Electrical contact coupling for an automatic central coupling or central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling (1) for an automatic central coupling or central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle. The electrical contact coupling (1) has a coupling housing and at least one centring member (5, 6), which is arranged on the coupling housing (2) and which is designed to align the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) in relation to a coupling housing (2') of a mating electrical contact coupling (1'). According to the invention, in particular, the electrical contact coupling (1) has at least one blocking member (7, 8), which is arranged preferably on the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) and which is designed to block an in particular automatic alignment of the coupling housing (2) by means of the at least one centring member (5, 6) until the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) and the coupling housing (2') of the mating electrical contact coupling (1') are present in a gripping region defined beforehand.

Description

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

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates generally to arrangements for transmitting signals and / or energy between adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle.

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle.

[0005] Automatic center couplings or center buffer couplings of the type considered here serve to mechanically and force-lock a first car body to an adjacent second car body of a multi-unit vehicle. Such automatic center couplings or center buffer couplings enable quick and easy coupling and uncoupling of car bodies of a track-guided vehicle, such as a rail vehicle.

[0006] An example of such an automatic center coupling is a center buffer coupling of the "Tightlock / AAR" type. With this automatic center buffer coupling, when two adjacent car bodies are mechanically coupled, the coupling claw of the center coupling of one car body is non-positively connected to the coupling claw of the center coupling of the other car body in order to be able to transmit tensile and impact forces between the mechanically coupled car bodies.

[0007] In addition to the mechanical coupling of adjacent car bodies, electrical lines, such as power supply and data lines, are usually coupled simultaneously via several contact terminals arranged in an electrical contact carrier. Furthermore, a simultaneous coupling process for compressed air lines can be provided.

[0008] A coupling process of lines (electrical lines and compressed air lines) that takes place simultaneously with the mechanical coupling process requires, in particular for the contact terminals of the electrical connections, that the mechanical coupling consisting of the two coupling heads of the adjacent car bodies is a rigid or rigidified system in order to ensure the necessary contact pressure and, in particular, to avoid the occurrence of arcs between the contact terminals to be coupled.

[0009] For example, it is known from DE 2 414 384 A1 to design a coupling head for the mechanical coupling of adjacent car bodies in such a way that the coupling head has a flat end face arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis at the front end in the coupling plane, which faces the corresponding abutting face of the mating coupling. A compressed air terminal for coupling a compressed air line is provided on or in this abutting face.

[0010] However, the principle of this prior art arrangement, in which rigid and play-free end faces of the respective car bodies abut one another, cannot be readily applied to certain types of center couplings or center buffer couplings. In particular, claw couplings, such as the "AAR" or "Tightlock" type, often do not have end faces or abutment surfaces aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, each coupling head of this type inherently exhibits a certain amount of play during the coupling process, so that longitudinal and transverse movements can occur between the respective coupling heads. These movements must be compensated accordingly to ensure proper coupling of the electrical contact carrier and, above all, to prevent the occurrence of material-damaging arcs at the contact terminals.

[0011] To solve this problem, document EP 1 102 696 A1 proposes an electrical contact coupling for central buffer couplings or central couplings, in particular for claw couplings, for example of the "AAR" type, in which an electrical contact coupling is arranged below the mechanical coupling head in such a way that the electrical contact coupling is longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the central coupling or central buffer coupling. It is provided that the electrical contact coupling is displaced behind the coupling plane in the uncoupled state. In this position, damage to the electrical contact carrier can be avoided if the coupling head moves over the coupling plane due to its design-related play.

[0012] Although the approach known from EP 1 102 696 A1 provides centering elements and locking points on the electrical contact coupling to improve the contact pressure, this prior art approach does not address the problem of increased play in the mechanical coupling. This leads, on the one hand, to high loads on the electrical contacts and, on the other hand, to the fact that secure contact between two coupled electrical contact couplings cannot always be guaranteed.

