Electrical contact coupling for an automated center damping coupling of a rail-guided vehicle and automated center damping coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling (8), an automatic central buffer coupling (1) for a rail-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, the electrical contact coupling (8) having a housing with at least one electrical contact carrier (10) having contact terminals (11) for electrical connection, the contact terminals (11) being electrically connected to the contact carrier (10), and the contact terminals (11) being electrically connected to the contact carrier (10), the contact terminals (11) being electrically connected to the contact carrier (10), the contact terminals (11) being electrically connected to the contact carrier (10), the contact terminals (11) being electrically connected to the contact carrier (10), the contact terminals (11) being electrically connected to the contact carrier (10). The housing (9) is longitudinally displaceable in a 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 a rest position in which it is ready to be coupled, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in a coupling position in which it is coupled, the electrical contact coupling (8) has a spring mechanism (13) by means of which the housing (9) is preloaded in the second position, and wherein a stop mechanism is provided for controlling a movement process of the housing (9) between the first position and the second position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a coupling device for a rail-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising an automatic central buffer coupling.

[0002] According to one aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight car of a rail vehicle, wherein the automatic central buffer coupling has an electrical contact coupling.

[0003] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight car of a rail vehicle.

[0004] Electrical central buffer couplings which enable quick and simple coupling and uncoupling of carriages of track-guided vehicles are generally known in rail vehicle technology. In this case, when mechanically coupling / coupling two adjacent carriages in a train consist, the mechanical coupling heads of the automatic central buffer coupling are connected in a force-fitting manner in order to be able to transmit tensile and impact forces between the carriages mechanically coupled in this way.

[0005] In addition to the mechanical connection of adjacent carriages, electrical lines such as power supply lines and / or data lines are usually connected simultaneously via a plurality of contact terminals arranged in an electrical contact carrier.

[0006] Conventional electrical contact couplings for automatic central buffer couplings of rail-guided vehicles are usually arranged adjacent to a mechanical coupling head of the central buffer coupling and usually have a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connecting elements (terminals) is arranged.

[0007] The electrical contact connector also usually has a protective shutter (also referred to herein as "shutter") for covering the access to the connecting element of the interface unit. In the methods known in the prior art, the protective shutter is connected to an operating device for moving the protective shutter between a first position in which the protective shutter covers the access passage and a second position in which the protective shutter releases the access.

[0008] For example, according to document EP 4 069 572 A1, a compression spring presses the electrical contact coupling forward in the direction of the coupling plane, while a helical torsion spring holds the protective flap in the closed position. During the coupling process, the flaps of two adjacent electrical contact couplings collide with each other and press against each other. During the coupling impact, the electrical contact couplings can be moved backward against the compression spring and are pressed together by the compression spring in the coupled state.

[0009] In order to press the flaps against each other, they must have a defined profile relative to their rotational axis and project forward beyond the coupling plane. The flaps projecting forward in the closed state are then located above the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the open state.

[0010] A disadvantage of such an electrical contact coupling is, in particular, that due to the necessary special profile and geometry of the cover above the housing of the electrical contact coupling, a relatively large free space is required in order to accommodate the cover in the open state of the electrical contact coupling.

[0011] The method known from document EP 4 069 572 A1 is therefore not suitable for electrical contact connectors whose height is reduced due to the application or design.

[0012] Often, the geometry of the baffles required for pressing against one another cannot be modified to such an extent that the installation space requirements can be met while still providing the pressing against one another function.

[0013] On the other hand, a typical electric contact coupling is known, for example from document DE 40 13 493 A1, which is used in a type 10 automatic central buffer coupling in passenger transport, in which the electric contact coupling is moved forward in the direction of the coupling plane by means of a pneumatic cylinder and a deflection rod after the mechanical coupling process is completed.

[0014] When the housing of the electrical contact connector moves forward in the direction of the connection plane, the cover of the electrical contact connector is opened upward by the control arm. The tension spring located on the cover runs at a dead point when the cover is opened, so that the tension spring can keep the cover closed in the closed state and open in the open state.

[0015] The electric contact coupling known from document DE 40 13 493 A1 requires a sensor system for detecting the mechanical coupling state. In addition, compressed air is required to move the electric contact coupling into the coupling plane, and the compressed air is supplied to the moving cylinder of the drive device of the electric contact coupling.

[0016] Finally, a corresponding control device is required which controls the necessary valves in order to control the movement cylinders and to move the electrical contact couplings.

[0017] However, such pneumatic feeding of the electrical contact coupling is not possible without an automatic central buffer coupling in the presence of compressed air.

[0018] Another disadvantage of the electrical contact couplings known in the field of passenger transport is that they require a relatively large installation space. The weight and complexity of the electrical contact couplings are also increased by equipping the pneumatic drive with the necessary sensor systems and control devices.

[0019] According to the problem discussed, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electric contact connector for an automatic central buffer connector, which is characterized by a simple structure and durability, wherein the connection process of the electric contact connector is purely mechanical and has no own pneumatic drive device, no sensor system, and no control device.

[0020] In particular, the electrical contact connector should have a structural height that is as small as possible both in the closed state and in the open state.

[0021] Furthermore, the technical problem is to provide an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight car body of a rail-guided vehicle, which has a corresponding electrical contact coupling.

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

[0023] With regard to the central buffer coupling, the object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the parallel independent claim 38. Advantageous developments of the automatic central buffer coupling according to the invention are specified in the dependent claim 39.

[0024] The invention therefore relates in particular to an electrical contact connector having a housing with at least one electrical contact holder having contact terminals for electrical connection. The housing of the electrical contact connector according to the invention is longitudinally movable relative to the connector head of the central buffer connector in a coupling direction between a first position, in which the electrical contact connector is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position, in which the electrical contact connector is in its coupled position.

[0025] However, in contrast to the electrical contact coupling discussed above and known, for example, from document DE 40 13 493 A1, the solution according to the invention for longitudinally moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling does not use a complex pneumatic feed. Instead, the solution according to the invention provides that the electrical contact coupling has a spring mechanism, by which the housing is preloaded and moved into the second position.

[0026] In other words, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is preloaded by means of the spring means in a first position, ie in its ready-to-couple position, whereby the preload force of the spring means can be used to longitudinally displace the housing in the coupling direction.

[0027] According to the invention, in this case, a stop mechanism is also provided, by means of which the movement sequence of the housing between the first and the second position is controlled.

[0028] In the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided in particular that the spring mechanism serves as preferably the only drive device for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position into the second position.

[0029] In the first position of the housing of the electrical contact coupling, the housing is tensioned in the direction of the second position of the housing by the spring mechanism. Here, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is supported on the control element by the stop element. If the control element is not moved, the housing of the electrical contact coupling will not move.

[0030] According to the implementation mode of the stop mechanism, it is provided that the stop mechanism has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, and the stop element stops or abuts against a control element rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the preload force of the spring mechanism. The control element is designed so that when the control element is rotated around the axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0031] In this case, the control element serves as preferably the only drive device for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the second position into the first position.

[0032] In particular, in the electrical contact coupling according to the present invention, it is provided that the control element is rotatably supported relative to the electrical contact coupling, in particular relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, about an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction, and further wherein the housing of the electrical contact coupling is supported relative to the control element so as to be longitudinally movably along the coupling direction.

[0033] According to the implementation method of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, the control element is coupled or can be coupled and in particular is operatively connected or can be operatively connected to the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock of the automatic central buffer connector, so that the rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock around the main axis, that is, the rotation between the decoupling position and the coupling position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, causes the control element to rotate together around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction in a preferably synchronous manner.

