Transition car coupler and method of coupling

Abstract

The application provides a transition car coupler and a coupling method thereof. The hook body of the transition car coupler comprises a coupling end and a hook tail end, the coupling end is used for coupling with an adapter car coupler and comprises a coupling surface; a coupler is arranged on the hook body and is used for coupling with a coupling rod of a train car coupler; the coupling rod and the hook body are an integral structure; the coupler and the coupling rod are arranged on both sides of the hook body; the length of the coupling rod is configured to be able to pass over the coupling surface to couple with the coupler of the train car coupler; the coupling end comprises an upper coupling surface and a lower coupling surface which are arranged in an upper-lower interval, and the upper coupling surface and the lower coupling surface are connected through a hook body seat; the hook body seat comprises an arc-shaped section which is recessed from one side of the coupling end to the hook tail end, forming an arc-shaped section hook body. The transition car coupler is an integral structure, the traditional transition car coupler main shaft, coupling rod, coupling rod pin shaft and the like are designed as an integral structure or omitted, and there are only two parts of the integral car coupler and the blocking pin, so that the coupling is convenient and the weight is light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rail transit technology, and specifically to a transition coupler and a method for connecting the transition coupler. Background Technology

[0002] A transition coupler is a device used to connect couplers of different coupler types or installation heights; it is a common component in locomotives and passenger cars.

[0003] With the rapid development of the rail transit industry, the types of couplers used will also increase. When a train malfunctions during operation, a reliable transition coupler is needed to rescue the train and tow it to a safe place. Currently, the main transition couplers in China are the Type 10 transition coupler, the Type 330 transition coupler, and the Type 40 transition coupler. The existing transition couplers have many types of parts, are heavy, and the coupling operation is very laborious.

[0004] Different train models and types use different types of official couplers. Furthermore, the structures of these official couplers differ. Existing technology offers universal transition couplers that can be adapted to couple various types of official couplers. However, on the one hand, because the structure of universal couplers is fixed, it is difficult to utilize the subtle differences between different coupler models; on the other hand, transition couplers have complex structures, are typically large and heavy, making them inconvenient for coupling with train couplers.

[0005] As a key product used in rescue traction vehicles, the transition coupler requires rescue personnel to handle it during the coupling process. The coupling time affects the vehicle rescue time and can even affect the train timetable. Therefore, it is essential to design a transition coupler that occupies little space, is lightweight, has a compact structure, and is easy to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems by proposing a compact, lightweight, and convenient coupling operation transition coupler and a coupling method for the transition coupler.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A transition coupler, comprising:

[0009] Hook body: includes a connecting end and a hook tail end, wherein the connecting end is used to connect with the compatible hook and includes a connecting surface;

[0010] Hook tongue: Located on the hook body, used to connect with the coupling rod of the train coupler;

[0011] Connecting rod: It is an integral structure with the hook body;

[0012] The hook tongue and the connecting rod are arranged on both sides of the hook body; the length of the connecting rod is configured to extend beyond the connecting surface to connect with the hook tongue of the train coupler;

[0013] The connecting end includes an upper connecting surface and a lower connecting surface that are spaced apart vertically, and the upper connecting surface and the lower connecting surface are connected by a hook body seat; the hook body seat includes an arc-shaped segment that is recessed from one side of the connecting end to the hook tail side, forming an arc-shaped hook body.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, a stop pin is installed on the hook body on one side of the hook tongue. The installation position of the stop pin is configured such that after the connecting rod of the train coupler is connected to the hook tongue of the transition coupler, the stop pin is located outside the connecting rod of the train coupler to restrict the rotation of the connecting rod.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, a stop pin mounting plate is installed on the hook body on one side of the hook tongue, including an upper mounting plate located above the hook tongue and a lower mounting plate located below the hook tongue. Both the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are provided with openings, and the stop pin passes through the openings of the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate and is fixed therethrough.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, a connecting plate is provided on the hook body, and a hook tongue is provided on the side of the connecting plate facing the hook tail.

[0017] The transition coupler as described in claim 4 is characterized in that the side of the connecting plate facing the connecting surface is inclined, and the inclined surface is located from the side near the connecting rod of the transition coupler to the outside of the transition coupler, and is inclined towards the side near the coupler tail.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the arc-shaped hook body is in the shape of an arc-shaped plate, and the hook tail and the plate-shaped arc-shaped hook body are an integral structure.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, a reinforcing rib is provided between the arc-shaped hook body and the hook tail.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the stop pin is installed on the side wall of the arc-shaped hook section, and the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are symmetrically installed on the upper and lower sides of the symmetry axis along the symmetry axis of the arc-shaped hook section.

