Patent GB-190012112-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and connected with Block-signalling Apparatus for Railways.
Inventor: KRIZIK FRANZ
Filed: 1900-07-04
Granted: 1901-06-29
Abstract: 12,112. K r i z i k, F. July 4. Semaphore &c. signals; controlling and locking signals; interlocking; signalling-instruments; signalling &c. between trains; indicators and repeaters, signal; contacts, electric.-Relates to electrical apparatus for operating and controlling the operation of railway signals on the block system. Fig. 1 shows the signal-operating mechanism. The signal arm s is operated by the rod 61 through the slotted lever 58 from the crank 55 on the spindle of the gear wheel 16, which is oscillated through the necessary angle by the motor m. Alternate coils of the motor are wound in opposite directions, and the coils which are wound in the same direction are connected in series, so forming two sets. Each set is connected at one end to a separate supply conductor, the other ends being connected together and to the normally-wound armature. The direction of rotation thus depends on the set of coils to which the current is supplied, and the current supply is controlled by automatic contactmakers, which secure the necessary interdependence of the signals, points, &c. In another method of obtaining the reversal of the motor, connections are made from the motor to switches at two controlling-points. With one of these switches closed, the motor receives the full current, while, with the other switch closed, it receives a shunt current in the reverse direction. In the extreme positions, the crank arm 55 is at right-angles to the lever 58, so preventing movement of the signal by external means. In a modification, the semaphore is slotted, and is operated directly by the crank. Fig. 8 shows an automatic switch, operated by the cam disc 25 on the spindle 11 of the signal-operating mechanism, for controlling the circuit to the next signal. This circuit is completed through the contacts 19, 23 only when the disc 25 is in one of its end positions, as shown. The rotation of the disc, on the movement of the signal to its other extreme position, raises the roller 20 on the lever 19 out of the notch 26 in the disc, so causing the lever 19 to break contact with the terminal 23 and to make contact with the terminal 24. In another form, the contact for one position of the dependent signal (or points) is made simultaneously with the breaking of the contact for the other position. This enables the dependent signal &c. to be moved back to its starting position before it has completed its change of position. Fig. 5 shows the block instrument, in which the disc 68 is adapted to show red' or 'white ' through the aperture 67 , in accordance with the position of the line signals &c. The motor m is a four-pole motor similar to that shown in Fig. 1, but the pole-pieces are made of forged iron and are screwed to the casing. The movements of the indicator to its extreme positions are limited by the pin 63, which engages the stop-block 66, the controlling-circuit through the contacts 71 being completed by the segment 70, in one position only of the instrument. To prevent waste of current, while ensuring that the motorcontrolling circuit shall be closed for a time sufficient for the required operation, the switch 80 is employed. The circuit is completed by bringing the lever 77 between the contact springs 78, 79. This is effected by the pin 73 on the ratchet-wheel 72, which is rotated by the ratchet mechanism shown from the hand-lever 80. The lever is moved backwards and forwards, and the disc 72 rotated, until the pin 73 comes opposite the slot 84 in the lever 77 ; the lever 77 is then returned to its normal position by the spring 75, and the contact is broken. A pointer 86 indicates the position of the lever 77. An automatic contact-maker for the block instrument is described, in which two circuits are made and one broken in one position of the instrument, while, in the reverse position, the latter circuit is made and the two first-mentioned are broken. The field-magnet coils are connected on the one hand to the conductor, and, on the other hand, through this switch to the motor armature. To prevent waste of current by a longer contact than is necessary for the reversal of the motor, the automatic switch shown in Fig. 13 is employed. A disc on one of the spindles of the block instrument is provided with a stud 54, which rocks the lever 50, causing it to make contact with the spring 53 and break contact with the spring 52, and vice versÔ. This changes the connections into position for the reverse movement, before the completion of the direct movement of the motor. Fig. 14 shows a form of double contact-maker, similarly operated by the arm 123 on the spindle 11 of the signal-operating mechanism or the spindle 10 of the block instrument. The contact-levers 116, 117 are linked together by the insulated bar 118, and connect respectively with the contacts 120,122, or with the contacts 119, 121. When the source of electricity for operating the signals &c. is carried on the train, connection is made with the apparatus on the line between the contact-roller 111, Fig. 19, or a contact-brush or block, on the engine, and the insulated rail 102, Fig. 18. The roller 111 &c. is mounted on the stem 108, which has a pin and-slot connection with the sleeve 104, and is further controlled by the spring 107. The sleeve 104 is pivoted to the fixed three-armed bar 103, to which it is also connected by the springs 106. The rail 102 is screwed to the bell 112 of the insulator shown, and rests on the head of the supporting-bolt 113, the bolt being enclosed in a suitable weatherproof insulating and protecting material. The dished lower part 114 prevents the entrance of moisture, dust, &c. into the bell. Fig. 7 shows a block instrument which is employed when the outdoor signals &c. are to be operated mechanically. The operating-lever 94 has a crank arm 96, which is connected to the signal &c. In the position shown, the lever is locked by the spring-controlled bolt 90 resting in the notch 93. To unlock the lever, the bolt is raised by the cam 87 on the spindle of the block instrument, which is controlled from the next signal-box in advance. The segment 97 also makes and breaks contact with the springs 98, 99, according to the position of the lever, this contact controlling the release of the signal in the rear. The connections and operation of the apparatus are fully described in the Specification for the following four systems of working :-(1) The combined action of the various parts is automatically effected by the moving train, which also carries the source of electricity for operating the signals. (2) The operation of the apparatus is effected automatically by the train, the source of electricity being on the line. (3) The block instruments are arranged for automatic switching by the motors ; the semaphores of the intermediate stations and the closing-semaphore of the arrival station are operated by hand, and are electrically locked and unlocked ; the semaphore of the starting-station is operated electro-mechanically both from the station and the outgoing train ; the movement of each block instrument to 'stop' is effected automatically by the train, and the movement of the block instrument to 'clear' is effected by the signalman in advance placing his semaphore to 'stop' and closing a hand-switch. (4) The circuit-closure for the reversal of a signal to 'stop' is effected partly by the train and partly by the signalman ; the release of the signal in the rear can be effected only when a given signal is at 'stop,' and cannot be repeated until the latter signal has been placed at 'clear' and again at ' stop,' which, since the movement of the signal is dependent on the passage of the train, means that the train must have passed through the section, and has been followed into the section by a second train, which blocks the section backwards.