GB1278200A - Improved pneumatic coupling system for railway cars - Google Patents

Abstract

1278200 Rail vehicle couplings DRESSER INDUSTRIES Inc 17 Sept 1970 [2 Oct 1969] 44437/70 Heading B7T An automatic coupling system for rail vehicles having a main air line 40 interposed by a main valve operable by means 44, consists of a knuckle coupler which on an intentional uncoupling has its knuckle opened by a ram 100 supplied with pressurized air from means 44 when lever 87 opens valve 47, thus allowing the air to pass from line 53 to the ram via lines 74 and 92, needle valve 95, check valve 97 and reservoir 93. On separation of the vehicle, line 74 is vented since it is uncoupled from counter line 74<SP>1</SP>, but the ram 100 continues to urge open the knuckle until the air in reservoir 93 has been vented through check valve 95, after which the piston 102 returns under spring pressure. The line 40 when pressurized causes the vehicle brakes to remain in their off position and valve 41 is opened on the vehicle being coupled or unintentionally uncoupled, and closed on intentional uncoupling by the means 44. On coupling, plunger 58 is depressed and air in chamber 62 is compressed exerting a pressure on head 55 of valve spool 56. The spool is depressed and pressurized air from line 40, via either check valve 50 or 60 and lines 51, 52 is directed into line 65 which acts on head 66 of spool 67. The spool 67 is depressed and held in this position by spring and ball 75, and pressurized air from line 51 may pass into line 77 and act on head 39 of valve 41 to open it. On an unintentional uncoupling the pressure would be relieved from head 55 due to the retention of its original position of plunger 58 and spool 56 would lift closing off line 52 and venting line 65 through port 86. The spool 67 will still allow air to pass to line 77 keeping valve 41 open due to spring and ball 75. The retention of valve 41 in its open position allows venting of pipe 40 and application of the vehicle brakes. On intentional uncoupling, when lever 87 is moved to pressurize line 74, the air therein acts on head 68 of spool 67 thus moving it upwards, closing line 76 and venting line 77 through port 89. The pressure on head 39 is then relieved, closing valve 41 and retaining pressure in line 40 so that the brakes are not applied. In a modification, the reservoir is replaced by a valve and the ram is vented through this valve into line 51 on an intentional uncoupling. Further the knuckle of the coupler may be opened when the vehicle is not coupled to another vehicle by operating a valve which supplies pressurized air to the ram. If a rail vehicle provided with a system according to the invention is coupled to a vehicle without the system the system on the first vehicle can be operated by pressure supplied through a line 116 coupled to the second vehicle.