Coupler angle adjustment device and method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of railway vehicle coupling technology, and specifically discloses a coupler angle adjusting device and method. The coupler angle adjusting device comprises a force guide rod arranged on a first coupler of a first carriage, the first coupler being hinged to the first carriage; connecting rods symmetrically arranged on second couplers of a second carriage, the second couplers being hinged to the second carriage, one end of each connecting rod being hinged to a second coupler, the other end of each connecting rod being provided with a roller, springs being arranged between the connecting rods, and the connecting rods having an included angle. The force guide rod, the connecting rods and the rollers on the connecting rods can automatically adjust the couplers of the two carriages at different angles, the whole process does not require human intervention, and the adjusting efficiency of the couplers is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of railway vehicle coupling technology, and in particular to a coupler angle adjustment device and method. Background Technology

[0002] A coupler is a hook at both ends of a train car or locomotive, serving to connect, pull, buffer, and separate. Currently, railway trains are connected by couplers. During coupling, the shunting operator usually issues a coupling signal, and the shunting driver pushes the preceding car to connect with the following car.

[0003] However, to accommodate changes in track curvature, the couplers are designed to tilt left and right relative to the car body, meaning they can move around a fixed axle. When two cars are connected, it is essential to ensure that the longitudinal centerlines of the two couplers are roughly aligned for proper coupling. However, in practice, if the cars are on a curve or cannot be aligned for other reasons, manual adjustment of the coupler angles is required to bring the two couplers roughly together for successful coupling. This process is time-consuming, inefficient, and cannot quickly align the couplers of the two cars. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupler angle adjustment device and method to solve the problem that the coupler in the prior art cannot be quickly aligned when the angles are different.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, the present invention provides a coupler angle adjustment device for connecting the couplers of two carriages, comprising: A force-bearing guide rod is installed on the first coupler of the first car body, and the first coupler is hinged to the first car body; A connecting rod is symmetrically arranged on the second coupler of the second car body. The second coupler is hinged to the second car body. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the second coupler. The other end of the connecting rod is provided with a roller. A spring is provided between the connecting rods. The connecting rods have an included angle. The roller and the force-bearing guide rod have a near position where they are not in contact with each other and a contact position where they are in contact. When they are in the near position, the angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are different. When they are in the contact position, the included angle increases. The first coupler and the second coupler rotate around the carriage respectively until the angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are the same.

[0006] Optionally, the connecting rod includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, one end of the first connecting rod being hinged to the second coupler, and one end of the second connecting rod being hinged to the second coupler; The rollers include a first roller and a second roller, with the first roller rotatably connected to the free end of the first connecting rod and the second roller rotatably connected to the free end of the second connecting rod.

[0007] Optionally, the first coupler is provided with a first fixing seat, the first fixing seat includes a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate, the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the first coupler, the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are detachably connected, and the force-bearing guide rod is fixedly connected to the first fixing plate.

[0008] Optionally, the second coupler is provided with a second fixing seat, the second fixing seat includes a third fixing plate and a fourth fixing plate, the third fixing plate and the fourth fixing plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the second coupler, the third fixing plate and the fourth fixing plate are detachably connected, and the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are hinged to the third fixing plate.

[0009] Optionally, the first connecting rod is provided with a first fixing block, and the second connecting rod is provided with a second fixing block. The two ends of the spring are respectively fixed to the first fixing block and the second fixing block. When in the contact position, the first roller and the second roller move away from each other, and the spring is stretched by force.

[0010] Optionally, both the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are provided with a first mounting position, and the first mounting position is provided with a first fastening bolt.

[0011] Optionally, both the third and fourth fixing plates are provided with a second mounting position, and the second mounting position is provided with a second fastening bolt.

[0012] The present invention also proposes a coupler angle adjustment method, employing the aforementioned coupler angle adjustment device, comprising: When the first car is close to the second car, and the first coupler and the second coupler are at different angles; The first roller or the second roller set on the first connecting rod is in contact with the force-bearing guide rod; The force-bearing guide rod is driven by the force of the first roller or the second roller to rotate the first coupler. The first roller rolls on the force-bearing guide rod until the other roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod. The angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are consistent, and the car continues to move closer, and the first coupler and the second coupler engage.

[0013] Optionally, the method for the other roller to contact the force-bearing guide rod, and for the first coupler and the second coupler to have the same angle, includes: The first roller or the second roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod and rolls on the force-bearing guide rod. The second coupler rotates on the second carriage, and the rotation direction of the second coupler is opposite to the rotation direction of the first coupler. As the carriages continue to approach each other, the first and second couplers continue to rotate until the second roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod. At this point, the first and second couplers stop rotating, and the angles of the first and second couplers become the same.

