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

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact coupling (8) for an automatic central buffer coupling (1) of a track-guided vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a housing (9) which, when required, is longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to a coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) between a first position, in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its inoperative position ready for coupling, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its coupled position. According to the invention, it is provided in particular that a movement mechanism of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is assigned a locking mechanism which is designed to lock the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) in the first position until the locking mechanism is mechanically released by a corresponding release element of a mating coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling, in particular during a coupling operation between the electrical contact coupling (8) and the mating coupling or the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling.

Description

[0001] ELECTROCONTACT COUPLING FOR AN AUTOMATIC

[0002] CENTER BUFFER COUPLING OF A RAIL-GUIDED VEHICLE

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates generally to track-guided vehicles and, in particular, to rail vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to coupling arrangements for track-guided vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, which incorporate automatic center buffer couplings.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, it relates to an automatic center buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle, wherein the automatic center buffer coupling has an electrical contact coupling.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the invention, this relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle.

[0007] Electric center buffer couplings, which enable quick and easy coupling and uncoupling of wagons of a track-guided vehicle, are essentially familiar from rail vehicle technology. When mechanically connecting / coupling two adjacent wagons in a train, the mechanical coupling heads of the automatic center buffer coupling are frictionally connected to transfer traction and impact forces between the mechanically coupled wagons.

[0008] In addition to the mechanical coupling of adjacent wagons, electrical lines, such as power supply and / or data lines, are usually coupled simultaneously via several contact terminals arranged in an electrical contact carrier. Conventional electrical contact couplings for automatic center buffer couplings of a rail-guided vehicle are usually arranged adjacent to the mechanical coupling head of the center buffer coupling and typically have a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements (terminals) is arranged.

[0009] The electrical contact coupling also typically includes a protective flap (also referred to herein as "flap") for covering access to the connection elements of the interface unit. In approaches known from the prior art, the protective flap is connected to an actuating device for moving the protective flap between a first position in which the protective flap covers the access and a second position in which the protective flap releases the access.

[0010] For example, it is known from document EP 4 069 572 A1 that the electrical contact coupling is pushed forward toward the coupling plane by compression springs, while the protective flap is held in the closed position by leg springs. During the coupling process, the flaps of two adjacent electrical contact couplings collide and press against each other. The electrical contact couplings can deflect backward against the compression springs during the coupling impact and are pressed against each other by these springs when coupled.

[0011] To be able to push the flaps together, they must have a specific contour relative to their axis of rotation and protrude forward beyond the coupling plane. The flap, which protrudes forward when closed, then lies above the housing of the electrical contact coupling when open.

[0012] The disadvantage of such an electrical contact coupling is particularly that, due to the necessary special contour and geometry of the flap above the housing of the electrical contact coupling, a relatively large free space is necessary so that the flap can be accommodated there when the electrical contact coupling is open.

[0013] Thus, the approach known from EP 4 069 572 A1 is not suitable for electrical contact couplings that require a reduced overall height due to their application or design. The flap geometries required for mutual pressing together cannot generally be modified to such an extent that such installation space requirements can be met while simultaneously maintaining the mutual pressing-together function.

[0014] On the other hand, for example, from the document DE 40 13 493 A1, a typical electric contact coupling used in passenger transport with an automatic central buffer coupling of type 10 is known, in which the electric contact coupling is moved forward towards the coupling level with the aid of a pneumatic cylinder and deflection levers after the mechanical coupling process has been completed.

[0015] When the housing of the electrical contact coupling is moved forward toward the coupling plane, the flap of the electrical contact coupling is folded upward by a control arm. The tension springs on the flap move past a dead center when the flap is opened, so that the tension springs keep the flap closed when closed and open when opened.

[0016] The electrical contact coupling known from DE 40 13 493 A1 requires a sensor system that detects the condition of the mechanical coupling. Furthermore, compressed air is required to move the electrical contact coupling to the coupling plane, which supplies the actuator cylinder of the electrical contact coupling drive.

[0017] Finally, an appropriate control system is required to control the necessary valves for controlling the movement cylinder and for moving the electrical contact coupling.

[0018] However, such a pneumatic advance of the electrical contact coupling is not possible with automatic central buffer couplings, which do not have compressed air.

[0019] A further disadvantage of the electrical contact coupling used in passenger transport is that it also requires a relatively large installation space. The inclusion of the necessary sensors and control system for the pneumatic drive also increases the weight and complexity of the electrical contact coupling.

[0020] Even though it is already generally known from the state of the art that when coupling two automatic central buffer couplings the corresponding electrical contact couplings are only coupled when a connection has already been established via the mechanical coupling heads of the central buffer couplings, the problem that has not yet been recognized is that care must be taken to ensure that an electrical contact coupling of a central buffer coupling is not moved into the ready-to-couple position if the counter-coupling is designed without an electrical contact coupling, for example, or if the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling is not compatible with the electrical contact coupling of the central buffer coupling.

[0021] This problem becomes increasingly important when, for example, freight wagons are to be equipped with automatic center buffer couplings. To date, freight wagons are generally not equipped with automatic center buffer couplings. Therefore, especially during a transitional phase in which wagons with a center buffer coupling but without an electric contact coupling, and wagons with a center buffer coupling and an electric contact coupling are in service, it is important to ensure that the electric contact coupling of a center buffer coupling is only moved into its coupled position if the counter-coupling is actually also equipped with an electric contact coupling, and in particular, with a compatible electric contact coupling.

[0022] Based on the discussed problem, the present invention is based on the object of providing an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling, which is characterized by a simple and robust design, wherein the coupling process of the electrical contact coupling is to be carried out purely mechanically and without its own pneumatic drive, without sensors and without control.

[0023] In particular, the electrical contact coupling should have the lowest possible height in both the closed and open states. Separately, the task is to specify an automatic center buffer coupling, particularly for a freight wagon of a rail-guided vehicle, with a corresponding electrical contact coupling.

[0024] In particular, the invention is based on the problem that the displacement of an electrical contact coupling from a first position, in which the electrical contact coupling is in its rest position ready for coupling, to a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position, must take place depending on whether or not an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling is actually present or whether or not an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling is compatible with the electrical contact coupling of the automatic central buffer coupling.

[0025] Based on this problem, the invention is therefore based on the object of developing an electrical contact coupling of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that, even in a so-called "mixed operation", it is only actually moved into the coupled position if the counter-coupling is equipped with a particularly compatible electrical contact coupling.

[0026] This object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the inventive solution are specified in the dependent claims.

[0027] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling has a housing with at least one electrical contact carrier which has contact terminals for electrical connections, wherein the housing is longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to a coupling head of the central buffer coupling, as required, between a first position in which the electrical contact coupling is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position in which the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position.

[0028] According to the invention, it is particularly provided that a locking mechanism is assigned to the electrical contact coupling and in particular to a movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which movement mechanism is designed to longitudinally displace the housing of the electrical contact coupling between the first position of the housing and the second position of the housing in the coupling direction as required. The locking mechanism is designed to lock the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism occurs by a corresponding release element of a mating coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling, in particular during a coupling process between the electrical contact coupling and the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling.

[0029] The advantages that can be achieved with the solution according to the invention are obvious:

[0030] By providing a corresponding locking mechanism, it is ensured in an easy-to-implement but nevertheless effective manner that the displacement of the electrical contact coupling from the first position to the second position only occurs when there is actually an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling in the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling.

[0031] Various approaches are possible for implementing the solution according to the invention.

[0032] For example, according to one aspect of the invention, it is provided that the locking mechanism has a locking element which is movable with the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, which locking element can be transferred between a first position, in which the locking element blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling and in particular a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position into the second position, and a second position, in which the locking element no longer blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling and in particular a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position into the second position.

[0033] In this context, it is suitable, for example, for the locking element to be designed in particular as a pawl or to have a pawl, wherein the locking element, designed in particular as a pawl, is in the first position of the locking element in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing of the electrical contact coupling, in which position a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling to the housing of the electrical contact coupling is interrupted via the locking element, designed in particular as a pawl.

[0034] For example, it can be provided that the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is in the second position of the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing of the electrical contact coupling in such a way that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling to the housing of the electrical contact coupling is no longer interrupted via the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that in order to transfer the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position to its second position and vice versa, the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is moved linearly or pivoted relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0036] According to embodiment variants of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that a pretensioning element, in particular in the form of a compression spring, is assigned to the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, which acts on the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in such a way that the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is pretensioned in its first position.

[0037] In principle, it is advantageous that the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is assigned a trigger mechanism which is designed to transfer the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and preferably also to then hold the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in the second position.

[0038] According to a further development of the last-mentioned aspect of the invention, it is provided that the trigger mechanism is designed to automatically (i.e. automatically) transfer the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and preferably then to hold the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in the second position when the trigger mechanism recognizes or otherwise detects that an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling is present in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.

[0039] In particular in this context, according to further developments of the invention, it is provided that the triggering mechanism has a mechanically actuatable trigger which is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling strikes the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.

[0040] In this context, it is conceivable, for example, that a switch is assigned to the trigger, which can be actuated in particular mechanically, wherein an actuator, in particular an electric motor, can be assigned to the trigger mechanism, which is designed to transfer the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position to its second position when the switch is triggered.

[0041] As an alternative to the previously mentioned embodiment, it is conceivable that a sensor system, in particular one operating in a contactless manner, is assigned to the trigger, which is designed to detect directly or indirectly that an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling is present in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and / or that an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.

[0042] In this embodiment variant, it is advisable for the triggering mechanism to be assigned an actuator, in particular an electric motor actuator, which is designed to transfer the locking element, in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position to its second position when the sensor system detects that an electric contact coupling of a counter-coupling and / or an electric contact coupling of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electric contact coupling is present in the region of the coupling plane of the electric contact coupling.

