Coupler straightening method and device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and device for straightening a coupler, wherein a straightening hook is used to straighten a gondola car coupler, and the straightening hook is telescopically installed on the arm of a shunting locomotive, wherein the method for straightening a coupler comprises the following steps: setting the optimal distance between the straightening hook and the gondola car as a trigger value; starting the shunting locomotive and extending the straightening hook to the maximum extent at the same time; identifying the model of the gondola car coupler and determining the straightening distance of the straightening hook; detecting the distance between the straightening hook and the gondola car in real time and obtaining the distance value; when the distance value decreases to the trigger value, the straightening hook begins to straighten and moves to the straightening distance, and at the same time, drives the straightening hook to gradually retract and keeps the distance between the straightening hook and the gondola car as the trigger value. The present invention completes the coupler identification and straightening action before the shunting locomotive hook touches the gondola car coupler, and can realize the straightening of the gondola car coupler during the movement of the shunting locomotive, thereby ensuring the automatic connection of the shunting locomotive hook and the gondola car coupler, eliminating the need for manual straightening operation, being quick and convenient, and having low cost, and being adaptable to a variety of coupler models.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of hook straightening, and in particular to a coupler straightening method and a device thereof. Background Art

[0002] The coupler is a vehicle component used to achieve the connection between the locomotive and the carriage or between the carriages, transmit traction and impact force, and keep a certain distance between the carriages. The coupler body is connected to the coupler frame installed at both ends of the carriage through the coupler pin. The coupler body takes the coupler pin as the center of the circle and can swing left and right within a certain range to adapt to the curved and turning railway transportation conditions. Most of the current railway systems use automatic couplers. The so-called automatic coupler is a coupler that can automatically complete the action of unhooking or hooking after the lifting rod of a coupler is lifted, and then the locomotive pulls the carriage open or collides with the hook of another carriage. Open carriages are often used for the transportation of bulk goods such as coal and iron ore, and the unloading often uses a tipping machine system. After the open carriage is unhooked and unloaded, it is pulled into the tipping machine system. The tipping machine rotates the open carriage about 160 degrees for unloading, with a high degree of automation and high unloading efficiency.

[0003] When the car tipper rotates and unloads the car, the hook body will be tilted to the side of the unloading port due to gravity and cannot automatically return to its original position. The tilt of the hook body will cause the shunting machine to push the car and the subsequent collision hook to malfunction and even cause an accident.

[0004] In the prior art, in order to achieve safe coupling between the shunting locomotive hook and the open car hook, the open car hook needs to be straightened, including manual straightening and straightening by automated devices. Manual straightening is done by hand or by swinging a crowbar. Often, when the automated system of the car tipper is not interrupted, the operator waits for an opportunity to enter both ends of the car tipper and straighten it. The whole process carries the risk of personnel being drawn into the equipment. Automated device straightening mostly uses a straightening hook robot, which requires a specific track to be set up in the car tipper, has a complex structure and is costly. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for straightening a coupler is provided, wherein a straightening hook device is used to straighten a coupler of an open car, and the straightening hook device is telescopically installed on the boom of a shunting machine, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0006] Set the optimal distance between the hook and the open car as the trigger value;

[0007] Start the shunting machine and extend the hook as far as possible;

[0008] Identify the model of the open car coupler and determine the straightening distance of the hook straightener;

[0009] Real-time detection of the distance between the hook and the open car to obtain the distance value;

[0010] When the distance value decreases to the trigger value, the straightening hook starts to straighten and moves to the straightening distance. At the same time, the straightening hook is driven to retract gradually to keep the distance between the straightening hook and the open car at the trigger value.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a coupler straightening device for implementing the above coupler straightening method, which is installed on a shunting machine of a car tipping machine system and is used to straighten a coupler of an open car, and comprises: a straightening hook module, a telescopic driving module, a distance measuring module, a control module and an identification module;

[0012] The telescopic drive module is arranged on the big arm of the shunting machine, and the driving end of the telescopic drive module is connected to the positive hook module, driving the positive hook module to approach the open car hook;

[0013] The hook-positive module is used to straighten the coupler of the open wagon;

[0014] The distance measuring module is arranged on the telescopic driving module, and the distance measuring module detects the distance between the positive hook module and the open car in real time;

[0015] The identification module is arranged on the big arm of the shunting machine and is opposite to the open car coupler. The identification module identifies the model of the open car coupler.

[0016] The control module is connected with the telescopic driving module, the distance measuring module, the positive hook module and the identification module.

