Telescopic crane rail connector, rail system and mounting method
By designing a retractable track connector, utilizing a non-orthogonal continuous interface and locking mechanism, the problems of pulse vibration and thermal expansion and contraction of the track joint were solved, achieving a smooth transition and temperature adaptability of the track system, and ensuring the safe operation and structural stability of heavy-duty vehicles.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511659381.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing track joints are prone to pulse vibrations and structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction when temperatures change. They cannot effectively solve the problem of impact vibration on train operation caused by track gaps and are difficult to adapt to the adverse effects of temperature changes on the track.
Design a retractable trolley track connector, comprising a base, a first connector, a second connector, a locking mechanism, and a constraint mechanism. Through the design of a non-orthogonal continuous interface and a locking mechanism, the track is allowed to slide longitudinally under temperature stress, while the constraint mechanism restricts vertical and lateral displacement, thereby achieving smooth track transition and temperature-adaptive adjustment.
It effectively reduces the impact vibration when the wheels pass over it, avoids structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction, ensures smooth and safe vehicle operation, and extends the service life of the track and connectors.
Smart Images
Figure CN121292266A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of heavy-duty mobile vehicle track connection device technology, and in particular to a retractable track connector, track system and installation method. Background Technology
[0002] In metallurgical enterprises, many heavy-duty mobile machines, such as heavy-duty metallurgical bridge cranes, large gantry cranes, and the four main coke oven cars in coking plants, need to travel on rails. These mobile devices are huge, each weighing hundreds or thousands of tons, so heavy-duty rails with load-bearing capacity are required for support. Generally, the length of heavy-duty rails is 12 to 25 meters, and the entire route of the vehicle is formed by connecting these rails.
[0003] Traditional rail joints use an "I"-shaped seam, which has significant drawbacks. When a round wheel passes through the gap, the wheel makes linear contact with the gap, resulting in a large contact area and a tendency to generate pulsating vibrations. This severely damages the wheel bearings and consequently affects the safe operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, temperature changes cause the rail to expand and contract, sometimes widening the rail gap. This intensifies the impact vibrations when the wheel passes over it, especially during the cold winters in northern regions, where thermal expansion and contraction cause the rail joint gap to widen, generating pulsating impact vibrations that pose a significant threat to the smooth and safe operation of the train.
[0004] While seamless rails can reduce track gaps to some extent, custom-made seamless rails or seamless rails welded from seamed rails using aluminothermic or arc welding methods at the track installation site can still break due to thermal expansion and contraction, resulting in gaps, which also have the aforementioned adverse effects on train operation.
[0005] In summary, existing track joint designs cannot effectively address the impact and vibration issues caused by track gaps during train operation, nor can they adapt to the adverse effects of temperature changes on the track. Therefore, it is essential to design a specialized, freely expandable track connector. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a retractable trolley track connector, track system, and installation method to solve the hazards caused by track gaps to trolley tracks, while adapting to the adverse effects of temperature changes on the tracks, and ensuring smooth and safe vehicle operation.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:
[0008] This invention provides a retractable trolley track connector, disposed between a first track and a second track, comprising a base, a first connector, a second connector, a locking mechanism, and a constraint mechanism. The base is used to fix the connector to the base. The first connector is used to integrally connect with the first track, and the second connector is used to integrally connect with the second track. The first connector has a first engagement surface, and the second connector has a second engagement surface. The first engagement surface and the second engagement surface together form a continuous interface that is not orthogonal in the longitudinal direction of the track, used to guide the wheels of the traveling device to transition smoothly. The locking mechanism maintains the engagement state of the first connector and the second connector in a releasable manner and allows them to slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the track under temperature stress. The bottom of the constraint mechanism is fixedly connected to the base, and the top engages with the lower part of the first connector and / or the second connector to limit their vertical and lateral displacement.
[0009] Preferably, the continuous interface includes at least one guide portion that is longitudinally inclined relative to the track, the guide portion allowing the wheel to roll over the guide portion in a point-contact manner.
