Unpowered automatic cover lifting device for external large-span rail electric flat carriage

By designing an external, large-span, rail-mounted electric flatcar with an automatic cover-lifting device, the cover plate is automatically flipped and returned to its original position by the flatcar approaching and moving away. This solves the problem of the cover plate obstructing the flatcar's power supply under the sliding contact line power supply method, thus improving operating efficiency and cable protection.

CN223967609UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-03LIUZHOU IRON & STEEL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520512309.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-21
Publication Date
2026-03-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When existing electric flatbed trucks cross other transport channels, the track design of the sliding contact line power supply method results in the cover plate being installed on the track, which obstructs the passage of the flatbed truck's power supply bracket, causing the risk of power outage and reducing operating efficiency.

Method used

Design an external, large-span, rail-mounted electric flatcar with a non-powered automatic cover-lifting device. Utilizing a mechanical structure of a fixed sliding plate and a movable cover, the cover is automatically flipped and returned to its original position by the flatcar approaching and moving away, thus avoiding the use of an additional power unit.

Benefits of technology

It improves work efficiency, reduces manual intervention, ensures smooth power supply to the flatbed truck, protects cables from external environmental influences, extends cable life, and reduces the probability of failure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides an external unpowered automatic cover lifting device for a large-span rail electric flat carriage, which comprises a cable groove arranged below a rail, a movable cover plate covered above the cable groove, a fixed base pre-buried on a rail foundation and close to the cable groove, and a fixed sliding plate arranged on a power taking bracket, the fixed base and the movable cover plate form a turnover supporting structure, and the movable cover plate is hinged to the fixed base through a hinge. The fixed sliding plate is of a trapezoid structure with the two side edges being oblique lines and the upper end and the lower end being straight lines. According to the device, an additional power device is not needed to control opening and returning of the movable cover plate, and automatic operation is achieved completely depending on approaching and leaving of the flatcar.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of rail transport technology, specifically to an externally mounted, large-span rail-mounted electric flatbed car with a non-powered automatic cover lifting device. Background Technology

[0002] Electric flatbed carts are a type of electric rail-guided in-plant transport vehicle, also known as trolleys or cross-span carts. They have advantages such as simple structure, ease of use, easy maintenance, large load capacity, and no environmental pollution. They are widely used in machinery manufacturing, steel, shipbuilding, and automobile manufacturing industries as a means of transporting heavy objects across spans within workshops, in conjunction with overhead cranes. Electric flatbed carts mainly consist of a drive unit, frame, drive wheel assembly, driven wheel assembly, power supply unit, and electrical equipment. As an in-plant rail-guided electric transport vehicle, it is a rail-type transport vehicle that requires dedicated tracks to be laid on the ground, and then it travels on these tracks via electric power. There are two common ways to power electric flatbed trucks: one is through cable, where the cable is wound up and unwound by a cable reel installed on the flatbed truck. The advantage is that the track structure is simple, but the disadvantage is that the effective transportation distance is relatively short. The other is through sliding contact line, where the flatbed truck draws power by contacting a sliding contact block with a sliding contact line installed in the track groove. The advantage is that the transportation distance is not limited, but the disadvantage is that the track manufacturing and installation is more complicated, requiring the excavation of a groove between two tracks to place the sliding contact line, which can affect the passage of other vehicles and pedestrians.

[0003] In practical use, due to space constraints, flatbed truck tracks sometimes need to cross other transport channels. However, flatbed truck tracks using sliding contact line power supply are designed with grooves for installing the sliding contact line. Therefore, areas crossing transport channels must have covers laid over these grooves to ensure that the wheels of other transport vehicles do not sink into the track grooves for normal passage. In actual use, the covers installed on the tracks obstruct the passage of the flatbed truck's power supply brackets, interfering with them, creating a risk of power outages, and reducing operational efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an external, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatbed cart with a non-powered automatic cover lifting device.

[0005] The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0006] An external, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatbed car with a non-powered automatic cover-lifting device includes a cable trench below the track, a movable cover plate covering the cable trench, a fixed base embedded in the track foundation and adjacent to the cable trench, and a fixed sliding plate mounted on a power supply bracket. The fixed base and the movable cover plate form a flip-up support structure, and the movable cover plate is hinged to the fixed base. The fixed sliding plate is a trapezoidal structure with sloping edges on both sides and straight top and bottom ends. When the track-mounted electric flatbed car approaches, the wheels of the electric flatbed car push one sloping edge of the fixed sliding plate to open the movable cover plate, causing the movable cover plate to flip upward around the hinge to expose the cable trench. After the flatbed car passes, the other sloping edge of the fixed sliding plate gradually moves away from the movable cover plate, and the movable cover plate automatically returns to a horizontal closed state under the support of the fixed base.

