SUPPORT AND CENTERING DEVICE FOR A COUPLING ARM OF AN AUTOMATIC DRIVE COUPLING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a support and centering device for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a center buffer coupling, and to an automatic train coupling with such a support and centering device.

[0002] Conventional support and centering devices for the coupling arm of a Willison / SA-3 type automatic coupling feature a rigid or spring-mounted coupling support beam suspended from a bracket by a pendulum suspension. Such a support and centering device with a spring-mounted coupling support beam is described in the Figure 1This support and centering device has a console 2 on which a solidly constructed crossbeam 9 is suspended by two pendulums 31, allowing the crossbeam 9 to perform a lateral pendulum movement transverse to the longitudinal axis 19 of the coupling arm (not shown in detail here). The crossbeam 9, in turn, supports the solidly constructed coupling support beam 30 via compression springs 9.

[0003] The components are designed as comparatively heavy cast components, so that the weight forces together with the pendulum suspension cause the coupling arm to return to the center.

[0004] To couple railcars on tight curves, the coupling arm must be manually deflected and held against the center restoring torque by a so-called pre-deflection device, which holds the coupling arm in the deflected position. This pre-deflection device adds further design complexity. Furthermore, the high weight forces make manually deflecting the coupling arm more difficult.

[0005] In the Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the generic support and centering device from the Figure 1This shows once again that the crossbeam 9, which is suspended from the brackets 2 by the two pendulums 31, resiliently supports the coupling support beam 30 via compression springs 11 and 12, and also provides lateral guidance. The coupling arm 20, in turn, is held laterally by the coupling support beam 30. This illustration makes it particularly clear that the weight forces cause the center return.

[0006] DE 94 21 683 U1 also discloses a similar support and centering device for a coupling arm of an automatic center buffer coupling, wherein the support and centering device is also based on a pendulum suspension.

[0007] An embodiment with separate arrangement and operation of the support and centering device is disclosed in US 3,578,180. Both devices are arranged separately from each other and spatially spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the center sleeper structure of a rail vehicle. The coupling rod is thus supported by a device arranged directly on the vehicle. Centering is achieved by a centering device, also attached to the vehicle and spaced apart from the support in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This centering device comprises centering units arranged on both sides next to the coupling rod, each consisting of a pair of lever elements acting on the coupling rod, as well as coupling elements, locking elements, and spring retainers. The lever elements of the two units are coupled to each other by a spring assembly.Furthermore, a device for manually actuating the units is provided to manually move the coupling rod into an off-center position. The individual components are each mounted separately on the center shaft structure, including the device for manually moving the coupling rod into an off-center position. This necessitates a corresponding amount of installation space and the provision of appropriate mounting points on the sleeper structure, which is why simple retrofitting is not readily possible. This is particularly important to ensure an optimal engagement area for the return levers on the coupling rod. In addition to the increased installation space requirement in the axial direction, the centering device is characterized by a considerable number of components.Due to the separation of support and center position, this design is not readily applicable to existing vehicles within the UIC scope, as the effort required to process the interfaces is not economically feasible.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a support and centering device for a coupling arm of an automatic towing coupling, wherein the support and centering device can be designed to be lighter and more cost-effective, and its operation is facilitated when the coupling arm is deflected by hand. Furthermore, the support and centering device should be characterized by a smaller installation space requirement and be easily retrofitted into existing vehicles.

[0009] The problem according to the invention is solved by a support and centering device with the features of claim 1. Both functions – support and centering – are realized with a modularly designed unit, which requires only a small amount of installation space in the longitudinal direction relative to the coupling and is easy to retrofit. Retrofitting can also be carried out in existing vehicles with minimal effort. By sharing components, such as the crossmember, a high degree of functional concentration is achieved with fewer components. This results in a lighter and more cost-effective design. The dependent claims specify advantageous and particularly practical embodiments as well as an automatic coupling with a support and centering device according to the invention.

