An automatic conversion device for inland waterway top marks

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic conversion device for top marks of inland waterway, which comprises a base, a supporting column, a top seat, a fixed column, a limiting groove, a screw rod, a moving block, a rotating shaft and a movable rod installed on the fixed column. A driving motor installed on the upper end of the fixed column drives the driving gear and the screw rod to rotate through the rotating column, the connecting strip and the toothed groove strip, so that the moving block is lifted along the limiting groove and the movable rod is swung around the top end of the supporting rod through the rotating shaft. The top mark sleeved on the inner column at the end of the movable rod swings outwards and is lifted to a display height by the push rod. The piston rod is displaced along with the inner rod, and the air bag is inflated through the arc-shaped tube, the long tube and the connecting tube. The air bag is inflated to tightly fix the top mark by adhering to the inner wall of the top mark. When the driving motor is reversely rotated, the top mark is folded into the top seat, and the air bag is deflated to release the clamping. The application can automatically switch, lift and display and fold and store multiple top marks of different shapes without manual climbing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of navigation aids equipment, and in particular relates to an automatic top marker conversion device for inland waterways and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Top markers in inland waterways are an important component of navigation aids. They are typically installed on the bank, dikes, bridge piers, pile foundations, or buoys of waterways to indicate to passing vessels the direction of the waterway, its boundaries, the location of shoals, underwater obstacles, and navigation conditions. Water levels in inland waterways fluctuate continuously with the seasons and hydrological conditions, requiring adjustments to waterway maintenance and navigation control. The same waterway often needs to display top markers of different shapes and meanings at different times. Therefore, the ability to switch the form of top markers without interrupting navigation and without requiring significant manpower directly determines the maintenance efficiency and continuity of navigation aids.

[0003] Most existing inland waterway top markers are fixed structures, with one marker typically corresponding to only one type of top marker. When the waterway conditions change or maintenance requirements change and the top marker needs to be replaced, workers must climb to the top of the marker, dismantle the original top markers one by one, and reinstall the target top marker. Inland waterway markers are mostly located on the bank, embankment, or bridge piers, which are close to the water. The climbing working area is narrow and is significantly affected by water level fluctuations, wind and waves, ship waves, and seasonal weather conditions, resulting in a limited window of opportunity for operation.

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem addressed by this application can be defined as follows: how to enable multiple top markers of different shapes installed on the same marker body to automatically complete the entire process of selection, placement, raising and display, reliable locking, folding and storage, and venting without human climbing, and to maintain the position stability and display height of the top markers in the environment of inland river winds and waves, ship waves and long-term vibration, while reducing the labor intensity and safety risks of switching operations; several technical means have emerged in the prior art to address the above technical problem.

[0005] The first type is a mechanical flip-type multi-sign switching device. This type of device installs multiple signs of different shapes on the same rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is driven manually or electrically to rotate, causing the target sign to flip to the display position. The rotating shaft is supported by bearing seats on the column of the sign body. Each sign is distributed along the circumference of the rotating shaft. When switching, only the rotating shaft needs to be rotated to complete the replacement of the sign. There are few transmission links and the structure is relatively simple.

[0006] The second type is a motor-driven linear push sign switching device. This type of device has a guide rail or guide groove set inside the frame of the sign body. Each sign is installed on a slider or slide block on the guide rail. The motor, in conjunction with a gear rack pair, a screw nut pair or a chain drive pair, drives the slider to move back and forth along the guide rail, so that the target sign is pushed out from inside the frame to the display position, while the remaining signs are pushed back into the frame. The self-locking characteristic of the screw nut pair is used to maintain the position of the signs.

[0007] The third type is hydraulic or pneumatically driven sign fixing and releasing devices. These devices have hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders or elastic clamps installed in the sign mounting base. By switching on and off the pressure medium, the clamps press or release the mounting part of the sign, completing the fixing and removal of the sign without using threaded fasteners.

[0008] The fourth type is a remote switching device for navigation marks that is remotely controlled or programmed. This type of device has a controller and communication module installed on the mark. The switching command is issued by the shore-based control terminal or the waterway management platform. The controller drives the actuator to complete the mark switching action and provides feedback on the switching status, reducing the frequency of on-site operations.

[0009] In addition to the four methods mentioned above, existing technologies also include switching devices that use cam mechanisms, Geneva mechanisms, or ratchet mechanisms to achieve intermittent rotation of signs. These devices are driven by a motor through a reducer to rotate the cam or Geneva wheel, pushing a new sign to the display position in each rotation cycle and keeping the sign stationary during the rotation interval. In the actual application of the above-mentioned methods for top-mounted buoys in inland waterways, they are usually used in combination. For example, a motor-driven linear push mechanism is used to push and pull the sign, a hydraulic or pneumatic clamping device is used to fix the sign, and the switching action is triggered by remote control. The above-mentioned existing technologies have the following drawbacks in the actual application of top-mounted buoys in inland waterways.

[0010] The position of the sign after it is switched to the correct position relies on the transmission pair itself, lacking an independent locking and positioning mechanism. Chinese patent CN210295668U discloses a flip sign, but in this solution, the driving wheel and driven wheel are connected by a track and driven by a motor. A limiting protrusion is set on the other end of the upper surface of the sign body. When it is flipped to the correct position, the limiting protrusion abuts against the track, stopping the motor. There is no independent locking mechanism for the display position, and the track and gear transmission pair itself does not have self-locking capability. Under the alternating load caused by wind and waves in inland waterways and ship waves, it is easy to slip in the opposite direction, and the display angle cannot be maintained stably.

