Patent GB-630433-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to apparatus for controlling a predetermined sequence of movements of a travelling device
IPC: H01H43/24
Filed: 1946-07-15
Abstract: 630,433. Switching systems. GUICHARD, J. J. July 15, 1946, No. 21141. [Class 38 (iv)] An apparatus for effecting a predetermined sequence of movements of a vehicle or other travelling device, comprises a longitudinally movable web or the like and means whereby the movements are effected according as control points on the web register with corresponding fixed points, the arrangement being such that when the vehicle is stationary the web is advanced under time control and eventually causes the vehicle to start, and whilst the vehicle is in motion the web advances at a speed proportional to that of the vehicle and eventually causes the vehicle to stop. As applied to the control of an electric motordriven truck 1, Fig. 1, running on rails 3, the apparatus effects periodically the following sequence of operations. The truck leaves the shed 2 and advances towards and stops underneath the shoot of a silo o. The shoot opens to discharge material into the truck, the shoot closes and the truck advances over the rail point switch T and stops alongside a shoot E1, whereupon the truck container tips to discharge the aforesaid material, after which the container returns to its normal position and the truck returns to its former position below the silo shoot. The truck is again filled and as it thereafter approaches the switch point T, the same is actuated to direct the truck towards the shoot E2, where the truck stops, discharges its load and thereafter returns to its original position under the shed 2, the switch points T then returning to its former position in readiness for the next cycle of operations. Each of the foregoing operations is controlled by an electrically conducting drum D, Figs. 3 and 4, over which and by which an insulating web P is caused to be unwound from a roller R2 on to another roller R1. A series of contact levers L1 ... L9 biassed against the drum register with holes in the web at appropriate points of its travel to actuate step-by-step switches S4 ... S10 for effecting the appropriate controls. The drum D is rotated in a step-by-step manner according to momentary energizations of a winding W1. The energizations of this winding are controlled by clockwork switching devices K1, K2 and switching devices H1, H2 driven from a wheel of the truck. The switching devices K1, K2 operate to close their contacts and momentarily energize winding W1 at predetermined intervals of time while switching devices H1, H2 operate to close their contacts to energize the said winding after a predetermined travel of the truck. The switching devices are controlled by a clock and wheel switch S1 which is actuated by the coils W11 or W12 according to the completion of the appropriate circuit through the contact levers and the drum D. A step-by-step switch S3, actuated by winding W4 controls the connection of H1 or H2 to the winding W1, whilst a similar switch S2 actuated by winding W6 controls the connection of Kl or K2 also to the winding W1. The whole control mechanism is preferably mounted on the truck, the conductors to the silo windings and the switch point winding comprising flexible cables from the truck to the said windings or wires parallel to the rails and engaged by trolley wheels on the truck.