[0010] A support and centering device according to the invention for a coupling arm of an automatic train coupling, in particular a center buffer coupling, has a spring-supported support for the coupling arm and a stationary console for connecting the support and centering device to a wagon or rail vehicle. The support is at least indirectly spring-mounted on the stationary console. Furthermore, a center return mechanism for the coupling arm is provided, which, however, operates with spring force instead of weight forces, in particular exclusively with spring force.

[0011] The center return mechanism has at least two return levers opposite each other in the horizontal direction with each having a lateral contact surface, which enclose a receiving space for the coupling arm above the support between them, wherein at least one spring accumulator is provided which acts on the return levers with a spring force that counteracts a movement apart of the lateral contact surfaces.

[0012] According to the invention, the console further comprises a crossbeam extending in the horizontal direction transversely to the coupling arm, i.e. transversely to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, which supports the support with its spring support and to which the return levers are pivotally connected.

[0013] Because the center position is no longer achieved via the pivoting suspension, the resulting design is significantly lighter. The manual effort required to deflect the coupling for coupling in curves is considerably reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, a pre-deflection device, i.e., a device for holding the coupling arm in the position deflected from the horizontal center position, can be omitted, and the coupling arm can preferably be held in the manually deflected position solely by frictional forces or static friction forces acting between the support and the coupling arm. For this purpose, it is advantageous to provide the support on its surface facing the receiving space with a friction element that increases the coefficient of static friction, particularly in the form of a comparatively rough applied plate.

[0015] Connecting the return levers and supporting them on a common crossbeam reduces the number of components required. This allows for the shared use of components in both systems, resulting in a high degree of functional concentration within a minimal installation space. The combined support and centering system can be pre-assembled as a modular unit and, if necessary, retrofitted to existing vehicles with minimal effort. The required installation space is small due to the concentration of components and the shared function in both systems. Furthermore, only one mounting point is required for both systems on the vehicle, which can also be located in a single location.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the articulated connection of the return levers is provided in a vertically central area of ​​the return levers, such that the respective lateral contact surface is positioned above an axis of rotation of the articulated connection and a lower return lever end is positioned below the axis of rotation.

[0017] Advantageously, at least one spring accumulator engages at the lower end of the return lever. Of course, a single spring accumulator can also engage both lower ends of the return levers and, for example, elastically push them apart.

[0018] According to another embodiment, at least one spring accumulator or its connection is provided above the articulated connection of the return lever on the crossbeam.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support is supported on the traverse by at least one compression spring or at least two compression springs and / or mounted on it.

[0020] Preferably, the support is aligned with a vertical linear guide (which can also be referred to as a linear vertical guide) on the crossbeam. This means that the support can only move along the linear guide in the vertical direction relative to the crossbeam, but not in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm.

[0021] Preferably, at least one spring accumulator is provided for each return lever, which acts on the return lever on one side and on the console on the other, wherein the spring accumulator is in particular designed as a tension spring.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the console comprises two wall connection elements which are connected to each other via the crossbeam. For example, the crossbeam is screwed to the wall connection elements. The wall connection elements can, for example, be screwed to the carriage or rail vehicle, to the carriage body or, more commonly, to a supporting frame of the carriage.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the crossbeam is inserted into or passed through the wall connection elements. Such a plug-in connection allows the support forces from the crossbeam to be transferred to the wall connection elements. In this case, the screw connection, if provided, can serve to precisely position the crossbeam relative to the wall connection elements, but does not need to absorb any support forces.

[0024] The crossbeam and / or wall connection elements are preferably manufactured as sheet metal bending components. This allows for particularly cost-effective production and weight savings. For example, the components can be bent from flame-cut sections and do not require long-distance assembly.

[0025] The wall connection elements are preferably designed as sheet metal angles; the crossbeam can, for example, be designed as a U-profile or comprise one.

[0026] The support can be designed, for example, as a U-profile, and in particular also in the form of a bent sheet metal component. Recesses in the support can be created, for example, by flame cutting.

[0027] As will be explained below, at least one vertical stop can advantageously be provided at one lower end of the U-profile or at both lower ends of the U-profile, which limits the upward movement of the support, i.e. a movement in the sense of the spring support springing back, and which abuts the crossbeam.