[0013] A further disadvantage of the approach known from EP 1 102 696 A1, in which the electrical contact coupling is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the coupling head of the mechanical coupling, is that a relatively complex mechanism is required for the longitudinal displacement of the electrical contact coupling. This, on the one hand, entails disadvantages with regard to the weight of the center coupling or center buffer coupling. On the other hand, the mechanism required for the longitudinal displacement of the electrical contact coupling is relatively complex and, in particular, requires additional installation space.

[0014] The document DE 24 14 384 A1 relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle. The coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling is arranged on the mechanical coupling head of the center coupling or center buffer coupling so that it can be displaced longitudinally and is operable automatically or manually. After the mechanical coupling heads of a center coupling or center buffer coupling are coupled to a mating coupling, the electrical contact couplings are transferred to the coupling plane so that the electrical contact couplings can then be coupled to one another. The document DE 199 21 611 A1 also relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle.Here, too, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling is moved into the coupling plane after a mechanical connection has been established between the mechanical coupling heads of the central couplings to be coupled together.

[0015] The document DE 69 42 919 U relates to a cardanic suspension for an electrical contact coupling of an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a rail vehicle.

[0016] From the document US 3,249,239 A it is known to arrange an electrical contact coupling rigidly with the coupling head of a mechanical coupling, wherein the electrical contact coupling has guide elements in order to align the coupling heads to be coupled together during the coupling process.

[0017] The document WO 2000 / 74994 A1 relates to an electrical contact coupling for automatic central or central buffer couplings for rail vehicles with a contact carrier which is fastened to a coupling head of the mechanical coupling and is guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the coupling.

[0018] The electrical contact couplings known from the aforementioned prior art have the disadvantage that mechanical wear often occurs during the coupling process of the electrical contact couplings on the power or data-carrying connections that are to be coupled to the electrical contact couplings of two adjacent cars or car bodies. This applies particularly to electrical contact couplings that are rigidly connected to the mechanical coupling heads (see, for example, US 3,249,239 A).

[0019] Although arrangements with longitudinally guided electrical contact couplings above, to the side, or below the mechanical coupling head are known, the arrangements known from the prior art are relatively complex. However, when developing an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling with an electrical contact coupling, it is particularly important to demonstrate an economical and flat solution for the design and arrangement of the electrical contact coupling, which can be coupled together with the mechanical coupling of the coupling head.

[0020] However, due to the increased backlash and the associated constant movement of this coupling type, such solutions are often only feasible with considerable technical or economic effort. Furthermore, such solutions are often difficult or limited to practical use, as the vertically mounted central buffer couplings or central couplings lack the necessary installation space and clearance for the electrical contact coupling.

[0021] In state-of-the-art systems, regular maintenance and inspection of the power and data connections are necessary to ensure proper signal and data transmission. In particular, it is necessary to regularly inspect and replace the connections to the parts of the electrical contact coupling that move relative to the mechanical coupling head, as these are subject to high levels of mechanical wear.

[0022] There is therefore a need for a solution which ensures that when coupling the electrical contact couplings, the mechanical coupling represents a rigid or rigidly made system, wherein, in addition, the electrical contact couplings can be coupled in a simple manner with the smallest possible dimensions, whereby a required contact pressure is ensured and, in particular, the occurrence of arcs between the contact terminals to be coupled is avoided.

[0023] Based on the described problem, the present invention is based, in particular, on the object of providing an arrangement for transmitting power and / or signals between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a track-guided vehicle, which is characterized by its simple design, robust construction, high strength, and low cost. Furthermore, the arrangement for transmitting power and / or signals should be as universally applicable as possible, particularly for both passenger and freight trains.

[0024] There is therefore an effort to specify, in particular, an electric contact coupling for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, which represents a solution that is as simple to implement and as economical as possible for the problems described above which arise during automatic coupling, in particular of the electric contact coupling.

[0025] This object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous further developments thereof are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0026] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling has a coupling housing. A plurality of contact terminals are arranged on a coupling-plane-side end face of the coupling housing, via which energy and / or signals can be transmitted to an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling.

[0027] The electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises at least one centering member arranged on the coupling housing, which is designed to align and in particular to center the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling with respect to a coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling ("counter-electrical contact coupling"), in particular automatically.