[0034] In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the control element is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk, wherein the stop element is pressed on an edge area of ​​the control element at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk due to the preload force of the spring mechanism, wherein, when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling designed as a rotary lock is in the decoupling position, the stop element is pressed on a first edge area of ​​the control element at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk, and then when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling designed as a rotary lock is transferred from the decoupling position to the coupling position, the stop element moves along a second edge area of ​​the control element at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk, wherein the first edge area of ​​the control element at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk is preferably partially complementary to the peripheral geometry of the stop element and is particularly designed as a groove.

[0035] For the specific design of the stop mechanism, various different implementation forms can be considered:

[0036] Therefore, according to a first embodiment variant of the invention, it is provided that, as described above, the control element is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk, wherein the stop element is pressed against an edge region of the control element at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk due to the preload force of the spring mechanism and thereby acquires or can acquire a movement resulting from a rotation of the control element.

[0037] According to the preferred implementation of this (first) embodiment variant, the stop element is designed as a guide roller, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism, presses on the edge area of ​​the control element which is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk. Of course, other designs for the stop element can also be considered here.

[0038] In this case, it is conceivable that the control element is designed so that, when the control element is initially rotated about an axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction, the housing is first moved, in particular in a pulsed manner, relative to the control element and / or to the connector head of the central buffer connector, in particular in a direction opposite to the connection direction, in particular in the longitudinal direction, wherein subsequently and when the control element is further rotated about the axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction, the housing of the electrical contact connector is moved longitudinally in the connection direction relative to the control element and / or to the connector head of the central buffer connector.

[0039] It is provided that the control element is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk and that the cam disk has an area, in particular designed as a projection, for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular in the form of pulses.

[0040] According to a second embodiment variant of the present invention, the stop element is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk, and the control element is designed as a lever element, wherein the stop element at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk is pressed against the control element designed as a lever element due to the preload force of the spring mechanism.

[0041] According to the implementation method of the second embodiment variant, it is provided that the control element designed as a lever element has a guide roller, and the edge area of ​​the stop element designed at least partially or at least locally as a cam disk is at least temporarily pressed against the guide roller due to the preload force of the spring mechanism when the control element rotates around an axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0042] According to a third embodiment variant of the invention, the control element is designed as an at least partially closed cam disk having a guide groove, and the stop element is designed as an element, in particular a slide, at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the guide groove.

[0043] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is in particular that only very low forces are required to actuate / rotate the control element when the electrical contact coupling is coupled. The solution according to the invention is therefore also particularly suitable for co-rotating the control element, for example, by means of a main bolt of a mechanical coupling which rotates during the mechanical coupling. It should be noted that the mechanical coupling process is not affected or is only slightly affected by the additional mass to be moved of the control element of the electrical contact coupling.

[0044] The specific design scheme of the stop element can be conceived that the control element has a pin or handle area, which extends along an axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, and the control element can rotate around the axis relative to the housing, wherein the pin or handle area is connected or connectable to the pin or handle area of ​​the main latch, and the main latch is at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the housing of the connector head of the central buffer connector, wherein the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction preferably coincides with the axis of the main latch of the connector head of the central buffer connector, and the pin or handle area of ​​the control element extends along the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0045] Alternatively, the control element is directly connected or connectable to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock and in particular is connected or connectable to a main latch of the automatic central buffer connector, so that rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock or rotation of the main latch around a main axis, i.e. rotation between a decoupling position and a coupling position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, causes the control element to rotate synchronously therewith.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the electrical contact coupling has a guide system having at least one guide rod, preferably two guide rods extending in parallel with each other in the coupling direction, by means of which the housing of the electrical contact coupling is guided when the housing is longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0047] A particularly compatible design of the electrical contact connector is achieved in that the spring mechanism is combined with a guide system. For example, it is conceivable that the two guide rods are preferably designed as spring guide rods. Of course, other designs are also conceivable.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the guide system has a support element, via which a guide rod and a housing of the electrical contact coupling movable relative to the guide rod can be connected to a coupling head of the central buffer coupling, preferably above the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0049] Preferably, the electrical contact connector according to the present invention also has a baffle, which is designed to cover the end face of the housing with the contact terminals in the first position of the housing, and the baffle is also designed to (automatically) pivot upward and thereby expose the end face of the housing with the contact terminals when the housing of the electrical contact connector transitions from the first position to the second position.

[0050] To achieve this automatic upward pivoting of the cover, the cover can be equipped with an in particular at least partially closed cam plate mechanism to detect the longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the guide rod of the guide system and use the detected movement to pivot the cover relative to the housing.

[0051] In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the at least partially closed cam disk mechanism and / or the pivot mechanism associated with the cover are designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the cover at least when the position of the cover relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling is fixed.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the cam disk mechanism, in particular at least partially closed, and / or the pivot mechanism associated with the flap are designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the flap, in particular manually initiated or respectively attempted, at least when the electrical contact coupling is in its second position.

[0053] According to the implementation of the invention, the electrical contact connector according to the invention has a centering element connected to the housing of the electrical contact connector. In order to make the structure of the electrical contact connector particularly flat and compatible, the centering element should be arranged laterally and below the cover of the electrical contact connector, that is, relative to the state in which the cover covers the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0054] Finally, according to a conceivable embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the housing of the electrical contact coupling is provided with a locking device for locking the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling as required.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to an electrical contact connector having a housing and an electrical contact support, wherein the electrical contact support has contact terminals for electrical connection. The housing is longitudinally movable in a coupling direction between a first position and a second position relative to a coupling head of a central buffer coupling. In the first position, the electrical contact connector is in its rest position ready for coupling, while in the second position, the electrical contact connector is in its coupling position.

[0056] The electrical contact connector also has a spring mechanism, by means of which the housing can be preloaded in the second position. In addition, a stop mechanism is used to control the motion process of the housing between the first and second positions (and vice versa).

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the present invention, it is provided that the stop mechanism has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, and the stop element stops or abuts against a control element rotatably supported about an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the preload force of the spring mechanism. The control element is designed so that when the control element is rotated about the axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0058] In particular, in a preferred implementation of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, it is provided that the control element is designed so that, when the control element is initially rotated about an axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, the housing is first moved in a pulse-like manner relative to the connector head of the central buffer connector, in particular in a direction opposite to the connection direction, wherein, subsequently and when the control element is further rotated about the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, the housing of the electrical contact connector is moved longitudinally in the connection direction relative to the connector head of the central buffer connector.

[0059] By this measure, in particular by the movement of the housing of the central buffer coupling in the form of pulses, an "ice-breaking" function can be achieved. Thus, any ice deposited on the movable parts of the electrical contact coupling can be removed.

[0060] For realizing de-icing function, it is also conceivable that the control element is designed at least partially or at least locally as a cam disk. In order to make the housing of the electrical contact coupling move relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, especially in the form of pulses, the cam disk of the control element has an area designed especially as a projection.

[0061] According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element has a pin or handle region, which extends along an axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction, and the control element is rotatable relative to the housing about the axis. The pin or handle region is connected or connectable to a pin or handle region of a main latch, which is at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling. It is particularly provided that the axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction preferably coincides with the axis of the main latch of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, and the pin or handle region of the control element extends along the axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction.

[0062] The preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention also comprises a guide system, which has at least one guide rod, preferably two guide rods which are parallel to each other and extend in the coupling direction, in particular lateral guide rods, by means of which the movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling is guided or can be guided when the housing is longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling. Preferably, the two guide rods, in particular lateral guide rods, are each designed as spring guide rods, wherein the compression spring of the spring mechanism is accommodated by the 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 fixed to the end of the guide rod. It is provided that the pressure plate fixed to the end of the guide rod is preferably a component of the anti-twist device.

[0063] According to a development of the above aspect, it is provided in particular that the compression spring of the spring arrangement is provided with a bellows, in which the compression spring of the spring arrangement is at least partially or at least partially accommodated.