[0028] In particular, if the support is aligned with a vertical linear guide on the crossbeam, and the linear guide includes, for example, a bolt or other plug-in component that is fixedly connected to the crossbeam, especially by being inserted through it, and is guided in a vertical slot in the support, then this vertical linear guide, in the worst case, acts like a pivot point that promotes twisting or tilting of the support about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, i.e., perpendicular to the crossbeam. If the support is supported on the crossbeam by two compression springs on either side of the vertical linear guide, the spring force of one compression spring promotes this tilting, at least if the compression springs are pre-tensioned when the support is unloaded.Particularly when the coupling is uncoupled, meaning the coupling arm and thus the support are unloaded, the coupling arm can oscillate and move from its central position to one of the two return levers, accompanied by a tilting of the support and complete unloading of one of the two compression springs. This can lead to alternating oscillations of the coupling arm against the two lateral contact surfaces of the return levers, with the support tilting alternately, and these oscillations can be transmitted to the crossbeam and the stationary bracket, and even to the frame of the rail vehicle. All affected components are subjected to constant and increased stress, which is detrimental.

[0029] To solve the above problem, the support is advantageously provided with at least one vertical stop which, when springing back, abuts the crossbeam to limit the rebound travel of the support's spring mechanism. The vertical stop is preferably arranged below the crossbeam.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one vertical stop extends in a transverse direction from one axial end to the other axial end of the support, or at least one vertical stop is provided in the region of each axial end of the support. The transverse direction corresponds to the direction in which the crossbeam extends from one return lever to the other. The extension or arrangement of the vertical stop(s) prevents the aforementioned tilting and, in particular, the complete extension of a compression spring, especially when both compression springs are preferably pre-tensioned.

[0031] The vertical linear guide is then arranged in a center between the axial ends of the support.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one vertical stop is integrally formed with the support in the region of a lower end of the support, i.e., it is formed as a single piece with the support. Alternatively, the at least one vertical stop is mounted to the support as a separate component, for example, by screws. A material with damping properties, such as rubber or a relatively soft metal, is particularly suitable as the material for the at least one vertical stop. In particular, spring steel is used as the material for the vertical stop.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support, in particular with its at least one vertical stop, is supported in the horizontal direction and especially perpendicular to the crossbeam, i.e., in the direction of the coupling arm, against spring cups connected to the crossbeam, which support the two compression springs and, for example, enclose them over their outer circumference. A separate spring cup can be provided for each compression spring.

[0034] If individual vertical stops are provided at both axial ends of the support, in particular to the right and left of the vertical linear guide, these can be formed, for example, by locking pins, which are secured in particular with a washer and cotter pin.

[0035] If the vertical stop extends transversely from one axial end of the support to the other, and is provided, for example, in the form of a flat bar, the stop surface can be maximized. However, other embodiments are also possible.

[0036] An automatic coupling according to the invention comprises a coupling arm that is horizontally and usually also vertically deflectable, and a support and centering device of the type shown, wherein the coupling arm extends through the receiving space, is resiliently supported vertically from below by the support, and horizontally, with two lateral outer surfaces, is spaced apart from or abuts the lateral contact surfaces. Contact on one or both sides is possible. However, a certain distance is generally provided on both sides when the coupling arm is not deflected.

[0037] In the uncoupled state of the coupling arm, the return levers preferably hold the coupling arm in a horizontally aligned position, thus always in a ready-to-couple position. The return force of the return levers, or of the at least one associated spring accumulator, is preferably designed such that the uncoupled coupling arm (or the uncoupled coupling with the coupling arm) cannot deflect beyond the stop position defined by the lateral contact surfaces, even during lateral accelerations in the operation of the rail vehicle. This means that the return levers are not yet deflected by the coupling arm, and thus the coupling, or rather the coupling arm, is always in an aligned, ready-to-couple position. In the coupled state, however, the return levers are deflected or pivoted about their axes of rotation during cornering, thus allowing the necessary deflection clearance.

[0038] As explained, providing a pre-deflection mechanism to hold the coupling arm in a deflected position for coupling in curves is unnecessary. For coupling in tight curves, the coupling arm can be deflected manually against the return levers and thus the return force of the at least one spring accumulator, and is held in the deflected position solely by the friction between the coupling arm and the support.