[0017] Furthermore, the telescopic drive module comprises:

[0018] A fixed cylinder, which is fixed on the big arm of the shunting machine;

[0019] A pusher, which is fixed in the fixed cylinder and connected to the control module;

[0020] A telescopic cylinder, the telescopic cylinder is slidably arranged in the fixed cylinder, and the positive hook module and the distance measuring module are fixed on the telescopic cylinder;

[0021] The output end of the pusher is connected to the telescopic cylinder to drive the telescopic cylinder to extend and retract.

[0022] Furthermore, the telescopic drive module further comprises: a sliding bushing, which is arranged in the fixed cylinder and is slidably connected to the telescopic cylinder.

[0023] Furthermore, a buffer is provided at one end of the telescopic cylinder facing the gondola.

[0024] Furthermore, the pusher is an electric push rod.

[0025] Furthermore, the straight hook module includes: a push plate and a driving member; the driving member is arranged on the telescopic cylinder, the driving member is connected to the control module and the push plate, and the driving member drives the push plate to straighten the open car coupler.

[0026] Furthermore, the ranging module is a ranging sensor or a radar.

[0027] Furthermore, the control module is a controller.

[0028] Furthermore, the identification module is a camera.

[0029] According to the coupler straightening method and device of the embodiment of the present invention, the coupler identification and straightening action are completed before the shunting locomotive hook touches the open car hook, and the open car hook can be straightened during the movement of the shunting locomotive, thereby ensuring the automatic connection between the shunting locomotive hook and the open car hook, eliminating the need for manual hook straightening operations, being quick, convenient, low-cost, and adaptable to a variety of coupler models.

[0030] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the technology as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for righting a coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a side view schematic diagram of a coupler straightening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a coupler straightening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 is a front view schematic diagram of a coupler straightening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a coupler straightening device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a coupler uncoupled state;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a coupler straightening device in a coupler connected state according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to further illustrate the present invention.

[0038] First, combine Figures 1 to 6 A method and device for righting a coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention are described, which are used to right a coupler of an open wagon and have a wide range of application scenarios.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the coupler straightening method of the embodiment of the present invention adopts a straightening hook to straighten the open car coupler, and the straightening hook is telescopically installed on the boom of the shunting locomotive. In this embodiment, the straightening hook can adopt the "open car coupler straightening device" with patent number 202120224485.8, which includes the following steps: setting the optimal distance between the straightening hook and the open car as the trigger value, that is, the optimal distance for the straightening hook to start the straightening action; starting the shunting locomotive and extending the straightening hook to the maximum at the same time; identifying the model of the open car coupler so as to be suitable for different models of open car couplers, and determining the straightening distance of the straightening hook, that is, the distance that the straightening hook needs to push out to straighten the open car coupler; real-time detection of the distance between the straightening hook and the open car to obtain the distance value; when the distance value is reduced to the trigger value, the straightening hook starts to straighten and moves to the straightening distance, and at the same time, drives the straightening hook to gradually retract to keep the distance between the straightening hook and the open car as the trigger value. As the shunting locomotive gradually moves forward, the distance between the hook and the open car is gradually reduced. When the distance value is reduced to the trigger value, the hook is triggered to start the straightening action. In order to realize the continuous movement of the shunting locomotive without stopping and avoid the collision of the hook and the open car, before the hook completes the straightening action, it is necessary to determine the retraction speed of the hook according to the forward speed of the shunting locomotive to ensure that the hook is stationary relative to the open car, that is, to ensure that the distance between the hook and the open car is always at the trigger value. Through the hook straightening method of this embodiment, it can ensure that the open car hook can be straightened during the mobile connection process of the shunting locomotive, realize the non-stop operation of the shunting locomotive, realize automation, real-time adjustment, and adapt to a variety of hook models.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a coupler straightening device 7 for implementing the above-mentioned coupler straightening method, which is installed on the shunting machine 1 of the tipping machine system, specifically installed on the outside of the front hook at the head of the boom 11 of the shunting machine 1, and achieves the hook straightening function by quickly straightening the coupler 12 of the shunting machine 1 before the coupler 21 of the open car 2 collides and is connected, and is used for straightening the coupler 21 of the open car 2, and comprises: a hook straightening module 3, a telescopic drive module 4, a distance measuring module 5, a control module and an identification module 6.