[0064] It is particularly preferably provided that preferably two, in particular lateral, guide arms each extend at least partially or at least regionally laterally alongside the housing of the electrical contact connector, ie preferably each extend at least substantially in a region horizontally spaced from a central longitudinal axis of the housing of the electrical contact connector.

[0065] According to a preferred implementation of the electrical contact connector of the present invention, there is also at least one support member assigned to the guide system, through which preferably two, in particular lateral guide rods and a housing movable relative to the preferably two, in particular lateral guide rods are connected or connectable to the connector head of the central buffer connector, preferably above the connector head of the central buffer connector.

[0066] In this case, it is proposed that the support element is designed in two parts and each has a support element region which is located at least partially or at least in regions on the housing side of the electrical contact connector.

[0067] Preferably, two, in particular lateral, guide rods each extend through a channel formed in the support element or in a support element region of the support element and are there preferably detachably fastened to the support element or to the support element region of the support element.

[0068] According to an embodiment variant of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, the guide system has a first stop and a second stop opposite to the first stop along the connection direction, when the housing of the electrical contact connector is in the first position, the support member abuts against the first stop or the support member is adjacent to the first stop with a reduced gap area, and when the housing of the electrical contact connector is in the second position, the support member abuts against the second stop or the support member is adjacent to the second stop with a reduced gap area.

[0069] In this case, it is proposed that the first and second stops are connected to the housing of the electrical contact connector and preferably each have a through-opening, through which one of preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system is respectively guided and in particular releasably fastened there.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrical contact connector of the present invention, the baffle or cover is also provided, which is designed to cover the end face of the housing with contact terminals in the first position of the housing of the electrical contact connector, and the baffle or cover is also designed to pivot upward and thereby expose the end face of the housing with contact terminals when the housing of the electrical contact connector transitions from the first position to the second position.

[0071] In this case, it is preferred that the baffle or cover is equipped with a pivot mechanism, in particular an at least partially closed cam plate mechanism, for detecting a longitudinal movement of the housing relative to a guide rod of a guide system and using the detected movement to pivot the baffle or cover relative to the housing.

[0072] In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the cover or the cover plate preferably has on both sides a guide pin protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, which guide pin is at least partially or at least partially accommodated in a guide groove of the cam disk mechanism.

[0073] In order to enable ice or dirt to be “automatically” removed from the guide groove of the cam disk mechanism by the movement of the guide pin protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, it is preferably provided that a chamfer is formed at the end of the guide groove of the cam disk mechanism.

[0074] It is preferably provided that a cam plate mechanism is respectively arranged on the side of the baffle or cover plate, and the cam plate mechanism is respectively connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is respectively connected to one of the two lateral guide rods, and preferably the control arm and the guide rod form a unit, in particular a unit in the form of a machined forging.

[0075] The electrical contact coupling according to the invention preferably has a locking device assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, by means of which the housing of the electrical contact coupling can be locked relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling as required.

[0076] 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, as required, and can be pivoted, in particular manually, into a longitudinal movement path of the support between the support and a second stop, the blocking element being designed to block the movement of the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling when it is inserted, preferably pivoted, into the longitudinal movement path.

[0077] When the housing of the electrical contact connector is in a locked state with the aid of the locking device, when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer connector, which is designed as a rotary lock, is rotated from its decoupling position to the coupling position, the stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact connector no longer stops on the control element rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0078] According to a further aspect of the invention, in particular for drainage reasons, the housing of the electrical contact connector has a surface which is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, in particular relative to the back side of the electrical contact connector, wherein a preferred drainage slope is added on the upper side. This simple but effective measure ensures that water and dirt can be drained away independently.

[0079] According to another aspect of the invention, the electrical contact connector has a preferably releasably fixed cover for at least partially or at least partially covering at least one upper side of the housing of the electrical contact connector. This also provides further protection for the components of the electrical contact connector.

[0080] Preferably, the cover is designed and embodied in particular in the form of a bent plate, which preferably has a reinforced bead, and is placed on the housing of the electrical contact connector from above. It is particularly provided that the cover is designed to rest on both sides in preferably exactly three locations when placed on the housing of the electrical contact connector.

[0081] The three points here are in particular the support element, the collar or the pressure plate of the control arm and the control arm with the cam plate mechanism assigned to the cover or the stop plate.

[0082] The invention also relates to an automatic central buffer coupling for a freight car of a rail-guided vehicle, in particular according to the independent claim 38 .

[0083] The automatic central buffer coupling is in particular a Scharfenberg coupling having a coupling head for mechanically and force-fittingly connecting a first carriage to an adjacent second carriage, and an electrical contact coupling according to the invention of the aforementioned type arranged above the coupling head.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the central buffer connector according to the present invention, the connector head has a connector head housing and a coupling lock, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotation lock having a coupling ring and a heart-shaped piece, wherein the heart-shaped piece is rotatable around a main axis between a coupling position and a decoupling position, wherein the coupling ring is rotatably connected to the heart-shaped piece around a coupling ring axis via a first end and has a free end, and wherein the heart-shaped piece has an opening, which is arranged to accommodate the second end of the coupling ring of a compatible connector head of a corresponding connector.

[0085] In this design of the central buffer connector according to the present invention, the stop mechanism of the electrical contact connector has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact connector, and the stop element stops or abuts against a control element rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction due to the preload force of the spring mechanism of the electrical contact connector, wherein the control element is designed so that when the control element rotates around the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, the housing of the electrical contact connector moves longitudinally relative to the connector head of the central buffer connector.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment variant, it is provided that an axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction at least partially or at least partially coincides with the main axis of the heart-shaped piece of the connector head of the central buffer connector, and the control element of the electrical contact connector is rotatable around the axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction relative to the housing of the electrical contact connector, wherein the control element of the electrical contact connector preferably rotates together when the heart-shaped piece rotates around the main axis.

[0087] The automatic central buffer coupling has a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling mechanism with a locking device. For example, a coupling lock used as the coupling mechanism is designed in particular as a rotary lock, which has a coupling ring and a heart-shaped piece, wherein the heart-shaped piece is rotatable about a main axis, that is, between a coupling position and a decoupling position.

[0088] The coupling ring, which also serves as a coupling mechanism, is connected to the heart-shaped piece, in particular via a first end or a first end region, rotatably about the coupling ring axis and has a second free end or a second free end region. The heart-shaped piece has an opening for accommodating a corresponding second end or a corresponding second end region of a coupling ring of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling.

[0089] The heart-shaped piece can be equipped with a spring energy store. In this embodiment, the heart-shaped piece can be rotated from the coupling position to the decoupling position against the force of the spring energy store and from the decoupling position to the coupling position by the force of the spring energy store.

[0090] The decoupling position is often also referred to as the coupling preparation position, since in this position the central buffer couplings of two carriages can be moved relative to one another and coupled.

[0091] If necessary, the coupling lock or its heart-shaped piece can also be rotated to a position that is overstretched compared to the coupling ready position, i.e. opened beyond the necessary extent. In this overstretched position, the spring energy accumulator is in a maximum tension state.

[0092] In the meaning disclosed by the present invention, the position of this exceeding is referred to as the preparation coupling position or the decoupling position. In addition, this preparation coupling position or the decoupling position are also referred to as the waiting position.

[0093] The locking device for holding the coupling lock in a correspondingly suitable position or for releasing the coupling lock by rotating the heart-shaped piece to transition to another position comprises, for example, a plunger that can be moved in the coupling direction of the central buffer coupling against a spring force and a pawl lever that can be moved transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction. The pawl lever is, for example, connected to the heart-shaped piece in an articulated manner and can be moved by the heart-shaped piece into a locked position when it is rotated from the coupling position to the decoupling position, in which position the pawl lever prevents the heart-shaped piece from rotating backwards, i.e., rotating in the direction from the decoupling position to the coupling position.

