Unlocking and dragging mechanism of track inspection robot

Abstract

This application discloses an unlocking and dragging mechanism for a track inspection robot. The track inspection robot includes a motor, a first transmission component, and wheels. The first transmission component is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The unlocking and dragging mechanism includes a mounting assembly, a pull rod assembly, a second transmission component, and an elastic component. The mounting assembly is fixedly mounted on the track inspection robot. The pull rod assembly is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly. The second transmission component is rotatably mounted on one end of the pull rod assembly and can slide with the pull rod assembly to have a first position and a second position. When the second transmission component is in the first position, the first transmission component is connected to the wheels via the second transmission component. When the second transmission component is in the second position, the first transmission component is disconnected from the wheels. The elastic component is elastically mounted between the mounting assembly and the pull rod assembly. This technical solution can prevent the track inspection robot from slipping and eliminate safety hazards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of track inspection equipment technology, and in particular to an unlocking and dragging mechanism for a track inspection robot. Background Technology

[0002] Track inspection robots are capable of operating 24 / 7, effectively increasing inspection frequency and enabling timely detection of potential problems. As inspection scenarios expand, the inspection mileage of track inspection robots also increases, and their operating time continues to grow.

[0003] When a track inspection robot reaches a certain working time, some parts will inevitably age. If a malfunction occurs that prevents the robot from operating, the robot will need to be manually pushed or pulled to the maintenance area for repair and troubleshooting.

[0004] In existing technology, the motor that drives the track inspection robot is locked when the power is off to prevent the robot from suddenly malfunctioning and stopping, which could cause it to slip down a slope. If manual pushing or pulling is required, the transmission connection between the motor and the wheels must be disconnected. However, on inclines or declines, if the robot loses its pushing or pulling force due to an accident, it will slip down the slope, posing a significant safety hazard. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this application is to provide an unlocking and dragging mechanism for a track inspection robot, which aims to improve the existing track inspection robot, where the transmission connection between the motor and the walking wheel needs to be disconnected when the robot is manually pushed or pulled, which poses a great safety hazard.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes an unlocking and dragging mechanism for a track inspection robot. The track inspection robot includes a motor, a first transmission component, and wheels. The first transmission component is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The unlocking and dragging mechanism includes a mounting assembly, a pull rod assembly, a second transmission component, and an elastic component.

[0007] The mounting component is fixedly installed on the track inspection robot;

[0008] The pull rod assembly is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly;

[0009] The second transmission component is rotatably mounted on one end of the pull rod assembly and can slide with the pull rod assembly to have a first position and a second position. When the second transmission component is in the first position, the first transmission component is connected to the walking wheel through the second transmission component. When the second transmission component is in the second position, the first transmission component is disconnected from the walking wheel.

[0010] The elastic element is elastically installed between the mounting assembly and the pull rod assembly, and the pull rod assembly has a tendency to drive the second transmission element from the second position to the first position.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the first transmission component is a first gear, the second transmission component is a second gear, and the walking wheel is fixedly provided with a third gear. When the second gear is in the first position, it meshes with the first gear and the third gear respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a mounting base. The mounting plate is fixedly mounted on the track inspection robot, and the mounting base is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate. The mounting base is provided with two fixing blocks spaced apart. Both fixing blocks are provided with through holes. The pull rod assembly passes through the two through holes to be slidably mounted on the two fixing blocks. The pull rod assembly is provided with a limiting member between the two fixing blocks.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the pull rod assembly includes a first pull rod, a second pull rod, and the limiting member. One end of the first pull rod passes through a through hole and is rotatably connected to the second transmission member. The other end of the first pull rod is fixedly connected to the limiting member. One end of the second pull rod passes through another through hole. The other end of the second pull rod is fixedly connected to the limiting member.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic element is installed between the fixed block and the limiting element, away from the second transmission element.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic element is a spring sleeve, which is sleeved on the pull rod assembly. One end of the spring sleeve elastically abuts against a fixed block away from the second transmission member, and the other end of the spring sleeve elastically abuts against the limiting member.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting base is further provided with two connecting blocks at intervals, and the two ends of the two connecting blocks are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the two fixing blocks, so that the two connecting blocks and the two fixing blocks together form a receiving groove, and the limiting member is also slidably connected to the receiving groove.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting base further includes a cover, which is fixedly connected to the fixing block and / or the connecting block to cover the receiving groove.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, a pull rope assembly is also included, one end of which is fixedly connected to the end of the pull rod assembly away from the second transmission member.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the installation assembly is fixedly provided with a lifting ring, and the pull rope assembly passes through the lifting ring.

