MXPA01009185A - Pivotable guidebeam switch. - Google Patents

Abstract

A pivotable switch arrangement (10), as shown in Figure 1, for switching a guided vehicle guidebeam including a vehicle guideway (12), a main guidebeam (14) secured to the vehicle guideway, and a plurality of turnout guidebeams (16) secured to the vehicle guideway and spaced from the main guidebeam. Each of the turnout guidebams includes an extendable locking pin (17) at an end facing the main guidebeam. A pivotable guidebeam section (24) is pivotally connected to the guideway adjacent an end of the main guidebeam. The guidebeam section defines a cavity (34). A drive mechanism (39) is connected to the guidebeam section and is configured to pivot the guidebeam section between the turnout guidebeams, and align an end of the guidebeam section with one of the turnout guidebeams. The locking pin engages the cavity when the guidebeam section is aligned with the one of the turnout guidebeams.

Description

BEAM CHANGING NEEDLE ROTATING GUIDE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (i 5 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a track changing needle for changing a guided vehicle trajectory and, more particularly, to a pivoting guide beam changing needle 10 for changing a guideway of a guided vehicle. • 2. Description of the Previous Technique Guided vehicles, such as vehicles for moving people, typically move in guides. The guides can include several guide paths, also known as change of route. A guide rail or guide beam is secured to the guide to guide or direct the vehicle. Guided vehicles »generally include a guide frame that follows route 20. The guide frame includes a plurality of descending dependent guide wheel assemblies which provide the physical interconnection between the guide beam and the guided vehicle. It is known in the art to use a transfer plate or guide change needle to perform a path change to the guided vehicle between several guide paths.

A typical rotating change needle is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,970,962 to Burg et al. Transfer plates in particular, are known as large items that consume time and are problematic to operate. Change needles for changing the guide path in a rail are well known in the art. For example, US Patents Nos. 9 943,810 for Carr and 3,785,294 for Ornar describe a change needle for fusing two tracks, each having two rails, in a single path using a central common rail. The central common rail is pivotable between two tracks to align one track with another with a single track. U.S. Patent No. 1,286,042 to McClure et al. describes a rail track change needle that uses a curved slotted segment and a straight segment which moves around an arc to connect a single rail with two or more rail track changes. In addition, U.S. Patent No. 3,013,504 to Schütze describes a change needle for a monorail beam section. The change needles described by the prior art references discussed above typically do not provide an adequate locking connection between the moving portion of the change needle and one or more track changes existing from the change needle. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve these and other deficiencies known in the prior art. ^? * m? *? i. »*. J, Aasfe *« ¿tJÍ¡ »¿..

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The above objective is carried out with a < § distribution of pivotable change needle to perform a change of track than a guiding beam of a guided vehicle, made according to the present invention. The pivoting change needle distribution includes a vehicle guide. A main guide beam is secured to a vehicle guide. A plurality of track-guiding girders is secured to the guide 10 of the vehicle and separates from the main guide beam. Each of the track change guide beams can include an extendable locking pin at one end facing the main guide beam. The pivotable shift needle arrangement further includes a pivotable guide beam section having a 15 first end and one second end. The first end is pivotably connected to the guide adjacent one end of the main guide beam. The second end of the guide beam section can define a cavity. A drive mechanism is connected to the guide beam section and configured to do 20 rotate the guide beam section between the plurality of track change guide beams and align the second end of the guide beam section with one of the plurality of track change guide beams. The locking bolt for each of the track change guide beams can be configured for coupling 25 removably the cavity when the second end of the The "beam" section is aligned with a "beam" section. of the plurality of guide beams of change of track. Preferably, the main guide beam, the track change guide ways and the guide beam section are substantially at the same elevation above the guide. The pivotable change needle distribution may further include a limit change needle placed in the cavity. The locking bolt for each of the track change guide beams can be configured to engage the limit change needle. The limit change needle can be configured to generate a signal when the locking pin extends into the cavity and engages the limit change needle, indicating that the guide beam section is aligned and immobilized with one of the plurality of the guide change guide beams. The drive may be a motor and a chain drive connected to the guide beam section. In addition, the drive mechanism can be a hydraulic cylinder and a piston connected to the guide beam