[0043] As an alternative to the previously mentioned embodiments, it is conceivable that the trigger of the triggering mechanism comprises a force transmission element, in particular in the form of a plunger, in particular a spring plunger, pre-tensioned in the direction of the area of ​​the coupling plane, wherein the force transmission element is designed such that in a first position of the force transmission element, an end area of ​​the force transmission element on the coupling plane side projects into the area of ​​the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, and that when an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling and / or when an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is retracted into the area of ​​the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, the force transmission element is transferred into a second position,wherein when the force transmission element is transferred into the second position, the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is transferred into the second position.

[0044] According to an implementation of the last-mentioned embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the force transmission element is guided in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling so as to be longitudinally displaceable between the first position and the second position of the force transmission element, wherein the force transmission element has a run-on bevel at its end region opposite the end region on the coupling plane side, which cooperates with the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in such a way that when the force transmission element is transferred from its first position to its second position, the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is also transferred from the first position to the second position of the locking element.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, has a run-on bevel which interacts with an end region of the force transmission element opposite the end region on the coupling plane side in such a way that when the force transmission element is transferred from the first position to the second position of the force transmission element, the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is also transferred from its first position to its second position.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism, it is provided that the locking mechanism is movable relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling and has a locking element, which is designed in particular as a blocking projection, which, when the locking mechanism is moved relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, can be transferred between a first position in which the blocking projection of the locking element blocks a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position into the second position of the housing of the electrical contact coupling, and a second position in which a blockage of a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling by the blocking projection of the locking element is lifted.

[0047] In particular, it is provided that the locking element is pivotably arranged relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling. The pivot axis of the locking element preferably runs orthogonally to the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0048] In particular, it is conceivable in this context that the housing of the electrical contact coupling has a blocking projection which is at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection of the locking element and which cooperates with the blocking projection of the locking element in such a way that, in the first position of the locking element, a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the direction of the second position of the housing of the electrical contact coupling is blocked.

[0049] In this embodiment of the locking mechanism, it is also advisable for the locking mechanism to be assigned a corresponding trigger mechanism which is designed to move the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position to its second position. The trigger mechanism is designed, in particular, to automatically (i.e., in particular automatically) move the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position to its second position if the trigger mechanism recognizes or otherwise detects that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is present in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and / or that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.

[0050] As already described above in connection with the embodiment in which the locking element is designed in particular as a pawl, it is conceivable in this context that the triggering mechanism has a mechanically actuatable trigger which is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling strikes the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.

[0051] Here too, it is fundamentally conceivable that a switch is assigned to the trigger, which can in particular be actuated mechanically, wherein the trigger mechanism is then preferably assigned an actuator, in particular an electromotive actuator, which is designed to transfer / pivot the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position into its second position when the switch is triggered.

[0052] Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the trigger to be assigned a sensor system, in particular one which operates without contact and is designed to detect directly or indirectly that an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, wherein in particular a preferably electromotive actuator is assigned to the trigger mechanism, which actuator is designed to transfer the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position into its second position and in particular to pivot it when the sensor system detects that an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling.In principle, the corresponding sensor system can also be, for example, an RFID system or other contactless system that uses a corresponding RFID signal or an optical or electromagnetic signal to detect whether an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and, in particular, an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present in the area of ​​the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling.

[0053] In particular, however, it is preferred that the trigger has a force transmission element, wherein the force transmission element is designed such that in a first position of the locking element, a coupling plane-side region of the force transmission element projects at least partially into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, and that when an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling or when an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is retracted into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, the locking element with the blocking projection is transferred into the second position.

[0054] Preferably, the locking element with the blocking projection is spring-loaded in the first position of the locking element.

[0055] The present invention is further based on the object of providing an electrical contact coupling of the type described above, which is characterized by a simple and robust construction, wherein the coupling process of the electrical contact coupling is to take place purely mechanically and without its own pneumatic drive.

[0056] For this purpose, it is provided in particular that for the longitudinal displacement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling, the electrical contact coupling has a spring mechanism with which the housing is pre-tensioned and is moved or can be moved into the second position.

[0057] In other words, because the housing of the electrical contact coupling is preloaded in the first position, i.e., the position in which the electrical contact coupling is in its ready-to-couple position, by means of the spring mechanism, the preload force of the spring mechanism can be used to longitudinally displace the housing in the coupling direction. In this context, a stop mechanism can also be provided, by means of which the movement of the housing between the first and second positions is controlled.

[0058] In particular, it is conceivable that the spring mechanism serves as preferably the only drive for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position to the second position.

[0059] In the first position of the electrical contact coupling housing, the spring mechanism biases the housing toward the second position. The electrical contact coupling housing rests against the control element via the stop element. As long as the control element is not moved, the electrical contact coupling housing also remains stationary.

[0060] According to implementations of the stop mechanism, it is provided that it has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism, strikes or pushes against a control element mounted for rotation about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction. The control element is designed such that when the control element is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0061] The control element preferably serves as the only drive for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the second position to the first position.

[0062] In particular, in embodiment variants of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the electrical contact coupling and in particular relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, wherein furthermore the housing of the electrical contact coupling is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to the control element.According to implementations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is coupled or can be coupled and in particular operatively connected or operatively connected to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock of the automatic central buffer coupling in such a way that a rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock about a main axis, specifically between an uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, the control element is rotated in a preferably synchronous manner about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0063] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the control element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc, wherein the stop element is pressed against an edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism, wherein in a state in which the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling designed as a rotary lock is in the uncoupled position, the stop element is pressed against a first edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc, and then, when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling designed as a rotary lock is transferred from the uncoupled position to the coupled position, the stop element runs along a second edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc,wherein the first edge region of the control element, which is at least partially or partially designed as a cam disc, is preferably partially complementary to a circumferential geometry of the stop element and in particular trough-shaped.

[0064] Different designs are possible for the specific design of the stop mechanism:

[0065] Thus, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that - as already indicated above - the control element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk, wherein the stop element is pressed against an edge region of the control element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism and thus the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element is tapped or can be tapped.

[0066] According to preferred implementations of this (first) embodiment, the stop element is designed as a guide roller pressed against the edge area of ​​the control element, which is at least partially or partially designed as a cam disk, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism. Of course, other designs for the stop element are also possible.

[0067] It is conceivable in this context that the control element is designed in such a way that when the control element is initially rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is first moved, in particular in a pulsed manner, relative to the control element and / or relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular in a direction, in particular longitudinal direction, opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is displaced longitudinally in the coupling direction relative to the control element and / or relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0068] In this case, it is advisable for the control element to be designed at least partially or in some areas as a cam disc, and for the particularly pulse-like movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, the cam disc has a region designed in particular as a projection.

[0069] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the stop element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc and the control element as a lever element, wherein the stop element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc is pressed against the control element designed as a lever element due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism.

[0070] According to an implementation of this second embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control element designed as a lever element has a guide roller against which - at least temporarily when rotating the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction - an edge region of the stop element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk is pressed due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism.

[0071] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the control element is designed as a cam disc which is at least partially closed and has a guide groove, and the stop element is designed as an element, in particular a sliding block, which is at least partially or partially received in the guide groove.

[0072] The advantages of the inventive solution are particularly evident in the fact that only extremely low force is required to manipulate / rotate the control element when coupling the electrical contact coupling. Thus, the inventive solution is particularly suitable for the control element to be rotated, for example, by a main bolt of the mechanical coupling rotating during mechanical coupling. It should be noted that the mechanical coupling process is then not influenced, or only slightly influenced, by the additional mass of the control element of the electrical contact coupling.

[0073] Independently of the specific design of the stop element, it is conceivable that the control element has a pin or shaft region which extends along the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which axis the control element is rotatable relative to the housing, wherein the pin or shaft region is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt which is at least partially or regionally received in a housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, wherein the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which axis the pin or shaft region of the control element extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main bolt of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0074] Alternatively, the control element can be connected or connectable directly to a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock and in particular to a main bolt of the automatic central buffer coupling, in such a way that a rotation of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock or a rotation of the main bolt about a main axis, namely between an uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling lock designed as a rotary lock, the control element is rotated synchronously.

[0075] According to preferred embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it comprises a guide system with at least one guide rod and preferably with two guide rods extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction. The guide rods guide the movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling during longitudinal displacement of the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0076] A particularly compact design of the electrical contact coupling can be achieved by combining the spring mechanism with the guide system. For example, it is conceivable that the preferably two guide rods are each designed as spring guide rods. Of course, other designs are also possible.

[0077] According to embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has a carrier with which the guide rods, together with the housing of the electrical contact coupling which is displaceable relative to the guide rods, can be connected to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, preferably above the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0078] The electrical contact coupling according to the invention preferably further comprises a flap which is designed to cover an end face of the housing with the contact terminals in the first position of the housing, and which is further designed such that it pivots open (automatically) when the housing of the electrical contact coupling moves from the first position to the second position and thus exposes the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0079] To realize such an automatic pivoting-opening process of the flap, the flap can be assigned a cam mechanism, in particular at least partially closed, in order to detect a longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the guide rods of the guide system and to use the detected movement to pivot the flap relative to the housing.

[0080] In particular in this context, it is conceivable that the cam mechanism, which is in particular at least partially closed, and / or a pivoting mechanism associated with the flap is designed to at least substantially prevent a pivoting movement of the flap at least when a position of the flap is fixed relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the cam mechanism, which is in particular at least partially closed, and / or a pivoting mechanism assigned to the flap is designed in such a way that a pivoting movement of the flap, which is in particular initiated manually or attempted accordingly, is at least substantially prevented when the electrical contact coupling is in its second position.

