Faceplate for a coupling head of a rail vehicle coupling, especially an automatic traction coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to an end plate (10) for a coupling head with coupling elements, comprising a coupling projection (1) extending forward from the end plate (10), and a coupling opening (6) for receiving a coupling projection of corresponding coupling elements of a compatible end plate, wherein the end plate (10) has an end-face contact surface (7) for receiving compressive forces when coupling the compatible end plate. The end-face contact surface (7) is provided with at least one recess (3) positioned outside the coupling elements, which is at least partially open at the edge.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an end plate for a coupling head of a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling, preferably a freight wagon coupling, as well as a coupling head for a railway vehicle coupling and a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling with such an end plate.

[0002] For winter operation of rail vehicles with automatic train couplers featuring a funnel / cone coupling profile and a coupling lock designed as a rotary lock with hook plate and coupling eyes, it is essential to keep these components as free of snow and ice as possible to maintain uninterrupted coupling operation. In particular, accumulations of ice and snow adhering to the end plate of the coupler head can block proper coupling. The end plates of coupler heads have vertical contact surfaces surrounding the coupling elements, which transmit the pressure forces between the end plates of coupled coupler heads. If accumulations of snow or ice adhere to these contact surfaces, the end plates, and thus the coupler heads, cannot be pushed far enough against each other to couple the coupling elements of both rail vehicle coupler heads.

[0003] Traditionally, ice and snow accumulations must be manually removed from the end plates. In passenger cars and rail vehicles, electric heating of the end plates can also be used to melt the ice and snow, but this requires additional measures and therefore incurs higher costs.

[0004] Such railway vehicle coupling heads with electrically heated end plates are disclosed in publications EP 1 805 073 B1, EP 1 632 414 B1 and EP 1 293 409 A1.

[0005] However, in the case of freight wagon couplings, such as those particularly concerned by the present invention, 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.

[0006] A solution completely free of integrated heating is described in WO 2019 / 101552 A1. This discloses an end plate with an end-face contact surface that is provided with at least one recess positioned outside the coupling elements, which is at least partially open at the edge. That is, a single continuous recess, which is at least partially open at the edge, can be provided, or two or more individual recesses, which are at least partially open at the edge, can be provided.This open-edged recess allows snow trapped between the end plates of the two rail vehicle coupling heads to move towards each other during the coupling process. This allows snow to escape into at least one recess and over its open-edged section, thus removing it from the engagement area of ​​the two end plates and the coupling elements. The contact surface facing forward serves to absorb compressive forces when coupling the compatible end plate of another coupling head. During such coupling, the end-face contact surfaces of both end plates are in contact with each other.

[0007] An alternative design according to WO2023012145 A1 describes the provision of recesses in the end plate plane for collecting snow and ice.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing further solutions for an end plate for a coupling head with high stability on the one hand while simultaneously ensuring sufficient removal of ice and snow.

[0009] The problem according to the invention is solved by an end plate with the features of claim 1. The dependent claims specify particularly advantageous and expedient embodiments of the invention, as well as a coupling head with a corresponding end plate and an automatic coupling.

[0010] An end plate for a coupling head of a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling, comprising a coupling projection that extends forward from the end plate and a coupling opening arranged in the width direction of the end plate spaced from the coupling projection for receiving a coupling projection of an end plate of a mating rail vehicle coupling;a frontal contact surface for absorbing compressive forces when interacting with a counter-rail vehicle coupling, which is interrupted by at least one recess positioned outside of the coupling projection and / or coupling opening, at least partially open at the edges, extending to the outer circumference of the end plate, preferably flush with the outer circumference of the end plate, or is divided into a plurality of contact surface segments and is raised compared to adjacent areas, wherein at least one open at the edges has a raised sub-area that extends partially in the circumferential direction around the coupling projection and / or the coupling opening, forming a clearance to the contact surfaces;is characterized in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the free space, viewed along the direction of the sub-area, has a minimum size of greater than 60 mm², preferably greater than 66 mm², at every point.

