Quick insertion type air pipe connector car coupler
By designing a quick-connect duct connector, which uses a combination of socket and plug, the problem of cumbersome duct connection for train couplers is solved, enabling quick connection and disconnection, improving coupling efficiency, and reducing the burden on workers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520063235.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-10
AI Technical Summary
The existing train coupler air pipe connection method is cumbersome, resulting in low efficiency in coupler coupling and uncoupling, and heavy burden on workers in handling.
The quick-connect duct connector is designed with a combination of socket and plug structure, combined with components such as ball bearings, sealing rings and pressure rings, to achieve quick connection and disconnection of ducts.
It improves the efficiency of duct connection, reduces the weight of the coupler, lightens the burden on workers, and is simple and quick to operate.
Smart Images

Figure CN223644782U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of rail transit technology, and specifically to a quick-connect duct connector coupler. Background Technology
[0002] The air duct of a train coupler is an important component of the train coupler system. Its function is to transmit compressed air between train cars to achieve functions such as braking and air pressure control. Coupler coupling / discoupling includes two parts: mechanical coupler coupling / discoupling and air duct connection / disconnection. The air duct connection / disconnection process solves the problem of disassembling and assembling the coupler air duct. Currently, the air ducts of train couplers use threaded connections, which are cumbersome to disassemble and assemble. Furthermore, when coupling, the air duct needs to be pre-installed on the coupler body via threaded connections, which increases the burden on workers due to the weight of the air duct itself. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems by providing a quick-connect duct connector coupler, which facilitates the installation and removal of ductwork in the coupler and improves the efficiency of coupler coupling and uncoupling.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0005] A quick-connect duct connector coupler includes a duct joint, a hook head, and a duct interface pipe disposed on the hook head, wherein the port of the duct interface pipe is a duct interface.
[0006] The duct connector includes a socket and a plug, both of which have axial through holes. The socket and plug can be assembled into one unit, with their axial through holes facing each other to form a gas flow path. The socket is inserted into the duct interface, and the plug is connected to the duct.
[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, one end of the socket that is fitted with the plug forms a plug mounting section, the plug mounting section is tubular, the plug includes a socket mounting section, and the socket mounting section is inserted into the plug mounting section.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, a stepped section is formed inside the pipe diameter of the plug mounting section, the stepped section having a smaller radial dimension than the port on the side where the plug is inserted into the socket; a first sealing ring is installed at the end of the plug facing the socket, and a second sealing ring is installed at the port of the stepped section facing the plug, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring being opposite each other.
[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, a ball bearing hole is provided on the tube wall of the plug mounting section, and a ball bearing is installed in the ball bearing hole. The shape and size of the ball bearing hole are configured such that the ball bearing is installed in the ball bearing hole and does not fall out; a ball bearing groove is provided along the outer peripheral wall of the plug; when the plug is inserted into the plug mounting section, the ball bearing falls into the ball bearing groove.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of ball bearing holes are provided and arranged circumferentially along the tube wall of the plug mounting section, and the ball bearing groove surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the plug.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the duct connector further includes a pressure ring, which is fitted onto the outside of the socket and plug.
[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, a stop pin is installed on the outer wall of the socket, and a pin hole is provided on the pressure ring, wherein the pin hole is a through hole that penetrates the outer wall of the pressure ring; after the pressure ring is assembled with the socket and the plug, the stop pin is located in the pin hole.
[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pin hole is bent and includes a first hole segment disposed along the axial direction of the pressure ring and a second hole segment disposed at an angle to the first hole segment, the second hole segment being located on the side closer to the plug.
[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, a gap is formed between the pressure ring and the outer wall of the socket and the plug, and a spring is provided in the gap; the socket forms a protruding portion toward the pressure ring, the pressure ring forms a protruding portion toward the plug, and the spring is constrained between the protruding portion of the socket and the protruding portion of the pressure ring.
