An intelligent electric translation roadblock

By setting up mobile roadblock bars in the safe passage area and using the drive mechanism to achieve mechanized movement, the problem of existing roadblocks requiring manual removal is solved, automatic movement is achieved, labor intensity and passage time are reduced, and the service life of the equipment is extended.

CN111206527BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-21SHENZHEN KAIERMEI TECH CO LTD
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010226240.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-03-27
Publication Date
2025-03-21
Estimated Expiration
2040-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing roadblocks need to be moved manually, resulting in high labor intensity, long pass times and lack of intelligent automation.

Method used

An intelligent electric translational roadblock is designed, and a mobile roadblock rod is set up in the safe passage area, and the mechanized movement of the roadblock rod is realized through the driving mechanism, and combined with an automatic oil injection mechanism to extend the service life of the equipment.

Benefits of technology

The automatic movement of roadblock rods is realized, which reduces the labor intensity of manual movement, saves passage time, and extends the service life of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN111206527B_ABST
    Figure CN111206527B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention discloses an intelligent electric translational roadblock, which relates to the technical field of roadblocks. More than one movable roadblock pole is arranged in a safety passage area, and the movable roadblock pole is moved by a driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism comprises a linear guide rail fixedly mounted on the bottom end of a protective box, a base is slidably connected above the linear guide rail, a connecting seat is fixedly mounted on one side of the base, a power transmission device is serially connected to the end of the base opposite to the spring sheet, and the power transmission device is mounted inside the space formed by the protective box and the cover plate. In actual use of the above structure, the power transmission device can drive the base to move under the action of the linear guide rail, and a movable roadblock pole is mounted above the base, thereby making the roadblock pole more practical in a mechanical way. Compared with the existing roadblocks that need to be moved, this method saves time and effort and will not delay the passage time of pedestrians.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of roadblocks, and specifically to an intelligent electric translation roadblock applicable to public places. Background Art

[0002] In public places, such as airports, subway stations, etc., roadblocks that prevent pedestrians from passing are often seen. For the currently commonly used roadblocks, when some luggage carts and wheelchairs need to pass through the entrances and exits of airports or subways, they need to be manually moved aside. Therefore, it is exposed that the existing roadblocks rely on manual operation, lack convenient mechanical equipment, and have a relatively large labor intensity. It is extremely inconvenient for workers to move them aside, delaying the passing time, and lacking intelligent automation. For this reason, technicians in this field have proposed an intelligent electric translation roadblock applicable to public places. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aiming at the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an intelligent electric translation roadblock, which solves the problems that the existing roadblocks rely on manual operation, lack convenient mechanical equipment, have a relatively large labor intensity, are extremely inconvenient for workers to move aside, delay the passing time, and lack intelligent automation because they need to be manually moved aside.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is realized through the following technical solutions: An intelligent electric translation roadblock includes a safety passage area. A number of fixed roadblock rods distributed in a "U" shape are installed at the position of the pedestrian passage in the safety passage area. A roadblock rod moving unit is embedded and installed on the top of the safety passage area and on one side of the "U" shape distribution structure. An oil injection mechanism reserved hole is opened on the top end face of the safety passage area and on one side of the roadblock rod moving unit.

[0005] The roadblock rod moving unit includes a protective box fixedly installed inside the safety passage area. The top end face of the protective box is fixedly connected with a cover plate. A driving mechanism is fixedly installed in the space jointly formed by the protective box and the cover plate. An automatic oil injection mechanism is fixedly connected to one side end face of the protective box and corresponding to the oil injection mechanism reserved hole.

[0006] The driving mechanism includes a base fixedly installed inside the protective box, linear guide rails are installed on both sides of the base, and linear bearings are installed on the inner sides of both sides of the base, connecting seats are fixedly installed on the outer sides of both sides, and spring plates are connected to both ends of the connecting seats, both ends of the spring plates are provided with U-shaped grooves, and the U-shaped grooves are fixedly connected to the connecting seats by bolts, and a spring mechanism is fixedly installed at the end of the spring plate, and a linkage frame is fixedly connected at the top of the connecting seat and at a position directly above the base, and two groups of guide wheels are fixedly installed on both sides of the ends of the spring plate and the base opposite to each other, and a power transmission device is connected in series with the end of the base opposite to the spring plate, and the power transmission device is installed inside the space formed by the protective box and the cover plate.

[0007] Preferably, a positioning hole is opened inside the cover plate, the sliding end face of the driving mechanism is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the movable barrier rod, the top end of the movable barrier rod extends to above the cover plate through the positioning hole, and the top end face of the cover plate is flush with the surface of the safety passage area.

