An automatic cleaning device and method for railway signal lights

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of railway signaling, specifically relating to an automatic cleaning device for railway signaling, including a signaling box and a maintenance platform. The signaling box is controlled by a steering platform to rotate and switch its end face towards the opening of the maintenance platform. Several transmission platforms are arranged on both sides of the maintenance platform, and the transmission platforms have sections for placing cleaning mechanisms. A transfer mechanism and a displacement mechanism are arranged side by side in the middle of the maintenance platform, and the transfer mechanism establishes a first transmission channel with the transmission platforms. The maintenance platform is used to hold the cleaning mechanism. In use, the cleaning mechanism is moved to the cleaning position through the cooperation of the transfer mechanism and the displacement mechanism, without the need for dedicated personnel to clean it. The cleaning mechanism is enclosed and independent, and is not affected by external interference. The maintenance platform has a built-in spare signal light, which can be automatically replaced when the signal light malfunctions, without the need for dedicated personnel to maintain it. This solves the problem of insufficient timeliness of dedicated personnel for operation and maintenance, and reduces the safety hazards of train operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of railway signaling, and more specifically to an automatic cleaning device and method for railway signaling. Background Technology

[0002] Railway signals are trackside infrastructure equipment for railways and urban rail transit, primarily used to display commands to direct train operation and ensure train safety. Railway signals primarily use ground signals, and drivers must operate according to the signal displays.

[0003] Railway signal lights are located outdoors, and their lamp covers are prone to getting dirty. Due to the large number of railway signal lights and their long distances, cleaning requires carrying special cleaning tools. Manual cleaning of the lamp cover surface is inconvenient and has high labor costs. If cleaning is not done in time, it will affect the railway driver's judgment and pose a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (I) Purpose of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, the present invention proposes an automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines, which features timely and convenient cleaning.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an automatic cleaning device for railway signals, including a signal box and a maintenance platform, wherein the signal box is controlled by a steering platform to rotate and switch the end face facing the opening of the maintenance platform;

[0008] Several transmission stations are set on both sides of the maintenance platform, and the transmission stations have a space for placing the cleaning mechanism.

[0009] The transfer mechanism and the displacement mechanism are arranged side by side in the middle of the maintenance platform. The transfer mechanism establishes a first transmission channel with the transmission platform to switch the left, middle and right positions of the cleaning mechanism.

[0010] A second transmission channel is established between the transfer mechanism and the shifting mechanism to switch the front and rear positions of the cleaning mechanism;

[0011] The shifting mechanism can extend out of the maintenance platform opening, and the cleaning mechanism that moves accordingly moves close to the position to be cleaned in the signal box to perform cleaning.

[0012] Preferably, the signal box is mounted on the rotation shaft of the steering platform via a steering support, and has an outwardly expanding canopy on top;

[0013] The signal cabinet is equipped with a signal lamp holder, on which a detachable signal lamp is mounted, and the lighting end of the signal lamp holder is provided with a light-transmitting signal lamp cover.

[0014] The outer side of the signal light cover is provided with a guide plate with vertical guide grooves.

[0015] Preferably, the transfer mechanism includes four rails installed on the inner wall of the maintenance platform, and a transfer plate is provided between the rails. The transfer plate is controlled by an electric slide to move up and down within the guide groove of the rail.

[0016] The transfer plate is equipped with a belt assembly that can rotate in both directions, and the belt assembly and the transfer table form the first transfer channel;

[0017] The transfer plate is equipped with several rollers that can rotate back and forth.

[0018] Preferably, the shifting mechanism includes cylinders symmetrically installed at the bottom of the track, with a movable piston rod installed at the output end of the cylinder, and a connecting rod connected to the other end of the piston rod. A support plate that is on the same plane as the roller group is installed above the connecting rod, and the cleaning mechanism moves back and forth on both.

[0019] Preferably, the tray has a "U-shaped" structure with a notch in the middle, and an auxiliary clamping limit frame is installed on the upper surface.

