DE2918506A1 - FLUID-ACTUATED MULTI-STAGE ACTUATOR - Google Patents

Description

SHIP V. FQNER STREHL OCHOSEL-HCPF FBBINC-.HAUS FINCK

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description

The invention relates to a fluid-operated multi-stage adjusting device, which is particularly suitable for use in railroad cars.

Many multi-car railroad systems that do not have a locomotive have propulsion devices in each of the cars. If there are one or more cars and diesel engines are used, each Carriages can be arranged more than one prime mover. An operator usually operates a single hand control to control the throttle or the speed or rotational speed of all machines.

Very often dirt or other circumstances lead to a throttle control or drive control so that the final amount of control of the individual machines is different. If this is the case, the machines deliver different powers, so that one machine works while another runs idle. The aim is therefore that all throttles that drive all machines are operated essentially in the same way, in order to achieve a uniform speed of the railroad cars and a better operating efficiency of the prime movers.

The object underlying the invention is therefore to provide improved devices for moving an element in specific predetermined positions in response to the application of special predetermined pressures, in particular an improved pneumatic one or hydraulic positioning device and specifically an improved throttle actuator for a railroad car, wherein the throttle control mechanism is also intended to be suitable for a railroad car system which has a plurality independently Has driven car to create.

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According to the invention, this object is achieved by a fluid-operated one multi-stage adjusting device or a multi-position device released, which is based on a variety of different, applied to them Prints appealing. Pressure-sensitive devices respond to applied discrete pressure levels, whereby the adjusting device is moved in individual steps, and depending on which of the devices responding to the pressure are operated. The multi-stage adjusting device has a plurality of individual pistons, each of which has a rod connected to it, which is arranged to the next adjacent piston moves. In response to the maximum movement of the piston, a control is created in each Moved steps, which can be a throttle or a throttle lever on a railroad car.

The invention therefore relates to a fluid-operated multi-stage Adjusting device with a large number of pistons, which are arranged in a cylinder and spaced apart in steps can be moved in response to predetermined prints applied thereto. A multitude of institutions become one or several selectively operated so that a fluid pressure is applied so that one or more pistons are moved, whichever depends on which of the devices are operated. In accordance an output element is driven with the actuated pistons.

For some applications, a pneumatic or hydraulic Gradually expand cylinders to specific positions in response to specific pressures. Lots of people working with pressure Adjusting devices, as they are in operation today, use a complicated counterweight to ensure that the set Positions are retained when a movement has taken place in the desired positions. Such counterweight devices are often subject to changes in force that lead to a change in their positions.

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One area of application in which one wishes to maintain special positions of a driven part arises in connection with manually made throttle or speed settings that are used to control the speeds or speeds used by vehicles such as railroad cars. One would like certain selected throttle positions and speeds maintained when the vehicle has started to move.

The positively actuated multi-stage adjusting device according to the invention is suitable for rail cars with a single prime mover, relatively small cylinders can be used if very small changes in throttle control positions can produce large changes in engine speeds. The invention is particularly suitable for multi-machine systems with a large number of throttles controlled by a single control mechanism being controlled. In this case it is no longer possible for friction and dirt on the throttles to result in different output powers of the machines so that it can no longer happen that one machine drifts while the other is idling.

The invention is explained in more detail, for example, with the aid of the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an actuating device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 schematically shows the main components of the device of FIG Fig. 1, partly in section,

3a to 3d different operating positions of the multi-stage Adjusting device,

4a and 4b different operating positions of the responsive to pressure Facilities,

Fig. 5 is a section along the line 5-5 of 'Fig. 4b,

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6 is a section along line 6-6 of Fib. 4b and

Fig. 7 shows a detail of the device of Fig. 4a and <"'- ■ on average.

The system shown in Fig. 1 can be used on a railroad car in which the speeds are controlled by an operator operating a hand control for adjusting the position of a throttle. The throttle is moved to different positions, _ to the pressure of a fluid, for example to control air, which is fed to control the speed of an engine that drives the railway car.

With a control element for the air supply or with a Air pressure regulator 12 is connected to an air reservoir 10. The pressure regulator 12 is manually operated by an operator who a handle 14 moves. From the air reservoir 10 is the air guided into a line 16, the pressure of the air supplied is determined by the position of the handle 12. The air is from the line 16 to a flexible tube or conduit 18 which connects the pressurized air to a pressure responsive device consisting of a valve assembly 20 can exist. Various delivery air pressures, which will be explained below, are delivered by the valve arrangement 20 and applied to a multi-position control device 22. details the valve arrangement 20 and the multi-position control device 22 and their actuation are explained in more detail below.

The discharge air pressure from line 16 is also sent to a brake control device 23 created. This makes it possible to use a single throttle control or pressure regulation control Control of speed and use for braking. Braking details are not relevant to the invention essential.

