ELECTROCONTACT COUPLING FOR AN AUTOMATIC CENTER BUFFER COUPLING OF A RAIL-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 is longitudinally displaceable relative to a coupling head (2) of the central buffer coupling (1), as required, 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.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 a mechanical release of the locking mechanism takes place by a corresponding release element of 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.

Description

The present invention relates generally to track guided vehicles and, more particularly, to rail vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to hitch assemblies for track guided vehicles, particularly railway vehicles, that include center buffer automatic couplings.According to one aspect of the present invention, it relates to an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a freight car of a rail vehicle, wherein the automatic central buffer coupling comprises an electrical contact coupling.According to a further aspect of the invention, it relates to an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a rail car of a rail vehicle.Electrical center buffer couplings, which enable a quick and simple coupling and decoupling of cars of a track-guided vehicle, are fundamentally known from rail vehicle technology. In this case, when mechanically connecting / coupling two adjacent carriages of a traction assembly, the mechanical coupling heads of the automatic central buffer coupling are connected in a force-fitting manner in order to be able to transmit traction and impact forces between the carriages mechanically coupled in this way.In addition to the mechanical coupling of adjacent carriages, electrical lines, such as lines for the current supply and / or data lines, are generally simultaneously coupled via a plurality of contact terminals arranged in an electrical contact carrier.Conventional electrical contact couplings for automatic center buffer couplings of a track-guided vehicle are generally arranged adjacent to the mechanical coupling head of the center buffer coupling and usually have a coupling housing in which an interface unit with a plurality of connection elements (terminals) is arranged.The electrical contact coupling furthermore generally has a protective flap (also referred to herein for short 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.Thus, it is known, for example, from the publication EP 4 069 572 A1 that the electrical contact coupling is pressed forward in the direction of 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 meet one another and press on one another. The electrical contact couplings can yield rearward against the compression springs during the coupling impact and are pressed against one another by these in the coupled state.For the mutual pressing on, the flaps must have a certain contour relative to their axis of rotation and project forwardly beyond the coupling plane. The flap which projects forward in the closed state is then located above the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the open state.The disadvantage of such an electrical contact coupling is to be seen in particular in the fact that, owing 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 in the open state of the electrical contact coupling.Thus, the approach known from the publication EP 4 069 572 A1 is not suitable for electrical contact couplings which have a reduced overall height due to application or design.The flap geometries required for mutual pressing-on cannot generally be changed to such an extent that such installation space requirements can be met, while at the same time the function of mutual pressing-on continues to be provided.On the other hand, for example, from the publication DE 40 13 493 A1 a typical electrical contact coupling used in an automatic central buffer coupling of type 10 in passenger traffic is known, in which the electrical contact coupling is moved forward in the direction of the coupling plane with the aid of a pneumatic cylinder and deflection levers after the mechanical coupling process has been completed.When the housing of the electrical contact coupling is moved forward in the direction of the coupling plane, the flap of the electrical contact coupling is folded upward by a control arm. The tension springs located on the flap run over a dead point when the flap is opened, so that the tension springs hold the flap closed in the closed state and open in the open state.In the case of the electrical contact clutch known from the publication DE 40 13 493 A1, a sensor system is required which detects the state of the mechanical clutch. Furthermore, for moving the electrical contact coupling into the coupling plane, compressed air is necessary, which supplies the movement cylinder of the drive of the electrical contact coupling.Finally, a corresponding control is required, which controls the necessary valves for controlling the moving cylinder and for moving the electrical contact coupling.Such a pneumatic advance of the electrical contact coupling cannot be realized, however, in automatic central buffer couplings in which no compressed air is present.A further disadvantage of the electrical contact coupling known from passenger traffic is that it also requires a relatively large installation space. By providing the necessary sensor system and the control for the pneumatic drive, the weight of the electrical contact coupling and the complexity thereof are also increased.Even if it is already generally known from the prior art that during the coupling process of two automatic center buffer couplings, the corresponding electrical contact couplings are only coupled when a connection has already been established via the mechanical coupling heads of the center buffer couplings, the problem has not yet been recognized that it is necessary to take care that an electrical contact coupling of a center buffer coupling is not transferred into the position ready for coupling, if the mating coupling is designed without an electrical contact coupling, for example, or if the electrical contact coupling of the mating coupling is not compatible with the electrical contact coupling of the center buffer coupling.This problem becomes more important if, for example, goods cars are to be equipped with automatic central buffer couplings. Previously, goods cars are generally not equipped with automatic central buffer couplings, so that it is to be noted that the electrical contact coupling of a central buffer coupling is only moved into its coupled position in a transition phase in which cars are in communication with a central buffer coupling but without an electrical contact coupling and cars are in communication with a central buffer coupling and an electrical contact coupling, when the mating coupling is actually also equipped with an electrical contact coupling and in particular with a compatible electrical contact coupling.On the basis of the discussed problem, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical contact coupling for an automatic central buffer coupling which is distinguished by a simple and robust construction, wherein the coupling process of the electrical contact coupling is intended to take place purely mechanically and without its own pneumatic drive, without sensors and without control.In particular, the electrical contact coupling should have as low an overall height as possible both in the closed and in the open state.Released therefrom, an automatic central buffer coupling is intended to be specified according to the task, in particular for a freight car of a track-guided vehicle with a corresponding electrical contact coupling.In particular, the invention is based on the problem that the displacement of an electrical contact clutch from a first position, in which the electrical contact clutch is in its ready-to-couple rest position, into a second position, in which the electrical contact clutch is in its coupled position, must take place depending on whether or not an electrical contact clutch of a mating clutch is actually present or whether or not an electrical contact clutch of a mating clutch is compatible with the electrical contact clutch of the automatic middle buffer clutch.On the basis of this problem, the invention is therefore based on the object of further developing an electrical contact coupling of the type mentioned at the beginning to the effect that it is actually moved into the coupled position even in a so-called "mixed operation" only if the mating coupling is equipped with an in particular compatible electrical contact coupling.This object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the solution according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.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 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 ready-to-couple rest position, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position.According to the invention, it is provided in particular that a locking mechanism is assigned to the electrical contact clutch and in particular to a movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact clutch, which is designed to longitudinally displace the housing of the electrical contact clutch between the first position of the housing and the second position of the housing in the clutch direction, as required. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the housing of the electrical contact clutch in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism takes place by a corresponding release element of a mating clutch and / or an electrical contact clutch of a mating clutch, in particular in the course of a coupling process between the electrical contact clutch and the electrical contact clutch of the mating clutch.The advantages which can be achieved with the solution according to the invention are obvious:By providing a corresponding locking mechanism, it is ensured in an easily realizable but nevertheless effective manner that the displacement of the electrical contact coupling from the first position into the second position only occurs when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is actually present in the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling.Various approaches are possible for realizing the solution according to the invention.Thus, for example, according to one aspect of the invention, it is provided that the locking mechanism has a locking element which can be moved with the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, in particular relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, and which 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 does not (any longer) block 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.In this context, it is possible, for example, for the locking element to be designed in particular as a pawl or to have a pawl, wherein the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is present in the first position of the locking element in a position retracted into a longitudinal displacement path of the housing of the electrical contact clutch, in which position, via the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact clutch to the housing of the electrical contact clutch is interrupted.For example, it can be provided that the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, is present in the second position of the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing of the electrical contact clutch in such a way that, via the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing of the electrical contact clutch to the housing of the electrical contact clutch is no longer (any longer) interrupted.Alternatively or additionally thereto, it is conceivable that for transferring the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and vice versa, the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, is moved or pivoted linearly relative to the housing of the electrical contact clutch.According to variant embodiments of the electrical contact clutch according to the invention, it is provided that the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is assigned a prestressing element, in particular in the form of a compression spring, 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 present prestressed in its first position.In principle, it is advantageous that the locking element, which is in particular embodied as a pawl, is assigned a triggering mechanism which is embodied to transfer the locking element, which is in particular embodied as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and preferably also to hold the locking element, which is