section. The guide may include a plate in the guide beam section may include a roller assembly configured to rotate about the plate according to the pivot beam section or alternate between a plurality of track change guide beams. The positions for the immobilization bolt and the cavity can be reversed. Consequently, the cavity can be defined at the second end of each of the beams Track change guide. The immobilization bolt can be placed at the second end of the guide beam section. He The locking pin can be configured to removably engage the cavity when the second end of the guide beam section aligns with one of the plurality of track change guide beams. A limit change needle can be placed in the cavity defined by the respective track change guide beams. The locking bolt can be configured to attach the limit change needle. The limit change needle 10 can be configured to generate a signal when the locking pin extends into the cavity and engages with the limit change needle, indicating that the guide beam section is aligned and immobilized with a of the plurality of guide beams of change of track. The present invention is also a locking mechanism for connecting sections of adjacent guide beam in a pivotable guide beam switch. The immobilization assembly includes a first guide beam section having a locking pin extending at one end, and 20 a second guide beam section defining a cavity at one end facing the locking bolt. The locking pin is configured to removably engage the cavity when the first and second guide beam sections are aligned. The immobilization mechanism can also include 25 a boundary change needle placed c-n the cavity., And the Immobilization bolt can be configured to be coupled with the limit change needle. The limit change needle is • can be configured to generate a signal when the locking pin engages the limit change needle, indicating 5 that the first and second guide beam sections are aligned and locked together. In addition, the present invention is a povitable shift needle distribution for performing a guide change of a guided vehicle guide beam that generally includes a vehicle guide, a main guide beam, a plurality of track change guide beams. , a plurality of guide beam sections and a drive mechanism. The main guide beam is secured to the vehicle guide and may include a locking pin extending at one end. The plurality of beams 15 guide of track changes are secured to the vehicle guide and separated from the main guideway. The plurality of guide beam sections each have a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the guide beam sections is pivotally connected to the guide beam adjacent to the 20 plurality of track change guide beams, respectively. The second end of each of the guide beam sections can define a cavity. The drive mechanism is connected to each of the guide beam sections and configured to pivot the respective guide beam sections so that 25 the second end of one of the guide beam sections is ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ á ^^^^^^^^ fe ^^^ g ^ a ^ to ^^^^^ ßl ^ fc ^^^? ^^, ^ ^^ align with the main guide beam. The locking pin can be configured to removably engage the cavity at the second end of one of the guide beam sections when one of the guide beam sections is aligned with the main guide beam 5. A limit change needle can be placed in the cavity defined by the respective guide beam sections. The locking bolt can be configured to attach the limit change needle. The limit change needle can be set to generate a signal when the locking pin extends into the cavity and engages in the limit change needle, indicating that one of the guide beam sections is aligned and immobilize with the main guide beam. The drive mechanism can be an engine and a driver 15 chain connected to the guide beam sections. The drive mechanism can also be a hydraulic cylinder and pistons connected to the guide beam sections. The guide may include a plate and the guide beam sections may each include a roller assembly configured to rotate along the length of the guide. 20 plate as the respective guide beam sections rotate in and out of alignment with the main guide beam. The positions for the immobilization bolt and the cavity can be reversed. Consequently, the cavity can be defined 25 at one end of the main guide beam. The distribution it may also include a plurality of extendable locking bolts that are located in the second (At the end of the guide beam sections, respectively.) The immobilization bolt for each of the beam sections The guide can be configured to fit the cavity defined in the main guide beam when one of the guide beam sections is aligned with the main guide beam. A limit change needle can be placed in the cavity. The locking bolt for each of the guide beam sections can be configured to engage the limit switch. The limit switch can be configured to generate a signal when the locking pin extends into the cavity and engages the limit change needle, indicating that one of the guide beam sections is aligned and immobilized with 15 the main guide beam. Although the guide beam sections are controlled automatically and hydraulically, or an engine is operated and a? A chain impeller, can also have semiautomatic or manual control capabilities. The time for a complete automatic operation cycle, which includes train control events, is approximately 6 seconds. Personnel intervention is not required to control or to operate the guide beam of the distribution guide in automatic mode.