[0011] This design allows, firstly, the contact surface segments to be positioned close to the coupling projection and / or the coupling opening, thus providing sufficiently large contact surface segment areas, which results in high stability. Secondly, it provides sufficient clearance for the removal of snow and ice, especially when used in conjunction with the end plate of a mating rail vehicle coupling, provided this plate is free of such open-edged recesses.Furthermore, during the coupling process, as the two end plates of the rail vehicle coupling heads move towards each other, the design ensures that any snow trapped between the end plates and scraped or compressed during the coupling process by the interaction of the coupling projection of one rail vehicle coupling and the coupling opening of the mating rail vehicle coupling can escape into at least one recess and over its open-edged section. As the end plates of the rail vehicle coupling and the mating rail vehicle coupling continue to move towards each other, the snow is guided away. Ice and snow are thus removed from the engagement area of ​​the two end plates or the coupling elements.This is particularly advantageous when the end plate is used with a rotary locking mechanism on a rail vehicle coupling with a hook disc and coupling eyes, as the coupling eye is guided within the coupling projection and protrudes from it, thus remaining unobstructed, for interaction with the mating rail vehicle coupling. The clearance provided by these sections allows for drainage even over large circumferences around the coupling projection and / or coupling opening.

[0012] The cross-sectional area of ​​the free space extending partially circumferentially around the coupling projection can be described differently depending on the context. In one case, the cross-sectional area in a plane defined by two perpendiculars to the tangent to the outer circumference of the coupling projection is defined by the coupling projection, the connecting surfaces between the coupling projection and the contact surface, and the theoretical extension of the contact surface up to the coupling projection. In another case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the free space extending partially circumferentially around the coupling opening in a plane defined by two perpendiculars to the tangent to the outer circumference of the coupling opening is defined by the connecting surface between the outer circumference of the coupling opening and the contact surface, and the intersecting theoretical extensions of the contact surface and the circumferential surface of the coupling opening.

[0013] The cross-sectional area of ​​each individual free space is preferably characterized in both cases by a size in the range of 60 mm² to 130 mm², preferably 66 mm² to 120 mm². These size ranges represent particularly advantageous designs by means of which the specified requirements can be implemented with minimal effort.

[0014] The design of the cross-sectional profile of the partial area of ​​the edge-open recess describing the free space along its circumferential course of the coupling projection and / or coupling opening is, according to a first embodiment, preferably free of changes, i.e., the narrow area is kept constant and thus does not form any constrictions.

[0015] According to a second embodiment, the partial area extending in the circumferential direction of the coupling projection and / or coupling opening can also be extended in the direction of the opening towards the outer circumference of the end plate.

[0016] In all the aforementioned configurations, a single continuous recess can be provided, which is at least partially open at the edges, or two or more individual recesses, which are at least partially open at the edges, can be provided. The coupling projection and / or coupling opening, enclosing the circumferential sections at least partially, including the free spaces, each leads into the larger, recessed areas extending towards the outer circumference of the end plate.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the end-face contact surface has at least one recess positioned outside the coupling opening, at least partially open at the edge, extending to the outer circumference of the end plate and preferably flush with the outer circumference of the end plate, with at least one raised sub-area extending partially in the circumferential direction around the coupling opening and forming a clearance to the contact surfaces, wherein the at least one recess divides the contact surface into a first contact surface segment flush with the coupling projection and extending to the outer circumference of the end plate and at least one or more further second contact surface segments, which are positioned circumferentially around the coupling opening at a distance from it.With this solution, the removal of ice and snow is completely shifted to the side of the coupling opening, while a large, uniform and consistently flat displacement area is provided via the first contact surface segment.

[0018] In a first embodiment of this design, the at least one recess is preferably designed and arranged such that only a further second contact surface segment arranged circumferentially around the coupling opening is provided, which, viewed in the width direction of the end plate, is positioned on the side of the coupling opening facing away from the coupling projection, wherein the partial area forming a free space to the raised areas forming the contact surfaces extends circumferentially at least partially or preferably completely over the extent of the second contact surface segment around the coupling opening.In this case, the free spaces extend around a portion of the coupling projection in the circumferential direction and lead into large open recesses flush with the outer circumference of the end plate, which, when viewed in the installed position, are oriented vertically upwards and downwards along the end plate.

