Protective structure for external locking device of switch machine
The protective structure designed with U-shaped corrugated pipes covers the moving parts of the locking hook, solving the problem that the external locking device of the switch machine is susceptible to foreign object intrusion and adverse weather conditions. This improves the stability and reliability of the equipment and ensures the normal operation of the turnout.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 成都地铁运营有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
The external locking device of the switch machine is susceptible to foreign object intrusion and severe weather in the operating environment, which can lead to mechanical jamming and equipment instability, affecting driving safety and operational efficiency.
The protective structure, designed with a U-shaped corrugated pipe, is connected to the locking hook bolts via a fixing plate, achieving semi-enclosed coverage of the moving parts of the locking hook. This prevents foreign objects from entering and shields against rain and snow, ensuring the normal operation of the device in severe weather.
It effectively prevents foreign object intrusion and grease loss, improves the stability and reliability of the switch machine's external locking device, ensures normal turnout switching, avoids mechanical jamming and malfunctions, and improves equipment safety and operational efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224256669U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of rail transit technology, specifically relating to a protective structure for an external locking device of a switch machine. Background Technology
[0002] Turnouts are critical operating equipment in rail transit lines, and their operational status directly affects train safety and operational efficiency. The external locking device of the switch machine, as a core component of the turnout system, is responsible for ensuring reliable locking between the turnout switch rail and the stock rail.
[0003] In current rail transit systems, especially on lines with operating speeds below 160 km / h, the external locking devices of switch machines are typically directly exposed to the operating environment. This exposure leads to two main problems:
[0004] First, there is a risk of foreign object intrusion. Stones, garbage, and other foreign objects can easily fall into the locking hooks and other moving parts of the external locking device, causing mechanical obstruction, resulting in the switch not switching properly or failing to lock, triggering a red flashing switch malfunction, and in severe cases, causing widespread train delays.
[0005] Secondly, they are susceptible to severe weather. For switches in elevated or open-air sections, rain and snow can wash away the lubricating grease from the moving parts of the locking hooks, reducing lubrication effectiveness. In winter, rain and snow may also freeze on the surface of the locking hooks, causing the device to become inflexible, difficult to switch, or even malfunction, reducing the stability and reliability of the equipment.
[0006] Therefore, how to effectively protect the external locking device of the switch machine and avoid the impact of foreign objects and severe weather is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content
[0007] The present invention aims to solve, at least to some extent, the aforementioned technical problems. Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a protective structure for the external locking device of a switch machine.
[0008] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:
[0009] A protective structure for an external locking device of a switch machine includes a retractable protective body with a U-shaped cross-section; a first fixing plate fixedly connected to one end of the protective body, the first fixing plate having a U-shaped groove for installation; and a second fixing plate fixedly connected to the other end of the protective body, the end of the second fixing plate having an annular sleeve.
[0010] Preferably, the protective body is a U-shaped corrugated pipe, which allows it to extend and retract freely when the external locking device is activated.
[0011] Preferably, the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are made of high-strength stainless steel to ensure the strength and corrosion resistance of the connection.
[0012] Preferably, the first fixing plate is mounted on the locking hook bolt of the external locking device of the switch machine via its U-shaped groove; the second fixing plate is mounted on the locking hook wing plate bolt of the external locking device of the switch machine via its annular sleeve. This installation method allows the protective structure to move together with the locking hook.
[0013] Preferably, the U-shaped corrugated pipe has an extended length of 150 mm and a contracted length of 35 mm.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0015] The protective structure of the external locking device of the switch machine provided by this utility model adopts a U-shaped semi-enclosed structure, which can effectively cover the top and left and right sides of the moving part of the locking hook, fundamentally eliminating the risk of foreign objects intruding from above and the side; the protective body adopts a retractable corrugated pipe design, which can extend or retract synchronously with the reciprocating movement of the locking hook when the switch is switched, without affecting the normal mechanical function of the external locking device.
[0016] This structure effectively shields against rain and snow, prevents lubricating grease from being washed away, and avoids ice formation on the hook surface, ensuring the stability and reliability of the equipment in harsh weather conditions. It uses existing bolts on the external locking device for fixing, eliminating the need to modify the original equipment, making installation simple and quick, and maintenance convenient. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure of the external locking device for the switch machine of this utility model.