[0021] Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for coupling a transition coupler, used for coupling a transition coupler to a train coupler, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0022] Pull the uncoupling handle of the train coupler and rotate the coupler tongue to connect the coupler tongue of the train coupler with the connecting rod of the transition coupler.

[0023] Release the uncoupling handle of the train coupler to engage the connecting rod of the train coupler with the hook tongue of the transition coupler.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling step further includes: during the coupling process of the coupling rod of the train coupler and the hook tongue of the transition coupler, the coupling rod of the train coupler contacts the inclined surface of the coupling plate, moves along the inclined surface to the rear side of the coupling plate, and couples with the hook tongue of the transition coupler.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the transition coupler and its coupling method provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0026] 1. The transition coupler provided by the present invention is an integrated structure, which integrates or omits the main shaft, connecting rod, connecting rod pin, etc. of the traditional transition coupler. Only two parts, the integrated coupler and the stop pin, are needed to realize the connection function of the transition coupler, which simplifies the disassembly of the transition coupler and meets the requirements of lightweighting.

[0027] 2. The transition coupler body has an arc-shaped structure and can be designed as a plate structure, which greatly simplifies the structure of the transition coupler body, reduces the weight of the transition coupler, facilitates coupling operation, and thus ensures coupling operation time.

[0028] 3. The connecting rod of the transition coupler is welded to the coupler body as one piece, with no relative movement, and cannot be disassembled. The structure is simple and does not require daily maintenance or oiling.

[0029] 4. The stop pin is used to block the coupling rod of the formal car coupler, which can effectively prevent it from coming off and avoid uncoupling;

[0030] 5. The transition coupler adopts a sliding coupling method, which is simple to operate and can be completed by one person. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the first state structure of the Type 40 coupler.

[0033] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of the second state structure of the Type 40 coupler.

[0034] Figure 2a This is a first-view structural diagram of the transition coupler.

[0035] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the second-view structure of the transition coupler.

[0036] Figure 2cThis is a schematic diagram of the third-view structure of the transition coupler.

[0037] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the first state of connection between the transition coupler and the Type 40 coupler.

[0038] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the second-state structure for connecting the transition coupler with the Type 40 coupler.

[0039] Figure 3c This is a schematic diagram of the third-state structure for connecting the transition coupler with the Type 40 coupler.

[0040] Figure 3d This is a schematic diagram of the fourth state structure for connecting the transition coupler with the Type 40 coupler.

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure in which the transition coupler and the 40-type coupler are in place.

[0042] 1-40 type coupler, 101-hook head, 102-connecting face, 103-hook tongue plate, 104-hook tongue arc mouth, 105-connecting rod, 106-unhooking handle, 107-convex cone, 108-concave cone;

[0043] 2-Transition coupler;

[0044] 3-Hook body, 301-Connecting end, 302-Hook tail end, 303-Hook tail pin, 304-Upper connecting surface, 305-Lower connecting surface, 306-Reinforcing rib, 307-Arc segment;

[0045] 4- hook tongue;

[0046] 5-Connecting rod;

[0047] 6-stop pin;

[0048] 701 - Upper mounting plate, 702 - Lower mounting plate;

[0049] 8-Connecting plate, 801-Inclined surface. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that: the fixed connection described in this application can be a detachable fixed connection or an integrated fixed connection; the indication of orientation or positional relationship is based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0052] The terms "first" and "second" are used only to describe the purpose and are not used to imply relative importance.

[0053] This invention provides a transition coupler and a method for coupling the transition coupler, applicable to coupling with train couplers in the form of coupler tongues and coupling rods, such as the Type 40 coupler. In this embodiment, the structure of the transition coupler and the coupling steps will be illustrated using the adaptation application of the transition coupler and the Type 40 coupler as an example. The terms used below, "formal coupler" and "train coupler," refer to the couplers on the formal vehicles.

[0054] The current application status of the 40-type coupler in existing technology is as follows.

[0055] Tram-trains are a type of mixed-use transportation vehicle used abroad. While the strength requirements for the coupler are not high, the requirements for lightweight design are extremely stringent, and the Type 40 coupler is widely used. When using trams for rescue operations, a Type 40 transition coupler is required. However, traditional transition couplers are too heavy and cannot meet the requirements for single-person operation, making the operation process complex.

