Telescopic vehicle traction rod

By designing a retractable vehicle tow bar and utilizing torsion springs and buffer pads to provide deceleration and cushioning functions, the problems of large equipment size and vehicle collisions are solved, and the safety of the equipment during folding storage and towing is achieved.

CN224184271UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-01NANJING LIYUAN RAIL TRAFFIC EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NANJING LIYUAN RAIL TRAFFIC EQUIP CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-25
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing tow bar cannot be extended or folded, resulting in a large equipment size and an inability to provide cushioning during vehicle towing, which can easily lead to vehicle collisions.

Method used

A retractable vehicle tow bar was designed. Through the combination of a fixing frame and a connecting rod, a torsion spring and a buffer pad are used to provide deceleration and buffering functions. Combined with a limiting mechanism, the equipment can be folded and fixed.

Benefits of technology

The device features foldable storage for easy carrying and enhances safety during towing by using torsion springs and cushioning pads to prevent vehicle collisions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a telescopic vehicle draw bar, which belongs to the technical field of automobiles and comprises a fixing frame and connecting rods, the length of each connecting rod is 0.45 m, two connecting rods form a group, one side of each group of connecting rods is rotatably connected with the fixing frame, the other ends of the connecting rods close to each other in two adjacent groups of connecting rods are connected through the fixing frame, and the connecting rods are connected through the fixing frame. A limiting plate used for fixing is arranged on the side face of the connecting rod located on the outermost side. According to the utility model, the problems that the traction rod cannot be telescopically folded during use, and vehicles cannot be buffered when the vehicles move in opposite directions are solved. Vehicles are connected through the fixing frame and the connecting rod, when the distance between the vehicles is close, the torsion spring is charged, so that the vehicle is decelerated through the torsion spring, and when the distance between the vehicles is too close, the vehicle is buffered through the buffer pad, so that the phenomenon that the vehicle is damaged during use is avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive technology, specifically to a retractable vehicle tow bar. Background Technology

[0002] When vehicles on the track need to be used in combination, or when a vehicle malfunctions and cannot move, requiring towing to a specialized location for repair and inspection, a tow bar can be used to connect the vehicles. However, conventional tow bars have some drawbacks in their use, such as:

[0003] Typical tow bars cannot be extended or folded during use, resulting in a large equipment size that is inconvenient for storage when not in use. Furthermore, when towing vehicles, they cannot provide cushioning when vehicles move towards each other, making it easy for vehicles behind to collide with the vehicle in front after the vehicle in front stops. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a retractable vehicle tow bar that can be folded while preventing vehicles from moving towards each other, thus solving the problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: it includes a fixing frame and a connecting rod, the length of the connecting rod is 0.45m, the connecting rods are in groups of two, one side of each group of connecting rods is rotatably connected to the fixing frame, the other ends of the connecting rods of two adjacent groups of connecting rods that are close to each other are connected through the fixing frame, a limiting plate for fixing is provided on the side of the outermost connecting rod, and a fixing mechanism is embedded inside the limiting plate.

[0006] Preferably, the fixed frame has a fixed shaft rotatably mounted inside, and torsion springs are respectively mounted at both ends of the fixed shaft. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the fixed shaft, and the other end of the torsion spring is connected to the fixed frame.

[0007] Preferably, a connecting rod is connected to the side of the fixed shaft, and a sliding groove is provided inside the connecting rod for the connecting rod to move. The rotation angle of the fixed shaft is 0-85°.

[0008] Preferably, buffer pads are provided on both sides of the connecting rod, and the buffer pads are made of rubber material.

[0009] Preferably, the outermost end of the connecting rod that is not connected to the fixing bracket is spherical, and the connecting rod is connected to the connecting head, the other end of the connecting head being connected to a first locking plate.

[0010] Preferably, the first locking plate is in the shape of an arch bridge, and a second locking plate is rotatably connected to one end of the first locking plate near the connector. The other ends of the first locking plate and the second locking plate are provided with engaging engagement frames, and a screw is connected inside the engagement frames.

[0011] Preferably, the fixing mechanism includes a limiting frame, a lead screw, and a central plate. The limiting plate is internally engaged with the limiting frame. Two limiting frames are provided, and the two limiting frames are threadedly connected to a lead screw. A central plate is provided at the center of the lead screw.