A switch needle logic control cabinet (not shown) located in the area of the beam change needle (B distribution guide performs all vital checks involved in the operation of the change needle 5 beam distribution guide. The vital check includes a logic circuit for instruction of position of change needle of the guide beam, which is used to move the guide beam changing needle from one position to another; a matching needle exchange logic circuit, which detects ™? 10 vitally position and mechanical immobilization of guide beam change needle; and the logic circuit, which is necessary to activate the traffic lights in the area of the guide beam needle distribution guide. To carry out these tasks, the logic control unit 15 of the guide beam exchange needle interacts with an electromechanical driver and the automatic train control system. The logic control unit of guide beam change needle can be located close to the drive mechanism. The vital relays, which are used to carry out the vital checks, are housed within each logical control unit of the 20 guide beam change. Also included in the unit are various circuit breakers, power transformers and light suppressors which constitute the control circuits. ltLA? t & *? 4 * sin- '~ - J *** ~ - ** 3 * t -r .. "to £ afaa¿ ^ i ^^^ aat ^^^^^ & ^^^^ The additional details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description, together with the drawings, in where similar parts • are identified by reference numbers with quotation marks. 5 SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a pivotable change needle arrangement 10, made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a second embodiment of the pivotable change needle distribution, made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is a side elevational view 15 partially exploded of an immobilization assembly made in accordance with the present invention and used to join adjacent guide beam sections in the pivotable switch arrangements of Figures 1 and 2; < Figure 4 is an end view of an intermediate support 20 used in the distribution of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first portion of an intermediate support of Figure 4; Y - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second portion of the intermediate support of Figure 4.

• DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a pivotable change needle arrangement 10 made in accordance with the present invention. The pivotable change needle distribution 10 includes an elaborate vehicle guide 12 of 10 a plurality of concrete slabs adapted for a guided vehicle (not shown) to move thereon, and which share a common surface (i.e. , which is in a common plane). The guided vehicle, such as a vehicle for moving people, includes a body and a plurality of 15 drive wheels that are adapted to coact with the guide 12. The guided vehicle may include a guide frame with a plurality of dependent guide wheels configured to act in conjunction with a guide rail or a guide beam secured to • the guide 12. 20 The pivotable change needle distribution 10 generally includes a main guide beam 14, a plurality of track change guide beams 16 spaced apart from the main guide track 14 and a pivoting guide beam 18 changing needle configured to connect the main guide beam 14 with one of 25 the guide beams 16 of change of track at any given moment.

The main guide beam 14 is secured to the guide 12 adjacent a knurled end 20 of the guide beam 18. The track change guide beams 16 are secured to the guide 12 in • an end 22 of an air fine needle of the guide beam 18 5. The track change guide beams 16 are separated from the main guide beam 14. The track change guide beams 16 each include an extendable locking pin 17 located at one end of each of the track changing guide beams 16 facing the guide beam 14 | 10 main. In Figure 1, two track change guide beams 16 are shown but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional track change beams 16 can be provided in accordance with the present invention. In Figure 1, the main guide beam 14 can be defined as the The direction of entry to the guide beam 18 of the guide beam and the guide rail 16 can be defined as the direction of exit of the guide beam 18 from the point of view of a guided vehicle that enters. and that 1 comes out of the guide beam 18 of change. It must be understood that the 20 guide beam addresses are not limited to the "entry" and "exit" directions. Therefore, the track change guide beams 16 can be defined as the direction of entry to the guide beam 18 and the main guide beam 14 can be defined as the exit direction from 25 the guide beam 18 change needle. ÍÁ ^ á.?.? ÍÁ t? Á. ^; - ~ .kÁjhtA »~ ^^^^. ^^ ~ 8 t i8 ~ *? ^ & aa? etj ^ ti? ^^ Guide beam change needle 18 includes a pivotable guide beam section 24 connecting the main guide beam 14 with the track change guide beams 16 and, more particularly, connect the point end 20 of the guide beam change 18 with the fine air end of the beam change needle 18 guide. The guide beam 18 can be placed in a guide exchange pit 23 which is formed in the guide 12. However, in the preferred embodiment, the main guide beam 14, the track guide beams 16 and 10 and the pivotable guide beam section 24 is substantially at the same elevation above the guide 12. The guide beam section 24 has a first end 26 and a second end 28. The first end 26 is pivotably connected to the pivot pin 30. to guide 12 adjacent to one end 32 of the guide beam 15 14 main. At the second end 28 