GB489383A - Improvements in or relating to automatic coupling gears for articulated vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

489,383. Automatic couplings for vehicles. STRAUSSLER, N., and ALVISSTRAUSSLER, Ltd. Feb. 2, 1937, No. 3101. [Class 103 (v)] In a semi-trailer coupling a single central ramp A mounted on the tractor for co-operation with a roller Q on the trailer is provided with an indentation a<1> adapted to receive a reduced or waisted portion of the roller, which is locked therein by means of a pair of independent spring-controlled hooks D pivoted on a transverse shaft E on the tractor and engaging the roller spindle G. When the tractor is backed towards the trailer to effect a coupling, the spindle G, on contacting with the hooks D, forces them back against the effort of springs F ; finally, the roller Q drops into the indentation a<1>, and the hooks D spring back and engage over the spindle G to prevent the latter from rising. Uncoupling is brought about by a pull exerted on a rod Z which is connected to a compensator arm Y linked to the hooks D. The coupling is preferably associated with braking means for the trailer, such means, as shown, comprising a brake operating rod X, bell-crank W having an extension W<1>, plunger T, bell-crank U and brake-rod V. When the brakes have been applied, they are maintained in this condition by a toothed pawl T<1> engaging the plunger T and actuated by a spring-pressed lever T<2> coacting with the extension W<1>. The brakes are also adapted to be applied during an uncoupling operation by the pull on the rod Z after the hooks D have been released, lostmotion links X<1>, Y<1> being provided to permit independent operation of the rods X, Z. In the act of coupling the tractor and trailer the bell-crank W is engaged either by the spindle G or roller Q and presses back the lever T<2> so as to release the brakes.