Close-Up of Platform Operating Mechanism in Unfolded Condition

At a loading lane, an actuator is first moved inwardly to engage the latch release member (red). Then an actuator is moved inwardly to engage the left arm of the control member (yellow) and move it to to the position as shown and thereby move all four lock elements (dark blue) to vertical positions. Then actuators move in to engage and rotate the pinion actuating shafts and to move the front and rear lock elements to positions as shown in which they may be in engagement with the front and rear bumpers of a car. All actuators are then moved out and latch members are moved to their locking positions by the spring in the rectangular housing (dark green) to hold all four locking elements in the unfolded positions as shown.

At an unloading lane, the sequence is reversed. After first moving an actuator inwardly to engage the latch release member, actuators are moved in to engage and rotate the pinion actuating shafts and to move the front and rear lock elements forwardly and rearwardly away from the bumpers of a car and to positions at the ends of the platform. Then an actuator is moved inwardly to engage the right arm of the control member (yellow) and move it to a position such that all four lock elements (dark blue) are rotated to horizontal folded positions. All actuators are then moved out and latch members are again moved to their locking positions by the spring in the rectangular housing (dark green) to hold all four locking elements in the horizontal folded positions thereof.

Although not essential, actuators engageable with both the left and right arms of the control member may be provided for servicing purposes at both loading and unloading lanes.

©Autran Corp.1999, 2002, 2006 Return to Main Page