Coupler Torsion Spring Centering Device
A coupler for a railway vehicle includes a coupler anchor and a coupler centering device having a pair of arm sub-assemblies. Each arm subassembly has an upper centering arm connected to a lower centering arm via a torsion bar extending through the coupler anchor. The lower centering arms are connected by a cross link such that movement of one of the upper centering arms causes a corresponding movement of both of the lower centering arms. Each upper centering arm engages a roller that rolls along a curved surface of the centering arm when the coupler is rotated horizontally toward the upper centering arm. A centering stop element prevents the movement of the opposing upper centering arm to generate a restoring force in the torsion bars that facilitates horizontal movement of the coupler. The coupler centering device may be disengaged from an active centering position to facilitate servicing of the coupler.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/718,866, filed Oct. 26, 2012, and entitled “Coupler Torsion Spring Centering Device”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure is directed to couplers for railway cars, and, more particularly, to a device for horizontally centering a railway car coupler.
2. Description of Related Art
Railway vehicle cars include couplers for connecting adjacent cars to each other to form a train composition. Each coupler is adapted to swing within a predetermined angular range in a horizontal direction to facilitate car coupling and movement on a curved track. Adjoining car couplers must be aligned to be on-center with the longitudinal axis of the railway car during a car coupling procedure. Due to variations in sizes of the cars and the type of coupler installed on each car, there may exist significant horizontal offsets between adjacent couplers in the lateral direction of the railway car. Such horizontal offsets are further compounded when attempting to couple adjacent railway cars on a curved section of a railway track or while moving on the curved track. Existing couplers utilize pneumatically or hydraulically assisted coupler centering devices capable of moving the car coupler within a predetermined angular range in a horizontal direction to facilitate mating with an adjoining car coupler. These devices often require auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, hoses, and valves, that is positioned on an underside of each railway car.
Existing designs for coupler centering devices are associated with a number of disadvantages. Conventional coupler centering devices require complicated pneumatic or hydraulic equipment that increases the overall cost of the railway car and complicates car maintenance. In case of a breakdown of the pneumatic or the hydraulic mechanism, the entire coupler centering device is often rendered inoperative. Due to the complexity and weight of the components, manual movement of the coupler centering device is not possible. Additionally, because of the pumps, hoses, valves, and other auxiliary equipment, conventional coupler centering devices take up a substantial amount of space around the coupler. Such arrangements prevent the installation of other auxiliary components adjacent to the coupler. Additionally, existing coupler centering devices may not be adjustable to control the force required to keep the coupler on center with the coupler on an adjoining railway car.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the foregoing, a need exists for a coupler centering device that replaces complicated pneumatic or hydraulic coupler centering machinery with a mechanical centering device. An additional need exists for providing a coupler centering device having compact dimensions and reduced weight for allowing installation of auxiliary components on or near the car coupler. A further need exists for a coupler centering device adapted for manual manipulation of the coupler when aligning adjacent couplers during coupling. Yet another need exists to provide a coupler centering device that is adjustable to control the amount of force required to keep the coupler on center with the coupler of an adjoining car.
According to one embodiment, a coupler for a railway car may include a coupler anchor and a coupler mechanism pivotal relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane. The coupler may further include a coupler centering device for centering the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor. The coupler centering device may include a first centering arm subassembly having a first centering arm and a first centering link connected to a first torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in a substantially vertical direction and a second centering arm subassembly having a second centering arm and a second centering link connected to a second torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in the substantially vertical direction. The coupler may further include a cross link connecting the first and second centering links. A pair of first and second rollers may be provided to be in contact with the respective first and second centering arms.
In accordance with another embodiment, the coupler may include a support bracket coupled to the coupler mechanism. The first and second rollers may be connected to the support bracket such that a first and second roller axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler mechanism. The first and second centering arms may be preloaded against the first and second roller to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bar for restoring the coupler mechanism to the on-center position when the coupler mechanism is pivoted to the off-center position. In one embodiment, pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position may cause one of the first and the second centering arms to roll along the one of the first and second rollers to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bars.