[0018] In the diagram: 1-protective body, 2-first fixing plate, 21-U-shaped groove, 3-second fixing plate, 31-ring sleeve. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings herein can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0020] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "linking", "fixing", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components.
[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0022] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment describes a protective structure for an external locking device of a switch machine. The structure mainly consists of a protective body 1, a first fixing plate 2, and a second fixing plate 3.
[0023] In this embodiment, the protective body 1 adopts a U-shaped corrugated pipe structure. Its cross-section is U-shaped, forming a downward opening, allowing it to cover the locking hook of the switch machine's external locking device from above, providing semi-enclosed protection for the top and sides of the hook. The corrugated pipe's structural characteristics allow it to freely expand and contract axially. Depending on actual needs, the design dimensions of this U-shaped corrugated pipe can be: extended length 150mm, contracted length 35mm, external width 90mm, external height 110mm, internal width 80mm, and internal height 100mm.
[0024] At one end of the protective body 1, two parallel first fixing plates 2 are fixedly connected. The first fixing plate 2 is a metal plate with a U-shaped groove 21. During installation, this U-shaped groove 21 is snapped into the locking hook bolt of the external locking device of the switch machine to fix one end.
[0025] At the other end of the protective body 1, two parallel second fixing plates 3 are fixedly connected. The second fixing plate 3 is a metal strip, the end of which is bent and rolled into an annular sleeve 31. During installation, the locking hook wing plate bolt is passed through this annular sleeve 31 and tightened to fix the other end. The first fixing plate 2 and the second fixing plate 3 are preferably made of high-strength stainless steel to ensure the firmness and durability of the connection.
[0026] The working process of the protective structure of the external locking device for the switch machine of this utility model is as follows:
[0027] During installation, the protective structure is placed over the movable part of the locking hook of the switch machine's external locking device, and the first fixing plate 2 and the second fixing plate 3 are respectively fixed to the locking hook head bolt and the locking hook wing plate bolt. After installation, the movable part of the locking hook is effectively shielded by the U-shaped corrugated pipe 1.
[0028] When the turnout switches, the locking hook reciprocates in a linear motion, causing the connected protective structure to move synchronously. Since the protective body 1 is a retractable bellows, it automatically extends or retracts according to the position of the locking hook, always effectively covering the moving parts of the locking hook, thus not affecting the normal operation of the equipment while providing continuous protection.
[0029] Through the above structure, this invention can effectively prevent foreign objects such as stones and debris from falling into the moving area of the locking hook, avoiding mechanical jamming failures caused by this. At the same time, it can also protect the locking hook from wind and rain, prevent grease loss and icing in winter, thereby significantly improving the operational reliability and safety of the external locking device of the switch machine.
[0030] This utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned optional embodiments. Anyone can derive other forms of products under the guidance of this utility model. However, regardless of any changes made in its shape or structure, any technical solution that falls within the scope of the claims of this utility model shall be protected by this utility model.
Claims
1. A protective structure for an external locking device of a switch machine, characterized in that, include: A retractable protective body with a U-shaped cross-section (1); The first fixing plate (2) is fixedly connected to one end of the protective body (1), and the first fixing plate (2) is provided with a U-shaped groove (21) for installation; The second fixing plate (3) is fixedly connected to the other end of the protective body (1), and the end of the second fixing plate (3) is provided with an annular sleeve (31).
2. The protective structure of the external locking device for a switch machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective body (1) is a U-shaped corrugated pipe.
3. The protective structure of the external locking device for the switch machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first fixing plate (2) and the second fixing plate (3) are made of stainless steel.
4. The protective structure of the external locking device for a switch machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing plate (2) is installed on the locking iron hook bolt of the external locking device of the switch machine through its U-shaped groove (21).
5. The protective structure of the external locking device for a switch machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second fixing plate (3) is mounted on the locking hook wing plate bolt of the switch machine external locking device via its annular sleeve (31).
6. The protective structure of the external locking device for a switch machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The U-shaped corrugated pipe has an extended length of 150 mm and a contracted length of 35 mm.
7. The protective structure of the external locking device for a switch machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The U-shaped corrugated pipe has an outer width of 90mm, an outer height of 110mm, an inner width of 80mm, and an inner height of 100mm.