End plate for a rail vehicle coupler head and rail vehicle coupler

Abstract

The invention relates to an end plate (10) for a coupler head of a rail vehicle coupler, having a coupling element comprising a coupling projection (1) which protrudes from the end plate (10) in a forward direction and a coupling hole (6) for accommodating a coupling projection of an opposite coupling element of a mating end plate, wherein the end plate (10) has a contact surface (7) on the end side for taking up pressure when coupling a mating end plate. The invention is characterized in that at least one recessed surface is provided on the end side pointing in the forward direction relative to the at least one contact surface, thereby forming a recess which is completely surrounded in the circumferential direction by the at least one contact surface of the end side, in particular by a protrusion of the contact surface of the end side, or by the at least one contact surface of the end side and the at least one coupling element, viewed in the end plate plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an end plate for a coupler head of a rail vehicle coupler and a rail vehicle coupler, particularly a rail vehicle coupler of this type having such an end plate. Background Technology

[0002] For winter operation of rail vehicles, it is essential to keep the coupler heads as free of ice and snow as possible, as the accumulation of ice and snow adhering to the coupler heads, especially the end plates, can hinder proper coupling. For example, the end plates of the coupler heads have vertical contact surfaces on their end sides surrounding the coupling elements, which exert pressure between the end plates of the coupled coupler heads. If snow or ice accumulates on these contact surfaces, the end plates and therefore the coupler heads cannot move sufficiently far relative to each other in order to couple the coupling elements of the two coupler heads together.

[0003] Therefore, traditionally, ice and snow accumulation on the end plates must be removed manually. Electrical heating of the end plates can also be provided in the passenger compartment area of ​​the rail vehicle or in the locomotive to defrost the accumulated ice and snow, but this is complex and expensive. Such rail vehicle couplers with electrically heated end plates are disclosed in documents EP 1 805 073 B1, EP 1 632 414 B1, and EP 1 293 409 A1.

[0004] However, in the case of freight car couplers, as specifically addressed in this invention, no electrical energy is available for the corresponding electric heating device, so in practice, manual removal of ice and snow deposits is still required.

[0005] A solution without an integrated heater is described in document WO 2019 / 101552 A1. This document discloses an end plate having contact surfaces on its end sides, the end plate having at least one recess with at least partially open edges positioned outside the coupling element. That is, a single continuous recess with at least partially open edges can be provided, or two or more separate recesses with at least partially open edges can be provided. This edge-open recess causes snow surrounding the end plates and stripped or compressed during coupling to be transferred into at least one recess and discharged over its edge-open section and thus from the mating area of ​​the two end plates or coupling element when the two end plates of the rail vehicle coupler heads to be coupled move toward each other during coupling. The forward-facing contact surfaces are used to withstand pressure when coupling the mating end plates of another rail vehicle coupler head. In this coupling, the contact surfaces of the two end plates on their end sides are in close contact with each other. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an alternative solution for an end plate for a coupler head of a rail vehicle, wherein the end plate has a greater possibility of varying the contact surface, and wherein, when electric heating is not provided, the need for manual removal of snow or ice buildup can be avoided to a large extent.

[0007] The technical problem described herein is solved by an end plate for a coupler head of a rail vehicle, the end plate having coupling elements including coupling protrusions and coupling holes. The coupling protrusions extend forward from the end plate, and the coupling holes are used to receive coupling protrusions of opposite coupling elements of mating end plates. The end plate has at least one end-side contact surface on its forward-facing end side for bearing pressure when mating with mating end plates. It is specified that at least one recessed surface relative to the at least one contact surface is provided on the forward-facing end side, thereby forming a recess. The recess is completely surrounded circumferentially by at least one end-side contact surface, particularly the protrusion constituting the end-side contact surface, or by at least one end-side contact surface and at least one coupling element when viewed in the plane of the end plate.

[0008] The end plate for a rail vehicle coupler head according to the invention has a coupling element comprising a coupling protrusion and a coupling hole. The coupling protrusion extends forward from the end plate, and the coupling hole is used to receive the coupling protrusion of the opposite coupling element of a mating end plate. Thus, forward is the direction starting from the front side of the end plate, which can move forward relative to the corresponding coupler to couple two rail vehicle coupler heads together.