[0020] The unlocking and dragging mechanism of the track inspection robot provided in this application embodiment, through the above-described structural configuration, allows the worker to apply a pushing or pulling force to the end of the pull rod assembly away from the transmission component when manual pushing or pulling is required. This causes the second transmission component to switch to the second position, thereby disconnecting the first transmission component from the walking wheel and releasing the motor's restriction on the walking wheel. Simultaneously, the elastic element is compressed by the cooperation between the pull rod assembly and the mounting assembly, storing elastic potential energy. Continuing to apply a pushing or pulling force to the pull rod assembly allows the inspection robot to be pushed or pulled. If the worker suddenly loses the pushing or pulling force on the pull rod assembly, the elastic element releases its elastic potential energy, driving the pull rod assembly to move the second transmission component from the second position to the first position. The first transmission component can then re-establish a transmission connection with the walking wheel through the second transmission component. At this time, the motor is de-energized, locking the first transmission component and preventing it from rotating. The walking wheel is also restricted by the first and second transmission components and cannot rotate. With this setup, workers can push or pull the track inspection robot by applying external force to the lever assembly. On inclines or declines, if an accident occurs and the pushing or pulling force on the track inspection robot is lost, the robot will lock itself via the motor, thus preventing it from slipping and eliminating safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the unlocking and dragging mechanism and the first transmission component of the track inspection robot of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main structure of the unlocking drag mechanism;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the unlocked drag mechanism.

[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0026] 100. Unlocking drag mechanism; 10. Installation component; 11. Mounting plate; 12. Mounting base; 121. Fixing block; 1211. Through hole; 122. Connecting block; 123. Receiving groove; 124. Cover; 13. Lifting ring; 20. Pull rod assembly; 21. Limiting component; 22. First pull rod; 23. Second pull rod; 30. Second transmission component; 40. Elastic component; 50. Pull rope assembly; 200. First transmission component.

[0027] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0031] This application provides an unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 for a track inspection robot. The track inspection robot includes a motor, a first transmission component 200, and wheels. The first transmission component 200 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The motor is locked when powered off, meaning it has a braking function. If a malfunction occurs while the track inspection robot is working, the braking function will be activated, causing the robot to stop on the work surface. This prevents the robot from suddenly stopping and slipping, thus avoiding further accidents such as collisions with other track inspection robots working in front or behind.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 includes an installation component 10, a pull rod component 20, a second transmission component 30, and an elastic component 40. The installation component 10 is fixedly installed on the track inspection robot. The installation component 10 is used to fix the unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 on the track inspection robot. It is usually installed on the track inspection robot by means of fixed connection such as threaded connection or welding. The installation component 10 is also used to install other components of the unlocking and dragging structure.

[0033] The tie rod assembly 20 is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly 10. There are several ways to slidably mount the tie rod assembly 20 on the mounting assembly 10. In one method, the tie rod assembly 20 is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly 10 via a linear bearing. In another method, the mounting assembly 10 has a groove extending axially along the tie rod assembly 20, and the tie rod assembly 20 is slidably mounted in this groove. Because the tie rod assembly 20 is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly 10, it can slide relative to the mounting assembly 10 when subjected to external forces; specifically, it slides axially along the tie rod assembly 20.