[0039] A further advantage of the solution according to the invention, particularly when the illustrated sheet metal construction is used, arises with regard to a coupling that plunges into the underframe in the event of a crash. The construction is designed to be fatigue-resistant in the vertical direction to support the coupling arm and thus the weight forces of the coupling, but in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coupling arm, it has the property of deforming and thus offering the coupling, and therefore optional deformation elements in the coupling and on the vehicle, a greater stroke.

[0040] The invention will be explained below by way of example using an embodiment and the figures.

[0041] They show: Figure 3 a schematic diagram of a support and centering device according to the invention; Figure 4 a schematic three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a support and centering device according to the invention in the area of ​​an automatic coupling; Figure 5 the support and centering device from the Figure 4 without coupling arm and other coupling components; Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the connection of the crossbeam to one of the two wall connection elements; Figure 7 shows a support and centering device according to the invention with an alternative design of the support; Figure 8 shows another support and centering device according to the invention with an alternative design of the support; Figure 9 shows a view from below of the support and centering device of the Figure 8 Figure 10 shows a front view of the support and centering device from the Figure 8 Figure 11 shows a top view of the support and centering device from the Figure 8Figure 12 shows a section along the section line AA from the Figure 10 Figure 13 shows a section along the section line BB from the Figure 10 .

[0042] In the Figure 3 The essential and advantageous features of a support and centering device according to the invention are shown schematically. The support and centering device has a console 2 with two wall connection elements 14, 15, which are connected to each other via the crossbeam 9. For example, a plug connection or plug-in screw connection is provided, as will be shown later with reference to the Figure 4 will be explained.

[0043] Two return levers 4, 5 are articulated to the traverse 9. Each return lever 4, 5 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 10 against the force of a spring accumulator 7, 8, which here is designed as a tension spring.

[0044] Each return lever 4, 5 has a lateral contact surface 4.1, 5.1, wherein the lateral contact surfaces 4.1 and 5.1 face each other to define a receiving space 6 between them. On the underside, the receiving space 6 is bounded by a support 1, which is mounted in a vertical linear guide 13 on the crossbeam 9 and is elastically supported on the crossbeam 9 by two compression springs 11, 12.

[0045] The center return 3 of the support and centering device is formed solely by the return levers 4, 5 and the spring accumulators 7, 8, whereby the center return 3 refers to a horizontal return.

[0046] Thus, a deflection of the coupling arm 20, which is held in the receiving space 6, in the horizontal direction leads, via contact between the corresponding lateral outer surface 17, 18 of the coupling arm 20 and the opposite lateral contact surface 4.1, 4.2, to a deflection of the respective return lever 4, 5 against the spring force of the respective spring accumulator 7, 8. As soon as the deflection force of the coupling arm 20 falls below the spring force of the spring accumulator 7, 8, the corresponding return lever 4, 5 is rotated back about the axis of rotation 10 and pushes the coupling arm 20 into the horizontal center position.

[0047] In the Figure 4 This is once again the basic representation from the Figure 3 shown in a constructive embodiment. Corresponding components are marked with the appropriate reference numerals.

[0048] From the Figure 4It becomes clear that the crossbeam 9 and the support 1 extend horizontally transversely to the longitudinal axis 19 of the coupling arm 20. It can be seen that coupling elements, such as funnels and cones, as well as air coupling connections and the like, are provided at the front end, i.e., at the free end, of the coupling arm 20.

[0049] From the Figure 4 Furthermore, the plug connection between the crossbeam 9 and the wall connection elements 14, 15 is more clearly visible. Through this plug connection, support forces absorbed by the crossbeam 9 can be transferred to the wall connection elements 14, 15 and thus to the carriage.

[0050] The one in Figure 4 The screw connection shown between the traverse 9 and the wall connection elements 14, 15 serves only to position the components relative to each other.

[0051] The linear guide 13 of the support 1 on the traverse 9 is formed by an elongated hole or a slot in the support 1 and a corresponding projection, for example a bolt and / or a screw, in the traverse 9.

