CA1114235A - Track and switch construction for self-propelled vehicles - Google Patents
Track and switch construction for self-propelled vehiclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1114235A CA1114235A CA322,821A CA322821A CA1114235A CA 1114235 A CA1114235 A CA 1114235A CA 322821 A CA322821 A CA 322821A CA 1114235 A CA1114235 A CA 1114235A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- track
- conductor rail
- switch
- main
- branch line
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 79
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000036647 reaction Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 241001131696 Eurystomus Species 0.000 description 3
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
- E01B25/00—Tracks for special kinds of railways
- E01B25/22—Tracks for railways with the vehicle suspended from rigid supporting rails
- E01B25/26—Switches; Crossings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60M1/00—Power supply lines for contact with collector on vehicle
- B60M1/30—Power rails
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61C—LOCOMOTIVES; MOTOR RAILCARS
- B61C13/00—Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by their application to special systems or purposes
- B61C13/04—Locomotives or motor railcars characterised by their application to special systems or purposes for elevated railways with rigid rails
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Current-Collector Devices For Electrically Propelled Vehicles (AREA)
- Railway Tracks (AREA)
- Carriers, Traveling Bodies, And Overhead Traveling Cranes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A track and switch construction for a self-propelled vehicle includes a pair of longitudinally ex-tending track members connected in transversely spaced relation by arch-shaped yokes which extend upwardly over the track members and from which a conductor rail is suspended in vertically spaced centered relation with the track members, the conductor rail being en-gageable by collectors on the vehicle for powering a vehicle drive motor. At a junction between main and branch line track members and conductor rails, co-axially pivoted, independently movable, track and con-ductor rail switch tongues are mounted and are inter-connected by a differential motion transmitting mechan-ism which causes one of the switch tongues to move be-tween main and branch positions in response to a dif-ferent extent of movement of the other switch tongue between such positions.
A track and switch construction for a self-propelled vehicle includes a pair of longitudinally ex-tending track members connected in transversely spaced relation by arch-shaped yokes which extend upwardly over the track members and from which a conductor rail is suspended in vertically spaced centered relation with the track members, the conductor rail being en-gageable by collectors on the vehicle for powering a vehicle drive motor. At a junction between main and branch line track members and conductor rails, co-axially pivoted, independently movable, track and con-ductor rail switch tongues are mounted and are inter-connected by a differential motion transmitting mechan-ism which causes one of the switch tongues to move be-tween main and branch positions in response to a dif-ferent extent of movement of the other switch tongue between such positions.
Description
This invention relates to improvements in a track and switch construction for a self-propelled rail-mounted vehicle of the type, sometirnes referred to as a "monotractor", having collector shoes for deriving power for the vel~icle driving motor from a conductor rail mounted adjacent to the vehicle supporting track.
One track construction commonly employed for such a monotractor vellicle consists of an I-beam mount-ed with its web in a vertical position so that the low-er flanges of the I-beam form a pair of tracks engaged by wheels of the vehicle, and the undersurface of the lower flanges`of the I-beam is engaged by a traction wheel for propelling the vehicle. The conductor rail is usually composed of a plurality of conductor bars mounted on opposite sides of the web of the I-beam. In other prior forms of monotractor track arrangements, a pair of transversely spaced track members have been em-ployed for supporting the wheels of the monotractor, with the conductor rail being arranged to one side or the other of this pair of track members. At junctions between a main track and a branch track, all of these prior constructions have required the use of a glide or stub type switch consisting of a pair of track sections - one for the branch path and one for the main path -mounted on a transversely movable carriage with each track section being provided with a complimentary sec-tion of conductor rail.
The overall object of the present invention :
~ ' .
: -, - , . . - : . . : : .: . . . : : - .: . . , ,. . -.
is to provide an improved track section and switch con-struction employing a pair of longitudinally parallel, transversely spaced track members for supporting the wheels of the monotractor, and a conductor rail mounted above and between the track members so that the track members and conductor rail are in symmetrical relation to a centerline extending longitudinally of the track;
and, to provide a pivoted or tongue type of switch for use at junctions between a main and branch track, there-by obtaining certain structural and operational advan-tages in the track system as a whole, and in the switch construction in comparison with the glide type of switch. These advantages will be hereinafter discus-sed.
According to the invention, a track and switch construction including a track for supporting the wheels of a self-propelled vehicle and a conductor rail extending longitudinally parallel to the track, the conductor rail being engageable by collectors on the vehicle for energizing a vehicle drive motor, is characterized in that: the conductor rail is mounted above the track with the longitudinal centerline of the conductor rail in vertical alignment with the longitud-inal centerline of the track; a track switch tongue, mounted on a pivot at a junction between a main line track and conductor rail and a branch line track and conductor rail, is movable between main and branch line positions; a conductor rail switch tongue supported on a pivot at the junction includes main and branch line sections of conductor rail and is movable between main and branch line positions in which the main and branch liné conductor rail sections are respectively aligned with the main and branch line conductor rails, the ex-tent of movement of said conductor rail switch tongue being different from the extent of movement of said track switch tongue between the main and branch line ;, ; ... . .. . .: -., : : .: . . ; . , -... : , . - : . :.. , .,,.,. ,.,. ~, . .
