Electric coupling

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An electrical coupling ( common term in rail vehicle technology for: electrical contact coupling) is the electrical part of the coupling that is used for the transmission of currents and signals - including the signals for the vehicle bus and entertainment electronics - between two systems. Electric couplings are used in all common types of rail vehicles, such as high-speed and regional trains (DMU and EMU), trams and metros. Depending on the requirements of the wagon builder or the rail operator, the electrical coupling is manufactured in different designs. The arrangement, control and size of the electrical contact coupling depend not only on the number and requirements of the signals to be transmitted but also on the installation space in the rail vehicle.

history

In 1932 a rail vehicle for the Zwickau tram (operator today: Städtische Verkehrsbetriebe Zwickau ) was equipped with an electric coupling for the first time.

Types of E-Couplings

Automatic clutch

Automatic couplers enable two or more multiple units to be coupled and uncoupled to form a train set without additional operating personnel "on the rails". It is operated pneumatically, electrically or hydraulically. The arrangement is above, below or to the side, depending on the space required.

Close coupling

The close coupling establishes the electrical connection between cars that are not automatically coupled. The operation is purely manual.

Electric hand clutch

Manual couplings are used to connect electrical lines between vehicles, from local and long-distance trains to non-rail land vehicles.

Layout and function

The function of the electrical coupling is to ensure interference-free transmission via the electrical contacts and the cables connected to them. The electrical coupling usually consists of the following components:

• casing
• cover
• Contact carrier
• Electrical contacts
• Single wires and cables
• Protective hose
• Hand plug

literature

• Pat Kentner, Brian Brundige, J. Craig Thorpe, John Winfield, William W. Kratville, Laura J. O'Connor: The Car & Locomotive Cyclopedia , Simmons Boardman Pub Co; 6 edition, 1997
• Jürgen Janicki, Horst Reinhard: Rail Vehicle Technology , Bahn Fachverlag, 2nd revised and expanded edition 2008