A method for connecting fixed-spacing double-frame vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for connecting two fixed-distance trolleys, belonging to the field of trolley support technology. This method solves the problem in the prior art that each trolley is independently driven, requiring readjustment of the relative positions of the trolleys each time they are used. The connection method of the present invention comprises: first, switching a locking mechanism to an unlocked state, allowing a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod to rotate relative to each other; then, moving the first trolley and the second trolley away from each other, thereby driving the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to expand to 180 degrees; and finally, switching the locking mechanism to a locked state, fixing the spacing between the first trolley and the second trolley. The connection method of the present invention enables the trolley to be folded and stored, and the trolleys have a fixed spacing after the connecting device is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of trolley support, in particular to a connection method for fixed-distance twin trolleys. Background Art

[0002] Double or multiple trolley support systems are widely used in various situations, especially when the supported product is too long or too heavy. Due to the distribution of the center of gravity and the need for support points, double or multiple trolley solutions often require the product to be supported in a fixed position, so the support distance between each trolley is fixed.

[0003] Currently, there are two types of fixed-distance dual-carriage / multi-carriage support solutions on the market:

[0004] First, the trolleys are not connected. When in use, the distance between the trolleys is controlled by manual adjustment or automatic control. In this solution, each trolley is driven independently, and the relative position of the trolleys needs to be readjusted each time it is used.

[0005] The second is that the racks and cars are connected by a fixed structure to ensure that the racks and cars are at a fixed distance, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this solution, due to the presence of the connecting device, the trolley takes up a large space and is inconvenient to store. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide a method for connecting two fixed-distance trolleys to solve the problem of inconvenience in adjusting the distance between trolleys during existing trolley support.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A method for connecting two fixed-spacing double-frame vehicles using a foldable connecting device comprises the following steps:

[0009] Step S1: switching the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod can rotate relative to each other;

[0010] Step S2: moving the first vehicle and the second vehicle away from each other, thereby driving the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to expand to 180 degrees;

[0011] Step S3: The locking mechanism is switched to a locked state, so that the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are relatively fixed, thereby fixing the distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, in the step S1, in the initial state, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are in a folded state;

[0013] Furthermore, in step S1, when the locking mechanism is in the locked state: the rotating block of the locking mechanism is simultaneously stuck in the first slot on the first connecting rod and the second slot on the second connecting rod, and the relative rotation of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod is limited by the rotating block.

[0014] Furthermore, in step S1, when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state: the rotating block is only stuck in the third slot on the second connecting rod, the rotating block does not limit the first connecting rod, and the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod can rotate relative to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S1, the process of switching the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state is as follows:

[0016] Step S11: Pull the rotating block outward to remove it from the first and second slots, while compressing the spring; rotate the rotating block and drive the locking pin to rotate synchronously; rotate until the T-shaped structure is aligned with the gap between the two limit blocks;

[0017] Step S12: When the T-shaped structure is aligned with the gap between the two limiting blocks, the locking pin is switched from the first limiting cavity to the second limiting cavity under the elastic force of the spring;

[0018] Step S13: Rotate the rotating block until it is aligned with the third slot, release the rotating block, and the rotating block is locked into the third slot under the elastic force of the spring.

[0019] Furthermore, in step S2, the first trolley or the second trolley is driven to move, and the distance between the first trolley and the second trolley is adjusted, thereby driving the angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to change.

[0020] Specifically, when the first vehicle and the second vehicle move away from each other, the angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod increases; when the first vehicle and the second vehicle move closer to each other, the angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod decreases.

[0021] Furthermore, in step S3, the process of switching the locking mechanism from the unlocked state to the locked state is as follows:

[0022] Step S31: Pull the rotating block out of the third slot; rotate the rotating block to drive the T-shaped structure to rotate, and rotate the T-shaped structure until it is aligned with the gap between the two limit blocks;

[0023] Step S32: When the T-shaped structure rotates until it is aligned with the gap between the two limiting blocks, the rotating block is pushed inward to switch the T-shaped structure from the second limiting cavity to the first limiting cavity;

[0024] Step S33: Rotate the rotating block so that the rotating block rotates in the fan-shaped groove on the first connecting rod; when the rotating block rotates to the position of the first stop block and the second stop block, pull the rotating block outward and the spring is compressed so that the rotating block passes the second stop block; continue to rotate the rotating block until the rotating block is aligned with the first slot, release the rotating block, the spring recovers, and drives the rotating block to be clamped into the first slot on the first connecting rod.

[0025] Furthermore, the angle between the center line of the gap and the center line of the third card slot is 45°, and the first card slot and the third card slot are perpendicular to each other.

[0026] Furthermore, after the first and second vehicles complete their supporting tasks, the locking mechanism is switched to an unlocked state, the first and second vehicles approach each other until the first and second connecting rods return to a folded state, and the locking mechanism is switched to a locked state.

[0027] A connecting device for connecting the above-mentioned fixed-spacing double-frame vehicles comprises: a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and a locking mechanism; one end of the first connecting rod and one end of the second connecting rod are movably connected via the locking mechanism;

[0028] When the locking mechanism is locked, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are relatively fixed; when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod can rotate relative to each other;

[0029] The other end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first vehicle; the other end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the second vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, the second connecting rod is a groove-shaped structure; the first connecting rod can be inserted into the groove-shaped structure of the second connecting rod.

