Snow melting device for turnout
Through the combination of steam generation components and heating parts, automated, safe and efficient snow removal of railway switches is achieved, solving the problems of cumbersome snow removal operations and environmental pollution in the existing technology, and improving the reliability and safety of railway operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202420255873.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-02-02
AI Technical Summary
The snow removal methods of existing railway switches are cumbersome to operate and maintain, and chemical snow melting agents may cause environmental pollution.
Design a turntable snow melting device including steam generation assembly and steam heating parts, generate steam by electric heating, and use a closed water storage tank and pressure relief valve to control steam pressure. The steam reaches the heating parts through the connecting pipe, realizes automatic snow removal and passes through the temperature. The humidity sensor and exhaust hole improve safety and efficiency, and a return pipe is installed to achieve water recycling.
It realizes the automation, safety and efficiency of snow removal, reduces manpower and costs, avoids environmental pollution, and improves the reliability and safety of railway operations.
Smart Images
Figure CN222332583U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of railway turnout manufacturing, in particular to a snow melting device for a turnout. Background Art
[0002] Snow and ice-covered turnouts pose a serious threat to railway transportation safety. In the cold winter, ice and snow can corrode turnout equipment, causing obstruction of train operation, unstable driving, and even serious accidents. In order to ensure the safety and smoothness of railway transportation, modern railway systems use a variety of snow melting methods to deal with this problem.
[0003] The electric heating snow melting system installs electric heating elements or heating cables near the turnout to melt the ice and snow attached to the turnout by heating. This method has the advantages of fast speed and obvious effect. It can remove ice and snow on the turnout in a short time to ensure the normal operation of the train. However, the electric heating snow melting system also needs regular maintenance and replacement of damaged components to ensure its normal operation; mechanical snow removal is another commonly used snow melting method. By using snow plows and snow brushes, the snow on the turnout can be effectively removed. This method is suitable for areas with thick snow accumulation and can complete snow removal in a short time to ensure the safety of railway operation. However, mechanical snow removal equipment may have certain limitations when operating in complex terrain and at night, so it needs to be combined with other snow melting methods; chemical snow melting agents are also an important snow melting method. Snow melting salt or snow melting liquid can be sprayed on the turnout to reduce the temperature of ice and snow and promote its melting. Chemical snow melting agents have the advantages of low cost and easy operation, but excessive use may cause environmental pollution and corrosion of track equipment.
[0004] Therefore, a railway turnout snow melting method which is easier to operate and maintain and less likely to cause environmental pollution is needed. Utility Model Content
[0005] The utility model provides a snow melting device for a turnout, so as to solve the technical problem that the operation and maintenance of the existing railway turnout snow removal method are relatively complicated.
[0006] According to one aspect of the utility model, a snow melting device for a turnout is provided, comprising a steam generating assembly, a steam heating element and a connecting pipe connecting the steam generating assembly and the steam heating element; the steam generating assembly comprises a water tank for containing water, the water tank is a closed container, an electric heating element is arranged in the water tank, a pressure relief valve is arranged between the water tank and the connecting pipe, the pressure relief valve opens when the pressure in the water tank reaches a threshold value; the steam heating element is used to be attached to the side of the rail, and a heating chamber connected to the connecting pipe is formed in the steam heating element.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, after the electric heating element is connected to the power supply, it can heat the water in the water tank. When the water temperature rises, it will vaporize. Since the water tank is a closed container, the pressure in the water tank will continue to increase. When the pressure reaches the threshold value for opening the pressure relief valve, the steam will enter the steam heating element through the connecting pipe, heat the track, and then melt the snow on the railway switch. Compared with mechanical snow removal, it uses less manpower and material resources and has a lower cost. Compared with chemical snow removal, it is not easy to cause pollution and can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of snow melting.
[0008] Optionally, an exhaust valve is provided on the water tank, and the opening pressure of the exhaust valve is greater than the opening pressure of the pressure relief valve.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when the pressure in the water tank is too high, it can be discharged through the exhaust valve, thereby improving safety.
[0010] Optionally, a temperature and humidity sensor is provided on the water storage tank.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, after the temperature and humidity sensor detects that the temperature and humidity have reached the preset values, the power supply of the electric heating element can be turned on to realize automatic snow removal, which is more convenient to use.