[0011] The switching action can only be completed on a single sign, making it impossible to select multiple top marks of different shapes on the same sign body. Chinese Patent No. CN213815293U discloses a new type of rotating sign, but in this solution, the drive motor drives the lower connecting rod to rotate via a power gear and a gear. The rotating sign is fixedly installed on the lower connecting rod, and the switching only manifests as the continuous rotation of the same rotating sign around its own axis. It is not possible to select and display multiple top marks of different shapes on the same sign body, nor can it collect and store top marks that are not displayed. At the same time, the bearing and upper limit frame of this solution are fixed to the sign post by four screws. Removing the rotating sign requires unscrewing the four screws, and replacing the sign still requires operators to manually complete the task on-site.

[0012] The sign and the supporting part are fixed by elastic elements or locking strips, which do not have the ability to compensate for the fit gap. Chinese patent with publication number CN209708492U discloses a device for easy replacement of signs, but in this solution, the sign is clamped by the first, second and third locking strips on the front, rear and left sides of the base plate. The movable locking strip on the right side of the base plate is pressed against the base plate by a torque spring. The contact between the locking strip and the sign is a rigid edge contact. As the usage time increases, the wear of the locking strip and the decrease of the torque spring clamping force cannot be automatically compensated. The sign will move and deflect under vibration. When replacing the sign, the operator must first open the movable locking strip, then pull out and push the sign in, which cannot achieve automatic switching and locking under unattended conditions.

[0013] In summary, existing inland waterway top markers and their switching devices have shortcomings in terms of reliable locking of the display position, selection and storage of top markers of various shapes, automatic compensation of the fitting gap, and unmanned switching operation. Therefore, it is necessary to propose an automatic conversion device for inland waterway top markers to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways, which aims to overcome the defects of existing top markers of inland waterways that adopt a fixed structure, one marker body corresponds to only one type of top marker, and require manual climbing, disassembly and reassembly for replacement, which has high safety risks. The device has the characteristics of automatically displaying, raising and displaying, and flexibly clamping and storing multiple top markers of different shapes with a single drive source.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An automatic top marker switching device for inland waterways includes a base, a support column fixedly connected to the upper end of the base, and a top seat fixedly connected to the upper end of the support column. The top seat is a cavity structure for accommodating multiple top markers. When the movable rod retracts towards the fixed column, the inner column and the top markers fitted on the inner column are located inside the top seat. A fixed column is fixedly connected to the center of the top seat, and a support rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the top seat, with the support rod located outside the fixed column. A limit groove is formed on the fixed column, and a lead screw is rotatably connected within the limit groove. A movable block, threadedly engaged with the lead screw, is slidably connected within the limit groove, and a fixed component is fixedly connected to the outside of the movable block. A rotating shaft has a movable rod fixedly connected to its rotating part. The movable rod is supported at the top of a support rod. An inner column is fixedly connected to the end of the movable rod away from the rotating shaft. Multiple top markers with different shapes are fitted on the inner column. A drive gear is fixedly connected to the lower end of a lead screw. A rotating column is rotatably connected inside the fixed column. A connecting strip is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating column. A toothed strip is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting strip. The toothed strip meshes with the drive gear. A warning light is fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column. The warning light is located above the top base and is either a navigation light or a solar-powered LED light.

[0016] Preferably, multiple movable rods, rotating shafts, moving blocks, lead screws, and drive gears are provided. Each movable rod is connected to its respective moving block via its own rotating shaft. Each moving block is threadedly engaged with its respective lead screw. Each lead screw has its own drive gear fixedly connected to its lower end. The movable rod includes an inner rod and an outer rod. The outer rod is sleeved on the inner rod and slides with it. The end of the outer rod near the fixed post is fixedly connected to the rotating part of the rotating shaft. The inner rod extends from the end of the outer rod away from the fixed post and is fixedly connected to the inner post. The body of the outer rod is supported on the top of the support rod and swings around the top of the support rod.

[0017] Preferably, an airbag is embedded in the outer wall of the inner column, and multiple airbags are provided. The multiple airbags are arranged at intervals along the circumference and axial direction of the inner column and are located at different height positions of the inner column. The outer surface of the airbag is in contact with the inner wall of the top marker. The airbag is made of weather-resistant rubber, silicone rubber or polyurethane, and the shape of the airbag is a ring-shaped airbag, a strip-shaped airbag or a block-shaped airbag.

[0018] Preferably, a long tube is provided at the center of the inner column along the axial direction of the inner column, and the long tube is connected to multiple airbags through connecting tubes. Multiple connecting tubes are provided, each corresponding to an airbag located at a different height.

[0019] Preferably, a piston rod is provided at the end of the outer rod near the fixed column. The movable end of the piston rod is fixedly connected to the end of the inner rod located inside the outer rod. The piston rod is a cylinder or air cylinder. The air port of the piston rod is connected to the long tube through an arc-shaped tube. The arc-shaped tube is located between the outer rod and the inner column and has a bending allowance. Sealing elements are provided at the connection between the arc-shaped tube and the long tube, and at the connection between the connecting tube and the air bladder.

[0020] Preferably, a push rod is hinged to one side of the top mark, and the other end of the push rod passes through the outer rod and is hinged to the inner rod. The hinge point between the push rod and the inner rod is located inside the outer rod, and a long groove for sliding of the push rod is provided on the tube wall of the outer rod.

