Automatic steering device for fixed route railway turnout
By combining a spring box, slide bar, switch rail connecting rod and spring, the mechanical force of the spring is used to realize the automatic turning of the switch rail, which reduces labor and maintenance costs, improves the installation efficiency and stability and reliability of the device, and is suitable for vehicle turnaround requirements in specific scenarios.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520426300.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing turnout steering devices require manual operation or electromechanical drive, and cannot achieve automatic and real-time steering of the turnout switch rails in unattended situations. This results in high labor and maintenance costs, and cannot meet the turnaround requirements of vehicles on fixed routes.
The device employs a combination structure of spring box, slide bar, switch rail connecting rod and spring. The spring's restoring force enables automatic turning of the switch rail. Hollow sleeve and clamping plate restrict the movement of the slide bar to ensure the stability and accuracy of the device and prevent incomplete reset.
It enables unmanned, real-time steering of turnout switch points, reducing labor and maintenance costs, improving operational efficiency and the stability and reliability of the equipment, and is suitable for vehicle turnaround requirements in specific scenarios.
Smart Images

Figure CN223835601U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of railway turnout turning devices, specifically relating to an automatic turning device for a fixed-route railway turnout. Background Technology
[0002] In the railway transportation industry, a turnout is a track connection device that allows trains or vehicles to switch from one track to another. Traditional turnout switching usually requires manual operation or electromechanical drive, which has limitations in certain specific application scenarios.
[0003] For example, in the coking area of a steel plant, after the tippler has finished its operation, the vehicles are usually released by gravity. However, due to space constraints, the released vehicles need to follow a zigzag turning route, and all vehicles use a fixed release route. For functional reasons, the switches at the intersections of the zigzag turning routes need to have an immediate turning function, so that when the released vehicles turn back after passing the switches under gravity, they can slide to another railway line.
[0004] However, existing turnout steering devices have the following problems:
[0005] 1. Manual operation requires dedicated personnel to monitor, which increases labor costs;
[0006] 2. Electromechanical devices require power supply and control systems, resulting in high installation and maintenance costs;
[0007] 3. In the absence of human intervention, the automatic and real-time turning of the switch points cannot be achieved, and the turnaround requirements of vehicles on fixed routes cannot be met.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can automatically and instantly turn the switch points without manual operation or a complex control system, in order to meet the needs of vehicle turnaround under specific operating conditions. Utility Model Content
[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts, which solves the problem that after a vehicle passes through a turnout on a fixed route, the turnout switch rail can automatically and instantly turn without human operation, ensuring that the vehicle can slide back to the fixed track after turning around.
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0011] An automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts includes:
[0012] Spring box, fixed next to the turnout;
[0013] Switch rail connecting rod, which connects to the switch rail and has an extended connecting part that extends outward from the turnout and connects to the slide bar;
[0014] A sliding rod is mounted on a spring box. One end of the sliding rod is connected to an extended connecting part, and the other end is provided with a hollow sleeve. A stop block is fixed on the outer wall of the sliding rod inside the spring box. The stop block is used to apply pressure to the spring.
[0015] A spring, fitted onto the slide bar and located inside the spring box, with one end abutting against the stop block, is used to provide a restoring force to the switch rail after the vehicle has passed.
[0016] A hollow sleeve has a protrusion in the middle located inside the spring box; the protrusion is located between the spring and the spring box; one end of the hollow sleeve extends into the spring, and the other end extends out of the outer wall of the spring box.
[0017] In some optional embodiments of this utility model, the hollow sleeve is threadedly connected to the spring box, and the magnitude of the restoring force provided by the spring is adjusted by adjusting the length of the hollow sleeve extending out of the spring box.
[0018] In some alternative embodiments of this utility model, the spring box is fixed to two adjacent long wooden sleepers.