[0008] Preferably, an impact force offsetting structure is formed between the connecting seat and the side wall of the base through a first buffer spring.

[0009] Preferably, the power transmission device is a combination of a servo motor and a screw rod or any one of a cylinder.

[0010] Preferably, the spring mechanism includes a section connecting plate which is movably connected to the base and the two sides of the spring sheet respectively, the bottom end of the one section connecting plate is movably connected to the top end of the two section connecting plate, a buffer guide wheel is fixedly installed on the bottom end of the two section connecting plate, and a second buffer spring is commonly connected between the bottom of the two section connecting plate and the top of the one section connecting plate.

[0011] Preferably, the one-section connecting plate corresponds to the base and the spring sheet, and an adjustable rotating structure is formed by a pin between the bottom end of the one-section connecting plate and the top end of the second-section connecting plate.

[0012] Preferably, the automatic oil filling mechanism includes an oil storage cup fixedly mounted on an outer wall of one side of the base, the oil outlet at the bottom of the oil storage cup is fixedly connected in series with the oil inlet end of a lower oil pipe, the oil outlet end of the lower oil pipe is connected in series with the oil inlet of the solenoid valve, the oil outlet of the solenoid valve is fixedly connected in series with the oil inlet end of an oil outlet pipe, the oil outlet end of the oil outlet pipe extends to the interior of the base and is fixedly connected in series with a nozzle, and the position of the nozzle is matched with the position of the linear guide rail.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the oil storage cup is rotatably connected to a cup cover by a thread, a disassembly nut is fixedly connected in the center of the top end surface of the cup cover in an embedded manner, the bottom end surface of the cup cover is symmetrically fixedly connected to the non-telescopic ends of two telescopic rods, and the bottom end surface of the cup cover is fixedly connected to a pressure spring at a position located between the two telescopic rods, and the telescopic ends of the two telescopic rods and the bottom end of the pressure spring are commonly fixedly connected to a piston made of rubber material.

[0014] Beneficial Effects

[0015] The present invention provides an intelligent electric translation roadblock. Compared with the prior art, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. The intelligent electric translation roadblock is provided with more than one movable roadblock pole in the safety passage area, and the movable roadblock pole is moved by a driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism includes a linear guide rail fixedly installed at the bottom end of the inner part of the protection box, a base is slidably connected above the linear guide rail, a connecting seat is fixedly installed on one side of the base, a linkage frame is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting seat and located directly above the base, two spring pieces are connected in series at the front end of the base, two sets of guide wheels and spring mechanisms are fixedly installed on both sides of the ends of the spring pieces and the base respectively, a power transmission device is connected in series at the ends of the base and the spring pieces, and the power transmission device is installed inside the space formed by the protection box and the cover plate, through the above structure, in actual use, the power transmission device can drive the base to move under the action of the linear guide rail, and a movable roadblock pole is installed above the base, so that the roadblock pole can be made more practical by mechanical means, and compared with the existing roadblocks that need to be moved, this method is more time-saving and labor-saving, and will not delay the passage time of pedestrians.

[0017] 2. The intelligent electric translation barrier is provided with an automatic oil filling mechanism at the position corresponding to the linear guide rail, wherein the automatic oil filling mechanism includes an oil storage cup fixedly mounted on the outer wall of one side of the base, the oil outlet at the bottom of the oil storage cup is fixedly connected in series with the oil inlet end of the lower oil pipe, the oil outlet end of the lower oil pipe is connected in series with the oil inlet of the solenoid valve, the oil outlet of the solenoid valve is fixedly connected in series with the oil inlet end of the oil outlet pipe, the oil outlet end of the oil outlet pipe extends to the inside of the base and is fixedly connected in series with a nozzle, the position of the nozzle is adapted to the position of the linear guide rail, the top of the oil storage cup is connected to a cup cover by threaded rotation, the center of the top end face of the cup cover is The embedded fixed connection is provided with a disassembly nut, and the bottom end surface of the cup cover is symmetrically fixedly connected with the non-telescopic ends of the two telescopic rods, and the bottom end surface of the cup cover is located between the two telescopic rods and is fixedly connected with a pressure spring, and the telescopic ends of the two telescopic rods and the bottom end of the pressure spring are jointly fixedly connected with a rubber piston. Through the above structure, in actual use, lubricating oil can be provided to the contact part between the linear guide and the base, avoiding the problem of large self-damage of the linear guide or the base due to the need for the entire drive mechanism to move multiple times a day, thereby extending the normal service life of the entire drive mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the roadblock pole moving unit of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the roadblock pole moving unit of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of opening the extension hole of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the driving mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of part A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the spring mechanism of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the automatic oil filling mechanism of the present invention;