[0031] Furthermore, the first connecting rod is provided with a first slot, and the second connecting rod is provided with a second slot; the first slot is connected to the second slot; when the rotating block is simultaneously engaged with the first slot and the second slot, the locking mechanism is in a locked state.

[0032] Furthermore, when the axes of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod coincide with each other, the rotating block of the locking mechanism can be simultaneously engaged with the first slot and the second slot.

[0033] Furthermore, a third slot is provided on the second connecting rod, and when the rotating block is engaged with the third slot, the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state.

[0034] Furthermore, the second card slot is a through slot, and the depth of the third card slot is lower than that of the second card slot.

[0035] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes: a first sleeve, a second sleeve, an elastic component and a rotating block;

[0036] The first sleeve and the second sleeve pass through the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to serve as hinge axes of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod;

[0037] The two ends of the elastic component are respectively connected to the first sleeve and the second sleeve;

[0038] The rotating block is fixedly mounted on the end portion of the second sleeve.

[0039] Furthermore, the elastic component is retractable; the first sleeve is fixedly connected to one side of the second connecting rod, and the second sleeve is slidably fitted with the other side of the second connecting rod.

[0040] Furthermore, the elastic force provided by the elastic component can press the rotating block tightly into the first slot or the third slot.

[0041] Furthermore, the elastic component includes: a T-shaped structure, a spring, a blocking piece and a retaining ring; a T-shaped structure is set at one end of the T-shaped structure, and the blocking piece is fixedly installed at the other end; one end of the T-shaped structure is limited by a first sleeve, and the other end is sleeved inside the second sleeve; the spring is sleeved on the T-shaped structure and is located between the end face of the second sleeve and the blocking piece; a retaining ring is set inside the second sleeve, and the retaining ring is used to prevent the blocking piece from detaching from the second sleeve.

[0042] Furthermore, the blocking piece and the retaining ring are both arranged inside the second sleeve, and one end of the pin is fixedly connected to the blocking piece; one end of the spring abuts against the blocking piece, and the other end abuts against the end of the second sleeve.

[0043] Furthermore, a T-shaped structure is provided at the other end of the pin shaft, and the T-shaped structure is used to limit the pin shaft and prevent the pin shaft from separating from the first sleeve.

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention can achieve at least one of the following effects:

[0045] 1. The present invention proposes a connection device for a fixed-distance double-frame vehicle / multi-frame vehicle support solution. This connection device can realize functions such as folding and storage of the frame vehicle and single-frame vehicle driving while meeting the requirements of fixed-distance support.

[0046] 2. The connecting device of the present invention is a mechanical structure with excellent reliability and safety. The foldable mechanical connecting device can meet multiple functional requirements such as deployment, folding, and locking. The present invention adjusts the length of the first and second connecting rods to meet the required working distance of the trolley. The distance between the first and second trolleys is fixed each time the trolleys are deployed, eliminating the need to adjust the distance between the trolleys for each use. When the trolleys are parked, the connecting device completely folds away, eliminating excess space and facilitating storage.

[0047] 3. The connection device of the present invention can be used not only to connect two carts, but also to connect multiple carts. In a two-carriage or multi-carriage system, only one cart is required as the active drive cart, while the others are driven carts. This can meet the drive requirements of folding, retracting, and traveling, reducing the system's requirements for drive components and improving system reliability.

[0048] In the present invention, the above-mentioned technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and some advantages will become apparent from the description or be learned through practice of the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained through the contents particularly pointed out in the description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating particular embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of the present invention. Like reference symbols denote like parts throughout the drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fixed connection of an existing two-frame vehicle;

[0051] Figure 2 A diagram showing the use of the connecting device for a fixed-spacing double-frame vehicle according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 An exploded view of the connection device for a fixed-spacing double-frame vehicle according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of part A;

[0054] Figure 5 The connecting device for a fixed-distance double-frame vehicle of the present invention is in an unfolded and locked state;

[0055] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting device of the present invention in an unfolded and locked state;

[0056] Figure 7 The unlocked state / free state of the connecting device of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the connecting device of the present invention in an unlocked state / free state;

[0058] Figure 9 The connecting device of the present invention is in a folded and locked state;

[0059] Figure 10 A structural diagram of the locking mechanism of the connecting device of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 11 is an external view of the locking mechanism of the connecting device of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a state in which the T-shaped structure of the locking mechanism of the connecting device of the present invention is located in the first limiting position;

[0062] Figure 13 The position conversion state of the T-shaped structure of the locking mechanism of the connecting device of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a state in which the T-shaped structure of the locking mechanism of the connecting device of the present invention is located at the second limiting position;

[0064] Figure 15 is a top view of the first sleeve;

[0065] Figure 16 is a half-section view of the first sleeve;

[0066] Figure 17 for Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the first sleeve taken along the AA direction;

[0067] Figure 18 It is the main view of the pin;

[0068] Figure 19 is a three-dimensional diagram of the pin;

[0069] Figure 20 A diagram illustrating the folding process of the connecting device for a fixed-spacing double-frame vehicle according to the present invention;

[0070] Figure 21 This is a diagram of the folded state of the connecting device for a fixed-distance double-frame vehicle of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 22 It is a schematic diagram of the rotating block structure;

[0072] Figure 23 Schematic diagram of the first connecting rod structure;

[0073] Figure 24 is a schematic structural diagram of the second connecting rod;

[0074] Figure 25 This is the front view of the locking mechanism.

