Autran Platform Operating Mechanism in Folded Condition

The operating mechanism is shown by itself in the folded condition with the front, rear and side lock elements (dark blue) in horizontal positions. The front and rear lock elements are parts of two separate assemblies which are in side-by-side relation to permit the elements to be moved through distances that are large in relation to the length of the platform and to accommodate the large range of lengths associated with standard cars. Each of the front and rear lock elements has an elongated portion that extends within a sleeve (light blue) and to a terminal end connected to the end of a longitudinally movable rack member (tan). To effect movement of each lock element into engagement with a bumper of a car, each rack member has teeth on its underside meshed with teeth of a pinion (violet, only one being visible). Each sleeve has a longitudinal slot in its upper side. When the associated lock element is rotated to a vertical position and is then moved by the associated rack member, a portion of the lock element moves into the slot of the sleeve to then prevent rotation of the lock element.

To operate the lock elements, actuators are provided that are not shown but that are in a loading station control unit which is alongside the platform in a loading lane. A first actuator is moved inwardly toward the platform to engage a latch release member (red). Then a second actuator is moved inwardly to engage and pivot a control member (yellow) about a vertical axis and thereby rotate all four lock elements to vertical positions. Then third and fourth actuators are moved inwardly to engage and rotate shafts (dark green) that operate to rotate the pinions and move the front and rear lock elements rearwardly and forwardly into engagement with front and rear bumpers. Finally, all actuators are moved outwardly away from the platform.

The front, rear and side lock elements are then latched in positions as shown in Platform Operating Mechanism in Unfolded Condition.

For more detailed descriptions of the construction and operation, see Close-Up of Operating Mechanism in Folded Condition, and Close-Up of Operating Mechanism in Unfolded Condition.

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