US1841814A

US1841814A - Railway switch operating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US1841814A
Application number: US463026A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lemuel F Howard
Original assignee: Union Switch and Signal Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Rail STS USA Inc
Priority date: 1930-06-23
Filing date: 1930-06-23
Publication date: 1932-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 1949-01-19

Description

Jan. 19, 1932.

1.. F. HOWARD 1,841,814

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed June 23, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet l CIR 22 /7 u 36' l D M )8 H g V W ll 1 A u O 0 E1 0 10 o I o A Fzgi 2 2 IT I "n I] l l l f 1-! u i ,7 INVENTOR: L.F Howara Jan. 19, 1932. F. HOWARD 7 1,341,814

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed June 25, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Jan; 19, 1932. HOWARD 1,841,814

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed June 23, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 \NVENTOR'. ,L .F. How rd,

N 1 :XTTORNEY Patented Jan. 19, 1932 om'rso STATES PATENT OFFICE LEMUEL F. HOWARD, OF EDGE-WOOD BOROUGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE UNEOH SWITCH 8: SIGNAL COMPANY, OF SWISSVALE, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPO- RATION OF PENNSYLVANIA RAILWAY SVJITCH GIEBATING- MECHANISM Application filed June 23,

lily invention relates to railway switch operating mechanisms, and particularly to mechanisms of the electro-pneumatic type for moving and locking the switch rails.

i will describe two forms of mechanism embodying my invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan view showing one form of switch operating and locking mechanism embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing one arrangement of controlling circuits which may be used in connection with the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1, which circuits also embody my invention. Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1. but showing a modification of a portion of the mechanism illustrated therein and also embodying my invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of the several views.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2', the reference character A designates a railway switch comprising the

usual switch rails

1 and 1 cooperating with

stock rails

2 and 2*. respectively. The switch rails are moved to their normal position wherein they are shown in the drawings, by a fluidpressure motor. M comprising a cylinder 6 containing a piston 7. The piston 7 is connected with an operating rod 8, which in turn is fixed to a bridle rod 9 connecting the two

switchrails

1 and 1 The

switch rails

1 and 1 are moved to their reverse positions by a similar fluid pressure motor h p The

switch rails

1 and 1 are locked by a normal lock L comprising a plunger 25 biased by a spring 26 to enter a hole in a lock rod l which rod in. turn is attached to a front rod 10 connecting the two switch rails. The plunger 25 may be withdrawn from the hole in the lock rod Q by means of a fluid pressure motorcomprising a cylinder within which the spring 26 operates, and a piston located in this cylinder and connected with the plunger 25. The switch rails are locked in their reverse positions by a similar looking device comprising a lock rod Q and a fluid pressure unlocking motor L The switch is also provided with indicating 1930. Serial No. 463,026.

apparatus comprising a circuit controller B and a circuit controller B Referring particularly to circuit controller B this device comprises a member 13 operatively connected with the switch rails by a rod'll and arranged to slide to the left or the right. as viewed in Fig. 2, according as the switch rails are in their normal or their reverse positions. lVhen the switch rails are in their normal positions, the member 13 is in position to co-act with two pairs of contacts 16, 17 and lit. 15. The contacts 16 and 17 are fixed, but the contacts 14 and are connected with the plunger of the normal lock L so that these contacts are in positions to engage with the member 13 when and only when the switch is locked in its normal position. This circuit controller also involves a contact 12 which is open when the switch is locked and closed when the switch is unlocked.

The reverse indication circuit controller B is similar tothe normal circuit controller in all respects and need not be explained in detail herein. 7 e

The normal switch operating motor M and the reverse unlocking motor L are both controlled by a magnet valve U in such manner that when this valve is deenergized, both motors are disconnected from the source of fluid pressure, whereas when the magnet valve C is energized, fluid pressure from a source 22 is admit-tedto both of the motors to unlock the reverse loclr and to move the switch rails to their normal positions. The reverse switch operating motor M and the normal unlocking motor L are controlled by a second magnet valve G in similar manner.

Referring now specifically to Fig. 2, the switch operating mechanism is controlled by a polarized relay P, which in turn is sup plied wit-h current of normal or reverse polarity from a battery 18 through the medium of a pole-changer D, which will usually be controlled by a manual. lever in an interlocking machine. As shown in Fig. 2, relay P is energized with current of what I will term normal polarity, the switch A is in its normal position, and all other parts of the apparatus are in the conditions corresponding to these positions of the relay and switch. If the operator desires to reverse the switch, he will reverse the position of the polechanger D, thereby reversing the polarity of the current supplied to relay P, so that the polar contact 21 of this relay will swing to the left. Current will then flow from battery 18, through wire 19, contact 21-21 of relay P, contact 12 associated with the reverse locking device, winding of magnet valve C, and line wire 20 to battery 18. Contact l2 'is closed because the reverse lock plunger 25 is in its retracted position, and so magnet valve C will become energized. This will cause air to be admitted to the reverse switch operating motor M and to the normal unlocking motor L thereby withdrawing plunger 25 of the normal lock to unlock the switch, and also shifting the switch rails to their reverse positions. WVhen the switch reaches its reverse position, plunger 25 of the reverse lock L will enter the hole 27 in the reverse lock rod 1, thereby locking the switch in its reverse position.

This will cause contact 12 to open, thereby deenergizing magnet valve C to disconnect motors M and L from the source of pressure. Contact 12 will then be closed because plunger 25 of the normal lock L will be in its retracted position, so that when relay P again becomes energized in the normal direction magnet valve C will become energized through a circuit which includes contact 2121 of relay P and contact 12.

r The switch will then be returned to its normal position in a manner which will be understood from the foregoing without detailed explanation.

