Patent GB-889690-A (GB)
Title: Remote control of track guided vehicles such as model electric trains
IPC: A63H19/24
Filed: 1958-04-10
Abstract: 889,690. Remote control systems for model electric trains. KUHN, W. April 10, 1958 [April 10, 1957], No. 11415/58. Class 132(3) [Also in Group XXXVII] In Fig. 1, two track conductors 7, 8 for vehicles such as model electric trains are fed from series-connected A.C. and D.C. sources 1, 2, an inductance 3 serving as a D.C. by-pass of the A.C. source, and a capacitance 4 providing an A.C. by-pass of the D.C. source. Fig: 6 shows a universal motor of which the field winding 44 is energized by rectified A.C. fed from the track conductors via sliding contacts. A.C. by-passes the motor armature through a condenser 43. Current supply to the motor shown in Fig. 9 is via two parallel connected electrolytic condensers 63 which are protected against an incorrect polarity D.C. supply voltage by a rectifier 65. Fig. 10 shows a supply circuit for a permanent magnet D.C. motor 84, A.C. passing via series-connected electrolytic condensers 74, 75 to a rectifier unit 76, and the rectified current passing to relay controlled switches 82, 85 which are shown in the position when the relay coil 79 is unenergized. A sliding contact 83 on a resistance 80 is adjusted so that when the A.C. potential difference between rails 70, 71 is momentarily increased above a normal maximum operating value the relay is operated and the polarity of the rectified supply the. motor is reversed; simultaneously, the full D.C. voltage is applied. to the relay coil. The A.C. voltage between the conductors 70, 71 may now be reduced to such a value that the vehicle comes to rest, the current through the relay under this condition being sufficient to "hold" the relay. Further reduction of the A.C. potential allows the relay to release. In Fig. 11, a universal motor circuit includes an inductance for blocking A.C. and a relay 96 operates similarly to relay 79 in Fig. 10. A voltage controller, Fig. 12, is connected to a tapped secondary winding 101 of a supply transformer and includes a switch 103. When the controller arm 106 is turned anticlockwise and past a contact 102, a strong reversing impulse appears at the output of the controller when the switch is in the position shown. In a modified controller, Fig. 13, the fixed contacts connected to the transformer tappings, with the exception of the reversing impulse tapping, are duplicated, and the separate reversing switch is not required. To avoid excessive overloading of a motor when the controller is operated to provide a reversing impulse, the circuit shown in Fig. 14 may be used. Upon energization of a relay 117, switches 115, 121 operate and a resistance 119 is connected in parallel with the motor 116. In Fig. 16 a system includes five motors supplied by means of an overhead conductor 188, two outer rails 185, 186 and a centre rail 187. The circuits associated with the motors 201, 197, 200, 195, correspond to those shown in Figs. 6, 9, 10, 11, respectively, and that of the motor connected to rails 185, 186 correspond to Fig. 14. Each of the transformers shown provides A.C. for direct connection after rectification by rectifiers 170, 175, 178. Polechanging switches are provided in the D.C. circuits. Current supply to five-rail track and three over-head conductors is specified Fig. 17, (not shown). Other than for driving vehicles, the motors may be used for effecting automatic coupling, control and operation of loading and unloading devices, and in apparatus for cleaning rails. A vehicle may be provided with lighting, a signal, or a door operating device. The current sources may both be alternating but of different frequency, a filter network being provided in a vehicle to differentiate between the two supplies. In each example, regulating means such as variable voltage regulators are provided in the two current sources but the means are not shown in Figs. 1-11 or Fig. 14.