Patent GB-846053-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in coupling systems for articulated vehicles
IPC: B62D53/12
Filed: 1958-07-16
Abstract: 846,053. Motor vehicles. TATRA NARODNI PODNIK. July 16, 1958 [Oct. 9, 1957], No. 22898/58. Class 79(3). An arrangement for coupling a trailer to a tractor comprises a coupling, power means for engaging or disengaging the coupling, a locking device for locking the coupling in the engaged position, a power operated jack for supporting the trailer when disconnected, a source of power and control means operable in steps firstly to connect the power jack to the source of power to extend the jack and support the trailer, secondly to unlock the coupling and finally to connect the power means to the source of power to disengage the coupling. A two wheel trailer provided with a jack 33, is connected to a tractor by a coupling 10 as described in Specification 835,653. A control lever, 1, mounted in bearings 2 can assume any of the four positions I, 11, III and IV, which are shown both in plan and elevation. In the lower positions I and II the lever operates a valve 9 controlling a pipe 56 connecting a compressed air reservoir 11 through the coupling 10 and pipe 66 with a reservoir 12 in the trailer. Vertical movement of the lever 1 operates a bell crank 38 and through links 39, 40, the locking device of the coupling 10. Rotary movement of the . lever 1 operates, through a cam 3, switches 4, 5 and 6. The trailer brakes are operated from the reservoir 12. In position I, with the trailer connected, the system is inoperatice. On shifting lever 1 from position I to position II, the shut off valve 9 is closed and the trailer is braked, and switches 4 and 5 are operated to close the terminals 15 and 21 completing circuits to electrically operate valves 19 and 27, the circuit to the latter including a push button switch 17. Valve 19, actuated through terminals 18, admits compressed air to a working cylinder 29 which engages a clutch (not shown) to connect an oil pump 30 to the power unit of the tractor, and to an overflow valve 31 through a pipe 68 and so to supply fluid from a tank 34 through pipes 70, 43, overflow valve 31, coupling 10, and control valve 32 to the trailer jack 33. Valve 27 admits compressed air through pipes 69 and 64 to open control valve 32. When the jack is fully extended, oil is returned to the reservoir 34 from the overflow valve 31 via pipe 35, closing a switch 36 to operate a signal lamp 37. On further moving the lever 1 to position III, the lever 38 releases the coupling 10 and the switch 4 is operated to open contacts 15 and close contacts 41, completing a circuit to operate terminals 42 of valve 19 so to allow compressed air to enter conduits 73 and 59 declutching the pump 30 and operating overflow valve 31 to close the conduit 43 and to connect the pipe 35 and the pipe 44. At the same time, valve 27 is deenergized and the valve 32 thereby closed so that fluid cannot flow from the jack 33 to the line 65. The pressure in the lines 44, 65 decreases sufficiently to allow the valve 57 to close so that the switch 36 opens and light 37 shuts off. On shifting the lever 1 to position IV, the contacts 21 of switch 5 are opened and those 45 of switch 6 closed to complete a circuit through the terminals 47 of an electrically operated valve 23, and contacts 48 of a switch 49, to earth. The valve 23 operates the working cylinder 51 of the coupling 10 to uncouple the trailer. At the end of the piston stroke of the cylinder 51 switch 49 is reversed, its contacts 52 being closed to energize a signal lamp 53. To connect the trailer to the tractor the lever 1 is moved from position IV to position I, the actuation of the control switches and lever 38 and of the hydraulic and pneumatic circuits controlled thereby being effected in the reverse order, in the final movement from position II to position 1, the valve 9 being opened allowing compressed air to pass into cylinder 12 and thereby releasing the brakes. When the control valve 27 is opened, the jack 33 is retracted under the action of a spring.