[0019] In this design, the individual sub-area extends over an angle of up to 180°, preferably 160°, in the circumferential direction of the coupling opening.

[0020] In a second embodiment of this design, the at least one recess is configured and arranged such that several further contact surface segments are provided circumferentially around the coupling opening. These second contact surface segments, viewed in the width direction of the end plate, are positioned at a distance from the coupling opening on the side of the coupling opening facing away from the coupling projection. The contact surface segment configuration preferably creates angular ranges for the sub-areas circumferentially around the coupling opening in the range of 40° to 70°.

[0021] The contact surface segments are positioned and designed in such a way as to provide spatially separated local force introduction areas for absorbing pressure forces during the coupling process.

[0022] The arrangement and geometric design of the contact surface segments depend essentially on the basic geometry of the end plate and the arrangement of the dome elements. The contact surface segments are arranged at a distance from the dome elements, forming at least a partial recess that is open at least partially. This recess extends to the outer circumference of the end plate, preferably directly to its outer circumference.

[0023] Preferably, the end plate is characterized by a substantially rectangular base. This base can be further extended to include areas for arranging the gripper or other entry surfaces for the coupling process. The coupling elements are arranged centrally. In this case, the contact surface segments are preferably arranged in the four corner areas outside the coupling elements, with the contact surface segments either being flush with the outer circumference of the end plate or being located in the outer edge area or in the area of ​​the outer circumference on the end face. In the latter case, these segments, together with the surface areas facing the outer circumference of the end plate, form additional sliding surfaces for snow, etc.

[0024] To optimize snow removal during the coupling process, the at least one open-edged recess can include at least one slope located in an edge region of the recess, the surface of which faces the edge. In other words, the end plate has a chamfer in the area of ​​the slope, i.e., a surface on the front that is increasingly recessed towards the edge. This increases the space available for snow removal towards the outer circumference of the end plate. Alternatively or additionally, the recess can also be provided with slopes that point towards the center, i.e., in particular along the outer circumference between two contact surface segments, extending from each of these segments towards the center.

[0025] This means that the chamfers of the recesses can be formed, particularly in the edge area, i.e., the area of ​​the outer circumference opposite the contact surface and / or the base of the recess, in the direction from the dome elements towards the edge area (vertical direction in the installed position) and / or perpendicular to this (lateral direction in the installed position). The chamfers and chamfers can vary depending on the manufacturing process.

[0026] The inclined surface preferably has an angle of at least 10° to the contact surface and / or a base surface of the recess.

[0027] Furthermore, it can additionally or alternatively be provided that the circumferential surface areas of the contact surface segments defining the recess, which are arranged perpendicularly or at an angle to the actual contact surface relative to the base of the recess and which define the contour of the recess, are designed in such a way that the individual edge-open recess towards the outer circumference of the end plate is characterized along this circumferential surface either by the same width or a constant cross-sectional geometry in a plane parallel to the contact surface between two adjacent contact surface segments or preferably with a changing cross-sectional geometry, in particular an expansion in the direction of the outer circumference of the end plate.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end plate has a gripper projecting from the front of the end plate, which is at least partially or completely enclosed around its circumference by a recess that is at least partially open at the edges. Depending on the embodiment, openings or penetrations may also be provided through which compressed snow can escape. For example, this open-edged recess enclosing the gripper is formed by a flat surface that is set back parallel or at an angle to the contact surface. In other words, the gripper extends from such a surface. The gripper can, for example, be formed by or comprise an arc-shaped or angled rod that projects from the surface.

