GB180193A - Improvements in and relating to automatic couplings - Google Patents

Abstract

180,193. Grahnstr÷m, F. May 6, 1921. Couplings, automatic.-In an automatic coupling in which a coupling-pin is held in the open position by a spring-controlled member which, on impact, is moved rearwardly by the coupling- link of another wagon to release the coupling- pin, the member that holds the coupling-pin in the open position is connected at its outer end with an impact plate carrying a supporting- bracket for the coupling-pin, which plate is held pressed against the pin by a spring. The coupling-pin 5 is of inverted U-shape, the front leg of which rests on a bracket 7 attached to a plate 8 supported by two spring-controlled horizontally spaced rods 9, 10 carried in guide-plates 11, 12. The rear leg of the coupling-pin is weighted and is guided in plates 3, 4. A lever 18 is pivoted at 17 to the rear leg and has a forked end between the jaws of which is an inclined face 28 working against a stop 22 on a spring-controlled catch 15. This catch is pivoted to the rear leg of the coupling-pin at 14 and angages the under-surface of the bar 4 when the coupling-pin is in the down position; a projection 23 at the upper end of the catch engages with an inclined surface 24 on the rod 10 when the pin is raised to the set to couple position. On the link of the opposing coupler striking the plate 8, the pin 5 is dislodged from the bracket 7 and engages the link. In uncoupling. the wire 20 is wound up on a winch situated on the vehicle, the lever 18 turns about its pivot 17 and the inclined surface 28 pushes the catch 15 out of engagement with the under surface of the bar 4. Further winding of the wire 20 raises the coupling-pin on to the projection 7, and the projection 23 engages the inclined surface 24 on the bar 10 and retains the catch 15 in the unlocked position. When the vehicles are to be shunted, the plate 8 is withdrawn rearwardlv bv the wire 25 until the inclined surface 24 clears the projection 23, the catch 15 is then drawn inwardly by the spring 16 until the under side of the catch rests on top of the bar 4 and retains the coupling-pin in the raised position.