[0009] Coupler protrusions may include, for example, so-called coupler vertebrae, also known as standard coupler vertebrae, or may be composed of coupler vertebrae. Coupler protrusions may be constructed integrally with end plates, that is, connected to end plates during or after manufacturing, particularly by welding. Coupler holes are, in particular, circular, cylindrical, or funnel-shaped in cross-section, so as to accommodate the corresponding coupler vertebrae accordingly.

[0010] The end plate has at least one end-side contact surface, i.e., a forward-facing contact surface, on its end-side surface to withstand pressure when coupled to a mating end plate of another rail vehicle coupler. In this coupling, the end-side contact surfaces of the two end plates are tightly abutted against each other.

[0011] According to the present invention, at least one recessed surface is provided on the forward-facing end side, relative to the at least one contact surface, thereby forming a recessed portion, which is completely circumferentially visible when viewed in the plane of the end plate.

[0012] a) Surrounded by at least one contact surface on the end side, in particular a protrusion constituting the contact surface on the end side, or

[0013] b) Surrounded by at least one contact surface on the end side, in particular a protrusion constituting the contact surface on the end side, and at least one coupling element.

[0014] The endplate plane is specifically understood as a plane that can be described by the height and width directions of the endplate and can lie within the depth or thickness region of the endplate. When applied to rail vehicles, the depth direction is determined by the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. The height direction is determined by a vertical line, and the width direction is determined by an extension direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] In the context of this invention, a recess specifically signifies a receiving area defined by a recessed surface, a protrusion forming a contact surface on the side, and, if necessary, a coupling element, the receiving area opening forward. In other words, a recess is machined into the front side of the end plate along its depth direction.

[0016] The circumferentially encircling recess according to the invention allows snow that is surrounded between the end plates and detached or compressed during coupling to be contained and compressed within at least one recess when the two end plates move toward each other to form a coupled rail vehicle coupler head during coupling, thus ensuring the coupling process is carried out safely. Therefore, a cavity is formed together with the corresponding coupler. That is, the recess provides additional space for undisturbed snow. This relatively easy-to-manufacture structural design of the end plates allows the remaining components of the coupling elements to remain unchanged, while simultaneously enabling the provision of different coupling types and coupler head variants for the invention, regardless of whether the rail vehicle coupler head is provided with, for example, detachable end plates, pneumatic couplers, and / or so-called clamps. The recess according to the invention can be applied in each of the stated coupler heads or coupler head variants.

[0017] The end-side surface may have one or more contact surfaces, which are distributedly located on the end side of the end plate and raised relative to adjacent areas, i.e., protruding relative to these adjacent areas. Each contact surface has, in particular, a flat front surface oriented such that it can abut against the end plate of the corresponding coupler or the coupler head of the rail vehicle to be coupled. The contact surfaces constitute local force-transmitting areas for bearing pressure during coupling or hooking.

[0018] According to a particularly advantageous design, at least one end-side contact surface is provided, which extends circumferentially in a region of the outer periphery of the end plate and is constructed around the coupling element on the outer periphery. Particularly preferred is that the protrusion constituting the contact surface terminates flush with the outer periphery of the end plate, that is, the protrusion and its outer periphery mate with the contour of the end plate. In this case, at least one contact surface forms a closed, spaced-apart surface from the coupling element, the inner periphery of which defines the boundary of the recess. The advantage provided by this design is that, during operation in the coupled state, the end face can remain free of dirt or precipitation because, in the coupled state, the interacting contact surfaces almost completely seal the end plate relative to the surrounding environment of the coupler head, and the surrounding space formed by these end plates constitutes the recess.

[0019] Here, the arrangement and geometry of the various surface areas of the contact surface, or the arrangement and geometry of the individual contact surfaces, are largely determined by the geometry of the end plate and the arrangement of the coupling elements. Preferably, the end plate is characterized by a substantially rectangular base surface. Furthermore, this base surface may extend to surface areas for arranging fixtures or other insertion surfaces for the coupling process. The coupling elements are arranged centrally.

[0020] In a favorable improvement to the aforementioned design, multiple recessed surfaces are provided to form multiple recessed portions. This results in an overall expansion of the contact surface area.

[0021] The offset of each recessed surface relative to the contact surface is preferably at least 2.5 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm, and the contact surface, viewed in the end plate plane, at least partially surrounds the recessed surface circumferentially. Thus, at least one recess has a bottom surface that is recessed at least 2.5 mm or at least 5 mm relative to the contact surface. The bottom surface may be partially or completely parallel to the contact surface, but in particular, it is designed with a slope or arch in at least one or more sections to increase the accommodating space.