[0029] The at least one open-edged recess preferably has a base surface that is set back from the contact surface by at least 2.5 mm or at least 5 mm. The base surface can be partially or completely parallel to the contact surface, but in particular, it can also have the aforementioned slope(s) in at least one or more sections. This significant setback of the base surface from the contact surface provides sufficient space during the coupling process and in the coupled state into which snow and ice can be displaced without impairing the coupling process or the coupled state.

[0030] A coupling head according to the invention comprises a coupling head housing and an end plate according to the invention, which is detachably or permanently connected to the coupling head housing. Preferably, the end plate is used in a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling, especially a freight wagon coupling, comprising a coupling head for interaction with the coupling head of a mating railway vehicle coupling. The coupling head has a housing for receiving a coupling lock with a locking mechanism, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, the frog being rotatable about a principal axis between different functional positions. The coupling eye is rotatably connected to the frog at a first end about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end, the second free end being guided through the coupling projection.

[0031] The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to an embodiment and the figures. The figures show: Figures 1a and 1b show exemplary embodiments of an end plate according to the invention; Figures 2a and 2b show, in a simplified schematic representation, the state of a coupling projection being inserted into a coupling opening of a counter-coupling and the interaction of the coupling projection and coupling opening of a coupling and a counter-coupling in the engaged state; Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of an end face of a coupling and, in a dashed-dotted representation, the interaction with a contact surface segment of a counter-coupling; Figures 4a to 4c show sections of the end plate in a cross-sectional plane through the coupling opening, which runs perpendicular to the contact surface plane; Figures 5a to 5c show simplified schematic representations of railway vehicle couplings;Figure 6 shows an exemplary advantageous application for a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling with cone / funnel design and rotary lock with hook plate and coupling eye in cross-section through the coupling head.

[0032] In the Figures 1a to 5c An end plate 10 or sections thereof are shown, which is preferably used in a rail vehicle coupling 9 with a coupling head 13 having a funnel / cone profile and coupling locking means 21, in particular a coupling lock 22 in the form of a rotary lock and a locking device 23, as shown by way of example in Figure 6The coupling mechanism 22, shown in a sectional view, is used in this application. It is designed with a coupling eye 25 and a frog 24, the frog 24 being rotatable about a main axis HA between different functional positions. The coupling eye 25 is rotatably connected at one end to the frog 24 about a coupling eye axis and has a second free end for interaction with the frog of a mating rail vehicle coupling. The frog 24 has a jaw 26 for receiving a corresponding second end of a coupling eye of a compatible mating coupling head.

[0033] A spring accumulator F is assigned to the frog 24. The frog 24 can be rotated against the force of the spring accumulator F from the coupled position to the uncoupled position and by the force of the spring accumulator from the uncoupled position to the ready-to-couple position and from the ready-to-couple position to the coupled position.

[0034] The locking mechanism 23, which holds the coupling lock 21 in the appropriate position or releases it for transition to another position by rotating the frog 24, has a plunger S that is displaceable against a spring force in the coupling direction of the train coupling and a latch rod K that is displaceable transversely or obliquely to the coupling direction. The latch rod is pivotally connected to the frog 24 and, when the frog 24 is rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, can be moved by the frog 24 into a detent position in which the latch rod K blocks a reverse rotation of the frog 24, i.e., in the direction from the uncoupled position to the coupled position. The plunger S, in turn, is 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 latching rod in the detent position, and in the second position, in which the plunger is displaced from the first position by the spring force, the plunger releases the latching rod from the detent position.

[0035] The end plate 10 can either be formed as a single unit with a coupling head housing 11 or detachably connected to such a coupling head housing 11. A coupling head 13 of this type is shown in a simplified, schematic representation as an example for a rail vehicle coupling 9 articulated to or connected with a rail vehicle 19 in the following. Figures 5a to 5c reproduced. Figure 5aFigure 1 shows a version with a detachable end plate 10. The connection is detachably made, for example, by means of suitable fastening elements 12. To enable, in particular, the end plate 10 to be screwed to the coupling head housing 11, screw holes are provided. These extend through the contact surface 7. Figure 5b shows a design with integral formation of coupling head housing 11 and end plate 10. Figure 5c Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment with a detachable end plate 10, in which the coupling head housing 11 and the coupling rod 21 are integrally formed. The end plate 10 and the coupling head housing 11 together form the coupling head 13 or are at least components thereof.