in particular embodied as a pawl, in the second position.According to a development of the last-mentioned aspect of the invention, it is provided that the triggering mechanism is designed to automatically (i.e. automatically) transfer the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and preferably then to hold the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, in the second position when it is detected by the triggering mechanism or detected in a different manner 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 an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.In this context, it is provided, in particular, according to developments of the invention that the triggering mechanism has a mechanically actuatable trigger which is present at least partially or in regions 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 abuts the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.In this context, it is conceivable, for example, for a switch to be assigned to the trigger, which can be actuated mechanically in particular, wherein the triggering mechanism can be assigned an actuator, which is electromotive in particular and which is designed to transfer the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, from its first position into its second position when the switch is triggered.As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment variant, it is conceivable that the trigger is assigned a sensor system which operates in particular in a contactless manner and is designed to directly or indirectly detect that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is present in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling and / or that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.In this embodiment variant, it is appropriate that an actuator, in particular an electric motor actuator, is assigned to the triggering mechanism, which actuator is designed, when the sensor system is detected, to transfer the locking element, in particular designed as a locking pawl, from its first position into its second position in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling.Further alternatively to the aforementioned embodiment variants, it is conceivable that the release of the triggering mechanism has a force transmission element, in particular in the form of a plunger, in particular a spring plunger, which is prestressed in the direction of the region of the coupling plane, wherein the force transmission element is designed in such a way that, in a first position of the force transmission element, an end region of the force transmission element on the coupling plane side protrudes into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, 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 is inserted into the region 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 in particular designed as a locking pawl, is transferred into the second position.According to one embodiment of the last-mentioned variant of the electrical contact clutch according to the invention, it is provided that the force transmission element is guided between the first position and the second position of the force transmission element so as to be longitudinally displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing of the electrical contact clutch, wherein the force transmission element has a run-on slope on its end region opposite the coupling-plane-side end region, which interacts 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 into its second position, the locking element, which is designed in particular as a pawl, is likewise transferred from the first position into the second position of the locking element.Alternatively or additionally thereto, it is conceivable that the locking element, which is in particular designed as a pawl, has a run-on slope which interacts with an end region of the force transmission element which is situated opposite the coupling-plane-side end region 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, which is in particular designed as a pawl, is likewise transferred from its first position into its second position.According to an alternative embodiment variant 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 in particular designed as a blocking protrusion and which can be transferred during the movement of the locking mechanism relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling between a first position, in which the blocking protrusion 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 blocking of a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling by the blocking protrusion of the locking element is canceled.In this case, it is provided in particular that the locking element is arranged pivotably relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling. The pivot axis of the locking element preferably extends orthogonally to the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.In particular, it is conceivable in this context that the housing of the electrical contact coupling has a blocking protrusion which is at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking protrusion of the locking element and which interacts with the blocking protrusion 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.In this embodiment variant of the locking mechanism as well, it is appropriate that the locking mechanism is assigned a corresponding triggering mechanism which is designed to transfer the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position into its second position. The triggering mechanism is in particular designed to automatically (i.e. in particular automatically) transfer the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position into its second position if the triggering mechanism detects 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 an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present.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 connection for the triggering mechanism to have a mechanically actuatable trigger which is present at least partially or in regions 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 abuts the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.Here, too, it is basically conceivable for a switch to be assigned to the, in particular, mechanically actuatable trigger, wherein the triggering mechanism is then preferably assigned an, in particular, electromotive actuator, which is designed to transfer / pivot the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position into its second position upon triggering of the switch.Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the trigger to be assigned a sensor system which operates in particular in a contactless manner and is designed to directly or indirectly detect 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 an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present, wherein in this case, in particular, the triggering mechanism is assigned a preferably electromotive actuator which is designed, when the sensor system is detected that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is present in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, to transfer the locking element with the blocking projection from its first position into its second position and, in particular, to pivot it.In principle, the corresponding sensor system can also be, for example, an RFID system or other contactless operating system which detects, via a corresponding RFID signal or via an optical or electromagnetic signal, whether 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 is present in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling.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 protrudes at least in regions into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, and that, when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is moved in or when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling is moved into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling, the locking element is transferred with the blocking projection into the second position.Preferably, the locking element with the blocking projection is present here in a spring-biased manner in the first position of the locking element.The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrical contact coupling of the type described above which is distinguished 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.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 prestressed and is moved or can be moved into the second position.In other words, by virtue of the spring mechanism being used to prestress the housing of the electrical contact clutch in the first position, that is to say in the position in which the electrical contact clutch is in its ready-to-couple position, the prestressing force of the spring mechanism can be used for longitudinally displacing the housing in the clutch direction.In this connection, a stop mechanism can also be provided, with the aid of which the movement sequence of the housing between the first and second positions is controlled.In particular, it is conceivable that the spring mechanism serves as a preferably single drive for moving the housing of the electrical contact clutch from the first position into the second position.In the first position of the housing of the electrical contact coupling, the housing is tensioned in the direction of the second position of the housing due to the spring mechanism. In this case, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is supported on the control element via the stop element. If the control element is not moved, no movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling takes place either.According to implementations of the stop mechanism, it is provided that it has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact clutch, which stop element, due to the prestressing force of the spring mechanism, strikes or abuts against a control element which is mounted rotatably about an axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction. The control element is designed in such a way that, when the control element rotates about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.The control element thereby serves as a preferably single drive for moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling from the second position into the first position.In particular, in variant embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is mounted rotatably about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction relative to the electrical contact coupling and in particular relative to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, wherein furthermore the housing of the electrical contact coupling is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the control element in the coupling direction.According to implementations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is coupled or couplable to a coupling closure, designed as a rotary closure, of the automatic central buffer coupling and, in particular, is operatively connected or operatively connectable in such a way that a rotation of the coupling closure, designed as a rotary closure, about a main axis, namely between a uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling closure, designed as a rotary closure, the control element is rotated along in a preferably synchronous manner about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction.In this context, it is conceivable in particular for the control element to be 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 on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism, wherein, in a state in which the coupling closure of the automatic central buffer clutch designed as a rotary closure is present 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 disk, and then, when the coupling closure of the automatic central buffer clutch designed as a rotary closure is transferred from the uncoupled position into 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 disk, wherein the first edge region of the control element, which is at least partially or partially designed as a cam disk, is preferably designed to be complementary in regions to a circumferential geometry of the stop element and in particular to be trough-shaped.For the specific configuration of the stop mechanism, different embodiments are possible:Thus, according to a first embodiment variant 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 on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism and the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element is thus tapped or can be tapped off.According to preferred implementations