, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure described herein, in general, relates to a central buffer coupler (CBC) decoupling system for rail wagons that minimize human intervention. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] All the rail wagons manufactured in India are provided with Central Buffer Coupler (CBC) for establishing a connection with other rail wagons. The Central Buffer Couplers (CBCs) are mounted at the center of both longitudinal ends of the rail wagons. The CBCs of the rail wagons are coupled to each other by the impact achieved through the moving of the rail wagons against each other in opposite directions.
[0004] During coupling of the rail wagons, knuckles of the CBCs are kept in an open position and due to the impact of the strike from the rail wagons moving against each other, the knuckles are rotated around a pivot point pushing a knuckle thrower against a coupler head and thereby the knuckle lock simultaneously moves into its operative bottom position arresting the movement of a lock-lifter assembly.
[0005] Once coupled, the CBCs are required to be decoupled i.e. detach one rail wagon from another rail wagon. A conventional arrangement for decoupling the CBCs between the rail wagons utilizes a set of tools. These tools include a lever and two brackets. The lever is bent at a right angle and is provided with a hook at its one end. One of the brackets is provided at the center of the rail wagon proximal to the lock-lifter assembly and the other bracket is provided at the end of the rail wagon. The lever is adapted to pass through the brackets in such a way that the hook inserted into the bracket at the center lies in a vertical position. The lever is rotated by an operator in a clockwise direction such that its hook turns into a horizontal position and strikes the protruded tongue of the lock-lifter assembly which results in lifting of the lock to its operative top position which ultimately results in the free movement of the free end of the knuckle pushed by the knuckle thrower thereby leading to decoupling the CBCs.
[0006] Sometimes, there might be a possibility of an accidental or unintentional rotation of the lever when the rail wagon is running at a speed that results in the unwanted decoupling of the CBCs. Also, there might be a possibility of decoupling of the CBCs by an unauthorized person. To address this issue of unintentional or accidental decoupling of the CBCs, an anti-rotation rod is inserted in the bracket provided at the end of the rail wagon. In an example, the anti-rotation rod can be a bar provided between the bracket and the lever or any other locking mechanism known to a person skilled in the art.
[0007] It can be understood that the existing arrangement or way for decoupling the CBCs described hereinabove requires a lot of effort and human intervention in the disengagement of the anti-rotation rod as well as in the rotation of the lever. In case of improper synchronization with rail wagon’s motion, there might be chances for an operator to get dragged along with the rail wagons, while disengaging the anti-rotation rod or rotating of the lever. This can result in a serious injury or fatality. Further, wagons are available either with a bent lever or jammed levers/lock pins demanding for the operator to move inside the track in between the wagons for decoupling the couplers wherein any kind of discoordination can result in a serious injury or fatality.
[0008] Hence, there is a need in the state of the art to provide a system for decoupling the CBCs of rail wagons with minimum human intervention.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0010] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide a system for decoupling central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons that minimize human intervention and effort.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for decoupling central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons that is foolproof.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for decoupling central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons that increases safety.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for decoupling central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons that prevents accidental, unintentional and unauthorized decoupling of the central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system for decoupling central buffer couplers of rail wagons. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for decoupling central buffer couplers of rail wagons with minimum human intervention. The system includes an arrangement for lifting and unlocking a lever, and a scissor elevator. The arrangement comprises a telescopic cylinder which is mounted adjacent to a rail track and below the lever and includes a projected arm at its operating end to extend to the desired height to lift and unlock the lever. The scissor elevator is mounted in-between the rail track and is in an aligned position to the telescopic cylinder. The scissor elevator further comprises a plate that is longitudinally slidable over another plate and includes a striker that extends upwards for hitting a protruded tongue of a lock-lifter assembly of the central buffer coupler for decoupling the central buffer couplers.
[0017] In an aspect, the longitudinally slidable plate is coupled to a driving mechanism that slides the plate so as to position the striker exactly below the protruded tongue of the lock-lifter assembly of the central buffer coupler.
[0018] In another aspect, the scissor elevator is also coupled to another driving mechanism that slides the scissor elevator so as to further facilitate positioning of the striker exactly below the protruded tongue of the lock-lifter assembly of the central buffer coupler.
[0019] In an aspect, the arrangement comprises an extension plate mounted over the scissor elevator to lift and unlock the lever.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the scissor elevator slides longitudinally over the guiding rails with the help of the wheels that are located at its bottom.
[0021] In an aspect, the striker extends from a lock lifting tackle mounted on the plate and the striker is of pointed shoe shape.
[0022] In another aspect, the striker and the protruded tongue at their point of contact forms a V-shape.