[0010] Preferably, the first connector further includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface located at both ends of the first mating surface, and the second connector further includes a third vertical surface and a fourth vertical surface located at both ends of the second mating surface. The first vertical surface and the third vertical surface are correspondingly provided and have a telescopic gap, and the second vertical surface and the fourth vertical surface are correspondingly provided and have a telescopic gap.
[0011] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a first connecting plate, a second connecting plate, a plurality of locking bolts, and a plurality of locking nuts. The first connecting plate is provided with a plurality of first through holes, the second connecting plate is provided with a plurality of second through holes, the first connector is provided with a plurality of third through holes, and the second connector is provided with a plurality of fourth through holes. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are respectively connected across the sides of the first connector and the second connector. The locking bolts are used to pass through the first through holes, the second through holes, the third through holes, and the fourth through holes and then connect to the locking nuts.
[0012] Preferably, the diameters of the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are larger than the diameter of the locking bolt.
[0013] Preferably, the constraint mechanism includes multiple locking blocks, the bottom of which is welded and fixed to the base, and the locking blocks form a snap-fit engagement with the bottom edge of the corresponding first connector or second connector.
[0014] Preferably, the base includes a supporting base plate and a plurality of anchors. The supporting base plate is laid horizontally on the foundation surface. Its upper surface is fixedly connected to the bottom of the constraint mechanism, and its lower surface is fastened to the foundation structure by the anchors. The anchors are evenly distributed along the circumference of the supporting base plate, and their length direction is perpendicular to the plane where the supporting base plate is located.
[0015] The present invention also provides a track system comprising multiple track sections arranged sequentially, wherein at least two adjacent track sections are connected by a track connection structure as described above.
[0016] The present invention also provides a method for installing the track connection structure as described in any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:
[0017] S1: Foundation pretreatment, clean the foundation surface of the installation area to ensure it is flat and free of debris, and mark the installation position of the base and the drilling points of the anchors on the foundation according to the design requirements;
[0018] S2: Base fixing: Place the support base plate horizontally on the foundation surface according to the marked position, drill holes at the corresponding anchor points using drilling equipment, insert anchors and tighten them to make the support base plate firmly connected to the foundation structure.
[0019] S3: Joining and alignment: Place the first connector, which is integrally connected to the first track, and the second connector, which is integrally connected to the second track, on the base, so that the first joining surface and the second joining surface are accurately fitted to form a continuous interface, and adjust their positions to ensure that the tracks are longitudinally aligned.
[0020] S4: The locking mechanism is assembled by placing the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate across the sides of the first connector and the second connector respectively, so that the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole and the fourth through hole are connected. The locking bolt is inserted and the locking nut is tightened to maintain the engagement state of the two in a releasable manner, ensuring that there is a gap between the bolt and the through hole that allows relative sliding.
[0021] S5: Installation of the restraint mechanism: Weld the bottom of the card block to the support plate of the base and fix it so that the top of the card block and the lower edge of the first connector and / or the second connector form a snap-fit engagement to restrict its vertical and lateral displacement.
[0022] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:
[0023] This invention provides a retractable railway track connector, which achieves a smooth transition and temperature adaptability at the track joint by setting a connection structure including a base, a first connector, a second connector, a locking mechanism and a constraint mechanism between the first track and the second track.
[0024] The non-orthogonal continuous interface formed by the first and second mating surfaces, combined with the inclined guide design, optimizes the traditional linear contact into a point contact transition, effectively reducing the impact vibration when the wheel passes over it.
[0025] The locking mechanism, through the gap design between the bolt and the through hole, allows the track to slide freely longitudinally under temperature stress, thus avoiding structural damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
[0026] The locking mechanism and the anchor fixing structure of the base restrict the displacement of the connector in both vertical and horizontal dimensions, ensuring the stability of the track system under dynamic loads.
[0027] This design not only solves the problem of pulse vibration in traditional "I" type joints, but also overcomes the risk of thermal stress fracture after seamless rail welding, providing a track connection solution for heavy-duty mobile vehicles that combines buffering performance and structural strength. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments 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.