of this (first) embodiment variant, it is provided that the stop element is designed as a guide roller pressed against the edge region of the control element, which is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk, on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism. Of course, however, other configurations for the stop element are also possible here.In this context, it is conceivable that the control element is designed such that, during the initial rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction, the housing is initially moved, in particular in a pulse-like manner, relative to the control element and / or relative to the clutch head of the central buffer clutch, in particular in a direction, in particular in the longitudinal direction, counter to the clutch direction, wherein subsequently and during a further rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction, the housing of the electrical contact clutch is longitudinally displaced relative to the control element and / or relative to the clutch head of the central buffer clutch in the clutch direction.It is thereby expedient that the control element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk, and for moving the housing of the electrical contact clutch in particular in a pulse-like manner relative to the clutch head of the central buffer clutch, the cam disk has a region designed in particular as a projection.According to a second embodiment variant of the present invention, it is provided that the stop element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk and the control element as a lever element, wherein the stop element designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk is pressed against the control element designed as a lever element on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism.According to one embodiment of this second variant of the invention, it is provided that the control element designed as a lever element has a guide roller against which-at least temporarily during the rotation of 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 on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism.According to a third embodiment variant of the present invention, it is provided that the control element is designed as an at least partially closed cam disk with a guide groove and the stop element is designed as an element, in particular a slot nut, which is received in the guide groove at least partially or partially.The advantages of the solution according to the invention can also be seen in particular in the fact that only an extremely low force is necessary for manipulating / rotating the control element during the coupling of the electrical contact coupling. Thus, the solution according to the invention is also particularly suitable for the control element to be co-rotated, for example, by a main bolt of the mechanical clutch rotating during mechanical coupling. In this case, it should be taken into account that the mechanical coupling process is then not influenced, or is influenced only slightly, by the mass of the control element of the electrical contact coupling which is to be additionally moved.Apart from the specific configuration of the stop element, it is conceivable for the control element to have a pin or shaft region which extends along the axis which extends perpendicularly to the coupling direction and about which the control element is rotatable relative to the housing, the pin or shaft region being connected or connectable to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt accommodated at least partially or in regions in a housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, the axis which extends perpendicularly to the coupling direction and along which the pin or shaft region of the control element extends preferably coinciding with the axis of the main bolt of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.Alternatively, the control element can be directly connected or connectable to a coupling closure designed as a rotary closure and in particular to a main bolt of the automatic central buffer coupling, namely in such a way that a rotation of the coupling closure designed as a rotary closure or a rotation of the main bolt about a main axis, namely between a uncoupled position and a coupled position of the coupling closure designed as a rotary closure, the control element is rotated in a synchronous manner.According to preferred implementations of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, the latter has 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. With the aid of the guide rods, a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling is guided during the longitudinal displacement of the housing relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.A particularly compact configuration of the electrical contact coupling can be realized if the spring mechanism is combined with the guide system. It is conceivable, for example, for the preferably two guide rods to each be designed as spring guide rods. Of course, however, other configurations are also possible here.According to embodiments of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the guide system has a carrier, by means of which the guide rods can be connected together with the housing of the electrical contact coupling, which housing is displaceable relative to the guide rods, preferably above the coupling head of the central buffer coupling to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.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 furthermore designed such that it pivots open (automatically) when the housing of the electrical contact coupling changes from the first position to the second position and thus releases the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.In order to realize such an automatic pivoting-up process of the flap, an in particular at least partially closed cam disk mechanism can be assigned to the flap in order to pick up a longitudinal movement of the housing relative to the guide rods of the guide system and use the pick-up movement for pivoting the flap relative to the housing.In particular in this context, it is conceivable that the cam disk mechanism, which is in particular at least partially closed, and / or a pivoting mechanism assigned to 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.Alternatively or additionally thereto, it is conceivable that the cam disk mechanism, which is in particular at least partially closed, and / or a pivoting mechanism assigned to the flap is designed such that a pivoting movement of the flap, which is in particular manually initiated or attempted accordingly, is at least substantially prevented at least when the electrical contact coupling is in its second position.According to implementations of the present invention, the electrical contact coupling according to the invention has centering elements connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling. In order to achieve a particularly flat and compact construction of the electrical contact coupling, the centering elements should be arranged laterally and below the flap of the electrical contact coupling, namely in relation to a state in which the flap covers the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.Finally, according to one conceivable embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that a locking mechanism 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.According to preferred implementations, the present invention relates to an electrical contact coupling having 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 central buffer coupling between a first position and a second position in the coupling direction. In the first position, the electrical contact clutch is in its ready-to-couple rest position, while in the second position, the electrical contact clutch is in its coupled position.The electrical contact coupling further comprises a spring mechanism with which the housing is biased into the second position. Furthermore, a stop mechanism is used which is designed to control a movement sequence of the housing between the first and second positions (and vice versa).In the preferred embodiment of the electrical contact clutch according to the invention, it is provided that the stop mechanism has a stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact clutch, which stop element, due to the prestressing force of the spring mechanism, strikes or abuts against a control element which is mounted rotatably about an axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction. The control element is designed in such a way that, when the control element rotates about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing is displaced longitudinally relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.In particular, in the preferred implementation of the electric contact clutch according to the invention, it is provided that the control element is designed such that, during the initial rotation of the control element about the axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction, the housing is first moved, in particular in a pulse-like manner, relative to the clutch head of the central buffer clutch, in particular in a direction opposite to the clutch direction, wherein, subsequently and during a further rotation of the clutch element about the axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction, the housing of the electric contact clutch is longitudinally displaced relative to the clutch head of the central buffer clutch in the clutch direction.By means of this measure and in particular by means of the pulse-like movement of the housing of the central buffer coupling, an "ice breaker function" can be implemented. Any icing of the movable components of the electrical contact coupling can thus be released.In order to realize this defrosting function, it is conceivable that the control element is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk. For the purpose of moving the housing of the electrical contact coupling in particular in a pulse-like manner relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling, the cam disc of the control element has a region which is designed in particular as a projection.According to a further aspect of the preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, it is provided that the control element has a pin or shaft region which extends along the axis running 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 accommodated in a housing of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling at least partially or in regions. In this case, it is provided in particular that the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region of the control element extends, preferably corresponds to the axis of the main bolt of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.The preferred implementation of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises a guide system having at least one and preferably two, in particular lateral guide rods which extend parallel to one another and in the coupling direction and by means of which a movement of the housing of the electrical contact coupling is or can be guided during the 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 in particular designed as a spring guide rod, in which a compression spring of the spring mechanism is accommodated by an end region of the corresponding guide rod and is 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 thereby expedient that the pressure plate fastened to the end of the guide rod is part of an anti-rotation device.According to further developments of the last-mentioned aspect, it is provided in particular that the compression spring of the spring mechanism is assigned a bellows in which the compression spring of the spring mechanism is accommodated at least partially or in regions.It is particularly preferably provided that the preferably two in particular lateral guide rods each extend at least partially or in regions laterally next to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, and specifically preferably each at least substantially in a region spaced apart horizontally from a central longitudinal axis of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.The preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises at least one carrier assigned to the guide system, by means of which the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system are connected or can be connected 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.In this context, it is appropriate that the carrier is designed in two parts and has carrier regions arranged at