. : : .. ::: : . ,::: . , ~ . :.. - : , .: : -. : : .: ,., - . . ~ . . .. .
,. : .. , ,,.:,: . . .
positions of said switch tongues; and motion transmit-ting means arranged between said switch tongues pivot~
ally and differentially moves one switch tongue in re-sponse to pivotal movement of the other switch tongue.
The track switch tongue and conductor rail switch tongue may be moved in ~mison, but in differen-tial amounts, either by an actuating device connected to one of the switch tongues, or in response to engage-ment of the track switch tongue by a passing trolley in instances where the switch tongues extend from their respective pivots in the direction of movement of a ve-hicle along the track.
Other feat~res and advantages of the inven-tion will appear from the description to follow of the representative embodiments thereof disclosed in the ac-companying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevatlon, taken as in-dicated by the line 1-1 of Fig. 2, showing one form of track switch constructed in accordance with the inven-tion;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the track switch,taken as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation, taken as in-dicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 showing the track construction of the invention- for supporting a self-propelled vehicle;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation similar to a portion of Fig. 1 showing an alternative form of construction for activating the switch;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the construction snown in Fig. 5; and, Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail elevation taken as indicated by the line 7-7 of Fig. 6.
The general arrangement of the track con- -.. . : . . , , . . . . ~ . ., .. , .~ . : .. . . . .
- : : . . , .~: : ~ ::: , : :
One track construction commonly employed for such a monotractor vellicle consists of an I-beam mount-ed with its web in a vertical position so that the low-er flanges of the I-beam form a pair of tracks engaged by wheels of the vehicle, and the undersurface of the lower flanges`of the I-beam is engaged by a traction wheel for propelling the vehicle. The conductor rail is usually composed of a plurality of conductor bars mounted on opposite sides of the web of the I-beam. In other prior forms of monotractor track arrangements, a pair of transversely spaced track members have been em-ployed for supporting the wheels of the monotractor, with the conductor rail being arranged to one side or the other of this pair of track members. At junctions between a main track and a branch track, all of these prior constructions have required the use of a glide or stub type switch consisting of a pair of track sections - one for the branch path and one for the main path -mounted on a transversely movable carriage with each track section being provided with a complimentary sec-tion of conductor rail.
The overall object of the present invention :
~ ' .
: -, - , . . - : . . : : .: . . . : : - .: . . , ,. . -.
is to provide an improved track section and switch con-struction employing a pair of longitudinally parallel, transversely spaced track members for supporting the wheels of the monotractor, and a conductor rail mounted above and between the track members so that the track members and conductor rail are in symmetrical relation to a centerline extending longitudinally of the track;
and, to provide a pivoted or tongue type of switch for use at junctions between a main and branch track, there-by obtaining certain structural and operational advan-tages in the track system as a whole, and in the switch construction in comparison with the glide type of switch. These advantages will be hereinafter discus-sed.
According to the invention, a track and switch construction including a track for supporting the wheels of a self-propelled vehicle and a conductor rail extending longitudinally parallel to the track, the conductor rail being engageable by collectors on the vehicle for energizing a vehicle drive motor, is characterized in that: the conductor rail is mounted above the track with the longitudinal centerline of the conductor rail in vertical alignment with the longitud-inal centerline of the track; a track switch tongue, mounted on a pivot at a junction between a main line track and conductor rail and a branch line track and conductor rail, is movable between main and branch line positions; a conductor rail switch tongue supported on a pivot at the junction includes main and branch line sections of conductor rail and is movable between main and branch line positions in which the main and branch liné conductor rail sections are respectively aligned with the main and branch line conductor rails, the ex-tent of movement of said conductor rail switch tongue being different from the extent of movement of said track switch tongue between the main and branch line ;, ; ... . .. . .: -., : : .: . . ; . , -... : , . - : . :.. , .,,.,. ,.,. ~, . .
. : : .. ::: : . ,::: . , ~ . :.. - : , .: : -. : : .: ,., - . . ~ . . .. .
,. : .. , ,,.:,: . . .
positions of said switch tongues; and motion transmit-ting means arranged between said switch tongues pivot~
ally and differentially moves one switch tongue in re-sponse to pivotal movement of the other switch tongue.
The track switch tongue and conductor rail switch tongue may be moved in ~mison, but in differen-tial amounts, either by an actuating device connected to one of the switch tongues, or in response to engage-ment of the track switch tongue by a passing trolley in instances where the switch tongues extend from their respective pivots in the direction of movement of a ve-hicle along the track.
Other feat~res and advantages of the inven-tion will appear from the description to follow of the representative embodiments thereof disclosed in the ac-companying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevatlon, taken as in-dicated by the line 1-1 of Fig. 2, showing one form of track switch constructed in accordance with the inven-tion;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the track switch,taken as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation, taken as in-dicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 showing the track construction of the invention- for supporting a self-propelled vehicle;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation similar to a portion of Fig. 1 showing an alternative form of construction for activating the switch;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the construction snown in Fig. 5; and, Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail elevation taken as indicated by the line 7-7 of Fig. 6.
