Portable switch basic rail spacing measuring instrument
By using a portable turnout basic track gauge measuring instrument with a pull-rope displacement sensor and a rotating probe, the problems of long measurement time and large error in turnout track gauge measurement have been solved, achieving efficient and accurate track gauge measurement and data transmission.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA NANNING RAILWAY BUREAU GROUP CO LTD LIUZHOU TELECOM SECTION
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, measuring the distance between the two main rails of a turnout is time-consuming and has large errors. Furthermore, it is impossible to accurately locate the standard position 16mm below the top surface of the rail. Traditional tools have poor adaptability and are difficult to use at night.
A portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument was designed. It uses a pull-rope displacement sensor to sense the measurement data, combined with a rotating probe and telescopic ruler, and is equipped with a display device and quick-clamp handle to realize one-handed operation and real-time data display.
It achieves stable measurement accuracy in environments ranging from -20℃ to 50℃, improving measurement efficiency and accuracy. It is applicable to all turnout structures, adaptable to confined spaces, and supports intelligent operation and maintenance data transmission.
Smart Images
Figure CN224535077U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a detection device, and more particularly to a portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument. Background Technology
[0002] Turnout inspection is a crucial step in ensuring railway transportation safety and improving maintenance efficiency. Currently, railway signaling departments still measure the distance between the two main rails of a turnout using a ruler or steel tape measure, requiring two people to operate—one to hold the tape and the other to read the value. This traditional method is not only time-consuming but also susceptible to variations in tension and viewing angle, often resulting in errors exceeding ±3mm. Insufficient lighting during nighttime track maintenance windows further exacerbates the difficulty of reading the measurement. Furthermore, when using a ruler or steel tape measure, it's impossible to achieve precise positioning at the standard 16mm below the top of the rail (a critical stress point for the turnout), leading to data inaccurate to actual operating conditions. Existing track gauges are mostly designed for straight tracks and have poor adaptability to special structures such as switches and point rails in turnout sections, and their measurement range is also insufficient. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies of the existing technology by providing a portable turnout basic rail spacing measuring instrument that can quickly and accurately measure the distance between the two basic rails of a turnout.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to achieve the above-mentioned objectives is as follows: a portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument, including a left ruler body, a right ruler body, a fixed end rail-jointing plate, a movable end rail-jointing seat, a rotating probe, a movable probe, a display device, a pull rope displacement sensor, a measuring pull rope, a measuring lever, a measuring pull rod, and a spring. The left ruler body is a hollow thin-walled straight rod with its right end open. The upper wall of the left ruler body has a through groove penetrating the upper wall. The right ruler body is a hollow thin-walled straight rod with a cross-section smaller than that of the left ruler body. The left end of the right ruler body is fitted inside the left ruler body and can move left and right relative to the left ruler body. The right end of the right ruler body protrudes from the right end of the left ruler body. The right end of the left ruler body is provided with a clamping device that can clamp the right ruler body. A quick-clamp handle that can quickly lock the right ruler body is also provided on one side of the clamping device. The base of the rod is set in the inner cavity of the left scale body. The bottom end of the measuring lever is installed in the base and the upper end protrudes out of the through groove on the upper wall of the left scale body. The fixed end rail plate is connected to the lower side of the left end of the left scale body. The rotating probe is connected to the lower side of the fixed end rail plate. The movable end rail seat is connected to the right end of the right scale body. The movable probe is set in the movable end rail seat and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the bottom plate of the movable end rail seat. The display device is connected to the upper side of the left end of the left scale body. The pull rope displacement sensor is connected to the left scale body and electrically connected to the display device. The left end of the measuring pull rope is connected to the pull rope displacement sensor. The right end of the measuring pull rope extends to the right along the inner cavity of the left scale body and is connected to the base of the measuring lever. The left end of the measuring pull rod is connected to the base of the measuring lever. The right end of the measuring pull rod extends to the right along the inner cavity of the right scale body and is connected to the movable probe.
[0005] A further technical solution of this utility model is: a rotating probe mounting plate is connected to the bottom inner side of the fixed end rail plate, and two rotating probes are symmetrically mounted on the bottom surface of the rotating probe mounting plate. The two rotating probes can rotate relative to the rotating probe mounting plate to a position perpendicular to the left ruler.