[0020] Preferably, the notch of the tray is adapted to the signal light socket, and the first positioning sensor and the second positioning sensor are respectively installed on the opposite end faces of the two.

[0021] Preferably, the signal light is inserted into the inner box of the signal control box as the tray moves, and the signal light and the signal light socket are vertically inserted and fixed.

[0022] Preferably, the cleaning mechanism includes a cleaner, a protruding spray end seat is installed at the corner of the cleaner, and a rotatable cleaning shaft is installed in the middle. A cleaning brush is sleeved on the outer wall of the cleaning shaft. The cleaning brush has an "X" structure and bristles are formed on the end face of the position to be cleaned.

[0023] Preferably, a partition plate is provided above the transmission table, and the partition plate and the transmission table hold at least one empty space, while the remaining spaces are used to place the cleaning mechanism and the signal light to be replaced.

[0024] The present invention also provides an automatic cleaning method for railway signal lights, comprising the following steps:

[0025] Step 1: The signal box is rotated and oriented via the rotation axis of the directional console, adjusting the signal lamp cover to face the end face of the maintenance platform opening;

[0026] Step 2: The cleaning mechanism is first transported to the top of the transfer plate via the transfer table, and then moved to the top of the pallet by the operation of the roller group;

[0027] Step 3: As the piston rod extends outward from the cylinder cavity, the cleaner of the cleaning mechanism moves synchronously with the tray to the position to be cleaned.

[0028] Step 4: The cleaning brush and the signal light cover are attached together, the spray end seat sprays cleaning water, and the cleaning brush is controlled by the rotation of the cleaning shaft to wipe the surface of the signal light cover.

[0029] Step 5: After cleaning is completed, the cleaning mechanism is reset and retracted into the inner cavity of the maintenance platform, and the signal box is rotated and adjusted to its initial position.

[0030] The above-described technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0031] 1. A maintenance platform is set up to house the cleaning mechanism. During use, the cleaning mechanism is moved to the cleaning position through the cooperation of the transfer mechanism and the shifting mechanism. No special personnel are required to clean it. The cleaning mechanism is closed and independent and is not affected by external interference.

[0032] 2. The maintenance console has a built-in backup signal light. When a signal light malfunctions, it can be automatically replaced without the need for dedicated personnel. This solves the problem of insufficient timeliness of dedicated personnel for operation and maintenance and reduces driving safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the maintenance platform of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperative structure of the signal box and maintenance console of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signal enclosure structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism and shifting mechanism of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the maintenance and replacement of the traffic lights according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure label:

[0040] 11. Signal housing; 12. Orientation support; 13. Orientation platform; 14. Canopy; 2. Maintenance platform; 31. Track; 32. Electric slide; 33. Transfer plate; 34. Belt assembly; 35. Roller assembly; 4. Transmission platform; 51. Cylinder; 52. Piston rod; 53. Connecting rod; 54. Support plate; 55. Limiting frame; 61. Washer; 62. Washing shaft; 63. Washing brush; 64. Spraying end seat; 71. Signal lamp cover; 72. Guide plate; 73. Signal lamp holder; 74. Signal lamp; 81. First positioning sensor; 82. Second positioning sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0042] like Figure 1-6 As shown, the present invention proposes an automatic cleaning device for railway signals, including a signal box 11 and a maintenance platform 2. The signal box 11 is mounted on the rotating shaft of the steering platform 13 via a steering support 12. The signal box 11 is controlled by the steering platform 13 to rotate and switch the end face facing the opening of the maintenance platform 2. In order to protect the upper part from rain, an outwardly expanding canopy 14 is installed on its top to prevent rainwater from directly acting on the surface of the signal box 11.

[0043] The signal housing 11 is equipped with a signal lamp holder 73, on which a detachable signal lamp 74 is installed. The lighting end of the signal lamp holder 73 is equipped with a light-transmitting signal lamp cover 71 for signal indication, which is divided into red and green lights.