[0075] Reference numerals:

[0076] 1-first car; 2-second car; 3-first connecting rod; 4-second connecting rod; 5-locking mechanism;

[0077] 301-first slot; 302-hinge hole; 303-sector slot; 304-first stop block;

[0078] 401 - second slot; 402 - third slot; 403 - sleeve mounting hole; 404 - second stop block;

[0079] 501-first sleeve; 502-second sleeve; 503-locking pin; 504-spring; 505-blocking plate; 506-retaining ring; 507-rotating block;

[0080] 501a-limiting block; 501b-first limiting cavity; 501c-second limiting cavity;

[0081] 503a-T-shaped structure; 503b-shaft; 503c-connecting portion;

[0082] 507a-annular structure; 507b-engaging portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the accompanying drawings constitute a part of the present invention and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] A method for connecting two fixed-distance double-frame vehicles, characterized in that a foldable connecting device is used to connect a first vehicle 1 and a second vehicle 2, comprising the following steps:

[0086] Step S1: In the initial state, the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are in a folded state, and the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state; the locking mechanism 5 is switched to an unlocked state, so that the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can rotate relative to each other.

[0087] Step S2: Move the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2 away from each other, thereby driving the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 to unfold to 180 degrees. Figure 20 shown.

[0088] Step S3: Switch the locking mechanism 5 to the locked state, so that the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are relatively fixed, thereby fixing the distance between the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2. Figure 2 shown.

[0089] At this time, the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state; the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are located in the same straight line and are relatively fixed, and the first trolley 1 and the second trolley 2 are connected by the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4, and the first trolley 1 and the second trolley 2 serve as supporting units to perform supporting operations.

[0090] Furthermore, in step S1, when the locking mechanism 5 is in the locked state: the rotating block 507 of the locking mechanism 5 is simultaneously stuck in the first slot 301 on the first connecting rod 3 and the second slot 401 on the second connecting rod 4, and the relative rotation of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 is limited by the rotating block 507.

[0091] Furthermore, the compression amount of the spring 504 in the initial state is L, that is, the spring 504 is always in a compressed state.

[0092] Furthermore, in step S1, when the locking mechanism 5 is in the unlocked state: the rotating block 507 is only stuck in the third slot 402 on the second connecting rod 4, the rotating block 507 does not limit the first connecting rod 3, and the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can rotate relative to each other.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S1, the process of switching the locking mechanism 5 from the locked state to the unlocked state is as follows:

[0094] Step S11: Pull the rotating block 507 outward, removing it from the first and second slots 301, 401, and compressing the spring 504. At this point, the compression of the spring 504 is greater than L + L1. The rotating block 507 is rotated, driving the locking pin 503 to rotate synchronously. The locking pin 503 rotates until the T-shaped structure 503a is aligned with the gap between the two stop blocks 501a.

[0095] Step S12: When the T-shaped structure 503a is aligned with the gap between the two limiting blocks 501a, the locking pin 503 switches from the first limiting cavity 501b to the second limiting cavity 501c under the elastic force of the spring 504; at this time, the compression amount of the spring 504 is greater than L.

[0096] Step S13: Rotate the rotating block 507 until it is aligned with the third slot 402, release the rotating block 507, and the rotating block 507 is engaged in the third slot 402 under the elastic force of the spring 504. At this time, the compression amount of the spring 504 is equal to L.

[0097] Furthermore, the angle between the center line of the gap and the center line of the third slot 402 is 45°, and the first slot 301 and the third slot 402 are perpendicular to each other.

[0098] Specifically, the locking pin 503 and the rotating block 507 move synchronously. When the locking mechanism 5 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state, the T-shaped structure 503a switches from the first limit position to the second limit position in the first sleeve 501. Specifically:

[0099] Step S11: The rotating block 507 rotates, and the T-shaped structure 503a rotates in the first limiting cavity 501b until the T-shaped structure 503a rotates to align with the gap between the two limiting blocks 501a. At this time, the T-shaped structure 503a rotates 45 degrees clockwise.

[0100] Step S12: the spring 504 drives the T-shaped structure 503a of the locking pin 503 to move in the gap between the two limiting blocks 501a until the T-shaped structure 503a is located in the second limiting cavity 501c.

[0101] Step S13: The rotating block 507 continues to rotate, and at the same time, the T-shaped structure 503a rotates in the second limiting cavity 501c. After rotating 45°, the T-shaped structure 503a rotates to the second limiting position, completing the switch from the first limiting position to the second limiting position; at this time, the rotating block 507 is aligned with the third slot 402.