of the guide beam section 24 defines a cavity 34. In the guide beam section 24 preferably includes a roller assembly 36 attached to the underside of the guide beam section 24. A plate 38 is preferably attached to the guide 12 below the assembly 36 20 of roller. The plate 38 is generally oriented along the direction of travel of the guide beam section 24, according to the guide beam section 24 rotates about the pivot pin 30. The roller assembly 36 includes a plurality of rollers 37 configured to rotate along 25 of plate 38 as section 24 of guide beam rotates between guide beams 16 of change of track. The plate 38 is preferably embedded in the guide 12. A driving mechanism 39 is attached to the guide beam section 24 at approximately a midpoint of the guide beam section 24. The driving mechanism 39 is preferably attached to the guide 12 and is generally configured to rotate the guide beam section 24 between a plurality of track change guideways 16, such that the second end 28 of the guide beam section 24 aligns with a plurality of track change guide beams 16. A gap is defined between the second end 28 of the guide beam section 24 and the respective guide beam changing guide beams 16 to allow the pivotable movement of the guide beam section 24 in and out of alignment with the guide beams 16 of the guide beam. respective change of track. The drive mechanism 39 can be an electromechanical driver (not shown), a hydraulic cylinder and a piston connected to the guide beam section 24, as shown in FIG. 1, or a motor and a chain drive, as shown in FIG. Figure 2, discussed later. In operation, the drive mechanism 39 is activated to extend or retract, for example, the piston connected to the guide beam section 24 for rotating the guide beam section 24 so that the second end 28 of the guide beam section 24 align with one of the guide beams 16 of change of track. When section 24 of guide beam is aligned with the beam * S, J ^ 1 ^ «^ ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ttAg ^ guide 16 of track change selected, the locking pin 17 located at the end of the guide path 16 selected guide change is coupled with the cavity 34 • defined at the second end 28 of the guide beam section 24 to immobilize the guide beam section 24 in alignment with the selected track change guide beam 16. The operation of the extendable locking bolt 17 will be discussed more fully herein, in relation to FIG. 3. [* pfc 10] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the positions for the immobilization bolt 17 and the cavity 34 can be reverse. In particular, the cavity 34 can be defined at the end of each of the guideway beams 16 for changing the way facing the main guide beam. Therefore, each of the track change guide beams 16 defines a cavity oriented towards the main guide beam 14. The immobilization bolt 17 will now be located at the second end 28 of the guide beam section 24. The immobilization bolt 17 cooperates with the respective cavities 34, as discussed previously. Therefore, the guide beam section 24 is aligned with a guide rail 16, the locking bolt 17 can extend from the guide beam section 24 and can be coupled to the cavity 34 in the guide beam 16 of selected road change.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the pivotable change needle distribution for commuting a guided vehicle guide beam, made in accordance with the present invention. The distribution of change needle 5 pivotable in figure 2 is designated with the reference number 10 '. The pivoting change needle distribution 10 'also includes a vehicle track 12', a main guide beam 14 'secured to the guide 12', and a plurality of track change guide beams 16 'secured to the guide 12'. The guide beams 16 'of (B 10 change of guide are separated from the main guide beam 14 '. The main guide beam 14' preferably has an extendable locking pin 17 'at the end 32' of the guide beam 14 'main. A pivoting guide beam 18 'of change is placed between the main guide beam 14' and the guide beams 16 ' 15 of change of way and is configured to connect the main guide beam 14 'with the guide beams 16' of change of way. A difference of principle between the guide beam 18 of the previously discussed guide beam and the guide beam 18 of the guide beam is that the guide beam 18 'of the guide beam includes a guide beam 18'. 20 plurality of guide beam sections 24 '. The distribution 10 'typically includes at least one section of curved guide beam, which is identified with the reference numeral 24a' in Figure 2 for a branch path change from the distribution 10 '. A section of straight guide beam of the 25 plurality of guide beam sections 24 'is identified with the »^^ S ^^^^^ ÍL • ^^^^^^^ & ^ i ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ reference number 24b 'in Figure 2. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the guide beam sections in Figure 2 can include any • combination of curved and straight guide beam sections. The following discussion will be made with reference to a section 24a 'of curved guide beam and a section 24b' of a straight guide beam as an example. The guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' each have a first end 26 'and a second end 28'. The first end portion 26 'of each of the guide beam sections 24a', 24b 'is pivotally connected to the guide 12' adjacent to the track change guide beams 16 ', respectively. The respective pivot pins 30 'are preferably used to pivotally connect the beam sections 24a', 24b ' 15 guide to the guide 12 '. The second end 28 'of each of the guide beam sections 24a', 24b 'define a cavity 34'. The locking bolt 17 'at the end 32' of the main guide beam 14 'is configured to removably couple the cavity 34' defined in the second end 28 'of each of 20 the guide beam sections 24a1, 24b ', when the respective guide beam sections 24a', 24b 'align with the main guide beam 14'. The pivoting guide beam 18 'can be placed in a track exchange pit (not shown). However, in the preferred embodiment, the main guide beam 14 ', 25 the guide beam 16 'of track change and sections 24a1, 24b' of guide beam are at the same elevation above guide 12 '. In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' can be guide beam sections • curved or straight, as previously stated. The guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' preferably each include a roller assembly 36 'attached to the underside of the respective guide beam sections 24a', 24b '. A plate 38 'is preferably attached to the guide 12' and aligned with the direction of travel of the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' IB 10 to the extent that the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' rotate within and out of alignment with the main guide beam 14 '. The roller assemblies 36 'act in conjunction with the plate 38' to allow the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' to rotate uniformly in alignment with 15 the main guide beam 14 '. The plate 38 'is preferably embedded in the guide 12'. A drive mechanism 39 'is connected to each of the guide beam sections 24a', 24b '. The drive mechanism 39 is configured to rotate the beam sections 24a1, 24b ' 20 respective guides in and out of alignment with the main guide beam 14 '. In Figure 2, two guiding beam sections 24a ', 24b' are provided on the guiding beam changing needle 18 ', but additional guiding beam sections (curved or straight) can be provided in accordance with the present invention, as 25 has been previously established. The driving mechanism 39 ' it is generally configured to rotate one or other of the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' which are shown in Figure 2 in alignment with the main guide beam 24 '. The sections • 24a ', 24b' of "unselected" guide beam, as shown in Figure 2, remain aligned with the main guide beam 14 'when the selected "guide beam" section 24a1, 24b' as shown in figure 2, it is aligned with the main guide beam 14 '. However, at any given time, one of the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' is aligned ** 10 or pivots to an alignment position, with the main guide beam 14 'as a safety feature to prevent a Guided vehicle enters an open guide beam change needle. The other guide beam section 24 ', as shown in Figure 2, is therefore placed out of alignment with the 15 guide beam 14 'main. The drive mechanism 39 'is preferably an electromechanical driver, a motor and a chain drive connected to the guide beam sections 24a1, 24b'. In addition, the drive mechanism 39 'may be a hydraulic cylindrical 1 and pistons connected to the sections 24a', 24b 'of 20 guide beam in the manner previously discussed in connection with the guide beam 18 of the guide beam shown in Figure 1. Referring now to Figures 2 and 4-7, in a preferred embodiment of the 10 'distribution, the 10 'distribution 25 includes a passive intermediate support 40 for a section 24a ' of curved guide beam. The passive intermediate support 40 is configured to support the curved guide beam section 24a ' (P) as a guided vehicle (not shown) passes over the curved guide beam section 24a 'A passive intermediate support 40 5 similar can be provided for the guide beam 24b 'straight in Figure 2, but it is generally not necessary. The intermediate passive support 40 is provided for the curved guide beam section 24a1 because as the guided vehicle passes over the curved guide beam section 24a ', forces act 'ÍP 10 centrifugal outwards, above the section 24a' of guide beam. The passive intermediate support 40 of the present invention acts to prevent centrifugal forces directed outward from acting on the curved guide beam section 24a '. The intermediate support 40 includes a first portion 15 42 which is configured to be secured to the guide 12 '. As shown in Figure 4, the first portion 42 of the intermediate support can be placed in a trench 23 'of tt change defined below the surface of the guide 12'. The intermediate support 40 further includes a second portion 44 20 attached to the curved guide beam section 24a1. The curved guide beam section 24a 'is illustrated in Figure 4 as an H beam. The second portion 44 of the intermediate support includes two separate leg portions 46. The first portion 42 of the intermediate support 40 defines a lateral recess 48. The 25 leg portions 46 are configured to cooperate with the recess 48 lateral. The first portion 42 can be secured to the guide 12 'with fasteners, such as bolts and associated physical elements. Similarly, the second portion 44 can be secured to the curved guide beam section 24a ', with 5 fasteners, such as nuts, bolts and associated hardware. In operation, as the curved guide beam section 24a1 rotates fully in alignment with the main guide beam 14 ', the second portion 44 attached to the section 24a' (10 of curved guide beam engages the first portion 42 of the intermediate support 40. The leg portions 46 attached to the second portion 44 of the intermediate support 40 slide in engagement with the lateral recess 48 defined by the first portion 