[0026] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the oil storage cup of the present invention;

[0027] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0028] In the figure: 1. Safety passage area; 2. Fixed roadblock bar; 3. Roadblock bar moving unit; 31. Protection box; 32. Cover plate; 33. Expansion hole; 34. Driving mechanism; 341. Linear guide rail; 342. Base; 343. Linkage frame; 344. Guide wheel; 345. Connection seat; 346. First buffer spring; 347. Elastic sheet; 348. Spring mechanism; 3481. First-section connecting plate; 3482. Pin shaft; 3483. Second-section connecting plate; 3484. Buffer guide wheel; 3485. Second buffer spring; 349. Servo motor; 3410. Lead screw; 3411. Cylinder; 35. Movable roadblock bar; 36. Automatic oil injection mechanism; 361. Oil storage cup; 362. Lower oil pipe; 363. Solenoid valve; 364. Outlet oil pipe; 365. Sprayer; 366. Cup cover; 367. Disassembly and assembly nut; 368. Telescopic rod; 369. Pressing spring; 3610. Piston; 4. Oil injection mechanism reserved hole. Detailed implementation mode

[0029] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0030] Embodiment 1

[0031] Please refer to Figure 1 , the present invention provides a technical solution: an intelligent electric translation roadblock, including a safety passage area 1, several fixed roadblock bars 2 distributed in a "U" shape are installed at the position of the pedestrian passage in the safety passage area 1, a roadblock bar moving unit 3 is embedded and installed on the top of the safety passage area 1 and on one side of the "U" shape distribution structure, and an oil injection mechanism reserved hole 4 is opened on the top end surface of the safety passage area 1 and on one side of the roadblock bar moving unit 3.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 2-3 , the roadblock bar moving unit 3 includes a protection box 31 fixedly installed inside the safety passage area 1, a cover plate 32 is fixedly connected to the top end surface of the protection box 31, a driving mechanism 34 is fixedly installed in the space jointly formed by the protection box 31 and the cover plate 32, and an automatic oil injection mechanism 36 is fixedly connected to one side end surface of the protection box 31 and corresponding to the oil injection mechanism reserved hole 4.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 4-5The driving mechanism 34 includes a base 342 fixedly installed inside the protective box 31, linear guide rails 341 are installed on both sides of the base 342, and linear bearings are installed on the inner sides of both sides of the base 342, and connecting seats 345 are fixedly installed on the outer sides of both sides, and spring pieces 347 are connected to both ends of the connecting seat 345. Both ends of the spring piece 347 are provided with U-shaped grooves, and the U-shaped grooves are fixedly connected to the connecting seat 345 by bolts. A spring mechanism 348 is fixedly installed at the end of the spring piece 347, and a linkage frame 343 is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting seat 345 and at a position directly above the base 342, and the spring piece 347 and the base 342 are opposite to each other. Two sets of guide wheels 344 are fixedly installed on both sides of the end respectively. A power transmission device is connected in series to the end of the base 342 opposite to the spring piece 347. The power transmission device is installed inside the space formed by the protective box 31 and the cover plate 32. A positioning hole 33 is opened inside the cover plate 32. The sliding end face of the driving mechanism 34 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the mobile roadblock rod 35. The top end of the mobile roadblock rod 35 extends to the top of the cover plate 32 through the positioning hole 33. The top end face of the cover plate 32 is flush with the surface of the safety passage area 1. A first buffer spring 346 is used to form an impact force offsetting structure between the connecting seat 345 and the side wall of the base 342.

[0034] Furthermore, the power transmission device is a combination of a servo motor 349 and a screw rod 3410, one end of the screw rod 3410 is connected in series with the driving end of the servo motor 349, and the other end of the screw rod 3410 is connected to the base 342 through a threaded wire tube with an inner wall, and the other end of the screw rod 3410 extends to the interior of the base 342.