[0029] Figure 1 A front view of the retractable trolley track connector provided by the present invention;
[0030] Figure 2 A top view of the retractable trolley track connector provided by the present invention;
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the locking block and the supporting base plate in the retractable trolley track connector provided by the present invention.
[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the support base plate of the retractable trolley track connector provided by the present invention is connected to the foundation by anchor bolts;
[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting plate in the retractable trolley track connector provided by the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram: 1. First connector; 2. Second connector; 3. Continuous interface; 5. First vertical surface; 6. Third vertical surface; 8. First connecting plate; 9. Second connecting plate; 10. Locking bolt; 11. Clamping block; 12. Support base plate; 13. Anchor nail; 14. Foundation. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0036] The purpose of this invention is to provide a retractable trolley track connector, track system, and installation method to solve the hazards caused by track gaps to trolley tracks, while adapting to the adverse effects of temperature changes on the tracks, and ensuring smooth and safe vehicle operation.
[0037] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0038] Example 1
[0039] This embodiment provides a retractable trolley track connector, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, a base, a first connector 1, a second connector 2, a locking mechanism, and a constraint mechanism are provided between the first and second tracks. The base is used to fix the device to the foundation 14. The first connector 1 is used to be integrally connected to the first track, and the second connector 2 is used to be integrally connected to the second track. The first connector 1 has a first mating surface, and the second connector 2 has a second mating surface. The first mating surface and the second mating surface together form a non-orthogonal continuous interface 3 in the longitudinal direction of the track, which is used to guide the wheels of the traveling device to transition smoothly. By setting the non-orthogonal continuous interface 3, the contact mode between the wheel and the track joint is changed, avoiding the pulse vibration generated when the wheel passes through the traditional orthogonal interface (similar to an "I" type joint). This allows the wheel to roll smoothly over the track joint, ensuring the smoothness and safety of the traveling device's operation and reducing damage to the wheels and bearings.
[0040] The locking mechanism maintains the engagement of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 in a releasable manner, allowing them to slide relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the track under temperature stress. This design can accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the track due to temperature changes. When the temperature rises or falls, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 can slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, releasing temperature stress and preventing stress concentration caused by thermal expansion and contraction from causing track deformation or damage, thus extending the service life of the track and connectors.
[0041] The bottom of the restraint mechanism is fixedly connected to the base, and the top engages with the lower part of the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 2 to restrict its vertical and lateral displacement. The restraint mechanism can ensure that the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 maintain a stable position in the vertical and lateral directions when the track extends and retracts longitudinally, avoiding abnormal situations such as vertical jump or lateral misalignment, ensuring the stability of the track connection, and further improving the safety and reliability of the travel device operation.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the continuous interface 3 includes at least one guide portion that is longitudinally inclined relative to the track. The guide portion allows the wheel to roll over the guide portion in a point-contact manner. The point-contact design greatly reduces the instantaneous contact area and impact force when the wheel passes over the track joint. Compared with the traditional line contact method, it can better suppress the generation of impact vibration, make the wheel transition smoother, effectively reduce damage to the wheel and vehicle suspension system, extend the life of components, and improve the operating efficiency of the equipment.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the first connector 1 further includes a first vertical surface 5 and a second vertical surface located at both ends of the first mating surface, and the second connector 2 further includes a third vertical surface 6 and a fourth vertical surface located at both ends of the second mating surface. The first vertical surface 5 and the third vertical surface 6 are correspondingly provided with expansion gaps, and the second vertical surface and the fourth vertical surface are correspondingly provided with expansion gaps. These expansion gaps provide longitudinal expansion space for the track during thermal expansion and contraction, preventing deformation at the track joint due to thermal expansion or excessive gaps due to cold contraction that could affect driving safety. Simultaneously, the vertical surface structure enhances the structural stability of the connector, maintaining the strength of the track connection while ensuring the expansion function.