[0102] Furthermore, in step S2, the first vehicle 1 or the second vehicle 2 is driven to move, and the distance between the first vehicle 1 and the second vehicle 2 is adjusted, thereby driving the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 to change.

[0103] Furthermore, in step S3, the process of switching the locking mechanism 5 from the unlocked state to the locked state is as follows:

[0104] Step S31: Pull the rotating block 507 out of the third slot 402; at this time, the compression amount of the spring 504 is greater than L. Rotate the rotating block 507 to drive the locking pin 503 to rotate, and rotate the locking pin 503 to align with the gap between the two limit blocks 501a.

[0105] Step S32: When the locking pin 503 is aligned with the gap between the two limiting blocks 501a, the rotating block 507 is pushed inward to switch the locking pin 503 from the second limiting cavity 501c to the first limiting cavity 501b;

[0106] Step S33: Rotate the rotating block 507 so that the rotating block 507 rotates in the fan-shaped groove 303 on the first connecting rod 3; when the rotating block 507 rotates to the position of the first stop block 304 and the second stop block 404, pull the rotating block 507 outward so that it can pass the second stop block 404; continue to rotate the rotating block 507 until the rotating block 507 is aligned with the first slot 301, and snap the rotating block 507 into the first slot 301 on the first connecting rod 3.

[0107] Specifically, when the locking mechanism 5 switches from the unlocked state to the locked state, the T-shaped structure 503a switches from the second limiting position to the first limiting position in the first sleeve 501. Specifically:

[0108] Step S31: The T-shaped structure 503a rotates in the second limiting cavity 501c until the gaps between the two limiting blocks 501a of the T-shaped structure 503a are aligned.

[0109] Step S32: Push the rotating block 507 inward, and the spring 504 returns to its initial state. When the rotating block 507 is inserted into the fan-shaped groove 303, the T-shaped structure 503a enters the first limiting cavity 501b from the second limiting cavity 501c.

[0110] Step S33: When the rotating block 507 rotates in the fan-shaped groove 303, the T-shaped structure 503a rotates a certain angle in the first limiting cavity 501b. When the rotating block 507 is pulled outward to pass the second stop block 404, the spring 504 is compressed (greater than L) and the T-shaped structure 503a rotates to correspond to the first slot 301. At this time, the rotating block 507 is released, the rotating block 507 is locked in the first slot 301, and the spring 504 returns to its initial state. At this time, the T-shaped structure 503a is located in the first limiting position.

[0111] Furthermore, after the first and second trolleys 1 and 2 complete their supporting tasks, the locking mechanism 5 is switched to the unlocked state, and the first and second trolleys 1 and 2 are moved closer together until the first and second connecting rods 3 and 4 return to the folded state, at which point the locking mechanism 5 is switched to the locked state. In other words, the reverse order of operations is sufficient to switch the trolleys from the working state to the folded state.

[0112] Specifically, when the trolley is working, the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are in a 180° open state, and the first connecting rod 3 is used to limit the rotating block 507 to ensure that it is in a locked state. Figure 2 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown.

[0113] When folding is required, the rotating block 507 is pulled out and rotated 90 degrees, the T-shaped structure 503a switches to the second limit position, and the second slot 401 on the second connecting rod 4 is used to limit the rotating block 507. At this time, the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are unlocked. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The second carriage 2 (driven carriage) is fixed, and the first carriage 1 (active carriage) is driven toward the second carriage 2, and the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 gradually decreases from 180 degrees.

[0114] After the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 is reduced to 0°, the rotating block 507 is removed from the second slot 401. After the T-shaped structure 503a switches to the first limiting position, the rotating block 507 is inserted into the first slot 301 and the second slot 401. The first connecting rod 3 is used to limit the rotating block 507. Figure 9 As shown, at this time, the connecting device is in a folded and locked state, and the two vehicles will not produce relative movement.

[0115] During this process, the locking mechanism 5 forms a rotation axis, ensuring that the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are hinged to each other and will not loosen.

[0116] Example 2

[0117] A specific embodiment of the present invention discloses a connection device for a fixed-distance double-frame vehicle, such as Figure 2-21 As shown, the vehicle comprises a first connecting rod 3, a second connecting rod 4, and a locking mechanism 5. One end of the first connecting rod 3 and one end of the second connecting rod 4 are movably or foldably connected via the locking mechanism 5. When the locking mechanism 5 is locked, the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are relatively fixed; when the locking mechanism 5 is unlocked, the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can rotate relative to each other. The other end of the first connecting rod 3 is hinged to the first carriage 1, and the other end of the second connecting rod 4 is hinged to the second carriage 2.

[0118] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can rotate relative to each other and can overlap each other. Specifically, the second connecting rod 4 has a groove structure; the first connecting rod 3 can be inserted into the groove structure of the second connecting rod 4.

[0119] Specifically, the connecting device has three states: an unfolded locked state, a free state, and a folded locked state.

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, the connecting device is in the unfolded and locked state. At this time:

[0121] The first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are located in the same straight line, that is, the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 is 180°, and the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state; the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 remain relatively fixed, and the first carriage 1 and the second carriage 2 are located at support point positions with a fixed distance.