[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner wall of the plug mounting section is provided with a socket limiting platform, and the outer wall of the socket mounting section is provided with a plug limiting groove. After the socket is inserted into the plug, the socket limiting platform is opposite to the plug limiting platform.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the quick-connect duct connector coupler provided by the present invention are as follows:
[0017] 1. The quick-connect duct connector transition hook of this invention features a quick-connect structure on the hook head that mates with a socket, and is designed with a quick-connect joint to enable rapid connection and disconnection of the duct connector. This structure is simple and quick to operate.
[0018] 2. Unlike the existing integrated structure of the air duct and hook body of the transition coupler, the present invention adopts a separate structure of air duct and hook body, which can reduce the weight of the coupler and reduce the burden on workers in handling. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the coupler structure for connecting air ducts.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the socket structure.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the plug structure.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure ring structure.
[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the quick-connect coupling in its assembled state.
[0025] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the quick-connect coupling in its assembled state.
[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical coupler connection structure.
[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure before the duct connector is connected.
[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the duct connector being properly attached.
[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the coupler structure for connecting air ducts.
[0030] 1-Hook head;
[0031] 2- Duct interface piping;
[0032] 3- Duct interface, 301- Wedge-shaped opening;
[0033] 4-Socket, 401-Duct interface installation section, 402-Plug installation section, 403-Ball hole, 404-Ball, 405-Protruding part, 406-Socket limiting platform;
[0034] 5-Plug, 501-Socket mounting section, 502-Plug limiting platform, 503-Ball groove;
[0035] 6-Air duct;
[0036] 7-First sealing ring;
[0037] 8-Second sealing ring;
[0038] 9-Pressure ring, 901-Pin hole, 902-Protruding part;
[0039] 10-Stop pin;
[0040] 11-Air duct;
[0041] 12-Auxiliary hook;
[0042] 13-Connecting rod;
[0043] 14- hook tongue;
[0044] 15 - Spring;
[0045] 16-Transition coupler;
[0046] 17 - Formal coupler. Detailed Implementation
[0047] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that: the fixed connection described in this application can be a detachable fixed connection or an integrated fixed connection; the indication of orientation or positional relationship is based on the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0049] The terms "first" and "second" are used only to describe the purpose and are not used to imply relative importance.
[0050] The coupler is a key component connecting the various carriages and linking the train's internal ventilation, electrical, and mechanical systems. It integrates the vehicles into a unified whole, transmitting traction and braking forces while mitigating longitudinal impact forces. Train couplers are devices used to couple trains with different coupler types or installation heights. They are widely used not only for rescuing and returning multiple train sets from locomotives and passenger cars, but also for mutual rescue between different types of multiple train sets.
[0051] The train coupler air duct is a crucial component in the train coupler system, used to connect the internal airflow of the train. It ensures the normal operation of the train's braking system and air pressure control. Operation of the air duct connector is required during coupler coupling and uncoupling processes.
[0052] This invention focuses on improving the connection, assembly, and disassembly of duct connectors, providing a quick-connect duct connector connection structure. The coupler with the quick-connect duct connector includes a duct joint, a hook head 1, and a duct interface pipe 2 disposed on the hook head 1. The port of the duct interface pipe 2 is a duct interface 3. The duct interface 3 is installed in conjunction with the duct joint.
[0053] The duct connector includes a socket 4 and a plug 5. Both the socket 4 and the plug 5 have axial through holes. The socket and the plug can be assembled into one unit. Their axial through holes face each other to form a gas flow path. The socket 4 is inserted into the duct interface 3, and the plug 5 is connected to the duct 6.
[0054] refer to Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hook head 1. Compared with the hook head 1 in the prior art, the present invention adds a duct insertion unit structure, which can realize the rapid installation between the duct connector and the coupler and improve the duct connection efficiency.