[0035] See also Figure 6 The spring mechanism 348 includes a first-section connecting plate 3481 which is movably connected to the base 342 and the spring sheet 347 on both sides respectively. The bottom end of the first-section connecting plate 3481 is movably connected to the top end of the second-section connecting plate 3483. A buffer guide wheel 3484 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the second-section connecting plate 3483. A second buffer spring 3485 is commonly connected between the bottom of the second-section connecting plate 3483 and the top of the first-section connecting plate 3481. An adjustable rotating structure is formed by a pin shaft 3482 between the first-section connecting plate 3481 and the base 342 and the spring sheet 347, and between the bottom end of the first-section connecting plate 3481 and the top end of the second-section connecting plate 3483.

[0036] See also Figure 7-8The automatic oil filling mechanism 36 includes an oil storage cup 361 fixedly mounted on the outer wall of one side of the base 342, the oil outlet at the bottom of the oil storage cup 361 is fixedly connected in series with the oil inlet end of the lower oil pipe 362, the oil outlet end of the lower oil pipe 362 is connected in series with the oil inlet of the solenoid valve 363, the oil outlet of the solenoid valve 363 is fixedly connected in series with the oil inlet end of the oil outlet pipe 364, the oil outlet end of the oil outlet pipe 364 extends to the inside of the base 342, and is fixedly connected in series with a nozzle 365, the position of the nozzle 365 is suitable for the position of the linear guide 341 The top of the oil storage cup 361 is connected to a cup cover 366 by a threaded rotation, and a disassembly nut 367 is fixedly connected in the center of the top end surface of the cup cover 366, and the bottom end surface of the cup cover 366 is symmetrically fixedly connected to the non-telescopic ends of two telescopic rods 368, and the bottom end surface of the cup cover 366 is fixedly connected to a pressure spring 369 at a position located between the two telescopic rods 368, and the telescopic ends of the two telescopic rods 368 and the bottom end of the pressure spring 369 are fixedly connected to a piston 3610 made of rubber material.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the movable roadblock pole 35 needs to be removed during use, the servo motor 349 is controlled to rotate forward, thereby driving the screw rod 3410 to rotate forward. Since the screw rod 3410 and the base 342 are connected by a threaded wire drum with a thread on the inner side to form a rotating connection structure, when the screw rod 3410 is in the forward rotation state, under the action of the linear guide rail 341, the screw rod 3410 drives the base 342 to move forward, thereby realizing the forward movement of the movable roadblock pole 35. Similarly, the reverse movement of the movable roadblock pole 35 can be realized, and then the roadblock pole can be moved by itself in a mechanical way. Compared with the existing roadblocks that need to be moved away, this method saves time and effort and will not delay the passage of pedestrians. When pedestrians pass through the roadblock pole, there is a certain probability that When stepping on the driving mechanism 34, part of the impact force can be offset by the spring mechanism 348 to prevent the driving mechanism 34 itself from being damaged. When the linear guide 341 and the base 342 frequently rub against each other and need to be oiled, the solenoid valve 363 is controlled to open. At this time, the lubricating oil inside the oil storage cup 361 has a certain oil pressure (the pressure spring 369 is always in a compressed state). When the solenoid valve 363 is opened, the lubricating oil will flow along the oil outlet pipe 364 into the interior of the nozzle 365, and then be sprayed on the surface of the linear guide 341 through the nozzle 365, thereby avoiding the problem of large self-damage of the linear guide 341 or the base 342 caused by the need for the entire driving mechanism 34 to move multiple times a day, thereby extending the normal service life of the entire driving mechanism 34.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] See also Fig. 9This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the power transmission device included in the driving mechanism 34 in this embodiment is driven by the cylinder 3411, which replaces the transmission mode of the servo motor 349 and the screw rod 3410 in the first embodiment. The two modes are actually used in different scenarios. The mode of driving by the cylinder 3411 is suitable for the scenario where the movable roadblock pole 35 moves a short distance. On the contrary, the mode of driving by the servo motor 349 and the screw rod 3410 is suitable for the scenario where the movable roadblock pole 35 moves a long distance. Both modes have different advantages.