[0023] In an aspect, the driving mechanisms are powered electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.
[0024] In an aspect, the driving mechanisms are a ram.
[0025] In another aspect, the scissor elevator comprises a top supporting plate and a bottom base plate connected to each other by a plurality of struts arranged in between in a crisscross manner.
[0026] In yet another aspect. a grounded cylinder is mounted on the bottom base plate and connected to one of the struts to achieve the lift of the scissor elevator.
[0027] The disclosed system thus provides the decoupling of the couplers with minimized human intervention and effort. The system is also foolproof, safe and prevents accidental, unintentional and unauthorized decoupling of the central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons.
[0028] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a pair of central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons coupled together;
[0032] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of a CBC shown in FIG. 1A in an unlocked condition;
[0033] FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of a CBC shown in FIG. 1A in a locked condition;
[0034] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a basic lock arrangement of a CBC shown in FIG. 1A;
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional arrangement for decoupling the CBCs;
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers (CBCs) of rail wagons, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic view of the system of FIG.3 positioned below the CBCs of rail wagons in between the rail track in a closed position;
[0038] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic view of the system of FIG.3 positioned below the CBCs of rail wagons in between the rail track in an open position;
[0039] FIG. 5A illustrates a detail perspective view of the system of FIG.3 in its open position;
[0040] FIG. 5B illustrates another perspective view of the system of FIG.3; and
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of the scissor elevator of FIG.3 positioned below a lock-lifter assembly of the central buffer coupler.
[0042] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0044] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0045] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0048] Embodiments described herein relate to central buffer couplers (CBCs) 100, 200 as shown in FIG. 1A of rail wagons 300, 400 that are coupled to each other. As mentioned above, the central buffer couplers (CBCs) 100, 200 are coupled to each other through the impact strike achieved between the rail wagons 300, 400 moving against each other in opposite directions.
[0049] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of a CBC (say CBC 100) in an unlocked condition. The central buffer coupler 100 comprises a coupler body that has two main sections; a coupler head 102 and a lock receiving chamber 104, a knuckle 106 which also has two main sections; a fixed end and a free end 106a, a knuckle thrower 108, a knuckle lock 110 and a lock-lifter assembly (not visible in the FIG. 1B). Further, the fixed end of the knuckle 106 is pivotally mounted to the coupler head 102 and its free end 106a is free to rotate in the lock receiving chamber 104 in an unlocked condition of the central buffer coupler 100. Rotation of the knuckle 106 is accelerated by a thrower leg 108a of the knuckle thrower 108 that is pivotally coupled with the coupler head 102 of the coupler body at the bottom. The knuckle thrower 108 also includes a thrower seat 108b. The thrower leg 108a of the knuckle thrower 108 rests against the knuckle 106. The lock receiving chamber 104 accommodates the knuckle lock 110 that is capable of moving from its operative top position to the operative bottom position.
[0050] However, as shown in FIG. 1C, in a locked condition of the central buffer coupler 100, the knuckle 106 is rotated about a pivot point pushing the knuckle thrower 108 against the coupler head 102 and thereby the knuckle lock 110 simultaneously moves into its operative bottom position arresting the movement of the knuckle free end 106a of the knuckle 106.
[0051] FIG. 1D shows the basic lock arrangement that consists of the knuckle lock 110 that can be subdivided into two segments i.e. a leg portion 110a and a toggle 112 and a lock-lifter assembly 114. The leg portion 110a integrally formed below the knuckle lock 110 connects to the lock-lifter assembly 114 via the toggle 112. The lock-lifter assembly 114 includes a protruded tongue 114a proximal to its one end and a hook 114b connected to a shank 116 of the central buffer coupler 100 at its other end.
[0052] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the conventional arrangement for decoupling of the central buffer couplers 100, 200 of the rail wagons 300, 400 comprises a lever 500 and two brackets 600, 700. The lever 500 is bent at a right angle and provided with a hook 500a at its one end. One bracket 600 is provided at the center of the rail wagon 300 proximal to the lock-lifter assembly 114 and the other bracket 700 is provided at the end of the rail wagon 300. The lever 500 is adapted to pass through the brackets 600, 700 in such a way that the hook 500a inserted into the bracket 600 at the center lies in a vertical position. The lever 500 is rotated by an operator in a clockwise direction such that its hook 500a turns into a horizontal position and strikes the protruded tongue 114a of the lock-lifter assembly 114 which results in lifting of the knuckle lock 110 to its operative top position which ultimately results in the free movement of the knuckle free end 106a of the knuckle 106 pushed by the knuckle thrower 108 thereby leading to decoupling the CBCs 100, 200.