[0006] A further technical solution of this utility model is: a sliding frame that can be fitted onto the surface of the left ruler body is also provided outside the left ruler body. A through screw hole is provided on the vertical outer wall of one side of the sliding frame. A sliding frame locking screw that can lock the sliding frame onto the surface of the left ruler body is provided in the screw hole. A handle is connected to the upper surface of the top wall of the sliding frame.
[0007] A further technical solution of this utility model is: linear bearings for supporting the measuring rod are respectively provided at the left and right ends of the inner cavity of the right ruler body, and a spring is sleeved on the measuring rod protruding from the right linear bearing. The right end of the measuring rod does not pass through the right end of the right ruler body and enters the inner side of the movable end rail seat to connect with the movable probe.
[0008] A further technical solution of this utility model is: the movable end rail seat includes a side plate, a top plate and a bottom plate. The left end of the side plate is connected to the right end of the right ruler body. The top plate is connected to the top of the side plate and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom of the side plate. The bottom plate is provided with a long through groove in the same direction as the extension of the right ruler body. The upper end of the movable probe is set in the space enclosed by the side plate, the top plate and the bottom plate. The bottom end of the movable probe protrudes from the long through groove of the bottom plate and extends to the bottom end of the movable end rail seat.
[0009] This utility model of a portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument has the following advantages: 1. This utility model uses a pull rope displacement sensor to sense and measure the deformation of the pull rope to obtain measurement data. This method, based on a built-in sensor to correct for dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion and contraction in real time, can ensure stable accuracy in environments ranging from -20℃ to 50℃; 2. By setting two rotating probes on the underside of the fixed end rail plate, there is no need to swing the measuring instrument to find the inflection point during measurement, effectively improving measurement accuracy and efficiency; 3. The use of a telescopic ruler with the right ruler fitted inside the left ruler and rotating probes reduces the volume of the packaging box. 4. A sliding frame is set on the outside of the left ruler, which can slide to different positions to accommodate different positions after the ruler is retracted, ensuring that the center of gravity of the handle does not deviate; 5. A dedicated movable probe is designed to be suitable for measurement in confined spaces; 6. The ruler is designed to be telescopic, increasing the measurement range and making it suitable for measuring all turnouts; 7. A quick-clamp handle is set at the connection between the left and right rulers to achieve one-handed operation and locking, enabling rapid assembly and solving the problem of time-consuming bolt tightening; 8. The display device is an electronic data display, and the data supports intelligent operation and maintenance and can be transmitted via Bluetooth.
[0010] The present invention provides a portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument according to the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a front view of a portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The left view; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Top view; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of the right side; Explanation of reference numerals: 1-Rotating probe, 2-Rotating probe mounting plate, 3-Fixed end rail plate, 4-Left scale body, 5-Display device, 6-Pull rope displacement sensor, 7-Sliding frame, 8-Handle, 9-Measuring lever, 10-Quick clamp handle, 11-Right scale body, 12-Moving end rail seat, 13-Moving probe, 15-Sliding frame locking screw, 16-Measuring pull rope, 17-Clamping device, 18-Linear bearing, 19-Measuring pull rod, 20-Base of measuring lever, 21-Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0012] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this utility model discloses a portable turnout basic track gauge measuring instrument, used to measure the track gauge in the turnout area of a railway. This utility model includes a left ruler 4, a right ruler 11, a fixed end rail-mounting plate 3, a movable end rail-mounting seat 12, a rotating probe 1, a movable probe 13, a display device 5, a pull rope displacement sensor 6, a measuring pull rope 16, a measuring lever 9, a measuring pull rod 19, and a spring 21.