The multi-position control device or the multi-stage adjusting device 22 is connected to an arm 24> that of a

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Throttle lever 26 is connected, which is moved in accordance with the pressure applied to the actuating device 22. The thrush 25 is according to the positions of the arm 24 and the. Throttle lever 26 controlled. The actuation of the device 22 results a movement of the arm 24 and the control lever 26 into the positions shown in dashed lines. The extent of the movement of the The arm 24 and the throttle lever 26 determine the output forces on the drive shaft 28, which is driven by a machine 30. the Throttle 25, which is controlled by the arm 24 and the throttle lever 26, can control the amount of fuel supplied, whereby the Speed of the machine 30 is regulated. Such devices are known so that they do not need to be explained in more detail.

The pressure responsive device 20 according to that shown in FIG preferred embodiment has a plurality of bistable Valve assemblies 32, 34, 36 and 38. Lines 40, 42, 44 and 46 going out of the valve assemblies are provided with pressure chambers 48, 50, 52 and 54 connected. The chambers are between adjacent piston elements 56, 58, 60 and 62 in a cylinder 63 formed. The chambers between the respective piston elements are connected to lines 40, 42, 44 and 46 via openings 64, 66, 68 and 70 connected.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, a fluid is made up in the form of air the memory 10 and via the regulator 12 of the line 16 and via suitable branch lines 17 to each bistable valve 32, 34, 36 or 38 supplied. Which particular valve or valves are operated depends on the level of fluid pressure applied away. Each valve is designed to operate at a different pressure level, with a sequence preferred as the pressures progressively increase from low levels to higher levels. The number of operated bistable valves controls the number of pistons actuated and determines the positions of arm 24 and throttle lever 26 of FIG. 1, whereby finally the speed of the machine 30 is controlled or

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

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is set.

The mode of operation of the various piston elements 56, 58, 60 and 62 in the cylinder 63 is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d. In the positions of FIG. 3, the pistons are in the rest positions and are to the left against stop elements 76, 78, 80 or 82 biased by a tension spring 84. Each of the piston elements 56, 58, 60 and 62 has arm members 56 ', 58', 60 'and 62 *. As can be seen from Fig. 2, each arm is arranged so that it can engage and move the next adjacent piston element, which is arranged to the right thereof.

When fluid through the opening 64 into the chamber 48 behind the piston 56 occurs and a certain pressure is exceeded, whereby the bias of the spring 84 is overcome, the moves Piston 56 away from the stop 76 to the right until it reaches the stop element 78 reached. When the piston 56 moves to the right, it pushes all of the other pistons 58, 60 and 62 to the right due to it of the interconnecting arms 56 ', 58.' and 60 '. This state is shown in Fig. 3b.

When fluid enters the chamber 50 behind the piston 58 and a setpoint is exceeded that is sufficient to the bias of the spring 84, the piston 58 moves away from the stop 78 to the right until it reaches the stop 80. At the same time, because of the arms connecting the pistons, pistons 60 and 6 2 are moved to the right. This state is shown in Fig. 3c.

When the fluid pressure in the chamber 52 behind the piston 60 rises above a certain value and the preload of the spring 84 is overcome, the piston 60 moves in the same way to the stop 82. The piston 62 is also moved to the right. This state is shown in Fig. 3d. Fig. 3d shows the final stage position, although the design is so it can be made that a further non-graduated

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

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movement of the piston 82 is possible. The piston arm 62 'can do that be the same element as, or be connected to, the arm 24 which is connected to the throttle lever 6 of FIG.

The cylinder 63 is thus a multi-position actuator or .. a multi-stage adjusting device in which stop elements are arranged so that each piston is on a Can move distance that is longer than the piston behind it. Each piston has a rod or arm attached to it sufficient length that can slide the piston on its right side.

In Figures 4a and 4b, one of the bistable valves 32, 34, 36 and 38 seated in front of the chambers for moving the pistons 56, 58, 60 and 62 of FIG. Fig. 4a shows one of the valves in the non-actuated position or in the rest position, while Fig. 4b shows the valve in the operating position when Fluid is supplied which exceeds a pressure setpoint.

The poppet valve 32 shown in Fig. 4a has a housing 90 with an opening 92 for the supply of pressure from the line and 17, respectively, as shown in Figs. The housing 90 is divided by a membrane 94 into an upper chamber 96 and two lower chambers Chambers 98 and 99 divided. A plate 100 is pretensioned by a spring 102, the membrane 94 normally in is held in the lower position shown. The amount of preload of the spring 102 can be adjusted by means of an adjusting screw 104 will. The upper chamber 96 has a vent opening 106.

