Interlocking
Interlocking is a device or a system meant to ensure the safety of
trains.
Interlocking can be defined as an arrangement of signals, points,
and other apparatus so interconnected by means of mechanical or
electrical locking that they can be operated in a predetermined
sequence to ensure that there is no conflicting movement of signals
and points and trains run safely.
Mechanical Methods of Interlocking
The mechanical method of interlocking consists of tappets and lock
bars.
The tappet bar and lock bar are placed at rights to each other.
The lock bars have extra metal piece fixed and cut to a shape such
that it can be exactly fitted in the notches of the tappet bars.
Mechanical Methods of Interlocking
The principle of interlocking is as follows:
i) The normal setting of the points is for main line, where the
signal no 1 indicates the routing signal for the main line and
signal no 2 for the branch line.
ii) To adjust the track for siding on branch line, the tappet bar for
point no 3 is pulled by lever no 3 .
iii) This pushing at the same time releases the lock C from tappet
bar for signal no 2
iv) If tappet bar for signal no 2 is pulled through lever no 2,it will
prevent the lock bar for point no 3 to track its path back.
Mechanical Methods of Interlocking
v) At the same time, lock C enters the notch of tappet bar for signal no
1.
vi)As long as signal no 2 remains in off position, point no 3 would
keep open for the branch line and signal no 1 cannot be taken to off
position.
Mechanical Devices for Interlocking
The following mechanical devices are used:
1) Detectors.
2) Stretcher Bar, Lock Plunger and Lock Bar.
3) Tappet
4) Slotting of signals
5) Connecting devices such as rod, cranks and temperature
compensation.
Detectors
The detectors are used on all points over which signals control the
train.
The mechanism of a mechanical detector in its simplest form is a
box near the points wherein the bars from signal wires are placed at
right angles to the bar from the stretcher bars of points.
These bars are called slides.
Signal slides are placed at right angles to the point slide and all the
slides are suitably held, so that there is no vertical movement in
them.
Detectors
Stretcher Bar, Lock Plunger and Lock
Bar
Stretcher Bar, Lock Plunger and Lock
Bar
Point Lock: The point lock is placed in middle of the track a little in
front of the toes of tongue rail.
The objective of point rail is to ensure that each switch is correctly set.
Lock Bar: The lock bar is little longer than the longest where hase any
vehicle.
This is provided for the purpose that the point may not be operated
while the train is on it.
This is either of an angle iron or T-iron, 12.6 m long bar minimum for
B.G. and 12.0 m for M.G. (equal to longest wheel base), is provided
near and parallel to the inner side of the rail.
Slotting of signals
Slotting is an arrangement in which though the lever operating a
signal is in one cabin but the actual taking 'OFF' of the signal
requires the releasing of a control by another cabin.
Hence, a signal is to be operated and controlled from two different
cabins.
Connecting devices such as rod, cranks
and temperature compensation
Connecting devices Temperature compensators
Connecting devices such as rod, cranks
and temperature compensation
The connecting devices between the lever in the signal cabin and
switch (or signal), usually consist of 3.8 cm diameter pipe or solid
rod.
At every change of direction, a suitable crank is used.
These pipes move on rollers in frames fixed in concrete at 2 m to 3
m intervals
Temperature compensation
Temperature Compensators are used us neutralise the effect of
expansion or contraction of rods due to variations in temperature.
A compensator consists of a pair of cranks (one of acute angle and
another of obtuse angle) connected by a pipe upto a wire length of
about 365 m, only one compensator is used.
But two compensators are installed if the length is more than 365
m.