least partially or in regions laterally of the housing of the electrical contact coupling.The preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system each extend through a passage formed in the carrier or through a passage formed in a carrier region of the carrier and are preferably releasably fixed there to the carrier or to the carrier region of the carrier.According to embodiments 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 adjoins at a distance over a reduced gap region when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the first position, and a second stop opposite the first stop in the coupling direction, abuts against the carrier or against which the carrier adjoins at a distance over a reduced gap region when the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the second position.In this context, it is appropriate 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 in each case one of the preferably two, in particular lateral, guide rods of the guide system is guided and in particular releasably fixed there.The preferred embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention further comprises a flap or cover which is configured to cover an end face of the housing with the contact terminals in the first position of the housing of the electrical contact coupling. The flap or cover is furthermore designed in such a way that it pivots open when the housing of the electrical contact coupling changes from the first position to the second position and thus releases the end face of the housing with the contact terminals.In this context, it is preferred that an in particular at least partially closed cam disk mechanism of a pivot mechanism is assigned to the cover or flap 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 for pivoting the cover or flap relative to the housing.In this context, it is in particular conceivable for the cover or flap to have, preferably on each side, a guide pin which projects perpendicularly or transversely with respect to the coupling direction and is accommodated at least partially or in regions in a guide groove of the cam disk mechanism.In order to achieve that ice or dirt can be removed "automatically" from the guide groove of the cam disk mechanism by the movement of the guide pin projecting perpendicular 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 disk mechanism.Preferably, it is provided that a cam disk mechanism is arranged laterally of the cover or flap, which cam disk mechanism is connected to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected to one of the two lateral guide rods, in particular, preferably in that the control arm and the guide rod form a unit, in particular in the form of a machined forged part.The electrical contact coupling according to the invention preferably has a locking device assigned to the housing of the electrical contact coupling, with the aid of which the housing of the electrical contact coupling can be locked relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling as required.According to one conceivable implementation of such a locking, it is provided that the locking has a blocking element which can be introduced, if necessary, in particular manually into a longitudinal displacement path of the carrier between the carrier and the second stop and can in particular be pivoted in manually, and which 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 in which it is introduced into the longitudinal displacement path and is preferably pivoted in.In a locked state of the housing of the electrical contact coupling effected with the aid of the locking, the stop element connected to the housing of the electrical contact coupling no longer strikes against the control element which is mounted rotatably about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction when the coupling closure of the automatic central buffer coupling, which closure is designed as a rotary closure, is rotated from its uncoupled position into the coupled position.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that, in particular for drainage reasons, the housing of the electrical contact coupling has a surface which is inclined in comparison with a horizontal plane and in particular a surface which is inclined toward the rear side of the electrical contact coupling, wherein drainage slopes are preferably added to the upper side. This measure, which is easy to implement but nevertheless effective, ensures that water and dirt can be discharged independently.According to a further aspect of the invention, it is provided that the electrical contact coupling has a cover which can preferably be fastened in a releasable manner 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 of the components of the electrical contact coupling.Preferably, the cover is designed in particular in the form of a bending plate preferably with reinforced beads and is designed to be placed from above onto the housing of the electrical contact coupling. In this case, it is provided in particular that the cover is designed to rest on both sides at preferably exactly three locations in a state in which it is placed on the housing of the electrical contact coupling.This is in particular the carrier, a collar or pressure plate of the guide rod and a control arm with the cam disk mechanism assigned to the cover or flap.The invention further relates to an automatic central buffer coupling, in particular for a rail car of a track-guided vehicle, according to the subordinate patent claim 38.The automatic center buffer coupling is in particular a Schneirenberg coupling. It has a coupling head for mechanically and non-positively connecting a first carriage to an adjacent second carriage, and an electrical contact coupling of the type according to the invention which is arranged above the coupling head.According to embodiments of the central buffer coupling according to the invention, the coupling head has a coupling head housing and a coupling closure, wherein the coupling closure is designed as a rotary closure with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and a uncoupled position, wherein the coupling eye is connected to the frog with a first end rotatably about a coupling eye axis and has a free end, and wherein the frog has a jaw which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eye of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling.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, due to the prestressing force of the spring mechanism of the electrical contact coupling, strikes or abuts against a control element mounted rotatably about an axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, wherein the control element is designed such that, when the control element rotates about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head of the central buffer coupling.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.The automatic central buffer coupling has, in particular, a coupling head with a coupling housing and a coupling element with a locking mechanism. The coupling closure serving as a coupling element, for example, is designed in particular as a rotary closure with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis, namely between a coupled position and a uncoupled position.The coupling eye, which likewise serves as a coupling element, is connected to the frog in particular with a first end or with a first end region rotatably 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 eyelet of a compatible coupling head of a mating coupling.A spring store can be assigned to the frog. In these embodiments, the frog is rotatable counter to the force of the spring accumulator from the coupled position into the uncoupled position and by the force of the spring accumulator from the uncoupled position into the coupled position.The uncoupled position is generally also referred to as the ready-to-couple position, since in this position the central buffer couplings of the two carriages can be moved against one another and coupled.If necessary, the coupling closure or its frog can also be rotated into a position which is covered with respect to the position ready for coupling, i.e. can be opened more than necessary. In this coated position, the spring accumulator is maximally tensioned.This coated position is also a position ready for coupling or uncoupled in the sense of the present disclosure. Furthermore, such a position ready for coupling or uncoupled is also referred to as a waiting position.The locking device, which holds the coupling closure in the respectively suitable position or releases it accordingly for the transition into another position by rotating the frog, has, for example, a plunger displaceable against a spring force in the coupling direction of the central buffer coupling and a latch rod displaceable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction. The ratchet rod is, for example, connected in an articulated manner to the frog and is displaceable by the frog during its rotation from the coupled position into the uncoupled position into a latching position in which the ratchet rod blocks a rotation of the frog back, i.e. in the direction from the uncoupled position into the coupled position.The punch, in turn, may 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 blocks the ratchet rod in the latching position, and in the second position, in which the plunger is displaced from the first position by the spring force, the plunger releases the ratchet rod from the latching position.The function of such an automatic central buffer coupling is as follows: two mutually compatible coupling heads on two cars or vehicles to be coupled to one another are locked to one another in that in each case the second end of the respective coupling eye is inserted into the mouth of the frog of the respective other coupling head and is held in a positive-locking manner by rotating the frog there. The two cars or vehicles are thus mechanically coupled to one another.The two dome shutters are loaded exclusively by tensile forces which are distributed uniformly over both dome shutters within the parallelogram forming the dome shutters and the frogs.In contrast, compressive forces are transmitted on the front side of the coupling head housing by a special profile, wherein the profile generally comprises, as is also advantageous in the case of the present invention, a cone and a funnel which are surrounded by a wide, in particular planar, end face. The profile can be formed by a separate end plate which is fastened at the front to the coupling head housing. The profile can form sliding and centering surfaces with the cone or funnel and can determine in particular the gripping region in lateral, height and angular offset. When the coupling heads meet, they center themselves and slide within each other.When two rail vehicles or cars are moved towards one another, their coupling closures or their heart pieces are in the position ready for coupling or uncoupled, in which the heart pieces are held in particular by the ratchet rods which are in the latching position. During coupling, the cones each dip into the funnels of the coupling head housing profiles. In the process, the cones press on the plungers and push them back, so that the plungers release the ratchet rods from their latching position. As a result, the coupling closures are released and rotated by the force of the respective spring store until the frog strikes a predetermined stop, generally on the coupling head housing. In this case, the coupling eyes guided in the funnels latch into the heartpiece mouths, the two coupling closures are hooked into one another and the coupled position is reached. Undesired separation of the coupling closures is not possible. Normal wear does not impair the safety of the clutch closure.In order to disconnect the coupling heads, a decoupling device rotates both coupling locks, i.e. the two frogs, against the force of the spring accumulators until the coupling eyes slide out of the mouths of the frogs. The twisting frogs are intended to displace the ratchet rods to such an extent that, when the vehicles or cars are separated, the frogs are prevented from turning back out of the coated position beyond the ready-to-couple position by the ratchet rods being moved into their latching positions.Decoupling devices are known in different embodiments. For example, manually actuatable mechanical disengaging devices have levers, cables and / or chain trains which act on different types of bolts and, upon actuation, cancel the bolt position.Automated decoupling devices comprise as drive, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric motor, in particular a