[0019] In some optional embodiments of this utility model, the spring box is provided with a through groove, and the two ends of the groove are provided with retaining plates, which are detachably connected to the spring box; the slide rod, the spring and the hollow sleeve are placed in the groove.
[0020] In some optional embodiments of this utility model, the slide rod and the extended connecting part are connected by a pin.
[0021] Preferably, a Y-shaped connecting rod is provided between the slide rod and the extended connecting part; the forked end of the Y-shaped connecting rod is connected to the extended connecting part by a pin, and the other end is fixedly connected to the slide rod.
[0022] The present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:
[0023] 1. This utility model uses a spring to reset the switch rail, achieving instant reset without human intervention, which meets the requirements of tipper rollover operation, reduces labor costs, and improves work efficiency.
[0024] 2. This utility model installs a spring on a sliding rod, which is connected to the switch rail connecting rod via a pin. The spring and sliding rod are installed together in a spring box, which is fixed next to the turnout. Therefore, it forms a connected whole with the turnout switch part, ensuring reliable force when the spring is working and improving the stability and reliability of the device.
[0025] 3. This utility model provides a hollow sleeve on the slide rod with a protruding part in the middle. One side of the sleeve extends into the spring ring, which ensures the smoothness of the spring compression, reduces friction and resistance, and extends the service life of the device.
[0026] 4. This utility model installs clamping plates on both sides of the spring box, and the clamping plates are fixed to the spring box with bolts. The clamping plates limit the vertical amplitude of the slide rod, so that the slide rod can only slide back and forth along the axial direction, avoiding the phenomenon of spring not returning to the correct position due to amplitude, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the device.
[0027] 5. The components of this utility model are fixed together by pins and bolts, which facilitates daily disassembly and maintenance, reduces maintenance costs, and improves maintenance efficiency.
[0028] 6. This utility model does not require electric drive or a complex control system. It has a simple structure, is easy to install, and has low maintenance costs. It is suitable for the automatic turning requirements of fixed-route railway turnouts, especially for turnouts at the intersection of "V" shaped turnaround routes. Attached Figure Description
[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the disclosed embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0032] Figure 3 This is an installation diagram of the automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solution (including preferred technical solution) of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by listing some optional embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0034] Example 1
[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This embodiment provides an automatic turning device for a fixed-route railway turnout, including a spring box 1, a spring 2, a slide rod 3, a pin 4, a hollow sleeve 5, a clamping plate 6, a bolt 7, a fixing screw 8, and a switch rail connecting rod 10.
[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, spring 2 is mounted on slide bar 3. Slide bar 3 has a protruding stop on the left side, and spring 2 has a hollow sleeve 5 on the right side. Hollow sleeve 5 also has a protruding part in the middle, which limits the compression working space of spring 2. One end of hollow sleeve 5 extends into spring 2, and the other end extends out of the outer wall of spring box 1.
[0037] The slide rod 3 is installed in the spring box 1. The slide rod 3 protrudes from the stop block inside the left side of the spring box 1. Pressure is applied to make the protruding part in the middle of the hollow sleeve 5 inside the right side of the spring box 1. The left and right sides of the spring box 1 are fitted with clamping plates 6 by bolts 7. The clamping plates 6 lock the sliding space of the slide rod 3. The spring box 1 is connected to the long wooden sleeper 9 by fixing screws 8. The slide rod 3 is connected to the switch rail connecting rod 10 by pin 4.
[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle enters the turnout via the left-hand side. When passing the switch rail section, the wheels press against the switch rail, causing the switch rail connecting rod 10 to move to the right. The switch rail connecting rod 10, via the pin 4, drives the sliding rod 3 to move. Because the protruding stop of the sliding rod 3 acts on the spring 2, the spring 2 is compressed and contracts due to the protruding part in the middle of the hollow sleeve 5 being stuck inside the right side of the spring box 1. After the wheel has completely passed the switch rail section, the spring 2 automatically resets, simultaneously driving the sliding rod 3 and the switch rail connecting rod 10 to move to the left and reset. The switch rail is now in a left-side close-fitting state. After the vehicle turns back, it slides along the switch rail to the right-hand track.