In a further embodiment, the restoring force in the first and second torsion bars may increase in proportion to the pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position. The restoring force in the first and second torsion bars may restore the coupler mechanism to the on-center position. In yet another embodiment, the first and second centering arms may be movable to a disengaged position in which the coupling mechanism is not urged to an on-center position. The first and second centering arms may have a curved shape and the first and second torsion bars may have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, a railway car coupler for coupling railway cars may include a coupler anchor and a coupler mechanism pivotal relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane. The railway car coupler may further include a coupler centering device for centering the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor. The railway car coupler centering device may include a first centering arm subassembly having a first centering arm and a first centering link connected to a first torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in a substantially vertical direction and a second centering arm subassembly having a second centering arm and a second centering link connected to a second torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in the substantially vertical direction. The railway car coupler may further include a cross link connecting the first and second centering links. A pair of first and second rollers may be provided to be in contact with the respective first and second centering anus.
In accordance with another embodiment, the railway car coupler may include a support bracket coupled to the coupler mechanism. The first and second rollers may be connected to the support bracket, such that the first and second roller axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler mechanism. The first and second centering arms may be preloaded against the first and second roller to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bar for restoring the coupler mechanism to the on-center position when the coupler mechanism is pivoted to the off-center position. In one embodiment, pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position may cause one of the first and the second centering anus to roll along the one of the first and second rollers to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bars.
In a further embodiment, the restoring force in the first and second torsion bars may increase in proportion to the pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position. The restoring force in the first and second torsion bars may restore the coupler mechanism to the on-center position. In yet another embodiment, the first and second centering arms may be movable to a disengaged position in which the coupling mechanism is not urged to an on-center position. The first and second centering arms may have a curved shape and the first and second torsion bars may have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, a coupler centering device for centering a coupler mechanism relative to a coupler anchor of a railway car may include a first centering arm subassembly having a first centering arm and a first centering link connected to a first torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor. The coupler centering device may further include a second centering arm subassembly having a second centering arm and a second centering link connected to a second torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor. A cross link may be provided for connecting the first and second centering links. Additionally, a pair of first and second rollers may be in contact with the respective first and second centering arms. In one embodiment, a support bracket may be coupled to the coupler mechanism, such that the first and second rollers are connected to the support bracket, such that the first and second roller axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler mechanism. The first and second centering arms may have a curved shape and the first and second torsion bars may have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
These and other features and characteristics of the coupler centering device, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the embodiment as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views thereof, the present disclosure is generally directed to a railway car coupler having a coupler centering mechanism for adjusting the alignment of the coupler in a horizontal plane in a lateral direction of the railway car.
Referring initially to
Coupler anchor 20 has a substantially rectangular-shaped anchor body 60 that is truncated from its lateral sides. A front face of anchor body 60 defines a plurality of anchor mounting apertures 65 which accept securing elements (not shown) for interfacing with and securing anchor body 60 to the car frame of a railway car. Anchor body 60 pivotally supports coupler mechanism 50, deformation tube 40, and draft gear mechanism 30. In one embodiment, coupler mechanism 50, deformation tube 40, and draft gear mechanism 30 are aligned axially and are pivotal about a vertical axis 70 extending through a mounting portion 80 of anchor body 60. Coupler mechanism 50, deformation tube 40, and draft gear mechanism 30 are pivotal in a horizontal plane in either direction from a longitudinal axis 90 of the railway car. Coupler mechanism 50, deformation tube 40, and draft gear mechanism 30 may pivot through a predetermined angular range from an on-center position that is substantially parallel with longitudinal axis 90. As shown in
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Having described the structure of coupler centering device 100, an operating principle of the same will now be described with reference to
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One benefit of coupler 10 incorporating coupler centering device 100 over the existing coupler centering means is that coupler centering device 100 is adapted to enable pivotal movement of coupler 10 with respect to coupler anchor 20 for aligning coupler 10 of one railway car with the coupler of an adjacent car. Coupler centering device 100 allows for manual adjustment of coupler 10 to align it from an off-center position to an on-center position that is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 90 of the railway car. Another benefit is that the use of torsion bars 110, 116 in coupler centering device 100 creates a mechanical system that is not dependent on secondary equipment, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pumps, hoses, and valves. Coupler centering device 100 allows for a more compact and lightweight installation which allows additional space for auxiliary equipment on or near coupler 10. Thus, coupler centering device 100 may be used to replace an existing coupler alignment system in order to provide manual adjustment, as well as to provide additional space adjacent to coupler 10 for installation of other equipment.