[0056] Unlike the 330-type coupler commonly used in domestic subway vehicles, the 40-type coupler has different operating principles and structural characteristics. Specifically, when the coupler is in the ready-to-couple position (also the coupled position), the 40-type coupler's coupling rod is in the extended cone state, while the 330-type coupler's coupling rod is retracted into the coupler cone. The 40-type coupler's hook tongue arc opening faces the rear side of the coupler body, and a guide plate is also installed on the side wall of the coupler body, while the 330-type coupler's hook tongue arc opening faces the side of the coupler body.

[0057] First, the structure of the Type 40 coupler will be explained.

[0058] refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1bThis is a two-state diagram of a Type 40 coupler. The Type 40 coupler includes a coupler head 101 and a coupler tail, with the tail side used for connection to the vehicle end. The coupler head 101 has a connecting surface 102, which faces each other when two Type 40 couplers are coupled. A convex cone 107 and a concave cone 108 are provided on one side of the connecting surface of the Type 40 coupler. The coupler head portion forms a coupler head cavity, and a coupler tongue structure is installed inside the cavity. The coupler tongue structure can rotate relative to the coupler head and can be externally connected to an uncoupling handle. Pulling the uncoupling handle rotates the coupler tongue 12 of the Type 40 coupler. More specifically, the coupler tongue structure includes a coupler tongue plate 103, with a coupler tongue arc 104 structure formed on one side of the coupler tongue plate, serving as the coupler tongue and capable of connecting with the connecting rods of other mating couplers. A Type 40 coupler connecting rod 105 is connected to the other side of the coupler tongue plate, enabling connection with the coupler tongues of other mating couplers. Figure 1a The diagram shown illustrates the uncoupling and coupling states of the train. Figure 1b The diagram shown illustrates the coupling status of the train coupler.

[0059] The first embodiment of the present invention provides a transition coupler for a type 40 coupler, used in vehicle rescue operations to connect with a vehicle to be rescued that uses a type 40 coupler.

[0060] The structure of the transition coupler will be described in detail below.

[0061] refer to Figure 2a and Figure 2b The transition coupler 1 has a hook body 3 including a coupling end 301 and a hook tail end 302. The coupling end 301 is used to couple with the compatible coupler and has a coupling surface. The hook tail end 302 is used to connect to an external rescue vehicle and includes a hook tail pin 303. When coupled with the coupler of the vehicle to be rescued, the coupling surface of the transition coupler fits against the coupling surface of the formal coupler of the train to be coupled. In this embodiment, the formal coupler is a type 40 coupler; therefore, the type 40 coupler mentioned below corresponds to the formal coupler of the train. However, this is not intended to limit the application scenario of the transition coupler of this invention; the transition coupler can still be applied to other types of transition couplers of the coupler tongue coupling rod type.

[0062] Typically, couplers are connected via a coupler tongue and a connecting rod. When two couplers are connected, the coupler tongue of the first coupler is connected to the connecting rod of the second coupler, and the connecting rod of the first coupler is connected to the coupler tongue of the second coupler.

[0063] A hook tongue 4 is provided on the hook body 3 of the rescue vehicle coupler. The hook tongue 4 is located on the hook body 1, facing the coupling end, and is used to connect with the coupling rod of the 40-type coupler.

[0064] The rescue vehicle hook is also equipped with a connecting rod 5, which is an integral structure with the hook body 3 and the two cannot be disassembled.

[0065] The hook tongue 4 and the connecting rod 5 are arranged on both sides of the hook body; the length of the connecting rod 5 is configured to extend beyond the connecting surface of the hook body 3 to connect with the hook tongue of the 40-type coupler.

[0066] In the above structure, the hook tongue 4 and the connecting rod 5 are both integrated with the hook body 3. The transition coupler as a whole is a non-detachable structure, which is convenient for transportation and maintenance.

[0067] Because the connecting rod 105 is extended when the 40-type coupler is engaged, the portion outside the coupler body is relatively long, which can easily lead to unstable engagement with the transition coupler's hook tongue. To solve this problem, in some embodiments of the present invention, a stop pin 6 is installed on the coupler body on one side of the hook tongue. The installation position of the stop pin 6 is configured such that after the connecting rod 105 of the 40-type coupler is engaged with the hook tongue 4 of the transition coupler, the stop pin 6 is located outside the connecting rod 105 to restrict the rotation of the connecting rod 105 and prevent the connecting rod from disengaging from the hook tongue 4 of the transition coupler.

[0068] To address the installation issue of the stop pin 6, in some embodiments of the present invention, a stop pin mounting plate is installed on the hook body on one side of the hook tongue 4. This includes an upper mounting plate 701 located above the hook tongue 4 and a lower mounting plate 702 located below the hook tongue 4. Both the upper mounting plate 701 and the lower mounting plate 702 have openings through which the stop pin 6 passes and is fixed. The stop pin 6 is a detachable structure. It is installed after the transition coupler is coupled to the 40-type coupler, and removed when the coupling of the two couplers needs to be disengaged.