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a first connecting plate 8, a second connecting plate 9, multiple locking bolts 10, and multiple locking nuts. The first connecting plate 8 has multiple first through holes, the second connecting plate 9 has multiple second through holes, the first connector 1 has multiple third through holes, and the second connector 2 has multiple fourth through holes. The first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 are respectively connected across the sides of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. The locking bolts 10 pass through the first, second, third, and fourth through holes and connect to the locking nuts. This simple and reliable locking method effectively and securely connects the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 together, playing an important role in maintaining the structural integrity during normal operation. Furthermore, the bolt-nut connection method facilitates installation and disassembly, providing convenience for subsequent maintenance and repair work.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the diameters of the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are larger than the diameter of the locking bolt 10. The through hole diameter is larger than the bolt diameter, which provides a certain amount of room for the connector to move when it expands and contracts due to temperature changes. This allows the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 to slide freely in the longitudinal direction, reducing the obstruction to track expansion and contraction caused by excessive bolt fixation, and further ensuring the track system's ability to adapt to temperature stress.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the constraint mechanism includes multiple locking blocks 11. The bottom of each locking block 11 is welded to the base, and the locking blocks 11 engage with the bottom edge of the corresponding first connector 1 or second connector 2. This engagement precisely restricts the vertical and lateral displacement of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. Furthermore, the welding and fixing to the base makes the constraint mechanism more stable and reliable. This design not only prevents the connectors from shaking or shifting during operation but also improves the overall track connection structure's resistance to external impacts.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the base includes a supporting base plate 12 and multiple anchors 13. The supporting base plate 12 is horizontally laid on the surface of the foundation 14. Its upper surface is fixedly connected to the bottom of the constraint mechanism, and its lower surface is fastened to the foundation 14 structure by the anchors 13. The anchors 13 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the supporting base plate 12, and their length direction is perpendicular to the plane of the supporting base plate 12. The supporting base plate 12 provides a stable support platform for the entire connector, ensuring the stability and reliability of the installation of each component. The even distribution of the anchors 13 increases the connection strength between the base and the foundation 14 structure, effectively resisting the action of various forces on the track, preventing the base from shifting or loosening, and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the track connection system.
[0048] Example 2
[0049] This embodiment also provides a track system comprising multiple track sections arranged sequentially. At least two adjacent track sections are connected by a track connection structure as described in any of Embodiment 1. By using the track connection structure of Embodiment 1, the problems of impact vibration and difficulty in adapting to temperature changes at joints in traditional track systems are solved. The smooth transition between adjacent track sections effectively reduces bumps during vehicle operation, improving ride comfort and safety. Furthermore, the connection structure can adapt to the effects of temperature stress, ensuring stable and reliable operation of the entire track system under different climatic conditions, greatly improving the performance and lifespan of the track system.
[0050] Example 3
[0051] This embodiment also provides an installation method for a track connection structure as described in any of Embodiment 1, comprising the following steps:
[0052] S1: Foundation 14 pretreatment: Clean the surface of the foundation 14 in the installation area to ensure that it is flat and free of debris, and mark the installation position of the base and the drilling position of the anchor 13 on the foundation 14 according to the design requirements.
[0053] S2: Base fixing: Place the support base plate 12 horizontally on the surface of the foundation 14 according to the marked position, drill holes at the corresponding anchor nail 13 points using drilling equipment, insert the anchor nail 13 and tighten it to make the support base plate 12 and the foundation 14 structure firmly connected.
[0054] S3: Joining and alignment: Place the first connector 1, which is integrally connected to the first track, and the second connector 2, which is integrally connected to the second track, on the base, so that the first joining surface and the second joining surface are accurately fitted to form a continuous interface 3, and adjust their positions to ensure that the tracks are longitudinally aligned.
[0055] S4: The locking mechanism is assembled by connecting the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 across the sides of the first connecting head 1 and the second connecting head 2 respectively, so that the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole and the fourth through hole are connected. The locking bolt 10 is inserted and the locking nut is tightened to maintain the engagement state of the two in a releasable manner, ensuring that there is a gap between the bolt and the through hole that allows relative sliding.