[0082] According to embodiments of the present invention, the electrical contact coupling according to the invention comprises centering elements connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling. To achieve a particularly flat and compact design of the electrical contact coupling, the centering elements should be arranged laterally and below the flap of the electrical contact coupling, specifically in a state in which the flap covers the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0083] Finally, according to a conceivable embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that a locking device is assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling for locking the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling as required.

[0084] According to preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to an electrical contact coupling comprising a housing and an electrical contact carrier, wherein the electrical contact carrier has contact terminals for electrical connections. The housing is longitudinally displaceable relative to a coupling head of a center buffer coupling between a first position and a second position in the coupling direction. In the first position, the electrical contact coupling is in its rest position, ready for coupling, while in the second position, the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position.

[0085] The electrical contact coupling further comprises a spring mechanism with which the housing is preloaded into the second position. Furthermore, a stop mechanism is used, which is designed to control the movement of the housing between the first and second positions (and vice versa).

[0086] In the preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the stop mechanism comprises a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism, strikes or pushes against a control element mounted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction. The control element is designed such that when the control element is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0087] In particular, in the preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is designed such that upon initial rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is first moved, in particular in a pulsed manner, relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular in a direction opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the coupling element about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling in the coupling direction.

[0088] Through this measure, and in particular through the pulsed movement of the housing of the central buffer coupling, an "icebreaker function" can be implemented. Any icing of the movable components of the electrical contact coupling can thus be released. To implement this de-icing function, it is conceivable that the control element is designed, at least partially or in some areas, as a cam disc. For the particularly pulsed movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, the cam disc of the control element has a region designed, in particular, as a projection.

[0089] According to a further aspect of the preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the control element comprises a pin or shaft region extending along the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element is rotatable relative to the housing. The pin or shaft region is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt at least partially or regionally received in a housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling. In particular, it is provided that the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region of the control element extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main bolt of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0090] The preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises a guide system with at least one and preferably with two, in particular lateral, guide rods extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction, with which a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling is guided or can be guided during longitudinal displacement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling. The preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods are each designed in particular as a spring guide rod, in which a compression spring of the spring mechanism is received by an end region of the corresponding guide rod and clamped between a stop formed on the housing of the electrical contact coupling and a pressure plate fastened to the end of the guide rod.It is advisable that the pressure plate attached to the end of the guide rod is part of an anti-twist device.

[0091] According to further developments of the latter aspect, it is particularly provided that the compression spring of the spring mechanism is assigned a bellows, in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism is at least partially or partially accommodated. It is particularly preferably provided that the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods each extend at least partially or partially laterally alongside the housing of the electrical contact coupling, preferably each at least substantially in a region spaced horizontally from a central longitudinal axis of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0092] The preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises at least one support associated with the guide system, with which the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system are connected or connectable to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, together with the housing which is displaceable relative to the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods, preferably above the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0093] In this context, it is advisable for the carrier to be designed in two parts and to have carrier areas arranged at least partially or in regions to the side of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0094] The preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system each run through a passage formed in the carrier or through a passage formed in a carrier region of the carrier and are fixed there, preferably releasably, to the carrier or to the carrier region of the carrier.

[0095] According to embodiment variants of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has a first stop against which the carrier abuts or against which the carrier is adjacent at a distance across a reduced gap area when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the first position, and has a second stop opposite the first stop in the coupling direction, against which the carrier abuts or against which the carrier is adjacent at a distance across a reduced gap area when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the second position.

[0096] In this context, it is advisable that the first and second stops are connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling and preferably each have a through-opening through which one of the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system is guided and fixed there, in particular releasably.

[0097] The preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises a flap or cover configured to cover an end face of the housing with the contact terminals when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the first position. The flap or cover is further configured such that it pivots open when the housing of the electrical contact coupling transitions from the first position to the second position, thus exposing the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.

[0098] In this context, it is preferred that the cover or flap is assigned a particularly at least partially closed cam mechanism of a pivoting mechanism for picking up a longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the guide rods of the guide system and for using the picked up movement to pivot the cover or flap relative to the housing.

[0099] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the cover or flap preferably has a guide pin on both sides that protrudes perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction and that is at least partially or regionally received in a guide groove of the cam mechanism.

[0100] In order to ensure that ice or dirt can be removed "automatically" from the guide groove of the cam mechanism by the movement of the guide pin projecting perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, it is preferably provided that a phase is formed at the ends of the guide groove of the cam mechanism.

[0101] Preferably, a cam mechanism is arranged on each side of the cover or flap, each cam mechanism being connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected to one of the two lateral guide rods, preferably by the control arm and the guide rod forming a unit, in particular in the form of a machined forged part. The electrical contact coupling according to the invention preferably has a locking mechanism associated with 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.

[0102] According to a conceivable realization of such a locking device, it is provided that the locking device has a blocking element which can be inserted, in particular manually, into a longitudinal displacement path of the carrier between the carrier and the second stop, if necessary, and in particular can be manually pivoted in, which blocking element is designed to block a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling in its state inserted into the longitudinal displacement path and preferably pivoted in.

[0103] In a locked state of the housing of the electrical contact coupling brought about by the locking device, the stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling no longer strikes the control element mounted so as to be rotatable about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction when the coupling lock of the automatic central buffer coupling, designed as a rotary lock, is rotated from its uncoupled position into the coupled position.

[0104] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that, particularly for drainage reasons, the housing of the electrical contact coupling has an inclined surface—compared to a horizontal plane—and in particular a surface inclined toward the rear of the electrical contact coupling, with drainage slopes preferably being added to the top. This easy-to-implement yet effective measure ensures that water and dirt can be drained away independently.

[0105] According to a further aspect of the invention, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling has a preferably detachably attachable cover for at least partially or regionally covering at least one upper side of the housing of the electrical contact coupling. This also provides further protection for the components of the electrical contact coupling. Preferably, the cover is designed in particular in the form of a bent sheet, preferably with stiffened beads, and is configured to be placed onto the housing of the electrical contact coupling from above. In this case, it is provided in particular that the cover is designed to rest on both sides, preferably at exactly three points, when placed onto the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0106] This includes in particular the support, a collar or pressure plate of the guide rod and a control arm associated with the cover or flap with the cam mechanism.

[0107] The invention further relates to an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a track-guided vehicle according to the independent patent claim 38.

[0108] The automatic central buffer coupling is, in particular, a Scharfenberg coupling. It comprises a coupling head for mechanically and force-lockingly connecting a first wagon to an adjacent second wagon, as well as an electrical contact coupling of the type described above, arranged above the coupling head.

[0109] According to embodiments of the central buffer coupling according to the invention, the coupling head has a coupling head housing and a coupling lock, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, wherein the coupling eye is connected to the frog with a first end rotatable about a coupling eye axis and has a free end, and wherein the frog has a mouth which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a counter coupling.

[0110] In this embodiment of the central buffer coupling according to the invention, the stop mechanism of the electrical contact coupling has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which stop element strikes or abuts against a control element mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism of the electrical contact coupling, wherein the control element is designed such that when the control element is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.

[0111] In particular, in this embodiment variant, it is provided that the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element of the electrical contact coupling is rotatable relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, coincides at least partially or in regions with the main axis of the frog of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, wherein when the frog is rotated about the main axis, the control element of the electrical contact coupling is preferably also rotated.

[0112] The automatic central buffer coupling comprises, in particular, a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling element with a locking mechanism. The coupling element, which serves as a coupling element, is designed, in particular, as a rotary coupling with a coupling eye and a frog, the frog being rotatable about a main axis between a coupled and an uncoupled position.

[0113] The coupling eye, which also serves as a coupling element, is connected to the frog at a first end or a first end region, which can be rotated about a coupling eye axis, and has a second free end or a second free end region. The frog has a mouth for receiving a corresponding second end or a corresponding second end region of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a counter-coupling.

[0114] A spring-loaded mechanism can be associated with the frog. In these designs, the frog can be rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism, and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position by the force of the spring-loaded mechanism.

[0115] The uncoupled position is also commonly referred to as the ready-to-couple position, since in this position the center buffer couplings of the two wagons can be moved toward each other and coupled. If necessary, the coupling lock or its frog can also be rotated to a position that is overextended compared to the ready-to-couple position, i.e., opened more than necessary. In this overextended position, the spring-loaded actuator is fully tensioned.

[0116] This over-extended position also constitutes a ready-to-couple or uncouple position within the meaning of the present disclosure. Furthermore, such a ready-to-couple or uncouple position is also referred to as a standby position.

[0117] The locking mechanism, which holds the coupling lock in the appropriate position or releases it for transition to another position by rotating the frog, comprises, for example, a plunger that can be moved in the coupling direction of the central buffer coupling against a spring force, and a ratchet bar that can be moved transversely or diagonally to the coupling direction. The ratchet bar is, for example, connected to the frog in an articulated manner and, when the frog is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, can be moved into a detent position. In this detent position, the ratchet bar blocks the frog from rotating backward, i.e., from the uncoupled position to the coupled position.

[0118] The plunger, in turn, can be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, in which the plunger is displaced against the spring force, the plunger locks the latching rod in the detent position. In the second position, in which the plunger is displaced from the first position by the spring force, the plunger releases the latching rod from the detent position.

[0119] The function of such an automatic central buffer coupling is as follows: two compatible coupling heads on two wagons or vehicles to be coupled together are locked together by inserting the second end of the respective coupling eye into the mouth of the frog of the other coupling head and holding it in place by rotating the frog there. This mechanically couples the two wagons or vehicles. The two coupling locks are loaded exclusively by tensile forces, which are evenly distributed between both coupling eyes within the parallelogram formed by the coupling eyes and the frogs.

