A device for measuring pantograph tension
By designing an automated pantograph tension measurement device, the force value of the pantograph head is collected and displayed in real time, solving the problems of large measurement error and complicated operation in the existing technology. It realizes high-precision, fast and simple pantograph tension measurement, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the train.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA RAILWAY WUHAN BUREAU GRP CO LTD WUHAN EMU
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
The existing pantograph tension measurement for high-speed trains suffers from problems such as fluctuating readings, inaccurate data, complex operation, and low efficiency. In particular, it is limited by individual differences in manual measurement and inconsistent operation, which affects the safe and stable operation of the train.
An automated pantograph tension measurement device was designed, comprising a tension/compression sensor, a data transmission module, a rotary drive device, and a locking structure. Through automated measurement and mechanical structure, the force value of the pantograph head is collected and displayed in real time, ensuring that the device is stably installed and adaptable to various vehicle models.
It achieves high-precision, fast, and simple pantograph tension measurement, reduces measurement errors, improves measurement accuracy and safety, is applicable to various vehicle types, and reduces the impact of contact pressure issues on transportation order.
Smart Images

Figure CN224317208U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a special tooling for maintenance, specifically a device for measuring pantograph tension. Background Technology
[0002] During the operation of high-speed trains, the pantograph is a key device for obtaining electrical energy from the overhead contact line. The contact pressure between the pantograph and the contact line directly affects the contact state and current collection quality. If the contact pressure is faulty, it may cause pantograph arcing, electrolytic corrosion of the aluminum bracket at the pantograph head, and in severe cases, the contact line may melt, affecting transportation order. It plays a vital role in the safe and stable operation of high-speed trains.
[0003] Currently, pantograph tension measurement on high-speed trains faces several challenges: First, it requires two people working together: one uses a spring scale to measure the tension, while the other takes a video, records the average value, and writes the data by hand. When taking readings, the spring scale cannot be fully fixed when the arm is pulled down to the 1.6-meter mark on the roof, causing reading jumps and inaccurate data. Second, the pantograph tension measurement process is affected by the different heights of the operators, resulting in the measurement angle not being perfectly vertical, leading to inaccurate values. Third, with the pantograph raised, repeated manual measurements using the spring scale are required. The operating instructions stipulate that the measurement process must be conducted at a constant speed, but inconsistent standards exist among operators, and the speed at which the spring scale pulls the tension gauge significantly impacts the results. Inaccurate measurements can lead to safety hazards during train operation. Therefore, developing a high-precision, easy-to-operate, and versatile pantograph tension measurement device is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention aims to solve the problems of manual measurement of pantograph tension in existing high-speed trains, which is prone to reading fluctuations, inaccurate data, difficulty in operation, and low efficiency.
[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a device for measuring pantograph tension, comprising:
[0006] Preferably, the open-top casing can be a square casing made of metal, with a locking structure and control device for detachably fixing the casing to the pantograph frame;
[0007] One side of the housing is provided with a rotary drive device, a winding device, and a lifting rope wound on the winding device. The winding device is located at the output end of the rotary drive device and can be driven to rotate by the rotary drive device. The end of the lifting rope is provided with a hook. The other side of the housing is provided with a data transmission module, a speed controller for controlling the rotation speed of the rotary drive device, and a power module. A tension / compression sensor is provided in the middle of the bottom surface of the inner side of the housing. The force-receiving end of the tension / compression sensor is connected to a hollow force-guiding structure. The lifting rope passes through the force-guiding structure and is hung on the pantograph head through the hook at its end.
[0008] The locking structure includes a fixed bracket and an adjustable bracket fixedly installed at both ends of the bottom of the outer side of the housing. The adjustable bracket is detachably installed at the bottom of the housing, and the gap between the bottom of the housing and the adjustable bracket can be adjusted. In actual installation, the pantograph frame passes through the gap, and the housing is fixed to the pantograph frame by adjusting the gap.
[0009] The control device is connected to the tension / compression sensor, data transmission module, rotation drive device, speed controller, and power module via wired or wireless means.