[0034] The second transmission component 30 is rotatably mounted on one end of the tie rod assembly 20. The second transmission component 30 can be rotatably mounted on the tie rod assembly 20 via a bearing, or it can be directly fitted with the tie rod assembly 20 with a clearance fit, i.e., the second transmission component 30 has a through hole, and the tie rod assembly 20 directly fits into this through hole with a clearance fit. To prevent the second transmission component 30 from detaching from the tie rod assembly 20, a limiting bolt can be provided on the tie rod assembly 20 to restrict the axial movement of the second transmission component 30 relative to the tie rod assembly 20.

[0035] Because the pull rod assembly 20 is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly 10, and the second transmission member 30 is rotatably mounted on the pull rod assembly 20, the second transmission member 30 can switch positions as the pull rod assembly 20 slides. The second transmission member 30 has a first position and a second position as the pull rod assembly 20 slides. When the second transmission member 30 is in the first position, the first transmission member 200 is connected to the walking wheel via the second transmission member 30. At this time, the motor of the track inspection robot can drive the walking wheel to rotate via the first transmission member 200 and the second transmission member 30, thus enabling the track inspection robot to move normally. Of course, if the motor is de-energized and the first transmission member 200 is locked and cannot rotate, the walking wheel will also be restricted by the first transmission member 200 and the second transmission member 30 and will not be able to rotate. When the second transmission component 30 is in the second position, the first transmission component 200 is disconnected from the driving wheel. At this time, the motor of the track inspection robot cannot drive the driving wheel to rotate through the first transmission component 200 and the second transmission component 30. The driving wheel will not be restricted by the first transmission component 200 and the second transmission component 30 and will not be unable to rotate. Under the action of external force, the driving wheel can rotate, thereby enabling the track inspection robot to walk normally under the action of external force.

[0036] The elastic element 40 is elastically installed between the mounting assembly 10 and the pull rod assembly 20, giving the pull rod assembly 20 a tendency to move the second transmission element 30 from the second position to the first position. When the pull rod assembly 20 is subjected to an external force that moves the second transmission element 30 from the first position to the second position, the elastic element 40 is compressed and stores elastic potential energy. When the external force on the pull rod assembly 20 disappears, the stored elastic potential energy is released, and the pull rod assembly 20 can then move the second transmission element 30 from the second position to the first position. The elastic element 40 can be of various types, including but not limited to springs, leaf springs, and elastic balls.

[0037] The unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 of the track inspection robot provided in this application embodiment, through the above-described structural setting, allows the worker to apply a pushing or pulling force to the end of the pull rod assembly 20 away from the transmission component when it is necessary to manually push or pull the track inspection robot. This causes the second transmission component 30 to switch to the second position, thereby disconnecting the first transmission component 200 from the walking wheel and releasing the motor's restriction on the walking wheel. At the same time, the elastic member 40 is compressed by the cooperation between the pull rod assembly 20 and the mounting assembly 10, storing elastic potential energy. By continuing to apply a pushing or pulling force to the pull rod assembly 20, the inspection robot can be pushed or pulled to move. If the worker suddenly loses the pushing or pulling force on the lever assembly 20, the elastic element 40 can release its elastic potential energy, driving the lever assembly 20 to move the second transmission element 30 from the second position to the first position. The first transmission element 200 can then re-establish a transmission connection with the walking wheel through the second transmission element 30. At this time, the motor is de-energized and locks the first transmission element 200, preventing it from rotating. The walking wheel is also restricted by the first transmission element 200 and the second transmission element 30 and cannot rotate. With this configuration, the worker can apply external force to the lever assembly 20 to push or pull the track inspection robot. On inclines or declines, if an accident occurs and the pushing or pulling force on the track inspection robot is lost, the robot will lock via the motor, thus preventing slippage and eliminating safety hazards.

[0038] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first transmission component 200 is a first gear, the second transmission component 30 is a second gear, and the walking wheel is fixedly equipped with a third gear. When the second gear is in the first position, it meshes with both the first and third gears. This arrangement, by having the second gear mesh with both the first and third gears, improves the reliability of the transmission connection between the motor and the walking wheel, and thus allows for better braking of the track inspection robot when the motor locks up.