While various embodiments of a coupler torsion spring centering device were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. A coupler for a railway car, comprising:
- a coupler anchor;
- a coupler mechanism pivotal relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane; and
- a coupler centering device for centering the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor, the coupler centering device comprising: a first centering arm subassembly having a first centering arm and a first centering link connected to a first torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in a substantially vertical direction; a second centering arm subassembly having a second centering arm and a second centering link connected to a second torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in the substantially vertical direction; a cross link connecting the first and second centering links; and a pair of first and second rollers in contact with the respective first and second centering arms.
2. The coupler of claim 1, further comprising a support bracket coupled to the coupler mechanism, wherein the first and second rollers are connected to the support bracket such that a first and second roller axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler mechanism.
3. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the first and second centering arms are preloaded against the first and second roller to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bar for restoring the coupler mechanism to the on-center position when the coupler mechanism is pivoted to the off-center position.
4. The coupler of claim 1, wherein pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position causes one of the first and the second centering arms to roll along the one of the first and second rollers to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bars.
5. The coupler of claim 4, wherein the restoring force in the first and second torsion bars increases in proportion to the pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position.
6. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the restoring force in the first and second torsion bars restores the coupler mechanism to the on-center position.
7. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the first and second centering arms are movable to a disengaged position in which the coupling mechanism is not urged to an on-center position.
8. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the first and second centering arms have a curved shape.
9. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the first and second torsion bars have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
10. A railway car coupler for coupling railway cars, the railway car coupler comprising:
- a coupler anchor connected to a railway car body;
- a coupler mechanism pivotal relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane; and a coupler centering device for centering the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor, the coupler centering device comprising: a first centering arm subassembly having a first centering arm and a first centering link connected to a first torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in a substantially vertical direction; a second centering arm subassembly having a second centering arm and a second centering link connected to a second torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor in the substantially vertical direction; a cross link connecting the first and second centering links; and a pair of first and second rollers in contact with the respective first and second centering arms.
11. The coupler of claim 10, further comprising a support bracket coupled to the coupler mechanism, wherein the first and second rollers are connected to the support bracket such that a first and second roller axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler mechanism.
12. The coupler of claim 10, wherein the first and second centering arms are preloaded against the first and second roller to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bar for restoring the coupler mechanism to the on-center position when the coupler mechanism is pivoted to the off-center position.
13. The coupler of claim 10, wherein pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position causes one of the first and the second centering arms to roll along the one of the first and second rollers to generate a restoring force in the first and second torsion bars.
14. The coupler of claim 13, wherein the restoring force in the first and second torsion bars increases in proportion to the pivotal movement of the coupler mechanism from the on-center position.
15. The coupler of claim 10, wherein the restoring force in the first and second torsion bars restores the coupler mechanism to the on-center position.
16. The coupler of claim 10, wherein the first and second centering arms are movable to a disengaged position in which the coupling mechanism is not urged to an on-center position.
17. The coupler of claim 10, wherein the first and second centering arms have a curved shape and wherein the first and second torsion bars have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
18. A coupler centering device for centering a coupler mechanism relative to a coupler anchor of a railway car, the coupler centering device comprising:
- a first centering arm subassembly having a first centering arm and a first centering link connected to a first torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor;
- a second centering arm subassembly having a second centering arm and a second centering link connected to a second torsion bar extending though the coupler anchor;
- a cross link connecting the first and second centering links; and
- a pair of first and second rollers in contact with the respective first and second centering arms.
19. The coupler of claim 18, further comprising a support bracket coupled to the coupler mechanism, wherein the first and second rollers are connected to the support bracket such that a first and second roller axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the coupler mechanism.
20. The coupler of claim 18, wherein the first and second centering arms have a curved shape and wherein the first and second torsion bars have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 28, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 19, 2015
Applicant: WABTEC HOLDING CORP. (Wilmerding, PA)
Inventors: Jason D. Peckham (Cato, NY), William C. Swindler (Greer, SC)
Application Number: 14/438,031