[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a data transmission receiving and display terminal. The data transmission receiving and display terminal is a square integrated wireless transmission and receiving device with a data receiving antenna on the top, an LCD screen and four control buttons in the middle, and an internal battery for power supply; its function is to receive data signals and display them on the LCD screen.
[0011] Furthermore, the rotary drive device includes a DC motor, such as a DC servo motor, which functions to output power and a gear reducer to provide speed change output for the DC motor.
[0012] Furthermore, the winding device is a U-shaped winding roller.
[0013] Furthermore, the housing has heat dissipation holes for heat dissipation of internal components.
[0014] Furthermore, an elastic pad, such as a rubber block, is provided at the bottom of the outer casing.
[0015] Furthermore, the fixed bracket includes a locking plate with an open U-shaped groove and reinforcing plates on both sides of the lower end of the locking plate. The adjustable bracket includes a U-shaped base and screws and nuts hinged to both ends of the U-shaped base. When the screws are screwed upward, they can fit into the open U-shaped groove. At this time, the gap between the adjustable bracket and the bottom of the outer shell can be adjusted by the nuts.
[0016] Furthermore, the motor speed controller is an integrated device with a transparent shell, containing a signal receiving device and a relay module. Its function is to collect remote control commands and control the motor's rotation speed, start, stop, forward rotation, and reverse rotation.
[0017] The force-guiding structure includes a fixed rod threadedly connected to the tension / compression sensor and a guide ring fixedly disposed at the top of the fixed rod.
[0018] The outer casing is also equipped with foldable handles on its left and right sides.
[0019] Furthermore, an L-shaped bracket mounting base for placing the section bracket is provided on the front or rear side of the housing.
[0020] The beneficial effects and features of this utility model are:
[0021] 1. The pantograph tension measuring device of this utility model adopts an automated measurement method and a stable mechanical structure, avoiding measurement errors caused by individual differences in human beings (such as height, operation method, etc.), as well as problems such as the inability of manual measurement to be uniform, unstable, and visually vertical reading. It achieves the technical effect of reducing the risk of transportation order being affected by contact pressure problems and ensures the safe operation of the train.
[0022] 2. The pantograph tension measurement device of this utility model adopts a tension / compression sensor for real-time data acquisition and a data transmission module for signal transmission. The tension / compression sensor can collect the force value of the pantograph head rising or falling in real time, and send it to the data transmission receiving and display terminal for decoding and display after being decoded by the data transmission module. This achieves the technical effect of accurate and fast measurement, avoids the error caused by multiple measurement readings, and improves the accuracy of measurement.
[0023] 3. The pantograph tension measuring device of this utility model, through a locking structure, ensures that the device is firmly installed on the pantograph frame during use. At the same time, the bracket mounting base and box-shaped structure design facilitate management and inspection during storage. This achieves the technical effect of avoiding the secondary risks caused by carelessness of operators leaving equipment on the vehicle roof, and improves the safety and reliability of the operation.
[0024] 4. The pantograph tension measuring device of this utility model can cover various types of trains such as Harmony high-speed trains, Fuxing high-speed trains, existing locomotives, and rail vehicles, and has wide applicability and promotion value. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2This is a structural schematic diagram of the outer shell of a preferred embodiment of the present invention from another angle (top view);
[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the outer shell of a preferred embodiment of the present invention from another angle (side view);
[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of the area indicated by the dashed line;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the adjustable bracket being stored and placed on the bracket mounting base;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gap between the adjustable bottom bracket and the outer shell in a preferred embodiment of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the force-guiding structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] The reference numerals in the diagram represent: 1-tension / compression sensor, 2-data transmission module, 3-data transmission receiver / display terminal, 4-DC motor, 5-gear reducer, 6-motor speed controller, 7-heat dissipation hole, 8-winding roller, 9-lifting rope, 10-hook, 11-power module, 12-outer shell, 121-foldable handle, 122-bracket mounting base, 13-fixed bracket, 14-adjustable bracket, 15-force guiding structure, 16-elastic pad. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model 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 utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0035] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a pantograph tension measuring device to solve the problems of low measurement accuracy, complex operation and poor versatility in the prior art, so as to realize accurate and convenient measurement of pantograph tension of EMU trains, and to adapt to the testing needs of pantographs of various train models.