[0039] In other embodiments, the first transmission member 200 is a first friction wheel, the second transmission member 30 is a second friction wheel, and the traveling wheel is fixedly provided with a third friction wheel. When the second friction wheel is in the first position, it contacts the first friction wheel and the third friction wheel respectively.

[0040] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the mounting assembly 10 includes a mounting plate 11 and a mounting base 12. The mounting plate 11 is fixedly mounted on the track inspection robot, and the mounting base 12 is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 11. The mounting base 12 has two spaced-apart fixing blocks 121, each with a through hole 1211. The pull rod assembly 20 passes through the two through holes 1211 to be slidably mounted on the two fixing blocks 121. A limiting member 21 is provided between the two fixing blocks 121 of the pull rod assembly 20. This arrangement not only facilitates the installation of the pull rod assembly 20 on the mounting assembly 10 but also limits the sliding stroke of the pull rod assembly 20 through the cooperation of the two spaced-apart fixing blocks 121 and the limiting member 21.

[0041] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pull rod assembly 20 includes a first pull rod 22, a second pull rod 23, and a limiting member 21. One end of the first pull rod 22 passes through a through hole 1211 and is rotatably connected to the second transmission member 30. The other end of the first pull rod 22 is fixedly connected to the limiting member 21. One end of the second pull rod 23 passes through another through hole 1211, and the other end of the second pull rod 23 is fixedly connected to the limiting member 21. This arrangement is intended to further facilitate the installation of the pull rod assembly 20 onto the mounting assembly 10. Specifically, the first pull rod 22 and the second pull rod 23 can be fixed to opposite sides of the limiting member 21 by means of threaded connection.

[0042] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the elastic element 40 is installed between a fixed block 121 and a limiting element 21, which is located away from the second transmission element 30. This arrangement aims to improve the integration of the unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 and reduce the space occupied by the unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 on the track inspection robot.

[0043] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the elastic element 40 is a spring sleeve, which is sleeved on the pull rod assembly 20. One end of the spring sleeve elastically abuts against a fixed block 121 away from the second transmission element 30, and the other end of the spring sleeve elastically abuts against the limiting element 21. This arrangement facilitates the installation of the elastic element 40, and the sleeve sleeve being sleeved on the pull rod assembly 20 prevents the spring sleeve from shifting, making the structure of the unlocking dragging mechanism 100 more stable. Based on the above description of the specific structure of the pull rod assembly 20, the spring sleeve is sleeved on the aforementioned second pull rod 23. In other embodiments, the limiting element 21 and the fixed block 121 may each have grooves for accommodating the spring sleeve, with both ends of the spring sleeve respectively accommodated in the grooves on the limiting element 21 and the fixed block 121.

[0044] In some other examples, the elastic element 40 is a bouncy ball, and the limiting element 21 and the fixing block 121 may each be provided with a recess for accommodating the bouncy ball. The opposite sides of the bouncy ball are respectively accommodated in the recesses on the limiting element 21 and the fixing block 121, and the number of elastic elements 40 may be multiple.

[0045] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the mounting base 12 is also provided with two connecting blocks 122 spaced apart. The two ends of the two connecting blocks 122 are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the two fixing blocks 121, so that the two connecting blocks 122 and the two fixing blocks 121 together form a receiving groove 123. The limiting member 21 is also slidably connected to the receiving groove 123. This arrangement is intended to make the pull rod assembly 20 slide more smoothly relative to the mounting assembly 10.

[0046] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mounting base 12 also includes a cover 124, which is fixedly connected to the fixing block 121 and / or the connecting block 122 to cover the receiving groove 123. This arrangement is intended to prevent foreign objects from entering the receiving groove 123 and interfering with the unlocking and dragging mechanism 100. In the embodiment where the elastic element 40 is a spring, which is also located within the receiving groove 123, the cover 124 covering the receiving groove 123 can also effectively protect the spring from damage.

