Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to rail wagons and particularly but not 5 exclusively to retainers associated with railway couplers.

Background of the invention

Rail trains, such as articulated railway freight trains, trucks and wagons, typically include releasable couplers for connecting individual rail wagons to one i o another. The couplers typically include a locking mechanism to inhibit unintentional separation of the rail wagons.

Summary

Some embodiments provide a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a

15 railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position and a disengaged position under operation of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the retainer body being moveable in use between a retaining position, in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under

20 operation of the actuator, and a released position in which the retainer does not inhibit movement of actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, movement of the retainer body between the retaining position and the released position being actuatable from a location remote the retainer body.

25 Some embodiments provide a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a

railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position and a disengaged position by movement of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the retainer body being moveable in use between a retaining position in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuator and a released position in which the actuator is moveable to disengage the coupler, the retainer being axially moveable from the retaining position in two opposing directions.

Further embodiments provide a coupling assembly comprising a coupling configured to be disengaged by action of an actuator, a retainer configured to inhibit movement of the actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engagement portion, the retainer body being moveable between a retained position in which the engagement portion is positioned to inhibit movement of the actuator and a released position in which the actuator is moveable to disengage the coupler. Further embodiment provide a release system for a coupling pin for a railway coupler, the system comprising an actuator, a lifter adapted to lift the coupling pin, the lifter being engaged with the actuator and moveable to adopt a lifting

configuration, in which movement of the actuator results in actuation of the lifter, and a secured configuration, in which lifter is inhibited from actuation, a remotely actuatable retainer the retainer being moveable to adopt a retaining position in which the lifter is retained in the secured configuration and a released position in which the lifter can move into the lifting configuration.

Further embodiments provide a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position and a disengaged position under operation of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the engaging portion of the retainer body being rotatable in use such that the retainer is able to adopt a retaining configuration, in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, and a released configuration in which the retainer does not inhibit movement of actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator.

Further embodiments provide a method of releasing a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position and a disengaged position under operation of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the method comprising rotating the engaging portion of the retainer body from a retaining configuration, in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, to a released configuration in which the retainer does not inhibit movement of actuation

mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Brief description of the Drawings

In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the discharge assembly embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 shows a rail coupler;

Fig 2 shows a side view of an actuation mechanism of one embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig 3 shows an exploded view of a retainer assembly of one embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig 4 shows an actuation mechanism and retainer assembly in situ;

Fig 5 shows a wide view of a retainer and coupling of one embodiment of the disclosure in situ in a rail wagon;

Fig 6 shows a wide view of a retainer and coupling of a second embodiment of the disclosure in situ in a rail wagon;

Fig 7 shows an exploded view of retainer assembly of a third embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig 8 shows a perspective view of the retainer assembly of Fig 7;

Fig 9 shows a perspective view of the retainer assembly of Fig 7;

Fig 9 shows a perspective view of the retainer assembly of Fig 7. Detailed Description

This disclosure is directed generally to railway wagons and couplers for railway wagons and the disclosure is described generally in the context of AAR or 5 Janney couplers having a moveable knuckle, and it is to be understood that the retainer of some embodiments may be utilised with various AAR couplers such as types E, F and H, tightlock couplers and the like. It is also to be understood that the disclosure can relate to alternative couplers.

Articulated railway freight trains utilise couplers to engage rail wagons. In the i o AAR coupler type, the couplers generally comprise a head adapted to engage with a complementary head on an adjacent coupler. The head includes a knuckle which is moveable to adopt an extended position in which the couplers are engaged together and a retracted position in which the wagons can be uncoupled from one another. In order to protect against unintentional uncoupling the knuckle is maintained in the 15 extended or engaged position by means of a locking mechanism such as, for

example, a coupling pin. In order for the wagons of the rail train to be uncoupled, the locking mechanism of the coupler must be actuated to allow movement of the knuckle and release of the wagons. In the case of a coupling pin, the pin is locked into position when the coupler is under tension. Generally uncoupling is performed 20 by compressing the coupling through use of, for example, a locomotive, then lifting the coupling pin by means of an uncoupling lever extending to a location at the edge of the wagon, holding the pin in the lifted position while uncoupling the wagons.