If the controlled pressure supplied from the air line 16 is below a set point and is insufficient to the pressure of the biasing Overcoming spring 102 is the cylinder pressure to atmosphere via lower chamber 99 through an exhaust port 110 discharged. Because of the position of the plate 100, there cannot be sufficient pressure in the cylinder chambers of the pistons

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to which the opening 112 is connected.

When the pressure from the line 16 (Fig. 1 and 2) exceeds a setpoint and is applied via the opening 9 2, the plate 100 is raised abruptly and pushes into the second position in FIG. 4b. The diaphragm 94 is also raised. This will make the opening 110 closed so that pressure can be applied to the chamber behind the associated piston element via an opening 112, whereby the piston element is actuated in the manner described above.

In one embodiment, one of the valves is as shown in FIG Figures 4a and 4b are shown at each opening in front of the Screwed chambers behind the pistons, which are arranged in the cylinders 63 (Fig. 3). The four valves shown can can of course also be designed as a one-piece valve arrangement 20-. .

If, as can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressure times the area 114 exceeds the force of the spring associated with the poppet valve, the plate 100 begins to rise, whereby the pressure opening 112 opens and the outlet opening 110 (Fig. 4a, 4b) is closed. At this point in time, the area of the plate 100 is increased by the area 111 minus the area 116. The pressure at which the valve closes is determined by the difference between area 118 and area 116, which is slightly smaller than the pressure to open.

In FIG. 7, for further explanation of FIGS. 5 and 6, the Main working portions of the plate 100 of Figures 4a and 4b are shown. The valve is only partially shown, the diaphragm is omitted.

When the pressure is below a set point, the plate picks up the lower position. The pressure acts upward against surface 120, i.e. area 114 of FIG. 5. When the pressure

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is high enough to lift the plate additional upward pressure on surface 122. This can be area 118 of FIG. Simultaneously with the lifting of the plate exerted downward pressure against surface 124. Around To determine the total upward pressure against plate 100, area 118, i.e. area 122, must be subtracted from area 116 will.

ORIGINAL INSPECTED

Claims (10)

Claims 1.) Fluid-operated multi-stage adjusting device, g e k en η - characterized by a cylinder (63), by a multitude of pistons (56, 58, 60, 62) which form chambers (48, 50, 52, 54) in the piston (63) and respond to the fluid pressures in such a way that that they can be moved in individual steps when the pressures in the chambers exceed predetermined levels by a Driving element (24, 26) responsive to the movements of any of the pistons (56, 58, 60, 62) by biasing means (84), which holds the pistons (56, 58, 60, 62) in the rest position when they are in contact with the chambers (48, 50, 52, 54) Fluid pressures are below setpoints by a pressurized fluid source (10) and by a variety of bistable devices (32, 34, 36, 38) connected to the respective chambers (48, 50, 52, 54) to the pressurized fluid source (10) optionally to be connected with it so that the pistons (56, 58, 60, 62) are moved in individual steps, if the fluid pressures exceed setpoints, whereby the drive element (24, 26) by predetermined individual distances accordingly the actuated piston (56, 58, 60, 62) is moved. "§08846 / 0840 ORIGINAL INSPECTED DEA-20280 -2- 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that the pressure setpoints for each individual movement step of the pistons (56, 58, 60, 62) progressively higher are. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a plurality of stop elements (76, 78, 80, 82) in the cylinder (63) to limit the movements of the Pistons (56, 58, 60, 62) when actuated by the fluid pressures in their respective chambers (48, 50, 52, 54) will. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bistable devices are bistable fluid-operated valves (32, 34, 36, 38) which have a biasing device (102) to the valves to hold in the rest position, in which a fluid flow from the pressurized fluid source (10) to the chambers (48, 50, 52, 54) is prevented, and when the pressure from the fluid source (10) exceeds setpoints, those of the pretensioning device (102) generated bias is overcome, so that the valves (32, 34, 36, 38) are operated so that the Fluid source (10) is connected to the chambers (48, 50, 52, 54). 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that that the bistable fluid-operated valves (32, 34, 36, 38) to different, progressively higher pressure setpoints speak to. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized adjustment means (104) for each of the biasing means (102) of the bistable fluid operated valves (32, 34, 36, 38) to vary the pressure values at which each of the 'is normally in the rest position- 809846/0840 DEA-20280 -3- union valves is operated. 7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized g c ken. n indicates that at least one of the bistable fluid operated valves (32, 34, 36, 38) is between the source of pressurized fluid (10) and one of the chambers (48, 50, 52, 54) is set to drive one of the pistons (56, 58, 60, 62). 8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized g e draw t that the bistable fluid operated valves (32, 34, 36, 38) are poppet valves. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a throttle (25) for a Power machine (30) in a railroad car, wherein the driving element (24, 26) is connected to this throttle (25). 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by one between the pressure fluid source (10) and the multitude of bistable fluid operated Hand control (12, 14) arranged on valves (32, 34, 36, 38).