[0028] The solution according to the invention is characterized in particular in that the electrical contact coupling has at least one blocking element, which is preferably arranged on the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling and which is designed to block an alignment, in particular automatic alignment, of the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling with respect to the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling, brought about by means of the at least one centering element, until the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling and the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling are in a predefined gripping area.

[0029] The advantages achievable with the invention are obvious: by providing at least one blocking element, which is preferably arranged on the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling, it is ensured that the centering elements of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled together can only interact with each other to center or align the corresponding electrical contact couplings when it is ensured that the two electrical contact couplings are actually located within their predetermined gripping range. This prevents, in particular, the centering elements of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled together from interacting with each other and aligning the electrical contact couplings against each other before an at least sufficiently rigid mechanical connection with the mechanical coupling heads of the automatic center coupling or automatic center buffer coupling has yet to be established.The centering devices are therefore only actually used when a mechanically rigid connection between the couplings to be coupled has already been provided by the mechanical coupling heads of the automatic center coupling or automatic center buffer coupling.

[0030] In particular, this prevents the centering elements of the electrical contact couplings from interacting with each other before the mechanically rigid connection with the mechanical coupling heads of the center coupling or center buffer coupling is established. This ensures, in a simple but particularly effective way, that the centering of the electrical contact couplings with the help of the centering elements does not also center the mechanical coupling heads.

[0031] By providing at least one blocking element, longitudinal displacement of the electrical contact coupling relative to the mechanical coupling head can be eliminated, while simultaneously ensuring that the contact terminals of the electrical contact coupling are subject to only minimal wear during the coupling process. Thus, the complex mechanism known from the prior art for longitudinal displacement of the electrical contact coupling relative to the mechanical coupling head can be eliminated.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the electrical contact coupling comprises at least one centering bushing and at least one centering bolt as a centering element. The at least one centering bushing of the electrical contact coupling is designed, at least in some areas, to complement a centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling. On the other hand, the at least one centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling is designed, at least in some areas, to complement a centering bushing of the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling.

[0033] The at least one centering bushing and the at least one centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling, or the at least one centering bolt and the at least one centering bushing of the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling, are arranged complementarily with respect to a mirror plane perpendicular to the coupling plane. This complementary arrangement of the bolt / bush arrangement ensures that a correspondingly complementarily arranged and designed centering bolt can be accommodated in the centering bushing of the electrical contact coupling when coupling with the electrical contact coupling of the adjacent car body.

[0034] With regard to the at least one blocking element of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, embodiments of the invention provide for it to have at least one region projecting in the direction of the coupling plane. This is, in particular, a nose-shaped region.

[0035] The projecting portion is designed to interact with at least one portion of the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling, designed as a blocking member and projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, during a coupling process between the electrical contact coupling and the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling. In particular, it is provided in this context that the blocking members of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled interact in such a way that interaction and, in particular, intermeshing of the centering members of the electrical contact couplings is blocked until the centering members of the electrical contact couplings are within a predetermined engagement range.

[0036] According to a preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling has at least one centering bushing and at least one centering bolt as a centering member.

[0037] Furthermore, in this implementation, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling has, as a blocking element, at least one and preferably two first regions, in particular nose-shaped regions, assigned to the centering bush and projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, and that the electrical contact coupling has, as a blocking element, a second region, in particular a nose-shaped region, assigned to the centering bolt and projecting in the direction of the coupling plane.

[0038] The term "associated projecting region" used herein means that the first region projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, which is associated with the centering bush, is arranged adjacent to the centering bush in a vertical plan view of the electrical contact coupling. Similarly, the term means that the second region projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, which is associated with the centering bolt, is arranged adjacent to the centering bolt in a vertical plan view of the electrical contact coupling.