[0021] Preferably, an annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the fixed column, the drive gear is located inside the annular groove, and the toothed strip is located inside the annular groove and moves circumferentially along the annular groove.

[0022] Preferably, a drive motor is fixedly connected to the lower end of the top seat, and the output end of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating column.

[0023] Preferably, the drive motor is a reversible motor, and the drive motor is connected to a controller. The controller is connected to a limit switch, an angle sensor or a current detection unit, and the controller controls the start and stop of the drive motor according to the position of the moving block and the movable rod.

[0024] Preferably, the method of using the automatic top marker switching device for inland waterways includes the following steps: S1, multiple top markers of different shapes are respectively fitted onto their respective inner columns, and the base is fixedly installed on the channel bank, dam, bridge pier or fixed pile foundation. Each movable rod is kept in the initial state of retracting towards the fixed column, and the top marker fitted onto the inner column is stored inside the top seat along with the movable rod. S2, start the drive motor fixed at the lower end of the top seat. The output end of the drive motor drives the rotating column to rotate inside the fixed column. The outer wall of the rotating column drives the toothed strip to rotate in a circular motion along the annular groove of the inner wall of the fixed column through the connecting strip. S3, the toothed bar meshes with the drive gear fixed at the lower end of the lead screw, and the circumferential rotation of the toothed bar is converted into the rotational motion of the drive gear, which drives the lead screw in the limiting groove to rotate synchronously. S4, the lead screw drives the moving block that is threaded with the lead screw to rise vertically along the limiting groove on the fixed column, and the rotating shaft on the outside of the moving block moves upward with the moving block and pulls the movable rod. S5, the rod body of the movable rod swings outward with the top of the support rod fixed at the top of the top seat as the fulcrum, the outer rod of the movable rod rotates around the top of the support rod, the inner rod of the movable rod extends outward relative to the outer rod, and the inner column fixedly connected to the end of the inner rod away from the rotating shaft and the top mark sleeved on the inner column swing outward from the inside of the top seat. S6, during the process of the inner rod extending outward relative to the outer rod, a push rod with one end hinged to one side of the top mark and the other end passing through the long groove on the outer rod tube wall and hinged to the inner rod slides along the long groove, pushing the top mark upward to the display height; S7, while the inner rod extends outward relative to the outer rod, the piston rod located inside the outer rod near the fixed column moves synchronously with the inner rod. The gas in the inner cavity of the piston rod is transported through the arc-shaped tube to the long tube at the center of the inner column, and then through multiple connecting tubes to multiple airbags embedded in the outer wall of the inner column. S8, multiple airbags inflate and expand, the outer surface of the airbags fits against the inner wall of the top marker, clamping and fixing the top marker at the display height, the movable rods of the non-working top markers remain in the retracted state and are stored inside the top base, and the warning light fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column is lit. S9, when the top label needs to be replaced again, the drive motor rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating column drives the toothed bar to rotate in the opposite direction through the connecting bar, the toothed bar drives the drive gear and the lead screw to rotate in reverse in sequence, the moving block descends vertically along the limit groove, the rotating shaft pulls down the movable rod, the movable rod retracts in the way of relative sliding between the inner rod and the outer rod and rotates inward to retract with the top of the support rod as the fulcrum; S10, during the retraction of the inner rod relative to the outer rod, the push rod slides in the opposite direction along the long groove and removes the upward pushing force on the top mark. The top mark falls back to the retracted height. The piston rod moves in the opposite direction with the inner rod. The gas in the airbag flows back through the connecting pipe, the long pipe and the arc-shaped pipe. The airbag exhausts and contracts, releasing the clamping on the inner wall of the top mark. The top mark that has been released from clamping is retracted into the interior of the top seat along with the movable rod. S11, Repeat steps S2 to S8 to place another set of top marks with different shapes, raise them and inflate them to clamp them, thus completing the automatic conversion of the top marks; S12. When inspecting or replacing the top label, control the drive motor to fully deflate the airbag. After the airbag contracts, remove the top label from the inner column.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention, through the support column at the upper end of the base and the top seat, the fixed column at the center of the top seat, the limiting groove opened on the fixed column, the moving block in the limiting groove that is threaded with the lead screw, the rotating shaft outside the moving block, the movable rod at the rotating part of the rotating shaft, and the support rod fixed at the upper end of the top seat and located outside the fixed column and supporting the body of the movable rod, realizes the stepwise conversion of the rotary motion composed of the drive gear, toothed rack, connecting bar and rotating column into the linear lifting and lowering of the moving block and the swinging of the movable rod around the top of the support rod. This allows multiple top markers of different shapes, respectively fitted on their inner columns, to swing outward from inside the top seat with their respective movable rods, or to retract back into the top seat when rotating in the opposite direction. The entire switching process is completed by the drive motor without the need for operators to climb the marker body. This solves the defects of the existing technology where fixed top markers correspond to only one type of marker body, require manual climbing to disassemble and reassemble when changing, have a narrow working area and are restricted by water level fluctuations and wind and wave conditions, and have high labor intensity and high safety risks.