[0052] From the Figure 4 It is also evident that the support 1 has a friction element 16 on its upper surface, which creates the desired static friction forces between the coupling arm (not shown) and the support 1.

[0053] In the Figures 5 and 6 are the support and centering device from the Figure 4 The connection area between the wall connection element 14 and the crossbeam 9 is shown in an exploded view. The corresponding reference symbols for the respective components are used in the illustration.

[0054] The lightweight construction is particularly evident in components made of bent sheet metal. These enable the previously described favorable deformation in the event of a crash. Furthermore, a significant advantage is achieved in the production of variants.

[0055] In the Figure 7Figure 1 shows a design for a support and centering device in which the support 1 is mounted particularly securely against tilting and oscillation in the unloaded state. Although the pin 24 of the vertical linear guide 13 acts as a pivot point in the direction of tilting of the support 1, a vertical stop 21 is provided on each side of the linear guide 13 in the lower region of the support 1, which is preferably again designed as a U-shaped bent sheet metal part. This stop limits the travel of the spring support of the support 1 when it extends and abuts the crossbeam 9. Therefore, such tilting, which is particularly likely when the support 1 is unloaded, can be avoided. The vertical stops 21 are positioned below the crossbeam 9 and abut the crossbeam 9 from below when the compression springs 11, 12 extend.The two vertical stops 21 can, for example, also be designed as dowel pins 25, which are inserted through the two legs of the U-shaped component that forms the support 1.

[0056] Advantageously, the two vertical stops 21 were also supported in the transverse direction 23 against the two spring cups 22, which, as in the design according to the Figure 4 It can be seen that the two compression springs 11, 12 are accommodated.

[0057] Furthermore, reference is made to the description of the Figures 4 to 6 referred to, whose characteristics correspond to the representation in the Figure 7 can also be provided for in this embodiment.

[0058] The in the Figures 8 to 13 The illustrated embodiment differs from that of the Figure 7by the design of the vertical stops 21. The vertical stops 21 extend in the transverse direction 23, which runs horizontally and is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 19, from one axial end to the other axial end of the support 1. According to the embodiment in the Figure 7 The vertical stops 21 are positioned below the traverse 9 and strike the traverse 9 from below when the compression springs 11, 12 rebound.

[0059] The two vertical stops 21 are positioned one behind the other along the longitudinal axis 19 at the lower end of the legs of the U-shaped body that forms the support 1. This design allows for a large contact surface for the vertical stops 21, which is advantageous with regard to component load. Furthermore, the two vertical stops 21 are supported along the longitudinal axis 19 against the spring cups 22, ensuring reliable guidance of the support 1 on both sides along the longitudinal axis 19.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the two vertical stops 21 are connected as a separate component at the lower end of the support 1. However, they could also be formed as a single unit with the base body of the support 1, which here is U-shaped.

[0061] Further details possible with this embodiment are described below. Figures 4 to 7 and the corresponding representations in the Figures 8 to 13 referred.

[0062] From the Figure 13 It is also particularly evident that the locking pin 24 of the linear guide 13 is secured with a cotter pin 26. The locking pin 24 of the linear guide 13 can also be designed accordingly. Reference symbol list

[0063] 1 Support 2 Console 3 Center reset 4 Reset lever 4.1 Lateral contact surface 5 Reset lever 5.1 Lateral contact surface 6 Receiving space 7 Spring accumulator 8 Spring accumulator 9 Crossbeam 10 Pivot axis 11 Compression spring 12 Compression spring 13 Vertical linear guide 14 Wall connection element 15 Wall connection element 16 Friction element 17 Lateral outer surface 18 Lateral outer surface 19 Longitudinal axis 20 Coupling arm 21 Vertical stop 22 Spring cup 23 Transverse direction 24 Plug pin 25 Plug pin 26 Cotter pin 30 Coupling support beam 31 Pendulum