[0007] Optionally, the angle between the oblique edge and the horizontal base of the trapezoidal structure of the fixed slide plate is 30°-60°.

[0008] Optionally, the fixed slide plate is welded to the power supply bracket of the flatcar via an upper connecting seat and a lower connecting seat.

[0009] Optionally, the hinge is a male-to-female plug-in structure, and at least two symmetrically distributed hinge groups are provided to achieve stable flipping of the movable cover plate.

[0010] Optionally, a limit baffle is provided at the bottom edge of the movable cover to limit the flipping angle to no more than 60° and prevent excessive tilting.

[0011] Optionally, the power supply bracket is connected to the end face of the electric flatbed vehicle via a square flange in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0012] Optionally, the power supply bracket is made of 12# channel steel.

[0013] Optionally, the surface of the movable cover plate is coated with an anti-slip textured layer.

[0014] Optionally, reflective markings for nighttime visibility can be provided along the edges of the movable cover to enhance safety.

[0015] Optionally, the width of the cable trench is greater than 300mm.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] This device requires no additional power unit to control the opening and closing of the movable cover; it achieves automated operation entirely through the approach and departure of the flatcar. Compared to traditional cover-opening devices that require manual or electric control, it significantly reduces the need for human intervention and improves work efficiency. For example, in scenarios with frequent operation of rail-guided electric flatcars, there is no need for frequent manual opening and closing of the movable cover, saving manpower and time costs. When the flatcar approaches, the movable cover can quickly respond to the force applied by the wheels and flip upwards, promptly exposing the cable trench and ensuring that the flatcar can successfully draw power. After the flatcar passes, the movable cover can also quickly return to its horizontal closed state, improving the overall operating efficiency of the rail-guided electric flatcar system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A diagram showing the state of an externally mounted, large-span, tracked electric flatcar with an automatic cover-lifting device during its passage.

[0019] Figure 2 This utility model provides a diagram showing the state of an externally mounted, large-span, tracked electric flatcar without power automatic cover lifting device during non-electric flatcar passage.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a side view of the structure of this device;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a front view of the structure of this device;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the movable cover plate, fixed cover plate, and hinge structure of this device.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Track; 2. Cable trench; 3. Power supply bracket; 4. Connecting seat; 5. Fixed slide plate; 6. Movable cover plate; 7. Fixed base; 8. Hinge; 9. Square flange. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] This utility model provides an external, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with a non-powered automatic lid-lifting device, referring to... Figures 1-5 The system includes a cable trench 2 located below the track 1, a movable cover plate 6 covering the cable trench 2, a fixed base 7 embedded in the track 1 foundation and adjacent to the cable trench 2, and a fixed sliding plate 5 mounted on the power take-off bracket 3. The fixed base 7 and the movable cover plate 6 form a flip-up support structure, and the movable cover plate 6 is hinged to the fixed base 7 via a hinge 8. The fixed sliding plate 5 is a trapezoidal structure with sloping edges on both sides and straight top and bottom ends. When the rail-mounted electric flatbed vehicle approaches, the wheels of the rail-mounted electric flatbed vehicle push one end of the fixed sliding plate 5 with sloping edges to open the movable cover plate 6, causing the movable cover plate 6 to flip upward around the hinge 8 to expose the cable trench 2. After the flatbed vehicle passes, the other end of the fixed sliding plate 5 with sloping edges gradually moves away from the movable cover plate 6, and the movable cover plate 6 automatically returns to a horizontal closed state under the support of the fixed base 7.

[0028] This device is based on the special trapezoidal structure of the fixed sliding plate 5. The beveled edge design is key to the device's operating principle. When the flatbed cart's wheel approaches, the force generated at the contact point between the wheel and the fixed sliding plate 5 is oblique. This oblique force can be decomposed into two components: one perpendicular to the movable cover plate 6 and the other parallel to it. The component perpendicular to the movable cover plate 6 allows it to overcome its own weight and the friction at the hinge 8, thus flipping upwards. After the flatbed cart passes, the relative position between the fixed sliding plate 5 and the movable cover plate 6 changes, and the direction and magnitude of the force also change. As the fixed sliding plate 5 gradually moves away from the movable cover plate 6, the external disturbance force on the movable cover plate 6 gradually decreases. Under the combined action of its own weight and the supporting force of the fixed base 7, it returns to its initial horizontal closed state. The hinged structure between the fixed base 7 and the movable cover plate 6 allows the movable cover plate 6 to rotate around the hinge 8, ensuring that it can smoothly flip upwards when pushed by external force and accurately return to its original position under the support of the fixed base 7 after the force disappears. The entire process requires no additional power unit to control the opening and closing of the movable cover 6. It relies entirely on the approach and departure of the flatcar. Through the mechanical interaction between the fixed slide plate 5 and the movable cover 6, the automatic operation of the movable cover 6 is achieved. This automated operation method greatly improves work efficiency and reduces the need for manual intervention. When the flatcar does not require power, the movable cover 6 can be in a horizontally closed state, effectively protecting the cables in the cable trench 2 from the influence of external environmental factors, such as preventing dust, moisture, and debris from entering the cable trench 2, thereby extending the service life of the cables and reducing the probability of cable failure.