[0094] The plunger can be movable between a first position and a second position again. In the first position in which the plunger moves against the spring force, the plunger locks the ratchet lever in the locking position, and in the second position in which the plunger moves from the first position by the spring force, the plunger releases the ratchet lever from the locking position.

[0095] The function of this automatic central buffer coupling is as follows: two mutually compatible coupling heads on two carriages or vehicles to be coupled are locked to each other in that the second end of the respective coupling ring is inserted into the opening of the heart-shaped piece of the corresponding other coupling head and is fixed in a form-fitting manner by rotating the heart-shaped piece there. Thus, the two carriages or vehicles are mechanically coupled to each other.

[0096] The two coupling locks are loaded only with tensile forces which are evenly distributed on the two coupling rings within the parallelogram forming the coupling ring and the heart-shaped piece.

[0097] Instead, the pressure is transmitted via a special profile on the front side of the coupling head housing, wherein the profile usually comprises a cone and a funnel surrounded by a wide, especially flat end face, as is also advantageous in the present invention. The profile can be formed by a separate end plate, which is fixed to the front of the coupling head housing. The profile can form sliding and centering surfaces together with the cone or the funnel and determine the clamping area, especially for lateral, height and angular offsets. When the coupling heads come together, they are centered and slide into each other.

[0098] When two rail vehicles or carriages move towards each other, their coupling locks or their heart-shaped pieces are in a ready-to-couple position or a decoupling position, in which the heart-shaped piece is fixed, in particular, by the ratchet rod in the locking position. During the coupling, the cone is respectively inserted into the funnel of the coupling head housing profile. Here, the cone presses on the plunger and pushes it back, so that the plunger releases the ratchet rod from its locking position. The coupling lock is thus released and the coupling lock is rotated by the force of the corresponding spring energy accumulator until the heart-shaped piece abuts against a predetermined stop, usually on the coupling head housing. Here, the coupling ring guided in the funnel is snapped into the heart-shaped piece opening, the two coupling locks hook into each other and reach the coupling position. Accidental separation of the coupling lock is impossible. Normal wear does not affect the safety of the coupling lock.

[0099] To release the coupling of the coupling head, the decoupling device rotates the two coupling locks, that is, the two heart pieces, against the force of the spring accumulator until the coupling ring slides out of the opening of the heart piece. The rotating heart piece should move the latch lever so far that when the vehicle or carriage is separated, the heart piece is prevented from rotating back from the overstretched position beyond the ready-to-couple position by moving the latch lever into its locking position.

[0100] Disconnection devices are known in various embodiments. For example, manually operable mechanical disconnection devices have levers, cables and / or chains which act on different types of latches and release the latch position when operated.

[0101] The automatic disconnect device comprises, as drive means, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric motor, in particular a linear actuator which disconnects the central buffer clutch.

[0102] The coupling process takes place when the automatic central buffer coupling of a first car or car body collides with the automatic central buffer coupling of an adjacent second car or car body at a lower speed. Here, a mechanical connection between the two cars or car bodies is established via the coupling heads. To this end, the two automatic central buffer couplings involved in the coupling process must each be in an open position ready for coupling.

[0103] In addition to the stable states "coupled" and "open", each automatic central buffer coupling has a further state known as the "buffer position". In this state, the carriage or carriage body can be pushed, wherein the pressure is transmitted via the automatic central buffer coupling, which in conventional screw couplings takes place via the side buffers of the carriage or carriage body.

[0104] However, in the buffer position, the adjacent automatic central buffer couplings of adjacent carriages or carriage bodies are not coupled. This special function contradicts the principle of automatic coupling. Therefore, the "buffer position" function must be actively switched on and off.

[0105] The buffer position is required, for example, for dispatching operations on the shunting peak and for so-called pushing and throwing of cars. The shunting peak is an infrastructure device for new train formations. The shunting peak is divided into three basic areas, namely the entrance group, the mountain and the directional track.

[0106] In the solution according to the invention, due to the movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling synchronously with the coupling lock of the central buffer coupling, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling is always in its first position (rest position) when the central buffer coupling is in the buffer position or the decoupled ("open") position. In the first position (rest position) of the electrical contact coupling, at least one electrical contact carrier with the contact terminals is protected or covered accordingly by a (closed) stop or cover.

[0107] In contrast, in the coupled position of the central buffer coupling, if the electrical contact coupling is not locked in the first position by the locking device, the electrical contact coupling is in the second position in which the flap or cover is in its open state.

[0108] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] In the attached picture:

[0110] Figure 1 A schematic side view showing an exemplary embodiment of an automatic central buffer coupling according to the present invention;

[0111] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A front schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an automatic central buffer coupling;

[0112] Figure 3 Show according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic first isometric view of an electrical contact coupling used in an automatic central buffer coupling;

[0113] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 3A schematic second isometric view of an electrical contact connector;

[0114] Figures 5A to 5C A schematic bottom view shows another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, namely in a first position ( Figure 5A ), in the second position of the electrical contact connector ( Figure 5C ) and in the middle position of the electrical contact connector ( Figure 5B );

[0115] Fig. 6A , 6B A schematic bottom view shows another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, namely in a first position ( Fig. 6A ) and in the second position of the electrical contact connector ( Figure 6B );

[0116] Figures 7A to 7B A schematic bottom view shows another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, namely in a first position ( Fig. 7A ), in the second position of the electrical contact connector ( Figure 7B );

[0117] Figures 8A to 8C 1 and 2 show schematic side views of exemplary embodiments of the electrical contact connector according to the invention, namely in a first position ( Fig. 8A ), in the second position of the electrical contact connector ( Figure 8C ) and in the middle position of the electrical contact connector ( Figure 8B );

[0118] Fig. 9 Shown is a schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0119] Fig.10 Shown is a schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, namely, the electrical contact connector is in its first position, wherein the electrical contact connector is locked accordingly;

[0120] Fig.11 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0121] Fig.12 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0122] Fig.13 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0123] Fig.14 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, but this time without the preferably removably fixed cover;

[0124] Fig.15 Show according to Fig.14 A schematic isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0125] Fig.16 Show according to Fig.14 A schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0126] Fig.17 Show according to Fig.14 Another schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0127] Fig.18 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, but this time in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is not locked in its first position;

[0128] Fig.19 Show according to Fig.18 A schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0129] Fig. 20 Show according to Fig.18 A front schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0130] Fig.21 Show according to Fig.18 A schematic (other) isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0131] Fig. 22 Show according to Fig.18 A schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the present invention, but without the preferably removably fixed cover;

[0132] Fig.23 Show according to Fig. 22A schematic isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0133] Fig.24 Show according to Fig. 22 A schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0134] Fig.25 Show according to Fig. 22 Schematic (further) isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0135] Fig.26 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the invention, but in a state where the electrical contact connector is in its second position;

[0136] Fig. 27 Show according to Fig.26 A schematic isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0137] Fig.28 Show according to Fig.26 A schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0138] Fig.29 Show according to Fig.26 Schematic (further) isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0139] Fig.30 Show according to Fig.26 A schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention, but without a preferably detachably fastened cover;

[0140] Fig.31 Show according to Fig.30 A schematic isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0141] Fig.32 Show according to Fig.30 A schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0142] Fig.33 Show according to Fig.30 Schematic (further) isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0143] Fig.34 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a guide system according to another exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the present invention;

[0144] Fig.35 A schematic bottom view shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention with a control element and a stop mechanism;

[0145] Fig.36 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic first isometric view of a cover or a cover plate of a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention;

[0146] Fig.37 Show according to Fig.10 A schematic (further) isometric view of an embodiment of the electrical contact connector according to the invention; and

[0147] Fig.38 Show according to Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of a housing of another embodiment of an electrical contact connector according to the invention.

[0148] Unless otherwise indicated, identical reference signs in the figures denote identical or functionally identical elements, components or parts.