[0056] S5: Installation of the constraint mechanism: Weld the bottom of the locking block 11 to the support base plate 12 of the base, so that the top of the locking block 11 and the lower edge of the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 2 form a snap-fit engagement, restricting its vertical and lateral displacement.
[0057] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
Claims
1. A retractable trolley track connector, disposed between a first track and a second track, characterized in that: include Base, the base being used for fixing to the foundation; A first connector and a second connector, the first connector being used to be integrally connected to the first track, the second connector being used to be integrally connected to the second track, the first connector having a first engagement surface, the second connector having a second engagement surface, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface together forming a continuous interface that is not orthogonal in the longitudinal direction of the track, for guiding the wheels of the traveling device to transition smoothly. A locking mechanism that maintains the engagement of the first connector and the second connector in a releasable manner and allows them to slide relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the track under temperature stress; as well as A constraint mechanism, the bottom of which is fixedly connected to the base, and the top of which engages with the lower part of the first connector and / or the second connector to restrict its vertical and lateral displacement.
2. The retractable trolley track connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The continuous interface includes at least one guide portion that is longitudinally inclined relative to the track, the guide portion allowing the wheel to roll over the guide portion in a point-contact manner.
3. The retractable trolley track connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connector further includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface located at both ends of the first mating surface. The second connector further includes a third vertical surface and a fourth vertical surface located at both ends of the second mating surface. The first vertical surface and the third vertical surface are correspondingly provided and have a telescopic gap. The second vertical surface and the fourth vertical surface are correspondingly provided and have a telescopic gap.
4. The retractable trolley track connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a first connecting plate, a second connecting plate, multiple locking bolts, and multiple locking nuts. The first connecting plate is provided with multiple first through holes, the second connecting plate is provided with multiple second through holes, the first connector is provided with multiple third through holes, and the second connector is provided with multiple fourth through holes. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are respectively connected across the sides of the first connector and the second connector. The locking bolts are used to pass through the first through holes, the second through holes, the third through holes, and the fourth through holes and then connect to the locking nuts.
5. The retractable trolley track connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diameters of the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole, and the fourth through hole are larger than the diameter of the locking bolt.
6. The retractable trolley track connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The constraint mechanism includes multiple locking blocks, the bottom of which is welded and fixed to the base, and the locking blocks are engaged with the bottom edge of the corresponding first connector or second connector.
7. The retractable trolley track connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base includes a supporting base plate and multiple anchors. The supporting base plate is laid horizontally on the foundation surface. Its upper surface is fixedly connected to the bottom of the constraint mechanism, and its lower surface is fastened to the foundation structure through the anchors. The anchors are evenly distributed along the circumference of the supporting base plate, and their length direction is perpendicular to the plane where the supporting base plate is located.
8. A track system comprising multiple track sections arranged sequentially, characterized in that, At least two adjacent sections of the track are connected by a track connection structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A method for installing a track connection structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Foundation pretreatment, clean the foundation surface of the installation area to ensure it is flat and free of debris, and mark the installation position of the base and the drilling points of the anchors on the foundation according to the design requirements; S2: Base fixing: Place the support base plate horizontally on the foundation surface according to the marked position, drill holes at the corresponding anchor points using drilling equipment, insert anchors and tighten them to make the support base plate firmly connected to the foundation structure. S3: Joining and alignment: Place the first connector, which is integrally connected to the first track, and the second connector, which is integrally connected to the second track, on the base, so that the first joining surface and the second joining surface are accurately fitted to form a continuous interface, and adjust their positions to ensure that the tracks are longitudinally aligned. S4: The locking mechanism is assembled by placing the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate across the sides of the first connector and the second connector respectively, so that the first through hole, the second through hole, the third through hole and the fourth through hole are connected. The locking bolt is inserted and the locking nut is tightened to maintain the engagement state of the two in a releasable manner, ensuring that there is a gap between the bolt and the through hole that allows relative sliding. S5: Installation of the restraint mechanism: Weld the bottom of the card block to the support plate of the base and fix it so that the top of the card block and the lower edge of the first connector and / or the second connector form a snap-fit engagement to restrict its vertical and lateral displacement.