[0022] During and in the coupled state, the obvious concavity of the bottom surface relative to the contact surface creates a sufficient space to contain snow and ice, which can be displaced by the coupling element and the contact surface without affecting the coupling process or the coupled state.

[0023] The end plate according to the invention is particularly free of electrical heating. However, the invention can also be used in conjunction with an electrically heated end plate.

[0024] According to an advantageous improved design, at least one recessed surface is designed with at least a partial inclination or arching, thereby further expanding the snow and ice accommodating area formed by the transition to the contact surface. The partial inclination of the recessed surface has an angle of preferably at least 10º relative to the actual contact surface. Here, the recessed portion may, for example, be provided with a ramp facing the direction of the protrusion forming the inner periphery of the contact surface. That is, the ramp of the recessed portion may be constructed particularly in the edge region, i.e., in the region relative to the outer periphery of the contact surface, and / or in the region of the bottom surface of the recessed portion as viewed from the coupling element to the edge region (in the height direction in the mounting position), and / or the ramp extends transversely to the aforementioned bottom surface (in the width direction in the mounting position). The chamfer or ramp can be varied here depending on the manufacturing process. The ramp preferably has an angle of at least 10º relative to the contact surface and / or the bottom surface of the recessed portion.

[0025] Furthermore, it is additionally and alternatively specified that the protrusions are arranged perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the recess or at an angle relative to the original contact surface, and the protrusions constitute the circumferential surface region of the recess defining the contact surface. Thus, the transition between each contact surface and the recessed surface can be constructed as continuous or stepped.

[0026] The at least one recess can vary in geometric dimensions in various directions regarding its extension on the end side of the end plate. Therefore, viewed longitudinally from the end plate, the recess can be designed to have a uniform height / depth or a variable height / depth, and the design of the recess can also vary in the direction of the outer periphery of the end plate.

[0027] In advantageous improvements to the various foregoing embodiments, particularly in the design and arrangement of the recessed portion, the through holes, especially through-holes, additionally provided in the recessed portion, especially in the recessed surface, are designed as elongated holes, slits, or cylindrical openings. This allows snow and ice trapped when coupled between end plates to be discharged into or through the hook housing via the through holes, especially a portion of the through-holes.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous design, each through hole or through-hole is arranged flush with and adjacent to the transition to the contact surface.

[0029] In addition, functional through holes may be provided in the contact surface, but also in the recessed surface, through which functional elements, such as data connectors or air ducts, can be additionally arranged or guided.

[0030] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one edge-open recess includes at least one annular groove that partially or completely surrounds the coupled protrusion on its outer periphery.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the end plate has a clamp protruding forward from the end plate, the clamp being arranged outside the contact surface. Depending on the embodiment, openings or through-holes may also be provided in the area where the clamp is arranged, through which compressed snow can move. The clamp may, for example, be composed of arcuate or angled rods, or include rods protruding particularly from the surface.

[0032] The rail vehicle coupler according to the present invention has a rail vehicle coupler head, which has a coupler head housing and an end plate. The end plate is detachably or non-detachably connected to the coupler head housing or is constructed as a single piece with the coupler head housing. The rail vehicle coupler head can be designed, for example, as a freight car coupler or a component of a freight car coupler.

[0033] This invention is particularly applicable to central buffer couplers. This application can be used in both passenger and freight transport. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The present invention is illustrated below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the attached diagram:

[0036] Figure 1a and 1b A first embodiment of the end plate according to the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 2a and 2b A second embodiment of the end plate according to the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 3a and 3b A third embodiment of the end plate according to the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the end plate according to the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 Showing a design with two contact surfaces according to Figure 4 Improvement plan;

[0041] Figure 6a and 6b A simplified schematic diagram of a rail vehicle coupler is shown.

[0042] Figure 7a and 7b An exemplary possible construction is shown for the transition region between the contact surface and the recessed surface. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In Figure 1 to Figure 5The diagram shows an end plate 10, which can be constructed as a single piece with the hook housing 11, or can be detachably connected to such a hook housing 11. Therefore, the rail vehicle coupler 13 constructed in this way is shown in the simplified schematic diagram of the rail vehicle coupler 9. Figure 6a and 6b As shown, the rail vehicle coupler 9 is hinged to or connected to the rail vehicle 19, wherein... Figure 6a An embodiment with a removable end plate 10 is shown, and... Figure 6b The diagram illustrates an embodiment of a hook head housing 11 and an end plate 10 with an integrated structure. The end plate 10 and the hook head housing 11 together constitute a rail vehicle coupler head 13, or at least a component of a rail vehicle coupler head. The rail vehicle coupler head 13 is a component of the rail vehicle coupler 9.