[0036] In all figures, a coordinate system is shown attached to the end plate 10 to illustrate the individual directions. In the installed position on the coupling head 13, the X-direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle 19. The Y-direction describes the lateral direction, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The Z-direction describes the vertical direction.

[0037] The end plate 10 has an end face 14 facing away from the coupling head housing 11 for interaction with a mating coupling head (not shown). Depending on its connection to the coupling head housing 11, the rear side of the end plate 10, facing away from the end face 14, is either formed integrally with the coupling head housing 11, as shown in Figure 5b depicted or as shown in Figure 5a, 5c reproduced for cooperation with this trained and connected.

[0038] The Figures 1a and 1b particularly advantageous end plates illustrate 10.

[0039] The end plate 10 has a contact surface 7 on its front-facing end face 14 for interaction with a contact surface of a mating coupling head, in particular for absorbing compressive forces during coupling with a compatible mating rail vehicle coupling. The end plate 10 includes a coupling projection 1, which projects forward from the end plate 10 and is designed as a coupling cone. A coupling opening 6 is positioned laterally adjacent to this, which can receive a corresponding coupling projection of a mating rail vehicle coupling.

[0040] The end-face contact surface 7 is interrupted by at least one recess 3 positioned outside of the coupling projection 1 and / or coupling opening 6, which is at least partially open at the edge, or by a plurality of spatially separated contact surface segments 5.1, 5.2, which form local force introduction areas, in particular for the introduction of compressive forces. Figure 1a and 5.1 to 5.3 in Figure 1b subdivided. The at least one open-edge recess 3 has in the Figures 1a and 1b A raised area, extending partially circumferentially around the coupling opening 6, forms a free space F between this area and the contact surface 7. This creates a space between the contact surface segments 5 into which snow can penetrate during coupling.

[0041] The cross-sectional area of ​​the free space F, which extends partially circumferentially around the coupling opening 6, in a plane describable by two perpendiculars to the tangent to the outer circumference 16 of the coupling opening 6, is bounded by the connecting surface 17 between the coupling opening 6 and the contact surface 7 and the intersecting theoretical extensions of the contact surface 7 and the circumferential surface of the coupling opening 6. The cross-sectional area of ​​the individual free space F is characterized by a size in the range of 60 mm² to 130 mm², preferably 66 mm² to 120 mm².

[0042] The at least one recess 3, positioned outside the coupling opening 6 and open at least partially at its edge, extends from the outer circumference, preferably directly from the outer circumference 15 of the basic geometry describing the end plate 10, towards the coupling opening 6, in particular over a partial area circumferentially around it at a distance. If the end plate 10 is substantially rectangular, the recesses 3 extend to the outer circumference 15 in the respective corner regions, thereby dividing the contact surface 7 into spatially separated segments that form local force application areas.

[0043] In Figure 1aThe at least one recess 3 is designed and arranged such that only a further second contact surface segment 5.2 arranged circumferentially around the coupling opening 6 is provided, which, viewed in the width direction of the end plate, is positioned on the side of the coupling opening 6 facing away from the coupling projection, wherein the partial area forming a free space to the raised areas forming the contact surfaces extends circumferentially at least partially, here preferably completely, over the extent of the second contact surface segment 5.2 around the coupling opening.

[0044] In the case shown, the part of the recess 3 forming the free space F extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling opening 6 over an angle of up to 180° and then transitions into the area extending to the outer circumference 15.