[0012] Preferably, the side of the central disk has fixing holes at equal angles, and two fixing holes are connected to each other. The screw is embedded in the fixing holes and the positioning holes, and the positioning holes are opened on the side of the fixing frame.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] This utility model connects vehicles using a fixed frame and connecting rod. When vehicles approach each other, the torsion spring is charged, thereby decelerating the vehicles. At the same time, when vehicles are too close, a buffer pad is used to cushion the impact, thus preventing damage to the vehicles during use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the fixing frame of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the connector and the first locking plate of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the connection between the mounting bracket and connecting rod and the vehicle.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Fixing frame; 2. Slide groove; 3. Torsion spring; 4. Fixing shaft; 5. Positioning hole; 6. Connecting rod; 7. Buffer pad; 8. Limiting plate; 9. Connecting head; 10. First locking plate; 11. Second locking plate; 12. Engaging frame; 13. Screw; 14. Limiting frame; 15. Lead screw; 16. Center plate; 17. Fixing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] To further understand the content of this utility model, a detailed description of this utility model will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Combination Figures 1-4 This utility model discloses a retractable vehicle tow bar, including a fixed frame 1 and a connecting rod 2. The length of the connecting rod 2 is 0.45m. There are 22 connecting rods in a group. One side of each group of connecting rods 2 is rotatably connected to the fixed frame 1. The other ends of the connecting rods 2 in two adjacent groups are connected through the fixed frame 1. A limiting plate 22 for fixing is provided on the side of the outermost connecting rod 2. A fixing mechanism is embedded in the limiting plate 22.

[0023] It should be noted that the fixing frame 1 and the connecting rod 2 have two states: use and storage. When the fixing frame 1 and the connecting rod 2 are in use, the fixing frame 1 and the connecting rod 2 rotate to their maximum angle. At this time, the adjacent connecting rods 2 are farthest apart, thus connecting the towing vehicle and the accident vehicle. The length of the connecting rod 2 is 0.45m, and there is a certain angle between the connecting rods 2. The connecting rods 2 are compensated so that the total length of the two connecting rods 2 in use is 0.9m. There are 6 sets of connecting rods 2. Since the equipment is connected to the trailer hook in use, the distance between the equipment and the vehicle can reach 5.5m, thus ensuring the safety of towing.

[0024] When storing the mounting bracket 1 and connecting rod 2, the connecting rod 2 is folded so that the length of the equipment is 0.6m, which is the length of the two mounting brackets 1 plus the connecting rod 2, and the width is 0.43m, which is the distance between the two connecting rods 2 that are furthest apart, thus making it easier to store the equipment.

[0025] In this embodiment, a fixed shaft 13 is rotatably provided inside the fixed frame 1, and torsion springs 12 are respectively provided at both ends of the fixed shaft 13. One end of the torsion spring 12 is connected to the fixed shaft 13, and the other end of the torsion spring 12 is connected to the fixed frame 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, a connecting rod 2 is connected to the side of the fixed shaft 13, and a sliding groove 11 for the connecting rod 2 to move is provided inside the connecting rod 2. The rotation angle of the fixed shaft 13 is 0-85°.

[0027] It should be noted that the fixed frame 1 and the connecting rod 2 will rotate during use, thereby adjusting the overall length of the equipment to accommodate the distance between two vehicles. The torsion spring 12 will generate resistance to prevent the overall length of the equipment from shrinking, thus avoiding collisions between vehicles and increasing safety during trailer towing. The slide groove 11 can limit the fixed shaft 13 and the connecting rod 2, preventing the connecting rod 2 from being completely parallel to the adjacent connecting rod 2, and guiding the bending between the fixed frame 1 and the connecting rod 2, increasing the stability of the equipment during use.

[0028] In this embodiment, buffer pads 21 are provided on both sides of the connecting rod 2, and the buffer pads 21 are made of rubber material.

[0029] It should be noted that when the connecting rods 2 are close together, the buffer pads 21 will be used to buffer each other, further preventing the following vehicle from colliding with the preceding vehicle due to inertia, thus increasing the safety of the equipment during use.

[0030] In this embodiment, the outermost connecting rod 2 is spherical at one end, which is not connected to the fixing bracket 1, and the connecting rod 2 is connected to the connecting head 23. The other end of the connecting head 23 is connected to the first locking plate 24.

[0031] It should be noted that the connecting rod 2 and the connecting head 23 can rotate, thereby adjusting the position and angle of the connecting head 23 and the first locking plate 24. This allows the front and rear vehicles to not be completely on the same horizontal line when the vehicle is in use, increasing safety during towing.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first locking plate 24 is in the shape of an arch bridge. The first locking plate 24 is rotatably connected to the second locking plate 25 near the connector 23. The other ends of the first locking plate 24 and the second locking plate 25 are provided with a meshing bracket 26 that engages with each other. The meshing bracket 26 is internally connected to a screw 27.

[0033] It should be noted that the first locking plate 24 and the second locking plate 25 are placed on the outside of the trailer hook, and then the first locking plate 24 and the second locking plate 25 are rotated to make the biting frame 26 engage with each other. Then the screw 27 is rotated to connect with the biting frame 26, thereby fixing the biting frame 26 and preventing the first locking plate 24 and the second locking plate 25 from rotating and separating.

