GB906195A - Apparatus for coupling and uncoupling railway vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

906,195. Coupling and uncoupling mechanisms. STAMICARBON N.V. Dec. 16, 1960 [Dec. 16, 1959], No. 43410/60. Class 103(5). Mechanism for coupling and uncoupling hook and link couplings between two rail vehicles comprises, a pneumatic valve and cylinder apparatus along the track which is operated by pedals 3 and 4 at two predetermined positions of the vehicles, piston operated members 13, 17 which move to couple or uncouple, and movable stops 7 and 8 for arresting the two vehicles in the predetermined positions. In a coupling up operation, car 1 first operates pedal 4 which has no effect however as the main valve 5 controlling the compressed air supply from the mains 21 is closed by the valve 24. The car then moves on to operate pedal 3 which opens valve 5 and supplies air via valve 24 to the cylinders 9, 10 which raise stops 7, 8 and arrests both of the cars in suitably spaced apart positions. The valve 6 is also placed in communication with the air supply as that operation of the pedal 4 by car 2 opens the valve 6 and supplies air to the cylinder 11 to cause the hinged and sprung head 14 of the member 13 to lift the hook 26 as in Fig. 2. As the member 13 moves into its extreme position the end of rod 12 operates valve 25 which passes air to cylinder 15 to raise the link tilting member 17. During this motion the link support 18 is held in the horizontal position against a spring 29 by a chain 28 and urges the link 30 into position for coupling. As the rod 16 moves into its extreme position it operates a valve 23 which moves valve 24 and allows air to escape from valve 6 and cylinder 11 so that the hook tilting member 13 is lowered and the hook 26 swings into the raised link 30. After a short interval due to the retarding action of valve 22 the member 17 is lowered and coupling completed. The movement of valve 24 after an interval due to the throttling valves 31, 32 relieves the pressure in the cylinder 9, 10 so that the stops 7, 8 move down and release the cars. The cycle recommences when car 2 depresses pedal 3. When uncoupling, the member 17 can be put out of operation or be replaced by a second hook tilting member 13.