[0122] like Figure 20 As shown, the connecting device is in a free state, at this time:

[0123] The angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 is less than 180°, and the locking mechanism 5 is in the unlocked state; the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can rotate relative to each other, and the distance between the first trolley 1 and the second trolley 2 is less than the fixed distance during support, and when the distance between the first trolley 1 and the second trolley 2 continues to decrease, the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 also continues to decrease.

[0124] like Figure 21 As shown, the connecting device is in the folded and locked state, at this time:

[0125] The first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are in a mutually overlapping state, that is, the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 is 0°, and the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state; the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are in a relatively fixed state, and the first carriage 1 and the second carriage 2 are in a state of being close to each other.

[0126] Furthermore, the second connecting rod 4 is a groove-shaped structure; the first connecting rod 3 can be inserted into the groove-shaped structure of the second connecting rod 4 .

[0127] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting rod 3 is a rectangular rod structure, and the second connecting rod 4 is a slot-shaped structure. The slot-shaped space of the second connecting rod 4 can enclose the first connecting rod 3. The hinge hole 302 on the first connecting rod 3 and the sleeve mounting hole 403 on the second connecting rod 4 are coaxial; the hinge hole 302 and the sleeve mounting hole 403 are used to install the first sleeve 501 and the second sleeve 502. The first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are hingedly connected (rotatably connected) by a locking mechanism 5.

[0128] Furthermore, the first connecting rod 3 is provided with a first card slot 301, and the second connecting rod 4 is provided with a second card slot 401; the second card slot (401) is a through slot, and the first card slot 301 is connected to the second card slot 401; when the rotating block 507 is simultaneously engaged with the first card slot 301 and the second card slot 401, the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state.

[0129] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 、 Figure 6As shown, the first connecting rod 3 is provided with a first slot 301, and the first slot 301 is provided with a first stop block 304, the second connecting rod 4 is provided with a second slot 401, and the second slot 401 is provided with a second stop block 404; the first slot 301 and the second slot 401 are connected, and the rotating block 507 can be simultaneously clamped in the first slot 301 and the second slot 401, and is limited by the first stop block 304 and the second stop block 404, so that the rotating block 507 cannot rotate in the first slot 301, and the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 cannot rotate relative to each other. At this time, the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state.

[0130] Specifically, when the axes of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 coincide, the rotating block 507 of the locking mechanism 5 can be simultaneously engaged with the first engaging groove 301 and the second engaging groove 401. When the axes of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 coincide, there are two situations in which the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 overlap (0°) or the angle between them is 180°.

[0131] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 9 As shown, when the angle between the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 is 0° or 180°, that is, when the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are in the folded state or the fully unfolded state, the first card slot 301 is connected (aligned) with the second card slot 401; when the rotating block 507 is simultaneously engaged with the first card slot 301 and the second card slot 401, the locking mechanism 5 is in the locked state. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, when the rotating block 507 is inserted into the first slot 301 and the second slot 401 and between the first stop block 304 and the second stop block 404, the rotating block 507 acts as a rectangular pin to limit the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4, restricting the relative rotation of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4, so that the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are relatively fixed; at this time, the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state.

[0132] Furthermore, the second connecting rod 4 is provided with a third engaging groove 402, the depth of which is lower than that of the second engaging groove 401. When the rotating block 507 is engaged in the third engaging groove 402, the rotating block 507 cannot restrict the rotation of the first connecting rod 3. At this time, the locking mechanism 5 is in an unlocked state, and the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can rotate relative to each other.

[0133] Specifically, if Figure 7 、 Figure 8As shown, when the rotating block 507 is inserted into the third slot 402, since the third slot 402 is a blind slot (i.e., not penetrating) provided on the second connecting rod 4, the rotating block 507 has no limiting effect on the first slot 301 and the first connecting rod 3. Therefore, the first connecting rod 3 can rotate freely relative to the second connecting rod 4, the locking mechanism 5 is in an unlocked state, and the connecting device is in a free state.

[0134] Further, if Figure 10 As shown, the locking mechanism 5 includes: a first sleeve 501 , a second sleeve 502 , an elastic component and a rotating block 507 .

[0135] The first sleeve 501 and the second sleeve 502 pass through the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 to serve as hinge axes of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 .

[0136] The two ends of the elastic component are connected to the first sleeve 501 and the second sleeve 502 respectively; the elastic component is used to enable the rotating block 507 to be pressed into the first slot 301 or the third slot 402 without being separated.

[0137] The rotating block 507 is fixedly mounted on the end of the second sleeve 502. Furthermore, the elastic component is retractable; the first sleeve 501 is fixedly connected to one side of the second connecting rod 4, and the second sleeve 502 is slidably fitted to the other side of the second connecting rod 4.

[0138] Since the rotating block 507 is fixedly connected to the second sleeve 502, pulling the rotating block 507 causes the second sleeve 502 to move, and the displacement of the second sleeve 502 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic component. The elastic force provided by the elastic component can press the rotating block 507 tightly into the first slot 301 or the third slot 402.