[0149] Figure 1 The schematic side view shows an exemplary embodiment of an automatic central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention. The automatic central buffer coupling 1 is used in particular for an automatic central buffer coupling of a freight car of a rail vehicle. In this case, it is in particular an automatic Scharfenberg coupling.

[0150] The automatic central buffer coupling 1 has a coupling head 2 for mechanically and forcefully coupling a first carriage (not shown) to an adjacent second carriage (likewise not shown).

[0151] 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 rotation lock with a coupling ring and a heart-shaped piece, wherein the heart-shaped piece is rotatable around a main axis between a coupling position and a decoupling position. The coupling ring is preferably rotatably connected to the heart-shaped piece by a first end around the coupling ring axis and has a free end. On the other hand, the heart-shaped piece has an opening, which is arranged to accommodate the second end of the coupling ring of a compatible coupling head of the mating coupling.

[0152] The coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 thus formed forms a rigid connection with the coupling head 2 of the mating coupling when connected. Therefore, this coupling can also realize the connection of electrical connection devices. This can be realized by the electrical contact coupling 8 installed on the coupling head 2.

[0153] In the automatic central buffer coupling 1 Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical contact coupling 8 is arranged and fastened detachably by means of screws above the coupling head 2 of the mechanical coupling.

[0154] In particular, the coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 is in a disconnected state. Figure 1 As can be seen from the figure, the front side of the coupling head housing has a profile. The profile consists of a cone 4 and a funnel 5. The cone 4 and the funnel 5 are surrounded by a wide flat end face. The end face can be composed of an end plate 3 that is detachably connected to the coupling head housing or an end plate 3 that is integrally formed with the coupling head housing.

[0155] In order to expand the clamping area within which the coupling process can still begin as intended when the central buffer couplings 1 are axially offset from one another and end after mutual adjustment, the exemplary embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings has a clamp 6.

[0156] The electrical contact coupling 8 of the exemplary embodiment 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.

[0157] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 2 shows the electrical contact connector 8 in an advanced or coupled state. In this state, the baffle 23 of the electrical contact connector 8 is pivoted upwards, thereby exposing the end plate region of the electrical contact connector 8.

[0158] Refer to the following Figures 3 to 9 The diagram describes in more detail the Figure 1 or Figure 2 The structure and working mode of the electrical contact connector 8 used in the central buffer connector 1.

[0159] In brief, according to the embodiment variants shown in the figures, the electrical contact connectors 8 each have 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 connection.

[0160] The housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 is longitudinally movable relative to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1 in the connection direction between a first position in which the electrical contact connector 8 is in its rest position ready for connection and a second position in which the electrical contact connector 8 is in its coupling position.

[0161] For this purpose, a guide system is used. In the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 shown in the drawings, the guide system comprises two guide rods 21 which are parallel to each other and extend in the connection direction, and guide the movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 when the housing 9 is longitudinally moved relative to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1 by means of the guide rods 21.

[0162] As can also be seen in the figures, the guide rod 21 of the guide system is designed in particular as a spring guide rod.

[0163] In other words, each guide rod 21 of the guide system is assigned a spring mechanism 13 by means of which the housing 9 is prestressed in the second position, ie in the position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its ready-to-connect or coupled position.

[0164] In addition, the guide system has a support 22, through which the guide rod 21 and the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 which is movable relative to the guide rod 21 can be connected to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1 above the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1, for example by a screw connection device.

[0165] from FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C In particular, it can be seen from the illustration of that the electrical contact connector 8 also has a baffle 23, which is designed to cover the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11 in the first position of the housing 9. In this case, reference Fig. 8A .

[0166] The stop 23 of the electrical contact connector 8 is also designed in such a way that it automatically pivots upwards when the housing 9 transitions from the first position to the second position and thus releases the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11. Figure 8C , which shows the electrical contact connector 8 in the second position of the housing 9.

[0167] A closed cam plate mechanism 24 is used to automatically pivot the cover plate 23 upward. In this case, a guide groove is formed in the side plate, into which a guide element connected to the cover plate 23 engages. When the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves longitudinally relative to the guide rod 21 of the guide system, the movement is picked up by the element engaging in the guide groove and used to pivot the cover plate 23 relative to the housing 9.

[0168] Specifically, bolts are provided on both sides of the flap 23, which extend laterally into the guide contour or guide groove of the plate fixed to the guide rod 21. When moving forward, the bolts move along the contour or guide groove and thus push the flap 23 into the open position. When moving back, the contour or guide groove ensures the closing of the flap 23. Preferably, a helical torsion spring is used on both sides, which is located on the flap rotation axis and has one end against the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 and the other end against the flap 23.

[0169] In this way, the helical torsion spring always tries to press the stop plate 23 into the closed position and thus supports the closing when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is moved back and prevents, in particular, creaking noises.

[0170] The guide profile or guide groove is also designed so that the baffle 23 cannot be opened manually when the electrical contact connector 8 is moved back, but can only be pivoted upward by about 1° before the bolt abuts against the plate. This prevents people from accidentally or unauthorizedly contacting the contacts located below the baffle 23.

[0171] In the forwardly moved open state without a mating connector, the housing 9 is pushed about 3 mm past the coupling plane. The electrical contact connectors of the two devices to be coupled collide, they are displaced backwards against their compression springs and are pressed together by the compression springs.

[0172] from Figure 2 It can be seen in particular in the illustration that the electrical contact connector 8 has a centering device / centering element 25 which aligns the electrical contact connectors 8 with each other. Due to the extremely flat cover 23 of the electrical contact connector 8, the centering element 25 cannot be arranged in the area covered by the cover 23.

[0173] In the solution according to the invention, the centering elements 25 are therefore arranged laterally and below the baffle 23 .

[0174] In order to control the movement process of the housing 9 between the first and second positions, a stop mechanism is used in the electrical contact connector 8 according to the present invention. The stop mechanism has a stop element 12 connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8, which stops or abuts against a control element 14 rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the preload force of a spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact connector 8.

[0175] As referenced below Figure 4 , Figure 5A -C. Fig. 6A , B and Fig. 7A , B describes in more detail, the control element 14 is designed so that when the control element 14 is rotated around an axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction, the housing 9 is longitudinally moved relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0176] In detail, Figure 4 and Figure 5A -In the embodiment variant of the electrical contact connector 8 shown in -C, it is stipulated that the control element 14 of the stop mechanism is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk 15, wherein the stop element 12 of the stop mechanism is pressed against the edge area of ​​the control element 14 which is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk 15 due to the preload force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact connector 8 and thus obtains or can obtain the movement caused by the rotation of the control element 14.

[0177] Especially according to Figure 4 and Figure 5A In the embodiment -C, it is provided that the stop element 12 is designed as a guide roller 16 which, due to the prestressing force of the spring means 13 , presses against an edge region of the control element 14 which is designed at least partially or at least in sections as a cam disk 15 .

[0178] exist Fig. 6A , 6B An alternative design for the stop mechanism is shown in .

[0179] In this design, the stop element 12 is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk 15, and the control element 14 is designed as a lever element 17, wherein the stop element 12, which is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk 15, is pressed on the control element 14, which is designed as a lever element 17, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism 13.

[0180] It is also provided here that the control element 14 designed as a lever element 17 has a guide roller 18, and when the control element 14 is rotated about an axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction, the edge area of ​​the stop element 12 designed at least partially or at least locally as a cam disk 15 is at least temporarily pressed against the guide roller 18 due to the preload force of the spring mechanism 13.

[0181] exist Fig. 7A , B shows another design of the stop mechanism.

[0182] In this embodiment, the control element 14 is designed as a closed cam disk 15 having a guide groove 19 , and the stop element 12 is designed as an element (guide element 20 ), in particular a slide, at least partially or at least partially received in the guide groove 19 .