[0055] refer to Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of socket 4. The main structure of socket 4 consists of two parts: a part that mates with duct interface 3, defined as duct interface mounting section 401; and a part that mates with plug 5, defined as plug mounting section 402. Duct interface mounting section 401 and plug mounting section 402 are an integral structure, with a through structure in the axial direction between them, forming a gas flow path. The duct interface mounting section 401 has a reduced radial dimension compared to the plug mounting section 402. The plug mounting section 402 as a whole forms an approximate tube-like structure.
[0056] To facilitate installation with the duct interface 3, the port on the mating side of the duct interface 3 and the socket 4 is formed as a wedge-shaped opening 301. The wedge-shaped opening 301 is an enlarged opening formed from the inside of the duct interface pipe towards the duct interface port. The outer wall of the socket 4 on the mating side of the duct interface 3 is formed as a wedge-shaped outer peripheral wall, which can fit and be assembled with the wedge-shaped opening 301. It should be understood that the duct interface installation section 401 has a wedge-shaped outer peripheral wall.
[0057] refer to Figure 3 The plug 5 is shown in the schematic diagram. The plug 5 includes a socket mounting section 501 and a main body section 502. The socket mounting section 501 and the main body section 502 are an integral structure, with the socket mounting section 501 having a reduced radial dimension relative to the main body section 502. The socket mounting section 501 is inserted into the plug mounting section 402 of the socket. After insertion, the two parts fit tightly together. The socket mounting section 501 and the main body section 502 are an integral structure, with a through structure in the axial direction between them, forming a gas flow path. The main body section 502 can be connected to the air duct 11.
[0058] After the plug 5 and the socket 4 are installed opposite each other, the gas flow path formed by the plug 5 is connected to the gas flow path formed by the socket 4.
[0059] refer to Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the duct connector shown illustrates that, in some embodiments of the invention, to limit the mating structure between the socket 4 and the plug 5, one end of the plug mounting section 402 of the socket 4 forms a stepped opening. The plug 5 is inserted into the stepped opening of the socket 4, and the stepped section of the stepped opening can mate with the end of the plug 5 to limit the movement of the end of the plug 5. It should be understood that the stepped section of the opening can be located at the junction of the plug mounting section 402 and the duct interface mounting section 401, or in other words, at the portion closer to the duct interface mounting section 401. The stepped section forms a smaller diameter than the side of the plug 5 inserted into the socket 4, and when the plug 5 is inserted into the portion of the socket 4, the stepped section restricts the movement of the plug 5.
[0060] To improve the tightness of the fit between the plug 4 and the socket 5, a first sealing ring 7 is installed on the end of the plug 5 facing the socket 4, and a second sealing ring 8 is installed on the end of the socket 4 facing the plug 5. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the second sealing ring 8 is installed at the opening of the stepped section, with the first sealing ring 7 opposite to the second sealing ring 8, to prevent air leakage.
[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the plug mounting section 402 at one end of the socket 4 that is fitted with the plug 5 is...
[0062] A socket section is formed, and a ball bearing hole 403 is provided on the wall of the socket section. A ball bearing 404 is installed in the ball bearing hole 403. The shape and size of the ball bearing hole are configured such that the ball bearing 404 is installed in the ball bearing hole 403 and does not fall out. A ball bearing groove 503 is provided along the outer peripheral wall of the plug 5. When the plug 5 is inserted into the plug mounting section 402, the ball bearing 404 falls into the ball bearing groove 503.
[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of ball bearing holes 403 are provided and arranged circumferentially along the tube wall of the plug mounting section 402, and the ball bearing groove 503 is a groove arranged around the outer peripheral wall of the plug 5. This structure can better limit the positioning between the socket 4 and the plug 5, and facilitates the rotation and adjustment of the relative position between the socket 5 and the plug 5.