42 of the support 40 intermediate, as illustrated in Figure 5. The first portion 42 of the intermediate support 40 is adapted to transmit the outwardly directed centrifugal forces acting on the curved guide beam section 24a 'towards the guide 12', as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. . Since the forces directed outward on 20 the straight guide beam section 24b 'in figure 2 are typically much smaller, the intermediate support 40 can be omitted from the straight guide beam section 24b'. In operation, when the drive mechanism 39 'is activated, the guide beam section 24a', for example, which initially aligns with the main guide beam 14 ', begins to move out of alignment with the main guide beam 14 ', while the selected "guide beam" section 24b' begins to rotate in alignment with the main guide beam 14 '. When the "selected" guide beam section 24b 'is aligned with the main guide beam 14', the locking bolt 17 'extends from the end 32' of the main guide beam 14 'and engages the cavity 34'. at the second end 28 'of the selected "guide beam" section 24b'. In this way, the main guide beam 14 'and the guide beam section 24b' selected "J" are immobilized in engagement. As with the guide beam 18 of the guide beam discussed above, the positions for the locking bolt 17 'and the cavity 34' can be reversed. In particular, the main guide beam 14 'can define the cavity 34' at the end 32 ', while a plurality of extendable locking pins 17' are located at the second end of the guide beam sections 24a ', 24b' , respectively. Therefore, in this configuration, when the selected guide beam section 24b 'is aligned with the main guide beam 14', the immobilization bolt 17 'attached to the selected "guide beam" section 24b' can be coupled with the cavity 34 'defined in the main guide beam 14' so that it immobilizes the main guide beam 14 'and the selected guide beam section 24b' together.

Figure 3 shows an immobilization assembly 50, also referred to as an immobilization mechanism, for flp connecting the adjacent guide beam portions in the guide beam changers 18, 18 'discussed above. He 5 immobilization assembly 50 will be discussed in relation to the guide beam 18 'of guide beam, which is shown in Figure 2. However, the same principle of operation of the immobilization assembly 50 can be applied to the shift needle 18. of guide beam shown in Figure 1. The Q 10 immobilization assembly 50 includes an immobilization bolt 17 'which is located at the end 32' of the main guide beam 14 '. One of the track-changing guide beams 24b 'is shown in Figure 3 and defines the cavity 34'. When the selected "guide beam" section 24b 'shown in Figure 3 is aligned with the main guide beam 14 ', the locking pin 17' is activated and extends within the cavity 34 'at the second end 28' of the selected guide beam section 24b '. A limit switch 52 placed in the cavity 34 'is engaged by the immobilization bolt 17'.

The locking bolt 17 ', after engaging with the limit change needle 52, remains positioned in the cavity 34 to lock the main guide beam 14' and the selected guide beam section 24b ', together. The boundary change needle 52 then generates a signal indicating that the section 25 24 'of selected guide beam is aligned and immobilized with the guide beam 14 'main. Once the limit change needle 52 is activated, the generated signal is sent to a system computer (not shown) or a signal light (not shown) indicating that the guide beam section 24b1 The selected beam is suitably aligned with the main guide beam 14 'and the guided vehicle can be moved through the guide beam 18' of the guide beam (shown in Figure 2). When another guide beam section 24a1, for example, is to be moved in alignment with the main guide beam 14 ', the (W 10 locking bolt 17 'is retracted from cavity 34', and drive mechanism 39 'is activated to simultaneously move the "first" section 24b 'of guide beam, for example, out of alignment while the newly selected "guide beam" section 24a' for example, is rotated so that it remains 15 aligned with the main guide beam 14 '. The newly aligned guide beam section 24a 'and the main guide beam 14' are immobilized together, as previously described. The distribution of the extendable locking bolt of the present invention provides the advantage that the bolt 17 ' 20 of immobilization, when extended, provides stability in the vertical and lateral directions for the aligned guide beam portions, such as the main guide beam 14 'and the guide beam section 24b' which is shown in Figure 3. It is provided an advantage similar to the distribution 10 that 25 shows in figure l as well. The vertical and lateral directions can be defined with respect to a central or longitudinal axis L 'of the main guide beam 14' in FIG. 2, and fc a central or longitudinal axis Llf L2 of the guide beam 16 of track change in the Fig. 1. With reference briefly to Fig. 1, when the guide beam section 24 is to be moved in alignment with another of the guide change guide beams 16 shown in Fig. 1, the immobilization bolt 17 is retracts from the section 24 beam guide and 39 drive mechanism is activated for (B 10 pivoting the guide beam section 24 to the next selected track changing guide beam 16. The locking bolt 17 is again activated to engage with the cavity 34 defined in the guide beam section 24, thereby immobilizing the Guide beam 16 of selected track change and section 24 of beam 15 guide, together. Referring briefly to Figure 2, the distribution 10 ', preferably includes limit