[0183] The axis extending perpendicularly 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 the main latch 7 at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the coupling head housing of the central buffer coupling 1. It is therefore particularly conceivable that the control element 14 is configured in the end area of ​​the extension of the main latch 7.

[0184] In the solution according to the invention, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is not yet pushed forward in the ready-to-couple state of the automatic central buffer coupling 1. Longitudinal movement in the coupling direction is prevented by a stop mechanism.

[0185] For example Figure 5A As shown, a stop, for example in the form of a roller (guide roller 16 ), is fastened to the bottom side of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 , while a cam disc 15 is fastened to the extension of the main latch 7 of the central buffer coupling 1 .

[0186] In the ready-to-couple state, the cam disk 15 points to the rear, so that the roller or the stop rests on the larger diameter of the cam disk 15. The spring mechanism 13 is therefore unable to push the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 forward in the coupling direction.

[0187] During mechanical coupling, the main latch of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 rotates forward with the cam disc 15 and thus releases the movement of the housing 9 of the electric contact coupling 8 in the coupling direction. The spring mechanism 13 of the electric contact coupling 8 pushes the housing 9 of the electric contact coupling 8 forward along the guide rod 21. The feed is geometrically limited by the shape of the cam disc 15.

[0188] Fig. 9 A schematic isometric view of another aspect of the invention is shown in FIG.

[0189] In detail, Fig. 9 An embodiment of an electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown 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 as required.

[0190] Fig. 9 The locking device 26.1 shown in the figure is designed as a locking pin. This locking pin passes through the hole in the support 22 and is inserted into the hole below the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 so that the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 cannot move forward.

[0191] However, it is not mandatory that the locking device 26.1 has a hole designed in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, into which the locking pin is inserted. It can also be a simple contact surface that abuts against the bolt from behind and thus prevents the housing 9 of the central buffer coupling 1 from moving in the coupling direction.

[0192] The provision of such a locking device 26 . 1 is particularly advantageous during maintenance work. The contacts / terminals of the electrical contact coupling 8 are hereby reliably protected against access.

[0193] It is also conceivable that the locking device 26 . 1 is used, for example, during coupling on electrically incompatible couplings.

[0194] Refer to the following Figures 10 to 38 The illustration in shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention.

[0195] The electrical contact connector 8 is also designed in the same manner as the above-mentioned embodiment variant according to the invention. Figures 10 to 38 A further embodiment of an electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 for an automatic central buffer coupling 1 for a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle.

[0196] The electrical contact connector 8 has a housing 9 with at least one contact support 10 having contact terminals 11 for electrical connection. The housing 9 is longitudinally movable relative to the connector head of the central buffer connector 1 in the coupling direction between a first position in which the electrical contact connector 8 is in its rest position ready for coupling and a second position in which the electrical contact connector 8 is in its coupling position.

[0197] Here, in Figures 10 to 17 2 shows further exemplary embodiments of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention in each case in its first position, in which the electrical contact connector 8 is locked.

[0198] On the contrary, Figures 18 to 25 In FIG. 1 , a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is likewise in its first position, but not locked.

[0199] exist Figure 26 to Figure 33 In FIG. 8 , further exemplary embodiments of an electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention are shown in each case in their second position.

[0200] Like the above-described first exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 comprises a spring mechanism 13 , by means of which the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is prestressed into the second position.

[0201] Furthermore, a stop mechanism is used in order to control the movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 between the first and the second position.

[0202] Especially from Fig.35 As can be seen from the illustration in , the stop mechanism has a stop element 12 connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which stops or abuts against a control element 14 rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the preload force of a spring mechanism 13. Here, the control element 14 is designed so that when the control element 14 is rotated around the axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 moves longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0203] Especially from Fig.35 As can be seen from the illustration in FIG, the control element 14 is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk 15. The cam disk 15 has an area 36 which is particularly designed as a projection. It is used 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 to provide an ice-breaking function.

[0204] Specifically, the control element 14, which is designed as a cam disk 15, is designed so that when the control element 14 is initially rotated about the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 first moves relative to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1, especially in the form of a pulse, especially in a direction opposite to the connection direction, wherein then and when the control element 14 or the cam disk 15 is further rotated about the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 moves longitudinally in the connection direction relative to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1.

[0205] The control element 14 has a pin or handle area 27, which extends along an axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction and about which the control element 14 is rotatable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8, wherein the pin or handle area 27 is connected or connectable to a pin or handle area of ​​a main pin 7 at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the housing 9 of the connector head of the central buffer connector 1.

[0206] The axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction along which the pin or shank region 27 of the control element 14 extends preferably coincides with the axis of the main pin 7 of the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 .

[0207] In order to convert the rotational movement of the pin or handle area 27 into a displacement movement of the housing 9 of the central buffer coupling 1, a lever mechanism is used, as schematically shown according to Fig.38 It is important here that no rolling bearings are used, but rings mounted on sliding bearings.

[0208] according to Figures 10 to 33 Another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the present invention also has a guide system, which has two lateral guide rods 21 that are parallel to each other and extend in the connection direction, and the movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 is guided or can be guided by the guide rods when the housing 9 is longitudinally moved relative to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1.

[0209] Especially from the basis Fig.34It can be seen from the sectional view that the guide rods 21 on the two sides of the guide system are respectively designed as spring guide rods, in which the compression springs of the spring mechanism 13 are accommodated by the end area of ​​the corresponding guide rod 21 and are tensioned between a stop 34 formed on the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 and a pressure disk 32 fixed on the end of the guide rod 21.

[0210] The pressure disk 32 fastened to the end of the guide rod 21 preferably also serves as part of the anti-twist device.

[0211] From the basis Fig.34 It can also be seen from the sectional view of FIG. 1 that the compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is provided with a bellows 33 , in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is at least partially or at least partially accommodated.

[0212] exist Figures 10 to 13 as well as Figures 18 to 21 , further exemplary embodiments of electrical contact connectors 8 according to the invention are shown, each having a preferably releasably fastened cover 31 for at least partially or at least regionally covering at least one upper side of housing 9 of electrical contact connector 8 .

[0213] exist Figures 14 to 17 as well as Figure 22 to Figure 25 , a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention is shown without a corresponding cover 31 .

[0214] The cover plate 31 is constructed and designed, in particular, in the form of a bent plate, preferably with a reinforced bead, and is designed to be placed from above on the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8. In particular, the cover plate 31 is designed to lie flat on both sides, preferably at exactly three locations, when placed on the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8.

[0215] From the illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention without the cover plate 31, Figures 14 to 17 as well as Figure 22 to Figure 25 It can be seen from the illustration in that, in particular for drainage purposes, the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 has a surface inclined relative to the horizontal plane and in particular a surface inclined relative to the back side of the electrical contact connector 8, wherein a drainage slope is preferably added on the top side.

[0216] A further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is preferably equipped with a locking device 26 . 2 in order to lock the electrical contact coupling 8 in its first position.

[0217] Furthermore, in another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention, it is provided that the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system extend at least partially or at least partially laterally beside the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8, i.e. preferably at least essentially in an area which is horizontally spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8.

[0218] As with the exemplary first embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the present invention, in another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the present invention, it is provided that the guide system has at least one support member 22, by means of which two, in particular lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system and a housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 which is movable relative to the two lateral guide rods 21 are jointly connected or connectable to the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1, preferably above the connector head 2 of the central buffer connector 1.

[0219] In a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention, it is provided in this case in particular that the support element 22 is designed in two parts and each has a support element region 22 . 1 , 22 . 2 which is arranged at least partially or at least in regions on the side of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 .

[0220] The two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system are respectively passed through a channel formed in one of the support regions 22.1, 22.2 of the support 22 and are preferably releasably fastened here to the support 22 or to the support regions 22.1, 22.2 of the support 22. This can also be seen in particular from the Fig.34 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view.