[0044] exist Figure 6a , 6b In 1a, to clarify the various directions, a coordinate system is exemplarily set on the end plate 10. In the mounting position at the coupler head 13 of the rail vehicle, the X direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. The Y direction describes the width direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The Z direction describes the height direction.

[0045] The end plate 10 has an end side 14 facing away from the hook housing 11, for use with a corresponding coupler of a rail vehicle (not shown). On the recessed side facing away from the end side 14, depending on the connection method with the hook housing 11, or as... Figure 6b As shown, it is constructed as a single piece with the hook housing, but or as... Figure 6a The end plate 10 is designed to connect to the hook housing for mutual interaction. This connection is, for example, detachable via a corresponding fastening element 12. Bolt holes are provided so that the end plate 10 can be bolted to the hook housing 11. These bolt holes extend through the contact surface 7.

[0046] The end plate 10 has at least one contact surface 7 on its forward-facing end side 14 for interacting with the contact surface of the corresponding coupler head of the rail vehicle, particularly for bearing pressure when engaging a compatible end plate with the corresponding coupler head of the rail vehicle. The end side 14 also has corresponding coupling elements for coupling with the corresponding coupler of the rail vehicle. The coupling elements provided on the end plate here constitute part of the coupling elements required for the coupling process of the coupler. Therefore, in the illustrated case, a coupling protrusion 1 protrudes forward from the end plate 10, and this coupling protrusion is designed as a coupler cone. Laterally adjacent coupling holes 6 are positioned to accommodate the corresponding coupling protrusion of the corresponding coupler of the rail vehicle.

[0047] According to the present invention, at least one surface 5 is provided on the end side 14, which is recessed relative to at least one contact surface 7, thereby forming a recess 3. The recess, when viewed in the end plate plane, is completely surrounded circumferentially by at least one contact surface 7 on the end side, or by at least one contact surface 7 on the end side and at least one coupling element 1, 6. The contact surface 7 does not completely cover the end side 14; rather, it is composed of at least one surface that at least partially covers the end side 14. Here, there may be one contact surface, or multiple contact surfaces 7, which, individually or together with the coupling elements, surround the recess 3 or recess forming the receiving area when viewed circumferentially in the end plate plane.

[0048] In the case of multiple contact surfaces 7, these contact surfaces do not need to be constructed continuously. These contact surfaces can also be arranged at intervals from each other.

[0049] The recessed portion 3 forms a cavity when the contact surface 7 and the contact surface of the end plate of the corresponding coupler work together to accommodate snow and ice.

[0050] Figure 1a A first embodiment of an end plate 10 constructed according to the present invention is illustrated by way of example. In this embodiment, a separate contact surface 7 is provided, which is constructed as a protruding surface around the coupling element 1 on the end side 14. That is, the base surface of the end plate 10 on the end side 14 is recessed relative to the contact surface 7, thereby forming a recess 3. The contact surface 7 is arranged in the region of the outer periphery 15 of the end plate 10, preferably terminating flush with the outer periphery 15. Thus, the contact surface 7 is designed as a closed, surrounding surface whose outer contour matches the outer contour of the end plate 10. The recess 3 is, in the end plate plane (which can be described by the Z and Y directions), viewed along the X direction in the extended region of the end plate, surrounded by the inner contour 16 constituting the protrusion of the contact surface 7 and the defining surface of the coupling element 1, particularly the wall of the cone 1, and the coupling hole 6. Figure 1a The cavity 3 is provided only. The misalignment is at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

[0051] The recessed surface 5 constituting the recessed portion 3 can be constructed parallel to the contact surface 7. Preferably, the recessed surface is arranged at least partially parallel to the contact surface 7. However, it is also conceivable that it be designed to be at least partially or completely inclined or arched. The side profile of the recessed portion 3 can, in this case, be constructed to vary substantially continuously when viewed in individual directions, particularly along the Y and Z directions, but either vary along at least one direction. The transition between the contact surface 7 and the recessed surface 5 can be abrupt, stepped, or continuous, for example, via a ramp.