The general arrangement of the track con- -.. . : . . , , . . . . ~ . ., .. , .~ . : .. . . . .
- : : . . , .~: : ~ ::: , : :
2~
struction is~shown by the sectional elevation, Fig. 4.
A self-propelled vehicle, or monotractor 10, equipped with a drive motor 12, includes wheels 14 supported by a track consisting of a pair of longitudinally extend-ing, transversely spaced track members 16 and 17, at least some of the wheels 14 being drivingly connected to the motor 12. The track members 16 and 17 are chan-nel-shaped sections, as shown, and are connected to~
gether in transversely spaced relation by upwardly ex-tending, arch-shaped yokes 18 placed at suitable in-tervals along the length of the track. Each yoke in-cludes an upper, transversely extending portion 20 and a pair of transversely spaced portions, or legs 22, each leg 22 being connected to the vertical web 24 of one of the track members 16 or 17, the connection being made either by welding the leg of the yoke directly to the web of the track member, or by employing an angle bracket 26 which is welded to the web of the track mem-ber and suitably connected to the yoke, as by a bolt 27.
The track members 16 and 17 are also engageable by guide rollers 28 on the vehicle to maintain the vehicle in centered relation with the track members.
A conductor rail 30 extends longitudinally parallel to the track members 16 and~l7, and is engage-able by collector means 32 on the vehicle 10 for ener-gizing and controlling the vehicle drive motor 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the collector rail 30 is mounted above and between the track members 16 and 17 and with the longitudinal centerline of the conductor rail in sub-stantial vertical alignment with a longitudinal center-line extending midway between the track members 16 and 17. In other words, a characteristic of the track sec-tion of the invention is that the track members 16 and 17 and the conductor rail 30 are symmetrically arranged with respect to a common longitudinal centerline. The mounting for the conductor rail 30 includes brackets 34 :. . : . : . ................ .
. ,. - , . .-. - , . ........ , ::. . .
, ~ ~, , : , . :.. :: ; ,: , .:
connected thereto and to the upper portion 20 of the track yokes 18. The conductor rail 30 is of convention-al construction and has not been shown in detail. It includes a plurality of conductor bars 31 which may be employed for both energizing the vehicle drive motor and for controlling movement of the vehicle and operation of controllable elements of a monotractor system, such as track switches. The collectors 32 are also of conven-tional construction and have not been sho~n in detail.
They are carried by a suitable bracket 36 connected to the vehicle 10.
Figs. 1-3 illustrate one form of switch con-struction of the invention for use at a junction 38 be-tween a main line track 40 and a branch line track 42, as shown in Fig. 3, the main line track 40 including a main line conductor rail 40C and the branch line track 42 including a branch line conductor rail 42C, as shown in Fig. 2.
Referring to Fig. 3, and to the normal direc-tion of travel through the junction 38 as indicated bythe arrow 44, the track member 17 o~ the branch line track 42 converges with the track member 16 of the main line track 40; and, a branch line track member 16A and a main line track member 17A terminate at the junction where a track switch tongue 46 forms a continuation of either of these terminal track members 16A and 17A. As shown in ~igs. 1 and 3, the terminal track members 16A
and 17A are interconnected at the junction by an upper plate 48 and a lower plate 49, and vertical members 50 connect the upper plate 48 to a special track yoke 18A
which extends across all of the track members and is connected to the track members 16 and 17.
The track switch tongue 46 is connected to a collar 52 reinforced by a gusset 53, and the collar is pivotally supported on suitable bearings 54 carried by a pivot bolt 55 extending between the lower plate 49 .: ~. , : : :, -, " : :: . -~,, - . . ,. ~., :;,., . :
.: , : , - , . ,.. . . .:.
and the upper plate 48. Thus the tongue is pivotally mounted for movement between a main line position in which the tongue forms a connection begween the main line track member 17A and the main line track member 17 and a branch line position shown in full line in Fig. 3 in which the tongue~forms a connection between the branch line track member 16A and main line track mem-ber 16.
A conductor rail switch tongue 56 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and includes a main line section of con-ductor rail 40T and a branch line section of conductor rail 42T. The conductor rail switch tongue 56 is form-ed by a plate-like member 58 to which the main and branch line sections of conductor rail 40T and ~2T are connected in depending relation by suitable connectors 60. Pivot means 62, best shown in Fig. 1, supports the conductor rail switch tongue 56 at the junction for move-ment between main and branch line positions in which the main and branch line conductor rail sections 40T and 42T are respectively aligned with the main and branch line conductor rails 40C and 42C. This pivot means includes a pivot shaft 64 extending perpendicularly through the plate-like member 58 and attached thereto by welding as indicated by the reference numeral 65;
and, the pivot shaft 64 is rotatably supported by an upper bearing 66 carried by a bracket 67 attached to the track yoke 18A and a lower bearing 68 mounted on the upper junction plate 48, the bearings 66 and 68 be-ing arranged in coaxial relation with the pivot bolt 55 and bearings 54 of the track switch tongue 46. The plate-like member 58 is also supported vertically by roller means 70 mounted in radially spaced relation to the pivot shaft 64 and comprising an upper roller 71, a lower roller 72, and a bracket 73 to which the rol--lers are attached. An angle member 74 carried by a track yoke 18 provides a fixed supporting surface en-. - . . .-: .: . ~ .. ~:- .. ~. . :. . . .