[0041] Specifically, Figures 2 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the telescopic drive module 4 is arranged on the arm 11 of the shunting machine 1, and the driving end of the telescopic drive module 4 is connected to the positive hook module 3, driving the positive hook module 3 to approach the hook 21 of the open car 2; the positive hook module 3 is used to straighten the hook 21 of the open car 2; the distance measuring module 5 is arranged on the telescopic drive module 4, and the distance measuring module 5 detects the distance between the positive hook module 3 and the open car 2 in real time; the identification module 6 is arranged on the arm 11 of the shunting machine 1 and is opposite to the hook 21 of the open car 2, and the identification module 6 identifies the model of the hook 21 of the open car 2; the control module is connected with the telescopic drive module 4, the distance measuring module 5, the positive hook module 3 and the identification module 6. The distance measuring module 5 is a distance measuring sensor, which detects the distance between the positive hook module 3 and the open car 2 in real time to ensure high-precision positioning during the straightening process and reduce errors. The distance measuring module 5 can also use a radar. The radar can measure the distance and determine the type of the hook by detecting whether there is a chain and a handle above the hook 21 of the open car 2 or detecting the width of the hook. The control module is a controller. The identification module 6 is a camera that identifies the model of the coupler 21 of the open car 2, ensuring that the hook module 3 can be adaptively adjusted for different coupler models to improve the accuracy of operation. Real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment ensure the safety of operation and reduce the risk of safety accidents caused by human operating errors; the automation system reduces the opportunity for workers to directly contact the coupler and reduces potential dangers at work. The coupler straightening device 7 has a compact structure and can be applied to all types of dumper systems. After being put into use, it can eliminate the need for manual hook straightening operations on the hook body.

[0042] Further, if Figures 2~6 As shown, in the present embodiment, the telescopic drive module 4 comprises: a fixed cylinder 41, which is fixed on the boom 11 of the shunting machine 1, providing a stable foundation; a pusher 42, which is fixed in the fixed cylinder 41 and connected to the control module; a telescopic cylinder 43, which is slidably arranged in the fixed cylinder 41, and the positive hook module 3 and the distance measuring module 5 are fixed on the telescopic cylinder 43. In the standby state, the telescopic cylinder 43 can be compactly retracted to reduce the occupied space and be more beautiful. At the same time, the fixed cylinder 41 limits and guides the telescopic direction of the telescopic cylinder 43; the output end of the pusher 42 is connected to the telescopic cylinder 43 to drive the telescopic cylinder 43 to extend and retract. The pusher 42 can adopt an electric push rod to provide a stable and controllable driving force to ensure that the telescopic cylinder 43 can be smoothly and accurately extended and retracted.

[0043] Further, if Figures 2~6As shown, in this embodiment, the telescopic drive module 4 further includes: a sliding bushing 44, which is arranged in the fixed cylinder 41 and is slidably connected with the telescopic cylinder 43. The sliding bushing 44 can effectively reduce the gap and swing of the telescopic cylinder 43 when sliding in the fixed cylinder 41, improve the stability and accuracy of the telescopic movement, and ensure that the positioning of the positive hook module 3 during the operation is more accurate; it can play a certain shock-absorbing role, absorb and buffer the impact and vibration in the telescopic movement, reduce noise, and improve the running stability and comfort of the system; it can reduce friction, reduce wear, and enhance load capacity.

[0044] Further, if Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a buffer 45 is provided at one end of the telescopic cylinder 43 facing the gondola 2 to provide anti-collision protection under extreme working conditions.

[0045] Further, if Figures 2~6 As shown, in this embodiment, the hook module 3 includes: a push plate 31 and a driving member 32; the driving member 32 is arranged on the telescopic cylinder 43, and the driving member 32 is connected to the control module and the push plate 31. The driving member 32 drives the push plate 31 to straighten the coupler 21 of the open car 2, thereby realizing the automatic control of the movement of the push plate 31, reducing the error of human operation, and improving the operation efficiency and accuracy. The moving direction of the push plate 31 is perpendicular to the telescopic direction of the telescopic cylinder 43. Through the precise control of the driving member 32 and the uniform force of the push plate 31, an efficient, accurate and safe coupler straightening operation is realized. The driving member 32 can select an electric push rod according to specific needs, and the control is flexible and convenient.