[0064] Furthermore, to facilitate alignment of the socket 4 and plug 5, a socket positioning platform 406 is provided on the inner wall of the opening of the plug mounting section 402 of the socket 4, and a plug positioning platform 502 is provided on the outer wall of the opening of the socket mounting section 501 of the plug 5. When installing the socket 4 and plug 5, align the socket positioning platform 406 and plug positioning platform 502. Multiple sets of positioning platform structures can be designed for easy alignment; in this embodiment, two sets of positioning platform structures are designed.
[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the duct connector further includes a pressure ring 9, which is fitted onto the outside of the socket 4 and the plug 5. As a preferred structure, the pressure ring 9 is fitted onto the outside of the socket 4, the length of the plug mounting section 402 is equal to the length of the pressure ring 9, and both ends of the pressure ring 9 are fitted against the outer wall of the socket 4. After the pressure ring 9 is fitted onto the outside of the socket 4, the two can move relative to each other.
[0066] To restrict the position of the plug 4, a stop pin 10 is installed on the outer wall of the socket 4, and a pin hole 901 is provided on the pressure ring 9. The pin hole 901 is a through hole that penetrates the outer wall of the pressure ring 9. After the pressure ring 9 is assembled with the socket 4 and the plug, the stop pin 10 is located in the pin hole 901. To achieve a better effect, multiple sets of mating structures of stop pin 10 and pin hole 901 can be designed. In this embodiment, there are two sets.
[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pin hole 901 is bent, including a first hole segment disposed along the axial direction of the pressure ring 4, and a second hole segment disposed at an angle to the first hole segment, the second hole segment being located on the side closer to the plug. For example, the pin hole 901 can be an L-shaped bent hole. It should be understood that the first hole segment is disposed along the axial direction parallel to the pressure ring 9, while the second hole segment is disposed in the circumferential direction of the pressure ring 9.
[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, a gap is formed between the pressure ring 9 and the outer wall of the socket 4 and the plug 5, and a spring 12 is disposed within the gap. As described above, the two ends of the pressure ring 9 are fitted to the outer wall of the socket 4 to form the groove gap structure. In this embodiment, the socket 4 forms a protruding portion 405 towards the pressure ring 9, and the pressure ring 9 forms a protruding portion 902 towards the plug, forming a gap structure between the two protruding portions. The spring 4 is constrained between the socket protrusion 403 and the pressure ring protrusion 902.
[0069] Taking the application of the duct connector in a transition coupler as an example, this invention illustrates the principle of the 16-positioning / unpositioning of the quick-connect duct connector transition coupler. (Reference) Figures 7 to 10 .
[0070] Before coupling, the air duct 11 is separate from the mechanical coupler head 1 of the transition coupler. First, manually install the mechanical coupler head of the transition coupler 16 onto the permanent coupler 17. Then, connect the air duct 11 to the hook head 1 via a quick-connect air duct connector to quickly connect the air path, thus completing the coupling process of the transition coupler 16. During uncoupling, first quickly detach the air duct 11 from the hook head 1 via the quick-connect air duct connector to separate the air path. Then, mechanically uncouple the mechanical coupler from the permanent coupler, thus completing the uncoupling process of the transition coupler.
[0071] Specific implementation process: Before the two hooks are coupled, the air duct 11 and the mechanical hook head 1 of the transition coupler are in a separate state. First, rotate the auxiliary hook 12 of the mechanical coupler 1 of the transition coupler to the working position and hook it onto the formal coupler. Then, manually press down the mechanical coupler until the connecting rod 13 and the hook tongue 14 of the mechanical coupler are coupled into place with the hook tongue and connecting rod of the formal coupler (the coupling indicator grooves of the connecting rod 13 and the hook tongue 14 are aligned), thus completing the coupling of the mechanical coupler of the transition coupler.
[0072] In the initial state, the stop pin 10 is located at the end of the first hole section. Then, the pressure ring 9 of the manual quick-connect duct connector moves backward. Since the stop pin hole 901 is stopped by the stop pin 10, the pressure ring 9 stops moving backward after a certain distance. Then, manually rotate the pressure ring 9 counterclockwise to fix the pressure ring 9 in the fully open position of the quick-connect duct connector. At this time, the duct 11 connecting plug 5 is close to the socket 4, and the plug limiting platform 502 on both sides of the plug 5 is aligned with the socket limiting platform 406 of the socket 4, preparing for the air duct connection.