gaged between the vertically spaced rollers 71 and 72 As can be seen from a comparison of Figs. 2 and 3, the extent of pivotal movement of the conductor rail switch tongue 56 required to bring the main and branch line conductor rail sections 40T and 42T into alignment with their respective main and branch line conductor rails 40C and 42C is greater than the extent of movement of the track switch tongue in pivoting be-tween its main and branch line positions. Accordingly, motion transmitting means arranged between the switch tongues 46 and 56 pivotally and differentially move one switch tongue in response to pivotal movement of the other switch tongue. One form of such means is shown in Figs. 1-3 and is operative to move the switch ton-gues differentially between main and branch line po-sitions in response to engagement of the track switch tongue 46 by a guide roller 28A on a trolley (not shown) moving through the junction 38 in the direction of the arrow 44 of Fig. 3. Such a guide roller 28A would be carried by a pilot trolley (not shown) suitably con-nected to the monotractor 10 in leading relation there-with, thus automatically mo~ing the switch as required.
The motion transmitting means comprises a first arm 80 connected to the switch tongue collar 52 by a gusset 81 so as to be movable with the track switch tongue 46. A bracket 82 connected to the arm 80 and ex-tending vertically upward therefrom, as shown in Fig.
l, carries a differential motion transmitter formed by a yoke 83 (Fig. 3) provided with a pair of opposed, ad-30 justable set screws 84 and 85. A second arm 86 is se-cured to the pivot shaft 64 with a gusset 87 so as to be mo~able with the conductor rail switch tongue 56.
Attached to the second arL~ 86 is a depending bracket 88 carrying a tongue 89 which extends downwardly between the set screws 84 and 85 of the yoke 83. An angle sec-tion reaction member 90 is fixed to a bar 92 mounted .,, ,.,:: . : : ~; . , ., - .: . .
: : ,: . : , : . .: : : . :,~: :: :: , . . :
, , : , :, - ;. :~ . .; " :~, LZ~3 between the terminal tracks16A and 17A, as shown in Fig.
struction is~shown by the sectional elevation, Fig. 4.
A self-propelled vehicle, or monotractor 10, equipped with a drive motor 12, includes wheels 14 supported by a track consisting of a pair of longitudinally extend-ing, transversely spaced track members 16 and 17, at least some of the wheels 14 being drivingly connected to the motor 12. The track members 16 and 17 are chan-nel-shaped sections, as shown, and are connected to~
gether in transversely spaced relation by upwardly ex-tending, arch-shaped yokes 18 placed at suitable in-tervals along the length of the track. Each yoke in-cludes an upper, transversely extending portion 20 and a pair of transversely spaced portions, or legs 22, each leg 22 being connected to the vertical web 24 of one of the track members 16 or 17, the connection being made either by welding the leg of the yoke directly to the web of the track member, or by employing an angle bracket 26 which is welded to the web of the track mem-ber and suitably connected to the yoke, as by a bolt 27.
The track members 16 and 17 are also engageable by guide rollers 28 on the vehicle to maintain the vehicle in centered relation with the track members.
A conductor rail 30 extends longitudinally parallel to the track members 16 and~l7, and is engage-able by collector means 32 on the vehicle 10 for ener-gizing and controlling the vehicle drive motor 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the collector rail 30 is mounted above and between the track members 16 and 17 and with the longitudinal centerline of the conductor rail in sub-stantial vertical alignment with a longitudinal center-line extending midway between the track members 16 and 17. In other words, a characteristic of the track sec-tion of the invention is that the track members 16 and 17 and the conductor rail 30 are symmetrically arranged with respect to a common longitudinal centerline. The mounting for the conductor rail 30 includes brackets 34 :. . : . : . ................ .
. ,. - , . .-. - , . ........ , ::. . .
, ~ ~, , : , . :.. :: ; ,: , .:
connected thereto and to the upper portion 20 of the track yokes 18. The conductor rail 30 is of convention-al construction and has not been shown in detail. It includes a plurality of conductor bars 31 which may be employed for both energizing the vehicle drive motor and for controlling movement of the vehicle and operation of controllable elements of a monotractor system, such as track switches. The collectors 32 are also of conven-tional construction and have not been sho~n in detail.
They are carried by a suitable bracket 36 connected to the vehicle 10.
Figs. 1-3 illustrate one form of switch con-struction of the invention for use at a junction 38 be-tween a main line track 40 and a branch line track 42, as shown in Fig. 3, the main line track 40 including a main line conductor rail 40C and the branch line track 42 including a branch line conductor rail 42C, as shown in Fig. 2.