[0039] Example 2
[0040] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts with a hollow sleeve and a spring box threadedly connected.
[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hollow sleeve 5 is connected to the spring box 1 by threads. The outer wall of the hollow sleeve 5 has external threads, and the right side wall of the spring box 1 has internal threads that match the external threads of the hollow sleeve 5. By rotating the hollow sleeve 5, the length of the hollow sleeve 5 extending out of the spring box 1 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the initial compression of the spring 2, and thus adjusting the magnitude of the restoring force provided by the spring 2.
[0042] This design allows for adjustment of the spring's restoring force to suit different vehicle weights and operating speeds, adapting the device to various working conditions and improving its versatility. After adjustment, the hollow sleeve 5 can be secured with a lock nut to prevent it from loosening due to vibration during use.
[0043] Example 3
[0044] Based on Example 1, this example provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts with an optimized spring box fixing method.
[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the spring box 1 is connected to the long wooden sleeper 9 via fixing screws 8. In this embodiment, the spring box 1 is fixed to two adjacent long wooden sleepers 9 by multiple fixing screws 8, which improves the stability of the device installation. The fixing screws 8 are M16 high-strength bolts, 200mm in length, which firmly fix the spring box 1 to the long wooden sleeper 9. To prevent the screws from loosening, spring washers and flat washers are provided below the nuts, and are checked and tightened regularly.
[0046] The spring box 1 is welded from steel plate with a thickness of 8mm, providing high strength and rigidity. The surface of the spring box 1 undergoes anti-corrosion treatment: first, sandblasting removes rust; then, an epoxy zinc-rich primer is applied; and finally, a polyurethane topcoat is applied, forming a three-layer anti-corrosion system that significantly improves corrosion resistance and adapts to long-term use in harsh outdoor environments.
[0047] This optimized design improves the stability and durability of the device installation, enabling it to operate stably for extended periods under various harsh environmental conditions and meet the requirements for automatic turning of fixed-route railway turnouts.
[0048] Example 4
[0049] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts with optimized internal structure of the spring box.
[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the spring box 1 has a through groove, and the two ends of the groove are provided with retaining plates 6. The retaining plates 6 are detachably connected to the spring box 1 by bolts 7. The slide rod 3, the spring 2 and the hollow sleeve 5 are placed in the groove. The retaining plates 6 limit the vertical amplitude of the slide rod 3, so that the slide rod 3 can only slide back and forth along the axial direction, avoiding the phenomenon of the spring not returning to its original position due to amplitude.
[0051] The clamping plate 6 is made of steel plate with a thickness of 10mm and is fixed to the spring box 1 by M10 high-strength bolts 7. The shape of the clamping plate 6 has been optimized, with a through hole in the middle that matches the slide rod 3, ensuring that the slide rod 3 can only slide back and forth along the axial direction and will not deviate up and down or left and right.
[0052] This design limits the direction of movement of the slide bar 3, improving the accuracy and reliability of the device. On the other hand, the detachable connection between the card plate 6 and the spring box 1 facilitates the installation, disassembly, and maintenance of the device, reducing maintenance costs and improving maintenance efficiency.
[0053] Example 5
[0054] Based on Example 1, this example provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts with optimized connection structure.
[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the extended connecting part of the slide rod 3 and the switch rail connecting rod 10 is connected by a pin 4. In this embodiment, locking structures are designed at both ends of the pin 4 to prevent it from falling off during use.