Claims

1. Supporting and centring apparatus for a coupling arm (20) of an automatic train coupling, in particular centre buffer coupling, 1.1 comprising a resiliently supported support (1) for the coupling arm (20); 1.2 comprising a stationary console (2) for connection to a carriage or rail vehicle, on which console the support (1) is at least indirectly resiliently suspended; 1.3 comprising a centre reset means (3) for the coupling arm (20); characterized in that 1.4 the centre reset means (3) comprises at least two reset levers (4, 5) which lie opposite one another in the horizontal direction by way of a respective lateral abutment surface (4.1, 5.1) and which enclose between them a receiving space (6) for the coupling arm (20) above the support (1), wherein at least one spring mechanism (7, 8) is provided which applies a spring force to the reset levers (4, 5) that counteracts the moving apart of the lateral abutment surfaces (4.1, 5.1); 1.5 in that the console (2) comprises a crossmember (9) which extends in the horizontal direction transversely with respect to the coupling arm (20), which bears the support (1) by way of its spring support means and to which the reset levers (4, 5) are connected in an articulated manner.

2. Supporting and centring apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the articulated connection of the reset levers (4, 5) is provided in each case in a vertically central region of the reset levers (4, 5), such that the respective lateral abutment surface (4.1, 5.1) is positioned above an axis of rotation (10) of the articulated connection and a lower reset lever end is positioned below the axis of rotation (10), wherein at least one spring mechanism (7, 8) acts on the lower reset lever end in each case.

3. Supporting and centring apparatus according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the support (1) is supported on the crossmember (9) by way of at least one or two compression springs (11, 12).

4. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support (1) is oriented on the crossmember (9) by means of a vertical linear guide (13).

5. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, per reset lever (4, 5), at least one spring mechanism (7, 8) is provided which acts, on the one hand, on the reset lever (4, 5) and, on the other hand, on the console (2), wherein the spring mechanism (7, 8) is embodied in particular as a tension spring.

6. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the console (2) comprises two wall connection elements (14, 15) which are connected to one another by way of the crossmember (9).

7. Supporting and centring apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the crossmember (9) is connected to the wall connection elements in a form-fitting manner, in particular is plugged into or plugged through the wall connection elements (14, 15).

8. Supporting and centring apparatus according to either one of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the crossmember (9) and / or the wall connection elements (14, 15) are / is embodied as bent sheet metal components.

9. Supporting and centring apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that the crossmember (9) is embodied as, or comprises, a U-shaped profile.

10. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support (1) is produced as a U-shaped profile, in particular in the form of a bent sheet metal component.

11. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support (1) is provided, on its surface facing the receiving space (6), with a friction element (16) which increases the static friction coefficient, in particular in the form of an applied plate.

12. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support (1) has at least one vertical stop (21) which strikes against the crossmember (9) in the event of rebound in order to limit the rebound travel of the spring support means of the support (1).

13. Supporting and centring apparatus according to Claim 12, characterized in that the at least one vertical stop (21) is arranged below the crossmember (9).

14. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the support (1), in particular the at least one vertical stop (21) thereof, is supported in the horizontal direction and in particular perpendicularly with respect to the crossmember (9) against spring pots (22) which are connected to the crossmember (9) and which bear the two compression springs (11, 12).

15. Supporting and centring apparatus according to Claim 14 and in particular either one of Claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the at least one vertical stop (21) extends in a transverse direction (23), in which the crossmember (9) extends in the direction from the one to the other reset lever (4, 5), from one axial end to the other axial end of the support (1), or at least one vertical stop (21) is provided in the region of each axial end of the support (1).

16. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 4 to 15, characterized in that the vertical linear guide (13) is arranged in the centre between the axial ends of the support (1).

17. Supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the vertical stop (21) is integrally formed on the support (1) in the region of a lower end of the support (1) or is mounted thereon as a separate component.

18. Automatic coupling comprising a horizontally or horizontally and vertically deflectable coupling arm (20) and a supporting and centring apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 17, wherein the coupling arm (20) extends through the receiving space (6), is resiliently supported vertically from below by the support (1) and lies at a distance opposite, or rests on, the lateral abutment surfaces (4.1, 5.1) horizontally by way of two lateral outer surfaces (17, 18).