[0139] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the elastic component includes: a locking pin 503, a spring 504, a blocking piece 505 and a retaining ring 506; a T-shaped structure 503a is provided at one end of the locking pin 503, and the blocking piece 505 is fixedly installed at the other end; one end of the locking pin 503 is limited by the first sleeve 501, and the other end is sleeved inside the second sleeve 502; the spring 504 is sleeved on the locking pin 503, and is located between the end face of the second sleeve 502 and the blocking piece 505; a retaining ring 506 is provided in the second sleeve 502, and the retaining ring 506 is used to prevent the blocking piece 505 from detaching from the second sleeve 502.

[0140] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sleeve 501 is fixed to the second connecting rod 4 via a threaded connection. A rotating block 507 is threadedly connected to the end of the second sleeve 502. The ends of the locking pin 503 are slidably mounted within the first sleeve 501 and the second sleeve 502, respectively. A spring 504 is disposed within the second sleeve 502.

[0141] Furthermore, a blocking piece 505 is installed inside the second sleeve 502, and the blocking piece 505 is screwed to the end of the locking pin 503 through a thread; the spring 504 is sleeved on the locking pin 503, and the diameter of the blocking piece 505 is larger than the locking pin 503. One end of the spring 504 rests on the blocking piece 505, and the other end rests on the end of the second sleeve 502.

[0142] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 As shown, a retaining ring 506 is installed in the second sleeve 502. The retaining ring 506 has a larger diameter than the blocking piece 505. The retaining ring 506 is arranged outside the blocking piece 505 and limits the blocking piece 505. The spring 504 is always in a compressed state. When the spring 504 is at its maximum length, the inward movement of the rotating block 507 can drive the lock pin 503 to move.

[0143] Since the second sleeve 502 is sleeved on the outside of the spring 504 and the locking pin 503, and the second sleeve 502 and the rotating block 507 are installed by threads; when the rotating block 507 is pulled outward, the second sleeve 502 moves in the direction away from the first sleeve 501; however, the locking pin 503 is restricted by the first sleeve 501 and cannot continue to move. Therefore, the blocking piece 505 does not move and the second sleeve 502 moves toward the blocking piece 505, so that the distance between the end of the second sleeve 502 and the blocking piece 505 is reduced, and the spring 504 is further compressed. Rotate the rotating block 507 to align it with the first slot 301 (second slot 401) or the third slot 402. After alignment, release the rotating block 507, and the spring 504 tends to restore its own length. The elastic force of the spring 504 causes the second sleeve 502 to tend to move toward the first sleeve 501, thereby driving the rotating block 507 to be pressed tightly in the first slot 301 or the third slot 402. The slots of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 can limit the rotating block 507.

[0144] In order to facilitate the switching of several locking states, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the first sleeve 501 is as follows Figure 15-17 shown.

[0145] Specifically, the first sleeve 501 includes a cylindrical outer shell and two symmetrically arranged stoppers 501a. A gap is formed between the two stoppers 501a, allowing the T-shaped structure of the locking pin 503 to pass through. The two stoppers 501a divide the interior cavity of the first sleeve 501 into a first stopper cavity 501b and a second stopper cavity 501c.

[0146] like Figure 18 、 Figure 19 As shown, the locking pin 503 is a rod-shaped structure. Furthermore, the locking pin 503 includes a T-shaped structure 503a, a shaft 503b and a connecting portion 503c. The connecting portion 503c is fixedly connected to the blocking piece 505. Specifically, an external thread is provided on the connecting portion 503c, and a threaded hole is provided on the blocking piece 505. The threaded hole cooperates with the external thread to screw the blocking piece 505 onto the connecting portion 503c of the locking pin 503. The cross section of the shaft 503b is a waist-shaped structure. The shaft 503b cooperates with the waist-shaped hole on the second sleeve 502, so that the locking pin 503 can rotate synchronously with the second sleeve 502. As shown Figure 11 As shown, a waist-shaped hole structure is opened on one side of the second sleeve 502 to adapt to the locking pin 503; when the second sleeve 502 rotates, the locking pin 503 is driven to rotate synchronously.

[0147] The T-shaped structure 503a extends into the first sleeve 501 and is perpendicular to the shaft 503b, preventing the locking pin 503 from escaping from the first sleeve 501. This compresses the spring 504, thereby pressing the rotating block 507 against the first connecting rod 3 or the second connecting rod 4.

[0148] like Figure 12 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 14 As shown, the first sleeve 501 can limit the locking pin 503, and there are two limiting positions in total.

[0149] like Figure 12 As shown, when the T-shaped structure 503a is located in the first limiting cavity 501b, the locking pin 503 is in the first limiting position.

[0150] like Figure 13 As shown, when the T-shaped structure 503a moves in the gap between the two symmetrical limit blocks 501a, the limit state can be switched. The T-shaped structure 503a of the locking pin 503 can switch back and forth between the two limit cavities in the following manner: rotate 45° - move radially - rotate 45°.

[0151] like Figure 14 As shown, when the T-shaped structure 503a is located in the second limiting cavity 501c, the locking pin 503 is in the second limiting position.