linear actuator, which decouples the central buffer clutch.The coupling operation is performed by an automatic center buffer coupling of a first carriage or car body colliding with an automatic center buffer coupling of an adjacent second carriage or car body at low speed. In this case, a mechanical connection is produced between the two carriages or carriage bodies by means of the coupling heads. For this purpose, both automatic center buffer clutches which are involved in the clutch process must each be in an open state ready for clutching.In addition to the stable "coupled" and "open" states, there is another state for each automatic center buffer clutch, referred to as the "buffer position.". In this state, the carriages or carriage bodies can be pushed, wherein the compressive forces are transmitted via the automatic central buffer couplings, which in the case of the conventional screw coupling has taken place via the side buffers of the carriages or carriage bodies.In the buffer position, however, the adjacent automatic center buffer couplings of the adjacent carriages or carriage bodies do not couple. This special function is contrary to the actual principle of automatic clutching. Therefore, the function "buffer position" must be actively switched on and actively deactivated.The buffer position described is required, for example, for the maneuvering operation on the drainberg and the so-called repulsion and draining. TheAllyberg is an infrastructure facility to reclassify train associations. The drainberg is divided into three basic areas, namely the entry group, the mountain and the directional track.In the solution according to the invention, it is provided-on account of the movement sequence of the housing of the electrical contact clutch synchronized with the coupling closure of the central buffer clutch-that the electrical contact clutch is always in its first position (rest position) when the central buffer clutch 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 correspondingly protected or covered by the (closed) flap or cover.In the coupled position of the central buffer coupling, on the other hand, the electrical contact coupling is in the second position, provided it is not locked with the locking mechanism in the first position, in which the flap or cover is in its open state.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.The following are shown: FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of the automatic center buffer coupling of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the exemplary embodiment of the automatic center buffer clutch according to FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a schematic and first isometric view of the electrical contact coupling used in the automatic center buffer coupling according to FIGS. 1 and 2 ; FIG. 4 shows schematically and in a second isometric view the electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 3 ; FIGS. 5A to 5C are schematic and bottom views of another 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 ); FIGS. 6A, 6B schematically and in a view from below, another 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 ); FIGS. 7A to 7B are schematic and bottom views of another 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 ); FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic and each a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely 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 is a schematic and isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention; FIG. 10 schematically and in a side view, a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely in a state in which the electrical contact coupling is present in its first position, wherein the electrical contact coupling is correspondingly locked in this case; 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 ; FIG. 12 schematically shows a front view of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10 ; FIG. 13 shows schematically and in a further isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10 ; 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 cover which is preferably fastened in a releasable manner; 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 ; FIG. 16 shows schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 14 ; FIG. 17 shows schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 14 ; 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 present in its first position but not locked; 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 ; FIG. 20 shows schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18 ; FIG. 21 shows schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 18 ; 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 releasably attachable cover; 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 ; FIG. 24 shows schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 22 ; FIG. 25 shows schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 22 ; 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 present in its second position; 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 ; FIG. 28 shows schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26 ; FIG. 29 shows schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 26 ; 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 releasably attachable cover; FIG. 31 shows schematically and in an isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 30 ; FIG. 32 shows schematically and in a front view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 30 ; FIG. 33 shows schematically and in a (further) isometric view the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 30 ; FIG. 34 shows schematically and in a sectional view the guide system of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10 ; FIG. 35 shows 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; FIG. 36 shows 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 ; FIG. 37 shows schematically and in a (further) isometric view an embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention according to FIG. 10 ; 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 ; FIG. 39 shows 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 ready-to-couple rest position) until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism takes place; FIG. 40 is a schematic and partially cut side view of 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 clutch in the first position of the housing of the electrical contact clutch is released; FIG. 41 is a schematic and partially cut side view of the electrical contact coupling of FIG. 40 in a state in which, after the locking mechanism has released the locking of the housing of the electrical contact coupling in the first position, the housing of the electrical contact coupling is in the second position in which the electrical contact coupling is in its coupled position; FIG. 42 is a schematic and partially sectioned side view of a further embodiment variant of the locking mechanism associated with the housing of the electrical contact coupling, namely in a state in which the housing of the electrical contact coupling is blocked in the first position by the locking mechanism; FIG. 43 is a schematic and partially cut-away view of the embodiment of the electrical contact coupling of 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 into the second position is permitted; FIG. 44 shows schematically and in a partially cut-away side view a further embodiment variant of the electrical contact coupling according to the invention, namely 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 into the second position is blocked by the locking mechanism; and FIG. 45 is a schematic and partially cut-away side view of the exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling according to FIG. 44, namely 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 into the second position is possible.In the figures of the drawings, identical reference numerals designate identical or functionally identical elements, components or components, unless indicated to the contrary.FIG. 1 shows schematically and in a side view an exemplary embodiment of an automatic center buffer coupling 1 according to the present invention. The automatic central buffer coupling 1 is in particular an automatic central buffer coupling for the freight car of a rail vehicle. In particular, this is an automatic Schnerfberg coupling.The automatic central buffer coupling 1 has a coupling head 2 for mechanically and non-positively connecting a first carriage (not shown) to an adjacent second carriage (likewise not shown).The coupling head 2 comprises a coupling head housing in which a coupling closure is accommodated. Although not visible in the drawings, the coupling closure is preferably designed as a rotary closure with a coupling eye and a frog, wherein the frog is rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and a uncoupled position. The coupling eye is connected with a first end to the frog preferably rotatably about a coupling eye axis and has a free end. On the other hand, the frog has a jaw which is arranged to receive a second end of a coupling eyelet 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 in a state coupled to a coupling head 2 of a mating coupling. This clutch thus enables the co-coupling, in particular also of electrical connections. This is effected via an electrical contact coupling 8 mounted on the coupling head 2.In the embodiment variant of the automatic central buffer coupling 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical contact coupling 8 is arranged and fastened above the coupling head 2 of the mechanical coupling in a releasable manner with the aid of screws.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 side. The profile is formed by a cone 4 and a funnel 5. The cone 4 and the funnel 5 are surrounded by a wide, flat end face. The end face can be formed by an end plate 3 detachably connected to the coupling head housing or else by an end plate 3 formed integrally therewith.In order to enlarge the gripping region, within which a coupling process can still be initiated as intended when the central buffer couplings 1 are axially offset with respect to one another and can be concluded after the setting with respect to one another, the exemplary embodiment of the central buffer coupling 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings has a gripper 6.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.In FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric 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, so that the end region of the electrical contact coupling 8 is exposed.The structure and the mode of operation of the electrical contact coupling 8 used in the central buffer coupling 1 according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 are described in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 3 to 9.In short, the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the embodiment variants shown in the drawings has 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.