[0056] For ease of installation and disassembly, pin 4 features a detachable design, with a threaded end and a pin hole on the other, allowing for convenient installation and removal using specialized tools. This design facilitates routine maintenance and repair, reduces maintenance costs, and improves repair efficiency.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, a Y-shaped connecting rod 11 is provided between the sliding rod 3 and the extended connecting portion of the switch rail connecting rod 10. The fork end of the Y-shaped connecting rod 11 is connected to the extended connecting portion via a pin 4, and the other end is fixedly connected to the sliding rod 3. The Y-shaped connecting rod 11 is made of steel, which has high strength and toughness and can withstand the impact force when a wheel passes over it. The length and shape of the Y-shaped connecting rod 11 are optimized to ensure that the movement of the switch rail can be effectively transmitted, while preventing bending deformation due to excessive length.
[0058] This optimized connection structure design improves the reliability and ease of maintenance of the device, enabling it to maintain stable performance during long-term use and meet the requirements for automatic turning of fixed-route railway turnouts.
[0059] Example 6
[0060] Based on Example 1, this example provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts with optimized sliding rod and hollow sleeve structures.
[0061] like Figure 1As shown, slide bar 3 is made of 45 steel, and its surface has been quenched and precision ground, achieving a surface hardness of HRC45-50 and a surface roughness of Ra0.4μm. This processing gives the slide bar high hardness and low surface roughness, reducing friction with the hollow sleeve and improving the smoothness of sliding.
[0062] The hollow sleeve 5 is made of copper-based alloy material, and its inner wall is coated with a self-lubricating material, which reduces friction with the slide rod and improves the sensitivity and response speed of the device. The inner diameter of the hollow sleeve 5 is 0.5mm larger than the outer diameter of the slide rod 3, forming an appropriate gap that ensures smooth sliding without causing wobbling and instability due to excessive gap.
[0063] The protruding stop on the left side of the slide bar 3 is made using a one-piece molding process, which enhances the structural strength and avoids the strength deficiency problems that may result from welding or other connection methods. The protruding part in the middle of the hollow sleeve 5 is also made using a one-piece molding process, ensuring the reliability of the structure.
[0064] This optimized design of the slide bar and hollow sleeve structure reduces friction and resistance during device operation, improves the device's sensitivity and response speed, extends its service life, and enhances its reliability.
[0065] Example 7
[0066] Based on Example 1, this example provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts applied to a "human" shaped turnaround route.
[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the device in this embodiment is applied to the switch at the intersection of the "V"-shaped turnaround route during the tipping and shunting operation of the No. 1 and No. 2 tippers at Wuhan Iron and Steel Coking Coal Mine. In this application scenario, after the tipper tipping operation is completed, the vehicles are shunted by gravity. Due to space constraints, the shunting vehicles need to follow the "V"-shaped turnaround route, and all vehicles pass through a fixed shunting route.
[0068] This device is installed on the turnout at the intersection of a "V"-shaped turnaround route to ensure that when a rolling vehicle turns back after passing through the turnout under gravity, it slides onto a fixed track. Specifically, the turnout switch rail is initially in a closed-off state on the left. When the vehicle slides down from the end of the turnout through the switch section, the wheels press against the switch rail, causing it to turn and close on the right. At this time, spring 2 is compressed and contracts. After the wheels pass through the switch section, spring 2 returns to its original position, causing the sliding rod 3 and the switch rail connecting rod 10 to move, restoring the switch rail to the closed-off state on the left. After turning back, the vehicle slides onto the fixed right-side track via the switch rail.
[0069] The automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts in this embodiment does not require manual operation or electric drive. It relies entirely on the mechanical force of springs to achieve automatic and instantaneous turning of the turnout switch rails, meeting the needs of tippler tipping and unloading operations, reducing labor costs, and improving operational efficiency.
[0070] By applying this device to the turnout at the intersection of the "human" shaped turnaround route, the problem of the turnout switch rail automatically and instantly turning without human operation after the vehicle passes through the turnout on a fixed route is solved, ensuring that the vehicle slides back to the fixed track after turning around, thus realizing the practical application value of the device.
[0071] Example 8
[0072] Based on Example 1, this example provides an automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts with optimized installation and debugging methods.