[0044] The outer side of the signal light cover 71 is provided with a guide plate 72 with vertical guide grooves. During cleaning, the sprayed water droplets act around the signal light cover 71. Under the action of gravity, the water droplets collect and fall along the guide plate 72. Before falling, some water droplets will flow back to the surface of the signal light cover 71 for secondary cleaning.

[0045] Several transmission stations 4 are set on both sides of the maintenance station 2, and the transmission station 4 has a space for placing the cleaning mechanism.

[0046] It should be added that: the transfer mechanism and the displacement mechanism are arranged side by side in the middle of the maintenance platform 2, and the transfer mechanism and the transmission platform 4 establish the first transmission channel to switch the left, middle and right positions of the cleaning mechanism.

[0047] A second transmission channel is established between the transfer mechanism and the shifting mechanism to switch the front and rear positions of the cleaning mechanism;

[0048] The shifting mechanism can extend out of the opening of the maintenance platform 2, and the cleaning mechanism that moves accordingly approaches the position to be cleaned in the signal box 11 to perform cleaning.

[0049] It should be noted that: a partition plate is provided above the transmission station 4, and the partition plate and the transmission station 4 hold at least one empty space. The empty space is used to place the faulty or damaged signal lamp 74. The remaining spaces are used to place the cleaning mechanism and the signal lamp 74 to be replaced, respectively, to ensure that before and after the signal lamp 74 is replaced, there is always a spare space at each transmission station 4 for placing the faulty or damaged signal lamp 74.

[0050] It is understandable that an automatic valve structure with an auxiliary opening is provided on the back of the signal box 11 and the opening end of the maintenance platform 2. When not in use, the automatic valve structure is in a closed state to protect the signal box 11 and the maintenance platform 2.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the transfer mechanism includes four rails 31 installed on the inner wall of the maintenance platform 2, and a transfer plate 33 is provided between the rails 31. The transfer plate 33 is controlled by an electric slide 32 to move up and down in the guide groove of the rail 31.

[0052] The transfer plate 33 is equipped with a belt assembly 34 that can rotate in both directions, and the belt assembly 34 and the transfer table 4 form the first transfer channel;

[0053] The transfer plate 33 is equipped with several roller groups 35 that can rotate back and forth.

[0054] As an example of the operation of the first transmission channel: the transmission table 4 rotates, and the cleaning mechanism or signal light 74 placed on the top moves to the transfer plate 33. At this time, the belt group 34 rotates, moving the cleaning mechanism or signal light 74 to the middle of the transfer plate 33.

[0055] As an example of the operation of the second transmission channel: the roller group 35 includes a number of rotatable rollers spaced apart, which can move the shifting mechanism, cleaning mechanism or signal light 74 to the pallet 54 by rotating the rollers.

[0056] The displacement mechanism includes cylinders 51 symmetrically installed at the bottom of the track 31. A movable piston rod 52 is installed at the output end of the cylinder 51. A connecting rod 53 is connected to the other end of the piston rod 52. A support plate 54 that is on the same plane as the roller group 35 is installed above the connecting rod 53. The cleaning mechanism moves back and forth on both.

[0057] Taking the displacement of the cleaning mechanism as an example, the cleaning mechanism first moves to the transfer plate 33 through the cooperation of the transfer table 4 and the belt group 34, and then moves to the top of the pallet 54 through the roller group 35. The output piston rod 52 is driven by the cylinder 51 to extend, and the pallet 54 on the connecting rod 53 moves toward the signal lamp cover 71 to be cleaned until the cleaning brush 63 of the cleaning mechanism and the signal lamp cover 71 are attached.