[0026] 2. This invention utilizes the sliding fit between the inner and outer rods of the movable rod, a push rod with one end hinged to the side of the top marker and the other end hinged to the inner rod through a long groove in the outer rod wall, an array of airbags embedded in the outer wall of the inner column, a long tube axially arranged at the center of the inner column, a connecting tube connecting the long tube and the airbag, a piston rod located inside the outer rod near the fixed column, and an arc-shaped tube connecting the piston rod's air port and the long tube. This invention achieves the following: when the inner rod extends outward relative to the outer rod, the push rod pushes the top marker upward to the display height; the piston rod moves synchronously with the inner rod, delivering pressurized gas to the airbag through the arc-shaped tube, the long tube, and the connecting tube, causing the airbag to expand and fit against the inner wall of the top marker to form a flexible clamp; and when the inner rod retracts, the airbag releases air to release the clamp without the need for an additional air source and control structure. This solves the defects of existing technologies where the sign and the load-bearing part rely on clearance fit or a single buckle for fixation, which are prone to loosening, deflection, and displacement under the vibration caused by inland river waves and ship waves, thus affecting the accuracy of the waterway marking.

[0027] 3. This invention, through a cavity structure in the top seat to accommodate multiple top markers, multiple movable rods and inner columns, multiple movable rods connected to their respective moving blocks via their respective rotating shafts, multiple moving blocks threadedly engaged with their respective lead screws, and each lead screw having its own drive gear fixedly connected to its lower end and driven by the same toothed rack, and a warning light fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column, enables multiple sets of top markers on the same marker body to be deployed and retracted in a time-sharing manner by the same drive source. During switching, only the target top marker is deployed to the display position, while the inactive top markers are stored inside the top seat to avoid external environmental corrosion and space occupation. After the airbag is fully deflated and retracted, the top markers can be directly removed from the inner column for inspection and replacement. The warning light and the top markers deployed to the display height work together to provide navigational markings. This invention solves the defects of existing multi-marker devices, which require an independent drive source for each marker, resulting in redundant drive links, long-term exposure of inactive markers to environmental corrosion and space occupation, and the need for manual disassembly and assembly during maintenance with insufficient fixation reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic top marker switching device for inland waterways; Figure 2 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional structural diagram; Figure 3 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 A partial three-dimensional structural diagram; Figure 4 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram at point A; Figure 5 As described in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 A partial three-dimensional structural diagram; Figure 6This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner column in an embodiment of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Support column; 3. Top seat; 4. Fixed column; 5. Top mark; 6. Limiting groove; 7. Moving block; 8. Rotating shaft; 9. Movable rod; 10. Support rod; 11. Lead screw; 12. Drive gear; 13. Rotating column; 14. Connecting strip; 15. Gear rack; 16. Inner rod; 17. Outer rod; 18. Push rod; 19. Inner column; 20. Drive motor; 21. Warning light; 22. Airbag; 23. Long tube; 24. Connecting tube; 25. Arc tube; 26. Piston rod. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Example 1: like Figures 1-6 As shown, an automatic top marker conversion device for inland waterways includes a base 1, a support column 2 fixedly connected to the upper end of the base 1, a top seat 3 fixedly connected to the upper end of the support column 2, and a cavity structure for accommodating multiple top markers 5. When the movable rod 9 retracts towards the fixed column 4, the inner column 19 and the top markers 5 sleeved on the inner column 19 are located inside the top seat 3. A fixed column 4 is fixedly connected to the center of the top seat 3, and a support rod 10 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the top seat 3. The support rod 10 is located outside the fixed column 4. A limiting groove 6 is formed on the fixed column 4, a lead screw 11 is rotatably connected in the limiting groove 6, and a moving block 7 threadedly engaged with the lead screw 11 is slidably connected in the limiting groove 6. A rotating shaft 8 is fixedly connected to the outside of the moving block 7. A movable rod 9 is fixedly connected to the rotating part of the rotating shaft 8. The rod body of the movable rod 9 is supported on the top of the support rod 10. An inner column 19 is fixedly connected to the end of the movable rod 9 away from the rotating shaft 8. A top mark 5 is sleeved on the inner column 19. Multiple top marks 5 are provided and their shapes are different. A drive gear 12 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the lead screw 11. A rotating column 13 is rotatably connected inside the fixed column 4. A connecting strip 14 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating column 13. A toothed strip 15 is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting strip 14. The toothed strip 15 meshes with the drive gear 12. A warning light 21 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column 4. The warning light 21 is located above the top seat 3. The warning light 21 is a navigation light or a solar LED light.

[0030] Preferably, multiple movable rods 9, rotating shafts 8, moving blocks 7, lead screws 11, and drive gears 12 are provided. Multiple movable rods 9 are connected to their respective moving blocks 7 via their respective rotating shafts 8. Multiple moving blocks 7 are threadedly engaged with their respective lead screws 11. The lower ends of multiple lead screws 11 are fixedly connected to their respective drive gears 12. The movable rod 9 includes an inner rod 16 and an outer rod 17. The outer rod 17 is sleeved on the inner rod 16 and slides with the inner rod 16. The end of the outer rod 17 near the fixed post 4 is fixedly connected to the rotating part of the rotating shaft 8. The inner rod 16 extends from the end of the outer rod 17 away from the fixed post 4 and is fixedly connected to the inner post 19. The rod body of the outer rod 17 is supported on the top of the support rod 10 and swings around the top of the support rod 10.