[0073] This embodiment provides detailed installation and debugging methods to ensure that the device can be installed correctly and operate reliably:
[0074] 1. Installation Preparation: Select appropriate device components according to the turnout model and size, including spring box 1, slide rod 3, spring 2, hollow sleeve 5, etc. Prepare necessary installation tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, drilling equipment, etc.
[0075] 2. Positioning and Installation: Determine the installation position of the spring box 1 at a suitable location next to the turnout, ensuring that the slide rod 3 can be correctly connected to the extended connection part of the switch rail connecting rod 10. Drill holes in the long wooden sleeper 9 to prepare the mounting hole positions for the fixing screw 8.
[0076] 3. Secure the spring box: Place the spring box 1 in the predetermined position and secure it to the long wooden block 9 using the fixing screws 8 to ensure a firm installation.
[0077] 4. Install internal components: Install the slide bar 3, spring 2 and hollow sleeve 5 into the spring box 1 in the correct order, ensuring that each component is in the correct position.
[0078] 5. Install the clamping plates: Install the clamping plates 6 on both sides of the spring box 1 and fix them with bolts 7 to ensure that the clamping plates 6 can correctly limit the vertical amplitude of the slide bar 3.
[0079] 5. Connect the switch rail: Connect the slide bar 3 to the extended connecting part of the switch rail connecting rod 10 via the pin 4 to ensure a firm connection.
[0080] 7. Adjust the spring pressure: Adjust the position of the hollow sleeve 5 according to the vehicle weight and running speed, and adjust the pre-compression of the spring 2 to ensure that the spring 2 can provide appropriate restoring force.
[0081] 8. Test Run: Conduct a no-load test and observe the turning and resetting of the turnout switch rails to ensure the device can function properly. Based on the test results, further adjust the pre-compression of spring 2 to optimize the device's operating state.
[0082] 9. Formal Operation: After the device is debugged, conduct formal operation tests to observe its performance under actual working conditions and ensure that it can work stably and reliably.
[0083] Through optimized installation and commissioning methods, this embodiment ensures that the automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts can be correctly installed and operate reliably, thereby improving the installation efficiency and operational reliability of the device.
[0084] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, combinations, substitutions, improvements, etc., made under the spirit and principles of the present utility model are included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic turning device for a fixed-route railway turnout, characterized in that, include: Spring box, fixed next to the turnout; Switch rail connecting rod, which connects to the switch rail and has an extended connecting part that extends outward from the turnout and connects to the slide bar; A sliding rod is mounted on a spring box. One end of the sliding rod is connected to an extended connecting part, and the other end is provided with a hollow sleeve. A stop block is fixed on the outer wall of the sliding rod inside the spring box. The stop block is used to apply pressure to the spring. A spring, fitted onto the slide bar and located inside the spring box, with one end abutting against the stop block, is used to provide a restoring force to the switch rail after the vehicle has passed. A hollow sleeve has a protrusion in the middle located inside the spring box; the protrusion is located between the spring and the spring box; one end of the hollow sleeve extends into the spring, and the other end extends out of the outer wall of the spring box.
2. The automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow sleeve is threadedly connected to the spring box, and the magnitude of the restoring force provided by the spring can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the hollow sleeve extending out of the spring box.
3. The automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring box is fixed to two adjacent long wooden sleepers.
4. The automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring box has a through groove, and there are retaining plates at both ends of the groove. The retaining plates are detachably connected to the spring box; the slide rod, the spring and the hollow sleeve are placed in the groove.
5. The automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide bar and the extended connecting part are connected by a pin.
6. The automatic turning device for fixed-route railway turnouts according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: A Y-shaped connecting rod is provided between the slide rod and the extended connecting part; the forked end of the Y-shaped connecting rod is connected to the extended connecting part by a pin, and the other end is fixedly connected to the slide rod.