Lubrication means for slack-free railcar connections

Abstract

Slack-free or slackless coupling systems have application in various types of coupling arrangements such as drawbars, articulated connectors, and E and F type couplers. The gravity wedge that takes up any slack developed when the system components wear, maintains a constant longitudinal force on the follower block and coupler member butt-end interface. However, under high buff loading, that mated interface develops high friction forces during curving and angling. It has been found that the lateral component of these friction forces can become great enough to cause wheel lift at the wheel/rail interface. The present invention reduces that component of friction by greatly reducing the coefficient of friction at the coupler/follower block interface by supplying a lubricant between these surfaces. The present invention incorporates a series of lubrication retention reservoirs in the follower block front face to hold and distribute lubricant such that each time the coupler member butt-end laterally and vertically angles, lubricant within the reservoirs is wiped out of the reservoirs. The reservoirs are large enough to hold enough lubricant until the car is serviced for maintenance. Alternatively, a manual or automatic lubricant supply system can be used in conjunction with the follower block to ensure that lubricant is always held within the reservoirs.