switches 54, 55' secured to the guide 12 'at respective lateral storage positions for the sections 24a', 20 24b 'of guide beam. The respective limit change needles 54, 55 are adapted to generate a signal indicating the moment when the "unselected" guide beam section, either the curved guide beam section 24a 'or the guide beam section 24b' straight in figure 2, it is clear in the envelope of 25 clearance of the guided vehicle, and is located in its position storage. A guided vehicle (not shown) can then pass without obstruction through the change needle • 18 'change of guide beam. The "unselected" guide beam section in FIG. 2 is the section 24a 'of curved guide beam 5 and illustrated in its storage position and the coupling limit switch needle 54. The straight guide beam section 24b 'is completely aligned with the main guide beam section 14'. The limit switch needle 54 driven by the curved guide beam section 24 'sends a signal to the system computer (not shown) or a signal light (not shown), indicating that the guide beam section 24a' "unselected" is appropriately stored in its storage position which is located outside the clearing envelope of the guided vehicle. Clearance wrap The vehicle can be defined as the lateral distance from the center line L 'of the main guide beam 14' in figure 2 necessary for the guided vehicle to pass unobstructed by • the "unselected" guide beam section (24a 'in FIG. 2) through the guide beam 18'. The The guided vehicle clearance envelope therefore generally indicates how far the respective guide beam sections 24a ', 24b1 should rotate away from the main guide beam 14' to provide the necessary clearance for the guided vehicle to pass through the vehicle. 18 'change needle 25 guide beam and, in particular, to pass over the section guide beam "selected" (24b 'in Figure 2). The limit change needle 55 driven by the straight guide beam section 24b 'works in a similar manner. As previously stated, the distribution 10 'in Figure 2 may include any combination of curved and straight guide beam sections, each preferably including a "storage position" limit change needle as discussed in the foregoing. The guide beam section 24 in Figure 1 may also include a limit change needle ^ W 10 of similar storage position "not shown". The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, which are only illustrative in the present invention and not limiting thereof. Modifications and obvious alterations can be made to the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and the equivalents thereto.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS 1. A pivotable change needle distribution for guide change for a guided vehicle guide beam, characterized in that it comprises: a vehicle guide; a main guide beam secured to the vehicle's guide; a plurality of track change guide beams fB 10 secured to the vehicle guide and separated from the main guide beam; a pivotable guide beam section having a first end and a second end, with the first end pivotably connected to the guide adjacent one end of the main guide beam; a drive mechanism connected to the guide beam section and configured to rotate the guide beam section between the plurality of track change guide beams and align • the second end of the guide beam section with one of the plurality of track change guide beams; and an immobilization mechanism configured to connect the guide beam section with one of the plurality of track change guide beams, wherein the main guide beam, the track change guide beams and the guide beam section are substantially at the same elevation above the guide so that the pivotable guide beam section is not in a track exchange pit. • The distribution of pivotable change needle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the immobilization mechanism includes an extendable locking pin that is located at one end of each of the track-changing guide beams oriented substantially to the 10 main guide beam, where the second end of the section < § of guide beam defines a cavity, and wherein the pin immobilization for each of the track change guide beams is configured to engage with the cavity when the second end of the guide beam section is aligned with a 15 of the plurality of track change guide beams. 3. The pivoting change needle distribution, according to claim 2, characterized in that the immobilization mechanism also includes a change needle 20 of limit placed in the cavity, and wherein the immobilization bolt for each of the track change guide beams is configured to engage with the limit change needle. 4. The distribution of pivotable change needle, according to claim 3, characterized in that the The limit change needle is configured to generate a signal when the locking pin extends into the cavity and engages with the limit change needle, indicating that in the guide beam section it is aligned and immobilized with one of the plurality of track change guide beams. 5. The distribution of pivotable change needle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving mechanism is a motor and a chain drive • 10 connected to the guide beam section. 6. The distribution of pivotable change needle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder and a piston 15 connected to the guide beam section. 7. The distribution of pivotable change needle, according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide includes a plate and the guide beam section includes a The roller assembly configured to rotate along the plate as the guide beam section pivots or rotates between the plurality of track change guide beams. 