[0039] In particular, it is provided in this context that the preferably two first regions projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, i.e. the blocking members which are assigned to the centering bush or are arranged adjacent to the centering bush in a vertical plan view of the electrical contact coupling, are arranged on the coupling housing and / or are designed in such a way that, during a coupling process of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled, they abut against a projecting region of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling which is assigned to a centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling, if the electrical contact couplings are not in their predefined gripping range.

[0040] By abutting the locking elements of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled in this state, the corresponding centering elements of the electrical contact couplings are effectively prevented from interacting with each other. Self-centering of the electrical contact couplings with the aid of the centering elements is thus effectively prevented.

[0041] Alternatively or in addition to the last-mentioned embodiment, it can be provided that the second region projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, i.e. the blocking member which is assigned to the centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling or is provided adjacent to the centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling in a vertical plan view of the electrical contact coupling, is arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing in such a way that this blocking member, during a coupling process of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled, strikes against a projecting region of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling which is assigned to a centering bush of the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling, if the electrical contact couplings are not in their predefined gripping range.

[0042] Here too, the collision of the corresponding blocking elements of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled prevents interaction of the corresponding centering elements of the electrical contact couplings.

[0043] On the other hand, it is preferred that the preferably two first regions of the electrical contact coupling projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, i.e. the blocking members associated with the centering bush of the electrical contact coupling, are arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing in such a way that a blocking member associated with the centering bolt of the counter-coupling can be accommodated at least in regions between these blocking members and the centering bush of the electrical contact coupling when the electrical contact couplings are in their predefined gripping range.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second blocking member, i.e. the blocking member which is assigned to the centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling, is arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing in such a way that this blocking member can be accommodated at least in regions between a blocking member assigned to the centering bushing of the counter-coupling and the centering bushing of the counter-coupling when the electrical contact couplings are in their predefined gripping range.

[0045] In these situations, the blocking elements of the electrical contact couplings to be coupled no longer block the interaction of the corresponding centering elements.

[0046] In order to ensure that the blocking elements effectively enable the centering function of the centering elements to be blocked as required, at least one blocking element of the electrical contact coupling should protrude at least as far and preferably further in the direction of the coupling plane than the centering element of the electrical contact coupling designed as a centering bolt.

[0047] As already explained, with the electrical contact coupling according to the invention it is no longer necessary for the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling to be designed to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the coupling housing of the automatic central or central buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle.

[0048] Instead, according to preferred embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling has a holder via which the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling is or can be connected in particular to a coupling housing of the automatic central or central buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle.

[0049] In this context, it is advisable that the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling is connected via the holder, in particular in a resilient manner, to the coupling housing of the automatic central or central buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle in such a way that the coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling is movable relative to the coupling housing of the automatic central or central buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle, at least in some areas, in or against the direction of the coupling plane.

[0050] The invention further relates to an arrangement for transmitting energy and / or signals between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a track-guided vehicle, as required in the independent patent claim 10.

[0051] This arrangement is characterized in particular in that it has a first electrical contact coupling of the aforementioned type according to the invention, which is connected in particular via an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling to a first of the two adjacent car bodies.

[0052] The arrangement according to the invention further comprises a second electrical contact coupling of the type according to the invention described above, which is connected in particular via an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling to a second of the two adjacent car bodies.

[0053] The invention further relates to an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, with a mechanical coupling head for forming a mechanical connection with the coupling head of a counter-coupling and with an electrical contact coupling of the aforementioned type according to the invention for transmitting energy and / or signals between two adjacent car bodies of the multi-unit vehicle.

[0054] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Shown are: FIG. 1 schematically and in an isometric view an electrical contact coupling, known at least in principle from the prior art, for automatic central or central buffer couplings of rail vehicles with the protective flap open;

[0056] FIG. 2 shows schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention for automatic center couplings or center buffer couplings of rail vehicles with the protective flap open;

[0057] FIG. 3a shows schematically and in a plan view two electrical contact couplings during the coupling process, wherein the centering of the electrical contact couplings is outside the gripping area;

[0058] FIG. 3b shows schematically and in plan view the electrical contact couplings according to FIG. 3a, wherein the centering of the electrical contact couplings lies within the gripping area; and

[0059] FIG. 4 shows schematically and in a front view a variant embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention (not covered by the claimed invention), with the protective flap open.

