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

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a front plate for a rail vehicle coupling head and a rail vehicle coupling, in particular a rail vehicle coupling head of such a rail vehicle coupling with such a front plate.

[0002] For winter operation of rail vehicles, it is necessary to keep their coupling heads largely free of ice and snow, because accumulations of ice and snow adhering to the coupling head, particularly to the end plate of the coupling head, can prevent proper coupling of the rail vehicle coupling head. For example, the end plates of rail vehicle coupling heads have vertical contact surfaces enclosing the coupling elements, which transfer the compressive forces between the end plates of coupled rail vehicle coupling heads. If accumulations of snow or ice adhere to these contact surfaces, the end plates and thus the coupling heads cannot be pushed far enough toward each other to couple the coupling elements of both rail vehicle coupling heads.

[0003] Conventionally, corresponding accumulations of ice and snow must therefore be removed manually from the end plates. In the area of ​​passenger cars of rail vehicles or even traction vehicles, electrical heating of the end plates can also be provided to thaw the ice and snow accumulation, which is complex and costly. Such rail vehicle coupling heads with electrically heated end plates are disclosed in the publications KR 101 381, EP 1 805 073 B1, EP 1 632 414 B1, and EP 1 293 409 A1.

[0004] However, in the case of freight couplings, as the present invention particularly relates to, no electrical energy is available for corresponding electrical heating devices, so that in practice the manual removal of ice and snow accumulations is still necessary.

[0005] A solution completely free of integrated heating is described in WO 2019 / 101552 A1. This discloses a front plate with a frontal contact surface provided with at least one recess positioned outside the coupling elements and open at the edge in at least some sections. This means that a single, continuous recess can be provided, which is open at least in some sections, or two or more individual recesses can be provided, which are open at least in some sections.This open-edged recess ensures that, during the coupling process, when the two end plates of rail vehicle coupling heads to be coupled move toward each other, any snow trapped between the end plates and brushed off or compressed during the coupling process can escape into at least one recess and over its open-edged section, thus escaping from the engagement area of ​​the two end plates or coupling elements. The contact surface facing the front serves to absorb compressive forces when coupling the compatible end plate of another rail vehicle coupling head. During such a coupling, the end-face contact surfaces of both end plates rest against each other.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing further solutions for a front plate for a rail vehicle coupling head with the possibility of large contact surface variations, in which the necessity of manually removing snow or ice accumulations is at least largely avoided even if no electrical heating is provided.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by a front plate having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims specify particularly advantageous and expedient embodiments of the invention as well as a rail vehicle coupling head with a corresponding front plate.

[0008] A front plate for a rail vehicle coupling head according to the invention has coupling elements comprising a coupling projection protruding from the front plate in a front direction and a coupling opening for receiving a coupling projection of opposing coupling elements of a compatible front plate. Accordingly, the front direction, starting from a front side of the front plate, is the direction in which the front plate can be moved relative to a mating coupling in order to couple two rail vehicle coupling heads together.

[0009] The coupling projection can, for example, comprise or be formed by a so-called coupling cone, also known as a standard coupling cone. The coupling projection can be formed integrally with the end plate, i.e., connected to it in a single production step, or subsequently, in particular by welding. The coupling opening is, in particular, circular in cross-section and cylindrical or funnel-shaped in order to accommodate a corresponding coupling cone in the opposite direction.

[0010] The end plate has at least one end-face contact surface on its frontal surface, i.e., a contact surface facing the front, to absorb compressive forces when coupling the compatible end plate of another rail vehicle coupling head. During such coupling, the end-face contact surfaces of both end plates rest against each other.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one surface is provided on the front-side surface facing in the front direction, which surface is set back relative to the at least one contact surface, forming a recess, which, viewed in a front plate plane, is completely surrounded in the circumferential direction by a) at least one end-side contact surface, in particular the elevation forming the end-side contact surface or b) at least one end-side contact surface, in particular the elevation forming the end-side contact surface and at least one of the coupling elements.