8. The distribution of pivotable change needle, according to claim 2, characterized in that the cavity is defined at the end of each of the track changing guide beams, wherein the locking pin is located at the second end of the guide beam section, and wherein the locking pin is configured to engage 5 removably the cavity when the second end of the guide beam section is aligned with one of the plurality of track change guide beams. 9. A locking mechanism for connecting (B) 10 adjacent guide beam sections in a pivotable guide beam changing needle, characterized in that it comprises: a first guide beam section having an extendable locking pin at one end; a second beam section guide defining a cavity at one end facing the locking pin, and a limit change needle placed in the cavity, wherein the locking pin is configured to • removably engaging the limit change needle in the cavity when aligning the first and second guide beam sections, and wherein the limit change needle is configured to generate a signal when the locking pin engages with the limit change needle, indicating that the ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ First and second sections of guide beam are aligned and immobilized together. • 10. A pivoting change needle distribution, 5 for changing the guide of a guided vehicle guide beam, characterized in that it comprises: a vehicle guide, - a main guide beam secured to the vehicle guide; . { B 10 a plurality of track change guide beams secured to the vehicle guide and spaced from the main guide beam; a plurality of guide beam sections, each having a first end and a second end, with the first End of each guide beam sections pivotally connected to the track adjacent to the plurality of guide change guide beams, respectively; 1 a driving mechanism connected to each of the guide beam sections and configured to rotate the 20 respective guide beam sections so that the second end of one of the guide beam sections is aligned with the main guide beam, - and a locking mechanism configured to connect one of the guide beam sections with the guide beam main when one of the beam sections is aligned with the main guide beam, where the main guide beam, the track change guide beams and the main guide beam sections are substantially at the same elevation above the guide rail that the pivotable guide beam sections are not located in a track exchange pit. 11. The pivotable change needle distribution according to claim 10, characterized in that the immobilization mechanism includes an immobition bolt extending at one end of the main guide beam, which substantially orientates the track changing guide beams, wherein the second end of each of the guide beam sections defines a cavity, and wherein the locking pin is configured to removably engage the cavity at the second end of one of the guide beam sections when one of the guide beam sections is aligns with the main guide beam. 12. The distribution of the pivotable change needle, according to claim 11, characterized in that the immobilization mechanism further includes a limit change needle placed in the cavity defined by the respective guide beam sections, wherein the bolt of Immobilization is configured to attach the limit change needle. 13. The pivotable change needle distribution according to claim 12, characterized in that the limit change needle is configured to generate a signal when the locking pin extends into the cavity and engages the limit change needle, indicating that one of the guide beam sections is aligned and immobilized with the main guide beam. 14. The pivotable change needle distribution according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive mechanism is a motor and a drive chain connected to the guide beam sections. 15. The pivotable change needle distribution according to claim 10, characterized in that the guide includes a plate, and the guide beam sections each include a roller assembly configured to rotate along the plate according to the beam sections respective guides pivot or rotate in alignment with the main guide beam. 16. The pivotable change needle distribution, according to claim 11, characterized in that the cavity is defined at the end of the main guide beam and that it further includes a plurality of extendable locking bolts which are located at the second end of the sections. of guide beam, respectively, and wherein the locking pin for each of the guide beam sections is configured to engage the cavity defined in the main guide beam when one of the guide beam sections is aligned with the main guide beam. 17. The pivotable change needle distribution according to claim 10, characterized in that the guide beam sections include a curved guide beam section and the distribution includes an intermediate support configured to support the curved guide beam section when the beam section Curved guide is aligned with the main guide beam. 18. The pivoting change needle distribution according to claim 10, characterized in that it also includes a storage position limit change needle located at the second end of each of the guide beam sections, connected to the guide in a storage position of guide beam sections respective, and wherein the storage position limit change needle for each of the guide beam sections is configured to generate a signal when the respective guide beam sections are located in the storage position and trigger the change needle of limit. • 1