[0152] Specifically, the other side of the second sleeve 502 is fixedly connected to the rotating block 507 by a thread, and the second sleeve 502 can be driven to rotate by rotating the rotating block 507, thereby driving the locking pin 503 to rotate. Figure 10 shown.

[0153] When pulling outward (along Figure 10 When the rotating block 507 is rotated (moving leftward in the direction of the left), the rotating block 507 drives the second sleeve 502 to move, and the second sleeve 502 moves away from the first sleeve 501. The locking pin 503 is restrained by the first sleeve 501 and does not move. The end surface of the second sleeve 502 compresses the spring 504, which in turn squeezes the blocking piece 505. Pulling the rotating block 507 outward removes it from the first engaging slot 301 or the third engaging slot 402, thereby switching between the locked and unlocked states by selecting the rotating block 507.

[0154] When pushing inward (along Figure 10 When the rotating block 507 moves rightward as shown in the figure, the rotating block 507 drives the second sleeve 502 to move rightward, the second sleeve 502 approaches the first sleeve 501, and pushes the blocking piece 505 and the locking pin 503 to move through the retaining ring 506, so that the T-shaped structure 503a of the locking pin 503 moves from the second limiting cavity 501c to the first limiting cavity 501b, that is, moves from the second limiting position to the first limiting position, thereby realizing the conversion of the limiting position.

[0155] The connection device is in a locked state or an unlocked state, which respectively corresponds to the two limiting positions of the first sleeve 501 to the locking pin 503.

[0156] Specifically, if Figure 6 As shown, when the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 limit the rotating block 507, that is, when the first slot 301 and the first stop block 304 on the first connecting rod 3 and the second slot 401 and the second stop block 404 simultaneously limit the rotating block 507, the T-shaped structure 503a is in the first limiting cavity 501b, the locking pin 503 is in the first limiting position, and the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state.

[0157] Specifically, if Figure 8 As shown, when the third slot 402 limits the rotating block 507, the T-shaped structure 503a is located in the second limiting cavity 501c, the locking pin 503 is in the second limiting position of the first sleeve 501, and the locking mechanism 5 is in the unlocked state.

[0158] Furthermore, when the connecting device is in the locked state, the second engaging groove 401 on the second connecting rod 4 overlaps with the first engaging groove 301 on the first connecting rod 3, and the rotating block 507 can simultaneously limit the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4. When the two frames support an object above, due to the large load borne by the two frames, the spring 504 can press the rotating block 507 tightly into the first engaging groove 301. By adjusting the pre-compression amount of the spring 504 or the elastic modulus of the spring 504, the locking force of the locking mechanism 5 can be adjusted. A greater locking force can ensure the effective locking of the locking mechanism 5, thereby preventing relative displacement between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2, thereby ensuring the stability of the support.

[0159] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the switching of the limit position, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, a fan-shaped groove 303 is provided on the first connecting rod 3, and the second slot 401 on the second connecting rod 4 can be connected to the first slot 301 and the fan-shaped slot 303 at the same time.

[0160] Specifically, the rotation block 507 can be limited by utilizing the slot structure of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 .

[0161] like Figure 22 As shown, the rotating block 507 includes a circular ring structure 507a and a locking portion 507b. The inner side of the circular ring structure 507a is provided with an internal thread, and the end of the second sleeve 502 is provided with an external thread. The internal and external threads cooperate to achieve a fixed connection between the second sleeve 502 and the rotating block 507. The locking portion 507b is a plate-shaped structure, and the two locking portions 507b are symmetrically arranged on either side of the circular ring structure 507a.

[0162] like Figure 23 As shown, the first connecting rod 3 is provided with a first engaging groove 301 and a first stop block 304 to limit the rotation block 507. To facilitate switching of the limit positions, the first connecting rod 3 is further provided with a fan-shaped groove 303. When the T-shaped structure rotates within the first limit cavity 501b, the engaging portion 507b of the rotation block 507 rotates in the fan-shaped groove 303.

[0163] like Figure 24 As shown, the second connecting rod 4 has two layers of slots: a second slot 401 and a third slot 402. The second slot 401 is a through structure, interpenetrating the first slot 301 and the fan-shaped slot 303. A second stopper 404 is provided on the second slot 401 for locking with the first slot 301 and the first stopper 304. The third slot 402 is shallow and perpendicular to the first slot 301.

[0164] like Figure 25As shown, the first slot 301 and the third slot 402 are perpendicular to each other, and the arc of the second slot 401 is 45°. When the T-shaped structure 503a is located at the first limit position and the second limit position, the angle between the two limit positions is 90°. And the angle between the gap between the two limit blocks 501a and the first slot 301 and the third slot 402 is 45°. Furthermore, the rotating block 507 can be aligned with the gap by rotating 45° from the first limit position, and can be switched to the second limit cavity after radial movement, and can be aligned with the third slot 402 by continuing to rotate 45°, and then be inserted into the third slot 402, realizing the switching between the first limit position and the second limit position, as shown in FIG. Figure 15-17 shown.

[0165] In order to satisfy the conversion between the two states, the distance between the two limiting positions of the locking pin 503 in the first sleeve 501 and the distance between the two limiting positions of the rotating block 507 on the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 should be equal. In other words, the sum of the thickness of the limiting block 501a and the second limiting cavity 501c is equal to the height difference between the first slot 301 and the third slot 402. Figure 8 , L1=L2.