[0052] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a clamp 8 protrudes forward from the end plate 10. This clamp works in conjunction with a corresponding clamp of the corresponding coupler to ensure centering between the two end plates or the coupler heads of the rail vehicle during coupling. Similarly, in Figure 1a Two functional through holes 18 are exemplarily shown for integrating and securing the data connector and air coupler. These two functional through holes are exemplarily arranged in the region of the recessed surface. According to another construction scheme, not shown here, the functional through holes are located in the contact surface region.

[0053] Figure 1b Exemplary illustration based on Figure 1a An improved embodiment of the above. The same elements use the same reference numerals, and the embodiments of the contact surface 7 and the recess 3 are similar. Figure 1a .also, Figure 1a All descriptions of the various design schemes described herein apply. Furthermore, a through hole 20 is provided, which can be arbitrarily positioned within the recess 3 and designed identically in geometry and size or can be varied. In the illustrated example, through holes 20 are provided above and below the coupling protrusion 1 and the coupling hole 6, respectively. In the illustrated case, the through hole is exemplarily designed as a slit and shown in solid lines, spaced apart from the protrusions constituting the coupling elements, particularly the coupling protrusion 1 and the inner periphery 16 of the contact surface 7. The through hole 20 is also exemplarily shown in dashed lines, flush with the transition between the through hole and the recessed surface 5 constituting the contact surface 7, particularly the protrusions of the inner periphery of the contact surface 7.

[0054] The arrangement of the through hole 20 next to the coupling element in the width direction of the end plate 10 is illustrated by a dashed line.

[0055] Figure 2a Showing according to Figure 1a An improved embodiment of the above. Identical components use the same reference numerals. The embodiment of contact surface 7 and recess 3 is similar to... Figure 1a .also, Figure 1a All descriptions of the various design schemes described herein apply. Here, the contact surface 7 is also constituted by a closed, surrounding protrusion arranged separately circumferentially on the end side 14, wherein the respective sides of this protrusion, i.e., the surface areas arranged on the outer contours above and below the end plate, are connected to each other by a connecting plate in the case of forming two recesses 3. Thus, the contact surface 7 is characterized by a continuous surface area of ​​the central web and the surrounding protrusion. The recessed surface thus constructed, in particular the two recesses 3, extends substantially around the coupling element. The functional through hole 18 is exemplarily integrated on the connecting plate here, but advantageous designs can also be provided on the contact surface above or below the coupling element.

[0056] Figure 2b Showing according to Figure 2a An improved solution. The same components use the same reference numerals, and the implementation of the entire contact surface 7 and the recess 3 is similar. Figure 2a .also, Figure 2a All descriptions of the various design schemes described herein apply. Furthermore, the through-hole 20 is exemplarily positioned above the coupling element, and its design and arrangement can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1b The design scheme and layout are as follows. It is also conceivable to place the through hole 20 on the side of the coupling element.

[0057] Figure 3a and Figure 3b An exemplary improvement according to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 is shown, wherein, in the case of four recesses 3, the contact surface 7 is formed by a continuous contact surface region, which surround the coupling elements 1 and 6. Figure 3a No additional through holes were provided. Figure 3b An exemplary through hole 20 is shown. However, it is also conceivable that a through hole 20 may be in any other geometry.

[0058] Figure 4 An embodiment with five recesses is shown. The same elements are referred to by the same reference numerals. Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 The embodiment is described, but with an additional contact surface 7 arranged between the two coupling elements 1 and 6, and a recessed portion 3 is further divided in this area. Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 20 may be provided, which can be arbitrarily arranged within the recessed surface. For details regarding the design of the contour, the transition between the contact surface 7 and the recessed surface of the recessed portion 3, and the contour of the recessed portion 3, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding figures.

[0059] Figure 1 to Figure 4 The design scheme of continuous contact surface 7 is shown. Figure 5 Combined with Figure 4 The improved scheme shows an implementation with two separate contact surfaces 7. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The design can also be combined with through holes 20. These through holes can be arranged on the sides, top and / or bottom of the coupling elements, but in any case, they are arranged inside the recess 3 and outside the coupling elements 1 and 6.

[0060] When a rail vehicle coupler head is coupled to another rail vehicle coupler head, the coupling cone hole 6 moves onto the coupling protrusion 1. As a result, snow adhering to the coupling protrusion 1 is pressed forward into the area of ​​the end plate 10 surrounding the coupling protrusion 1 and retained within the space described by the recessed surface 5 and the protrusion forming the contact surface 7, which doubles in size when the corresponding coupler works together. If the recessed surface 5 is not flat, i.e., not parallel to the contact surface 7, but is designed to be at least partially inclined or curved, the resulting receiving space will be further expanded.