[0031] Preferably, an airbag 22 is embedded in the outer wall of the inner column 19. Multiple airbags 22 are provided, and the multiple airbags 22 are arranged at intervals along the circumference and axial direction of the inner column 19 and located at different height positions of the inner column 19. The outer surface of the airbag 22 is in contact with the inner wall of the top mark 5. The airbag 22 is made of weather-resistant rubber, silicone rubber or polyurethane, and the shape of the airbag 22 is a ring-shaped bag, a strip-shaped bag or a block-shaped bag.

[0032] Preferably, a long tube 23 is provided at the center of the inner column 19 along the axial direction of the inner column 19. The long tube 23 is connected to multiple airbags 22 through connecting tubes 24. The connecting tubes 24 are provided with multiple airbags 22, each corresponding to an airbag 22 located at a different height.

[0033] Preferably, a piston rod 26 is provided at one end of the outer rod 17 near the fixed column 4. The movable end of the piston rod 26 is fixedly connected to one end of the inner rod 16 located inside the outer rod 17. The piston rod 26 is a cylinder or air cylinder. The air port of the piston rod 26 is connected to the long tube 23 through the arc-shaped tube 25. The arc-shaped tube 25 is located between the outer rod 17 and the inner column 19 and has a bending allowance. Sealing elements are provided at the connection between the arc-shaped tube 25 and the long tube 23, and at the connection between the connecting tube 24 and the airbag 22.

[0034] Preferably, a push rod 18 is hinged to one side of the top mark 5, and the other end of the push rod 18 passes through the outer rod 17 and is hinged to the inner rod 16. The hinge point between the push rod 18 and the inner rod 16 is located inside the outer rod 17, and a long groove for sliding of the push rod 18 is provided on the tube wall of the outer rod 17.

[0035] Preferably, an annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the fixed column 4, the drive gear 12 is located inside the annular groove, and the toothed strip 15 is located inside the annular groove and moves circumferentially along the annular groove.

[0036] Preferably, a drive motor 20 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the top seat 3, and the output end of the drive motor 20 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating column 13.

[0037] Preferably, the drive motor 20 is a reversible motor, and the drive motor 20 is connected to a controller. The controller is connected to a limit switch, an angle sensor or a current detection unit. The controller controls the start and stop of the drive motor 20 according to the position of the moving block 7 and the movable rod 9.

[0038] Preferably, the method of using the automatic top marker switching device for inland waterways includes the following steps: S1, multiple top marks 5 of different shapes are respectively fitted onto their respective inner columns 19, and the base 1 is fixedly installed on the channel bank, dam, bridge pier or fixed pile foundation. Each movable rod 9 is kept in the initial state of being retracted toward the fixed column 4, and the top marks 5 fitted onto the inner column 19 are stored inside the top seat 3 along with the movable rod 9. S2, start the drive motor 20 fixed at the lower end of the top seat 3. The output end of the drive motor 20 drives the rotating column 13 to rotate inside the fixed column 4. The outer wall of the rotating column 13 drives the toothed strip 15 to rotate in a circular motion along the annular groove of the inner wall of the fixed column 4 through the connecting strip 14. S3, the toothed bar 15 meshes with the drive gear 12 fixed at the lower end of the lead screw 11, and the circumferential rotation of the toothed bar 15 is converted into the rotational motion of the drive gear 12. The drive gear 12 drives the lead screw 11 in the limiting groove 6 to rotate synchronously. S4, the lead screw 11 drives the moving block 7, which is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 11, to rise vertically along the limiting groove 6 on the fixed column 4. The rotating shaft 8 on the outside of the moving block 7 moves upward with the moving block 7 and pulls the movable rod 9. S5, the rod body of the movable rod 9 swings outward with the top of the support rod 10 fixed at the top of the top seat 3 as the fulcrum, the outer rod 17 of the movable rod 9 rotates around the top of the support rod 10, the inner rod 16 of the movable rod 9 extends outward relative to the outer rod 17, and the inner column 19 fixedly connected to the end of the inner rod 16 away from the rotating shaft 8 and the top mark 5 sleeved on the inner column 19 swing outward from the inside of the top seat 3; S6, during the process of the inner rod 16 extending outward relative to the outer rod 17, the push rod 18, which is hinged to one side of the top label 5 at one end and passes through the long groove on the tube wall of the outer rod 17 and is hinged to the inner rod 16, slides along the long groove to push the top label 5 upward to the display height. S7, while the inner rod 16 extends outward relative to the outer rod 17, the piston rod 26 located inside the outer rod 17 near the fixed column 4 moves synchronously with the inner rod 16. The gas in the inner cavity of the piston rod 26 is transported through the arc-shaped tube 25 to the long tube 23 at the center of the inner column 19, and then through multiple connecting tubes 24 to multiple airbags 22 embedded in the outer wall of the inner column 19. S8, multiple airbags 22 are inflated and expanded, the outer surface of the airbags 22 fits against the inner wall of the top label 5, clamping and fixing the top label 5 at the display height, the movable rods 9 of the non-working top labels 5 remain in the retracted state and are stored inside the top seat 3, and the warning light 21 fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column 4 is lit. S9, when the top label 5 needs to be replaced again, the drive motor 20 rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating column 13 drives the toothed bar 15 to rotate in the opposite direction through the connecting bar 14, the toothed bar 15 drives the drive gear 12 and the lead screw 11 to rotate in reverse in sequence, the moving block 7 descends vertically along the limiting groove 6, the rotating shaft 8 pulls down the movable rod 9, the movable rod 9 retracts in the way of relative sliding between the inner rod 16 and the outer rod 17 and rotates inward to retract with the top of the support rod 10 as the fulcrum; S10, during the retraction of the inner rod 16 relative to the outer rod 17, the push rod 18 slides in the opposite direction along the long groove and removes the upward pushing force on the top mark 5. The top mark 5 falls back to the retracted height. The piston rod 26 moves in the opposite direction with the inner rod 16. The gas in the airbag 22 flows back through the connecting pipe 24, the long pipe 23 and the arc-shaped pipe 25. The airbag 22 deflates and contracts, releasing the clamping on the inner wall of the top mark 5. The top mark 5, which has been released from clamping, is retracted into the interior of the top seat 3 along with the movable rod 9. S11, repeat steps S2 to S8 to place another set of top marks 5 with different shapes, raise them and inflate them to clamp them, thus completing the automatic conversion of top marks 5. S12. When inspecting or replacing the top label 5, control the drive motor 20 to fully deflate the airbag 22. After the airbag 22 contracts, the top label 5 is removed from the inner column 19.