[0046] According to the needs, the hook straightening device 7 can be arranged at the entrance and exit sides of the dumper to perform hook straightening operations on the rear hook and the front hook of the car to be dumped, respectively. When arranged at the exit, it is implemented in a front-to-back mirror arrangement. In the standby state, the telescopic cylinder 43 is in a retracted state; after the shunting machine 1 starts to push the car, the telescopic cylinder 43 is quickly pushed out. During the forward movement of the shunting machine 1, due to the different straightening distances of different hooks, the camera obtains the hook image, and the type of hook is identified through the machine vision system to provide data support for the straightening operation. At the same time, the distance measurement module 5 on the telescopic cylinder 43 detects the rear position of the open car 2 in real time to obtain the distance value. When the distance value is reduced to the trigger value, the pusher 42 of the telescopic cylinder 43 is controlled to gradually retract according to the distance change rate, but the position of the telescopic cylinder 43 and the open car 2 is kept relatively still. After the telescopic cylinder 43 remains "stationary", the push plate 31 is located in the most suitable position, and the hook module 3 is controlled. In combination with the coupler information data, the push plate 31 is started to push the corresponding coupler. At this time, the shunting locomotive 1 slows down and continues to move forward. Before the front hook of the shunting locomotive 1 touches the coupler 21 of the open car 2, the above-mentioned coupler identification, telescopic cylinder 43 retention, and push plate 31 straightening actions have been completed. The shunting locomotive 1 continues to move forward to complete the smooth connection of the straightened coupler.

[0047] Above, refer to Figures 1 to 6 A coupler straightening method and device according to an embodiment of the present invention are described, in which the coupler identification and straightening action are completed before the shunting locomotive hook touches the open car hook, and the open car hook can be straightened during the movement of the shunting locomotive, thereby ensuring the automatic connection between the shunting locomotive hook and the open car hook, eliminating the need for manual hook straightening operations, being quick, convenient, low-cost, and adaptable to a variety of coupler models.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this specification, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations 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. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0049] Although the content of the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. After reading the above content, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and substitutions of the present invention will occur. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coupler straightening device, installed on the shunting machine of the dumper system, used to straighten the coupler of the open car. It is characterized in that Contains: positive hook module, telescopic drive module, distance measurement module, control module and identification module; The telescopic driving module is arranged on the big arm of the shunting machine, and the driving end of the telescopic driving module is connected to the positive hook module to drive the positive hook module to approach the open car hook; The positive hook module is used to straighten the open car coupler; The distance measuring module is arranged on the telescopic driving module, and the distance measuring module detects the distance between the front hook module and the open car in real time; The identification module is arranged on the arm of the shunting machine and is opposite to the open car coupler, and the identification module identifies the model of the open car coupler; The control module is connected with the telescopic driving module, the distance measuring module, the positive hook module and the identification module; The telescopic drive module comprises: A fixed cylinder, wherein the fixed cylinder is fixed on the boom of the shunting machine; A pusher, the pusher is fixed in the fixing cylinder and connected to the control module; A telescopic cylinder, wherein the telescopic cylinder is slidably disposed in the fixed cylinder, and the positive hook module and the distance measuring module are fixed on the telescopic cylinder; The output end of the pusher is connected to the telescopic cylinder to drive the telescopic cylinder to extend and retract; The positive hook module includes: a push plate and a driving member; the driving member is arranged on the telescopic cylinder, the driving member is connected to the control module and the push plate, the driving member drives the push plate to straighten the open car hook, and the moving direction of the push plate is perpendicular to the telescopic direction of the telescopic cylinder.

2. The coupler straightening device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The telescopic driving module further comprises a sliding bushing, which is arranged in the fixed tube and is slidably connected with the telescopic tube.

3. The coupler straightening device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A buffer is provided at one end of the telescopic cylinder facing the open car.

4. The coupler straightening device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The pusher is an electric push rod.

5. The coupler straightening device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The distance measuring module is a radar.

6. The coupler straightening device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The control module is a controller.

7. The coupler straightening device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The identification module is a camera.

8. A method for straightening a coupler, It is characterized in that The method of using the coupler straightening device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 to straighten the coupler of an open car, wherein the coupler straightening device is installed on the boom of a shunting machine, comprises the following steps: Setting the optimal distance between the positive hook module and the open car as a trigger value; The shunting machine is started, and the telescopic drive module simultaneously extends the positive hook module to the maximum extent; Identify the model of the open car coupler, and determine the straightening distance of the positive hook module, where the straightening distance is the distance that the positive hook module needs to push out to straighten the open car coupler; Real-time detection of the distance between the positive hook module and the open car to obtain a distance value; When the distance value decreases to the trigger value, the front hook module starts to straighten and moves to the straightening distance. At the same time, the telescopic driving module drives the front hook module to retract gradually to keep the distance between the front hook module and the open car at the trigger value.

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