[0029] Reference Figure 3The angle between the oblique edge and the horizontal base of the trapezoidal structure of the fixed slide plate 5 is 30°-60°. Because the angle between the oblique edge and the horizontal base of the fixed slide plate 5 is between 30° and 60°, a force with a specific direction and magnitude is generated when the wheel contacts the edge of the fixed slide plate 5. For example, when the angle is 30°, the component of the force applied by the wheel in the direction perpendicular to the movable cover plate 6 is relatively small, but the component in the horizontal direction that pushes the movable cover plate 6 to flip is relatively large; when the angle is 60°, the vertical component is relatively large, and the horizontal component is relatively small. As the flatcar approaches, the wheel continues to apply force to the fixed slide plate 5, pushing one oblique edge of the fixed slide plate 5 to open the movable cover plate 6, causing the movable cover plate 6 to flip upwards around the hinge 8 to expose the cable trench 2. After the flatcar passes, the other oblique edge of the fixed slide plate 5 gradually moves away from the movable cover plate 6. Since the angle of the fixed sliding plate 5 is between 30° and 60°, the force change of the movable cover plate 6 during the movement of the flatcar away is similar to that during the movement of the flatcar approaching, but in the opposite direction. Supported by the fixed base 7, the movable cover plate 6 automatically returns to its horizontal closed state according to the interaction of forces between the fixed sliding plate 5 and the movable cover plate 6.

[0030] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The fixed sliding plate 5 is welded to the power supply bracket 3 of the flatcar via the upper connecting seat 4 and the lower connecting seat 4. After welding, the fixed sliding plate 5 is firmly fixed to the power supply bracket 3 via the upper connecting seat 4 and the lower connecting seat 4, so that force can be effectively transmitted through the welded joint during the operation of the flatcar. When the wheels of the rail-mounted electric flatcar push the edge of the fixed sliding plate 5, the generated force is transmitted to the power supply bracket 3 through the upper connecting seat 4 and the lower connecting seat 4, and then from the power supply bracket 3 to the overall structure of the flatcar. Similarly, when the flatcar passes and the movable cover 6 returns to its original position, the force generated can also be transmitted through the welded joints between the fixed sliding plate 5, the upper connecting seat 4, the lower connecting seat 4, and the power supply bracket 3, ensuring the normal operation of the entire device.

[0031] The hinge 8 is a male-to-female plug-in structure, and at least two symmetrically distributed hinge groups 8 are provided to achieve stable rotation of the movable cover 6. When the movable cover 6 rotates, each hinge group 8 bears a certain force. For the male-to-female plug-in structure of the hinge 8, the plug-in engagement between the male and female ends can effectively transmit the force. Taking one side of the movable cover 6 as an example, when the movable cover 6 rotates upward, the hinge group 8 is subjected to the gravity of the movable cover 6, the external force transmitted from the flatbed wheel pushing the fixed slide plate 5, etc. The contact surface between the male and female ends balances these forces through friction and mechanical engagement, ensuring that the hinge group 8 will not separate or be damaged during the force application process. Because at least two symmetrically distributed hinge groups 8 are provided, these hinge groups 8 form a synergistic effect. During the rotation of the movable cover 6, the force borne by each hinge group 8 will vary depending on their position and the force distribution of the movable cover 6. For example, the hinge group 8 near the center of gravity of the movable cover 6 may bear relatively large forces, while the hinge group 8 farther away from the center of gravity bears relatively small forces. Through the coordinated action of multiple hinge groups 8, the force on the movable cover 6 can be evenly distributed to each hinge group 8, thereby achieving stable rotation of the movable cover 6 and avoiding damage caused by excessive force on a single hinge group 8.

[0032] Reference Figure 5 A limit baffle (not shown in the figure) is provided at the bottom edge of the movable cover 6 to limit the rotation angle to no more than 60° and prevent excessive tilting. The limit baffle spatially restricts the rotation of the movable cover 6, forming a restricted area with the bottom edge of the movable cover 6, the fixed base 7, and the surrounding space. When the movable cover 6 rotates to a certain extent, the limit baffle will enter the boundary of this restricted area, preventing the movable cover 6 from continuing to rotate, thereby preventing the movable cover 6 from tilting excessively.

