A device for replacing a pantograph spring of a motor train unit
By designing a pantograph balance spring replacement device for EMU trains, the stable disassembly and replacement of the balance springs is achieved through mechanical linkage. This solves the problems of time-consuming, labor-intensive, and high safety risks associated with manual operation in existing technologies, improves maintenance efficiency and safety, and reduces EMU downtime.
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
- 2025-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the replacement of the pantograph balance spring of EMU trains relies on manual operation, which has problems such as being time-consuming and labor-intensive, having high safety risks, and lacking precision, making it difficult to meet the high efficiency, safety and precision requirements of modern rail transit maintenance operations.
Design a pantograph balance spring replacement device for EMU trains. The device utilizes components such as L-shaped guide rail support rod, hook tongue, anti-detachment stop and adjusting screw to achieve mechanical linkage. By sliding the support arm and rotating the lever arm, the balance spring can be stably disassembled and replaced, ensuring precise tension adjustment and reducing work intensity and safety risks.
It significantly improves the efficiency and safety of balance spring replacement, reduces operation time, enhances maintenance reliability and overall operational efficiency, and reduces the downtime of EMUs due to maintenance.
Smart Images

Figure CN224575599U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of EMU maintenance equipment, and more specifically, relates to a device for replacing the pantograph balance spring of an EMU. Background Technology
[0002] As a key component of high-speed trains, the pantograph is crucial for obtaining electrical energy from the overhead contact line, and its operational status directly impacts the train's traction performance and operational safety. Within the pantograph's structure, the balance spring is a vital component for maintaining stable contact pressure between the pantograph head and the contact line. By adjusting the spring force, the balance spring effectively compensates for contact pressure fluctuations caused by height changes during pantograph raising and lowering, thus ensuring the stability and continuity of the current collection process. However, during long-term operation of high-speed trains, frequent extension and retraction movements, continuous vibrations, and the influence of external environmental factors (such as temperature changes, humidity, and dust) can easily lead to fatigue damage, plastic deformation, or even breakage of the balance spring, thereby affecting the overall performance of the pantograph. Therefore, to ensure the safe and stable operation of high-speed trains, regularly replacing or overhauling the pantograph balance spring is a crucial part of maintenance work.
[0003] Currently, the replacement of pantograph balance springs in high-speed train maintenance primarily relies on manual labor. Specifically, it typically requires two maintenance personnel: one holds the balance spring box to maintain its position, while the other uses wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools to disassemble and install the connecting parts. While this method achieves the balance spring replacement function to some extent, the lack of specialized auxiliary equipment means the entire process remains a relatively primitive manual operation. Some maintenance units have attempted to use simple clamps or temporary support devices to assist in securing the spring box, but these methods have not formed a systematic and standardized technical solution and have limited effectiveness in practical applications, failing to meet the requirements of efficient, safe, and precise operations.
[0004] Although the existing manual operation method can replace the pantograph balance spring to a certain extent, it is difficult to adapt to the development requirements of modern rail transit maintenance operations. Moreover, it has obvious shortcomings in terms of efficiency, safety and installation accuracy. For example: (1) Since the balance spring box has a large elastic force, it is not only time-consuming and laborious to hold it by manpower for a long time, but also easy to interrupt the operation due to physical exhaustion, which seriously affects the overall maintenance progress; (2) The pantograph is usually installed on the roof of the EMU, and the working space is small and located at a high place. Multiple maintenance personnel working together in the same area are prone to crowding and misoperation, which increases the probability of accidents such as falling from height and pinching. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned deficiencies or improvement needs of existing technologies, this utility model provides a pantograph balance spring replacement device for high-speed trains. By sliding the support arm along the long side, the hook tongue is brought into contact with the pantograph head bracket, and the anti-detachment stop is attached to the side of the carbon sliding plate mounting arm bracket away from the pantograph head bracket. The wrench arm drives the adjusting screw to rotate, shortening the distance between the hook tongue and the anti-detachment stop, thereby smoothly transitioning the balance spring from a stretched state to a relaxed state, facilitating disassembly and replacement. This effectively overcomes the problem of difficulty in controlling the spring due to its large elastic force in traditional manual operations, significantly reducing workload and safety risks. Simultaneously, mechanical linkage enables precise adjustment of the balance spring tension, ensuring safety and assembly accuracy during replacement, and improving overall maintenance efficiency and operational reliability. Furthermore, compared to the previous method relying on multiple people and cumbersome operations, this process is simpler and more efficient, significantly shortening the replacement time, improving maintenance efficiency, and reducing train downtime due to maintenance, thus contributing to improved overall train operation efficiency and economic benefits.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a pantograph balance spring replacement device for high-speed trains, comprising: an L-shaped guide rail support rod, a guide rail stop, a hook tongue, a support arm, an anti-detachment stop, an adjusting screw, and a lever arm, wherein:
[0007] The L-shaped guide rail support rod includes a long side and a short side. The short side has a hook tongue at its end, which extends toward the long side. The long side has a guide rail stop on its surface away from the short side.