[0120] Compressive forces, on the other hand, are transmitted through a special profile on the front of the coupling head housing. This profile typically comprises, as is also advantageous in the present invention, a cone and a funnel enclosed by a wide, particularly flat, front surface. The profile can be formed by a separate front plate attached to the front of the coupling head housing. The profile, together with the cone or funnel, can form sliding and centering surfaces and, in particular, determine the gripping area in terms of lateral, vertical, and angular offset. When the coupling heads meet, they center themselves and slide into each other.

[0121] When two rail vehicles or wagons are moved towards each other, their coupling locks or frogs are in the ready-to-couple or uncoupled position, in which the frogs are held in particular by the latching rods. During coupling, the cones dip into the funnels of the coupler head housing profiles. The cones press on the pistons and push them back, so that the pistons release the latching rods from their latching position. This releases the coupling locks and rotates them under the force of the respective spring accumulator until the frog hits a predetermined stop, usually the coupler head housing. The coupling eyes guided in the funnels engage in the frog mouths, the two coupling locks are interlocked and the coupled position is achieved. Accidental separation of the coupling locks is not possible.Normal wear and tear does not affect the safety of the coupling lock.

[0122] To uncouple the coupling heads, a decoupling device rotates both coupling locks, i.e., the two frogs, against the force of the spring-loaded mechanisms until the coupling eyes slide out of the frogs' mouths. The rotating frogs are designed to move the ratchet rods sufficiently far that, when the vehicles or wagons are separated, the frogs are prevented from rotating back from the over-drawn position beyond the ready-to-couple position by moving the ratchet rods into their locking positions. Decoupling devices are available in various designs. For example, manually operated, mechanical decoupling devices have levers, cables, and / or chain hoists that act on different types of locks and, when actuated, release the locked position.

[0123] Automated uncoupling devices comprise, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric motor, in particular a linear actuator, which uncouples the central buffer coupling.

[0124] The coupling process occurs when an automatic center buffer coupler of a first wagon or wagon body collides with an automatic center buffer coupler of an adjacent, second wagon or wagon body at low speed. The coupling heads create a mechanical connection between the two wagons or wagon bodies. For this to happen, both automatic center buffer couplers involved in the coupling process must be in an open, ready-to-couple state.

[0125] In addition to the stable states "coupled" and "open," each automatic center buffer coupling has another state, called the "buffer position." In this state, the wagons or car bodies can be pushed, with the compressive forces being transmitted via the automatic center buffer couplings, which in the classic screw coupling is done via the side buffers of the wagons or car bodies.

[0126] However, in the buffer position, the adjacent automatic central buffer couplings of the neighboring wagons or wagon bodies do not couple.

[0127] This special function contradicts the actual principle of automatic coupling. Therefore, the "buffer position" function must be actively enabled and actively disabled.

[0128] The described buffer position is required, for example, for shunting operations on the hump and the so-called push-off and run-off. The hump is an infrastructure facility for re-sorting train formations. The hump is divided into three basic areas: the entry group, the hump, and the direction track. Due to the movement sequence of the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which is synchronized with the coupling lock of the center buffer coupling, the electrical contact coupling is always in its first position (rest position) when the center buffer coupling is in the buffer position or in the uncoupled ("open") position. In the first position (rest position) of the electrical contact coupling, the at least one electrical contact carrier with the contact terminals is protected or covered accordingly by the (closed) flap or cover.

[0129] In the coupled position of the central buffer coupling, however, the electrical contact coupling - unless it is locked in the first position - is in the second position, in which the flap or cover is in its open state.

[0130] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an electrical contact coupling of the aforementioned type according to the invention, wherein the locking element is designed as a bolt or as a bolt-like component or has a bolt or a bolt-like component which can be transferred relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling and / or relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling between a first position in which the locking element blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling and in particular a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position into the second position, and a second position in which the locking element no longer blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling and in particular a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0131] In this context, it is preferably provided that in order to transfer the locking element or the bolt or the bolt-like component from the first position to the second position and vice versa, the bolt or the bolt-like component of the locking element is displaceable and / or rotatable relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling and / or relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element is in the first position of the locking element in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing of the electrical contact coupling such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling to the housing of the electrical contact coupling is interrupted or blocked via the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element.

[0133] In an advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element is in the second position of the locking element in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing of the electrical contact coupling such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling to the housing of the electrical contact coupling is no longer interrupted or blocked by the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element.

[0134] According to conceivable realizations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element is not moved along with the housing of the electrical contact coupling when the housing of the electrical contact coupling moves relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling from the first position to the second position.

[0135] On the other hand, it is additionally or alternatively advantageous that the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element is assigned a trigger mechanism which is designed to transfer the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element from its first position into its second position and preferably then to hold the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element in the second position.

[0136] In this context in particular, it is appropriate for the triggering mechanism to be designed to automatically transfer the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element from its first position to its second position and preferably to hold the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element in the second position when the triggering mechanism recognises or detects that in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling: an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is present; and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.

[0137] According to implementations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, in particular according to the last-mentioned aspect, it is provided that the triggering mechanism has a trigger, in particular a mechanically actuatable trigger, which - at least in the first position of the locking element or the bolt or the bolt-like component - is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling strikes the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.

[0138] Preferably, the mechanically actuated trigger is guided at least partially or in regions in a guide formed in the housing of the electrical contact coupling so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that when the housing of the electrical contact coupling moves relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling from the first position to the second position, the housing of the electrical contact coupling also moves relative to the mechanically actuatable trigger of the triggering mechanism.

[0140] In preferred embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that a pretensioning element, in particular in the form of a spring, is assigned to the trigger of the triggering mechanism, via which the trigger is pretensioned in the direction of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling.

[0141] For example, the trigger of the trigger mechanism can be designed as a spring plunger or have a spring plunger.

[0142] In particular, it is conceivable that in order to transfer the locking element or the bolt or the bolt-like component from the first position to the second position and vice versa, the bolt or the bolt-like component of the locking element can be rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling and / or relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, wherein the axis of rotation extends at least substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing of the electrical contact coupling and / or at least substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal displacement direction of the trigger.

[0143] According to implementations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the trigger mechanism has a gear mechanism which is designed to convert a movement of the trigger upon its actuation into a movement of the bolt or the bolt-like component.

[0144] The gear mechanism can, for example, comprise a cam mechanism with a preferably closed cam.

[0145] It is advisable that the cam disc mechanism with the preferably closed cam disc is provided on an end region of the trigger facing away from the coupling plane, wherein a pickup element, in particular in the form of a sliding block, is received and guided at least partially or in regions by the preferably closed cam disc, wherein the pickup element is connected to the bolt or the bolt-like component.

[0146] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0147] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0148] They show:

[0149] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of the automatic central buffer coupling according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic and front view of the exemplary

[0150] Embodiment of the automatic central buffer coupling according to FIG. 1;

[0151] FIG. 3 shows schematically and in a first isometric view the automatic central buffer coupling according to FIG. 1 and FIG.

[0152] 2 electrical contact couplings used;

[0153] FIG. 4 schematically and in a second isometric view the

[0154] Electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 3;

[0155] FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically and in a view from below a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 5A), in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 5C) and in an intermediate position (FIG. 5B);

[0156] FIGS. 6A, 6B schematically and in a view from below a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 6A) and in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 6B);

[0157] FIGS. 7A to 7B schematically and in a view from below a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 7A) and in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 7B);

[0158] FIGS. 8A to 8C schematically show, in a side view, an exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, specifically in the first position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 8A), in the second position of the electrical contact coupling (FIG. 8C), and in an intermediate position (FIG. 8B); FIG. 9 schematically shows, in an isometric view, another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention;

[0159] FIG. 10 shows schematically and in a side view a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is in its first position, wherein the electrical contact coupling is correspondingly locked;

[0160] FIG. 11 schematically shows an isometric view of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0161] FIG. 12 schematically shows a front view of the further exemplary

[0162] Embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0163] FIG. 13 schematically and in a further isometric view, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0164] FIG. 14 schematically shows the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10, but this time without a preferably detachably attached cover;

[0165] FIG. 15 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 14;

[0166] FIG. 16 shows a schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 14; FIG. 17 shows a schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 14.

[0167] FIG. 18 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10, but this time in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is in its first position but not locked;

[0168] FIG. 19 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18;

[0169] FIG. 20 schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18;

[0170] FIG. 21 schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18;

[0171] FIG. 22 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18, but without the preferably detachably attachable cover;

[0172] FIG. 23 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 22;

[0173] FIG. 24 shows a schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 22; FIG. 25 shows a schematic isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 22;

[0174] FIG. 26 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10, but in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is in its second position;

[0175] FIG. 27 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26;

[0176] FIG. 28 schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26;

[0177] FIG. 29 schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26;

[0178] FIG. 30 shows schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26, but without the preferably detachably attachable cover;

[0179] FIG. 31 shows a schematic and isometric view of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 30;

[0180] FIG. 32 schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 30;

[0181] FIG. 33 shows a schematic and (further) isometric view of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 30; FIG. 34 shows a schematic and sectional view of the guide system of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 10;

[0182] FIG. 35 schematically and in a plan view from below the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention with the control element and the stop mechanism;

[0183] FIG. 36 schematically and in a first isometric view, the cover or flap of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0184] FIG. 37 schematically and in a (further) isometric view a

[0185] Embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0186] FIG. 38 shows schematically and in a sectional view a part of the housing of the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10;

[0187] FIG. 39 schematically and in a side view an exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention with a first exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism which serves to lock the electrical contact coupling and in particular the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the first position (in the rest position ready for coupling) until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism occurs;

