GB466617A - Improvements in or relating to automatic couplings for railway vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

466,617. Couplings and draw-gear for vehicles. BAKER, W. S. GRAFF-, and BLACKSHAW, J. E. Feb. 6, 1936, No. 3631. [Class 103 (v)] In order to retain an automatic coupling for railway vehicles when uncoupled in a central position, whilst permitting it to swing laterally when coupled, unchecked by spring centralizing means, the coupling is equipped with a locking device adapted, whenever the uncoupled coupling is in a central position, automatically to lock the same, but to be operated to an unlocking position by a complementary coupling in the initial stage of a coupling action and to remain in such condition so long as the two vehicles are coupled. In the construction shown a coupling of the kind described in Specification 435,579 is fitted on its under side with a pivoted locking lever 17, the tail 16 of which, when the coupling is in a central position and uncoupled, engages by gravity in a recess 15 in a plate 14 carried by the vehicle underframe and so locks the coupling against lateral displacement. In effecting a coupling, the bar 21 of the opposed coupler engages the head 19 of the lever 17, which projects through a slot 20 in the coupling, raises the tail 16 from the recess 15, and so frees the coupling for lateral swinging e.g. in negotiating a curve. A spring may be provided to urge the tail 16 to its locking position, and prevent it from being displaced by jolts of the vehicle.