Coupling between trucks of fixed site train like tunnellers - uses rigid adjustable couplings at fixed angle following mean track radius which may be two dissimilar length screwed rods

摘要

The site train advances intermittently, the trucks (1-4) being rigidly coupled between the successive movements. The longitudinal train axes (9,10) are tangential to the mean track line (6). Coupling between two trucks (1-4) may provide a predetermined fixed angle, to follow the track line (6) radius (R) of the rails (5). The coupling may be adjustable and/or have a clutch. This coupling may be formed by struts between two points on the adjacent trucks, or outer (8) and inner (7) radius bars, respectively relatively long and short. Alternatively, these may be screwed rods in pivoting brackets. USE/ADVANTAGE - Digger for circular section tunnels, or radiused sites. Reduces energy costs by adjusted to track configuration.