Referring to Fig. 3, and to the normal direc-tion of travel through the junction 38 as indicated bythe arrow 44, the track member 17 o~ the branch line track 42 converges with the track member 16 of the main line track 40; and, a branch line track member 16A and a main line track member 17A terminate at the junction where a track switch tongue 46 forms a continuation of either of these terminal track members 16A and 17A. As shown in ~igs. 1 and 3, the terminal track members 16A
and 17A are interconnected at the junction by an upper plate 48 and a lower plate 49, and vertical members 50 connect the upper plate 48 to a special track yoke 18A
which extends across all of the track members and is connected to the track members 16 and 17.
The track switch tongue 46 is connected to a collar 52 reinforced by a gusset 53, and the collar is pivotally supported on suitable bearings 54 carried by a pivot bolt 55 extending between the lower plate 49 .: ~. , : : :, -, " : :: . -~,, - . . ,. ~., :;,., . :
.: , : , - , . ,.. . . .:.
and the upper plate 48. Thus the tongue is pivotally mounted for movement between a main line position in which the tongue forms a connection begween the main line track member 17A and the main line track member 17 and a branch line position shown in full line in Fig. 3 in which the tongue~forms a connection between the branch line track member 16A and main line track mem-ber 16.
A conductor rail switch tongue 56 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and includes a main line section of con-ductor rail 40T and a branch line section of conductor rail 42T. The conductor rail switch tongue 56 is form-ed by a plate-like member 58 to which the main and branch line sections of conductor rail 40T and ~2T are connected in depending relation by suitable connectors 60. Pivot means 62, best shown in Fig. 1, supports the conductor rail switch tongue 56 at the junction for move-ment between main and branch line positions in which the main and branch line conductor rail sections 40T and 42T are respectively aligned with the main and branch line conductor rails 40C and 42C. This pivot means includes a pivot shaft 64 extending perpendicularly through the plate-like member 58 and attached thereto by welding as indicated by the reference numeral 65;
and, the pivot shaft 64 is rotatably supported by an upper bearing 66 carried by a bracket 67 attached to the track yoke 18A and a lower bearing 68 mounted on the upper junction plate 48, the bearings 66 and 68 be-ing arranged in coaxial relation with the pivot bolt 55 and bearings 54 of the track switch tongue 46. The plate-like member 58 is also supported vertically by roller means 70 mounted in radially spaced relation to the pivot shaft 64 and comprising an upper roller 71, a lower roller 72, and a bracket 73 to which the rol--lers are attached. An angle member 74 carried by a track yoke 18 provides a fixed supporting surface en-. - . . .-: .: . ~ .. ~:- .. ~. . :. . . .
gaged between the vertically spaced rollers 71 and 72 As can be seen from a comparison of Figs. 2 and 3, the extent of pivotal movement of the conductor rail switch tongue 56 required to bring the main and branch line conductor rail sections 40T and 42T into alignment with their respective main and branch line conductor rails 40C and 42C is greater than the extent of movement of the track switch tongue in pivoting be-tween its main and branch line positions. Accordingly, motion transmitting means arranged between the switch tongues 46 and 56 pivotally and differentially move one switch tongue in response to pivotal movement of the other switch tongue. One form of such means is shown in Figs. 1-3 and is operative to move the switch ton-gues differentially between main and branch line po-sitions in response to engagement of the track switch tongue 46 by a guide roller 28A on a trolley (not shown) moving through the junction 38 in the direction of the arrow 44 of Fig. 3. Such a guide roller 28A would be carried by a pilot trolley (not shown) suitably con-nected to the monotractor 10 in leading relation there-with, thus automatically mo~ing the switch as required.
The motion transmitting means comprises a first arm 80 connected to the switch tongue collar 52 by a gusset 81 so as to be movable with the track switch tongue 46. A bracket 82 connected to the arm 80 and ex-tending vertically upward therefrom, as shown in Fig.
l, carries a differential motion transmitter formed by a yoke 83 (Fig. 3) provided with a pair of opposed, ad-30 justable set screws 84 and 85. A second arm 86 is se-cured to the pivot shaft 64 with a gusset 87 so as to be mo~able with the conductor rail switch tongue 56.
Attached to the second arL~ 86 is a depending bracket 88 carrying a tongue 89 which extends downwardly between the set screws 84 and 85 of the yoke 83. An angle sec-tion reaction member 90 is fixed to a bar 92 mounted .,, ,.,:: . : : ~; . , ., - .: . .
: : ,: . : , : . .: : : . :,~: :: :: , . . :
, , : , :, - ;. :~ . .; " :~, LZ~3 between the terminal tracks16A and 17A, as shown in Fig.
3; and, a pair of compression springs 94 and 95 engage posts 96 on the reaction member 90, the location of the posts 96 being approximately midway between the main and branch line positions of the switch tongues 46 and 56. The upper compression spring 94 in Fig. 1 engages a suitable post on the bracket 88 attached to the second arm 86 movable with the conductor rail switch tongue;
the lower compression spring 95 engages a suitable post on the bracket 82 carried by the first arm 80 movable with the track switch tongue 46.