[0036] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0037] Structural composition introduction:
[0038] Please refer to Figures 1-3 This embodiment relates to a pantograph tension measurement device, including a tension / compression sensor 1, a data transmission module 2, a data transmission receiving and display terminal 3, a DC motor 4, a gear reducer 5, a motor speed controller 6, a control device, a winding roller 8, a lifting rope 9, a hook 10, a power module 11, a housing 12, a fixed bracket 13, and an adjustable bracket 14.
[0039] A rotary drive device, a winding device, and a lifting rope 9 wound on the winding device are provided on one side of the housing 12. The winding device is located at the output end of the rotary drive device and can be driven to rotate by the rotary drive device. A hook 10 is provided at the end of the lifting rope 9. A data transmission module 2, a speed controller 6 for controlling the rotation speed of the rotary drive device, and a power module 11 are provided on the other side of the housing 12. A tension and pressure sensor 1 is provided in the middle of the bottom surface inside the housing 12. The force-receiving end of the tension and pressure sensor 1 is connected to a hollow force-receiving guide structure 15. The lifting rope 9 passes through the force-receiving guide structure 15 and is hung on the pantograph head through the hook at the end.
[0040] The locking structure includes a fixed bracket 13 and an adjustable bracket 14 fixedly disposed at both ends of the bottom of the outer side of the housing 12. The adjustable bracket 14 is detachably disposed at the bottom of the housing 12, and the gap between the bottom of the housing 12 and the adjustable bracket 14 can be adjusted. In actual installation, the pantograph frame passes through the gap, and the housing is fixed to the pantograph frame by adjusting the gap.
[0041] The control device is connected to the tension / compression sensor 1, the data transmission module 2, the rotation drive device, the speed controller 6, and the power module 11 via wired or wireless means.
[0042] As a preferred embodiment, the tension / compression sensor 1 is an S-type tension / compression sensor with pressure signal collection points (i.e., force-bearing ends) at both ends and a signal output port in the middle; its function is to collect pressure and tension values.
[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the data transmission module 2 is a square integrated wireless transmission device with a signal port at one end and a data transmission antenna at the other end; its function is to receive data through the signal port and transmit signals through the data transmission antenna.
[0044] As a preferred embodiment, the data transmission receiving and display terminal 3 is a square integrated wireless transmission and receiving device with a data receiving antenna on the top, an LCD screen and four control buttons in the middle, and an internal battery for power supply; its function is to receive data signals and display them on the LCD screen.
[0045] As a preferred embodiment, the DC motor 4 is a DC servo motor, which is used to output power.
[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the gear reducer 5 is used to change the speed of the output of the DC motor 4 and transmit the rotational power to the winding device.
[0047] As a preferred embodiment, the motor speed controller 6 is an integrated device with a transparent shell, containing a signal receiving device and a relay module. Its function is to collect remote control commands and control the motor's rotation speed, start, stop, forward rotation, and reverse rotation.
[0048] The control device can be a lifting remote control, which is a button-type integrated device with a signal transmitting antenna on its top.
[0049] As a preferred embodiment, the winding roller 8 has a U-shaped groove winding structure, which is used for winding and collecting.
[0050] As a preferred embodiment, the lifting rope 9 is a long braided rope with good extensibility;
[0051] As a preferred embodiment, the hook 10 is a T-shaped hook; its function is to hook the pantograph head bracket.
[0052] As a preferred embodiment, the power module 11 is a rechargeable lithium battery module, which has a built-in power switch, charging port and output port, and a power display function.
[0053] As a preferred embodiment, the outer casing 12 is a square metal casing with heat dissipation holes for cooling internal components. It has folding handles on both sides for easy carrying, and one side has two support seats for placing the adjustment bracket 13. Both ends have locking brackets that cooperate with the adjustment bracket 13 to adjust the device onto the pantograph frame. The bottom has two elastic pads, such as rubber, which prevent wear on the outer casing 12 and the pantograph frame when placed on it, thus providing friction protection.