[0045] In contrast, it shows Figure 1bAn embodiment in which the open-edged recess 3 is designed and arranged such that several further second contact surface segments 5.2, 5.3 are provided circumferentially around the coupling opening 6, which, viewed in the width direction of the end plate, are positioned at a distance from the coupling opening 6 on the side of the coupling opening 6 facing away from the coupling projection 1. The coupling projection 1 is also configured here as in Figure 1aby a contact surface segment 5.1, which is flush with the coupling projection 1 and the outer circumference 15 of the end plate 10. The contact surface segments 5.2, 5.3 are each positioned in the corner regions of the end plate 10, preferably flush with the outer circumference 15 and spaced apart from the outer circumference 15 of the coupling opening 6, forming the clearance F. The portions of the recess 3 forming the clearances F extend over an angle of approximately 45° around the outer circumference of the coupling opening 6.

[0046] In both versions in the Figures 1a, 1b The contact surface segments do not close flush with the coupling opening 6.

[0047] The Figures 2a and 2b The figures illustrate, by way of example, the interaction of two end plates 10 according to the invention in a longitudinal view. Figure 2aFigure 1 shows, by way of example, the coupling projection 1 of an end plate 10' of a mating rail vehicle coupling when entering the coupling opening 6 of an end plate 10 of a rail vehicle coupling. Figure 2b This is reflected in the retracted state, when the end faces of both are in contact. Recognizable in Figure 2b the free space F.

[0048] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows an alternative configuration of the sub-areas forming the free space F. Two sub-areas are provided, each extending from the circumferentially oriented end regions of the contact surface segments, and each extending circumferentially around the coupling opening only over a portion of the area. The contact surface segment 5.2 lies flush against the coupling opening 6 in a central sub-area.

[0049] The Figures 4a to 4cFigures show different designs of the transition area, in particular the connecting surface 17 between the outer circumference 16 of the coupling opening 6 and the contact surface 7, and illustrate the limits of the free spaces F by these as well as the extensions of the outer circumference of the coupling opening 6 and the contact surface 7, which are shown by means of a dashed line. Figure 4b The connecting surface 17 contains a chamfer 18, Figure 4c has a connecting surface 17 that can be described by radii.

[0050] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments according to Figures 1a and 1b A gripper 8 projecting from the end plate 10 in the front direction is provided, which works together with a corresponding gripper of the counter coupling to center the two end plates or rail vehicle coupling heads together during the coupling process.

[0051] At least one recessed surface 5 is provided on the end face 14, forming a recess 3 which, viewed in the plane of the end plate, is completely enclosed in the circumferential direction by the at least one end-face contact surface 7 or by at least one end-face 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 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, each of which, individually or together with the coupling elements, encloses recesses 3 or depressions forming the receiving areas when viewed in the plane of the end plate. Reference symbol list

[0052] 1Coupling projection; Cone 2Recessed surface 3Recess 4Slope 5Contact surface segment 6Coupling opening 7Contact surface 8Grip 9Rail vehicle coupling 10End plate 11Coupling head housing 12Fastening elements 13Coupling head 14End face 15Outer circumference 16Outer circumference 17Connecting surface 18Chamfer 19Rail vehicle 21Coupling locking device 22Coupling lock 23Detent 24Frog 25Coupling eye 26Jaw

Claims

1. End plate (10) for a coupling head of a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling, comprising a coupling projection (1) which extends forward from the end plate (10) and a coupling opening (6) arranged in the width direction of the end plate spaced apart from the coupling projection for receiving a coupling projection of an end plate of a mating railway vehicle coupling;a frontal contact surface (7) for absorbing compressive forces when interacting with a counter-rail vehicle coupling, which is interrupted or divided into a plurality of contact surface segments by at least one recess (3) positioned outside of the coupling projection and / or coupling opening, which is at least partially open at the edge and extends to the outer circumference of the end plate and is preferably flush with the outer circumference of the end plate, and is raised above adjacent areas, wherein at least one open-edge recess has a raised sub-area that extends partially in the circumferential direction around the coupling projection and / or the coupling opening and forms a clearance to the contact surfaces; characterized by the fact that The cross-sectional area of ​​the free space, viewed along the direction of the sub-area, has a minimum size of greater than 60 mm at every point. 2 , preferably larger than 66mm 2exhibits.