Disclosed in some forms is a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position

25 and a disengaged position under operation of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the retainer body being moveable in use between a retaining position, in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, and a released position in which the retainer does not inhibit movement of

30 actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, movement of the retainer body between the retaining position and the released position being actuatable from a location remote the retainer body. In some forms the retainer body is elongate and is axially moveable between the retaining position and the released position.

In some forms axial movement of the retainer body is actuated by effecting tension upon a tension element associated with the retainer body.

5 In some forms the tension element comprises a cable connected with the retainer body.

In some forms the tension element is configured such that movement of the retainer body can be actuated from either side of the retainer body.

In some forms the retainer body is biased into the retained position. i o In some forms the retainer further includes at least one biasing element, the or each biasing element being adapted to bias the retainer body into the retained position.

In some forms the or each biasing element comprises a spring.

In other aspects, disclosed is a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a 15 railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position and a disengaged position by movement of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the retainer body being moveable in use between a retaining position in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuator and a released position in which the actuator is 20 moveable to disengage the coupler, the retainer being axially moveable from the retaining position in two opposing directions.

In some forms movement of the retainer body is actuated by effecting tension upon at least one tension element associated with the retainer body.

In some forms the or each tension element comprises a cable connected with 25 the retainer body.

In some forms the or each tension element is configured such that movement of the retainer body can be actuated from either end of the retainer body.

In some forms the retainer body is biased into the retained position. In some forms the retainer further includes at least one biasing element, the or each biasing element being adapted to bias the retainer body into the retained position.

In some forms the or each biasing element comprises a spring.

5 In further aspects, disclosed is a release system for a coupling pin for a

railway coupler, the system comprising an actuator, a lifter adapted to lift the coupling pin, the lifter being engaged with the actuator and moveable to adopt a lifting configuration, in which movement of the actuator results in actuation of the lifter, and a secured configuration, in which lifter is inhibited from actuation, a

i o remotely actuatable retainer the retainer being moveable to adopt a retaining

position in which the lifter is retained in the secured configuration and a released position in which the lifter can move into the lifting configuration.

In some forms the retainer acts to effect engagement of the actuator with the lifter.

15 In some forms the retainer comprises a retainer body having an engaging portion, the retainer body being moveable in use between a retaining position in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuator and a released position in which the actuator is moveable to disengage the coupler, movement of the retainer between the retaining position and the released position being

20 actuatable from a location remote the retainer body.

In some forms the retainer is axially moveable from the retaining position in two opposing directions.

In further aspects disclosed is a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged

25 position and a disengaged position under operation of an actuator, the retainer

comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, the engaging portion of the retainer body being rotatable in use such that the retainer is able to adopt a retaining configuration, in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, and a

30 released configuration in which the retainer does not inhibit movement of actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator. In some forms rotation of the engaging portion is actuable from a location remote the retainer body.

In some forms rotation of the engaging portion is actuated by rotation of a connector extending from the engaging portion.

5 In some forms the connector comprises a rod connected with the engaging portion.

In some forms the connector is configured such that rotation of the engaging portion can be actuated from either side of the retainer body.

In some forms rotation of the engagement portion is actuated by rotation of i o the retainer body.

In further aspects disclosed is a method of releasing a retainer for an actuation mechanism of a railway coupler, the actuation mechanism being configured to adopt an engaged position and a disengaged position under operation of an actuator, the retainer comprising a retainer body having an engaging portion, 15 the method comprising rotating the engaging portion of the retainer body from a retaining configuration, in which the engaging portion acts to inhibit movement of the actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator, to a released configuration in which the retainer does not inhibit movement of actuation mechanism to the disengaged position under operation of the actuator.

20

In some forms the step of rotating the engaging portion is performed by rotating the retainer body.

In some forms the step of rotating the engaging portion is performed from position remote the retainer.

As shown in Fig 1 , the disclosure is generally directed toward rail couplers 10A and 10B which couple a rail wagon 1 1A with an adjacent wagon 1 1 B. The rail couplers 10A and 10B are adapted to engage the rail wagons, such that they are not 30 inadvertently separated. The couplers 10A and 10B are, in the illustrated form, AAR or Janney couplers comprising a head 12A and 12B, a moveable knuckle (not illustrated) associated with the head and a locking mechanism configured to retain the knuckle in a position to engage the head 12A, 12B of the adjacent coupler 10A, 10B.