[0039] Example 2: During use and maintenance, multiple differently shaped top markers 5 can be pre-installed on their respective inner columns 19; top markers 5 that are not in use can be retracted with the movable rod 9 and stored inside the top seat 3. When it is necessary to switch top markers 5, the drive motor 20 drives the corresponding transmission mechanism to move the target top marker 5 out and raise it to the display position, while the airbag 22 inflates and clamps it; when it is necessary to retract or replace the top marker 5, the airbag 22 deflates and contracts, the clamping constraint between the top marker 5 and the inner column 19 is released, and the top marker 5 can be removed from the inner column 19 for inspection, replacement, or maintenance. The airbag 22 can be replaced or repaired individually, and the air circuit connection can be sealed with conventional sealing rings, sealant, or quick-connect couplings.

[0040] The working principle of this invention is as follows: This device mainly relies on the drive motor 20 as the power source to complete the automatic placement, retraction, lifting and pushing of top markers 5 of different shapes, as well as the clamping and fixing of the top markers 5, and to realize the function of inland waterway marking in conjunction with the warning light 21.

[0041] When the channel conditions change and different styles of top markers 5 need to be switched, the drive motor 20 at the lower end of the top seat 3 is started. The output end of the drive motor 20 drives the rotating column 13 to rotate. The outer wall of the rotating column 13 drives the toothed strip 15 to make a circular rotation in the annular groove on the inner wall of the fixed column 4 through the connecting strip 14. The toothed strip 15 meshes with the drive gear 12, and the circular motion of the toothed strip 15 is converted into the rotational motion of the drive gear 12. The drive gear 12 is fixed at the lower end of the lead screw 11, thereby driving the lead screw 11 inside the limiting groove 6 to rotate synchronously.

[0042] The lead screw 11 rotates, driving the movable block 7, which is threadedly matched with it, to slide vertically up and down along the limiting groove 6 opened on the fixed column 4. A rotating shaft 8 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the movable block 7. The rotating part of the rotating shaft 8 is connected to the movable rod 9. Therefore, the up and down movement of the movable block 7 pulls the movable rod 9 through the rotating shaft 8. The movable rod 9 is divided into two parts: an inner rod 16 and an outer rod 17. The outer rod 17 is sleeved outside the inner rod 16, and the two can slide relative to each other to realize the extension and retraction of the rod. At the same time, the outer rod 17 can swing and rotate around the top of the support rod 10 fixed at the upper end of the top seat 3.

[0043] When the movable block 7 moves upward, it pulls the rotating shaft 8 upward, and the movable rod 9 swings outward with the top of the support rod 10 as the fulcrum. The inner column 19 is fixed at the end of the movable rod 9, and the top marker 5, which is sleeved on the inner column 19, swings outward from inside the top seat 3. During the process of the inner rod 16 of the movable rod 9 extending outward and sliding relative to the outer rod 17, one end of the push rod 18 is hinged to the side of the top marker 5, and the other end passes through the outer rod 17 and is hinged to the inner rod 16. The push rod 18 slides along the long groove opened in the outer rod 17. The only function of the push rod 18 is to push the top marker 5 further upward and raise it to the specified display height to meet the visibility height requirements of the waterway. The transmission mechanisms corresponding to the remaining non-functional top marks 5 remain in a retracted state and are stored inside the frame of the top base 3.

[0044] During the extension of the movable rod 9 and the outward extension of the inner rod 16 relative to the outer rod 17, the piston rod 26 installed inside the outer rod 17 moves synchronously with the inner rod 16; the movement of the piston rod 26 changes the air pressure in the inner cavity, and the gas is transported through the arc-shaped tube 25 to the long tube 23 in the center of the inner column 19; the long tube 23 then transports the pressurized gas to the multiple airbags 22 embedded in the inner column 19 via multiple connecting tubes 24; the airbags 22 inflate and expand, and the outer surface of the airbags 22 closely adheres to the inner wall of the top marker 5, relying on the expansion and compression force to firmly clamp and fix the top marker 5 to the inner column 19, resisting the impact of the inland river wind and waves, and preventing the top marker 5 from loosening and shifting.

[0045] The warning light 21 installed at the top of the fixed column 4 is constantly lit, working in conjunction with the top marker 5 that has been converted and raised for display, to serve as a navigational marker and warning for passing ships.