[0060] In the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally equivalent elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a schematic and isometric view of an electrical contact coupling 1 known from the prior art with an open protective flap 11. The electrical contact coupling 1 shown schematically in FIG. 1 is suitable as an electrical contact coupling 1 for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. The center coupling or center buffer coupling (not shown in the drawings) comprises a mechanical contact coupling, which can in particular be designed as a Scharfenberg® coupling, and which is designed to form a mechanical connection between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-unit vehicle assembly with a mechanical counter-coupling.

[0062] The electrical contact couplings 1, 1' shown in the drawings are used to transmit power and / or signals between adjacent car bodies. Each electrical contact coupling 1, 1' is assigned to a mechanical coupling, i.e., a coupling for forming a mechanical connection between two adjacent car bodies. The mating electrical contact coupling or electrical contact coupling 1' of the mating coupling is assigned accordingly to the mechanical mating coupling.

[0063] The electrical contact coupling 1, 1' has a coupling housing 2, 2', wherein a plurality of contact terminals 4 are arranged on a coupling-plane-side end face 3 of the coupling housing 2, 2', via which energy and / or signals can be transmitted to a counter electrical contact coupling or electrical contact coupling 1' of a counter coupling.

[0064] For this purpose, a contact carrier is used, which can also be referred to as an "interface unit", and which has a plurality of connection elements in the form of contact terminals 4.

[0065] Furthermore, the electrical contact coupling 1 can have a protective flap 11 for covering access to the contact terminals 4. Furthermore, the electrical contact coupling 1 can have an actuating device (not shown in the drawings) for moving the protective flap 11 between a first position in which the protective flap 11 covers the contact terminals 4 and a second position in which the protective flap 11 exposes the contact terminals 4.

[0066] The contact terminals 4 of the contact carrier 3 are connected in particular to electrical lines, in particular electrical supply lines and / or electrical signal lines. The contact terminals 4 comprise corresponding connection contacts, which form the free ends of the electrical lines. The connection contacts have sockets and plugs.

[0067] In addition, the contact carrier 3 has at least one centering bolt 6, 6' for additional centering of the electrical contact coupling 1 with a counter-electrocontact coupling 1', ie a counter-electrical contact coupling.

[0068] Furthermore, a centering bushing 5, 5' is provided. When coupling the electrical contact coupling 1, the centering pin 6, 6' is guided into a corresponding centering bushing 5', 5' of the opposite electrical contact coupling 1', and the centering pin 6', 6 of the opposite electrical contact coupling 1' is guided into the centering bushing 5, 5' of the electrical contact coupling 1. By inserting the centering pin 6, 6' and the centering bushing 5, 5' into one another, the two contact carriers 3 or the coupling housings 2, 2' of the two electrical contact couplings 1, 1' are centered.

[0069] Alternatively, the contact carrier 3 may, for example, only have connection elements for electrical supply lines or electrical signal lines or a combination of these.

[0070] During a coupling process, the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' to be coupled, i.e., the electrical contact coupling 1 and the matching mating electrical contact coupling T, are aligned with each other via the corresponding centering elements, in particular via the centering pin 6, 6' and the centering bushing 5, 5'. The dimensions of the centering elements 5, 5'; 6, 6' and in particular the diameter of the centering pin 6, 6' and the centering bushing 5, 5' determine the gripping range of the electrical contact couplings 1, 1'.

[0071] In a fixed electrical contact coupling 1, as shown in the drawings, i.e., an electrical contact coupling 1 that is designed without separate actuation and, in particular, is not designed to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the coupling head of the mechanical coupling, the mechanical coupling head must be pre-centered to such an extent that the centering can meet on the electrical contact coupling 1. In other words, the gripping area of ​​the electrical contact coupling 1 must be as large as the mechanical coupling head is already pre-centered before the centering of the electrical contact coupling 1 engages.