[0012] The end plate plane is understood in particular to be a plane that can be described by the height and width directions of the end plate and can be located within the depth or thickness of the end plate. When used in rail vehicles, the depth direction is determined by the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle. The height direction is determined by a perpendicular to it, and the width direction is determined by the extension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] A recess in the sense of the invention means, in particular, a receiving area defined by the recessed surface and laterally by the elevations forming the contact surfaces and, if applicable, the coupling elements, which is open in the front direction. In other words, a recess machined into the face plate from the front side in the depth direction.

[0014] The circumferentially completely enclosed recess according to the invention ensures that, during the coupling process, when the two end plates of rail vehicle coupling heads to be coupled move toward each other, snow trapped between the end plates and scraped off or compressed during the coupling process can be received and compressed in the at least one recess, while the coupling process is still carried out safely. Together with the counter-coupling, a cavity is thus formed. This means that the recess provides additional space for snow that cannot be scraped off.Due to this comparatively easy-to-produce design of the end plate, the remaining components, such as the coupling elements, can be retained without modification, which simultaneously makes it possible to apply the invention to various coupling types and coupling head variants, regardless of whether the rail vehicle coupling head is equipped with a detachable end plate, a pneumatic coupling is provided, and / or a so-called gripper is provided. Rather, the recess according to the invention can be applied to any of the aforementioned coupling heads or coupling head variants.

[0015] The front surface can, for example, have just one or a plurality of contact surfaces distributed across the front of the end plate and raised relative to adjacent areas, i.e., protruding from them. Each contact surface has, in particular, a flat front surface designed to engage the end plate of a mating coupling or a rail vehicle coupling head to be coupled. The contact surfaces form local force introduction areas for absorbing compressive forces during the coupling process.

[0016] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one end-face contact surface is provided, which extends in the circumferential direction in the region of the outer circumference of the end plate and is formed thereon so as to encircle the coupling elements. Most preferably, the elevation forming the contact surface is flush with the outer circumference of the end plate, i.e., its outer circumference is adapted to the contour of the end plate. In this case, the at least one contact surface is designed as a closed surface spaced around the coupling elements, the inner circumference of which defines the recess.This design offers the advantage that during operation in the coupled state the end face can be kept free of dirt or precipitation, since the contact surfaces of the end plates interacting in the coupled state virtually completely seal the enclosed space formed by the recesses from the surroundings of the coupling head.

[0017] The arrangement and geometric design of the individual surface areas of the contact surface, or the arrangement and geometric design of individual contact surfaces, depends essentially on the basic geometry of the face plate and the arrangement of the coupling elements. The face plate is preferably characterized by a substantially rectangular base area. This can also be expanded to include surface areas for arranging the gripper or other guide surfaces for the coupling process. The coupling elements are arranged centrally.

[0018] In an advantageous further development of the aforementioned designs, a plurality of recessed surfaces are provided, forming recesses. The overall contact surface area is thus increased.

[0019] The offset of the individual recessed surface relative to the contact surface that at least partially surrounds it in the circumferential direction in the end plate plane is preferably at least 2.5 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm. The at least one recess thus has a base area that is set back by at least 2.5 mm or at least 5 mm relative to the contact surface. The base area can run partially or completely parallel to the contact surface, but in particular can also have bevels or be curved in at least one or some sections in order to enlarge the receiving space.

[0020] This significant recession of the base surface relative to the contact surface creates sufficient space during the coupling process and in the coupled state in which snow and ice can be collected and displaced from the coupling elements and contact surfaces without impairing the coupling process or the coupled state.

[0021] The faceplate according to the invention is, in particular, free of electrical heating. However, the invention can also be used in combination with electrically heated faceplates.