[0008] The support arm is sleeved on the outside of the long side and slidably connected to the long side;
[0009] The adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the support arm through a threaded hole on the support arm. One end of the screw is movably connected to the anti-disengagement stop near the short side, and the other end is movably connected to the lever arm.
[0010] Furthermore, the long side and the short side of the L-shaped guide rail support rod are provided with grooves at the middle of both sides, and the guide rail stop is provided in the grooves.
[0011] Furthermore, the contact area between the support arm and the long side is provided with a matching slider, and the angle between the support arm and the long side toward the short side is not greater than 90 degrees.
[0012] Furthermore, the connection between the long side and the short side is rounded, and the included angle between them is less than 90 degrees.
[0013] Furthermore, the hook tongue is a plate-like structure with a width greater than its height, and its end is provided with a hook portion that bends inward; the anti-detachment stop is a U-shaped groove structure, and its opening direction is towards the hook tongue.
[0014] Furthermore, one end of the adjusting screw is a smooth cylinder and its end is provided with a spherical end, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the end.
[0015] Furthermore, the anti-detachment stop is provided with a ball-and-socket structure, the inner diameter of which matches the diameter of the spherical end of the adjusting screw, forming a spherical joint connection.
[0016] Furthermore, the wrench arm includes a smooth rod body and circular anti-dislodgement sleeves fitted on the outer sides of both ends of the rod body.
[0017] Furthermore, the end of the adjusting screw that connects to the lever arm is a smooth cylinder with a connecting through hole adapted to the rod body.
[0018] Furthermore, a locking knob is provided on the outside of the support arm. The locking knob is connected to the support arm through a threaded joint. When tightened, its end passes through the support arm and abuts against the long side surface.
[0019] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solution conceived by this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:
[0020] 1. The balance spring replacement device of this utility model slides the support arm on the long side to bring the hook tongue into contact with the pantograph head bracket, and brings the anti-detachment stop into contact with the side of the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket away from the pantograph head bracket. The wrench arm drives the adjusting screw to rotate, shortening the distance between the hook tongue and the anti-detachment stop, thereby smoothly changing the balance spring from a stretched state to a relaxed state, facilitating disassembly and replacement. This effectively overcomes the problem of difficulty in controlling the large elastic force in traditional manual operation, significantly reducing the workload and safety risks. At the same time, the mechanical linkage enables precise adjustment of the balance spring tension, ensuring the safety and assembly accuracy of the replacement process, and improving the overall maintenance efficiency and operational reliability. In addition, compared with the previous method that relied on multiple people and cumbersome operations, this operation process is simpler and more efficient, greatly shortening the time required for replacement operations, improving maintenance efficiency, reducing the downtime of the EMU due to maintenance, and helping to improve the overall operating efficiency and economic benefits of the EMU.
[0021] 2. The balance spring replacement device of this utility model improves the stability and positioning accuracy of the device during operation through the limiting effect of the guide rail stop; secondly, the design of the angle between the long side and the short side, and between the long side and the support arm, can effectively improve the friction between the long side and the support arm when the hook tongue is engaged with the pantograph head bracket and the anti-detachment stop abuts against the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket, thus preventing slippage; in addition, the lightweight design is achieved while ensuring structural strength, significantly reducing the overall weight of the device, thereby further reducing the workload of the operator and improving the adaptability to maintenance environments in high-altitude or confined spaces, which helps to improve the convenience of operation and work safety.
[0022] 3. The balance spring replacement device of this utility model provides a larger contact area through the special design of the contact area between the hook tongue and the pantograph head bracket and the contact area between the anti-disengagement stop and the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket, thereby effectively enhancing the stability of the connection. At the same time, the movable anti-disengagement stop can better adapt to the disassembly space requirements of the balance spring, improving the adaptability and assembly flexibility of the device in complex spatial environments.
[0023] 4. The balance spring replacement device of this utility model provides a comfortable grip through the anti-dislodgement sleeves at both ends of the rod body, effectively reducing hand fatigue caused by prolonged operation and preventing dislodgement from the adjusting screw. Secondly, by allowing the rod body to slide flexibly on the adjusting screw, the operating angle can be adjusted according to the actual working space, adapting to the assembly needs in narrow environments, thereby ensuring efficient rotation of the adjusting screw through the wrench arm and improving adjustment efficiency. In addition, the smooth cylindrical design of the connection area between the adjusting screw and the wrench arm can prevent scratches to the operator's hands, reduce the risk of accidental injury, significantly improve operational safety, and at the same time help reduce friction and wear between components, extending the service life of the device. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the balance spring replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the anti-detachment stop and the adjusting screw in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the locking knob is tightened according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0027] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically:
[0028] 1-L-type guide rail support rod, 11-long side, 12-short side, 2-guide rail stop, 3-hook tongue, 4-support arm rod, 5-anti-detachment stop, 6-adjusting screw, 7-wrench arm, 71-rod body, 72-anti-detachment sleeve. Detailed Implementation
[0029] 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.