[0188] FIG. 40 shows schematically and in a partially sectioned side view the exemplary embodiment of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 39, in a state after the locking mechanism has been triggered and a locking of the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the first position of the housing of the electrical contact coupling has been released;

[0189] FIG. 41 shows schematically and in a partially sectioned side view the

[0190] Electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 40, in a state in which, after the locking of the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the first position has been released by the locking mechanism, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the second position in which the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position;

[0191] FIG. 42 shows schematically and in a partially sectioned side view a further embodiment of the locking mechanism associated with the housing of the electrical contact coupling, in a state in which the housing of the electrical contact coupling is blocked in the first position by the locking mechanism;

[0192] FIG. 43 shows schematically and in a partially sectioned view the embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 42, in a state in which the locking mechanism is in its second position, in which a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position to the second position is enabled;

[0193] FIG. 44 shows schematically and in a partially sectioned side view a further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, specifically with a further embodiment of the locking mechanism, wherein in FIG. 44 the locking mechanism is in its first position, in which a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position to the second position is blocked by the locking mechanism;

[0194] FIG. 45 shows schematically and in a partially sectioned side view the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 44, in a state in which the locking mechanism is in its second position, in which a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the first position to the second position is possible;

[0195] FIG. 46 schematically and in an isometric view, another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, in a state in which the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the first position (rest position of the electrical contact coupling ready for coupling);

[0196] FIG. 47 schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 46;

[0197] FIG. 48 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 46, but in a state in which the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the second position and the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position;

[0198] FIG. 49 schematically and in a side view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 48;

[0199] FIG. 50 shows a schematic plan view of the locking element of the locking mechanism of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 46, wherein the locking element blocks the housing of the electrical contact coupling;

[0200] FIG. 51 shows schematically and in a plan view the locking element of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 48, in a state in which the locking element no longer blocks movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling;

[0201] FIG. 52 shows a schematic and isometric view of the locking mechanism of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 46; and

[0202] FIG. 53 shows a schematic and isometric view of the locking mechanism of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention shown in FIG. 48.

[0203] In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally equivalent elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0204] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of an automatic center buffer coupling 1 according to the present invention. The automatic center buffer coupling 1 is, in particular, an automatic center buffer coupling for the freight car of a rail vehicle. In particular, it is an automatic Scharfenberg coupling.

[0205] The automatic central buffer coupling 1 has a coupling head 2 for mechanically and force-lockingly connecting a first wagon (not shown) to an adjacent second wagon (also not shown).

[0206] The coupling head 2 comprises a coupling head housing in which a coupling lock is accommodated. Although not visible in the drawings, the coupling lock is preferably designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. The coupling eye is connected to the frog with a first end, preferably rotatable about a coupling eye axis, and has a free end. On the other hand, the frog has a mouth which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling. The coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 thus formed forms a rigid connection when coupled to a coupling head 2 of a mating coupling. This coupling thus enables the coupling of electrical connections in particular.This is done via an electrical contact coupling 8 attached to the coupling head 2.

[0207] In the embodiment of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electrical contact coupling 8 is arranged and fastened above the coupling head 2 of the mechanical coupling in a detachable manner by means of screws.

[0208] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 1, which shows the coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 in the uncoupled state, the coupling head housing has a profile on the front. The profile is formed by a cone 4 and a funnel 5. The cone 4 and the funnel 5 are enclosed by a wide, flat front surface. The front surface can be formed by an end plate 3 detachably connected to the coupling head housing or by an end plate 3 formed integrally with it.

[0209] In order to enlarge the gripping range within which a coupling process can still be initiated as intended when the central buffer couplings 1 are axially offset from one another and can be completed after adjustment to one another, the exemplary embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings has a gripper 6.

[0210] An exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact coupling 8 is arranged above the coupling head 2 of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 and is connected to the coupling head housing of the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 by means of a screw connection.

[0211] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical contact coupling 8 is shown in a state in which it is advanced or coupled. In this state, a flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is pivoted upward, exposing the front area of ​​the electrical contact coupling 8. The structure and operation of the electrical contact coupling 8 used in the central buffer coupling 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are described in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 3 to 9.

[0212] In brief, the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the embodiments shown in the drawings comprises a housing 9 with at least one electrical contact carrier 10. The at least one electrical contact carrier 10 has contact terminals 11, in particular for electrical connections.

[0213] The housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 between a first position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.

[0214] A guide system is used for this purpose. In the exemplary embodiments of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in the drawings, the guide system comprises two guide rods 21 extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction, with which a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is guided during longitudinal displacement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0215] As further shown, the guide rods 21 of the guide system are designed in particular as spring guide rods.

[0216] In other words, each guide rod 21 of the guide system is assigned a spring mechanism 13, with which the housing 9 is preloaded into the second position, i.e. into the position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its ready-to-couple or coupled position.

[0217] In addition, the guide system has a support 22 with which the guide rods 21 together with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which is displaceable relative to the guide rods 21, above the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 can be connected to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, for example via a screw connection.

[0218] From the illustration in FIGS. 8A to 8C, it can be seen in particular that the electrical contact coupling 8 further comprises a flap 23, which is designed to cover an end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11 in the first position of the housing 9. In this context, reference is made to the illustration in FIG. 8A.

[0219] The flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is further configured such that it automatically pivots open when the housing 9 moves from the first position to the second position, thus exposing the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11. In this regard, reference is made to the illustration in FIG. 8C, which shows the electrical contact coupling 8 in the second position of the housing 9.

[0220] A closed cam mechanism 24 is used to automatically pivot the flap 23 open. A guide groove is formed in a side plate, into which a guide element connected to the flap 23 engages. During a longitudinal movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 relative to the guide rods 21 of the guide system, the movement is detected by the element engaging in the guide groove and used to pivot the flap 23 relative to the housing 9.

[0221] Specifically, there are bolts on both sides of the flap 23 that extend laterally into a guide contour or guide groove of a sheet metal attached to the guide rods 21. When moving forward, the bolts follow the contour or guide groove, thus pushing the flap 23 into the open position. When moving back, the contour or guide groove ensures that the flap 23 closes. Preferably, leg springs are used on both sides. These are located on the flap's rotation axis and rest on the one hand against the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and on the other hand against the flap 23.

[0222] In this way, the leg springs always try to push the flap 23 into the closed position and thus support the closing when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves back and in particular prevent rattling noises.

[0223] The guide contour or guide groove is also designed so that the flap 23 cannot be opened manually when the electrical contact coupling 8 is retracted, but can only be pivoted upward approximately 1° before the bolt contacts the sheet metal. This prevents persons from accidentally or unauthorizedly touching the contacts located under the flap 23.

[0224] In the extended, open position without counter-coupling, housing 9 is pushed approximately 3 mm beyond the coupling plane. When the electrical contact couplings of two assemblies to be coupled meet, they deflect backward against their compression springs and are pressed together by them.

[0225] The illustration in FIG. 2 particularly shows that the electrical contact coupling 8 has centering members / centering elements 25 that align the electrical contact couplings 8 with respect to one another. Due to the extremely flat flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8, the centering elements 25 cannot be arranged in an area covered by the flap 23.

[0226] Therefore, in the solution according to the invention, the centering elements 25 are arranged laterally and below the flap 23.

[0227] To control the movement of the housing 9 between the first and second positions, the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention utilizes a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism comprises a stop element 12 connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which, due to the preload force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact coupling 8, strikes or pushes against a control element 14 mounted rotatably about an axis extending perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0228] As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5A-C, FIG. 6A, B and FIG. 7A, B, the control element 14 is designed such that when the control element 14 is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the center buffer coupling 1. In detail, in the embodiments of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A-C, the control element 14 of the stop mechanism is designed at least partially or in some areas as a cam disk 15, wherein the stop element 12 of the stop mechanism is pressed against an edge region of the control element 14, which is designed at least partially or in some areas as a cam disk 15, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact coupling 8, and thus the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element 14 is or can be tapped.

[0229] In particular, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 5A-C, it is provided that the stop element 12 is designed as a guide roller 16 which, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13, is pressed against the edge region of the control element 14 which is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15.

[0230] An alternative design for the stop mechanism is shown in FIG. 6A, B.

[0231] In this embodiment, the stop element 12 is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc 15 and the control element 14 as a lever element 17, wherein the stop element 12 designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disc 15 is pressed against the control element 14 designed as a lever element 17 due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13.

[0232] Here too, it is advisable for the control element 14 designed as a lever element 17 to have a guide roller 18 against which - at least temporarily when rotating the control element 14 about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction - an edge region of the stop element 12 designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15 is pressed due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13.

[0233] FIG. 7A, B shows a further embodiment of the stop mechanism.

[0234] In this embodiment, the control element 14 is designed as a closed

[0235] Cam disc 15 with a guide groove 19 and the stop element 12 as an element (guide element 20), in particular a sliding block, which is at least partially or regionally received in the guide groove 19.

[0236] The axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element 14 is rotatable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, preferably coincides with the axis of a main bolt 7 that is at least partially or partially received in the coupling head housing of the central buffer coupling 1. In particular, it is thus conceivable for the control element 14 to be formed on an end region of an extension of the main bolt 7.

[0237] In the solution according to the invention, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is not yet pushed forward when the automatic central buffer coupling 1 is ready for coupling. This longitudinal displacement in the coupling direction is prevented by the stop mechanism.

[0238] As shown, for example, in FIG. 5A, a stop, for example in the form of a roller (guide roller 16), is attached to the underside of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, while a cam disc 15 is attached to an extension of the main bolt 7 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0239] When ready for coupling, the cam disc 15 points rearward, so that the roller or stop rests against the larger diameter of the cam disc 15. Therefore, the spring mechanism 13 cannot move the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 forward in the coupling direction.

