Patent Application
20170043796
The present disclosure relates to a coupling system, and more particularly to the coupling system for coupling locomotives in a locomotive consist or a locomotive to a freight wagon or passenger carriage.
Couplers are used to couple adjacent locomotives in a locomotive consist. For a particular locomotive application, a type of coupler may have to be replaced with a different type of coupler, and vice versa. The ability of the locomotive to switch between different couplers may allow quick and easy coupling of the adjacent locomotives. However, the challenge in interchanging one type of coupler and the other type of coupler is the difference in design of the couplers and a height at which the couplers are installed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,323 describes improvements in universal vertical lift system couplings and attachments therefor; in vertical lift systems, improvements in wide engagement and narrow engagement universal couples and attachments; and improvements in couples of vertical lift systems, both wide gauge and narrow gauge, which permit attachment engagements be fixed directly to the working attachment member, rather than requiring the conventional intermediate universal support or carry.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a coupling system mounted on an underframe of a first locomotive is provided. The coupling system includes a first member defining a first pocket configured to detachably receive a first coupler. The coupling system also includes a second member defining a second pocket spaced apart from the first. The second member configured to detachably receive a second coupler. The first locomotive is connected to a second locomotive by one of the first coupler and the second coupler.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, an underframe for a locomotive is provided. The underframe defines a first axis and a second axis. The underframe includes a first member defining a first pocket configured to detachably receive a first coupler. The first coupler is disposed along the first axis. The underframe also includes a second member defining a second pocket spaced apart from the first pocket along the second axis. The second member is configured to detachably receive a second coupler. The second coupler is disposed along the second axis. The locomotive is connected to another locomotive by one of the first coupler and the second coupler.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a locomotive is provided. The locomotive includes an underframe. The locomotive also includes a coupling system mounted on the underframe. The coupling system includes a first member defining a first pocket configured to detachably receive a first coupler. The coupling system also includes a second member defining a second pocket spaced apart from the first pocket. The second member is configured to detachably receive a second coupler. The locomotive is connected to another locomotive by one of the first coupler and the second coupler.
Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
The locomotive consist 100 may include an engine (not shown) associated therewith. The engine is configured to provide driving power to the locomotive consist 100, in order to propel the locomotive consist 100. In one embodiment, the engine may include, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel powered engine such as, a natural gas engine, a combination of known sources of power, or any other type of power source apparent to one of skill in the art.
The locomotive consist 100 includes at least one operator compartment 104. An operator of the locomotive consist 100 may be seated inside the operator compartment 104 for operating the locomotive consist 100. The operator compartment 104 may include a number of input devices (not shown) to control and maneuver the locomotive consist 100. Further, the operator compartment 104 may include a number of output devices (not shown) present therein. Further, the locomotive consist 100 may include a transmission system and a propulsion system. The locomotive consist 100 also includes a plurality of wheels 109 for propulsion of the locomotive consist 100 on the rails 102.
The locomotive consist 100 shown in the accompanying figures includes a first locomotive 106. The first locomotive 106 is generally embodied as the primary locomotive, and includes the operator compartment 104 and the engine. Further, the locomotive consist 100 includes a second locomotive 108. The second locomotive 108 may be embodied as a trail locomotive that is coupled behind the first locomotive 106; in a propulsion direction of the locomotive consist 100. It should be noted that the number of first locomotives 106 and second locomotives 108 disclosed herein is exemplary, and may vary based on the applications. For example, the locomotive consist 100 may include more than one first locomotive 106 and one second locomotive 108.
The first and second locomotives 106, 108 are provided adjacent to and mechanically coupled with each other, such that the locomotives 106, 108 are arranged one behind the other. Referring to
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The first coupler 204 is coupled with the first member 202 using a number of fasteners (not shown). When assembled with the first member 202, the first coupler 204 projects horizontally outwards from a surface 116 (see
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In one example, the first and second coupler 204, 222 may be of the same type. Alternatively, the first and second coupler 204, 222 may be of different types. It should be noted that any one of the first and second couplers 204, 222 may be used for coupling the first locomotive 106 with the second locomotive 108. Also, the selection between any one of the first and second couplers 204, 222 for coupling purposes may depend on application requirements and is subject to variation. Further, the fasteners 206, 218, 226 may embody any one of known mechanical fastener such as bolt, screw, rivet, pin, and the like, without any limitations.
The present disclosure relates to a dual coupler arrangement for the coupling system 200 associated with the locomotive consist 100. The coupling system 200 allows different types of couplers, mounted at varying heights, to be integrated on a single locomotive. The coupling system 200 includes the first coupler 204 and the second coupler 222, such that any one of the first and second couplers 204, 222 may be used to couple the locomotives 106, 108. The first and second couplers 204, 222 are installed at different heights with respect to each other. The coupling system 200 disclosed herein is capable of interchangeably receiving different types of couplers.
The coupling system 200 of the present disclosure allows easy interchangeability between different coupler designs in a short cycle time. Also, as the coupling system 200 includes fewer and low cost components, the coupling system 200 presents a cost effective coupling solution that allows easy switching between different couplers. Further, the coupling system 200 also permits easy conversion of the locomotives from one coupling system to an alternative coupling system, and vice versa with low complexity.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