[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, one embodiment of this utility model provides a pantograph balance spring replacement device for a high-speed train, comprising: an L-shaped guide rail support rod 1, a guide rail stop 2, a hook tongue 3, a support arm rod 4, an anti-detachment stop 5, an adjusting screw 6, and a lever arm 7; the L-shaped guide rail support rod 1 includes a long side 11 and a short side 12, the hook tongue 3 is provided at the end of the short side 12 and extends toward the long side 11, and the guide rail stop 2 is provided on the surface of the long side 11 away from the short side 12; the support arm rod 4 is slidably sleeved on the outside of the long side 11 and moves along its length direction; the adjusting screw 6 is rotatably connected to the support arm rod 4 through a threaded hole provided on the support arm rod 4, one end of which is movably connected to the anti-detachment stop 5 near the short side 12, and the other end is movably connected to the lever arm 7. During use, the hook tongue 3 is attached to the pantograph head bracket by sliding the support arm 4 on the long side 11, and the anti-detachment stop 5 is attached to the side of the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket away from the pantograph head bracket. The wrench arm 7 drives the adjusting screw 6 to rotate, shortening the distance between the hook tongue 3 and the anti-detachment stop 5. This smoothly changes the tensioned balance spring to a relaxed state, facilitating disassembly and replacement. This effectively overcomes the problem of difficulty in controlling the spring due to its large elasticity in traditional manual operation, significantly reducing the workload and safety risks. At the same time, the mechanical linkage enables precise adjustment of the balance spring tension, ensuring the safety and assembly accuracy of the replacement process, and improving overall maintenance efficiency and operational reliability. In addition, compared with the previous method that relied on multiple people and cumbersome operations, this operation process is simpler and more efficient, greatly shortening the time required for replacement operations, improving maintenance efficiency, reducing the downtime of the EMU due to maintenance, and helping to improve the overall operating efficiency and economic benefits of the EMU.
[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the long side 11 and the short side 12 of the L-shaped guide rail support rod 1 are provided with grooves in the middle of both sides, and the guide rail stop 2 is provided in the grooves; the support arm 4 is provided with a matching slider in the contact area with the long side 11, and the angle between the support arm 4 and the long side 11 toward the short side 12 is not greater than 90 degrees.
[0032] The connection between the long side 11 and the short side 12 is rounded, and the included angle between them is less than 90 degrees to enhance the connection strength.
[0033] In an optional embodiment, a locking knob is provided on the outer side of the support arm 4. The locking knob is connected to the support arm 4 via a threaded joint. When tightened, its end passes through the support arm 4 and abuts against the surface of the long side 11, thereby fixing the support arm 4 after it has slid to a set position on the long side 11. Preferably, the locking knob is located at the upper end of the support arm 4.
[0034] Understandably, through the above design, the limiting effect of the guide rail stop 2 improves the stability and positioning accuracy of the device during operation. Secondly, the design of the angle between the long side 11 and the short side 12, and between the long side 11 and the support arm 4, can effectively increase the friction between the long side 11 and the support arm 4 when the hook tongue 3 engages with the pantograph head bracket and the anti-detachment stop 5 abuts against the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket, thus preventing slippage. In addition, the lightweight design is achieved while ensuring structural strength, significantly reducing the overall weight of the device, thereby further reducing the workload of operators and improving adaptability to maintenance environments at heights or in confined spaces, which helps to improve operational convenience and safety.
[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the hook tongue 3 is a plate-shaped structure with a width greater than its height, and its end is provided with a hook portion that bends inward; the anti-detachment stop 5 is a U-shaped slot structure, and its opening direction is towards the hook tongue 3.
[0036] One end of the adjusting screw 6 is a smooth cylinder with a spherical end, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the end.
[0037] The anti-detachment stop 5 is provided with a ball socket structure, the inner diameter of which matches the diameter of the spherical end of the adjusting screw 6, forming a spherical joint connection.
[0038] It is understandable that, through the above design, the special design of the contact area between the hook tongue 3 and the pantograph head bracket and the contact area between the anti-detachment stop 5 and the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket can provide a larger contact area, thereby effectively enhancing the stability of the connection. At the same time, the movable anti-detachment stop 5 can better adapt to the disassembly space requirements of the balance spring, improving the adaptability and assembly flexibility of the device in complex spatial environments.