[0240] During mechanical coupling, the main pin of the automatic center buffer coupling 1 rotates forward with the cam disc 15, thus releasing the movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 in the coupling direction. The spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact coupling 8 pushes the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 forward along the guide rods 21. The advance is geometrically limited by the shape of the cam disc 15.

[0241] FIG. 9 shows a schematic and isometric view of a further aspect of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, in which the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has a locking mechanism 26.1 for locking the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, if necessary.

[0242] The locking device 26.1 shown in FIG. 9 is designed as a locking pin. This is inserted through a hole in the support 22 and engages a hole located below it in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, so that the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 can no longer be advanced.

[0243] However, it is not absolutely necessary for the locking device 26.1 to have a bore in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 into which the locking pin is inserted. It could also be a simple contact surface that rests against the pin from behind, thus preventing the housing 9 of the central buffer coupling 1 from moving in the coupling direction.

[0244] 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 thus securely protected from access.

[0245] It is also conceivable that the locking device 26.1 is used, for example, when coupling to couplings that are not electrically compatible.

[0246] A further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is described below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 10 to FIG. 38.

[0247] Like the previously described embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 38 is designed for an automatic central buffer coupling 1 of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. The electrical contact coupling 8 has a housing 9 with at least one contact carrier 10, which has contact terminals 11 for electrical connections. The housing 9 is longitudinally displaceable in the coupling direction relative to a coupling head of the central buffer coupling 1 between a first position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its rest position ready for coupling, and a second position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.

[0248] In FIG. 10 to FIG. 17, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in its first position, wherein the electrical contact coupling 8 is locked in this position.

[0249] In contrast, FIGS. 18 to 25 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention in a state in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is also in its first position, but here is not locked.

[0250] In FIG. 26 to FIG. 33, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in its second position.

[0251] Like the previously described first exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the electrical contact coupling 8 of the further exemplary embodiment comprises a spring mechanism 13 with which the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is prestressed into the second position.

[0252] Furthermore, a stop mechanism is used to control a movement sequence of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 between the first and second positions.

[0253] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 35, the stop mechanism comprises a stop element 12 connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which, due to the pretensioning force of the spring mechanism 13, strikes or pushes against a control element 14 mounted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction. The control element 14 is designed such that when the control element 14 is rotated about the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0254] In particular, it can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 35 that the control element 14 is designed, at least partially or in some areas, as a cam disk 15. The cam disk 15 has a region 36, which is designed, in particular, as a projection. This serves to move the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 in a pulsed manner, thus providing an icebreaker function.

[0255] In detail, the control element 14 designed as a cam disk 15 is designed such that when the control element 14 is initially rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is first moved, in particular in a pulse-like manner, relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, in particular in a direction opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and upon further rotation of the control element 14 or the cam disk 15 about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 in the coupling direction.

[0256] The control element 14 has a pin or shaft region 27 which extends along the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, about which the control element 14 is rotatable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, wherein the pin or shaft region 27 is connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt 7 which is at least partially or regionally received in a housing 9 of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0257] In this case, the axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region 27 of the control element 14 extends, preferably coincides with the axis of the main pin 7 of the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1. In order to convert a rotational movement of the pin or shaft region 27 into a sliding movement of the housing 9 of the central buffer coupling 1, a lifting mechanism is used, as shown schematically in the sectional view according to FIG. 38. It is important here that no ball bearing is used, but rather a ring seated on a plain bearing.

[0258] The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention according to FIG. 10 to FIG. 33 further comprises a guide system with two lateral guide rods 21 extending parallel to one another and in the coupling direction, with which a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is guided or can be guided during longitudinal displacement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0259] As can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 34, the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system are each designed as a spring guide rod, in which a compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is received by an end region of the corresponding guide rod 21 and is clamped between a stop 34 formed on the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and a pressure plate 32 fastened to the end of the guide rod 21.

[0260] Preferably, the pressure plate 32 attached to the end of the guide rod 21 also serves as part of an anti-twist device.

[0261] As can also be seen from the sectional view according to FIG. 34, the compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is assigned a bellows 33 in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism 13 is at least partially or regionally received.

[0262] In FIG. 10 to FIG. 13 and in FIG. 18 to FIG. 21, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown, each with a preferably detachably attachable cover 31, which serves to at least partially or regionally cover at least one upper side of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. In FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 and FIG. 22 to FIG. 25, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown without a corresponding cover 31.

[0263] The cover 31 is designed, in particular, in the form of a bent sheet, preferably with stiffened beads, and is designed to be placed from above onto the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. In particular, the cover 31 is designed to rest on both sides, preferably at exactly three points, when placed onto the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0264] From the illustrations of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention without cover 31, i.e. the illustrations in FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 and in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25, it can be seen that, in particular for drainage reasons, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has an inclined surface - compared to a horizontal plane - and in particular a surface inclined towards the rear of the electrical contact coupling 8, wherein drainage slopes are preferably added to the upper side.

[0265] The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is preferably provided with a locking device 26.2 in order to lock the electrical contact coupling 8 in its first position.

[0266] Furthermore, in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided that the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system run at least partially or in regions laterally next to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, preferably in each case at least substantially in a region spaced horizontally from a central longitudinal axis of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0267] As in the first exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has at least one carrier 22, with which the two in particular lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system together with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 which is displaceable relative to the two lateral guide rods 21 are connected or can be connected to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, preferably above the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.

[0268] In the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided in this context in particular that the carrier 22 is designed in two parts and has carrier regions 22.1, 22.2 arranged at least partially or in regions laterally of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0269] The two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system each extend through a passage of the support 22 formed in one of the two support areas 22.1, 22.2 and are preferably releasably fixed there to the support 22 or to the support area 22.1, 22.2 of the support 22. This can be seen in particular in the sectional view according to FIG. 34.

[0270] The guide system has a first stop 28 against which the carrier 22 abuts or to which the carrier 22 adjoins at a distance over a reduced gap area when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in the first position (see FIG. 10 to FIG. 25).

[0271] Furthermore, the guide system has a second stop 29 opposite the first stop 28 in the coupling direction, against which the carrier 22 abuts or against which the carrier 22 adjoins at a distance across a reduced gap area when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in the second position (cf. FIG. 26 to FIG. 33).

[0272] The first and second stops 28, 29 are connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and each have a through-opening through which one of the preferably two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system is guided and there, in particular, releasably fixed (cf. FIG. 34).

[0273] In the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 33, the aforementioned locking device 26.2 has a blocking element 30, which can be inserted, in particular manually, and in particular manually pivoted into a longitudinal displacement path of the carrier 22 between the carrier 22 and the second stop 29, as needed. The blocking element 30 is designed to block a movement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 when inserted into the longitudinal displacement path and preferably pivoted in.

[0274] The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is further provided with a cover or flap 23.

[0275] The cover or flap 23 is designed to cover an end face of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 with the contact terminals 11 in the first position of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. Furthermore, the cover or flap 23 is designed to pivot open when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves from the first position to the second position, thus exposing the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11.

[0276] To implement this pivoting movement, the cover or flap 23 is assigned a cam mechanism 24 of a pivoting mechanism, in particular an at least partially closed one. The cam mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism serves to detect a longitudinal movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 relative to the guide rods 21 of the guide system and to use the detected movement to pivot the cover or flap 23 relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0277] As can be seen in particular from the isometric views in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, the cover or flap 23 preferably has on both sides a guide pin 35 protruding perpendicularly or transversely to the coupling direction, which is at least partially or regionally received in a guide groove of the cam disk mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism.

[0278] The side views of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, such as the views according to FIG. 10, FIG. 14, FIG. 18, FIG. 22, FIG. 26 and FIG. 30, show that a corresponding bevel is formed at the ends of the guide groove of the cam mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism associated with the cover or flap 23. It can also be seen from the side views of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention that a cam mechanism 24 is arranged laterally of the cover or flap 23, each of which is connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected to one of the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system.

[0279] As can be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 34, the control arm and the guide rod 21 preferably form a unit, in particular in the form of a machined forged part.

[0280] In order to ensure that the electrical contact coupling 8 can actually only be transferred from the first position into the second position, the invention provides that a locking mechanism is assigned to the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular to a movement mechanism assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which movement mechanism is designed to displace the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 longitudinally in the coupling direction between the first position of the housing 9 and the second position of the housing 9, as required.

[0281] Basically, this locking mechanism is designed to lock the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism occurs by a corresponding release element of a counter-coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling, in particular during a coupling process between the electrical contact coupling 8 and the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling.

[0282] It is provided that the locking mechanism has a locking element 41, 42 which is movable with the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, in particular relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, which locking element can be transferred between a first position, in which the locking element 41, 42 blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 from the first position into the second position, and a second position, in which the locking element 41, 42 no longer blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0283] As can be seen in particular from the illustrations in FIGS. 39 to 41, according to one aspect of the invention, it is conceivable that the locking element 41 is designed, in particular, as a pawl, which, in the first position of the locking element designed, in particular, as a pawl (cf. FIG. 39), is in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, in which position a force transmission from the movement mechanism associated with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is interrupted via the locking element 41 designed, in particular, as a pawl. This movement mechanism associated with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is, in particular, the previously described spring mechanism 13.

[0284] From the illustration, for example, in FIG. 40 or in FIG. 41, it can also be seen that the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is in the second position of the locking element 41, which is designed as a pawl, in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 in such a way that a force transmission from the movement mechanism (in particular spring mechanism) assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is no longer interrupted via the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl.