[0022] If, according to an advantageous development, the at least one recessed surface is inclined or curved at least in sections, the area for receiving snow and ice formed by this and the transition to the contact surfaces can be enlarged again. The inclination of the recessed surface present in some sections preferably has an angle of at least 10° to the actual contact surface. The recess can in this case be provided, for example, with bevels which are directed in the direction of the elevation forming the inner circumference of the contact surface. This means that the bevels of the recesses can run, in particular in the edge region, i.e. the region of the outer circumference opposite the contact surface and / or the base area of ​​the recess, in the direction from the coupling elements to the edge region (in the installed position in the vertical direction) and / or transversely thereto (in the installed position in the width direction).The chamfers and bevels can vary depending on the manufacturing process. The bevel preferably has an angle of at least 10° to the contact surface and / or a base surface of the recess.

[0023] Furthermore, it can additionally or alternatively be provided that the elevations forming the peripheral surface areas of the contact surfaces that define the recess are arranged perpendicularly or at an angle to the actual contact surface relative to the base surface of the recess. The transition between the individual contact surface and the recessed surface can thus be continuous or stepped.

[0024] The at least one recess can vary in terms of its geometric dimensions in the individual directions along its extension across the end face of the end plate. Thus, the recess can be designed with a constant height / depth or a variable height / depth when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the end plate. Furthermore, its design can vary toward the outer circumference of the end plate.

[0025] In an advantageous refinement of the individual aforementioned embodiments, particularly the described design and arrangement of the recesses, an additional opening, in particular a through-hole in the form of an elongated hole, slot, or cylindrical opening, can be formed in the recess, particularly in the recessed area. This allows the snow and ice trapped between the end plates during coupling to be partially drained through them into the coupling head housing or past it.

[0026] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the individual breakthrough or through-opening is arranged flush with the transition to the contact surface.

[0027] Furthermore, functional through-openings can be provided in the contact surfaces, but also in the recessed surfaces, in which or through which additional functional elements can be arranged or guided, for example data connectors or air lines.

[0028] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one open-edged recess comprises at least one circumferential groove partially or completely enclosing the coupling projection over its circumference.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front plate has a gripper protruding from the front plate in the front direction and arranged outside the contact surfaces. Depending on the embodiment, openings or perforations may also be provided in the area where the gripper is arranged, through which compressed snow can escape. The gripper may, for example, be formed by or comprise an arcuate or angled rod that protrudes, in particular, from the surface.

[0030] A rail vehicle coupling according to the invention comprises a rail vehicle coupling head, which has a coupling head housing and a front plate according to the invention that is detachably or permanently connected to the coupling head housing or formed integrally therewith. The rail vehicle coupling head can be designed, for example, as a freight coupling or as a component of a freight coupling.

[0031] The invention is particularly applicable to center buffer couplings. It can be used for passenger and freight applications.

[0032] The invention will be described below using an exemplary embodiment and the figures.

[0033] They show: Figures 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of a front plate according to the invention; Figures 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of a front plate according to the invention; Figures 3a and 3b show a third embodiment of a front plate according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a front plate according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a further development according to Figure 4 with two contact surfaces; Figures 6a and 6b show a simplified schematic of a rail vehicle coupling; Figures 7a and 7b show examples of possible designs of the transition area between the contact surface and the recessed surface.

[0034] In the Figures 1 to 5A front plate 10 is shown, which can either be formed in one piece with a coupling head housing 11 or can be detachably connected to such a coupling head housing 11. A rail vehicle coupling head 13 designed in this way is shown in a schematically simplified representation for a rail vehicle coupling 9 which is articulated on a rail vehicle 19 or connected thereto in the Figures 6a and 6b reproduced, whereby in Figure 6a a version with detachable front plate 10 is illustrated and in Figure 6b a design with an integral design of the coupling head housing 11 and end plate 10 is shown. The end plate 10 and the coupling head housing 11 together form the rail vehicle coupling head 13 or are at least components thereof. The rail vehicle head 13 is a component of a rail vehicle coupling 9.

[0035] In the Figures 6a, 6bAs shown in Figures 1a and 1b, an example coordinate system is applied to the end plate 10 to explain the individual directions. The X-direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle in the installed position on the rail vehicle coupling head 13. The Y-direction describes the width direction, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The Z-direction describes the height direction.