[0012] Optionally, the steam heating element includes a first heating section and a second heating section arranged in parallel, and the first heating section and the second heating section are connected via a connecting section.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, providing the first heating section and the second heating section can increase the contact area with the rails, thereby improving the snow removal efficiency.
[0014] Optionally, the connecting pipe is connected to an end of the first heating section away from the connecting section, and an exhaust hole is provided at an end of the second heating section away from the connecting section.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, water vapor enters from the end of the first heating section away from the connecting section, then passes through the first heating section, the connecting section and the second connecting section in sequence, and finally is discharged from the end of the second heating section away from the connecting section. The entry and discharge of water vapor are located in the steam heating element, which is convenient for connecting pipelines.
[0016] Optionally, the exhaust hole is connected to the water tank via a return pipe.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, after passing through the steam heating element, the water vapor can return to the water outlet tank through the reflux pipe, thereby realizing the recycling of water and saving water resources.
[0018] Optionally, the snow melting device for the turnout further includes a water level alarm, a water level sensor is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank, and the water level sensor is electrically connected to the water level alarm.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when there is too little water in the water tank, the water level alarm can sound an alarm to remind the staff to add water.
[0020] Optionally, a water inlet hole is opened at the bottom of the water tank, a one-way check valve is installed on the water inlet hole, the return pipe is connected to the one-way check valve, and the one-way check valve opens unidirectionally from the return pipe to the water tank.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the one-way check valve can prevent gas from flowing back.
[0022] Optionally, the installation height of the water storage tank is lower than the installation height of the steam heating element.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the return water can flow back into the water storage tank more conveniently.
[0024] Optionally, the snow melting device for the turnout includes a plurality of steam heating elements, and the plurality of steam heating elements are connected in parallel to a water tank via connecting pipes.
[0025] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0026] When the electric heating element is connected to the power supply, it can heat the water in the water tank. When the water temperature rises, it will vaporize. Since the water tank is a closed container, the pressure in the water tank will continue to increase. When the pressure reaches the threshold for the opening of the pressure relief valve, the steam will enter the steam heating element through the connecting pipe, heating the track, thereby melting the snow on the railway switch. Compared with mechanical snow removal, it uses less manpower and material resources and has lower costs. Compared with chemical snow removal, it is not easy to cause pollution and can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of snow melting.
[0027] In addition to the above-described purposes, features and advantages, the present invention has other purposes, features and advantages. The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The drawings constituting a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present invention. In the drawings:
[0029] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a snow melting device for a turnout according to a preferred embodiment of the utility model;
[0030] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a steam heating element of a preferred embodiment of the utility model.
[0031] Legend:
[0032] 1. Water storage tank; 2. Electric heating element; 3. Pressure relief valve; 4. Steam heating element; 41. First heating section; 42. Second heating section; 43. Connecting section; 5. Exhaust valve; 6. Temperature and humidity sensor; 7. Water level sensor; 8. One-way check valve; 9. Rails. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in a variety of different ways as defined and covered below.
[0034] The following is combined with Figure 1-2 This application is described in further detail.
[0035] The embodiment of the present application discloses a snow melting device for a turnout.
[0036] Reference Figure 1 The snow melting device for the turnout includes a steam generating assembly, a steam heating element 4, and a connecting pipe connecting the steam generating assembly and the steam heating element 4. Steam is generated by the steam generating assembly, and then the steam is transported to the steam heating element 4 by the connecting pipe. These heating elements are close to the side of the turnout rail 9 for heating. Such a design realizes direct heating of the turnout rail 9, thereby efficiently and quickly melting the snow on the track and ensuring the smooth operation of the railway turnout. Compared with traditional snow melting methods, this device is more efficient and environmentally friendly, and causes less damage to the turnout rail 9, thereby improving the safety and reliability of railway operation, and is particularly suitable for use in areas with cold winters and heavy snow.
[0037] The steam generating assembly includes a water tank 1 for containing water. The water tank 1 is a closed container. An electric heating element 2 is arranged inside the water tank 1. A pressure relief valve 3 is arranged between the water tank 1 and the connecting pipe. The pressure relief valve 3 opens when the pressure inside the water tank 1 reaches a threshold value. The steam heating element 4 is used to fit on the side of the turnout rail 9. A heating chamber connected to the connecting pipe is formed inside the steam heating element 4. The water is heated by arranging the electric heating element 2 in the closed water tank 1 to generate steam. When the pressure in the water tank 1 reaches the set threshold value, the pressure relief valve 3 automatically opens to safely control the internal pressure. Subsequently, the steam is transported to the steam heating element 4 fitted on the side of the turnout rail 9 through the connecting pipe. The heating chamber formed inside these heating elements directly transfers the heat energy of the steam to the turnout rail 9, thereby realizing rapid heating of the turnout rail 9 and efficient snow melting. Such a design not only ensures the safety of the snow melting process, but also improves the snow melting efficiency, and effectively prevents the impact of snow accumulation on railway operations.
