on the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

38. Automatic central buffer coupling (1), in particular an automatic Scharfenberg coupling, comprising: a coupling head (2) for mechanically and force-lockingly connecting a first carriage to an adjacent second carriage; and an electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 1 to 31 arranged above the coupling head (2).

39. Automatic central buffer coupling (1) according to claim 38, wherein the coupling head (2) has a coupling head housing and a coupling lock, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis, in particular via a main bolt of the central buffer coupling (1), between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, wherein the coupling eye is rotatable with a first end about a coupling eye axis on the frog is connected and has a free end, and wherein the frog has a mouth which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head (2) of a counter-coupling; and wherein the stop mechanism of the electrical contact coupling (8) has a stop element (12) which is connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) and which, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism (13) of the electrical contact coupling (8), strikes or abuts against a control element (14) which is rotatably mounted about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, wherein the control element (14) is designed such that when the control element (14) is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1);and wherein the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element (14) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is rotatable relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), preferably coincides at least partially or regionally with the main axis of the frog of the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), and wherein when the frog is rotated about the main axis, the control element (14) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is preferably rotated along with it.;

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