[0073] Then, manually push the plug 5 into the socket 4 until the first sealing ring 7 and the second sealing ring 8 come into contact and are compressed a certain distance. At this time, the ball 404 falls into the ball groove 503. Then, manually rotate the pressure ring 9 counterclockwise. Under the restoring force of the spring 15, the pressure ring 9 moves. Under the limit of the stop pin hole 9011 and the stop pin 10, the pressure ring 9 returns to its original position, completing the air circuit connection; the coupling process of the transition coupler and the formal coupler is completed.
[0074] The uncoupling of the transition coupler is the reverse process of coupling. First, the air duct is manually disconnected, then the mechanical coupler is disconnected, and finally the transition coupler is uncoupled. Specifically, when the two couplers separate, the pressure ring 9 is manually pushed backward against the restoring force of spring 15, rotated clockwise and fixed in place. Then, the air duct 11 is manually pulled to disconnect the connector 5 from the socket 4, completing the duct disconnection. Subsequently, the mechanical coupler of the transition coupler is disconnected from the main coupler, either pneumatically or manually. This completes the uncoupling process of the transition coupler.
[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A quick-connect duct connector coupler, characterized in that, It includes a duct connector, a hook, and a duct interface pipe installed on the hook, wherein the port of the duct interface pipe is a duct interface. The duct connector includes a socket and a plug, both of which have axial through holes. The socket and plug can be assembled into one unit, with their axial through holes facing each other to form a gas flow path. The socket is inserted into the duct interface, and the plug is connected to the duct.
2. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The socket and the plug are installed together at one end to form a plug mounting section. The plug mounting section is tubular. The plug includes a socket mounting section, and the socket mounting section is inserted into the plug mounting section.
3. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The plug mounting section has a stepped section inside its tube diameter, the stepped section having a smaller radial dimension than the port on the side where the plug is inserted into the socket; a first sealing ring is installed at the end of the plug facing the socket, and a second sealing ring is installed at the port of the stepped section facing the plug, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring being opposite each other.
4. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The plug mounting section has a ball bearing hole on its tube wall, and a ball bearing is installed in the ball bearing hole. The shape and size of the ball bearing hole are configured such that the ball bearing is installed in the ball bearing hole and does not fall out. A ball bearing groove is provided along the outer peripheral wall of the plug. When the plug is inserted into the plug mounting section, the ball bearing falls into the ball bearing groove.
5. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The ball bearing holes are provided in a plurality of manner and are arranged circumferentially along the pipe wall of the plug mounting section. The ball bearing groove surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the plug.
6. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The duct connector also includes a pressure ring, which is fitted onto the outside of the socket and plug.
7. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A stop pin is installed on the outer wall of the socket, and a pin hole is provided on the pressure ring. The pin hole is a through hole that penetrates the outer wall of the pressure ring. After the pressure ring is assembled with the socket and plug, the stop pin is located in the pin hole.
8. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The pin hole is bent and includes a first hole section arranged along the axial direction of the pressure ring and a second hole section arranged at an angle to the first hole section, the second hole section being located on the side closer to the plug.
9. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, A gap is formed between the pressure ring and the outer wall of the socket and plug, and a spring is provided in the gap; the socket forms a protrusion towards the pressure ring, the pressure ring forms a protrusion towards the plug, and the spring is constrained between the protrusion of the socket and the protrusion of the pressure ring.
10. The quick-connect duct connector coupler as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the plug mounting section is provided with a socket limiting platform, and the outer wall of the socket mounting section is provided with a plug limiting groove. After the socket is inserted into the plug, the socket limiting platform is opposite to the plug limiting platform.