[0061] Figure 7a and 7b The possible embodiments of the contact surface and the recessed surface 5 are illustrated by means of a cross-section of the protrusion forming the contact surface 7, and the design of the inner periphery 16 forming the protrusion of the contact surface 7.

[0062] Figure 7a An exemplary design is shown with a recessed surface 5 constructed flat, i.e., parallel to the contact surface 7. The transition is exemplarily achieved through a continuous ramp 4. Conversely, Figure 7b The transition design between the contact surface 7 and the recessed surface 5 is shown. The recessed surface 5 has a local ramp feature here.

[0063] In all embodiments, an annular groove 2 may also be provided around the coupling protrusion 1, the annular groove being a component of the recessed surface 5. Figure 1a Such a groove is shown as an example.

[0064] In all embodiments, the basic idea of ​​the invention is to create a cavity to accommodate snow between corresponding end plates when working together. The through hole 20 shown can be optionally provided, especially if there is additional space after the through hole for accommodating or discharging snow.

[0065] List of reference numerals

[0066] 1. Coupled protrusion; vertebral body

[0067] 2-ring groove

[0068] 3 concave parts

[0069] 4 slopes

[0070] 5 concave surfaces

[0071] 6 coupling holes

[0072] 7 contact surfaces

[0073] 8 clamps

[0074] 9. Rail vehicle couplers

[0075] 10-end plate

[0076] 11 Hook head housing

[0077] 12 fixed components

[0078] 13 Rail vehicle coupler heads

[0079] 14 end sides

[0080] 15 periphery

[0081] 16 weeks

[0082] 17 periphery

[0083] 18 functional through holes

[0084] 19 rail vehicles

[0085] 20 through holes

Claims

1. An end plate (10) for a coupler head (13) of a rail vehicle, the end plate having coupling elements comprising a coupling protrusion (1) and a coupling hole (6), the coupling protrusion extending forward from the end plate (10), the coupling hole for receiving a coupling protrusion of a mating end plate with an opposite coupling element, wherein, The end plate (10) has at least one end-side contact surface (7) on its forward-facing end side (14) for bearing pressure when coupled to mating end plates; The feature is that at least one recessed surface (5) is provided on the forward-facing end side (14) relative to the at least one contact surface (7), thereby forming a recessed portion (3), which is completely surrounded circumferentially by the contact surface (7) of at least one end side when viewed in the end plate plane, or surrounded by the contact surface (7) of at least one end side and at least one coupling element (1, 6).

2. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface (7) on the end side is constructed on the outer periphery of the end plate (10) in a region extending circumferentially along the outer periphery (15).

3. The end plate (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One or more recessed surfaces (5) are provided to form multiple recessed portions (3).

4. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The offset of each recessed surface (5) relative to the contact surface (7) is at least 2.5 mm, and the contact surface, when viewed in the end plate plane, at least partially surrounds the recessed surface in the circumferential direction.

5. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one recessed surface (5) is at least partially parallel to the contact surface (7).

6. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one recessed surface (5) is designed to be at least partially inclined or arched.

7. The end plate (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inclination of the recessed surface (5) has an angle of at least 10º relative to the contact surface (7).

8. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition between each contact surface (7) and the recessed surface (5) is at least partially constructed to be continuous.

9. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition between each contact surface (7) and the recessed surface (5) is at least partially constructed as a stepped shape.

10. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one through hole or through hole (20) extending through the end plate (10) is provided in at least one recessed surface (5).

11. The end plate (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each through hole or through hole (20) is designed as a longitudinal hole, slit or cylindrical opening.

12. The end plate (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Each through hole or through hole (20) is arranged flush with and adjacent to the transition to the contact surface (7).

13. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupled protrusion (1) includes or is composed of coupled vertebrae.

14. The end plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recessed portion is completely surrounded circumferentially by the protrusions that constitute the contact surface (7) of the end side when viewed in the plane of the end plate.

15. The end plate (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact surface (7) terminates flush with the outer periphery (15) of the end plate (10).

16. The end plate (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transition between each contact surface (7) and the recessed surface (5) is constructed to be completely continuous.

17. A rail vehicle coupler having a coupler housing (11) and an end plate (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the end plate being detachably or non-detachably connected to the coupler housing (11) or integrally constructed with the coupler housing.

Images