[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the wrench arm 7 includes a smooth rod body 71 and circular anti-dislodgement sleeves 72 sleeved on the outer sides of both ends of the rod body 71.
[0040] The adjusting screw 6 is connected to the lever arm 7 at one end, which is a smooth cylinder with a connecting through hole that is adapted to the rod body 71.
[0041] Understandably, through the above design, the rod body 71, together with the anti-slip sleeves 72 at both ends, provides a comfortable grip, effectively reducing hand fatigue caused by prolonged operation and preventing it from dislodging from the adjusting screw 6. Secondly, by allowing the rod body 71 to slide flexibly on the adjusting screw 6, the operating angle can be adjusted according to the actual working space, adapting to the assembly needs in narrow environments, thereby ensuring that the adjusting screw 6 is efficiently rotated by the wrench arm 7, improving adjustment efficiency. In addition, the smooth cylindrical design of the connection area between the adjusting screw 6 and the wrench arm 7 can prevent scratches to the operator's hands, reduce the risk of accidental injury, significantly improve operational safety, and at the same time help reduce friction and wear between components, extending the service life of the device.
[0042] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: Slide the support arm 4 until it contacts the guide rail stop 2, rotate the adjusting screw 6 through the lever arm 7 until the anti-detachment stop 5 is close to the support arm 4; connect the pantograph head bracket using the hook tongue 3, adjust the angle of the anti-detachment stop 5 and align it with the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket, then push the support arm 4 until the anti-detachment stop 5 contacts the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket; after the operator firmly grips the connection between the support arm 4 and the long side 11, rotate the lever arm 7 to rotate the adjusting screw 6 towards the carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket to reduce the distance between the hook tongue 3 and the anti-detachment stop 5, thereby bringing the pantograph head bracket closer to the adjacent carbon slide plate mounting arm bracket until the lower balance spring of the pantograph head bracket is in a relaxed state; disassemble and replace the balance spring, operate in the direction and remove the balance spring replacement device to complete the disassembly and assembly operation.
[0043] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0044] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "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 this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0045] In this invention, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, and not to limit it; those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model, and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A pantograph spring replacement device for a motor train unit, characterized by, include: L-shaped guide rail support rod (1), guide rail stop (2), hook tongue (3), support arm rod (4), anti-slip stop (5), adjusting screw (6), wrench arm (7), wherein: The L-shaped guide rail support rod (1) includes a long side (11) and a short side (12). The short side (12) has a hook tongue (3) at its end and extends toward the long side (11). The long side (11) has a guide rail stop (2) on its surface away from the short side (12). The support arm (4) is sleeved on the outside of the long side (11) and slidably connected to the long side (11); The adjusting screw (6) is rotatably connected to the support arm (4) through a threaded hole on the support arm (4). One end of the screw (6) near the short side (12) is movably connected to the anti-disengagement stop (5), and the other end is movably connected to the lever arm (7).
2. The equalizer replacement device according to claim 1, characterized by The long side (11) and short side (12) of the L-shaped guide rail support rod (1) are provided with grooves in the middle of both sides, and the guide rail stop (2) is provided in the grooves.
3. The equalizer replacement device according to claim 2, wherein The contact area between the support arm (4) and the long side (11) is provided with a matching slider, and the angle between the support arm (4) and the long side (11) toward the short side (12) is not greater than 90 degrees.
4. The equalizer replacement device according to claim 3, characterized by The connection between the long side (11) and the short side (12) is provided with a rounded corner, and the included angle between them is less than 90 degrees.
5. The equalizing spring replacement device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The hook tongue (3) is a plate-shaped structure with a width greater than its height, and its end is provided with a hook that bends inward; the anti-detachment stop (5) is a U-shaped groove structure, and its opening direction is towards the hook tongue (3).
6. The balanced spring replacement device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The adjusting screw (6) has a smooth cylinder at one end and a spherical end at the other end, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the end.
7. The equalizer replacement device of claim 6, wherein The anti-detachment stop (5) is provided with a ball socket structure, the inner diameter of which matches the diameter of the spherical end of the adjusting screw (6) to form a spherical pair connection.
8. The balanced spring replacement device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The wrench arm (7) includes a smooth rod body (71) and circular anti-dislodgement sleeves (72) sleeved on the outer sides of both ends of the rod body (71).
9. The equalizer replacement device of claim 8, wherein The adjusting screw (6) is connected to the lever arm (7) at one end, which is a smooth cylinder with a connecting through hole that is adapted to the rod body (71).
10. The equalizing spring replacement device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The support arm (4) is provided with a locking knob on the outside. The locking knob is connected to the support arm (4) through a threaded pair. When tightened, its end passes through the support arm (4) and abuts against the surface of the long side (11).