[0034] In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism includes a limiting frame 3, a lead screw 31, and a center plate 32. The limiting plate 22 is internally engaged with the limiting frame 3. There are two limiting frames 3, and the two limiting frames 3 are threadedly connected to the lead screw 31. The center plate 32 is located at the center of the lead screw 31.

[0035] In this embodiment, the side of the central disk 32 is provided with fixing holes 33 at equal angles, and two fixing holes 33 are connected to each other. The screw 27 is embedded in the fixing holes 33 and the positioning hole 14. The positioning hole 14 is opened on the side of the fixing frame 1.

[0036] It should be noted that when storing the equipment, the connecting rods 2 are rotated to be parallel to each other, then the limiting frame 3 is engaged with the limiting plate 22, and then the screw 27 is inserted into the fixing hole 33. By moving the screw 27, the lead screw 31 and the center plate 32 are rotated, thereby adjusting the distance between the two limiting frames 3. Then, the screw 27 is inserted into the positioning hole 14 to limit the two outermost connecting rods 2, thereby reducing the size of the equipment and making it easier to store.

[0037] Working principle: When two vehicles are placed 3-5 meters apart and have tow hooks installed, the first locking plate 24 and the second locking plate 25 are connected to the tow hooks of the two vehicles. Then, the screw 27 passes through the engagement frame 26 to fix the first locking plate 24 and the second locking plate 25. At this time, the vehicle in front can drive the vehicle behind to move. When the vehicle in front stops, the vehicle behind will continue to move forward due to inertia, so that the two vehicles are close together. At this time, the torsion spring 12 and the buffer pad 21 provide double protection to ensure that the vehicles do not collide.

[0038] When the equipment is stored, the screw 27 is used to drive the two limiting frames 3 to move inward, thereby limiting the outermost connecting rod 2 through the limiting frames 3, so as to reduce the size of the equipment and make it easier to place the equipment in a vehicle for carrying.

[0039] In summary, when the vehicles move towards each other, the torsion spring 12 will contract. The torsion spring 12 will resist the contraction force with its elasticity, thereby slowing down the speed of the two vehicles moving towards each other. When the two vehicles are too close, the buffer pad 21 will provide cushioning. When storing the equipment, the total length of the equipment is similar to that of the vehicle's tires, so the equipment and the spare tire can be placed together to make full use of the space inside the vehicle.

[0040] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0041] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A retractable vehicle tow bar, comprising a fixing frame (1) and a connecting rod (2), characterized in that: The length of the connecting rod (2) is 0.45m. The connecting rods (2) are in groups of two. One side of each group of connecting rods (2) is rotatably connected to the fixing frame (1). The other ends of the two adjacent groups of connecting rods (2) that are close to each other are connected through the fixing frame (1). The side of the outermost connecting rod (2) is provided with a limiting plate (22) for fixing. The fixing mechanism is embedded in the limiting plate (22).

2. The retractable vehicle tow bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed frame (1) is rotatably provided with a fixed shaft (13), and torsion springs (12) are respectively provided at both ends of the fixed shaft (13). One end of the torsion spring (12) is connected to the fixed shaft (13), and the other end of the torsion spring (12) is connected to the fixed frame (1).

3. A telescoping vehicle draw bar according to claim 2, characterised in that: The fixed shaft (13) is connected to a connecting rod (2) on its side. The connecting rod (2) has a sliding groove (11) inside for the connecting rod (2) to move. The rotation angle of the fixed shaft (13) is 0-85°.

4. A retractable vehicle tow bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod (2) is provided with buffer pads (21) on both sides, and the buffer pads (21) are made of rubber material.

5. A telescoping vehicle draw bar as defined in claim 1 wherein: The outermost connecting rod (2) is spherical at one end of the non-connecting fixing bracket (1), and the connecting rod (2) is connected to the connecting head (23), the other end of the connecting head (23) is connected to the first locking plate (24).

6. A telescoping vehicle draw bar according to claim 5 wherein: The first locking plate (24) is in the shape of an arch bridge. The first locking plate (24) is rotatably connected to the second locking plate (25) at one end near the connector (23). The other ends of the first locking plate (24) and the second locking plate (25) are provided with a meshing bracket (26) that engages with each other. The meshing bracket (26) is internally connected to a screw (27).

7. A telescoping vehicle draw bar according to claim 6 wherein: The fixing mechanism includes a limiting frame (3), a lead screw (31) and a center plate (32). The limiting plate (22) is internally engaged with the limiting frame (3). There are two limiting frames (3), and the two limiting frames (3) are threadedly connected to the lead screw (31). The center plate (32) is located at the center of the lead screw (31).

8. A telescoping vehicle draw bar according to claim 7, characterised in that: The center plate (32) has fixing holes (33) at equal angles on its side, and two fixing holes (33) are connected to each other. The screw (27) is embedded in the fixing hole (33) and the positioning hole (14). The positioning hole (14) is opened on the side of the fixing frame (1).