[0069] In order to construct the structure of the hook tongue 4, in some embodiments of the present invention, a connecting plate 8 is provided on the hook body, and the hook tongue 4 is provided on the side of the connecting plate 8 facing the hook tail. It is an arc-shaped structure machined on the connecting plate, with the arc facing the hook tail side of the transition coupler.

[0070] A characteristic of the Type 40 coupler is that, in the coupled state, the connecting rod 105 of the Type 40 coupler is extended. However, the hook tongue 4 of the transition coupler faces the tail of the transition coupler, opposite to the direction of the connecting rod 105 of the Type 40 coupler. The connecting rod 105 needs to go around to the rear of the connecting plate 8 to engage with the transition coupler. Since the connecting plate 8 is located on the movement path of the connecting rod 105, it interferes with the movement of the connecting rod 105. To solve this technical problem, in some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting plate 8 facing the transition coupler coupling surface, that is, the side of the connecting plate 8 facing the connecting rod 105, is inclined surface 801. The inclined surface 801 is located from the side closer to the connecting rod of the transition coupler towards the outside of the transition coupler, tilting towards the tail of the hook. The inclined surface 801 has a guiding function. When the 40-type coupler is coupled with the transition coupler, the connecting rod 105 contacts the inclined surface 801 and moves along the inclined surface 801. When it moves to the outer edge of the inclined surface 801, it passes around the connecting plate 8 and is coupled with the hook tongue 4.

[0071] The coupling surface 102 of the 40-type coupler is the surface containing the convex cone 107 and the concave cone 108, resulting in a large overall area and a large overall volume of the coupler. The coupling end of the hook body provided by this invention includes an upper coupling surface 304 and a lower coupling surface 305 arranged at an interval, connected by a hook body seat. The hook body seat has a concave arc-shaped segment 307 extending from one side of the coupling end towards the hook tail. The concavity here refers to the indentation from the coupling end 301 towards the side closer to the hook tail end 302. The hook tail and the plate-like structure of the arc-shaped segment 307 are integrally formed, greatly simplifying the structure of the coupler head and making the hook head lighter. To improve structural stability, a reinforcing rib 306 is provided between the hook tail and the arc-shaped segment 307.

[0072] The width of the arc-shaped segment 107 is approximately equal to the width of the upper connecting surface 104 and the lower connecting surface 105. This width is much smaller than the overall width of the 40-type coupler connecting surface, which reduces the overall weight of the transition coupler and avoids interference with the cone of the permanent coupler. The side of the arc-shaped segment 107 is close to the cone 107 of the 40-type coupler, but the width of the arc-shaped segment ensures that the transition coupler does not interfere with the cone 107 of the permanent coupler. This structure can minimize the overall volume and weight of the transition coupler. To further reduce weight, multiple weight-reducing holes can also be designed on the hook body of the arc-shaped segment 107.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, there are notches in the middle portions of the upper coupling panel 304 and the lower coupling panel 305. The location of the notches matches the position of the air duct of the 40-type coupler, so as to avoid interference between the air ducts of the transition coupler and the main coupler during the coupling process.

[0074] Furthermore, the arc segment 107 is a regular circular arc, and the hook tail is installed at the symmetrical division position of the arc segment, facing backward, and the two are welded together. The connecting rod 5 of the transition coupler is installed on the first side of this symmetrical division position, and the hook tongue is correspondingly set on the second side. This configuration can ensure the uniformity and symmetry of the transition coupler. The stop pin 6 is installed on the side wall of the arc-shaped hook body segment, and the upper mounting plate 701 and the lower mounting plate 702 are symmetrically installed on the upper and lower sides of the symmetry axis along the symmetry axis of the arc-shaped hook body segment.

[0075] Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for coupling a transition coupler for a type 40 coupler, used for coupling the aforementioned transition coupler to a type 40 coupler, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0076] Pull the uncoupling handle of the 40-type coupler and rotate the hook tongue of the 40-type coupler to connect the hook tongue of the 40-type coupler with the connecting rod of the transition coupler.

[0077] When the uncoupling handle of the 40-type coupler is released, the hook tongue of the 40-type coupler rotates in the opposite direction under the action of the spring restoring force, so that the connecting rod of the 40-type coupler is connected to the hook tongue of the transition coupler.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling method further includes: during the coupling process of the coupling rod 105 of the 40-type coupler and the hook tongue 4 of the transition coupler, the coupling rod 105 of the 40-type coupler contacts the inclined surface 801 of the coupling plate 8, moves along the inclined surface 801 to the rear side of the coupling plate, and couples with the hook tongue 4 of the transition coupler.