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 ready-to-couple rest position, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.For this purpose, a guide system is used. In the exemplary embodiments of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in the drawings, the guide system comprises two guide rods 21 which extend parallel to one another and in the coupling direction and by means of which a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is guided during the longitudinal displacement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.As further illustrated, the guide rods 21 of the guide system are in particular designed as spring guide rods.In other words, each guide rod 21 of the guide system is assigned a spring mechanism 13 with which the housing 9 is prestressed into the second position, that is to say into the position in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its ready-to-couple or coupled position.In addition, the guide system has a carrier 22, by means of 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, can be connected above the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1, for example by means of a screw connection.It can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIGS. 8A to 8C that the electrical contact coupling 8 further has 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 connection, reference is made to the illustration in FIG. 8A.The flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is furthermore designed in such a way that it automatically pivots open when the housing 9 changes from the first position to the second position and thus releases 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.For automatically pivoting the flap 23, a closed cam mechanism 24 is used. Here, a guide groove is formed in a side plate, in which a guide member connected to the door 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 tapped with the aid of the element engaging in the guide groove and is used for pivoting the flap 23 relative to the housing 9.In detail, bolts are located on both sides of the flap 23, which protrude laterally into a guide contour or guide groove of a metal sheet fastened to the guide rods 21. During the forward movement, the bolts follow the contour or guide groove and thus press the flap 23 into the open position. During the retraction, the contour or guide groove ensures the closing of the flap 23, leg springs are preferably used on both sides, which are located on the flap axis of rotation and bear on the one hand on the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and on the other hand on the flap 23.In this way, the leg springs always attempt to press the flap 23 in the closed position and thus assist the closing and in particular prevent rattling noises when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is moved back.The guide contour or guide groove is also designed such that the flap 23 cannot be opened manually when the electrical contact coupling 8 is moved back, but can only be pivoted upwards by approximately 1° before the bolt bears against the metal sheet. This prevents persons from being able to touch the contacts located under the flap 23 unintentionally or unintentionally.In the advanced open state without a mating coupling, the housing 9 is pushed about 3 mm beyond the coupling plane. If the electrical contact couplings of two arrangements to be coupled meet, they yield rearward against their compression springs and are pressed against one another by these.It can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 2 that the electrical contact coupling 8 has centring elements / centring elements 25 which align the electrical contact couplings 8 with one another. Due to the extremely flat flap 23 of the electrical contact coupling 8, the centering elements 25 cannot be arranged in a region covered by the flap 23.As such, in the solution according to the invention, the centering elements 25 are arranged laterally and below the flap 23.In order to control the movement sequence of the housing 9 between the first and second positions, a stop mechanism is used in the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention. The stop mechanism has a stop element 12 which is connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8 and which, owing to the prestressing force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact clutch 8, strikes or abuts against a control element 14 which is mounted rotatably about an axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction.As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A-C, 6A, B and 7A, B, the control element 14 is designed such that, when the control element 14 is rotated about the axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction, the housing 9 is longitudinally displaced relative to the clutch head 2 of the central buffer clutch 1.In detail, in the variant embodiments of the electrical contact clutch 8 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-C, it is provided that the control element 14 of the stop mechanism is designed at least partially or in regions 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 designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15 on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism 13 of the electrical contact clutch 8, and the movement resulting from the rotation of the control element 14 is thus tapped or can be tapped.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 is pressed against the edge region of the control element 14 which is designed as a cam disk 15 at least partially or in regions on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism 13.An alternative embodiment for the stop mechanism is shown in Figures 6A, B.In this embodiment, the stop element 12 is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 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 disk 15 is pressed against the control element 14 designed as a lever element 17 on account of the prestressing force of the spring mechanism 13.Here too, it is appropriate that the control element 14 designed as a lever element 17 has a guide roller 18, against which-at least temporarily during the rotation of 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 partially as a cam disk 15 is pressed due to the prestressing force of the spring mechanism 13.In FIGS. 7A, B, a further embodiment of the stop mechanism is shown.In this embodiment, the control element 14 is designed as a closed cam disk 15 with a guide groove 19 and the stop element 12 is designed as an element (guide element 20), in particular a sliding block, which is accommodated at least partially or in regions in the guide groove 19.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, preferably corresponds to the axis of a main bolt 7 accommodated in the coupling head housing of the central buffer coupling 1 at least partially or in regions. In particular, it is thus conceivable for the control element 14 to be formed on an end-side region of an extension of the main bolt 7.In the solution according to the invention, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is not yet pushed forward in the ready-to-couple state of the automatic central buffer coupling 1. This longitudinal displacement in the coupling direction is prevented by the stop mechanism.As shown in FIG. 5A, for example, a stop, for example, in the form of a roller (guide roller 16) is fastened to the underside of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, while a cam disk 15 is fastened to an extension of the main bolt 7 of the central buffer coupling 1.In the ready-to-couple state, the cam disk 15 points to the rear, so that the roller or the stop abuts against the larger diameter of the cam disk 15. The spring mechanism 13 therefore cannot displace the housing 9 of the electric contact clutch 8 forward in the clutch direction.During the mechanical coupling, the main pin of the automatic center buffer clutch 1 rotates forward with the cam disk 15 and thus releases the movement of the housing 9 of the electric contact clutch 8 in the coupling direction. The spring mechanism 13 of the electric contact coupling 8 pushes the housing 9 of the electric contact coupling 8 forward along the guide rods 21. The feed is geometrically limited by the shape of the cam disk 15.Referring now to Fig. 9, there is shown schematically and in isometric view another aspect of the present invention.In detail, 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 means 26.1 in order to lock the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 as required.The locking device 26.1 shown in FIG. 9 is designed as a plug-off bolt. This is inserted through a bore in the carrier 22 and dips into a bore below it in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, so that advancement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is no longer possible.However, it is not absolutely necessary for the locking device 26.1 to have a bore which is formed in the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and into which the plug-off bolt is inserted. It could also be a simple contact surface which bears against the bolt from behind and thus prevents the housing 9 of the central buffer clutch 1 from moving in the clutch direction.The provision of such a locking means 26.1 has the advantage, in particular during maintenance work. The contacts / terminals of the electrical contact coupling 8 are thereby safely protected from access.It is also conceivable that the locking device 26.1 is used, for example, during coupling on clutches that are not electrically compatible.In the following, with reference to the representations in FIGS. 10 to 38, a further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is described.As is the previously described embodiment variant 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 center 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 ready-to-couple rest position, and a second position, in which the electrical contact coupling 8 is in its coupled position.In this case, FIGS. 10 to 17 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention in each case in its first position, wherein the electrical contact coupling 8 is locked in this position.By 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 likewise in its first position, but is not locked here.FIGS. 26 to 33 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention in each case in its second position.As is the case with 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.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.As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 35, the stop mechanism has a stop element 12 which is connected to the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8 and, owing to the prestressing force of the spring mechanism 13, strikes or abuts against a control element 14 which is mounted rotatably about an axis running perpendicular to the clutch direction. 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 longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.In particular, it can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 35 that the control element 14 is designed at least partially or in regions as a cam disk 15. The cam disk 15 has a region 36, which is in particular designed 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 pulse-like manner, in order to thus provide an ice breaker function.Specifically, the control element 14 designed as a cam disk 15 is designed in such a way that, during an initial rotation of the control element 14 about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, first the housing 9 of the electric contact clutch 8 is moved, in particular in a pulse-like manner, relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer clutch 1, in particular in a direction opposite to the coupling direction, wherein subsequently and during a further rotation of the control element 14 or of the cam disk 15 about the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, the housing 9 of the electric contact clutch 8 is longitudinally displaced relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer clutch 1 in the coupling direction.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 can be connected to a pin or shaft region of a main bolt 7 accommodated in a housing 9 of the coupling head of the central buffer coupling 1 at least partially or in regions.In this case, the axis running perpendicular to the coupling direction, along which the pin or shaft region 27 of the control element 14 extends, preferably corresponds to the axis of the main bolt 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 displacement movement of the housing 9 of the central buffer coupling 1, a lifting mechanism is used, as is shown schematically in the sectional view according to FIG. 38. It is essential here that no ball bearing is used, but rather a ring seated on a slide bearing.The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention according to FIGS. 10 to 33 further has a guide system with two lateral guide rods 21 which extend parallel to one another and in the coupling direction and by means of which a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is or can be guided during the longitudinal displacement of the housing 9 relative to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.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 accommodated 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.Preferably, the pressure plate 32 fastened to the end of the guide rod 21 also serves as part of a rotation prevention means.As can likewise 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 accommodated at least partially or in regions.FIGS. 10 to 13 and FIGS. 18 to 21 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention in each case with a preferably releasably attachable cover 31, which serves to cover at least partially or in regions at least an upper side of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.FIGS. 14 to 17 and 22 to 25 show the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention without a corresponding cover 31.The cover 31 is in particular designed in the form of a bending plate preferably with reinforced 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 at preferably exactly three points in a state in which it is placed on the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.It can be seen from the representations of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention without cover 31, i.e. the representations in FIGS. 14 to 17 and in FIGS. 22 to 25, that, in particular for drainage reasons, the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has a surface which is inclined in comparison with a horizontal plane and in particular a surface which is inclined toward the rear side of the electrical contact coupling 8, wherein drainage slopes are preferably added to the upper side.