[0036] The end plate 10 has a front side 14 directed away from the coupling head housing 11 for interaction with a counter rail vehicle coupling head (not shown). On the rear side directed away from the front side 14, the end plate 10 is either formed in one piece with the coupling head housing 11, depending on the connection to the latter, as shown in Figure 6b shown or as in Figure 6aAs shown, it is designed and connected to cooperate with the coupling head. The connection is made, for example, detachably by means of corresponding fastening elements 12. To enable, in particular, screwing of the end plate 10 to the coupling head housing 11, screw openings are provided. These extend through the contact surface 7.

[0037] The end plate 10 has, on its front-facing end face 14, at least one end-face contact surface 7 for interacting with a contact surface of a mating rail vehicle coupling head, in particular for absorbing compressive forces when coupling the compatible end plate of a mating rail vehicle coupling head. The end face 14 also has corresponding coupling elements for coupling with the mating rail vehicle coupling. The coupling elements provided on the end plate form components of the coupling elements of the coupling required for the coupling process. For this purpose, in the case shown, a coupling projection 1 protrudes from the front of the end plate 10 in the front direction, which is designed here as a coupling cone. Positioned laterally next to this is a coupling opening 6, which can accommodate a corresponding coupling projection of a mating rail vehicle coupling.

[0038] According to the invention, at least one surface 5 is provided on the end face 14 which is set back from the at least one contact surface 7, forming a recess 3 which, viewed in an end plate plane, is completely enclosed in the circumferential direction by the at least one end-side contact surface 7 or at least one end-side contact surface 7 and at least one of the coupling elements 1, 6. The contact surface 7 does not form a surface that completely covers the end face 14, but rather the contact surface 7 is formed by at least one surface that at least partially covers the end face 14. One or more contact surfaces 7 can be provided, which each, individually or together with the coupling elements, enclose the recesses 3 or depressions forming the receiving areas in the circumferential direction, viewed in the end plate plane.

[0039] If there are multiple contact surfaces 7, these do not have to be connected. They can also be arranged at a distance from one another.

[0040] When the contact surfaces 7 interact with the contact surfaces of a complementarily designed front plate of a counter-coupling, the recesses 3 form cavities for the absorption of snow and ice.

[0041] Figure 1ashows, by way of example, a first embodiment of an end plate 10 designed according to the invention. In this case, a single contact surface 7 is provided, which is designed as a raised surface on the end face 14 surrounding the coupling elements 1. This means that the base surface of the end plate 10 on the end face 14 is set back from the contact surface 7, forming the recess 3. The contact surface 7 is arranged in the region of the outer circumference 15 of the end plate 10, preferably flush with the outer circumference 15. The contact surface 7 is thus designed as a closed, circumferential surface, the outer contour of which is adapted to the outer contour of the end plate 10.The recess 3 is enclosed in the end plate plane (described by the Z and Y directions) in a region of the end plate's extension in the X direction by the inner circumference 16 of the elevation forming the contact surface 7 as well as the coupling elements 1, in particular the walls of the cone 1 and the boundary surfaces of the coupling opening 6. In the . Figure 1a Only one recess 3 is provided. The offset is at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

[0042] The recessed surface 5 forming the recess 3 can be configured parallel to the contact surface 7. Preferably, it is arranged at least partially parallel to the contact surface 7. However, an at least partially or completely inclined or curved design is also conceivable. In this case, the profile of the recess 3 can be essentially constant in the individual directions, in particular the Y and Z directions, or can be variable in at least one direction. The transition between the contact surface 7 and the recessed surface 5 can occur abruptly, in steps, or continuously, for example, via a slope.

[0043] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a gripper 8 is provided, which protrudes from the front plate 10 in the front direction and cooperates with a corresponding gripper of the counter-coupling in order to center the two front plates or rail vehicle coupling heads with each other during the coupling process. Also shown in Figure 1a Two functional through-holes 18 are shown, for example, for integrating and attaching a data connector and an air coupling. These are arranged in the recessed area. According to a further embodiment not shown here, these are provided in the contact surface areas.