[0072] Gripping range investigations on mechanical coupling heads in extreme positions have shown, however, that the gripping range of the electrical contact coupling 1 is often insufficient.

[0073] Furthermore, it was found that in the case of the electrical contact coupling 1 according to the embodiment variant shown, for example, in FIG. 1, if the electrical contact coupling 1 is designed as a fixed electrical contact coupling 1, there is a risk that the centering of the electrical contact coupling 1 will also center the mechanical coupling head.

[0074] To solve this problem, the invention proposes an electrical contact coupling 1, as shown as an exemplary embodiment in an isometric view in FIG. 2.

[0075] Like the embodiment known from the prior art and shown schematically in FIG. 1, the embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 1 according to the invention according to FIG. 2 has a coupling housing 2, wherein a plurality of contact terminals 4 are arranged on a coupling plane-side end face 3 of the coupling housing 2, i.e. on the contact carrier 3 of the electrical contact coupling 1, via which energy and / or signals are / are transmitted to an electrical contact coupling 1 of a counter-coupling or a counter-electrical contact coupling.

[0076] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 is provided with centering elements 5, 6, which are arranged on the coupling housing 2. The centering elements 5, 6 are designed to align, and in particular to center, the coupling housing 2 of the electrical contact coupling 1 with respect to a coupling housing 2' of a mating electrical contact coupling 1', in particular automatically. As can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 2, a centering bushing 5 and a centering bolt 6 are used as centering elements in the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 1 according to the invention. The centering bushing 5 of the electrical contact coupling 1 is designed, at least in some regions, to be complementary to a centering bolt 6' of the mating electrical contact coupling 1' (not shown in FIG. 2).In the same way, the centering bolt 6 of the electrical contact coupling 1 is designed to be at least partially complementary to a centering bushing 5' of the counter electrical contact coupling 1' (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0077] The solution according to the invention, as shown schematically with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, is characterized in that the electrical contact coupling 1 has blocking elements 7, 8 which are arranged on the coupling housing 2 of the electrical contact coupling 1.

[0078] The blocking members 7, 8 are designed to block an alignment of the coupling housing 2 of the electrical contact coupling 1 with respect to the coupling housing 2' of the counter electrical contact coupling 1', which alignment is effected in particular automatically by means of the centering members (centering bolt 6, centering bush 5), until the coupling housing 2 of the electrical contact coupling 1 and the coupling housing 2' of the counter electrical contact coupling 1' are in a predetermined gripping range.

[0079] In this context, in the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2, it is provided that several areas (noses) projecting in the direction of the coupling plane are provided as blocking elements 7, 8.

[0080] These projecting regions are designed to interact with a corresponding blocking element 7', 8' of the mating electrical contact coupling 1' during a coupling process of the electrical contact coupling 1 with the electrical contact coupling 1' of the mating coupling, such that interaction and, in particular, intermeshing of the centering elements 7, 8; 7', 8' of the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' to be coupled is blocked until the centering elements 5, 6; 5', 6' of the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' are within a predetermined gripping range. In the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2, the electrical contact coupling 1 has, as a blocking element, two first regions 7 projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, which are assigned to the centering bushing 5.

[0081] In addition, the electrical contact coupling 1 has, as a (further) blocking element, a second region 8 projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, which is assigned to the centering bolt 6.

[0082] With reference to the illustration in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, the mode of operation of the blocking elements 7, 8; 7', 8' is described in more detail below.

[0083] In detail, FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b show a coupling process of two opposing electrical contact couplings 1, 1' according to FIG. 2, in a plan view from above and from below onto the area of ​​the coupling plane, respectively.

[0084] FIG. 3a shows a state in which the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' are not within their predetermined gripping range. In this state, the blocking members 7, 8; 7', 8' of the two electrical contact couplings 1, 1' to be coupled together collide with each other, thus preventing the corresponding centering members 5, 6; 5', 6' from interacting.

[0085] In FIG. 3b, however, a state is shown in which the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' are located in the predefined gripping range, and in which the corresponding centering members 5, 6; 5', 6' of the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' interact with each other.