[0047] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 also includes a pull rope assembly 50, one end of which is fixedly connected to the end of the pull rod assembly 20 away from the second transmission member 30. This arrangement is designed to facilitate the worker in applying pulling force to the pull rod assembly 20 using the pull rope assembly 50, allowing the worker to drag the track inspection robot along the track using the pull rope assembly 50. The pull rope assembly 50 includes, but is not limited to, steel wire rope and nylon rope; preferably, the pull rope assembly 50 includes steel wire rope.

[0048] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the mounting assembly 10 is fixedly equipped with a lifting ring 13, and the pull rope assembly 50 passes through the lifting ring 13. The lifting ring 13 can be fixed to the mounting assembly 10 via threaded connection, welding, or other methods. Considering the mounting assembly 10 includes a mounting plate 11, preferably, the lifting ring 13 is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 11. The pull rope assembly 50 passing through the lifting ring 13 allows the worker to easily change the direction of the pulling force on the pull rope. Furthermore, the lifting ring 13 can also distribute the force from the tension, preventing the pulling force applied by the worker from concentrating on the pull rod assembly 20.

[0049] This application also proposes a track inspection robot, which includes a motor, a first transmission component 200, wheels, and an unlocking and dragging mechanism 100. The specific structure of the unlocking and dragging mechanism 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since this track inspection robot adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. The first transmission component 200 is fixedly installed on the output shaft of the motor.

[0050] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An unlocking and dragging mechanism of a track inspection robot, the track inspection robot comprising a motor, a first transmission member and a walking wheel, the first transmission member being fixedly installed on an output shaft of the motor, characterized in that, The unlocking and dragging mechanism includes a mounting component, a pull rod component, a second transmission component, and an elastic component; wherein... The mounting component is fixedly installed on the track inspection robot; The pull rod assembly is slidably mounted on the mounting assembly; The second transmission component is rotatably mounted on one end of the pull rod assembly and can slide with the pull rod assembly to have a first position and a second position. When the second transmission component is in the first position, the first transmission component is connected to the walking wheel through the second transmission component. When the second transmission component is in the second position, the first transmission component is disconnected from the walking wheel. The elastic element is elastically installed between the mounting assembly and the pull rod assembly, and the pull rod assembly has a tendency to drive the second transmission element from the second position to the first position.

2. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission component is a first gear, the second transmission component is a second gear, and the walking wheel is provided with a third gear. When the second gear is in the first position, it meshes with the first gear and the third gear respectively.

3. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a mounting base. The mounting plate is fixedly mounted on the track inspection robot, and the mounting base is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate. The mounting base is provided with two fixing blocks spaced apart. Both fixing blocks are provided with through holes. The pull rod assembly passes through the two through holes to be slidably mounted on the two fixing blocks. The pull rod assembly is provided with a limiting member between the two fixing blocks.

4. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The pull rod assembly includes a first pull rod, a second pull rod, and the limiting member. One end of the first pull rod passes through a through hole and is rotatably connected to the second transmission member. The other end of the first pull rod is fixedly connected to the limiting member. One end of the second pull rod passes through another through hole, and the other end of the second pull rod is fixedly connected to the limiting member.

5. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element is installed between the fixed block and the limiting element, away from the second transmission element.

6. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring sleeve, which is sleeved on the pull rod assembly. One end of the spring sleeve elastically abuts against a fixed block away from the second transmission element, and the other end of the spring sleeve elastically abuts against the limiting element.

7. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting base is also provided with two connecting blocks at intervals. The two ends of the two connecting blocks are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the two fixing blocks, so that the two connecting blocks and the two fixing blocks together form a receiving groove. The limiting member is also slidably connected to the receiving groove.

8. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting base also includes a cover, which is fixedly connected to the fixing block and / or the connecting block to cover the receiving groove.

9. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a pull rope assembly, one end of which is fixedly connected to the end of the pull rod assembly away from the second transmission member.

10. The unlocking drag mechanism as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The installation assembly is fixedly provided with a lifting ring, and the pull rope assembly passes through the lifting ring.

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