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.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 extend laterally next to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 at least partially or in regions, and specifically preferably in each case at least substantially in a region spaced apart horizontally from a central longitudinal axis of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.As in the first exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided in the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention that the guide system has at least one carrier 22, by means of which the two, in particular lateral, guide rods 21 of the guide system are connected or can be connected together with the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 which is displaceable relative to the two lateral guide rods 21, preferably above the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1 to the coupling head 2 of the central buffer coupling 1.In the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, it is provided in particular in this context that the carrier 22 is embodied 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.The two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system each extend through a passage of the carrier 22 formed in one of the two carrier regions 22.1, 22.2 and are preferably releasably fixed there to the carrier 22 or to the carrier region 22.1, 22.2 of the carrier 22. This can also be seen in particular from the sectional view according to FIG. 34.The guide system has a first stop 28 against which the carrier 22 abuts or against which the carrier 22 adjoins at a distance over a reduced gap region when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in the first position (cf. FIGS. 10 to 25 ).Furthermore, the guide system has a second stop 29 which is opposite the first stop 28 in the coupling direction and against which the carrier 22 abuts or against which the carrier 22 adjoins at a distance over a reduced gap region when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in the second position (cf. FIGS. 26 to 33 ).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 in each case one of the preferably two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system is guided and in particular releasably fixed there (cf. FIG. 34 ).In the further embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 33, the already mentioned locking means 26.2 has a blocking element 30, which can be introduced into a longitudinal displacement path of the carrier 22 between the carrier 22 and the second stop 29 in particular manually and in particular can be pivoted in manually as required. 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 in its state in which it is introduced into the longitudinal displacement path and preferably pivoted in.The further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention is furthermore provided with a cover or flap 23.The cover or flap 23 is configured 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 such that it pivots open when the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 changes from the first position to the second position and thus releases the end face of the housing 9 with the contact terminals 11.To realize this pivoting movement, the cover or flap 23 is assigned an in particular at least partially closed cam disk mechanism 24 of a pivoting mechanism. The cam mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism serves to pick up 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 pick-up movement for pivoting the cover or flap 23 relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.As can be seen in particular from the isometric views in FIGS. 36 and 37, the cover or flap 23 preferably has on each side a guide pin 35 which projects perpendicularly or transversely with respect to the coupling direction and is accommodated at least partially or in regions in a guide groove of the cam disc mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism.It can be seen from the side views of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention, such as the views according to FIGS. 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 and 30, that a corresponding chamfer is formed at the ends of the guide groove of the cam plate mechanism 24 of the pivoting mechanism assigned to the cover or flap 23.It can likewise be seen from the side views of the further exemplary embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention that a cam disk mechanism 24 is arranged laterally of the cover or flap 23, which cam disk mechanism is connected in each case to a control arm, wherein the control arm is connected in each case to one of the two lateral guide rods 21 of the guide system.As can also 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.In order to ensure that the electrical contact coupling 8 can actually only then be transferred from the first position into the second position, it is provided according to the invention 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 longitudinally displace the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 between the first position of the housing 9 and the second position of the housing 9 in the coupling direction as required.In principle, this locking mechanism is designed to lock the electrical contact clutch 8 and in particular the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8 in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism takes place by a corresponding release element of a mating clutch and / or an electrical contact clutch of a mating clutch, in particular in the course of a coupling process between the electrical contact clutch 8 and the electrical contact clutch of the mating clutch.It is provided here that the locking mechanism has a locking element 41, 42 which can be moved 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, and which 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 does not (any longer) block a movement of the electrical contact coupling 8 and in particular a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.As can be seen in particular from the representations in FIGS. 39 to 41, it is conceivable according to one aspect of the invention 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 electric contact clutch 8, in which position, via the locking element 41 designed in particular as a pawl, a force transmission from the movement mechanism assigned to the housing 9 of the electric contact clutch 8 to the housing 9 of the electric contact clutch 8 is interrupted. This movement mechanism assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 is in particular the spring mechanism 13 described above.It can also be seen from the illustration, for example, in FIG. 40 or in FIG. 41 that the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, is present in the second position of the locking element 41 designed as a pawl in a position extended from the longitudinal displacement path of the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8 in such a way that, via the locking element 41 which is in particular designed as a pawl, a force transmission from the movement mechanism (in particular spring mechanism) assigned to the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8 to the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8 is no longer (any longer) interrupted.In the embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, in particular the locking mechanism assigned to the electrical contact clutch 8, it is provided that, for transferring the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position (cf. FIG. 39 ) into its second position (cf. for example FIG. 40 ), and conversely, the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, is moved linearly relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact clutch 8.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 is described in more detail below with reference to the representations in FIGS. 42 to 7.Returning to the embodiment variant of the electrical contact clutch 8 according to the invention with the first embodiment of the locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, it should be noted that in this embodiment variant it is provided that the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, has a prestressing element 43, in particular in the form of a compression spring, wherein this prestressing element 43 acts on the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, in such a way that the locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, is present prestressed in its first position.On the other hand, in this embodiment of the locking mechanism, it is provided that the locking element 41, which is in particular embodied as a pawl, is assigned a triggering mechanism which is embodied to transfer the locking element 41, which is in particular embodied as a pawl, from its first position (cf. FIG. 39 ) into its second position (cf. for example FIG. 40 ) and preferably to then hold the locking element 41, which is in particular embodied as a pawl, in the second position.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 into 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 detects 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 8 and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling 8 is present.Thus, in the variant embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown schematically in FIGS. 39 to 41, it is provided that the triggering mechanism has a mechanically actuatable trigger which is present at least partially or in regions 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 abuts against the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.In this case, in the embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, it is provided in particular that the trigger has a force transmission element in the form of a plunger 45, in particular a spring plunger, which is prestressed in the direction of the region of the coupling plane, wherein the force transmission element is designed in such a way that, in a first position of the force transmission element, a region of the force transmission element on the coupling plane protrudes 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 inserted 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 in particular designed as a locking pawl, is transferred into the second position.In the embodiment variant of the electrical contact coupling 8 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, it is provided in particular that the force transmission element (i.e. the spring-biased plunger 45 or spring plunger) is guided between the first position and the second position of the force transmission element such that it can be displaced longitudinally relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8.The locking element 41, which is in particular designed as a pawl, has a corresponding inclined run-on surface 46 which interacts with an end region of the force transmission element opposite the coupling-plane-side end region 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 in particular designed as a pawl, is likewise transferred from its first position into its second position.In the following, with reference to the representation in FIGS. 42 to 45, at least one further embodiment variant of the electrical contact clutch 8 according to the invention with the locking mechanism is described.In detail, in these embodiments, a locking mechanism is used which has a locking element 42 which is movable and in particular pivotable relative to the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 and has a corresponding blocking projection 40.The locking element 42 can be transferred between a first position, in which the blocking protrusion 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 blocking of a movement of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 by the blocking protrusion 40 of the locking element 42 is canceled.In the embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in FIGS. 42 to 45, it is provided that the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8 has a blocking protrusion 44 which is designed at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking protrusion 40 of the locking element 42 and which interacts with the blocking protrusion 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 protrusion 40 of the blocking element abuts in particular against a blocking protrusion 44 of the housing 9 of the electrical contact coupling 8, which is designed at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking protrusion 40.In particular, it is provided in this context that the locking element 42, which is designed in particular as a blocking element, has a release region 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 in such a way that-in particular in the course of 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 pivoted and thus an engagement between the blocking projections 40, 44 is released.According to the variant embodiment of the electrical contact coupling 8 shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, it is provided that a biasing mechanism 48, in particular in the form of a tension spring, is assigned to the locking element 42, which biasing mechanism is designed to bias the locking element 42 in the first position.