Associated with the switch A is an indicatin device E, which, as here shown, is a polarized relay. \Vhen the switch is in the normal position, this relay is energized by a circuit which passes from battery 18 through line wire 19, contact 15-43-17 of indication device B, winding of relay E,

contact 16-1314, and line wire 20 to battery 18. Relay E is then supplied with current of what I will term normal polarity. W'hen the switch is moved to the reverse position, contact member 13 of indication device B will shift to the right, so that it will then be out of register with cont-

act members

14 and 15, and, furthermore, these contact members will be raised by the contact arm 12", so that for these two reasons the circuit justtraced for relay E will become open. At the same time, member 13 of the 7 reverse indication device B will be shifted for relay E will be closed, which circuit passes from battery 18, through line wire 19, contact 14e-1316 of circuit controller B, winding of relay E, contact 171315 of circuit controller B and line wire 20 to bating because it forms no part of my present I invention.

It will be seen from the foregoing, that when the switch A is in its normal position, as illustrated in the drawings, if a train should trail through the switch in such manner as to force the rail 1 away from the stock rail 2, the normal lock L would probably be laterally shifted on its foundation, but the displacement of lock rod 11 would open the contacts of the indication circuit controller B and thereby deenergize relay E.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the mechanism shown in this view is the same as that shown in Fig. 1, except for the following differences. In Fig. 3, the two fluid pressure switch operating motors M and M are located between the switch rails instead of on the outsides of these rails as in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the supply of fluid pressure to each of the switch operating motors is taken through the associated unlocking motor in such manner that when magnet valve C, for example, becomes energized, fluid pressure from the source 22 will first flow into the unlocking motor L", and then when this motor has operated to unlock the switch, the fluid pressure will flow from the cylinder of the motor L through pipe 23 t0 the reverse switch opcrating motor M. The reason for this arrangement of fluid pressure supply, is to insure that the switch shall be unlocked before the operating motor becomes effective to move the switch. The supply of fluid pressure to the normal operating motor M and the reverse unlocking motor L is controlled by magnet valve O in a similar manner. The circuits for the control of the mechanism shown in Fig. 3 may be the same as those shown in Fig. 2.

Although I have herein shown and described only two forms of mechanism embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each look, a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, and means for preventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lock controlled by the other valve is in unlocked position.

2. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock, a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reveres switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, a contact operated by each lock and open or closed according as the lock is in looking or unlocking position, and a circuit for each magnet valve including the contact associated with the lock controlled by the other valve.

3. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse po sitions respectively, anormal and a reverse lock each biasec to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each look, a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motor and the normal unloc ing motor, means for preventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lock controlled by the valve is in unlocked position, ano indicating apparatus controlled jointly by the switch rails and said locks.

Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock, a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, means for preventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lock controlled by the valve is in unlocked position; a normal circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be locked in normal position in order toclose the'circuit controller, a reverse circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operatediby said reverse lock and requiring that the rails be locked in reverse position in order to close the circuit controller, and indicating apparatus for the switch controlled by said circuit controllers.

,5. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock, a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit; fluid pressure tothe normal switch operating motor and the reverse unlocking motor, a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the re verse switch operating motor and the normal unlocking motor, means for preventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lock controlled by the valve is in unlocked position, a normal circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be. locked in normal position in order to close the circuit controller, a reverse circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operated by said reverse lock and requiring that the rails be locked in reverse position inorder to close the circuit controller, a polarized indication relay, and means for supplying said relay with current of normal or reverse polarity according as said normal or said reverse circuit controller is closed.

6. In combination with a railway switch, a normal and a reverse lock for locking the switch in normal and reverse positions and each biased to locking position, power means for releasing each lock, a normal circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be locked 'in normal position in order to close the circuit controller. a reverse circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operated by said reverse lock and requiring that the rails be locked in reverse position in order to close the circuit controller, and indicating apparatus for the switch controlled by said circuit controllers,

7. In combination with a railway switch, a normal and a reverse lock for locking the switch in normal and reverse positions and each biased to locking position, power means for releasing each lock, normal circuit controller comprising a member operated by the switch rails and a member operated by said normal lock and requiring that the rails be locked in normal position in order to close the circuit controller, a reverse circuit controller comprising a member operated by 'fnn lied a is.)

the switch rails and a member operated by said reverse lock and requiring that the rails be locked in reverse position in order to close the circuit controller, a polarized indication 5 relay, and means for supplying said relay with current of normal or reverse polarity according as said normal or said reverse circuit controller is closed.

8. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each look, a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse unlocking motor, means eflective upon operation of the reverse unlocking motor to supply fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motor,

a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid ressure to the normal unlocking motor, and means efl'ective upon the operation of the normal. unlocking motor to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motor.

9. Railway switch operating mechanism comprising two fluid pressure motors for moving the switch to normal and reverse po sitions respectively, a normal and a reverse v9 lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock,

a first magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the reverse unlocking motor, means effective upon operation of the reverse unlocking motor to supply fluid pressure to the normal switch operating motor, a second magnet valve arranged when energized to admit fluid pressure to the normal unlocking motor, means effective upon 40 the operation of the normal unlocking motor to admit fluid pressure to the reverse switch operating motor, and means for preventing either magnet valve from being energized unless the lock controlled by the other valve is in unlocking position.

10. Railway switch 0 )erating mechanism comprising a normal and a reverse lock each biased to locking position, an unlocking fluid pressure motor for each lock, fluid pressure operating means for the switch, a first magnet valve and a second magnet valve, means effective when the first magnet valve is energized to operate the reverse unlocking mo tor and to supply fluid pressure to said operating means to move the switch to its normal position, and means effective when the second magnet valve is energized to operate said nor mal unlocking motor and to supply fluid pressure to said operating means to move the switch to its reverse position.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

LEMUEL F. HOWARD.