[0040] In the above two embodiments, the model of the servo motor 349 is HKQ-ZNYK, the model of the cylinder 3411 is SC50-100X, and the model of the solenoid valve 363 is ZCB220802-YCRB50. The components of the above models all have the function of remote control, that is, the staff can realize the opening and closing of the entire driving mechanism 34 and the solenoid valve 363 by remote control. Among the above components, their own structural characteristics, working principles and external remote control structure all adopt existing technologies, which will not be described in detail here.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An intelligent electric translation roadblock, comprising a safety passage area (1), and a plurality of fixed roadblock rods (2) distributed in a "U" shape are installed at the position of the pedestrian passage in the safety passage area (1), and it is characterized in that, At the top of the safety passage area (1) and on one side of the "U"-shaped distribution structure, a roadblock rod moving unit (3) is embedded and installed, and an oil injection mechanism reserved hole (4) is opened on the top end face of the safety passage area (1) and on one side of the roadblock rod moving unit (3); The roadblock rod moving unit (3) includes a protective box (31) fixedly installed inside the safety passage area (1). The top end face of the protective box (31) is fixedly connected with a cover plate (32). A driving mechanism (34) is fixedly installed in the space jointly formed by the protective box (31) and the cover plate (32). An automatic oil injection mechanism (36) is fixedly connected to one side end face of the protective box (31) at a position corresponding to the oil injection mechanism reserved hole (4); The driving mechanism (34) includes a base (342) fixedly installed inside the protective box (31). Linear guide rails (341) are installed on both sides of the base (342). Linear bearings are installed on the inner sides of both sides of the base (342). Connecting seats (345) are fixedly installed on the outer sides of both sides. Elastic pieces (347) are connected to both ends of the connecting seat (345). U-shaped grooves are arranged at both ends of the elastic piece (347), and the U-shaped grooves are fixedly connected to the connecting seat (345) through bolts. A spring mechanism (348) is fixedly installed at the end of the elastic piece (347). A linkage frame (343) is fixedly connected to the top end of the connecting seat (345) at a position directly above the base (342). Two groups of guide wheels (344) are respectively fixedly installed on both sides of the opposite ends of the elastic piece (347) and the base (342). A power transmission device is connected in series to the end of the base (342)背离 the elastic piece (347), and the power transmission device is installed inside the space jointly formed by the protective box (31) and the cover plate (32).

2. The intelligent electric translation roadblock according to claim 1, characterized in that: A position expansion hole (33) is opened inside the cover plate (32). The sliding end face of the driving mechanism (34) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of a movable roadblock rod (35). The top end of the movable roadblock rod (35) extends above the cover plate (32) through the position expansion hole (33). The top end face of the cover plate (32) is flush with the surface of the safety passage area (1).

3. The intelligent electric translation roadblock according to claim 1, characterized in that: An impact force offset structure is formed between the connecting seat (345) and the side wall of the base (342) through a first buffer spring (346).

4. The intelligent electric translation roadblock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power transmission device is any one of a combination of a servo motor (349) and a lead screw (3410) or a cylinder (3411).

5. The intelligent electric translation barrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring mechanism (348) includes a first-section connecting plate (3481) respectively and movably connected to both sides of the base (342) and the elastic piece (347). The bottom end of the first-section connecting plate (3481) is movably connected to the top end of a second-section connecting plate (3483). A buffer guide wheel (3484) is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the second-section connecting plate (3483). A second buffer spring (3485) is jointly connected between the bottom of the second-section connecting plate (3483) and the top of the first-section connecting plate (3481).

6. The intelligent electric translation roadblock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first section connecting plate (3481) corresponds to the base (342) and the spring sheet (347), and the bottom end of the first section connecting plate (3481) and the top end of the second section connecting plate (3483) form an adjustable rotating structure through the pin shaft (3482).

7. The intelligent electric translation roadblock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic oil filling mechanism (36) comprises an oil storage cup (361) fixedly mounted on an outer wall of one side of the base (342); an oil outlet at the bottom of the oil storage cup (361) is fixedly connected in series with an oil inlet end of a lower oil pipe (362); the oil outlet end of the lower oil pipe (362) is connected in series with an oil inlet of a solenoid valve (363); the oil outlet of the solenoid valve (363) is fixedly connected in series with an oil inlet end of an oil outlet pipe (364); the oil outlet end of the oil outlet pipe (364) extends to the interior of the base (342) and is fixedly connected in series with a nozzle (365); the position of the nozzle (365) matches the position of the linear guide rail (341).

8. The intelligent electric translation roadblock according to claim 7, characterized in that: The top of the oil storage cup (361) is rotatably connected to a cup cover (366) by means of a thread, a disassembly nut (367) is fixedly connected in an embedded manner at the center of the top end surface of the cup cover (366), the bottom end surface of the cup cover (366) is symmetrically fixedly connected to the non-telescopic ends of two telescopic rods (368), and a pressure spring (369) is fixedly connected to the bottom end surface of the cup cover (366) located between the two telescopic rods (368), and the telescopic ends of the two telescopic rods (368) and the bottom end of the pressure spring (369) are fixedly connected to a piston (3610) made of a rubber material.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Intelligent electric translation roadblock

    CN212223682U