[0013] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the left ruler 4 is a hollow, thin-walled straight rod with its right end open. In this embodiment, the left ruler 4 is a rectangular thin-walled straight rod. A through-slot is provided on the upper wall of the left ruler 4, located on the right side of the middle section of the left ruler 4. The right ruler 11 is a hollow, thin-walled straight rod with a cross-section smaller than that of the left ruler 4. In this embodiment, the right ruler 11 is also a rectangular thin-walled straight rod, with a cross-section smaller than that of the left ruler 4. The left end of the right ruler 11 fits inside the left ruler 4 and can move left and right relative to the left ruler 4. The right end of the right ruler 11 protrudes from the right end of the left ruler 4. The right end of the left ruler 4 is provided with a clamping device 17 capable of clamping the right ruler 11. A quick-clamp handle 10 capable of quickly locking the right ruler 11 is also provided on one side of the clamping device 17. When the quick-clamp handle 10 is released, the right ruler 11 can move left and right inside the left ruler 4, forming a telescopic structure. Turning the quick-clamp handle 10 with one hand clamps the right ruler 11 onto the right end of the left ruler 4 using the clamping device 17. A sliding frame 7 is also provided on the outside of the left ruler 4, which can be fitted onto its surface. A through screw hole is provided on one side of the vertical outer wall of the sliding frame 7, and a sliding frame locking screw 15 is provided in the screw hole to lock the sliding frame 7 onto the surface of the left ruler 4. A handle 8 is connected to the upper surface of the top wall of the sliding frame 7, facilitating the lifting of the measuring instrument.
[0014] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the fixed-end rail plate 3 is connected to the lower left side of the left ruler 4, and the rotating probe 1 is connected below the fixed-end rail plate 3. In this embodiment, a rotating probe mounting plate 2 is connected to the bottom inner side of the fixed-end rail plate 3. Two rotating probes 1 are symmetrically mounted on the bottom surface of the rotating probe mounting plate 2, and the two rotating probes 1 can rotate relative to the rotating probe mounting plate 2 to a position perpendicular to the left ruler 4. During measurement, the two rotating probes 1 rotate to a position perpendicular to the left ruler 4, as shown... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, after measurement, the two rotating probes 1 can be rotated to a position parallel to the left ruler 4, which facilitates the storage of the measuring instrument. The movable end mounting base 12 is connected to the right end of the right ruler 11, and the movable probe 13 is set in the movable end mounting base 12 and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the base plate of the movable end mounting base 12. In this embodiment, the movable end mounting base 12 includes a side plate, a top plate, and a bottom plate. The left end of the side plate is connected to the right end of the right ruler 11, the top plate is connected to the top of the side plate, and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom of the side plate. The bottom plate has a long through groove in the same direction as the right ruler 11. The upper end of the movable probe 13 is set in the space enclosed by the side plate, the top plate, and the bottom plate, and the bottom end of the movable probe 13 protrudes from the long through groove of the bottom plate and extends to the bottom end of the movable end mounting base 12.
[0015] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the base 20 of the measuring lever 9 is located inside the cavity of the left scale body 4. The bottom end of the measuring lever 9 is installed in the base, and the upper end protrudes out of the through groove on the upper wall of the left scale body 4. The display device 5 is connected to the upper left side of the left scale body 4. The pull rope displacement sensor 6 is connected to the left scale body 4 and electrically connected to the display device 5. The value sensed by the pull rope displacement sensor 6 can be transmitted to the display device 5 for display. The display device 5 has a power supply and other devices inside its mounting box, and a power switch is provided on one side of the display device 5. The left end of the measuring pull rope 16 is connected to the pull rope displacement sensor 6, and the right end of the measuring pull rope 16 extends to the right along the cavity of the left scale body 4 and is connected to the base 20 of the measuring lever 9. The left end of the measuring lever 19 is connected to the base 20 of the measuring lever 9, and the right end of the measuring lever 19 extends to the right along the cavity of the right scale body 11 and is connected to the movable probe 13. Linear bearings 18 for supporting measuring rods 19 are provided at both ends of the inner cavity of the right ruler body 11. A spring 21 is sleeved on the measuring rod 19 protruding from the right linear bearing 18. The right end of the measuring rod 19 does not protrude from the right end of the right ruler body 11 and enters the inner side of the movable end rail seat 12 to connect with the movable probe 13. When the movable probe 13 is not pressed inward, the spring 21 is in its natural state and extended to its maximum length. During measurement, the movable probe 13 is pressed against the inner side of the rail. At this time, the movable probe 13 is pressed inward, the spring 21 is compressed, and the extension and retraction of the movable probe 13 causes the length of the measuring rope 16 to change. The rope displacement sensor 6 senses the change in the length of the rope and obtains the measured distance between the inner sides of the two rails, which is displayed on the display device 5.