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 release region 47 of the locking element 42, the locking element 42 is automatically transferred into its first position by gravity, as is the case, for example, in the embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results from a combination of all features disclosed herein.List of reference characters1 Automatic central buffer coupling 2 coupling head 3 end plate 4 cone 5 funnel 6 gripper 7 main bolt 8 electrical contact coupling 9 housing 10 electrical contact carrier 11 contact terminal 12 stop element 13 spring mechanism 14 control element 15 cam disk 16 guide roller 17 lever element 18 guide roller 19 guide groove 20 guide element 21 guide rod 22 carrier 22.1, 22.2 carrier region 23 flap / cover 24 cam disk mechanism 25 centering element 26.1, 26.2 Locking 27 Pin or shaft region 28 First stop 29 Second stop 30 Blocking element 31 Cover 32 Pressure plate 33 Bellows 34 Stop 35 Guide pin 36 Cam disk region 40 Blocking protrusion of the locking element 41 Locking element / pawl 42 Locking element / blocking element 43 Biasing element for locking element / pawl 44 Blocking protrusion of the housing of the electrical contact clutch 45 Force transmission element / spring plunger 46 Run-on slope 47 Release region 48 Biasing elementReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 4 069 572 A1 [0008, 0011]DE 40 13 493 A1 [0013, 0015]

Claims

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 in the longitudinal direction, as required, 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 ready-to-couple rest position, 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 which is assigned to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) and is designed, the housing (9) of the electrical contact clutch (8) is longitudinally displaced between the first position of the housing (9) and the second position of the housing (9) in the clutch direction, as required, assigned a locking mechanism which is designed to lock the electrical contact clutch (8) and in particular the housing (9) of the electrical contact clutch (8) in the first position until a mechanical release of the locking mechanism takes place by a corresponding release element of a mating clutch and / or an electrical contact clutch of a mating clutch, in particular in a course of a clutch process between the electrical contact clutch (8) and the mating clutch or the electrical contact clutch of the mating clutch.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking element (41, 42) which can be moved 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), and which 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).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) is present in its first position in a position retracted into a 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 interrupted via the locking element (41) designed in particular as a pawl.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 3, wherein the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, is present in the second position of the locking element (41), which is in particular 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 transmission of force 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 in particular designed as a pawl.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, in order to transfer the locking element (41, 42) from its first position into its second position and vice versa, the locking element (41, 42) is moved or pivoted linearly relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the locking element (41), which is in particular designed 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 in particular designed as a pawl, in such a way that the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, is present prestressed in its first position.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the locking element (41, 42) is accommodated in a guide formed in the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (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) as 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 into the second position.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 3 to 8, wherein the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, is assigned a triggering mechanism which is designed to transfer the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and preferably then to hold the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, in the second position.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 9, wherein the triggering mechanism is designed to automatically transfer the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, from its first position into its second position and preferably then to hold the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, in the second position if the triggering mechanism detects or detects that it is 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 which is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8).Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 9 or 10 and in particular according to Claim 10, wherein the triggering mechanism has a trigger which can be actuated in particular mechanically and which - at least in the first position of the locking element (41) - is present at least partially or in regions in the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8) and is designed to trigger the triggering mechanism if 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) abuts against the trigger in the region of the coupling plane.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 11, wherein the mechanically actuatable release is guided in a guide formed in the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) such that it can be displaced longitudinally in the longitudinal displacement direction of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8).The electrical contact coupling (8) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, upon a 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 into the second position, the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) likewise moves relative to the mechanically actuatable trigger of the triggering mechanism.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein a switch is assigned to the in particular mechanically actuatable trigger, and wherein the triggering mechanism is assigned an in particular electromotive actuator which is designed, when the switch is triggered, to transfer the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a locking pawl, from its first position into its second position.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the trigger is assigned a sensor system which operates in particular in a contactless manner and is designed to directly or indirectly detect that an electrical contact coupling (8) 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 (8) of a mating coupling which is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8), and wherein the triggering mechanism is assigned an actuator which is in particular electromotive and is designed, when the sensor system is detected, to transfer the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a locking pawl, from its first position into its second position when it is detected that an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling and / or an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling which is compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8).Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the release has a force transmission element (45), in particular in the form of a plunger, in particular spring plunger, which is prestressed in the direction of the region of the coupling plane, wherein the force transmission element (45) is designed in such a way 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 in that, when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling is moved in and / or when an electrical contact coupling of a mating coupling compatible with the electrical contact coupling (8) is moved into the region of the coupling plane of the electrical contact coupling (8), the force transmission element (45) is transferred into a second position, wherein, when the force transmission element (45) is moved into the second position, the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a locking pawl, is moved into the second position.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 16, wherein the force transmission element (45) is guided between the first position and the second position of the force transmission element (45) so as to be longitudinally displaceable relative to the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8), and wherein the force transmission element (45) has, on its end region opposite the coupling-plane-side end region, a run-on slope which interacts with the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, in such a way that, when the force transmission element (45) is transferred from its first position into the second position, the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, is likewise transferred from its first position into its position; and / or wherein the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, has a run-on slope (46), which interacts with an end region of the force transmission element (45), which end region is opposite the coupling-plane-side end region, in such a way that, when the force transmission element (45) is moved from the first position into the second position of the force transmission element (45), the locking element (41), which is in particular designed as a pawl, is likewise moved from its first position into its second position.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 in particular designed as a blocking element and which can be transferred between a first position, in which a blocking protrusion (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 blocking of a movement of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) by the blocking protrusion (40) of the locking element (42) is canceled.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).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 designed at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection (40) of the locking element (42) and 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 in particular abuts against a blocking projection (44) of the housing (9) of the electrical contact coupling (8) which is designed at least partially or regionally complementary to the blocking projection (40).Electrical contact coupling (8) according to Claim 19, wherein the locking element (42), which is designed in particular as a blocking element, has a release region (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) in such a way that - in particular in the course of a coupling operation - 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 pivoted and thus an engagement between the blocking projections (40, 44) is released.Electrical contact coupling (8) according to one of Claims 18 to 20, wherein the locking element (42) is assigned a prestressing mechanism (48), in particular in the form of a tension spring, which is designed to prestress the locking element (42) in the first position.

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