[0086] In detail, FIG. 3b shows that in this state, the centering pin 6, 6' is received between the two first blocking members 7, 7'. This partial reception of the corresponding blocking member eliminates any blockage of the centering members.

[0087] The electrical contact coupling 1 according to the invention, as shown schematically and using an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, is particularly characterized in that the coupling housing 2, 2' of the electrical contact coupling 1 has a holder 9, via which the coupling housing 2, 2' of the electrical contact coupling 1 is or can be connected to in particular a coupling housing 2, 2' of the automatic central or central buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle, ie to the coupling housing 2, 2' of the mechanical coupling.

[0088] In detail, the coupling housing 2, 2' of the electrical contact coupling 1 is connected via the holder 9 in particular in a resilient manner to the coupling housing 2, 2' of the mechanical coupling, which allows the coupling housing 2, 2' of the electrical contact coupling 1 to be moved relative to the coupling housing 2, 2' of the mechanical coupling at least in regions in or opposite to the direction of the coupling plane.

[0089] In brief, the invention provides that the coupling housing 2, 2' of the electrical contact coupling 1 has blocking elements, in particular in the form of "noses", which prevent the engagement of the centering of the electrical contact coupling 1 until the mechanical coupling heads of the couplings to be coupled are pre-centered so that the centering of the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' can be found.

[0090] If - as indicated in FIG. 3a - the mechanical coupling head is not sufficiently centered (the centering of the electrical contact coupling 1 is outside the gripping range), the blocking elements of the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' to be coupled collide with each other and the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' can deflect horizontally due to the spring suspension.

[0091] If, however, the mechanical coupling heads are sufficiently centered (see FIG. 3b), the locking elements slide past each other, and the electrical contact couplings 1, 1' are moved into their coupling plane by the spring preload and aligned by their centering elements. This ensures that the electrical contact coupling 1 does not center the mechanical coupling head.

[0092] In FIG. 4 is shown a variant of the inventive

[0093] An electrical contact coupling 1 is shown, although this embodiment is not covered by the currently applicable patent claims. In the electrical contact coupling 1 shown schematically in FIG. 4, the centering bushing 5, 5' is enlarged. The centering pin 6, 6' of the matching mating electrical contact coupling engages the enlarged surface of the centering bushing 5, 5' and only locates the bushing bore when the mechanical coupling head is sufficiently centered.

[0094] However, compared to the embodiment variant described above with reference in particular to the illustration in FIG. 2, the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 4 is disadvantageous due to the lack of space required and the expected wear on the centering bolt 6, 6'.

[0095] Nevertheless, the applicant reserves the option of protecting the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, if necessary within the framework of a divisional application.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a combination of all features disclosed herein.

[0097] Reference symbols list Electrical contact coupling ' Counter electrical contact coupling Coupling housing of the electrical contact coupling ' Coupling housing of the counter electrical contact coupling Contact carrier 3 / Coupling-side end face Contact terminal Centering element / Centering bush of the electrical contact coupling ' Centering element / Centering bush of the counter electrical contact coupling Centering element / Centering bolt of the electrical contact coupling ' Centering element / Centering bolt of the counter electrical contact coupling First blocking element of the electrical contact coupling ' First blocking element of the counter electrical contact coupling Second blocking element of the electrical contact coupling ' Second blocking element of the counter electrical contact coupling Bracket 0 Spring 1 Protective flap

Claims

Claims: Electrical contact coupling (1) for an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling (1) comprises: a coupling housing (2), wherein a plurality of contact terminals (4) are arranged on a coupling-plane end face (3) of the coupling housing (2), via which energy and / or signals can be transmitted to an electrical contact coupling (T) of a mating coupling; and at least one centering element (5, 6) arranged on the coupling housing (2), which is configured to align and center the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) with respect to a coupling housing (2') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling, characterized in particular by:that the electrical contact coupling (1) has at least one locking element (7, 8) preferably arranged on the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1), which is configured to block, with the aid of the at least one centering element (5, 6), in particular automatic alignment of the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) with respect to the coupling housing (2') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling until the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) and the coupling housing (2') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling are in a predetermined gripping range. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contact coupling (1) has, as a centering element (5, 6), at least one centering bushing (5) and at least one centering pin (6),wherein the at least one centering bushing (5) of the electrical contact coupling (1) is at least partially complementary to a centering bolt (6') of the electrical contact coupling (!') of the mating coupling and the at least, a centering bolt (6) of the electrical contact coupling (1) is designed to be at least partially complementary to a centering bushing (5') of the electrical contact coupling (!') of the counter coupling.

3. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical contact coupling (1) has, as a locking element (7, 8), at least one area projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, which is configured to interact during a coupling process of the electrical contact coupling (1) with the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling with at least one area of ​​the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling designed as a locking element (7', 8') and projecting in the direction of the coupling plane, such that an interaction and, in particular, an engagement of the at least one centering element (5, 6) of the electrical contact coupling (1) with a centering element (5', 6') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling, which is designed to project in the direction of the coupling plane, is blocked until the centering elements (5, 6; 5', 6') of the electrical contact couplings (1, 1') are in a predetermined gripping area.

4. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical contact coupling (1) has at least one centering bushing (5) and at least one centering pin (6) as a centering element (5, 6), and wherein the electrical contact coupling (1) has first areas (7) associated with the centering bushing (5) and projecting in the direction of the coupling plane as a locking element (7, 8) and a second area (8) associated with the centering pin (6) and projecting in the direction of the coupling plane.

5. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first areas (7) projecting in the direction of the coupling plane are arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing (2) such that, during a coupling process of the electrical contact coupling (1) with the electrical contact coupling (T) of the counter coupling, they abut against a projecting area associated with a centering pin (6') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the counter coupling. the electrical contact couplings (1, 1') are not in their predetermined gripping range; and / or wherein the second area (8) projecting towards the coupling plane is arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing (2) such that, during a coupling operation of the electrical contact coupling (1) with the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling, it abuts a projecting area (7') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling associated with a centering bushing (5') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling, if the electrical contact couplings (1, 1') are not in their predetermined gripping range. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first areas projecting towards the coupling plane (7) of the electrical contact coupling (1) are arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing (2) such that the second area (8') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling, projecting towards the coupling plane, can be received at least partially between the first projecting areas (7) and the centering bushing (5) of the electrical contact coupling (1) when the electrical contact couplings (1, 1') are in their predetermined gripping range; and / or wherein the second area projecting towards the coupling plane (8) the electrical contact coupling (1) is arranged and / or designed on the coupling housing (2) such that the latter can be received at least partially between two projecting first areas (7') and the centering bushing (5') of the electrical contact coupling (T) of the mating coupling when the electrical contact couplings (1, 1') are in their predetermined gripping range. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and according to claim 3, wherein the at least one area designed as a locking element (7, 8) projects at least as far and preferably further into the coupling plane than the at least one centering element (5, 6) designed as a centering pin (6) of the electrical contact coupling (1).

8. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) has a holder (9) via which the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) is connected or connectable to, in particular, a coupling housing of the mechanical coupling of the automatic center or center buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle.

9. Electrical contact coupling (1) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) is connected via the support (9) in a particularly resilient manner to the coupling housing (2) of the mechanical coupling of the automatic center or center buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle, such that the coupling housing (2) of the electrical contact coupling (1) is movable relative to the coupling housing (2) of the mechanical coupling of the automatic center or center buffer coupling of the track-guided vehicle at least partially in or against the direction of the coupling plane.

10. Arrangement for transmitting energy and / or signals between two adjacent car bodies of a multi-section vehicle, in particular a track-guided vehicle, wherein the arrangement comprises a first electrical contact coupling (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which is connected in particular to a first of the two adjacent car bodies via an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling, and wherein the arrangement further comprises a second electrical contact coupling (T) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which is connected in particular to a second of the two adjacent car bodies via an automatic center coupling or center buffer coupling.

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