2. End plate (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that- the cross-sectional area of ​​the free space extending partially circumferentially around the coupling projection is bounded in a plane describable by two perpendiculars to the tangent to the outer circumference of the coupling projection by the coupling projection, the connecting surfaces between the coupling projection and the contact surface, and the theoretical extension of the contact surface up to the coupling projection, and / or - the cross-sectional area of ​​the free space extending partially circumferentially around the coupling opening is bounded in a plane describable by two perpendiculars to the tangent to the outer circumference of the coupling opening by the connecting surface between the coupling opening and the contact surface and the intersecting theoretical extensions of the contact surface and the circumferential surface of the coupling opening, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual free space is defined by a size in the range of 60 mm 2 up to 130mm 2, preferably 66mm 2 up to 120mm 2 is characterized.

3. End plate (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the cross-sectional profile of the sub-area of ​​the edge-open recess describing the free space is constant along its circumferential course.

4. End plate (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the cross-sectional profile of the sub-area describing the free space of the edge-open recess, over whose course in the circumferential direction is viewed in the direction of the outer circumference of the end plate, is designed to be expansive.

5. End plate (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatthe end face contact surface has at least one recess (3) positioned outside the coupling opening, at least partially open at the edge, extending to the outer circumference of the end plate, preferably flush with the outer circumference of the end plate, with at least one raised sub-area extending partially in the circumferential direction around the coupling opening and forming a clearance to the contact surfaces, wherein the at least one recess divides the contact surface into a first contact surface segment flush with the coupling projection and extending to the outer circumference of the end plate and at least one or more further second contact surface segments, which are positioned circumferentially around the coupling opening at a distance from it.

6. End plate (10) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact thatwhich at least one recess is designed and arranged such that only a further second contact surface segment arranged circumferentially around the coupling opening is provided, which, viewed in the width direction of the end plate, is positioned on the side of the coupling opening facing away from the coupling projection, wherein the partial area forming a free space to the raised areas forming the contact surfaces extends circumferentially at least partially or preferably completely over the extent of the second contact surface segment around the coupling opening.

7. End plate (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that The individual sub-area extends over an angle of up to 180°, preferably 160°, in the circumferential direction of the coupling opening.

8. End plate (10) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact thatwhich at least one recess is designed and arranged in such a way that several further second contact surface segments arranged circumferentially around the coupling opening are provided, which, viewed in the width direction of the end plate, are positioned at a distance from the coupling opening on the side of the coupling opening facing away from the coupling projection.

9. End plate according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the at least one open-edge recess (3) has at least one inclined plane (4) arranged in an edge region of the recess (3), the surface of which is turned towards the edge, wherein the inclined plane (4) has an angle of at least 10° to the contact surface (7).

10. End plate (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe coupling elements comprise a gripper (8) projecting in the front direction from the end plate (10), which is at least partially enclosed over its circumference by a recess (3) that is open at least in sections, wherein in particular the open recess (3) enclosing the gripper (8) is formed by a flat surface (9) that is set back parallel or at an angle to the contact surface (7).

11. End plate (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that at least one open-edged recess (3) has a base surface that is set back by at least 2.5 mm or at least 5 mm from the contact surface (7).

12. End plate (10) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the base surface is at least partially parallel to the contact surface (7).

13. Coupling head of a railway vehicle coupling, in particular an automatic train coupling especially for use in freight transport, comprising a coupling head housing (11) and an end plate (10) detachably or permanently connected to the coupling head housing (11) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Railway vehicle coupling, in particular automatic train coupling, in particular freight wagon coupling, comprising a coupling head according to claim 13 for interacting with the coupling head of a mating railway vehicle coupling, the coupling head comprising a housing for receiving a coupling lock with locking mechanism, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye and a frog, the frog being rotatable about a principal axis between different functional positions; the coupling eye being rotatably connected to the frog at a first end about a coupling eye axis and having a second free end, wherein the second free end is guided through the coupling projection.

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