Patent GB-929808-A (GB)
Title: Device for automatically dividing a train into units each of which consists of more than one vehicle
IPC: B61G7/04
Filed: 1961-01-26
Abstract: 929,808. Automatic uncoupler apparatus for vehicles. STAMICARBON N.V. Jan. 26, 1961 [Jan 28, 1960], No. 3126/61. Class 103(5). An uncoupler apparatus for dividing a train of coupled vehicles into units of two or more coupled vehicles comprises mechanism providing one or more coupling striker members 11, 11a, rotatable by motors 12 during motion of the train of coupled vehicles past the mechanism, for displacing one or both coupling components between said units thereby to uncouple the vehicles, and means for rendering the mechanism alternatively operative and inoperative, such means including an impulse device 5-9 which is operated by the passage of the vehicles. The impulse device may however comprise an electrical condenser charged by impulses, or a step by step rotary electrical switch, or any other pulse operated mechanism. The uncoupler apparatus should be used in conjunction with a depressed section of track 17 which causes the upper edges of the vehicles to touch when passing through the uncoupler station so that the cars 2, 3, 4 are correctly spaced for uncoupling, and in the preferred embodiment the wheels of all three cars are on the depressed track section at one time and the striker members 11, 11a are positioned within the length of a car. In Fig. 1 the strikers are mounted on two supports 13, 13a which may be pivoted up and down about points 14, 14a by compressed air cylinders 15, 15a each operated by a valve 16, Fig. 2b. Each piston valve 16 communicates with a cylinder 15 via a supply conduit 18 and a conduit 20, and the air can escape through a vent 19. The piston of the valve is reciprocated by linkage operated by a roller 23 and cam 9, which cam is intermittently rotated by a pawl 7 and ratchet wheel 8 operated by depression of a roller and arm 6, 5 by the passage of a car wheel. In operation the first wheel 2 of a car Fig. 2b, is shown in a position where it has depressed the arm 5 and brought the roller 23 into a recessed portion B of the cam 9. In this position the cylinder 15 is connected through conduit 20 and vent 19 to exhaust, and the support 13 mounting the rotating strikers 11 is no longer in the Fig. 1 position but has lowered below the coupling members on the cars. When the second wheel of the car delivers an impulse the cam 9 is again stepped round, but the roller 23 does not leave the recess B so the valve 16 is not operated. The car coupling then passes the uncoupling device, but uncoupling does not take place. When the first wheel of the car following passes over the roller 6 -however the cam 9 is stepped around to lift the roller 23 on to the raised portion C of the cam, in consequence of which the cylinder 15 is operated to raise the support 13 into the Fig. 1 position. The next impulse which is given by the second wheel of the following car does not cause the roller 23 to leave the surface C and when the next coupling passes the strikers it is uncoupled, so that a unit of two cars is formed. When a different number of cars per unit is required the cam 9 and ratchet mechanism should be modified accordingly. In Fig. 1 the first wheel of the car 3 is about to push down the lever 5, and this situation occurs just before the Fig. 2 position, the coupling between the cars 3 and 4 having just been detached by means of the blades 11 or 11a. If the first wheel of the car 3 gives an impulse, then the Fig. 2 position results and the support 13 is lowered. The support 13a has already been lowered by an impulse due to the first wheel of the car 3. The impulses given by the second wheel of the car 3 have no effect on the cylinders 15, and the cars 2 and 3 are not uncoupled. Now the first wheel of car 2 raises the supports 13 so that the cars are uncoupled after car 2 has passed. If no impulse is given the second wheels raise and lower the supports and the installation continues-to function correctly. The resulting phase difference of impulse can be rectified by giving an additional impulse either automatically or manually, and a warning device may be incorporated to indicate the need for an additional impulse. Specifications 885,867 and 927,044 are referred to.