[0285] In the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41, in particular of the locking mechanism assigned to the electrical contact coupling 8, it is provided that in order to transfer the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position (cf. FIG. 39) to its second position (cf. for example FIG. 40) and vice versa, the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is moved linearly relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0286] However, the invention is not limited to a linear movement of the locking element 41 relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. Rather, a rotational movement is also conceivable in principle, as will be described in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 42 to 7.

[0287] Returning to the embodiment variant of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention with the first embodiment of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41, it should be noted that in this embodiment variant it is provided that the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, has a pretensioning element 43, in particular in the form of a compression spring, wherein this pretensioning element 43 acts on the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in such a way that the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is pretensioned in its first position.

[0288] On the other hand, in this embodiment of the locking mechanism, it is provided that the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is assigned a trigger mechanism which is designed to transfer the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position (cf. FIG. 39) into its second position (cf. for example FIG. 40) and then preferably to hold the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, in the second position.

[0289] In particular, it is provided in this context that the triggering mechanism is designed to automatically (i.e. in particular automatically) transfer the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position to its second position and preferably then also to hold the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, in the second position if the triggering mechanism recognizes or otherwise detects that in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8 there is an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling and / or there is an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0290] Thus, in the embodiment variant of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown schematically in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41, it is provided that the triggering mechanism has a mechanically actuated trigger which is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8 and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling 8 strikes the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.

[0291] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, it is particularly provided that the trigger has a force transmission element in the form of a plunger 45, in particular a spring plunger, pre-tensioned in the direction of the region of the coupling plane, wherein the force transmission element is designed such that in a first position of the force transmission element, a region of the force transmission element on the coupling plane side projects into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8 (cf. FIG. 39), and that when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and / or when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling 8 is retracted into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8, the force transmission element is transferred into a second position (cf. FIG.40), wherein when the force transmission element is transferred into the second position, the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is transferred into the second position.

[0292] In the embodiment variant of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIG. 39 to FIG. 41, it is particularly provided that the force transmission element (ie the spring-biased plunger 45 or spring plunger) is guided in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 so as to be longitudinally displaceable between the first position and the second position of the force transmission element.

[0293] The locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, has a corresponding run-on bevel 46 which interacts with an end region of the force transmission element opposite the end region on the coupling plane side in such a way that when the force transmission element is transferred from the first position into the second position of the force transmission element, the locking element 41, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is also transferred from its first position into its second position.

[0294] At least one further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention with the locking mechanism is described below with reference to the illustration in FIGS. 42 to 45. Specifically, these embodiments utilize a locking mechanism that has a locking element 42 that is movable and, in particular, pivotable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and has a corresponding blocking projection 40.

[0295] The locking element 42 can be transferred between a first position, in which the blocking projection 40 of the locking element 42 blocks a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 from the first position into the second position, and a second position, in which a blockage of a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 by the blocking projection 40 of the locking element 42 is lifted.

[0296] In the embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in FIG. 42 to FIG. 45, it is provided that the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has a blocking projection 44 which is at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection 40 of the locking element 42 and which interacts with the blocking projection 40 of the locking element 42 in such a way that, in the first position of the locking element 42, a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 in the direction of the second position of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is blocked, wherein in the first position of the locking element 42, which is designed in particular as a blocking element, the blocking projection 40 of the blocking element abuts in particular against a blocking projection 44 of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 which is at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection 40.

[0297] In particular, in this context it is provided that the locking element 42, which is designed in particular as a blocking element, has a release area 47 present in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8, wherein the locking element 42 is mounted relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 and / or relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 such that - in particular during a coupling process - when the release area 47 is contacted by an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8, the locking element 42 designed as a blocking element is pivoted and thus an engagement between the blocking projections 40, 44 is released. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 44 and FIG.In the embodiment variant of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in Fig. 45, it is provided that the locking element 42 is assigned a pretensioning mechanism 48, in particular in the form of a tension spring, which is designed to pretension the locking element 42 in the first position.

[0298] In particular, the preloading mechanism 48 can be designed in the form of a dead center spring.

[0299] However, such a pretensioning mechanism 48 can be dispensed with if the weight distribution of the locking element 42 is selected such that, in a situation in which no external force acts on the locking element 42 and in particular on the triggering area 47 of the locking element 42, the locking element 42 is automatically moved into its first position by gravity, as is the case, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43.

[0300] A further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is described below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 46 to FIG. 53.

[0301] As with the previously described embodiments of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention comprises a housing 9 with at least one contact carrier, wherein the housing 9 is longitudinally displaceable, as needed, between a first position and a second position in the longitudinal direction relative to a coupling head 2 of a central buffer coupling 1. In the first position, the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its rest position, ready for coupling, while in the second position, the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.

[0302] In FIG. 46 and FIG. 47, the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in the first position, while in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is shown in its second position. The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, as shown schematically in FIG. 46 to FIG. 51, differs from the previously described exemplary embodiments by the locking mechanism, which is assigned to the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular to a movement mechanism assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0303] The locking mechanism of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention according to FIG. 46 to FIG. 51 is shown as such again in FIG. 52 and FIG. 53.

[0304] Basically, the locking mechanism is designed to lock or hold the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism by a corresponding release element, for example a counter-coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling, in particular in the course of a coupling process between the electrical contact coupling 8 and the counter-coupling or the electrical contact coupling of the counter-coupling takes place.

[0305] The locking mechanism has a locking element 49 which is movable relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 and relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and which can be transferred between a first position, in which the locking element 49 blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 from the first position into the second position, and a second position in which the locking element 49 no longer blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0306] In FIG. 46, FIG. 47, FIG. 50 and FIG. 52, the locking mechanism is shown in a state in which the corresponding locking elements 49 are in their first position, while in FIG. 48, FIG. 49, FIG. 51 and FIG. 53 the locking mechanism is shown in a state in which the corresponding locking elements 49 are in the second position. The locking mechanism of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is characterized in particular in that the locking element 49 or the locking elements 49 is / are designed as a latch or as a latch-like component which can be transferred relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 and / or relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 between the aforementioned first position and the second position.

[0307] In order to transfer the locking element 49 or the bolt or the bolt-like component from the first position to the second position and vice versa, the bolt or the bolt-like component of the locking element 49 is displaceable and / or rotatable relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 and / or relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0308] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 46 to FIG. 53, the latch or latch-like component of the locking element 49 is rotatable relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 and relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0309] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 46, FIG. 47 and FIG. 50, in the first position of the locking element 49, the latch of the locking element 49 is in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is interrupted or blocked via the latch of the locking element 49.

[0310] In the second position of the locking element 49, however (cf. FIG. 48, FIG. 49 and FIG. 51), the latch of the locking element 49 is in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is no longer interrupted or blocked by the latch or the latch-like component of the locking element 49.

[0311] The locking mechanism of the further exemplary embodiment of the

[0312] Electrical contact coupling 8 is further characterized in that the latch of the locking element 49 is not moved with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 from the first position to the second position.

[0313] The illustrations in FIG. 46 to FIG. 53 further show that the latch of the locking element 49 is assigned a trigger mechanism which is designed to transfer the latch of the locking element 49 from its first position to its second position and then preferably to hold the latch of the locking element 49 in the second position.

[0314] In detail, the trigger mechanism is designed to automatically transfer the latch of the locking element 49 from its first position to its second position and preferably to hold the latch of the locking element 49 in the second position when the trigger mechanism recognizes or detects that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is present in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8 and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling 8 is present.

[0315] For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the triggering mechanism has a particularly mechanically actuatable trigger 53 which - at least in the first position of the locking element 49 or the bolt or the bolt-like component - is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8 and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling 8 of a mating coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling 8 strikes the trigger 53 in the region of the coupling plane.

[0316] The views in FIG. 46, FIG. 47 as well as in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 show that the mechanically actuated trigger 53 is guided, at least partially or in some areas, in a guide 50 formed in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. When the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 moves relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 from the first position to the second position, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 also moves relative to the mechanically actuated trigger 53 of the triggering mechanism.

[0317] Furthermore, it can be seen from the drawings that the trigger 53 of the trigger mechanism is assigned a pretensioning element 51, in particular in the form of a spring, via which the trigger 53 is pretensioned in the direction of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling 8.

[0318] In detail, in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIG. 46 to FIG. 53, it is provided that the trigger 53 of the triggering mechanism is designed as a spring plunger.

[0319] To transfer the locking element 49 or the latch of the locking element 49 from the first position to the second position and vice versa, the latch of the locking element 49 is rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 and relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8. The rotational axis extends at least substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 or to a longitudinal displacement direction of the trigger.

[0320] It can also be seen that the trigger mechanism has a gear mechanism which is designed to convert a movement of the trigger 53 when it is actuated into a movement of the bolt or the bolt-like component of the locking element 49.

[0321] Specifically, in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, the gear mechanism comprises a cam mechanism with a preferably closed cam 52. The cam mechanism with the preferably closed cam 52 is provided at an end region of the trigger 53 facing away from the coupling plane.

[0322] Furthermore, a pickup element 54, particularly in the form of a grooved block, is at least partially or regionally received and guided by the preferably closed cam disc 52. In the embodiment shown, the pickup element 54 is connected to the latch 49 or the latch-like component of the locking mechanism.