[0046] If the top label type 5 needs to be changed again, the drive motor 20 rotates in the opposite direction, causing the rotating column 13, connecting bar 14, and toothed bar 15 to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the drive gear 12 and lead screw 11 to rotate in reverse, driving the moving block 7 to slide downward along the limiting groove 6; the downward movement of the moving block 7 causes the rotating shaft 8 to pull down the movable rod 9, and the movable rod 9 rotates inward and retracts with the top of the support rod 10 as the fulcrum.

[0047] During the retraction process, the inner rod 16 retracts relative to the outer rod 17, and the push rod 18 slides in the opposite direction along the long groove of the outer rod 17, no longer applying upward thrust to the top marker 5, and the height of the top marker 5 drops accordingly; at the same time, the piston rod 26 moves in the opposite direction, and the gas inside the airbag 22 flows back through the connecting pipe 24, the long pipe 23, and the arc-shaped pipe 25, the airbag 22 deflates and contracts, releasing the clamping constraint on the inner wall of the current top marker 5, and this set of top markers 5 retracts into the top seat 3 along with the mechanism. Then the motor continues to run, swinging out another set of top markers 5 with different shapes, and the push rod 18 pushes the top marker 5 upward to the working height, and then executes the airbag 22 inflation and clamping process, completing the automatic switching operation of different top markers 5.

[0048] When the damaged top label 5 needs to be inspected or replaced later, the control mechanism can completely deflate the airbag 22. After the airbag 22 contracts, the top label 5 can be directly removed from the inner column 19, completing the disassembly and maintenance. The entire device is installed on the support column 2, and the base 1 provides a stable foundation for the entire machine.

Claims

1. An automatic conversion device for top markers in inland waterways, comprising a base (1), characterized in that, A support column (2) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the base (1), and a top seat (3) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support column (2). The top seat (3) is a cavity structure that accommodates multiple top marks (5). When the movable rod (9) retracts towards the fixed column (4), the inner column (19) and the top marks (5) sleeved on the inner column (19) are located inside the top seat (3). A fixed column (4) is fixedly connected to the center of the top seat (3), and a support rod (10) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the top seat (3). The support rod (10) is located outside the fixed column (4). A limit groove (6) is opened on the fixed column (4). A screw rod (11) is rotatably connected in the limit groove (6). A moving block (7) that is threadedly engaged with the screw rod (11) is slidably connected in the limit groove (6). A rotating shaft (8) is fixedly connected to the outside of the moving block (7). The rotating part of the rotating shaft (8) A movable rod (9) is fixedly connected to the fixed column (4). The rod body of the movable rod (9) is supported on the top of the support rod (10). An inner column (19) is fixedly connected to the end of the movable rod (9) away from the rotating shaft (8). A top mark (5) is fitted on the inner column (19). There are multiple top marks (5) with different shapes. A drive gear (12) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the screw rod (11). A rotating column (13) is rotatably connected inside the fixed column (4). A connecting strip (14) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating column (13). A toothed strip (15) is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting strip (14). The toothed strip (15) meshes with the drive gear (12). A warning light (21) is fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column (4). The warning light (21) is located above the top seat (3). The warning light (21) is a navigation light or a solar LED light.

2. The automatic inland waterway top marker switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple movable rods (9), rotating shafts (8), moving blocks (7), lead screws (11) and drive gears (12) are provided. Multiple movable rods (9) are connected to their respective moving blocks (7) through their respective rotating shafts (8). Multiple moving blocks (7) are threadedly engaged with their respective lead screws (11). The lower ends of multiple lead screws (11) are fixedly connected to their respective drive gears (12). The movable rod (9) includes an inner rod (16) and an outer rod (17). The outer rod (17) is sleeved on the inner rod (16) and slides with the inner rod (16). The end of the outer rod (17) near the fixed column (4) is fixedly connected to the rotating part of the rotating shaft (8). The inner rod (16) extends from the end of the outer rod (17) away from the fixed column (4) and is fixedly connected to the inner column (19). The rod body of the outer rod (17) is supported on the top of the support rod (10) and swings around the top of the support rod (10).

3. The automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways according to claim 2, characterized in that, An airbag (22) is embedded in the outer wall of the inner column (19). Multiple airbags (22) are provided. Multiple airbags (22) are arranged at intervals along the circumference and axial direction of the inner column (19) and located at different height positions of the inner column (19). The outer surface of the airbag (22) is in contact with the inner wall of the top mark (5). The airbag (22) is made of weather-resistant rubber, silicone rubber or polyurethane. The shape of the airbag (22) is a ring-shaped bag, a strip-shaped bag or a block-shaped bag.

4. The automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways according to claim 3, characterized in that, A long tube (23) is provided at the center of the inner column (19) along the axial direction of the inner column (19). The long tube (23) is connected to multiple airbags (22) through connecting tubes (24). The connecting tubes (24) are provided with multiple airbags (22) at different heights.

5. The automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways according to claim 4, characterized in that, A piston rod (26) is provided at one end of the outer rod (17) near the fixed column (4). The movable end of the piston rod (26) is fixedly connected to one end of the inner rod (16) located inside the outer rod (17). The piston rod (26) is a cylinder or air cylinder. The air port of the piston rod (26) is connected to the long tube (23) through the arc-shaped tube (25). The arc-shaped tube (25) is located between the outer rod (17) and the inner column (19) and has bending allowance. Sealing elements are provided at the connection between the arc-shaped tube (25) and the long tube (23) and at the connection between the connecting tube (24) and the airbag (22).