[0221] The guide system has a first stop 28, when the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 is in the first position (refer to Figures 10 to 25 ), the support member 22 abuts against the first stop 28 or the support member 22 is adjacent to the first stop 28 with a reduced gap area.

[0222] Furthermore, the guide system has a second stop 29 which is arranged opposite to the first stop 28 in the coupling direction, when the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 is in the second position (refer to Figure 26 to Figure 33 ), the support member 22 abuts against the second stop 29 or the support member 22 is adjacent to the second stop 29 with a reduced gap area.

[0223] The first and second stops 28, 29 are connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 and each have a through-hole, through which one of the preferably two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system passes and is in particular releasably fastened there (cf. Fig.34 ).

[0224] The locking device 26.2 described above is used in the electrical contact connector 8 according to the present invention. Figures 10 to 33 In another embodiment shown in , a blocking element 30 is provided, which can be introduced manually, in particular manually, into the longitudinal movement path of the support 22 between the support 22 and the second stop 29, as required, and can be pivoted manually into the longitudinal movement path of the support 22 between the support 22 and the second stop 29. The blocking element 30 is designed to block the movement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 in its introduced longitudinal movement path, preferably in the pivoted state.

[0225] A further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention is also provided with a cover or stop 23 .

[0226] The cover or stopper 23 is designed to cover the end face of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 with the contact terminals 11 in the first position of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8. In addition, the cover or stopper 23 is designed so that it pivots upward when the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 transitions from the first position to the second position and thus releases the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11.

[0227] In order to realize the pivoting movement, the cover or flap 23 is equipped with a pivot mechanism, in particular an at least partially closed cam plate mechanism 24. The cam plate mechanism 24 of the pivot mechanism is used to obtain the longitudinal movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8 relative to the guide rod 21 of the guide system and use the obtained movement to pivot the cover or flap 23 relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact connector 8.

[0228] Especially from Fig.36 and 37 It can be seen from the isometric view that the cover or baffle 23 preferably has guide pins 35 protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the connection direction on both sides, which are at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the guide groove of the pivot mechanism cam disk mechanism 24.

[0229] A side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention, for example according to Fig.10 , Fig.14 , Fig.18 , Fig. 22 , Fig.26 and Fig.30 It can be seen from the view of FIG. 2 that a corresponding chamfer is formed at the end of the guide groove of the cam disk mechanism 24 of the pivot mechanism assigned to the cover plate or the baffle plate 23.

[0230] It can also be seen from the side view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact connector 8 according to the invention that a cam plate mechanism 24 is arranged on the side of the cover or baffle 23, which is respectively connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is respectively connected to one of the guide rods 21 on the two sides of the guide system.

[0231] In particular, it is also possible to Fig.34 As can be seen from the sectional view of FIG. , the control arm and the control rod 21 preferably form a unit, in particular a unit in the form of a machined forging.

[0232] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results from the overview of all features disclosed herein.

[0233] Reference numerals list

[0234] 1 (automatic) central buffer coupling

[0235] 2 Connector head

[0236] 3 End Plate

[0237] 4 vertebrae

[0238] 5 Funnel

[0239] 6 Gripper

[0240] 7 Main latch

[0241] 8Electrical contact connector

[0242] 9 Shell

[0243] 10Electric contact bracket

[0244] 11 contact terminals

[0245] 12 Stop element

[0246] 13 Spring mechanism

[0247] 14 Control elements

[0248] 15 Cam plate

[0249] 16 guide rollers

[0250] 17 Lever element

[0251] 18 guide rollers

[0252] 19 Guide groove

[0253] 20 guide elements

[0254] 21 Guide rod

[0255] 22 Support

[0256] 22.1, 22.2 Support area

[0257] 23 baffle / cover

[0258] 24 Cam disc mechanism

[0259] 25 Centering element

[0260] 26.1, 26.2 Locking device

[0261] 27 Pin or shank area

[0262] 28 First stop

[0263] 29 Second stop

[0264] 30 blocking elements

[0265] 31 Cover

[0266] 32 Pressure plate

[0267] 33 bellows

[0268] 34 Stop

[0269] 35 guide pins

[0270] 36 Cam disc area

Claims

1. An 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 connector (8) has a housing with at least one electrical contact holder (10), the at least one electrical contact holder (10) having contact terminals (11) for electrical connection, wherein the housing (9) is longitudinally movable in a connection direction between a first position and a second position relative to a connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1), wherein in the first position the electrical contact connector (8) is in its stationary position ready for connection and in the second position the electrical contact connector (8) is in its coupled position, wherein the electrical contact connector (8) has a spring mechanism (13), the housing (9) is preloaded in the second position by means of the spring mechanism, and wherein a stop mechanism is provided for controlling the movement of the housing (9) between the first position and the second position.

2. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 1, wherein: The spring mechanism (13) serves as preferably the only drive device for moving the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the first position into the second position.

3. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The stop mechanism comprises a stop element (12) connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8), and the stop element (12) stops or abuts against a control element (14) rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction due to the preload force of the spring mechanism (13), wherein the control element (14) is designed so that when the control element (14) is rotated around the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, the housing (9) is longitudinally moved relative to the connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1).

4. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 3, wherein: The control element (14) serves as preferably the only drive for moving the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the second position into the first position.

5. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The control element (14) is supported rotatably relative to the electrical contact connector (8), in particular relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8), about an axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction, and the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) is supported relative to the control element (14) so ​​as to be longitudinally movable along the connection direction.

6. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The control element (14) is coupled or can be coupled and in particular is operatively connected or can be operatively connected to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock of the automatic central buffer coupling (1), so that rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock around a main axis, i.e., rotation between a decoupling position and a coupling position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, causes the control element (14) to rotate together in a preferably synchronous manner around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction.

7. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 6, wherein: The control element (14) is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15), and the stop element (12) is pressed against an edge region of the control element (14) at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15) due to the preload force of the spring mechanism (13), wherein when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling (1) designed as a rotary lock is in the decoupled position, the stop element (12) is pressed against the control element (14) at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15). ), and then when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling (1) designed as a rotary lock is transferred from the decoupling position to the coupling position, the stop element (12) moves along the second edge area of ​​the control element (14) which is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15), wherein the first edge area of ​​the control element (14) which is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15) is preferably partially complementary to the peripheral geometry of the stop element (12) and is particularly designed as a groove.

8. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The control element (14) is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15), and the stop element (12) is pressed against an edge region of the control element (14) at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15) due to the preload force of the spring mechanism (13) and thereby acquires or can acquire a movement caused by the rotation of the control element (14), wherein the stop element (12) is preferably designed as a guide roller (16), which is pressed against an edge region of the control element (14) at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15) due to the preload force of the spring mechanism (13).

9. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein: The control element (14) is designed so that, when the control element (14) is initially rotated about an axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction, the housing (9) is first moved, in particular in the form of a pulse, relative to the control element (14) and / or relative to the connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1), in particular in a direction opposite to the connection direction, in particular in the longitudinal direction, wherein, subsequently and when the control element (14) is further rotated about an axis extending perpendicularly to the connection direction, the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) is moved longitudinally in the connection direction relative to the control element (14) and / or relative to the connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1).

10. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 9, wherein: The control element (14) is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15), and the cam disk (15) has an area (36) that is particularly designed as a projection for moving the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) relative to the connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1), particularly in the form of pulses.

11. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The stop element (12) is at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15), and the control element (14) is designed as a lever element (17), wherein the stop element (12) at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15) is pressed against the control element (14) designed as a lever element (17) due to the preload force of the spring mechanism (13), wherein the control element (14) designed as a lever element (17) preferably has a guide roller (18), and an edge area of ​​the stop element (12) at least partially or at least partially designed as a cam disk (15) is at least temporarily pressed against the guide roller (18) due to the preload force of the spring mechanism (13) when the control element (14) is rotated around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction.

12. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The control element (14) is designed as an at least partially closed cam disk having a guide groove (19), and the stop element (12) is designed as an element (20), in particular a slide, which is at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the guide groove (19).

13. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein: The control element (14) has a pin or handle area (27), which extends along an axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction, and the control element (14) is rotatable relative to the housing (9) about the axis, wherein the pin or handle area (27) is connected or connectable to a pin or handle area of ​​a main latch (7), and the main latch (7) is at least partially or at least partially accommodated in the housing (2) of the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), wherein the axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction preferably coincides with the axis of the main latch (7) of the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), and the pin or handle area (27) of the control element (14) extends along the axis extending perpendicularly to the coupling direction; Alternatively, the control element (14) is directly connected or connectable to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock and in particular is connected or connectable to a main latch of the automatic central buffer coupling (1), so that the rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock or the rotation of the main latch around the main axis, i.e. the rotation between the decoupling position and the coupling position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, causes the control element (14) to rotate synchronously therewith.

14. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The electrical contact connector (8) has a guide system, which has at least one guide rod (21), preferably two guide rods (21) which are parallel to each other and extend in the connection direction, in particular lateral guide rods (21), and the housing (9) is guided or can be guided to move when the housing (9) is longitudinally moved relative to the connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1).

15. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 14, wherein: Preferably, the two, in particular lateral, guide rods (21) are each designed as spring guide rods, wherein a compression spring of the spring mechanism (13) is accommodated in an end region of the corresponding guide rod (21) and clamped between a stop (34) constructed on a housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) and a pressure disk (32) fixed to the end of the guide rod (21), wherein the pressure disk (32) fixed to the end of the guide rod (21) is preferably a component of an anti-twist device.

16. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 15, wherein: The compression spring of the spring mechanism (13) is provided with a bellows (33), in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism (13) is at least partially or at least partially accommodated.

17. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: Preferably, the two, in particular lateral, guide rods (21) each extend at least partially or at least partially laterally alongside the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8), i.e. preferably each extend at least substantially in a region horizontally spaced apart from a central longitudinal axis of the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8).

18. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: The guide system has at least one support element (22), by means of which preferably two, in particular lateral guide rods (21) and a housing (9) movable relative to the preferably two, in particular lateral guide rods (21) are connected or connectable to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) preferably above the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1).

19. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 18, wherein: The support element (22) is designed in two parts and each has a support element region (22.1, 22.2) which is at least partially or at least partially located on the side of the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8).

20. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: Preferably, two, in particular lateral, guide rods (21) are each passed through a channel formed in the support (22) or in a support region (22.1, 22.2) of the support (22) and are preferably releasably fastened there to the support (22) or to the support region (22.1, 22.2) of the support (22).

21. Electrical contact connector (8) according to one of claims 14 to 20 and at least according to claim 18, wherein: The guide system comprises a first stop (28) and a second stop (29) opposite to the first stop (28) in the connection direction, and when the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) is in the first position, the support member (22) abuts against the first stop (28) or the support member (22) is adjacent to the first stop (28) with a gap area between them, and when the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) is in the second position, the support member (22) abuts against the second stop (29) or the support member (22) is adjacent to the second stop (29) with a gap area between them.

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

23. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein: The electrical contact connector (8) also has a baffle or cover (23), which is designed to cover the end face of the housing (9) with the contact terminals (11) in the first position of the housing (9), and is also designed to pivot upward when the housing (9) transitions from the first position to the second position and thereby expose the end face of the housing (9) with the contact terminals (11).

24. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 23 and one of claims 14 to 22, wherein: The baffle or cover plate (23) is equipped with a pivot mechanism, in particular an at least partially closed cam plate mechanism (24), for acquiring the longitudinal movement of the housing (9) relative to the guide rod (21) of the guide system and using the acquired movement to pivot the baffle or cover plate (23) relative to the housing (9).

25. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 24, wherein: In particular, the at least partially closed cam plate mechanism (24) is designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the baffle or cover plate (23), at least when the position of the baffle or cover plate (23) relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) is fixed.

26. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein: The at least partially closed cam disc mechanism (24) is designed to at least substantially prevent an at least manually initiated or respectively attempted pivoting movement of the flap or cover (23), at least when the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its second position.

27. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein: The baffle or cover plate (23) preferably has guide pins (35) on both sides respectively protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, and the guide pins are at least partially or at least partially accommodated in guide grooves of the cam disk mechanism (24).

28. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 27, wherein: A chamfer is formed at the end of the guide groove of the cam disk mechanism (24).

29. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein: Cam disc mechanisms (24) are arranged on the sides of the baffle or cover plate (23), respectively, and the cam disc mechanisms (24) are connected to control arms respectively, wherein the control arms are connected to one of the two lateral guide rods (21), preferably, the control arms and the guide rods form a unit, in particular a unit in the form of a machined forging.

30. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein: The electrical contact connector (8) has a centering element (25) connected to the housing, wherein the centering element is preferably arranged on the side and below the baffle or cover plate (23) when the baffle or cover plate (23) covers the end face of the housing having the contact terminals (11).

31. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein: The housing (9) is provided with locking means (26.1, 26.2) for locking the housing (9) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) as required.

32. Electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 31 and at least according to claim 21, wherein: The locking device (26.2) has a blocking element (30), which can be inserted and pivoted manually as required into the longitudinal movement path of the support (22) between the support (22) and the second stop (29), and the blocking element (30) is designed to block the movement of the housing (9) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) when it is inserted and preferably pivoted into the longitudinal movement path.

33. Electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 31 or 32 and at least according to claim 3 and claim 6, wherein: When the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) is in a locked state with the aid of the locking device (26.1, 26.2), when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer connector (1) designed as a rotary lock is rotated from its decoupled position to the coupled position, the stop element (12) connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) no longer stops or abuts against the control element (14) rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction.

34. The electrical contact connector (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein: In particular for drainage reasons, the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) has an inclined surface compared to a horizontal plane, in particular an inclined surface relative to the rear side of the electrical contact connector (8), wherein a drainage slope is preferably added on the upper side.

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

36. The electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 35, wherein: The cover plate (31) is designed and embodied, in particular, in the form of a bent plate, which preferably has a reinforced bead, and is placed from above on the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8).

37. An electrical contact connector (8) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein: The cover (31) is designed to rest on both sides at preferably exactly three locations when mounted on the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8).

38. An automatic central buffer coupling (1), in particular an automatic Scharfenberg coupling, comprising: - a coupling head (2) for mechanically and force-fittingly connecting a first car to an adjacent second car; and - An electrical contact connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 31 arranged above the connector 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 rotation lock having a coupling ring and a heart-shaped piece, wherein the heart-shaped piece is rotatable around a main axis between a coupling position and a decoupling position, in particular via a main latch of the central buffer coupling (1), wherein the coupling ring is rotatably connected to the heart-shaped piece around a coupling ring axis via a first end and has a free end, and wherein the heart-shaped piece has an opening, which is arranged to accommodate a second end of a coupling ring of a compatible coupling head (2) of a corresponding coupling; and wherein the stop mechanism of the electrical contact connector (8) comprises a stop element (12) connected to the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8), the stop element being stopped or abutting against a control element (14) rotatably supported about an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the preload force of a spring mechanism (13) of the electrical contact connector (8), wherein the control element (14) is designed so that when the control element (14) is rotated about the axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8) moves longitudinally relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1); And wherein, the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction preferably coincides at least partially or at least partially with the main axis of the heart-shaped piece of the connector head (2) of the central buffer connector (1), and the control element (14) of the electrical contact connector (8) is rotatable around the axis extending perpendicular to the connection direction relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact connector (8), and wherein, when the heart-shaped piece rotates around the main axis, the control element (14) of the electrical contact connector (8) preferably rotates together.

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