[0016] During operation, the first step is to pull the right ruler 11 to its limit position and then lock it by pulling the cam-type quick clamp handle. Rotate the two rotatable probe 1 mounting plates 2 outwards to the working state. The second step is to turn on the power of the measuring instrument and wait for the self-test to complete. The third step is to place the measuring instrument above the two main rails of the turnout to be measured, so that the base plates of the fixed end rail plate 3 and the movable end rail seat 12 fall on the top surface of the rail. The two rotatable probes 1 can contact the inner side of the rail. Move the measuring lever 9 to the left by hand until it stops. Release the measuring lever 9. The movable probe 13 contacts the inner side of the rail under the action of the spring 21. Read the distance between the two main rails of the turnout to be measured (not shown in the figure) from the display device 5.
[0017] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. The structure of this utility model is not limited to the forms listed in the above embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument, characterized in that, Including a left ruler (4), a right ruler (11), a fixed end rail plate (3), a movable end rail seat (12), a rotating probe (1), a movable probe (13), a display device (5), a pull rope displacement sensor (6), a measuring pull rope (16), a measuring lever (9), a measuring pull rod (19), and a spring (21). The left ruler (4) is a hollow, thin-walled straight rod, and the right end of the left ruler (4) is open. The upper wall of the left ruler (4) is provided with a through groove that penetrates the upper wall. The right ruler (11) 1) is a hollow thin-walled straight rod with a cross-section smaller than that of the left ruler (4). The left end of the right ruler (11) is fitted inside the left ruler (4) and can move left and right relative to the left ruler (4). The right end of the right ruler (11) protrudes from the right end of the left ruler (4). The right end of the left ruler (4) is provided with a clamping device (17) that can clamp the right ruler (11). On one side of the clamping device (17), there is also a quick-clamp handle (10) that can quickly lock the right ruler (11). The base (20) of the measuring lever is set inside the left ruler (4). Inside the cavity, the bottom end of the measuring lever (9) is installed in the base and the upper end protrudes out of the through groove on the upper wall of the left ruler (4). The fixed end rail plate (3) is connected to the lower left side of the left ruler (4). The rotating probe (1) is connected below the fixed end rail plate (3). The movable end rail seat (12) is connected to the right end of the right ruler (11). The movable probe (13) is set in the movable end rail seat (12) and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the base plate of the movable end rail seat (12). The display device (5) is connected to the left ruler (4) near the base. On the upper left side, the pull rope displacement sensor (6) is connected to the left ruler (4) and electrically connected to the display device (5). The left end of the measuring pull rope (16) is connected to the pull rope displacement sensor (6). The right end of the measuring pull rope (16) extends to the right along the inner cavity of the left ruler (4) and is connected to the base (20) of the measuring lever. The left end of the measuring lever (19) is connected to the base (20) of the measuring lever. The right end of the measuring lever (19) extends to the right along the inner cavity of the right ruler (11) and is connected to the movable probe (13).
2. The portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom inner side of the fixed end track plate (3) is connected to a rotating probe mounting plate (2). Two rotating probes (1) are symmetrically mounted on the bottom surface of the rotating probe mounting plate (2). The two rotating probes (1) can rotate relative to the rotating probe mounting plate (2) to a position perpendicular to the left ruler (4).
3. The portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The left ruler (4) is also provided with a sliding frame (7) that can be fitted onto the surface of the left ruler (4). A through screw hole is provided on the vertical outer wall of one side of the sliding frame (7). A sliding frame locking screw (15) is provided in the screw hole that can lock the sliding frame (7) onto the surface of the left ruler (4). A handle (8) is connected to the upper surface of the top wall of the sliding frame (7).
4. A portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The right ruler body (11) has linear bearings (18) at both ends of its inner cavity for supporting the measuring rod (19). The measuring rod (19) protruding from the right linear bearing (18) is covered with a spring (21). The right end of the measuring rod (19) does not pass through the right ruler body (11) and enters the inner side of the movable end mounting seat (12) to connect with the movable probe (13).
5. A portable turnout basic track spacing measuring instrument as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The movable end rail seat (12) includes a side plate, a top plate and a bottom plate. The left end of the side plate is connected to the right end of the right ruler (11). The top plate is connected to the top of the side plate and the bottom plate is connected to the bottom of the side plate. The bottom plate is provided with a long through groove in the same direction as the extension of the right ruler (11). The upper end of the movable probe (13) is set in the space enclosed by the side plate, the top plate and the bottom plate. The bottom end of the movable probe (13) protrudes from the long through groove of the bottom plate and extends to the bottom end of the movable end rail seat (12).