6. The automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways according to claim 5, characterized in that, A push rod (18) is hinged to one side of the top mark (5). The other end of the push rod (18) passes through the outer rod (17) and is hinged to the inner rod (16). The hinge point between the push rod (18) and the inner rod (16) is located inside the outer rod (17). A long groove for the push rod (18) to slide is opened on the tube wall of the outer rod (17).

7. The automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the fixed column (4) is provided with an annular groove, the drive gear (12) is located inside the annular groove, and the toothed strip (15) is located inside the annular groove and moves along the circumference of the annular groove.

8. The automatic top marker switching device for inland waterways according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the top seat (3) is fixedly connected to a drive motor (20), and the output end of the drive motor (20) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating column (13).

9. The automatic conversion device for top markers of inland waterways according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive motor (20) is a forward and reverse motor. The drive motor (20) is connected to a controller. The controller is connected to a limit switch, angle sensor or current detection unit. The controller controls the start and stop of the drive motor (20) according to the position of the moving block (7) and the movable rod (9).

10. The method of using the automatic top marker switching device for inland waterways according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1, multiple top marks (5) of different shapes are respectively fitted onto their respective inner columns (19), and the base (1) is fixedly installed on the waterway bank, dam, bridge pier or fixed pile foundation. Each movable rod (9) is kept in the initial state of retracting towards the fixed column (4). The top marks (5) fitted onto the inner column (19) are stored inside the top seat (3) along with the movable rod (9). S2, start the drive motor (20) fixed at the lower end of the top seat (3). The output end of the drive motor (20) drives the rotating column (13) to rotate inside the fixed column (4). The outer wall of the rotating column (13) drives the toothed strip (15) to make a circular rotation along the annular groove of the inner wall of the fixed column (4) through the connecting strip (14). S3, the toothed bar (15) meshes with the drive gear (12) fixed at the lower end of the lead screw (11), and the circumferential rotation of the toothed bar (15) is converted into the rotational motion of the drive gear (12). The drive gear (12) drives the lead screw (11) in the limiting groove (6) to rotate synchronously. S4, the lead screw (11) drives the moving block (7) which is threadedly engaged with the lead screw (11) to rise vertically along the limiting groove (6) on the fixed column (4), and the rotating shaft (8) on the outside of the moving block (7) moves upward with the moving block (7) and pulls the movable rod (9). S5, the rod body of the movable rod (9) swings outward with the top of the support rod (10) fixed at the top of the top seat (3) as the fulcrum, the outer rod (17) of the movable rod (9) rotates around the top of the support rod (10), the inner rod (16) of the movable rod (9) extends outward relative to the outer rod (17), and the inner column (19) fixedly connected to the end of the inner rod (16) away from the rotating shaft (8) and the top mark (5) sleeved on the inner column (19) swing outward from the inside of the top seat (3); S6, during the process of the inner rod (16) extending outward relative to the outer rod (17), the push rod (18), which is hinged to one side of the top mark (5) and passes through the long groove on the outer rod (17) and is hinged to the inner rod (16), slides along the long groove to push the top mark (5) upward to the display height. S7, while the inner rod (16) extends outward relative to the outer rod (17), the piston rod (26) located inside the outer rod (17) near the fixed column (4) moves synchronously with the inner rod (16). The gas in the inner cavity of the piston rod (26) is transported through the arc-shaped tube (25) to the long tube (23) at the center of the inner column (19), and then through multiple connecting tubes (24) to multiple air bladders (22) embedded in the outer wall of the inner column (19). S8, multiple airbags (22) are inflated and expanded, the outer surface of the airbags (22) is attached to the inner wall of the top label (5), clamping the top label (5) and fixing it at the display height. The movable rods (9) of the non-working top labels (5) remain in a retracted state and are stored inside the top seat (3). The warning light (21) fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed column (4) is lit. S9, when the top label (5) needs to be replaced again, the drive motor (20) rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating column (13) drives the toothed bar (15) to rotate in the opposite direction through the connecting bar (14), the toothed bar (15) drives the drive gear (12) and the lead screw (11) to rotate in reverse in sequence, the moving block (7) descends vertically along the limiting groove (6), the rotating shaft (8) pulls down the movable rod (9), the movable rod (9) retracts in the way of relative sliding between the inner rod (16) and the outer rod (17) and rotates inward to retract with the top of the support rod (10) as the fulcrum; S10, during the retraction of the inner rod (16) relative to the outer rod (17), the push rod (18) slides in the opposite direction along the long groove and cancels the upward pushing force on the top mark (5). The top mark (5) falls back to the retracted height. The piston rod (26) moves in the opposite direction with the inner rod (16). The gas in the airbag (22) flows back through the connecting pipe (24), the long pipe (23) and the arc-shaped pipe (25). The airbag (22) exhausts and contracts and releases the clamping on the inner wall of the top mark (5). The top mark (5) that has been released from clamping is retracted into the interior of the top seat (3) along with the movable rod (9). S11, repeat steps S2 to S8, place another set of top marks (5) with different shapes out, raise them and inflate them to clamp them, and complete the automatic conversion of the top marks (5); S12. When inspecting or replacing the top label (5), control the drive motor (20) to fully vent the airbag (22). After the airbag (22) contracts, remove the top label (5) from the inner column (19).

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