5 In the illustrated form coupler 10A is engaged with wagon 1 1 A by means of a rotary connection 13. In use, the rotary connection is configured such that rail wagon 1 1 A is rotatable with respect to the couplers 10A and 10B about a longitudinal axis extending through the rotary connection. This allows for wagon 1 1 A to be tipped independently of adjacent wagon 1 1 B for dumping of contents of the wagon 1 1A. In i o the illustrated form coupler 10B is engaged with wagon 1 1 B by means of a static connection 14. Although static connection 14 means rail wagon 1 1 B is not rotatable with respect to the couplers 10A and 10B, the wagon 1 1 B is still rotatable independently of adjacent wagon 1 1 A through rotation of both wagon 1 1 B and couplers 10A and 10B with respect to wagon 1 1A by means of rotary connection 13.

15

Uncoupling of the wagon from an adjacent wagon is executed after compressing the coupler 10 through moving the wagons closer to one another using a locomotive or the like.

20 Referring to Figure 2, release of the locking mechanism (not illustrated) is actuated by means of a lock actuator 14 which, in the illustrated form, comprises a lifter 15. The lifter 15 is in some forms configured to rotate such that a lock actuation end (not illustrated) of the lifter bears against the locking mechanism (not illustrated) to release the locking mechanism and allow release of the coupler 10.

25

The lifter 15 extends to a bearing end 16 which is configured to engage with a rotor 18.

In the illustrated form, the rotor 18 extends from a lifter end 20 to a hook 22 30 which is adapted to engage with the wagon to allow the rotor 18 to be rotatable with respect to the wagon. An actuator in the form of an uncoupling lever 24 is engaged with and extends from the rotor 18 such that movement of the uncoupling lever effects movement of the rotor 18. The lifter end 20 of rotor 18 comprises an engagement body 23 defining a groove 25 which is configured to extend into the engagement body 23 from a groove opening 26. A securing cavity 27, which in the illustrated form is circular, extends through the engagement body 23 into the groove 25 from either side and is oriented laterally with respect to the groove 25.

5 The rotor groove 25 is configured to allow the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 to be slotted therein.

In use, rotation of the uncoupling lever 24 effects rotational lifting of the engagement body 23. In a lifting configuration, the lifter 15 is configured such that i o rotational lifting of the engagement body 23 in turn results in pivoting of the bearer end 16 of the lifter 15 which effects lifting of the lifter 15. The movement of the lifter 15 then actuates the locking mechanism associated with the knuckle of the coupler 10 allowing the wagons 1 1 A and 1 1 B to be uncoupled from one another.

15 The engagement body 23 further includes a bearing edge 29 which extends outwardly from the engagement body 23.

In the illustrated form, the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 further comprises an alignment cavity 35, a portion of which is, in use, aligned with the securing cavity 27 20 extending through the engagement body 23. The alignment cavity 35 is made up of a combination of two merged circular cavities, a retaining cavity 36 and a releasing cavity 37, the releasing cavity 37 having a smaller diameter than the retaining cavity 36.

25 The bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 as illustrated further includes a bearing shoulder 32 which extends outwardly from the bearing end 16. In use in a secured configuration the bearing shoulder 32 is adapted to bear against the bearing edge 29 of the engagement member 23.

30 While the lifter 15 and, in particular, the bearing end 16 of the lifter, and the rotor 18 have been described as having a particular shape and configuration, it will be clear that alternative shapes and configurations will fall with the scope of the disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a retaining assembly 40 configured to be inserted through the securing cavity 27 and the alignment cavity 35 in use. The retaining assembly 40 comprises a retainer 41 having a retainer body 42 in the form of an elongate member. The retainer body 42 extends between two opposing ends 43. Intermediate 5 the opposing retainer ends 43 is located an engaging portion 46 in the form of a protrusion 47. The retainer body 42 is shaped such that the cross sectional diameter of the body 42 proximal the ends 43 is smaller than the cross sectional diameter through the engaging portion 46. The engaging portion 46 thus protrudes beyond the remainder of the retainer body and ends 43. In the illustrated form the engaging i o portion 46 slopes outwardly from the ends 43 of the retainer body 42.