[0014] Optionally, as the carriages continue to move closer, the method for engaging the first and second couplers includes: The first and second rollers continuously roll on the force-bearing guide rod and move away from each other, while the spring is stretched so that the first and second couplers always maintain the same angle. The first coupler and the second coupler come into contact and complete the mating connection at the same angle.

[0015] As described above, the coupler angle adjustment device and method proposed in this invention have the following beneficial effects: (1) Compared with the prior art, the present invention, through the setting of the force guide rod and the connecting rod, when the first coupler approaches the second coupler, the roller on the connecting rod will eventually contact the force guide rod, thereby enabling the couplers of the two cars to automatically align and engage as the cars approach each other. The whole process does not require human intervention and can quickly and accurately achieve coupler alignment and effective connection.

[0016] (2) Compared with the prior art, the present invention can be applied at any time in complex railway environments through a purely mechanical structure, without the need for a control system, complex electrical control and detection, and has a clever and simple structure, low maintenance cost, better reliability, and is more suitable for open-air and high dust operation conditions in factories, mines and railways.

[0017] (3) Compared with the prior art, the present invention can also change the coupler to a consistent angle when the carriage is on a curve, thereby improving the applicability of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of the coupler before adjustment in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure after the coupler adjustment in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The image shows the couplers engaging in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. First carriage 2. First coupler 3. Second carriage 4. Force-bearing guide rail 5. First fixed seat 6. First fastening bolt 7. Second fixed seat 8. Second fastening bolt 9. First connecting rod 10. First roller 11. Second connecting rod 12. Second roller 13. Spring 14. Mating surface 15. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show components relevant to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape, and size of components in implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity, and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout may be more complex. The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of the present invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effects and objectives of the present invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention. Furthermore, the terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," and "one" used in this specification are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this invention proposes a coupler angle adjustment device for connecting the couplers of two carriages, comprising: A force-bearing guide rod is set on the first coupler 2 of the first carriage 1, and the first coupler 2 is hinged to the first carriage 1. The connecting rods are symmetrically arranged on the second coupler 4 of the second carriage 3. The second coupler 4 is hinged to the second carriage 3. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the second coupler 4. The other end of the connecting rod is provided with a roller. A spring 14 is provided between the connecting rods. The connecting rods have an included angle. The roller and the force-bearing guide rod have a near position where they are not in contact with each other and a contact position where they are in contact with each other. When they are in the near position, the angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 are different. When they are in the contact position, the included angle increases. The first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 rotate around the carriage respectively until the angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 are the same.

[0023] In this embodiment, through the set force guide rod and connecting rod, as the first coupler 2 approaches the second coupler 4, the roller on the connecting rod will eventually contact the force guide rod, thereby enabling the couplers of the two cars to automatically align and engage as the cars approach each other further. The entire process requires no human intervention and can quickly and accurately achieve coupler alignment and effective connection.

[0024] In this embodiment, the coupler between the two carriages is adjusted using a purely mechanical structure. This can be applied at any time in complex railway environments without the need for a control system or complex electrical control and testing. The structure is ingenious and simple, with low maintenance costs and better reliability, making it more suitable for open-air and high-dust operating conditions in factories, mines, and railways.

[0025] In this embodiment, if the carriage is on a curve, the coupler can also be adjusted to a consistent angle, thereby expanding the applicability of the present invention.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting rod includes a first connecting rod 10 and a second connecting rod 12, one end of the first connecting rod 10 being hinged to the second coupler 4, and one end of the second connecting rod 12 being hinged to the second coupler 4; The rollers include a first roller 11 and a second roller 13. The first roller 11 is rotatably connected to the free end of the first connecting rod 10, and the second roller 13 is rotatably connected to the free end of the second connecting rod 12.

[0027] In this embodiment, both the first connecting rod 10 and the second connecting rod 12 are hinged to the second coupler 4 to facilitate opening or resetting of the angle, thereby achieving precise guidance. Guiding is primarily achieved through the first roller 11 and the second roller 13. When the angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 differ and need adjustment, the first roller 11 or the second roller 13 first contacts the force-bearing guide rod. After the first roller 11 or the second roller 13 contacts, the other roller then contacts the force-bearing guide rod, aligning the angles of the two couplers for proper engagement, thus forming the guiding mechanism. Furthermore, in this embodiment, due to the action of the spring 14, the angles of the first connecting rod 10 and the second connecting rod 12 remain unchanged in their natural state.