[0044] The Figure 1b shows an example of a further development of a design according to Figure 1a . For identical elements, the same reference numbers are used and the design of the contact surface 7 and the recess 3 is analogous to Figure 1a. Furthermore, all explanations regarding the individual design options apply as in Figure 1adescribed. In addition, through-openings 20 are provided, which can be placed as desired in the recess 3 and which can be identical or vary in terms of geometry and dimensions. In the example shown, one through-opening 20 is provided, one above and one below the coupling projection 1 and the coupling opening 6. In the case shown, these are slit-shaped, for example, and are arranged in the illustration with an unbroken line at a distance from the coupling elements, in particular the coupling projection 1 and the inner circumference 16 of the elevation forming the contact surface 7. By way of example, through-openings 20 are also shown with a broken line, which are arranged flush with the transition between the recessed surface 5 of the contact surface 7, in particular the inner circumference of the elevation forming the contact surface 7.

[0045] In a dash-dotted representation, an arrangement of the through openings 20 in the width direction of the front plate 10 next to the coupling elements is shown as an example.

[0046] Figure 2a shows a further development of an embodiment according to Figure 1a . The same reference numbers are used for identical elements. The design of the contact surface 7 and the recess 3 is analogous to Figure 1a . Furthermore, all explanations regarding the individual design options apply as in Figure 1adescribed. The contact surface 7 is also formed here by a single, closed, circumferential elevation arranged on the end face 14 in the circumferential direction, wherein the individual sides thereof - here the surface areas arranged on the upper and lower outer contour of the end plate - are connected via a web to form two recesses 3. The contact surface 7 is thus characterized by the connected surface areas of the central web and the circumferential elevation. The recessed surfaces formed in this way, in particular the two recesses 3, extend essentially around the coupling elements. The functional through-openings 18 are integrated in the web here by way of example, but can also be provided in an advantageous embodiment on the contact surfaces above or below the coupling elements.

[0047] Figure 2b shows further training according to Figure 2a. For identical elements, the same reference numbers are used and the design of the total contact surface 7 and the recess 3 is analogous to Figure 2a . Furthermore, all explanations regarding the individual design options apply as in Figure 2a In addition, through-openings 20 are placed above the coupling elements as an example, the design and arrangement of which is based on the design and arrangement as shown in Figure 1b described. Through openings 20 arranged laterally of the coupling elements are also conceivable.

[0048] The Figures 3a and 3b illustrate exemplary further developments of the statements according to the Figures 1 and 2 , wherein the contact surface 7 is formed by connected contact surface areas forming four recesses 3 which enclose the coupling elements 1, 6. Figure 3a does not provide for any additional through-openings. Figure 3bshows examples of through-holes 20 in the form of holes. However, any other geometry of the through-holes 20 is also conceivable.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of a design with five recesses. The same reference numbers are used for identical elements. Figure 5 shows an execution according to Figure 4 , but with an additional contact surface 7, which is arranged between the two coupling elements 1, 6 and further subdivides the recess 3 in this area. Additionally, through openings 20, which can be arranged arbitrarily in the recessed surface, can be provided. Regarding the design of the profile, the transition of the contact surface 7 to the recessed surface of the recess 3, and the profile of the recess 3, reference can be made to the explanations in the preceding figures.

[0050] Show the Figures 1 to 4 Formations of a continuous contact surface 7, shows Figure 5example of further training in accordance with Figure 4 a version with two individual contact surfaces 7. The designs of the Figures 4 and 5 can be combined with through openings 20. These can be arranged laterally, above and / or below the coupling elements, but in any case within the recess 3 and outside the coupling elements 1, 6.

[0051] When coupling the rail vehicle coupling head with a counterpart rail vehicle coupling head, the coupling funnel 6 is pushed onto the coupling projection 1. This allows snow adhering to the coupling projection 1 to be pressed toward the front into the area of ​​the end plate 10 surrounding the coupling projection 1 and remains in the space defined by the recessed surface 5 and the elevation forming the contact surface 7, which is doubled when coupled with a counterpart coupling. If the recessed surface 5 is not flat, i.e., parallel to the contact surface 7, but at least partially inclined or curved, the receiving space thus formed is further enlarged.

