GB191211770A - Improvements in Buffer Couplers. - Google Patents

Abstract

11,770. Cossey, C., Mitchell, J., Watson, C., and A. B. C. Coupler, Ltd. May 17. Couplings, automatic, of the kind in which each buffer coupler-head carries a fixed or a rotatable hook and a link mounted on a transverse pin behind the hook, coupling being effected by the engagement of one link with the hook on the opposing head. To allow the coupler-head to be formed with a cover portion 3, 4 to strengthen it and to exclude dust, the points of the links 5, 6 are prevented from rising too far by lengthening the usual slots 7, 8 in which the inner ends of the links are pivoted. In the case of a rotatable hook, Fig. 2, a locking-device enclosed within the couplerhead comprises a pawl 9 pivoted on the hook 2 and adapted, when the hook is rotated to coupling position, to move under gravity or spring action to catch under an abutment 11 on the coupler-head. For uncoupling, the pawl 9 is returned by the action of a cam-piece 12 on a transverse operating-shaft. As the hook is rotated in separating the vehicles, a shoulder 20 pushes back the cam-piece 12 to free the pawl 9. For shunting, a second narrower cam 14, Figs. 2 and 4, on the same shaft as the cam 12 can be brought to bear against the pawl 9 to hold it in the unlocked position. A groove in the shoulder 20 enables this to clear the cam 14 in this position when the hook is rotated. Couplings, applications of indicators to.- Sight-holes 17, 18 are provided in the walls of the coupler-heads to indicate whether the hook is locked or unlocked. The handles on each shaft carrying the cams 12, 14, are located outside the walls of the coupler-heads, and their positions indicate whether the cam 12 or the cam 14 or neither is bearing against the pawl 9.