As illustrated, the retaining assembly 40 further comprises a tensioning cavity 49 extending through each end 43 of the retainer body 42. A shifter in the form of a cable 50 is connected with the retainer body 42 at each retainer end 43 such that 15 tension on the cable 50 results in tension on the retainer body 7. Thus tension on cable 50 results in movement of the retainer body 42 along its longitudinal axis.

While the illustrated form shows the shifter in the form of a tensioning cable 50, it will be appreciated that movement of the retainer body 42 along its longitudinal 20 axis could be performed by a thrusting rod adapted to push or thrust the engaging portion 46 of the retainer body 42 into and out of register with the rotor rather than pulling the retainer body 42.

In the illustrated form the retaining assembly 40 further comprises biasing 25 elements 53 in the form of springs. The biasing elements 53 are adapted in use to be positioned on the retainer body 42 and secured by means of a washer 54 and a split pin 55.

In use, as illustrated in Fig 4, the retaining assembly 40 is inserted through the 30 securing cavity 27 and the alignment cavity 35 such that it extends through the rotor 18 and the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15. The retaining assembly 40 is moveable between a retaining position in which the positioning of the retaining assembly 40 acts to inhibit movement of the rotor 18 and thus to inhibit release of the locking mechanism of the coupler 10. In the retaining position the engagement portion 46 of the retainer body 42 is positioned within securing cavity 27 in engagement body 23 of rotor 18. As the alignment cavity 35 of the bearing end 16 of lifter 15 is positioned within the rotor 18, 5 the engagement portion 46 is also positioned within the alignment cavity. The

diameter of the engagement portion 46 of the retainer body 42 is such that the engagement portion 46 is positioned within the retaining cavity section 36 of the alignment cavity 35. i o In this position the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 is in a secured configuration.

In this secured configuration the lifter 15 is positioned so as to be raised with respect to the rotor 18. This configuration means rotation of the uncoupling lever 24 results in the bearing shoulder 32 of lifter 15 bearing against bearing surface 29 of the rotor 18 inhibiting lifting of the lifter 15.

15

Tension upon cable 50 of the retainer assembly 40 is effective against the bias of retainer assembly 40 into the retained position to move the retainer body 42 axially with respect to rotor 18 and bearing end 16. Thus the engagement portion 46 of the retainer body 42 is moved out of register with the securing cavity 27 and the 20 alignment cavity 35. The smaller diameter of the ends 43 of the retainer body 42 which is aligned with the alignment cavity 35 allows the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 to fall further into the groove 25 such that the retainer body is located within the securing cavity 27 and the releasing cavity section 37 of the alignment cavity 35.

25 As shown in Fig 5, the actuator is in the form of an uncoupling lever 24 which comprises an elongate rod 52 extending outwardly from a location near the coupler to a handle portion 57 which is positioned proximal an edge of the wagon 1 1 . The shifter in the form of a cable 50 extends outwardly from the coupler to a position proximal the edge of the wagon 1 1.

30

In use, the retainer 40 is biased into its retaining configuration, effectively inhibiting movement of the uncoupling lever 24. A user releases the retainer 40 by placing tension on the cable 50 to move the engaging portion of the retainer 40 out of register. This allows movement of the lifter 15 and the handle 55 of the uncoupling lever 24 is able to be rotated to effect movement of the lifter 15 to disengage the locking mechanism of the coupler 10. Tension on the cable 50 moves the retainer 40 to allow the rotor and lifter to move into the lifting configuration. In the lifting configuration, rotation of the uncoupling lever 24 results in pivoting of the lifter 15 5 effecting lifting of the lifter 15 to release the locking mechanism (not illustrated) of the coupler 10.

In Fig. 6, the shifter in the form of a cable 50 is configured to extend with the uncoupling lever 24 by engaging the cable 50 with the uncoupling lever 24 at a i o plurality of points along the length of the uncoupling lever 24. In the illustrated form the cable 50 is engaged with the uncoupling lever 24 by means of threading the cable 50 through a series of engagement loops 56 positioned such that they are spaced apart along the length of the uncoupling lever.

15 While the shifter has been described in terms of a cable 50 and, in a not illustrated form, in terms of a thrusting rod, it will be apparent that the engaging portion 46 of the retainer body 42 can be moved into and out of register by alternative means. For example, in forms in which the engagement portion 46 of the retainer body 42 is asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the retainer body,

20 rotation of the retainer body 42 can result in movement of the engaging portion 46 into and out of register with the rotor, effecting movement of the lifter 15 into its lifting configuration.