[0052] The Figures 7a and 7bshow, by way of example, possible designs of contact surface 7 and recessed surface 5 and the design of the elevation forming the inner circumference 16 of the contact surface, using a section through the elevation forming the contact surface 7.

[0053] Figure 7a shows an example of a design with a flat, ie parallel to the contact surface 7 recessed surface 5. The transition is made continuously via a slope 4. In contrast, Figure 7b a design with a sudden transition between contact surface 7 and recessed surface 5. The recessed surface 5 is characterized in sections by a slope,

[0054] In all versions, there is also the possibility of providing a circumferential groove 2 around the dome projection 1, which is part of the recessed surface 5. Such a groove is shown as an example in Figure 1a reproduced.

[0055] The basic idea of ​​the invention, in all designs, is to create a hollow space for collecting snow when interacting with a counter-end plate between them. The illustrated through openings 20 can be provided optionally, particularly if additional space is available behind them for collecting or discharging snow to the outside. List of reference symbols

[0056] 1Coupling projection; cone 2Circumferential groove 3Recess 4Bevel 5Recessed surface 6Coupling opening 7Contact surface 8Gripper 9Rail vehicle coupling 10End plate 11Coupling head housing 12Fasteners 13Rail vehicle coupling head 14End face 15Outer circumference 16Inner circumference 17Outer circumference 18Functional through-opening 19Rail vehicle 20Through-openings

Claims

1. End plate (10) for a rail vehicle coupling head (13) with coupling elements, comprising a coupling projection (1) which projects in a front direction from the end plate (10), and a coupling opening (6) for receiving a coupling projection of diametrically opposed coupling elements of a compatible end plate, the end plate (10) on its end side (14) facing in the front direction having at least one end-side contact surface (7) for absorbing pressure forces during coupling of the compatible end plate, characterized in that at least one surface (5), which is recessed relative to the at least one contact surface (7), is provided on the end side (14) facing in the front direction, forming a cutout (3) which, when viewed in an end-plate plane, is completely enclosed in the circumferential direction by the at least one end-side contact surface (7), in particular by the elevation forming the end-side contact surface or at least one end-side contact surface (7) and at least one of the coupling elements (1, 6).

2. End plate (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that an end-side contact surface (7) is formed in the region of the outer circumference (15) of the end plate (10) on the end plate so as to extend along the latter in the circumferential direction, preferably ending flush with the outer circumference (15) of the end plate (10).

3. End plate (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a recessed surface or a plurality of recessed surfaces (5) forming cutouts (3) is / are provided.

4. End plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the offset of the individual recessed surface (5) relative to the contact surface (7), which at least partially encloses said surface in the circumferential direction, when viewed in the end-plate plane, is at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 5 mm.

5. End plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recessed surface (5) is at least partially parallel to the contact surface (7).

6. End plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recessed surface (5) is at least partially inclined or curved.

7. End plate (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the partially present inclination of the recessed surface (5) has an angle of at least 10° to the contact surface (7).

8. End plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transition between an individual contact surface (7) and the recessed surface (5) is at least partially, preferably completely, continuous.

9. End plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transition between an individual contact surface and the recessed surface (5) is at least partially in the manner of steps.

10. End plate (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one aperture or through opening (20) extending through the end plate (10) is provided in the at least one recessed surface (5).

11. End plate (10) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the individual aperture or through opening (20) is in the form of an elongate hole, slot or cylindrical opening.

12. End plate (10) according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the individual aperture or through opening (20) is arranged flush with the transition to the contact surface (7).

13. End plate (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the coupling projection (1) comprises a coupling cone or is formed by way of the latter.

14. Rail vehicle coupling with a coupling head housing (11) and an end plate (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 which is connected releasably or non-releasably to the coupling head housing (11) or is formed integrally therewith.