[0058] It should be added that the cleaning height is adjusted by the electric slide 32 sliding within the track 31.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning mechanism includes a cleaner 61, a protruding spray end seat 64 is installed at the corner of the cleaner 61, and a rotatable cleaning shaft 62 is installed in the middle. A cleaning brush 63 is sleeved on the outer wall of the cleaning shaft 62, and bristles are formed on the end face of the position to be cleaned.

[0060] In one embodiment, before cleaning, the cleaner 61 is moved out of the inner cavity of the maintenance platform 2, and the cleaning brush 63 is moved to the position attached to the signal lamp cover 71 by the cooperation of various mechanisms. The spray end seat 64 sprays cleaning water onto the signal lamp cover 71 and the guide plate 72. After spraying, the cleaning shaft 62 drives the cleaning brush 63 to rotate, and the brush bristles wipe the dirt off the surface of the signal lamp cover 71 during the rotation.

[0061] Among them, the cleaning brush 63 has an "X-shaped" structure, which is used for positioning the cleaning brush 63 on the surface of the signal light cover 71 on the one hand, and to increase the wiping area after rotation on the other hand.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the tray 54 has a "U-shaped" structure with a notch in the middle, and an auxiliary clamping limit frame 55 is installed on the upper surface. The limit frame 55 can be a movable structure, which is used to clamp the cleaning mechanism or the signal light 74.

[0063] When the internal signal light 74 malfunctions, the tray 54 can be inserted into the inner cavity of the signal light box 1 (the back of the signal light box needs to be rotated to face the opening of the maintenance table 2). Since the notch of the tray 54 is compatible with the signal light base 73, there is no obstruction during insertion. At the same time, the opposing end faces of the two are respectively equipped with the first positioning sensor 81 and the second positioning sensor 82. The two sensors are divided into a transmitting end and a receiving end, which can be used for positioning in the inner cavity. During the movement, the tray 54 is closely attached to the outer periphery of the signal light base 73. During the upward extension of the tray 54, the malfunctioning signal light 74 is removed from the signal box 11.

[0064] In another embodiment, the damaged signal light 74 is placed into the empty space separated in the maintenance platform 2 through the shifting mechanism, the transfer mechanism and the transmission platform. The intact signal light 73 is taken from the remaining space in the maintenance platform 2. The signal light 74 is inserted into the inner box of the signal box 11 as the pallet 54 is displaced, until the signal light 74 and the signal light holder 73 are vertically inserted and fixed.

[0065] An automatic cleaning method for railway signal lights includes the following steps:

[0066] Step 1: The signal box 11 is rotated and oriented by the rotating shaft of the oriented platform 13, so that the signal lamp cover 71 is adjusted to face the end face of the maintenance platform 2 opening;

[0067] Step 2: The cleaning mechanism is first transferred to the top of the transfer plate 33 via the transfer table 4, and then moved to the top of the pallet 54 by the operation of the roller group 35.

[0068] Step 3: As the piston rod 52 extends outward from the inner cavity of cylinder 51, the cleaner 61 of the cleaning mechanism moves synchronously with the support plate 54 to the position to be cleaned.

[0069] Step 4: The cleaning brush 63 and the signal lamp cover 71 are attached together, the spray end seat 64 sprays cleaning water, and the cleaning brush 63 is controlled by the rotation of the cleaning shaft 62 to wipe the surface of the signal lamp cover 71.

[0070] Step 5: After cleaning is completed, the cleaning mechanism is reset and retracted into the inner cavity of the maintenance platform 2, and the signal box 11 is rotated and adjusted to the initial position.

[0071] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines, characterized in that, Includes a signal housing (11) and a maintenance platform (2), wherein the signal housing (11) is controlled by a directional console (13) to rotate and switch the end face facing the opening of the maintenance platform (2); Several transmission stations (4) are set on both sides of the maintenance station (2), and the transmission station (4) has an area for placing the cleaning mechanism. The transfer mechanism and the displacement mechanism are arranged side by side in the middle of the maintenance platform (2). The transfer mechanism and the transmission platform (4) establish a first transmission channel to switch the left, middle and right positions of the cleaning mechanism. A partition plate is provided above the transmission station (4). The partition plate and the transmission station (4) clamp at least one empty space, and the remaining spaces are respectively used to place the cleaning mechanism and the signal light (74) to be replaced. The signal cabinet (11) is equipped with a signal lamp holder (73), and a detachable signal lamp (74) is installed on the signal lamp holder (73). The lighting end of the signal lamp holder (73) is equipped with a light-transmitting signal lamp cover (71). A second transmission channel is established between the transfer mechanism and the shifting mechanism to switch the front and rear positions of the cleaning mechanism; The shifting mechanism can extend out of the opening of the maintenance platform (2), and the cleaning mechanism that moves accordingly approaches the position to be cleaned in the signal box (11) to perform cleaning; The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaner (61), a protruding spray end seat (64) is installed at the corner of the cleaner (61), and a rotatable cleaning shaft (62) is installed in the middle. A cleaning brush (63) is sleeved on the outer wall of the cleaning shaft (62). The cleaning brush (63) has an "X" structure and bristles are formed on the end face of the position to be cleaned.

2. The automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal box (11) is mounted on the rotating shaft of the steering platform (13) via a steering support (12), and an outwardly expanding canopy (14) is installed on the top. The outer side of the signal lamp cover (71) is provided with a guide plate (72) with vertical guide grooves.

3. The automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism includes four rails (31) installed on the inner wall of the maintenance platform (2), and a transfer plate (33) is provided between the rails (31). The transfer plate (33) is controlled by an electric slide (32) to move up and down in the guide groove of the rail (31). The transfer plate (33) is provided with a belt assembly (34) that can rotate in both directions, and the belt assembly (34) and the transfer table (4) form the first transfer channel; The transfer plate (33) is provided with several roller groups (35) that can rotate back and forth.

4. The automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shifting mechanism includes cylinders (51) symmetrically installed at the bottom of the track (31). A movable piston rod (52) is installed at the output end of the cylinder (51). A connecting rod (53) is connected to the other end of the piston rod (52). A support plate (54) and the roller group (35) are installed above the connecting rod (53). The cleaning mechanism moves back and forth on both.

5. The automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pallet (54) has a "U-shaped" structure with a notch in the middle, and an auxiliary clamping limit frame (55) is installed on the upper surface.

6. The automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines according to claim 5, characterized in that, The notch of the tray (54) is adapted to the signal lamp holder (73), and the first positioning sensor (81) and the second positioning sensor (82) are respectively installed on the opposite end faces of the two.

7. The automatic cleaning device for railway signal machines according to claim 6, characterized in that, The signal light (74) is inserted into the inner box of the signal cabinet (11) as the tray (54) is displaced, and the signal light (74) and the signal light holder (73) are vertically inserted and fixed.

8. A method for an automatic cleaning device for railway signals according to any one of claims 4-7, comprising the following steps: Step 1: The signal box (11) is rotated and adjusted by the rotation axis of the adjustment platform (13) to adjust the signal lamp cover (71) to face the end face of the opening of the maintenance platform (2); Step 2: The cleaning mechanism is first transported to the top of the transfer plate (33) via the transfer table (4), and then moved to the top of the pallet (54) by the operation of the roller group (35). Step 3: Under the extension of the piston rod (52) inside the cylinder (51), the cleaner (61) of the cleaning mechanism moves synchronously with the tray (54) to the position to be cleaned. Step 4: The cleaning brush (63) and the signal lamp cover (71) are attached together, the spray end seat (64) sprays cleaning water, and the cleaning brush (63) is controlled by the rotation of the cleaning shaft (62) to wipe the surface of the signal lamp cover (71). Step 5: After cleaning is completed, the cleaning mechanism is reset and retracted into the inner cavity of the maintenance platform (2), and the signal box (11) is rotated and adjusted to the initial position.

Images