With the switch tongues 46 and 56 in their branch line positions as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the - lower compression spring 95 exerts a force on the arm 80 tending to urge and retain the track switch tongue in the branch line position; similarly, the upper com-pression spring 94 exerts a similar force on the arm 86, urging the conductor rail switch tongue to a branch line position defined by a stop device lO0 shown in Fig$.
l and 2. This deviee includes an arm lOl, projecting radially from a collar 102 secured to the pivot shaft 64, and engageable with adjustable abutment bolts 103 mounted on a U-shaped bracket lO~ secured to the bear-ing mounting bracket 67.
If the trolley guide roller 28A in Fig. 3 is assumed to be moving in the direction of the arrow 44, engagement will take place between the roller 28A and the main line side face 106 of the track switch tongue 46, resulting in pivotal movement of the tongue 46 to-ward the main line position and in movement of thefirst arm 80 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3; and, the depending tongue 89 connected to the second arm 86 will be engaged by the set screw 84 thus transmitting this pivotal movement to the conduc-tor rail switeh tongue 56. As the pivotal movement of the traek switeh tongue eontinues, the arms 80 and 86 will pass a centered position relative to the f;.xed reaction member 90 and the compression springs 94 and 95 will produce the force necessary to complete the movement of their respective switch tongues 56 and 46 to the main line positions thereof, with differential movement being permitted to the extent of the spacing between the set screws 84 and 85.
A power actuated form of means for moving the switch tongues 46 and 56 pivotally and differentially is shown in Figs. 5-7. In this form of the invention, the construction of the track switch tongue 46 and the conductor rail switch tongue 56, together with the pivotal mounting of each of these switch tongues is the same as has been previously described, and it will be understood that the motion transmitting means arranged between the switch tongues in these views is to be sub-stituted for that previously described and shown in Figs. 1-3.
In the alternative construction of Figs. 5-7, a motion transmitting arm 110 is secured to the pivotshaft 64 for movement with the conductor rail switch tongue 56. A motion receiving arm 112 is structurally connected to the track switch tongue 46 through the collar 52. A differential motion transmitter is secur-ed to the arm 110 and consists of a U-shaped member 114 shown in Fig. 7, equipped with adjustable abutments pro-vided by set screws 115 and 116. Actuating means 118 is arranged between a bracket 120 carried by the track yoke 18A and an actuating arm 122 connected to the pivot shaft 64.
Thus, in this alternative construction, op-eration of the actuating means causes movement of the conductor rail switch tongue between main and branch - line positions. This movement is transmitted through the arm 110 and the differential motion transmitter 114-116 to the motion receiving arm 112, thus causing _ 9 _ . .-: .... : : , ..... .
... . ,: ::, . ; .. ,:.. ,.: . .
.: , .: ::: . ,. , ,, . . . . . : :
-: ,,, " ~ ~
2~
a corresponding but differential movement of the track switch tongue ~6.
The symmetrical track and conductor rail con-struction of the invention is similar in certain re-spects to one type of track construction conventionally employed in power and free conveyor systems, consisting of a similar pair of track members connected by arch-shaped yokes, but employs a conductor rail 30, instead of the conventional I-beam power track used in tlle power and free conveyor systems. This makes it readily possible to convert existing power and free conveyor systems to monotractor systems, by replacing the I-beam power track with a conductor rail 30. The track con-struction also combines with the pivoted type of track switch construction described herein, which is more economical, safer and requires less space than conven-tional glide type switch constructions. The symmetri-cal relation of the conductor rail and the mounting thereof overhead and between the vehicle tracks 16 and 17 enables the employment of the conductor rail 30 hav-ing a plurality of conductor bars arranged in back-to-back relation in a relatively limited space, and also permits the entire enclosure of the conductor bar as-sembly by suitable insulation ratner than the indivi-dual insulation of each conductor bar.
Other features and advantages of the inven-tion will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
-- :, i"", . ' ' :.: ' . `~: , ' .; ,': .' . -' :
" : , ' ~ , r
the lower compression spring 95 engages a suitable post on the bracket 82 carried by the first arm 80 movable with the track switch tongue 46.
With the switch tongues 46 and 56 in their branch line positions as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the - lower compression spring 95 exerts a force on the arm 80 tending to urge and retain the track switch tongue in the branch line position; similarly, the upper com-pression spring 94 exerts a similar force on the arm 86, urging the conductor rail switch tongue to a branch line position defined by a stop device lO0 shown in Fig$.
l and 2. This deviee includes an arm lOl, projecting radially from a collar 102 secured to the pivot shaft 64, and engageable with adjustable abutment bolts 103 mounted on a U-shaped bracket lO~ secured to the bear-ing mounting bracket 67.