[0028] For example, the first coupler 2 is provided with a first fixing seat 6, which includes a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate (not shown in the figure). The first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the first coupler 2. The first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are detachably connected, and the force-bearing guide rod is fixedly connected to the first fixing plate. Both the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are provided with a first mounting position, and a first fastening bolt 7 is provided at the first mounting position. In this embodiment, due to cost and actual conditions, the coupler body cannot be improved. Therefore, the first fixing seat 6 is formed by the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate in a form similar to a clamping seat, which is respectively disposed above and below the first coupler 2, and is locked with the coupler by a number of first fastening bolts 7. In this embodiment, the force-bearing guide rod is installed on the first fixing plate, which makes its installation and disassembly more convenient. The force-bearing guide rod is installed on the first fixing plate by screws or bolts.

[0029] For example, the second coupler 4 is provided with a second fixing seat 8, which includes a third fixing plate and a fourth fixing plate (not shown in the figure). The third fixing plate and the fourth fixing plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the second coupler 4 and are detachably connected. The first connecting rod 10 and the second connecting rod 12 are hinged to the third fixing plate. Both the third fixing plate and the fourth fixing plate are provided with a second mounting position, and a second fastening bolt 9 is provided at the second mounting position. In this embodiment, the connection method between the second fixing seat 8 and the second coupler 4 is the same as that between the first fixing seat 6, so as to achieve an effective connection between the second fixing seat 8 and the second coupler 4.

[0030] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the first contact surface 15 is the mating surface when the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 engage. However, in the invention, when the first connecting rod 10 and the second connecting rod 12 are set, they are made to have an included angle. In a natural state, the line connecting the axes of the two rollers needs to be parallel to the mating surface 15. Correspondingly, the axis of the force-bearing guide rod also needs to be parallel to the mating surface 15. Therefore, only when the first roller 11 and the second roller 13 contact the force-bearing guide rod simultaneously can the mating surfaces 15 of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 be effectively kept parallel, and the angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 be consistent, thereby achieving engagement.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, a first fixing block is provided on the first connecting rod 10, and a second fixing block is provided on the second connecting rod 12. The two ends of the spring 14 are respectively fixed on the first fixing block and the second fixing block. When in the contact position, the first roller 11 and the second roller 13 move away from each other, and the spring 14 is stretched by force.

[0032] In this embodiment, the spring 14 can be effectively fixed by the first fixing block and the second fixing block. The function of the spring 14 is to ensure the connection relationship between the first connecting rod 10 and the second connecting rod 12. At the same time, since the spring 14 is in a stretched state during the adjustment of the coupler, the spring 14 can ensure that the first roller 11 and the second roller 13 are subjected to the same force. Therefore, their displacement is also the same, so the first coupler and the first coupler 2 can gradually approach each other at the same angle and finally achieve engagement.

[0033] For example, in this embodiment, the length direction of the spring 14 is also parallel to the mating surface 15 of the coupler.

[0034] It is worth noting that before the roller of the connecting rod contacts the force-bearing slide rail, the second coupler 4 must be stationary relative to the first coupler 2; at the same time, under the action of the spring 14, the first connecting rod 10 and the second connecting rod 12 will not rotate to the sides; however, the tension of the spring 14 cannot be too small, and needs to be greater than the rotational force of the coupler, so as to ensure that the force-generating rod can push the force-bearing slide rail to rotate.

[0035] After the two rollers contact the force-bearing guide rail 5, the coupler angle is adjusted to the correct position. At this time, the second coupler 4 must still be stationary relative to the first coupler 2 to ensure that the connecting rod rotates to both sides under the pushing force of the first coupler 2, further shortening the distance between the two couplers and thus achieving successful coupling. When the connecting rod rotates, it will be subjected to the tension of the spring 14. This tension must be less than the force that pushes the second carriage 3, i.e., the frictional resistance.

[0036] In summary, the tension of spring 14 needs to be greater than the rotational force of the coupler, but less than the force required to propel the train. Normally, the rotational force of the coupler is less than 100 kg, which can be easily rotated by kicking it. Trains in factories and mines, such as molten iron ladle cars, generally weigh more than 50 tons. The coefficient of friction between the train wheels and the rails is approximately 0.2, so the propulsion force of the train will not be less than 50t * 1000kg / t * 0.2 = 10000kg. Therefore, the tension of spring 14 needs to be greater than 100kg (or 980N) and less than 10000kg (or 98000N). The spring 14 of this invention is designed with a tension of 200kg (or 1960N), which can effectively ensure the coupling of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4.

[0037] The present invention also provides a coupler angle adjustment method, which adopts the above-mentioned coupler angle adjustment device and includes the following steps: When the first carriage 1 approaches the second carriage 3, and the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 are at different angles; The first roller 11 or the second roller 13 set on the first connecting rod 10 is in contact with the force-bearing guide rod; The force-bearing guide rod is driven by the force of the first roller 11 or the second roller 13 to rotate the first coupler 2. The first roller 11 rolls on the force-bearing guide rod until the other roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod. The angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 are consistent, and the car continues to move closer, and the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 engage.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the method for aligning the angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 with the other roller in contact with the force-bearing guide rod includes: The first roller 11 or the second roller 13 contacts the force-bearing guide rod and rolls on the force-bearing guide rod. The second coupler 4 rotates on the second carriage 3. The rotation direction of the second coupler 4 is opposite to the rotation direction of the first coupler 2. As the carriages continue to approach each other, the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 continue to rotate until the second roller 13 contacts the force guide rod. At this point, the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 stop rotating, and the angles of the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 are the same.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, as the carriages continue to approach each other, the method for engaging the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 includes: As the first coupler 2 gradually approaches the second coupler 4, the first roller 11 and the second roller 13 continuously roll on the force guide rod and move away from each other. The spring 14 is stretched so that the first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 always maintain the same angle. The first coupler 2 and the second coupler 4 come into contact and complete the mating connection at the same angle.

[0040] In summary, this invention, through the provision of a force-bearing guide rod, a connecting rod, and rollers on the connecting rod, enables automatic adjustment of the couplers of two train cars at different angles. The entire process requires no human intervention, thus improving the coupler adjustment efficiency.

[0041] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coupler angle adjustment device for connecting the couplers of two carriages, characterized in that, include: A force-bearing guide rod is installed on the first coupler of the first car body, and the first coupler is hinged to the first car body. A connecting rod is symmetrically arranged on the second coupler of the second car body. The second coupler is hinged to the second car body. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the second coupler. The other end of the connecting rod is provided with a roller. A spring is provided between the connecting rods. The connecting rods have an included angle. The roller and the force-bearing guide rod have a near position where they are not in contact with each other and a contact position where they are in contact. When they are in the near position, the angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are different. When they are in the contact position, the included angle increases. The first coupler and the second coupler rotate around the corresponding carriages until the angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are the same.

2. The coupler angle adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, one end of the first connecting rod being hinged to the second coupler, and one end of the second connecting rod being hinged to the second coupler; The rollers include a first roller and a second roller, with the first roller rotatably connected to the free end of the first connecting rod and the second roller rotatably connected to the free end of the second connecting rod.

3. The coupler angle adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first coupler is provided with a first fixed seat, which includes a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate. The first fixed plate and the second fixed plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the first coupler. The first fixed plate and the second fixed plate are detachably connected, and the force-bearing guide rod is fixedly connected to the first fixed plate.

4. The coupler angle adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second coupler is provided with a second fixed seat, which includes a third fixed plate and a fourth fixed plate. The third fixed plate and the fourth fixed plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the second coupler. The third fixed plate and the fourth fixed plate are detachably connected. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are hinged to the third fixed plate.

5. The coupler angle adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connecting rod is provided with a first fixing block, and the second connecting rod is provided with a second fixing block. The two ends of the spring are respectively fixed to the first fixing block and the second fixing block. When in the contact position, the first roller and the second roller move away from each other, and the spring is stretched by force.

6. The coupler angle adjustment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are provided with a first mounting position, and the first mounting position is provided with a first fastening bolt.

7. The coupler angle adjustment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both the third and fourth fixing plates are provided with a second mounting position, and a second fastening bolt is provided on the second mounting position.

8. A method for adjusting the coupler angle, employing the coupler angle adjusting device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: When the first car is close to the second car, and the first coupler and the second coupler are at different angles; The first or second roller set on the first connecting rod is in contact with the force-bearing guide rod; The force-bearing guide rod is driven by the force of the first roller or the second roller to rotate the first coupler. The first roller rolls on the force-bearing guide rod until the other roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod. The angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are consistent, and the car continues to move closer, and the first coupler and the second coupler engage.

9. The coupler angle adjustment method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method for ensuring that the other roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod and that the angles of the first coupler and the second coupler are consistent includes: The first roller or the second roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod and rolls on the force-bearing guide rod. The second coupler rotates on the second carriage, and the rotation direction of the second coupler is opposite to the rotation direction of the first coupler. As the carriages continue to approach each other, the first and second couplers continue to rotate until the second roller contacts the force-bearing guide rod. At this point, the first and second couplers stop rotating, and the angles of the first and second couplers become the same.

10. The coupler angle adjustment method according to claim 8, characterized in that, As the carriages continue to approach each other, the method for the first and second couplers to engage includes: The first and second rollers continuously roll on the force-bearing guide rod and move away from each other, while the spring is stretched so that the first and second couplers always maintain the same angle. The first coupler and the second coupler come into contact and complete the mating connection at the same angle.

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