[0033] The power supply bracket 3 is connected to the end face of the electric flatbed truck by a snap-fit ​​structure via a square flange 9. When the square flange 9 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​structure, the snap-fit ​​undergoes elastic deformation, generating a restoring force. This restoring force causes the snap-fit ​​to tightly hold the square flange 9.

[0034] The power take-off bracket 3 is made of 12# channel steel. The channel steel's channel-shaped structure has high bending and torsional strength, enabling it to withstand various forces during power take-off. When installing components such as the fixing slide plate 5 on the power take-off bracket 3, the flanges and web of the channel steel can provide a stable support surface. For example, the fixing slide plate 5 can be installed on the flange of the channel steel, and the web of the channel steel can resist bending deformation caused by the force exerted on the fixing slide plate 5.

[0035] The surface of the movable cover 6 is coated with an anti-slip textured layer, which increases friction by increasing the roughness of the surface of the movable cover 6. When a person walks on the movable cover 6 or an object moves on it, the textured structure of the anti-slip textured layer interlocks with the surface of the object in contact.

[0036] Reflective markings are installed along the edges of the movable cover 6 to enhance safety. These markings are made of high-strength reflective film, such as 3M Diamond Grade reflective film, which features high reflectivity, good weather resistance, and durability. The reflective film is cut to the appropriate shape according to the shape and size of the edges of the movable cover 6. Before application, the edges of the movable cover 6 must be cleaned and dried. Then, a special adhesive is used to firmly attach the reflective film to the edges. Care should be taken to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles during application, ensuring a tight seal between the reflective film and the edges of the movable cover 6.

[0037] The width of the cable trench 2 is greater than 300mm. In this embodiment, the actual width of the cable trench 2 is 500mm. The wider cable trench 2 can accommodate more cables and related equipment, such as cable trays and grounding devices. At the same time, when the track 1 undergoes certain deformation or displacement, the wider trench can provide sufficient space to prevent cables and other equipment from being squeezed or damaged.

[0038] Implementation Principle: The entire device relies on the approach and departure of the flatbed cart to automatically operate the movable cover 6. When the flatbed cart approaches, the contact between the wheels and the fixed sliding plate 5 triggers the flipping of the movable cover 6. This triggering is based on the mechanical interaction between the fixed sliding plate 5 and the movable cover 6, requiring no additional power unit for control. The force applied by the flatbed cart wheels is transmitted to the movable cover 6 through the fixed sliding plate 5. According to the principle of mechanical decomposition, the movable cover 6 overcomes its own weight and the friction at the hinge 8, causing it to flip upwards, thus exposing the cable trench 2. After the flatbed cart passes, as the relative position between the fixed sliding plate 5 and the movable cover 6 changes, the force on the movable cover 6 changes. As the flatbed cart moves away, the external interference force on the movable cover 6 gradually decreases. Under the combined action of its own weight and the supporting force of the fixed base 7, the movable cover 6 automatically returns to its horizontal closed state, sealing the cable trench 2 again and protecting the cable from the influence of external environmental factors.

[0039] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with a non-powered automatic lid-lifting device, characterized in that: The system includes a cable trench located beneath the track, a movable cover plate covering the cable trench, a fixed base embedded in the track foundation and adjacent to the cable trench, and a fixed sliding plate mounted on a power supply bracket. The fixed base and the movable cover plate form a flip-up support structure, and the movable cover plate is hinged to the fixed base via a hinge. The fixed sliding plate is a trapezoidal structure with sloping edges on both sides and straight top and bottom ends. When a rail-guided electric flatbed vehicle approaches, the wheels of the vehicle push one sloping edge of the fixed sliding plate to open the movable cover plate, causing it to flip upwards around the hinge to expose the cable trench. After the flatbed vehicle passes, the other sloping edge of the fixed sliding plate gradually moves away from the movable cover plate, and the movable cover plate automatically returns to a horizontally closed state under the support of the fixed base.

2. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the oblique edge and the horizontal base of the trapezoidal structure of the fixed sliding plate is 30°-60°.

3. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed sliding plate is welded and fixed to the power supply bracket of the flat car via an upper connecting seat and a lower connecting seat.

4. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge is a male-female plug-in structure, and at least two symmetrically distributed hinge groups are provided to achieve stable flipping of the movable cover plate.

5. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom edge of the movable cover is provided with a limit baffle to limit the flipping angle to no more than 60° and prevent excessive tilting.

6. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply bracket is connected to the end face of the electric flatbed truck via a square flange in a snap-fit ​​manner.

7. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply bracket is made of 12# channel steel.

8. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the movable cover plate is coated with an anti-slip textured layer.

9. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edges of the movable cover are equipped with reflective markings for nighttime visibility to enhance safety.

10. The externally mounted, large-span, track-mounted, electric flatcar with unpowered automatic lid-lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the cable trench is greater than 300mm.