[0038] The water tank 1 is provided with an exhaust valve 5, and the opening pressure of the exhaust valve 5 is greater than the opening pressure of the pressure relief valve 3. This design plays a role of double safety protection. When the pressure in the water tank 1 first reaches the threshold of the pressure relief valve 3, the pressure relief valve 3 will open to release part of the pressure and steam to maintain the normal operation and safety of the system. If the pressure continues to rise and exceeds the set higher threshold, the exhaust valve 5 will open to further reduce the pressure in the water tank 1 to prevent equipment damage or safety accidents that may be caused by excessive pressure. This design enhances the safety of the device and ensures that the pressure can be reliably controlled under different operating conditions, thereby ensuring the stable and safe operation of the entire snow melting system.
[0039] The water tank 1 is provided with a temperature and humidity sensor 6. The design of providing the temperature and humidity sensor 6 on the water tank 1 makes the entire snow melting system more intelligent and automated. These sensors monitor the temperature and humidity in the water tank 1, so that the working state of the electric heating element 2 can be accurately controlled to ensure the generation of an appropriate amount of steam. When the temperature and humidity reach the preset values, they can automatically start or adjust the electric heating element 2 to adapt to different environments and snow melting needs. This not only improves the snow melting efficiency and response speed, but also reduces the need for manual monitoring and adjustment, making the snow melting process more efficient and energy-saving, while also increasing the safety and reliability of the entire system.
[0040] Reference Figure 2 The steam heating element 4 includes a first heating section 41 and a second heating section 42 arranged in parallel, and the first heating section 41 and the second heating section 42 are connected by a connecting section 43. Through such a design, the steam can be evenly distributed in a wider area of the rails 9, ensuring that a larger area of the rails 9 can receive heat at the same time, thereby accelerating the snow melting process. In addition, the arrangement of parallel heating sections can also provide a more uniform heating effect, prevent local overheating or uneven snow melting, and further improve the safety and reliability of railway operation.
[0041] The connecting pipe is connected to the end of the first heating section 41 away from the connecting section 43, and an exhaust hole is provided at the end of the second heating section 42 away from the connecting section 43. Such a configuration allows the steam to flow along a certain path, first entering the first heating section 41, passing through the entire heating section to heat the rail 9, then flowing to the second heating section 42, and finally discharged from the exhaust hole. This streamlined steam flow path not only ensures that the steam can be evenly distributed on the entire heating element, improving the snow melting efficiency and uniformity, but also helps to avoid steam retention or backflow inside the heating element, thereby improving the thermal efficiency and safety of the entire system. At the same time, the provision of the exhaust hole also helps to control the pressure and steam flow within the system, further ensuring stable and reliable operation of the device.
[0042] The exhaust hole is connected to the water tank 1 through a return pipe. The design of connecting the exhaust hole to the water tank 1 through a return pipe allows the used steam in the steam heating element 4 to be effectively recycled into the water tank 1. Such a circulation system not only reduces the consumption of water resources, but also improves the thermal efficiency of the entire system and reduces the energy consumption required for heating because the refluxed steam carries a certain amount of heat. In addition, this design also helps to maintain the balanced pressure inside the system and avoid pressure fluctuations caused by steam discharge, thereby improving the environmental protection, economy and operational stability of the entire snow melting device.
[0043] The snow melting device for turnout also includes a water level alarm. A water level sensor 7 is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 1, and the water level sensor 7 is electrically connected to the water level alarm. When the water level is lower than the set safety threshold, the water level sensor 7 can detect this change and trigger the water level alarm to sound an alarm through the electrical connection. This timely alarm system not only ensures the continuity and efficiency of steam generation and prevents heating interruption due to insufficient water, but also greatly increases the safety of the entire device, ensuring that the operator can replenish the water source in time and avoid potential failures or damages caused by too low a water level.