Referring to Fig. 7, in which like numbers are used to indicate like features, 25 release of the locking mechanism (not illustrated) is actuated by means of a lock actuator 14 which, in the illustrated form, comprises a lifter 15. The lifter 15 is in some forms configured to rotate such that a lock actuation end 61 of the lifter bears against the locking mechanism (not illustrated) to release the locking mechanism and allow release of the coupler 10.

The lifter 15 extends to a bearing end 16 which is configured to engage with a rotor 18.

In the illustrated form, the rotor 18 extends from a lifter end 20 to a hook 22 which is adapted to engage with the wagon to allow the rotor 18 to be rotatable with respect to the wagon. An actuator in the form of an uncoupling lever (not illustrated in this form) is engaged with and extends from the rotor 18 such that movement of the uncoupling lever effects movement of the rotor 18. The lifter end 20 of rotor 18 comprises an engagement body 23 defining a groove 25 which is configured to extend into the engagement body 23 from a groove opening 26. A securing cavity 27, which in the illustrated form is circular, extends through the engagement body 23 into the groove 25 from either side and is oriented laterally with respect to the groove 25.

The rotor groove 25 is configured to allow the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 to be slotted therein.

In use, rotation of the uncoupling lever 24 effects rotational lifting of the engagement body 23. In a lifting configuration, the lifter 15 is configured such that rotational lifting of the engagement body 23 in turn results in pivoting of the bearer end 16 of the lifter 15 which effects lifting of the lifter 15. The movement of the lifter 15 then actuates the locking mechanism associated with the knuckle of the coupler 10 allowing the wagons 1 1 A and 1 1 B to be uncoupled from one another.

The engagement body 23 further includes a bearing edge 29 which extends outwardly from the engagement body 23.

In the illustrated form, the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 further comprises an alignment cavity 35, a portion of which is, in use, aligned with the securing cavity 27 extending through the engagement body 23. The alignment cavity 35 is ovaloid or otherwise slightly elongate.

The bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 as illustrated further includes a bearing shoulder 32 which extends outwardly from the bearing end 16. In use in a secured configuration the bearing shoulder 32 is adapted to bear against the bearing edge 29 of the engagement member 23.

A retaining pin 63 is configured to be inserted through the securing cavity 27 and the alignment cavity 35 in use. The retaining pin 63 comprises an elongate member.

A separate retainer 65 is adapted to be located in a retainer locator 66

5 positioned on the rotor 18 intermediate the lifter end 20 and the hook 22. The

retainer comprises an elongate body 68 extending between two opposing ends 69. Intermediate the opposing retainer ends 69 the retainer 65 includes an engagement portion 71 comprising a cut out portion 72 which is configured such that rotation of the engagement portion 71 within the retainer locator 66 moves the engagement i o portion between a retaining configuration as shown in Fig. 8 and a released

configuration as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

In use, as illustrated in Figs 8 to 10, the retainer 65 is located in the retainer locator 66. The retainer 65 is rotatable such that the engagement portion 71 rotates

15 within the locator 66. The engagement portion 71 is therefore moveable between a retaining configuration in which the positioning of the engagement portion 71 acts to inhibit movement of the rotor 18 and thus to inhibit release of the locking mechanism of the coupler 10. In the retaining configuration, the cut out portion 72 faces away from the lifter. The lifter is therefore in contact with the outer surface of the

20 engagement portion 71 .

In this position the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 is in a secured configuration. In this secured configuration the lifter 15 is positioned so as to be raised with respect to the rotor 18. This configuration means rotation of the uncoupling lever 24 results in 25 the bearing shoulder 32 of lifter 15 bearing against bearing surface 29 of the rotor 18 inhibiting lifting of the lifter 15.

Rotation of a connector (not illustrated) of the retainer 65 acts to rotate the retainer 65 into the retained configuration. Thus the engagement portion 71 is

30 rotated such that the cut out portion faces toward the lifter 16. This brings the surface of the engagement portion 71 out of register with the lifter, allowing the lifter to move into a dropped position with respect to the rotor 22. This allows the bearing end 16 of the lifter 15 to fall further into the groove 25. In this configuration lifting of the lifter is not inhibited by the bearing shoulder 32 of lifter 15 bearing against bearing surface 29.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.