[0054] Please refer to Figures 4-7 The fixed bracket 13 includes a locking plate 131 with an open U-shaped groove and reinforcing plates 132 disposed on both sides of the lower end of the locking plate. The adjustable bracket 14 includes a U-shaped base 141 and screws 142 and nuts 143 hinged to both ends of the U-shaped base. When the screws 142 are screwed upward, they can fit into the open U-shaped groove. At this time, the gap between the adjustable bracket 14 and the bottom of the outer casing 12 can be adjusted by the nuts 143 (the pantograph frame can be inserted into this gap; when the gap is adjusted to be smaller, the outer casing 12 can be locked onto the pantograph frame). This gap is from... Figure 7 You can see it at the bottom.
[0055] Please refer to Figure 8 The force guiding structure 15 includes a fixed rod 151 threadedly connected to the tension and compression sensor 1 and a guide ring 152 fixedly disposed at the top of the fixed rod. When the lifting rope 9 is working, it passes through the guide ring 152 and its end is hung on the pantograph head, applying tension to the pantograph head. This tension is transmitted to the force guiding structure 15 for conversion.
[0056] The tension / compression sensor 1, the data transmission module 2, and the data transmission receiving / display terminal 3 work together to collect data, transmit data, and receive / display data.
[0057] The DC motor 4, the gear reducer 5, the motor speed controller 6, the lifting remote controller 7, the winding roller 8, the lifting rope 9, and the hook 10 are combined to stretch the pantograph head, causing it to rise and fall.
[0058] The power module 11 is used to supply power to the DC motor 4, the motor speed controller 6, the tension / compression sensor 1, and the data transmission module 2.
[0059] The data transmission receiving and display terminal 3 and the lifting remote control 7 are powered by their own batteries.
[0060] The working principle is as follows: The tension / compression sensor 1 is connected to the data transmission module 2 via a data cable, and transmits the collected signals to the data transmission module 2.
[0061] The data transmission module 2 transmits the data collected from the tension / compression sensor 1 to the data transmission receiving / display terminal 3 via its own antenna.
[0062] The data transmission receiving and display terminal 3 is used to receive and display the data sent by the data transmission sending module 2.
[0063] The lifting remote controller 7 sends a signal to the motor speed controller 6 via an antenna, thereby controlling the DC motor 4 to rotate, which in turn drives the gear reducer 5 to rotate, which in turn drives the winding roller 8, which in turn drives the lifting rope 9, which in turn drives the hook 10, ultimately causing the pantograph head to rise or fall.
[0064] The force value of the pantograph head rising or falling is transmitted to the tension and pressure sensor 1 through the hook 10 and the lifting rope 9 to collect the force value data.
[0065] The fixed bracket 13 and the adjusting bracket 14 on the outer casing 12 cooperate to lock the pantograph tension measuring device on the pantograph frame.
[0066] The specific usage method is as follows:
[0067] In use, the gap between the adjustable bracket 14 and the bottom of the outer casing 12 can first be adjusted using nut 143. The pantograph frame can be inserted into this gap. When the gap is adjusted to a suitable distance, the outer casing 12 is locked onto the pantograph frame. Then, the hook 10 is hooked onto the pantograph head bracket. The hook 10 is connected to the tension sensor 1 and the DC motor 4 via the lifting rope 9. At this time, pressing the lifting remote control switch sends a command to the motor speed controller 6, which controls the DC motor 4 to rotate forward and reverse, driving the lifting rope 9 and the hook 10 to achieve uniform upward or downward movement of the pantograph. During operation, the tension sensor 1 collects data in real time, which is decoded by the data transmission module 2 and sent to the data transmission receiving and display terminal 3 for decoding. Finally, the measurement data is displayed in real time on the LCD screen, and the data is recorded to complete the operation. This device can realize one-button uniform speed measurement and real-time display of data by manual remote control, avoiding problems such as the inability to measure at a uniform speed, instability, and visual vertical readings, thus transforming the measurement method from manual to automatic measurement.