[0079] The following section further explains the usage of this transition coupler from the perspectives of the coupling and uncoupling steps.

[0080] Linkage steps:

[0081] like Figure 3a As shown, pull the 40-type formal coupler uncoupling handle 106, and the hook tongue plate 103 rotates clockwise, placing the cylindrical head of the connecting rod 5 of the transition coupler into the hook tongue arc 104 of the hook tongue plate 103.

[0082] like Figure 3b As shown, when the uncoupling handle 106 of the 40-type formal coupler is released, the coupler tongue plate 103 rotates counterclockwise under the action of the torsion spring, and the 40-type formal coupler connecting rod 105 acts on the inclined surface 801 of the connecting plate 8; as Figure 3c As shown, the swing 40 type formal car coupler connecting rod 5 enters the hook tongue 4 arc opening on the rear side of the connecting plate 8;

[0083] like Figure 3d As shown, insert the stop pin 6 and install the R-type pin to fix the stop pin 6, thus completing the connection between the transition coupler of the 40-type coupler and the 40-type train coupler.

[0084] Unhooking steps:

[0085] Pull out the stop pin 6 and rotate the 40-type formal car coupler connecting rod 105 clockwise so that it rotates out of the arc opening of the connecting plate 8;

[0086] Pull the uncoupling handle 106 of the 40-type official coupler to remove the cylindrical head of the connecting rod 5 of the transition coupler from the arc opening 104 of the hook tongue of the 40-type coupler. The uncoupling is complete.

[0087] This invention provides a lightweight, integrated transition coupler that meets lightweight requirements. The coupling process can be operated by a single person, is simple to operate, and features a safety pin structure to prevent accidental disengagement.

[0088] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transition coupler, characterized in that, include: Hook body: includes a connecting end and a hook tail end, wherein the connecting end is used to connect with the compatible hook and includes a connecting surface; Hook tongue: Located on the hook body, used to connect with the coupling rod of the train coupler; Connecting rod: It is an integral structure with the hook body; The hook tongue and the connecting rod are arranged on both sides of the hook body; the length of the connecting rod is configured to extend beyond the connecting surface to connect with the hook tongue of the train coupler; The connecting end includes an upper connecting surface and a lower connecting surface that are spaced apart vertically, and the upper connecting surface and the lower connecting surface are connected by a hook body seat; the hook body seat includes an arc-shaped segment that is recessed from one side of the connecting end towards the hook tail side, forming an arc-shaped hook body; A stop pin is installed on the hook body on one side of the hook tongue. The installation position of the stop pin is configured such that after the connecting rod of the train coupler is connected to the hook tongue of the transition coupler, the stop pin is located outside the connecting rod of the train coupler to restrict the rotation of the connecting rod. A stop pin mounting plate is installed on the hook body on one side of the hook tongue, including an upper mounting plate located above the hook tongue and a lower mounting plate located below the hook tongue. Both the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are provided with openings. The stop pin passes through the openings of the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate and is fixed therethrough. The hook body is provided with a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is provided with a hook tongue on the side facing the hook tail; The stop pin is installed on the side wall of the arc-shaped hook section, and the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are symmetrically installed on the upper and lower sides of the axis of symmetry along the axis of symmetry of the arc-shaped hook section; The hook tongue and connecting rod are both integrated with the hook body, while the transition coupler is a non-detachable structure.

2. The transition coupler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting plate has an inclined surface on the side facing the connecting surface. The inclined surface is located from the side near the connecting rod of the transition coupler to the outside of the transition coupler, and is inclined towards the side near the coupler tail.

3. The transition coupler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped hook body is in the shape of an arc plate, and the hook tail and the plate-shaped arc-shaped hook body are an integral structure.

4. The transition coupler as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A reinforcing rib is provided between the curved section of the hook body and the hook tail.

5. A method for coupling a transition coupler, used for coupling the transition coupler and the train coupler as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Pull the uncoupling handle of the train coupler and rotate the coupler tongue to connect the coupler tongue of the train coupler with the connecting rod of the transition coupler. Release the uncoupling handle of the train coupler to engage the connecting rod of the train coupler with the hook tongue of the transition coupler.

6. The hanging method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Further includes: During the engagement of the train coupler's connecting rod with the transition coupler's hook tongue, the train coupler's connecting rod contacts the inclined surface of the connecting plate, moves along the inclined surface to the rear side of the connecting plate, and engages with the transition coupler's hook tongue.

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