[0053] But, sometimes, there might be a possibility of rotation of the lever 500 accidentally or unintentionally, when the rail wagon 300 is running at speed resulting in the decoupling of the CBCs 100, 200. Also, there might be a possibility of decoupling of the CBCs 100, 200 by an unauthorized person. To address this issue of unintentional or accidental decoupling of the CBCs 100, 200 an anti-rotation rod 800 is inserted in the bracket 700 provided at the end of the rail wagon 300.
[0054] However, it can be understood that the above-disclosed arrangement or way of decoupling the CBCs 100, 200 requires a lot of effort and human intervention for both the disengagement of the anti-rotation rod and the rotation of the lever 500. In cases of improper synchronization with rail wagon’s motion, there might be chances for an operator to get dragged along with the rail wagons 300, 400 while disengaging the anti-rotation rod 800 or rotating of the lever 500. This can result in a serious injury or fatality. Further wagons are available either with a bent lever or jammed levers/lock pins demanding for the operator to move inside the track in between the wagons for decoupling the couplers wherein any kind of discoordination can result in a serious injury or fatality.
[0055] To resolve the above-discussed shortcomings, a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers 100, 200 between the rail wagons 300, 400 is disclosed herein with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. The system comprises an arrangement for lifting and unlocking the lever (500), and a scissor elevator 1400. The arrangement comprises or includes a telescopic cylinder 1200 which is mounted inside a pit adjacent to a rail track and below the lever 500. The telescopic cylinder 1200 includes a projected arm 1202 at its operating end that extends to the desired height to lift and unlock the lever 500 of the central buffer coupler 100. The scissor elevator 1400 mounted in-between the rail track and in an aligned position to the telescopic cylinder 1200 does not interfere with the motion of the rail wagons 300, 400 in its closed position as shown in the FIG. 4A. The scissor elevator 1400 in its open position facilitates in decoupling the central buffer couplers 100, 200 of rail wagons 300, 400 in a halt or stop position as shown in the FIG. 4B.
[0056] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B shows a detailed perspective view of the system for decoupling central buffer couplers 100, 200 of the rail wagons 300, 400 wherein the scissor elevator 1400 includes a top supporting plate 1402, a bottom base plate 1404, a plurality of struts 1406, a slidable plate 1408, a plate 1410a, a pair of guide rails 1410b, a lock lifting tackle 1412, a striker 1414, two driving mechanisms 1416a, 1416b, a grounded cylinder 1418 and an extension plate 1420.
[0057] The top supporting plate 1402 and the bottom base plate 1404 are connected to each other by the plurality of struts 1406 arranged in between in a criss-cross manner. The grounded cylinder 1418 mounted on the bottom base plate 1404 and connected to one of the struts 1406 lifts the scissor elevator 1400 from its operative bottom position to operative top position. The longitudinally slidable plate (1408) slides over a plate 1410a. The plate 1410a is mounted on the top supporting plate 1402 and extends from a first longitudinal end 1402a of the top supporting plate 1402. The slidable plate 1408 is coupled to the driving mechanism 1416a mounted at a second longitudinal end 1402b of the top supporting plate 1402.
[0058] The slidable plate 1408 includes the striker 1414 for hitting the protruded tongue 114a of the lock-lifter assembly 114 of the CBC 100 for decoupling the CBCs 100, 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock lifting tackle 1412 is mounted on the slidable plate 1408 that includes the striker 1414 attached with it and extending upwards from it. In another exemplary embodiment, the striker 1414 can be directly mounted on the slidable plate 1408 extending upwards. In an aspect, the striker 1414 is of pointed shoe shape and can be of any suitable shape without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the striker 1414 and the protruded tongue 114a at their point of contact forms a V-shape.
[0059] The driving mechanism 1416a helps to slide the slidable plate 1408 so as to position the striker 1414 exactly below the protruded tongue 114a of the lock-lifter assembly 114 of the central buffer coupler 100. Similarly, the scissor elevator 1400 can slide longitudinally over the pair of guide rails 1410b with the help of wheels and is coupled to the driving mechanism 1416b mounted at a longitudinal end of the bottom base plate 1404. The driving mechanism 1416b helps to move the scissor elevator 1400 to further facilitate the position of the striker 1414 exactly below the protruded tongue 114a of the lock-lifter assembly 114 of the central buffer coupler 100. In an aspect, the driving mechanisms 1416a, 1416b are powered hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the driving mechanisms 1416a, 1416b are a ram each having a pneumatic cylinder and are pneumatically powered.