[0044] A water inlet hole is provided at the bottom of the water tank 1, and a one-way check valve 8 is installed on the water inlet hole. The return pipe is connected to the one-way check valve 8, and the one-way check valve 8 is opened from the return pipe to the water tank 1 in one direction. In this way, the used steam or condensed water can be safely returned to the water tank 1 through the return pipe to generate steam again, and the one-way check valve 8 prevents water or steam from flowing back to the return pipe or the steam heating element 4, thereby ensuring the effective operation and stability of the system. This design not only improves the energy efficiency of the system and the recycling rate of water resources, but also enhances the safety of the entire snow melting device, ensures that the flow direction of water and steam is consistent, and prevents potential pressure problems and risks caused by water backflow.
[0045] The installation height of the water storage tank 1 is lower than that of the steam heating element 4. Such a layout utilizes the principle of gravity to promote the flow of steam and condensed water. Under this design, steam naturally rises to the steam heating element 4 due to its thermodynamic characteristics, while the used steam or condensed water can flow back to the water storage tank 1 with the assistance of gravity, without the need for an additional pump or power system to promote the circulation of the fluid. This not only simplifies the overall design of the system, reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs, but also improves the reliability and efficiency of the snow melting device, ensures continuous and stable operation, and reduces dependence on complex mechanical components, improving the durability and operational safety of the overall system.
[0046] The snow melting device for turnouts includes a plurality of steam heating elements 4, which are connected in parallel to a water storage tank 1 through connecting pipes. Such a design greatly improves the coverage area and flexibility of the snow melting system. Through the parallel arrangement, multiple heating elements can receive steam from the same water storage tank 1 at the same time, which means that effective snow melting operations can be performed in multiple areas at the same time, greatly improving the snow removal efficiency. In addition, this design also allows the operation of each heating element to be flexibly adjusted according to the specific snow accumulation conditions, thereby achieving a more precise and efficient snow melting effect, which is particularly suitable for areas with dense railway turnouts or uneven snow accumulation, ensuring the safety and continuity of railway operations.
[0047] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the utility model, and is not intended to limit the utility model. For those skilled in the art, the utility model can have various modifications and changes. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the utility model shall be included in the protection scope of the utility model.
Claims
1. A snow melting device for a turnout, characterized in that: It comprises a steam generating component, a steam heating element (4) and a connecting pipe connecting the steam generating component and the steam heating element (4); The steam generating assembly comprises a water storage tank (1) for containing water, the water storage tank (1) being a closed container, an electric heating element (2) being arranged inside the water storage tank (1), a pressure relief valve (3) being arranged between the water storage tank (1) and the connecting pipe, the pressure relief valve (3) opening when the pressure inside the water storage tank (1) reaches a threshold value; The steam heating element (4) is used to be attached to the side of the rail (9), and a heating chamber connected to the connecting pipe is formed in the steam heating element (4).
2. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage tank (1) is provided with an exhaust valve (5), and the opening pressure of the exhaust valve (5) is greater than the opening pressure of the pressure relief valve (3).
3. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water storage tank (1) is provided with a temperature and humidity sensor (6).
4. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam heating element (4) comprises a first heating section (41) and a second heating section (42) which are arranged in parallel, and the first heating section (41) and the second heating section (42) are connected via a connecting section (43).
5. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting pipe is connected to an end of the first heating section (41) away from the connecting section (43), and an exhaust hole is provided at an end of the second heating section (42) away from the connecting section (43).
6. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 5, characterized in that: The exhaust hole is connected to the water storage tank (1) via a return pipe.
7. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snow melting device for a turnout further comprises a water level alarm. A water level sensor (7) is arranged at the bottom of the water storage tank (1), and the water level sensor (7) is electrically connected to the water level alarm.
8. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water storage tank (1) has a water inlet hole at the bottom, a one-way check valve (8) is installed on the water inlet hole, the return pipe is connected to the one-way check valve (8), and the one-way check valve (8) opens from the return pipe to the water storage tank (1) in one direction.
9. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 1, characterized in that: The installation height of the water storage tank (1) is lower than the installation height of the steam heating element (4).
10. The snow melting device for a turnout according to claim 1, characterized in that: The snow melting device for a turnout comprises a plurality of steam heating elements (4), and the plurality of steam heating elements (4) are connected in parallel to a water storage tank (1) via connecting pipes.