[0166] To meet the positioning requirements, during the initial arrangement, under the premise that the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4 are arranged at 0° or 180°, the locking mechanism 5 is in a locked state, the gap between the T-shaped structure 503a of the locking pin 503 and the first sleeve 501 is arranged at an angle of 45°, and the rotating block 507 falls into the first slot 301 in the first connecting rod 3.

[0167] It is worth noting that:

[0168] 1) The spring 504 of the present invention is always in a compressed state, which means that switching the locking state of the locking mechanism 5 requires overcoming the initial elastic force of the spring 504, thereby ensuring effective locking of the first connecting rod 3 and the second connecting rod 4.

[0169] 2) In the present invention, “the rotating block 507 moves outward” refers to “the process of the second sleeve 502 moving away from the first sleeve 501 ”, and correspondingly, “the rotating block 507 moves inward” refers to “the process of the second sleeve 502 moving close to the first sleeve 501 ”.

[0170] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this embodiment has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0171] 1. The present invention can reduce the number of driving components. In a fixed-distance dual-carriage / multi-carriage support solution, only one car is required to have a driving function to achieve the folding of the connecting device.

[0172] 2. The existing racks are fixedly connected by a rigid structure to ensure that the racks are at a fixed distance, such as Figure 1 As shown, the two-carriage trolley cannot be folded for storage, and the space required is too large. The connecting device of the present invention has a fixed length when unfolded, ensuring a fixed distance between the first and second trolleys, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. Furthermore, when not in use, the connecting device can be folded, eliminating the need for additional space and facilitating parking and storage.

[0173] 3. The present invention designs the connection device between the two carriages to be foldable and provides a locking mechanism that can lock it in three states: folded, extended, and free. In addition, the dual-carriage / multi-carriage solution using this device only requires one carriage to be the active drive, while the others are driven, reducing the number of driving components and improving system reliability.

[0174] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for connecting two fixed-distance double-frame vehicles, characterized in that: The connection is performed by using a foldable connecting device, the connecting device comprising: a first connecting rod (3), a second connecting rod (4) and a locking mechanism (5); one end of the first connecting rod (3) and one end of the second connecting rod (4) are movably connected via the locking mechanism (5); when the locking mechanism (5) is locked, the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) are relatively fixed; when the locking mechanism (5) is unlocked, the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) can rotate relative to each other; the other end of the first connecting rod (3) is hinged to the first vehicle (1); the other end of the second connecting rod (4) is hinged to the second vehicle (2); The first connecting rod (3) is provided with a first card slot (301), and the second connecting rod (4) is provided with a second card slot (401); the first card slot (301) is communicated with the second card slot (401); the locking mechanism (5) comprises a rotating block (507), and when the rotating block (507) is simultaneously engaged with the first card slot (301) and the second card slot (401), the locking mechanism (5) is in a locked state; The second connecting rod (4) is further provided with a third slot (402), and when the rotating block (507) is engaged with the third slot (402), the locking mechanism (5) is in an unlocked state; the second slot (401) is a through slot, and the depth of the third slot (402) is lower than that of the second slot (401); The locking mechanism (5) further comprises: a first sleeve (501), a second sleeve (502), and an elastic component; the first sleeve (501) and the second sleeve (502) pass through the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4), serving as hinge axes of the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4); the two ends of the elastic component are respectively connected to the first sleeve (501) and the second sleeve (502); the rotating block (507) is fixedly mounted on the end of the second sleeve (502); The connection method comprises the following steps: Step S1: switching the locking mechanism (5) from a locked state to an unlocked state, so that the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) can rotate relative to each other; Step S2: moving the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) away from each other, thereby driving the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) to unfold to 180 degrees; Step S3: The locking mechanism (5) is switched to a locked state, so that the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) are relatively fixed, thereby fixing the distance between the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2).

2. The method for connecting fixed-distance double-frame vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, in the initial state, the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) are in a folded state.

3. The method for connecting fixed-distance double-frame vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, when the locking mechanism (5) is in the locked state, the relative rotation of the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) is restricted by the rotating block (507).

4. The method for connecting fixed-distance double-frame vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S1, when the locking mechanism (5) is in the unlocked state, the rotating block (507) is only locked in the third locking groove (402) on the second connecting rod (4), the rotating block (507) does not limit the first connecting rod (3), and the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) can rotate relative to each other.

5. The method for connecting fixed-distance double-frame vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S2, the first vehicle (1) or the second vehicle (2) is driven to move, and the distance between the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) is adjusted, thereby driving the angle between the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) to change.

6. The method for connecting fixed-distance double-frame vehicles according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) move away from each other, the angle between the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) increases; when the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) move toward each other, the angle between the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) decreases.

7. The method for connecting fixed-distance double-frame vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) complete the support, the locking mechanism (5) is switched to the unlocked state, the first vehicle (1) and the second vehicle (2) approach each other until the first connecting rod (3) and the second connecting rod (4) return to the folded state, and the locking mechanism (5) is switched to the locked state.

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