[0323] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

[0324] Reference symbol list

[0325] 1 Automatic central buffer coupling

[0326] 2 coupling head

[0327] 3 front plate

[0328] 4 cones

[0329] 5 funnels

[0330] 6 grippers

[0331] 7 main bolts

[0332] 8 Electrical contact coupling

[0333] 9 housings

[0334] 10 electrical contact carriers

[0335] 11 Contact terminal

[0336] 12 stop element

[0337] 13 Spring mechanism

[0338] 14 Control

[0339] 15 cam disc

[0340] 16 Leadership role

[0341] 17 Lever element

[0342] 18 Leadership role

[0343] 19 Guide groove

[0344] 20 guide element

[0345] 21 Guide rod

[0346] 22 carriers

[0347] 22.1, 22.2 Carrier area

[0348] 23 Flap / Cover

[0349] 24 cam mechanism

[0350] 25 Centering element

[0351] 26.1, 26.2 Locking

[0352] 27 Pin or shaft area

[0353] 28 first attack

[0354] 29 second attack

[0355] 30 Blocking element

[0356] 31 Cover

[0357] 32 pressure plates

[0358] 33 Bellows

[0359] 34 Stop 35 Guide pin

[0360] 36 Cam disc area

[0361] 40 Blocking projection of the locking element

[0362] 41 Locking element / pawl

[0363] 42 Locking element / blocking element

[0364] 43 Pre-tensioning element for locking element / pawl

[0365] 44 Blocking projection of the housing of the electrical contact coupling

[0366] 45 Force transmission element / spring plunger

[0367] 46 Starting slope

[0368] 47 trigger range

[0369] 48 Preload element

[0370] 49 Locking element / latch / latch-like component of the locking element

[0371] 50 leadership

[0372] 51 Preload element / spring

[0373] 52 Cam mechanism / cam disc

[0374] 53 triggers

[0375] 54 Pick-up element / slot nut

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electrical contact coupling (8) for an automatic central buffer coupling (1) of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling (8) has a housing (9) with at least one electrical contact carrier (10) which has contact terminals (11) for electrical connections, wherein the housing (9) is longitudinally displaceable relative to a coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) between a first position in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its rest position ready for coupling and a second position in which the electrical contact coupling (8) is in its coupled position, characterized in that the electrical contact coupling (8) and in particular a movement mechanism assigned to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), which is designedto displace the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) longitudinally between the first position of the housing (9) and the second position of the housing (9) in the coupling direction as required, a locking mechanism is assigned which is designed to lock the electrical contact coupling (8) and in particular the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism occurs by a corresponding release element of a mating coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling, in particular during a coupling process between the electrical contact coupling (8) and the mating coupling or the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling.

2. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking element (41, 42) which is movable in particular relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), which locking element can be transferred between a first position in which the locking element (41, 42) blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling (8) and in particular a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the first position to the second position, and a second position in which the locking element (41, 42) no longer blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling (8) and in particular a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

3. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 2, wherein the locking element (41) is designed in particular as a pawl or has a pawl, wherein the locking element (41) in its first position is in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is interrupted via the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl.

4. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3, wherein the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is in the second position of the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) in such a way that a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is no longer interrupted by the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl.

5. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein for transferring the locking element (41, 42) from its first position to its second position and vice versa, the locking element (41, 42) is moved linearly or pivoted relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

6. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is assigned a prestressing element (43), in particular in the form of a compression spring, which acts on the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, in such a way that the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is prestressed in its first position.

7. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the locking element (41, 42) is received in a guide formed in the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

8. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the locking element (41) is moved with the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) when the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) moves relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) from the first position to the second position.

9. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is assigned a release mechanism which is designed to transfer the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position to its second position and preferably then to hold the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, in the second position.

10. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 9, wherein the trigger mechanism is designed to automatically transfer the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position to its second position and preferably then to hold the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, in the second position when the triggering mechanism detects or senses that in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8): an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is present; and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) is present.

11. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 9 or 10 and in particular according to claim 10, wherein the triggering mechanism has a trigger, in particular a mechanically actuatable trigger, which - at least in the first position of the locking element (41) - is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8) and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) strikes the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.

12. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 11, wherein the mechanically actuatable trigger is guided in a guide formed in the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

13. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein upon movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) from the first position to the second position, the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) also moves relative to the mechanically actuatable trigger of the triggering mechanism.

14. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the in particular mechanically actuatable trigger is assigned a switch, and wherein the trigger mechanism is assigned an in particular electromotive actuator, which is designed, at triggering the switch, the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is moved from its first position to its second position.

15. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a sensor system, in particular one operating without contact, is assigned to the trigger, which sensor system is designed to detect directly or indirectly that an electrical contact coupling (8) of a counter-coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling (8) of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) is present in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8), and wherein an actuator, in particular an electromotive actuator, is assigned to the trigger mechanism, which actuator is designed to transfer the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position to its second position when the sensor system detects that an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a counter-coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) is present in a region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8).

16. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the trigger has a force transmission element (45), in particular in the form of a plunger, in particular a spring plunger, prestressed in the direction of the region of the coupling plane, wherein the force transmission element (45) is designed such that, in a first position of the force transmission element (45), an end region of the force transmission element (45) on the coupling plane side projects into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8), and that upon retraction of an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and / or upon retraction of an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8), the force transmission element (45) is transferred to a second position,wherein, when the force transmission element (45) is transferred into the second position, the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is transferred into the second position.

17. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 16, wherein the force transmission element (45) is guided in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) so as to be longitudinally displaceable between the first position and the second position of the force transmission element (45), and wherein the force transmission element (45) has, at its end region opposite the end region on the coupling plane side, a run-on bevel which interacts with the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, in such a way that when the force transmission element (45) is transferred from its first position to the second position, the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is also transferred from its first position to its position;and / or wherein the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, has a run-on bevel (46) which interacts with an end region of the force transmission element (45) opposite the end region on the coupling plane side in such a way that when the force transmission element (45) is transferred from the first position into the second position of the force transmission element (45), the locking element (41), which is designed in particular as a pawl, is also transferred from its first position into its second position.; 18. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of the preceding claims and in particular according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking element (42) which is movable relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) and is designed in particular as a blocking element, which can be transferred between a first position in which a blocking projection (40) of the locking element (42) blocks a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the first position to the second position, and a second position in which a blockage of a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) by the blocking projection (40) of the locking element (42) is lifted.

19. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 18, wherein the locking element (42) is arranged pivotably relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

20. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) has a blocking projection (44) which is at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection (40) of the locking element (42), which blocking projection interacts with the blocking projection (40) of the locking element (42) in such a way that, in the first position of the locking element (42), a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) in the direction of the second position of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is blocked, wherein, in the first position of the locking element (42), which is in particular designed as a blocking element, the blocking projection (40) of the blocking element abuts in particular against a blocking projection (44) of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) which is at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection (40).

21. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 20, wherein the locking element (42), which is designed in particular as a blocking element, has a release region (47) located in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8), wherein the locking element (42) is mounted relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) and / or relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) in such a way that - in particular during a coupling process - when the release region (47) is contacted by an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8), the locking element (42), which is designed as a blocking element, is wasted and engagement between the blocking projections (40, 44) is thus released.

22. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the locking element (42) is assigned a pretensioning mechanism (48), in particular in the form of a tension spring, which is designed to pretension the locking element (42) in the first position.

23. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element is designed as a latch (49) or as a latch-like component or has a latch (49) or a latch-like component which can be transferred relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) and / or relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) between a first position in which the locking element blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling (8) and in particular a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) from the first position into the second position, and a second position in which the locking element (49) no longer blocks a movement of the electrical contact coupling (8) and in particular a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

24. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 23, wherein for transferring the locking element or the latch (49) or the latch-like component from the first position to the second position and vice versa, the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element is displaceable and / or rotatable relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) and / or relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

25. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element is in the first position of the locking element in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism associated with the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is interrupted or blocked via the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element.

26. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 25, wherein the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element in the second position of the locking element is arranged in such a way in a direction which is deviated from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) extended position such that a force transmission from the movement mechanism associated with the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) is no longer interrupted or blocked by the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element.

27. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element is not moved with the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) when the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) moves relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) from the first position to the second position.

28. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element is assigned a release mechanism which is designed to transfer the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element from its first position to its second position and preferably then to hold the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element in the second position.

29. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 28, wherein the trigger mechanism is designed to automatically transfer the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element from its first position to its second position and preferably to hold the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the locking element in the second position when the trigger mechanism recognizes or detects that in a region of a coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8): an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is present; and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling that is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) is present.

30. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 28 or 29 and in particular according to claim 28, wherein the trigger mechanism has a particularly mechanically actuatable trigger (53) which - at least in the first position of the locking element or the bolt (49) or the bolt-like component - is present at least partially or regionally in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8) and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and in particular an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) strikes the trigger (53) in the region of the coupling plane.

31. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 30, wherein the mechanically actuatable trigger (53) is guided at least partially or regionally in a guide (50) formed in the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) in the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).

32. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 30 or 31, wherein upon movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) from the first position to the second position, the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) also moves relative to the mechanically actuatable trigger (53) of the triggering mechanism.

33. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the trigger (53) of the triggering mechanism is assigned a prestressing element (51), in particular in the form of a spring, via which the trigger (53) is prestressed in the direction of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8).

34. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 33, wherein the trigger (53) of the trigger mechanism is designed as a spring plunger or has a spring plunger.

35. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 29 to 34, wherein for transferring the locking element or the latch (49) or the latch-like component from the first position into the second position and vice versa, the latch (49) or the latch-like component of the Locking element is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1) and / or relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), wherein the axis of rotation is at least substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) and / or at least substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal displacement direction of the trigger (53).

36. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the trigger mechanism has a gear mechanism which is designed to convert a movement of the trigger (53) upon its actuation into a movement of the latch (49) or the latch-like component.

37. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 36, wherein the gear mechanism comprises a cam mechanism with a preferably closed cam (52).

38. Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 37, wherein the cam mechanism with the preferably closed cam (52) is provided at an end region of the trigger (53) facing away from the coupling plane, and wherein a pickup element (54), in particular in the form of a sliding block, is received and guided at least partially or regionally by the preferably closed cam (52), wherein the pickup element (54) is preferably connected to the latch (49) or the latch-like component.

Images