[0060] In an embodiment, the arrangement can be the extension plate 1420 mounted on the scissor elevator 1400 to lift and unlock the lever (500). In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement includes both the extension plate 1420 and the telescopic cylinder 1420 can be used to lift and unlock the lever 500. In an embodiment, a wheel 1422 is provided at the bottom of the system so as to move and position the whole system at the desired position.
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a view of the scissor elevator 1400 positioned below a lock-lifter assembly 114 of the central buffer coupler 100. In the operation mode, when an operator wants to decouple CBCs 100, 200, the operator may instruct a loco driver of a rail to move the rail wagons 300, 400 in a coupled condition to a predefined position such that the scissor elevator 1400 is just below the central buffer coupler 100 and the telescopic cylinder 1200 is just below the lever 500. At this position, the operator presses a button from a control unit for extending the telescopic cylinder 1200 wherein the projected arm 1202 lifts and unlocks the lever 500. The operator then presses another button for lifting the scissor elevator 1400 to a predetermined height wherein the striker 1414 applies a striking force against the protruded tongue 114a of the lock-lifter assembly 114 thereby resulting in the movement of the knuckle lock 110 to its operative top position. The movement of the knuckle lock 110 to its operative top position results in the free movement of the knuckle free end 106a of the knuckle 106 to its open position thereby decoupling the central buffer couplers 100, 200. In case of an improper alignment of the lock lifting tackle 1412 with the CBC lock-lifter assembly 114, the operator may adjust the position of the scissor elevator 1400 by activating the driving mechanism 1416b attached with the bottom base plate 1404 of scissor elevator 1400. In a preferred embodiment, the telescopic cylinder 1200, scissor elevator 1400 and lock lifting tackle 1412 all are hydraulically controlled at a section called controlled unit.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0062] The present disclosure provides a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers of the rail wagons with minimum human intervention and effort.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers of rail wagons that is foolproof.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers of rail wagons that increases safety.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a system for decoupling the central buffer couplers that prevent accidental, unintentional and unauthorized decoupling of the central buffer couplers of rail wagons.
[0066] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100, 200 Central buffer couplers
114 Lock-lifter assembly
114a Protruded tongue
300, 400 Rail Wagons
500 Lever
1200 Telescopic cylinder
1202 Projected arm
1400 Scissor elevator
1402 Top supporting plate
1404 Bottom base plate
1406 Struts
1408 Slidable plate
1410a Plate
1410b Guiding rails
1412 Lock lifting tackle
1414 Striker
1416a, 1416b Driving mechanism
1418 Grounded cylinder
1420 Extension plate
1422 Wheel

Claims:1. A system for decoupling central buffer couplers (100, 200) of rail wagons (300, 400), the system comprising:
an arrangement for lifting and unlocking a lever (500); and
a scissor elevator (1400) mounted in-between the rail track comprising:
a longitudinally slidable plate (1408) slidable over a plate (1410a) and including a striker (1414) extending upwards for hitting a protruded tongue (114a) of a lock-lifter assembly (114) of the central buffer coupler (100) for decoupling the central buffer couplers (100, 200).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrangement is a telescopic cylinder (1200) mounted adjacent to a rail track and below the lever (500), the telescopic cylinder (1200) at an operating end including a projected arm (1202).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slidable plate (1408) is coupled to a driving mechanism (1416a) that slides the slidable plate (1408) so as to position the striker (1414) exactly below the protruded tongue (114a) of the lock-lifter assembly (114) of the central buffer coupler (100).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scissor elevator (1400) is in an aligned position to the telescopic cylinder (1200).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrangement comprises an extension plate (1420) mounted over the scissor elevator (1400) to push the lever (500) to provide an appropriate strike force to hit the protruded tongue (114a).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scissor elevator (1400) is coupled to a driving mechanism (1416b) that slides the scissor elevator (1400) so as to further facilitate positioning of the striker (1414) exactly below the protruded tongue (114a) of the lock-lifter assembly (114) of the central buffer coupler (100).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scissor elevator (1400) slides longitudinally over a pair of guiding rails (1410b) with the help of wheels.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (500) is bent at a right angle.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (1414) is of pointed shoe shape.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (1414) extends from a lock lifting tackle (1412) mounted on the slidable plate (1408).
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the striker (1414) and the protruded tongue (114a) at their point of contact forms a V-shape.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanisms (1416a, 1416b) is powered electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanisms (1416a, 1416b) is a ram.
14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scissor elevator (1400) comprises a top supporting plate (1402) and a bottom base plate (1404) connected to each other by a plurality of struts (1406) arranged in between in a crisscross manner.
15. The system as claimed in claim 7, comprising a grounded cylinder (1418) mounted on the bottom base plate (1404) and connected to one of the struts (1406) for lifting the scissor elevator (1400).