If the trolley guide roller 28A in Fig. 3 is assumed to be moving in the direction of the arrow 44, engagement will take place between the roller 28A and the main line side face 106 of the track switch tongue 46, resulting in pivotal movement of the tongue 46 to-ward the main line position and in movement of thefirst arm 80 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3; and, the depending tongue 89 connected to the second arm 86 will be engaged by the set screw 84 thus transmitting this pivotal movement to the conduc-tor rail switeh tongue 56. As the pivotal movement of the traek switeh tongue eontinues, the arms 80 and 86 will pass a centered position relative to the f;.xed reaction member 90 and the compression springs 94 and 95 will produce the force necessary to complete the movement of their respective switch tongues 56 and 46 to the main line positions thereof, with differential movement being permitted to the extent of the spacing between the set screws 84 and 85.
A power actuated form of means for moving the switch tongues 46 and 56 pivotally and differentially is shown in Figs. 5-7. In this form of the invention, the construction of the track switch tongue 46 and the conductor rail switch tongue 56, together with the pivotal mounting of each of these switch tongues is the same as has been previously described, and it will be understood that the motion transmitting means arranged between the switch tongues in these views is to be sub-stituted for that previously described and shown in Figs. 1-3.
In the alternative construction of Figs. 5-7, a motion transmitting arm 110 is secured to the pivotshaft 64 for movement with the conductor rail switch tongue 56. A motion receiving arm 112 is structurally connected to the track switch tongue 46 through the collar 52. A differential motion transmitter is secur-ed to the arm 110 and consists of a U-shaped member 114 shown in Fig. 7, equipped with adjustable abutments pro-vided by set screws 115 and 116. Actuating means 118 is arranged between a bracket 120 carried by the track yoke 18A and an actuating arm 122 connected to the pivot shaft 64.
Thus, in this alternative construction, op-eration of the actuating means causes movement of the conductor rail switch tongue between main and branch - line positions. This movement is transmitted through the arm 110 and the differential motion transmitter 114-116 to the motion receiving arm 112, thus causing _ 9 _ . .-: .... : : , ..... .
... . ,: ::, . ; .. ,:.. ,.: . .
.: , .: ::: . ,. , ,, . . . . . : :
-: ,,, " ~ ~
2~
a corresponding but differential movement of the track switch tongue ~6.
The symmetrical track and conductor rail con-struction of the invention is similar in certain re-spects to one type of track construction conventionally employed in power and free conveyor systems, consisting of a similar pair of track members connected by arch-shaped yokes, but employs a conductor rail 30, instead of the conventional I-beam power track used in tlle power and free conveyor systems. This makes it readily possible to convert existing power and free conveyor systems to monotractor systems, by replacing the I-beam power track with a conductor rail 30. The track con-struction also combines with the pivoted type of track switch construction described herein, which is more economical, safer and requires less space than conven-tional glide type switch constructions. The symmetri-cal relation of the conductor rail and the mounting thereof overhead and between the vehicle tracks 16 and 17 enables the employment of the conductor rail 30 hav-ing a plurality of conductor bars arranged in back-to-back relation in a relatively limited space, and also permits the entire enclosure of the conductor bar as-sembly by suitable insulation ratner than the indivi-dual insulation of each conductor bar.
Other features and advantages of the inven-tion will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
-- :, i"", . ' ' :.: ' . `~: , ' .; ,': .' . -' :
" : , ' ~ , r
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED IS DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A track and switch construction including a track for supporting the wheels of a self-propelled vehicle and a conductor rail extending longitudinally parallel to the track, the conductor rail being engage-able by collectors on the vehicle for energizing a ve-hicle drive motor, wherein:
the conductor rail is mounted above the track with -the longitudinal centerline of the conductor rail in verti-cal alignment with the longitudinal centerline of the track; a track switch tongue, mounted on a pivot at a junction between a main line track and conductor rail and a branch line track and conductor rail, is movable between main and branch line positions; a conductor rail switch tongue supported on a pivot at the junction includes main and branch line sections of conductor rail and is movable between main and branch line positions in which the main and branch line conductor rail sections are respectively aligned with the main and branch line conductor rails, the extent of movement of said conduc-tor rail switch tongue being different from the extent of movement of said track switch tongue between the main and branch line positions of said switch tongues;
and motion transmitting means arranged between said switch tongues pivotally and differentially moves one switch tongue in response to pivotal movement of the other switch tongue.
the conductor rail is mounted above the track with -the longitudinal centerline of the conductor rail in verti-cal alignment with the longitudinal centerline of the track; a track switch tongue, mounted on a pivot at a junction between a main line track and conductor rail and a branch line track and conductor rail, is movable between main and branch line positions; a conductor rail switch tongue supported on a pivot at the junction includes main and branch line sections of conductor rail and is movable between main and branch line positions in which the main and branch line conductor rail sections are respectively aligned with the main and branch line conductor rails, the extent of movement of said conduc-tor rail switch tongue being different from the extent of movement of said track switch tongue between the main and branch line positions of said switch tongues;
and motion transmitting means arranged between said switch tongues pivotally and differentially moves one switch tongue in response to pivotal movement of the other switch tongue.
2. A construction according to claim 1, wherein the pivot supporting the conductor rail switch tongue and the pivot mounting the track switch tongue are co-axial and independently movable pivots.