[0068] Advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model:
[0069] This utility model discloses a design for a pantograph tension measuring device that meets field usage requirements, ensures the quality of EMU maintenance, and significantly improves maintenance efficiency and pass rate.
[0070] 1. Easy to operate: It can automatically measure and provide values with one click, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reading.
[0071] 2. Enables accurate and rapid measurement in one go: transforms multiple measurement readings into a single accurate measurement.
[0072] 3. Improved work efficiency, changing from multiple measurements to a single accurate measurement per second (capable of measuring the spring force of the entire row (single row) within one minute), increasing work efficiency by at least two times.
[0073] 4. It avoids the risk of measurement errors caused by individual human differences, which could lead to disruptions in transportation order due to contact pressure issues during train operation.
[0074] 5. The design and application of this device can avoid the secondary risks of equipment being left on the roof of the vehicle due to operator carelessness.
[0075] 6. It solves the shortcomings of operators performing leak detection and video recording while the pantograph is partially pulled back in the raised state.
[0076] 7. High applicability: This device is applicable to the pantograph tension measurement requirements of various train models, covering Harmony EMU, Fuxing EMU, existing locomotives, and rail vehicles, and has great promotional value.
[0077] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the structural relationships and principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A device for measuring pantograph tension, characterized in that... ,include: The upper open housing (12), the locking structure and control device for detachably fixing the housing to the pantograph frame; A rotary drive device, a winding device, and a lifting rope (9) wound around the winding device are provided on one side of the housing (12). The winding device is located at the output end of the rotary drive device and can be driven to rotate by the rotary drive device. A hook (10) is provided at the end of the lifting rope (9). A data transmission module (2), a speed controller (6) for controlling the rotation speed of the rotary drive device, and a power module (11) are provided on the other side of the housing (12). A tension and pressure sensor (1) is provided in the middle of the bottom surface inside the housing (12). The force-receiving end of the tension and pressure sensor (1) is connected to a hollow force-receiving guide structure (15). The lifting rope (9) passes through the force-receiving guide structure (15) and is hung on the pantograph head through the hook at the end. The locking structure includes a fixed bracket (13) and an adjustable bracket (14) fixedly installed at both ends of the bottom of the outer side of the housing (12). The adjustable bracket (14) is detachably installed at the bottom of the housing (12) and the gap between the bottom of the housing (12) and the adjustable bracket (14) can be adjusted. The control device is connected to the tension / compression sensor (1), the data transmission module (2), the rotation drive device, the speed controller (6), and the power module (11) via wired or wireless means.
2. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... It also includes a data transmission receiving and display terminal (3).
3. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The rotary drive device includes a DC motor (4) and a gear reducer (5) that provides speed change output for the DC motor.
4. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The winding device is a U-shaped winding roller (8).
5. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The outer casing (12) has heat dissipation holes (7) for heat dissipation of internal components.
6. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... An elastic pad (16) is provided at the bottom of the outer shell.
7. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The fixed bracket (13) includes a locking plate (131) with an open U-shaped groove and reinforcing plates (132) on both sides of the lower end of the locking plate. The adjustable bracket (14) includes a U-shaped base (141) and screws (142) and nuts (143) hinged to both ends of the U-shaped base. When the screws (142) are screwed upward, they can fit into the open U-shaped groove. At this time, the gap between the adjustable bracket (14) and the bottom of the outer shell (12) can be adjusted by the nuts (143).
8. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The speed controller (6) is a transparent shell integrated device with a signal receiving device and a relay module inside. Its function is to collect remote control commands and control the motor speed, start, stop, forward rotation and reverse rotation.
9. The pantograph tension measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that... The front or rear side of the outer shell (12) is also provided with an L-shaped bracket mounting base (122) for placing the adjustable bracket (14).
10. The pantograph tension measuring device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that... : The force-guiding structure (15) includes a fixed rod (151) threadedly connected to the tension / compression sensor (1) and a guide ring (152) fixedly disposed at the top of the fixed rod.