GB1254474A - Improvements in automatic central buffer couplings of rail vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1,254,474. Service line couplings for railway vehicles. GERMANY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT. 6 March, 1969, No. 11960/69. Heading B7T. An air pipe line coupling 1 within an automatic central buffer coupler 2 is provided with a pivoted cover 13 to close the coupling mouth when in an uncoupled condition, wherein when the coupling is coupled to a counter coupling the cover is pivoted to an out-of-use position by means of a cam engaging in a notch 22 of a housing 5 which moves forward during the coupling operation, the air pressure within the pipe line then causing a rod 18 to move a leaf spring 19 to the position A such that if an uncoupling occurs unintentionally when the pipe line is still pressurized, the housing 5 will not be able to move back to its uncoupled position due to abutment 27 contacting the spring 19, and hence the cover does not close the mouth thereby allowing air to escape and operate the vehicle brakes. The rod 18 is actuated by a diaphragm 15 located in a chamber 26 which is in communication with the air pipe 31. The end of the air line is located by a bayonet connection within housing 5, which housing is moved forwards during coupling by an arm 3 of the buffer coupling 2. In the event of an intended uncoupling the air pressure in the pipe line is first relieved. In a modification, the cover 15 is directly prevented from closing the mouth during an unintentional uncoupling by being contacted at its pivoted end by a piston-rod, the piston of which is acted upon by the air pressure in the pipe line.