3. A construction according to claim 1, wherein the track is formed by a pair of longitudinally extending track members connected in transversely spaced parallel relation by arch-shaped yokes extending upward-ly over the track members, and the conductor rail is mounted above the track on said yokes.
4. A construction according to claim 1, wherein one of said switch tongues is movable between the main and branch line positions thereof by actuating means.
5. A construction according to claim 4, wherein said actuating means is operatively connected to the conductor rail switch tongue.
6. A construction according to claim 5, wherein said motion transmitting means includes a mo-tion transmitting arm movable with said conductor rail switch tongue, a motion receiving arm structurally con-nected to said track switch tongue, and a differential motion transmitter carried by one of said arms and en-gageable with the other of said arms.
7. A construction according to claim 1, wherein said track switch tongue is arranged so as to be movable between main and branch line positions in re-sponse to engagement by a trolley moving on the main and branch line tracks, respectively.
8. A construction according to claims 1, 2 or 4, wherein supporting rollers are mounted on the conduct-or rail switch tongue in radially spaced relation to the pivot.
9. A construction according to claims 1, 2 or 4, wherein the conductor rail switch tongue is a horizon-tal plate-like member having said main and branch line sections of conductor rail depending therefrom, and said pivot supporting the conductor rail switch tongue ex-tends perpendicularly through said plate-like member and is attached thereto.
10. A construction according to claims 1, 4 or 7, wherein said motion transmitting means comprises a first arm movable with the track switch tongue, a second arm movable with the conductor rail switch ton-gue, a differential motion transmitter carried by one of said arms and engageable with the other of said arms a fixed reaction member mounted adjacent to said arms, and a pair of compression springs engaging said reac-tion member in positions located approximately midway between the main and branch line positions of said switch tongues, one of said springs also engaging said first arm and the other of said springs also engaging said second arm.
11. A construction according to claims 1 or 5, wherein the conductor rail includes a plurality of conductor bars arranged in back-to-back vertically spaced relation.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US89277478A | 1978-04-03 | 1978-04-03 | |
| US892,774 | 1978-04-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1114235A true CA1114235A (en) | 1981-12-15 |
Family
ID=25400466
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA322,821A Expired CA1114235A (en) | 1978-04-03 | 1979-03-06 | Track and switch construction for self-propelled vehicles |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS54132910A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU524012B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR7901996A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1114235A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2911067A1 (en) |
| ES (2) | ES479239A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2421781A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2018210B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1116490B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX147823A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10159678B4 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2017-09-21 | Dürr Systems Ag | Railbound transport system |
| GB2457864B (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2011-10-19 | Konkan Railway Corp Ltd | A track switching system for an elevated suspended coach transportation system |
| DE102008004104A1 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-07-16 | Paul Vahle Gmbh & Co. Kg | Flexible conductor rail, in particular for tongue or limb points |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE539189A (en) * | ||||
| US2222356A (en) * | 1939-02-28 | 1940-11-19 | Union Mfg Co | Monorail switch |
| DE1070103C2 (en) * | 1954-02-18 | 1960-05-12 | ||
| FR2036779B1 (en) * | 1969-04-08 | 1973-05-25 | Tourtellier Jean | |
| US3777668A (en) * | 1970-10-27 | 1973-12-11 | Monarch Inc | Monorail switching device |
-
1979
- 1979-03-06 CA CA322,821A patent/CA1114235A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-03-15 AU AU45130/79A patent/AU524012B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1979-03-21 DE DE19792911067 patent/DE2911067A1/en active Granted
- 1979-03-26 IT IT48476/79A patent/IT1116490B/en active
- 1979-03-30 GB GB7911099A patent/GB2018210B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-03-30 JP JP3924879A patent/JPS54132910A/en active Granted
- 1979-04-02 FR FR7908231A patent/FR2421781A1/en active Granted
- 1979-04-02 BR BR7901996A patent/BR7901996A/en unknown
- 1979-04-02 MX MX177159A patent/MX147823A/en unknown
- 1979-04-03 ES ES479239A patent/ES479239A1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-04-03 ES ES479238A patent/ES479238A1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES479238A1 (en) | 1979-12-01 |
| GB2018210A (en) | 1979-10-17 |
| JPS54132910A (en) | 1979-10-16 |
| DE2911067A1 (en) | 1979-10-11 |
| FR2421781A1 (en) | 1979-11-02 |
| IT1116490B (en) | 1986-02-10 |
| AU4513079A (en) | 1979-10-18 |
| AU524012B2 (en) | 1982-08-26 |
| MX147823A (en) | 1983-01-18 |
| JPS6210085B2 (en) | 1987-03-04 |
| DE2911067C2 (en) | 1988-06-30 |
| GB2018210B (en) | 1982-07-07 |
| FR2421781B1 (en) | 1984-01-13 |
| BR7901996A (en) | 1979-11-27 |
| IT7948476A0 (en) | 1979-03-26 |
| ES479239A1 (en) | 1980-08-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |