A flatbed trailer tail attachment device

Abstract

The application discloses a flat car tail connecting device and belongs to the technical field of logistics equipment. The device comprises a fixed seat, a hinged seat and a lock knob. A pin shaft is arranged on the fixed seat. The hinged seat is arranged on the fixed seat. The lock knob is rotationally connected with the hinged seat. A pressing piece is arranged between the lock knob and the hinged seat, and the pressing piece is used for pressing the lock knob to contact with the pin shaft. In the process of butt joint of the flat car, the connecting rod of the rear car can overcome the lock knob torque of the front car to enter the locking range, and the lock knob is subjected to the torque of the pressing piece, and after the connecting rod is released, the lock knob can actively find the position and re-attach to the pin shaft, thereby realizing efficient butt joint. When the relative positions of the two cars change slightly, the lock knob can still continuously follow and maintain contact, thereby generating a self-positioning effect. Through the butt joint structure, the dependence on manual accurate hole alignment and the pin shaft is reduced, and the locking is completed through the natural action of pressing and crossing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of logistics equipment technology, specifically a flatbed truck rear connection device. Background Technology

[0002] Flatbed trucks are widely used in logistics transfer, warehousing and loading / unloading, and large equipment movement due to their high load-bearing capacity and versatility. To meet the needs of transporting ultra-long cargo, handling heavy equipment, and operating under complex conditions, it is often necessary to connect multiple conventional flatbed trucks (such as hydraulic modular trucks and heavy-duty pallet trucks) end to end to form longer transport units, thereby improving overall load-bearing capacity and operational adaptability.

[0003] In existing technologies, the mechanical connection between flatbed trailers mostly uses a manual pin structure. Specifically, the operator needs to align the connecting holes on the frames of adjacent flatbed trailers, insert the metal pin into the hole, and manually lock it using additional structures (such as cotter pins, rotating locking plates, etc.) to achieve a reliable connection between the two trailers. When it is necessary to untie the trailers, the pin must be manually pulled out to release the lock before the flatbed trailers can be separated.

[0004] For example, the patent with announcement number CN202115298U discloses a connecting device for a container flatbed truck. The rear of the container flatbed truck is equipped with a tow handle alignment groove. The tow handle of the connecting flatbed truck is inserted into the tow handle alignment groove at the rear of the first flatbed truck, and the pin is inserted into the tow handle pin hole to achieve alignment connection.

[0005] However, this traditional connection method has obvious shortcomings: in environments with insufficient light, limited space, or uneven ground, the difficulty of manually or by camera to align the connection holes and insert / remove the pins increases significantly, which can easily lead to a decrease in connection efficiency; frequent insertion and removal not only increases the physical exertion of operators, but also causes jamming or uneven force, resulting in operational difficulties; in scenarios that require rapid grouping or frequent ungrouping of multiple vehicles, the manual pin method becomes a key factor limiting the improvement of transportation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flatbed truck rear connection device to solve the problems mentioned in the prior art.

[0007] A flatbed truck rear connection device is provided, comprising: A fixed base, on which a pin is provided; A hinged base, which is mounted on a fixed base; A locking button is rotatably connected to a hinge seat, and a pressing member is provided between the locking button and the hinge seat to press the locking button into contact with the pin.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the locking button includes a hook portion extending outward and an unlocking portion, wherein the hook portion and the pin portion can contact each other.

[0009] The hook directly contacts the pin, forming a geometric engagement. The unlocking part provides an operating lever arm; the operator applies force to the unlocking part to rotate the lock button around the hinge seat, overcoming the preload of the pressing element and causing the hook to move out of position.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the pressing element is a torsion spring disposed between the hinge seat and the locking button.

[0011] The pressing element is specifically designed as a torsion spring located between the hinge seat and the locking button. The torsion spring applies a continuous rotational preload torque to the locking button, causing the locking button to press against the pin.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the pressing member is a magnetic suction member disposed within the lock button.

[0013] The pressing element is materialized as a magnetic element set inside the lock button, using magnetic force to continuously press the lock button towards the pin shaft, forming a directional suction force.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: the portion of the pin that contacts the locking button is recessed inward to form a stop groove.

[0015] The stop groove extends into the abutment position of the button on the locking pin to increase the unlocking stroke of the button and reduce the risk of triggering caused by button vibration.

[0016] As a further aspect of the present invention, it also includes a connecting rod with a limiting part at its end, the limiting part being used to engage with a pin shaft, and the connecting rod being rotatably connected to the flatcar and provided with a torsion spring.

[0017] The connecting rod always tends to lift upwards under the action of the torsion spring, so when the lock button is in the unlocked state, the limiting part can automatically disengage from the pin under the drive of the torsion spring.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention: in the locked state, the portion of the locking button that slides into contact with the limiting part forms an arc-shaped transition surface.

[0019] The curved transition surface provides a smoother contact path and constant or gradual normal reaction force, reducing jamming points and instantaneous impacts. The curved surface can also decompose the contact force into guiding and locking components, guiding the lock button into a more favorable engagement posture.

[0020] As a further aspect of the present invention: a floating spring seat is provided between the pin and the fixed seat, and a connecting rod assembly is provided between the locking button and the floating spring seat.

[0021] The floating spring seat allows for controlled axial micro-displacement of the pin relative to the fixed seat. The rotation of the locking button is coupled to the elastic displacement of the floating spring seat via a connecting rod assembly. When the locking button is engaged with the connecting rod, the connecting rod assembly compresses the elastic element of the floating spring seat, causing the pin to sink synchronously, increasing the distance between the locking button and the pin, facilitating the entry of the limiting part. Upon releasing the locking button, the floating spring seat releases energy, causing the pin to rise synchronously, shortening the distance between the locking button and the pin, reducing or eliminating the vibration amplitude of the limiting part, and improving the operational stability of the connecting device.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: the linkage assembly includes a first linkage, a hinge point, and a second linkage. The fixed base is provided with a guide groove. The two ends of the first linkage are respectively hinged to the locking button and the hinge point. The two ends of the second linkage are respectively hinged to the floating spring seat and the hinge point. The hinge point is slidably connected within the guide groove.

[0023] The angular displacement of the locking button is converted into a restricted translation of the hinge point via the first link. The hinge point then drives the floating spring seat to produce an approximately linear or piecewise linear compressive displacement via the second link.

[0024] As a further aspect of the present invention: the pressing member is a spring disposed between the floating spring seat and the fixed seat.

[0025] When the locking button is applied force by the linkage assembly, the spring is compressed and stores energy. This stored energy provides a reverse restoring force for minor displacements during operation, maintaining the locking fit and low clearance.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The fixed base serves as the mounting and load-bearing foundation, while the pin acts as the core component for connecting and supporting the two flatcars. The hinged seat is mounted on the fixed base, providing rotational freedom for the locking button. The locking button rotates around the hinged seat, and the pressing element provides unidirectional self-resetting preload. Under the continuous action of the pressing element, the locking button maintains a tendency to press against the pin.

[0027] During the docking process between the two flatcars, the connecting rod of the rear car can overcome the locking torque of the locking button on the front car and enter the locking range. The locking button, under the torque of the pressing component, can actively find its position and re-abut the pin after releasing the connecting rod, achieving highly efficient docking. When the relative positions of the two cars change slightly, the locking button can still follow and maintain contact, producing a self-aligning effect. This docking structure reduces the reliance on precise manual alignment of holes and pins, achieving locking through natural pressing and stepping movements. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this drawing or the prior art, 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 this drawing. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the flatbed truck. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of region A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Fixed seat; 11. Pin; 12. Abutment groove; 13. Guide groove; 2. Hinge seat; 3. Lock button; 31. Hook; 32. Unlocking part; 4. Pressing element; 5. Connecting rod; 51. Limiting part; 6. Floating spring seat; 7. Linkage assembly; 71. First link; 72. Hinge point; 73. Second link. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this application, any changes to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the content of this application.

[0033] However, there may be instances where unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repetitive descriptions of essentially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy descriptions and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this application and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0034] Please see Figures 1-2 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a flatbed truck rear connection device includes a fixed base 1, a hinge base 2, and a locking button 3. A pin 11 is provided on the fixed base 1. The hinge base 2 is disposed on the fixed base 1. The locking button 3 is rotatably connected to the hinge base 2, and a pressing member 4 is provided between the locking button 3 and the hinge base 2. The pressing member 4 is used to press the locking button 3 into contact with the pin 11.

[0035] In this device, the fixed base 1 serves as the base for overall installation and force bearing, ensuring that the pin 11 has stable installation rigidity and force transmission path. The pin 11, as the main connecting component between the two flatbed carts, bears the transmission of traction and positioning forces. The hinge seat 2 is mounted on the fixed base 1 to provide a reliable rotation fulcrum for the locking button 3, thereby enabling the locking button 3 to effectively clamp or release with the pin 11 as the object.

[0036] During assembly and operation, the locking button 3 rotates around the hinge seat 2 and, under the continuous action of the pressing member 4, maintains a pre-tightening tendency towards the pin 11. This pre-tightening force keeps the locking button 3 and the pin 11 in continuous contact or close proximity, forming a self-locking preparation state. When the connecting rod 5 of the rear vehicle moves forward to dock, the limiting part 51 at the end of the connecting rod 5 will first contact the locking button 3 and apply external force to overcome the locking torque provided by the pressing member 4, causing the locking button 3 to deflect at a certain angle, thereby allowing the limiting part 51 to smoothly enter the locking area of ​​the pin 11. As the connecting rod 5 continues to advance and cross the locking button 3, the torque released by the pressing member 4 will push the locking button 3 back, causing the locking button 3 to press against the surface of the pin 11 again, achieving automatic closing and locking.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, the limiting part 51 is a ring structure that can be sleeved around the pin 11.

[0038] The locking button 3 includes a hook portion 31 extending outwards and an unlocking portion 32. The hook portion 31 faces directly towards and contacts the pin 11. When the locking button 3 is continuously pressed by the pressure member 4, the hook portion 31 is tightly attached to the outer periphery of the pin 11. And when the limiting portion 51 tends to disengage from the pin 11, the hook portion 31 and the pin 11 will be more tightly engaged.

[0039] The unlocking part 32 is an operational extension of the locking button 3, designed as an outwardly protruding lever arm. When unlocking is required, the operator only needs to apply external force to the unlocking part 32, using the lever effect to drive the locking button 3 to rotate around the hinge seat 2. This rotation overcomes the preload provided by the pressing member 4, causing the hook part 31 to shift at an angle, thereby giving way to the limiting part 51 and releasing the original fastening relationship. Throughout the process, the hook part 31 is responsible for reliable geometric fastening, while the unlocking part 32 provides a human-machine interface; the two have clear division of labor and work together.

[0040] In one embodiment, the pressing element 4 is a torsion spring disposed between the hinge seat 2 and the locking button 3. When the rear vehicle limiting part 51 pushes the locking button 3, the locking button 3 is forced to rotate around the hinge seat 2. At this time, the torsion spring is further torsioned, storing elastic potential energy. When the limiting part 51 crosses the locking button 3, the torsion spring releases energy, driving the locking button 3 to quickly return to its original position and press against the pin 11, completing the locking.

[0041] In one embodiment, the pressing member 4 is a magnetic attractor disposed within the locking button 3. The magnetic attractor generates a stable magnetic force, attracting the locking button 3 toward the pin 11. When the locking button 3 contacts the pin 11, the magnetic force maintains a tight fit between the two. Specifically, when the rear vehicle limiting part 51 pushes against the locking button 3, the locking button 3 overcomes the magnetic force and rotates, yielding to the limiting part 51. Once the limiting part 51 enters the locking area and passes the locking button 3, the magnetic force takes effect again, pulling the locking button 3 back and adhering it to the surface of the pin 11, thus completing the locking.

[0042] The portion of the pin 11 that contacts the locking button 3 is recessed inward to form a stop groove 12. When the locking button 3 is pressed against the pin 11 by the pressing member 4, the hook portion 31 not only contacts the outer surface of the pin 11 but also embeds into the recessed area of ​​the stop groove 12. This relationship, which replaces point contact with surface embedding, results in a deeper geometric engagement between the locking button 3 and the pin 11, improving contact stability.

[0043] Furthermore, since the hook 31 is embedded in the groove, to unlock it, the locking button 3 must be rotated around the hinge seat 2 to a certain angle via the unlocking part 32 so that the hook 31 can completely disengage from the groove. This means that the unlocking process requires a larger rotation angle, i.e., the unlocking stroke is increased, thereby avoiding the problem of accidental disengagement due to slight vibration or small angular deviation.

[0044] The connecting rod 5 is rotatably connected to the flatcar and equipped with a torsion spring. The connecting rod 5 is connected to the car body via the torsion spring, which is pre-tightened during installation to always provide an upward lifting torque. In normal locking, the locking button 3 presses against the connecting rod 5, keeping the limiting part 51 aligned with the pin 11. At this time, the torsion spring is in a compressed state, storing elastic potential energy. When the locking button 3 is rotated to the unlocked position by the operator, the hook 31 retracts, no longer restricting the connecting rod 5. With the restriction released, the torsion spring immediately releases its potential energy, driving the connecting rod 5 to lift around the pivot, causing the limiting part 51 to actively disengage from the pin 11. Unlike the traditional method of manually pulling the pin, this method utilizes the automatic drive of the torsion spring to achieve self-disengagement, significantly improving the automation level and operational efficiency of the connection and unlocking process.

[0045] Furthermore, in the locked state, the portion where the locking button 3 and the limiting part 51 slide in contact forms an arc-shaped transition surface. Since the limiting part 51 tends to press against the back of the locking button 3 under the action of the torsion spring, the two will come into contact. When the locking button 3 enters the unlocking stroke, the arc-shaped transition surface causes the contact point to continuously slide during relative movement, resulting in a continuous and smooth contact path. This forces the limiting part 51 to overcome the torsion spring's action and sink, making the release of the limiting part 51 smooth and without resistance.

[0046] Please see Figure 3 As shown, a floating spring seat 6 is provided between the pin 11 and the fixed seat 1. The floating spring seat 6 includes a base supporting the pin 11 and multiple elastic elements located between the base and the fixed seat 1. A connecting rod assembly 7 is provided between the locking button 3 and the floating spring seat 6. Structurally, the floating spring seat 6 allows the pin 11 to undergo slight axial displacement relative to the fixed seat 1, while the internal elastic elements provide restoring force. When the connecting rod 5 of the rear vehicle enters the docking range, the limiting part 51 needs to pass through the gap between the locking button 3 and the pin 11. During this process, the locking button 3 remains against the pin 11 under the action of the pressing member 4. Through the coupling effect of the connecting rod assembly 7, when the locking button 3 rotates, it drives the floating spring seat 6 to compress, causing the pin 11 and the base supporting the pin 11 to float downwards, thereby increasing the space between the locking button 3 and the pin 11, creating conditions for the smooth insertion of the limiting part 51.

[0047] Once the limiting part 51 is fully in position, the operator releases the force on the limiting part 51, and the locking button 3, under the action of the pressing member 4, presses back against the pin 11. At this time, the elastic force of the floating spring seat 6 is released, pushing the pin 11 to float upward synchronously, reducing the gap between the pin 11 and the locking button 3. This return action firmly clamps the limiting part 51 within the space defined by the pin 11, the locking button 3, the floating spring seat 6, and the fixed seat 1, effectively limiting the vibration and shaking of the limiting part 51, reducing or eliminating the vibration amplitude of the limiting part 51, thereby reducing vibration noise, reducing mechanical collision wear, improving operational stability and service life, and maintaining the rotational performance between the limiting part 51 and the pin 11.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the connecting rod 5 is rotatably connected to the flatcar, meaning that the connecting rod 5 can press the locking button 3 into the locking space from top to bottom by rotation. Specifically, the connecting rod 5 drives the limiting part 51 to rotate and fit around the pin 11, pressing the front of the locking button 3. The locking button 3 rotates, and through the coupling of the connecting rod assembly 7, it drives the floating spring seat 6 and the pin 11 to sink. Once the limiting part 51 is in place, the locking button 3 begins to rotate in the opposite direction, and the limiting part 51 contacts the back of the locking button 3. The floating spring seat 6 begins to rise and forces the limiting part 51 to continuously press the back of the locking button 3 until the limiting part 51 achieves full closure and locking through the three-point contact of the pin 11, the locking button 3, and the floating spring seat 6.

[0049] Specifically, the linkage assembly 7 includes a first linkage 71, a hinge point 72, and a second linkage 73. The fixed base 1 is provided with a guide groove 13. The two ends of the first linkage 71 are respectively hinged to the lock button 3 and the hinge point 72. The two ends of the second linkage 73 are respectively hinged to the floating spring seat 6 and the hinge point 72. The hinge point 72 is slidably connected in the guide groove 13.

[0050] Specifically, when the operator operates the locking button 3, the locking button 3 undergoes angular displacement around the hinge seat 2. At this time, the lever arm extending from one end of the locking button 3 is hinged to the first connecting rod 71, thus converting the rotational motion into a pulling or pushing action of the first connecting rod 71, forcing the hinge point 72 to slide along the guide groove 13. Since the guide groove 13 restricts the path of the hinge point 72, the angular displacement of the locking button 3 is converted into a controlled translational motion. When the hinge point 72 is forced to move in the guide groove 13, the second connecting rod 73 transmits this motion to the floating spring seat 6, generating a pushing or pulling action on the floating spring seat 6. Since the vertical elevation of the hinge point 72 remains constant, when the hinge point 72 translates, the end of the inclined second connecting rod 73 away from the hinge point 72 will produce a vertical lifting or lowering action. Under the action of the second connecting rod 73, the floating spring seat 6 undergoes compression or stretching displacement, causing the pin 11 to rise or sink relative to the fixed seat 1. In terms of effect, the rotational motion of the locking button 3 is integrated into an approximately linear or piecewise linear compression and stretching motion, which makes it easier to control the force and displacement relationship of the floating spring seat 6.

[0051] When unlocking is required, the operator presses the unlocking part 32, and the first link 71, hinge point 72, second link 73 and floating spring seat 6 sequentially perform the above transmission process. The distance between the hook part 31 and the floating spring seat 6 gradually increases, creating clearance space for the rotation of the hook part 31 and preventing interference between the lock button 3 and the limiting part 51 when rotating.

[0052] It should be further described that the floating spring seat 6 and the fixed seat 1 are connected by a guide rod to limit the direction of movement of the floating spring seat 6, so that after the second link 73 applies force, the floating spring seat 6 is always in a vertical motion state.

[0053] Furthermore, the pressing element 4 is a spring disposed between the floating spring seat 6 and the fixed seat 1. When stationary and not in operation, the floating spring seat 6 is supported on the fixed seat 1 by the spring, and the spring is in a compressed state, while the pin 11 remains in an upward state, maintaining close contact with the locking button 3. When the operator applies force to the locking button 3, the locking button 3 drives the hinge point 72 to move along the guide groove 13 towards the locking button 3 via the first connecting rod 71, thereby pushing the second connecting rod 73 downward to compress the floating spring seat 6. At this time, the spring between the floating spring seat 6 and the fixed seat 1 is further compressed, and the pin 11 sinks accordingly, thereby increasing the gap between the pin 11 and the locking button 3, creating space for the limiting part 51 to enter. When the limiting part 51 smoothly enters the space between the pin 11 and the locking button 3, the operator releases the locking button 3, the spring of the floating spring seat 6 releases energy, pushing the pin 11 upward, and the hinge point 72 operates in the opposite direction along the guide groove 13 until the hook 31 is once again pressed tightly against the pin 11.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the pressing member 4 can be arranged simultaneously between the locking button 3 and the hinge seat 2, and between the floating spring seat 6 and the fixed seat 1, which can greatly improve the response speed and self-locking performance of the locking button 3. Alternatively, it can be arranged only between the floating spring seat 6 and the fixed seat 1 to reduce structural redundancy.

[0055] It should be noted that this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above embodiments are merely examples, and any embodiments with the same structure and effect as the technical concept within the scope of this application are included in the technical scope of this application. Furthermore, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments, without departing from the spirit of this application, are also included in the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A flatbed truck rear connection device, characterized in that, include: A fixed base (1) is provided with a pin (11); Hinged seat (2), which is mounted on fixed seat (1); A locking button (3) is rotatably connected to a hinge seat (2). A pressing member (4) is provided between the locking button (3) and the hinge seat (2). The pressing member (4) is used to press the locking button (3) into contact with the pin (11). The locking button (3) includes a hook (31) extending outward and an unlocking part (32). The hook (31) and the pin (11) can contact each other. The connecting rod (5) has a limiting part (51) at its end, which is used to dock with the pin (11). The connecting rod (5) is rotatably connected to the flat car and is provided with a torsion spring. A floating spring seat (6) is provided between the pin (11) and the fixed seat (1), and a connecting rod assembly (7) is provided between the lock button (3) and the floating spring seat (6). The connecting rod assembly (7) includes a first connecting rod (71), a hinge point (72) and a second connecting rod (73). A guide groove (13) is provided on the fixed seat (1). The two ends of the first connecting rod (71) are respectively hinged to the lock button (3) and the hinge point (72), and the two ends of the second connecting rod (73) are respectively hinged to the floating spring seat (6) and the hinge point (72). The hinge point (72) is slidably connected in the guide groove (13).

2. The flatbed truck rear connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing element (4) is a torsion spring disposed between the hinge seat (2) and the locking button (3).

3. The flatbed truck rear connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing element (4) is a magnetic element installed inside the lock button (3).

4. The flatbed truck rear connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the pin (11) that contacts the locking button (3) is recessed inward to form a stop groove (12).

5. The flatbed truck rear connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When locked, the part of the lock button (3) that slides into contact with the limiting part (51) forms an arc-shaped transition surface.

6. The flatbed truck rear connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing element (4) is a spring disposed between the floating spring seat (6) and the fixed seat (1).

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