A coupler structure suitable for small curve coupling and a vehicle

Abstract

This utility model provides a coupler structure and vehicle suitable for coupling on small curves. The coupler structure includes a centering component, an adjusting component, and a coupler assembly. The coupler assembly is connected to the front end of the vehicle through the centering component. The adjusting component includes a main body and a connecting rod. The connecting rod is telescopically mounted on the main body, and the main body is rotatably mounted on the front end of the vehicle. The centering component includes a centering bracket, and the end of the connecting rod is connected to the centering bracket. This coupler structure for coupling on small curves allows the coupler assembly to be movably installed on the front end of the vehicle. Coupling on curves is completed by the adjustment component instead of manual assistance and judgment, saving time and labor costs, ensuring coupling accuracy and efficiency, and avoiding safety hazards caused by manual operation. This coupler structure for coupling on small curves has a simple overall structure, is easy to assemble, improves vehicle operating efficiency, and enhances the vehicle's integration level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle connector technology, and in particular to a coupler structure and vehicle suitable for coupling on small curves. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of rail transit construction, rail transit vehicles such as subways and suburban trains are increasingly moving towards intelligence, greening, and automation, and driverless vehicles have now become the mainstream choice for rail transit.

[0003] However, while fully automated driverless vehicles have achieved driverless operation, the problem of automatic coupling on curves remains unsolved. Currently, curve coupling still requires human assistance or supervision, with manual operation and command to complete the coupling. This poses safety hazards and risks to the commanding and operating personnel, and also introduces deviations in coupling accuracy. Whether a coupling can be completed depends entirely on experience. Therefore, current manual-assisted coupling presents significant safety risks for both personnel and operators. Furthermore, existing urban rail vehicles and some subway vehicles are primarily configured as fully automated driverless vehicles. For curves with relatively large fixed distances, the minimum radius for automatic coupling is generally no less than 300 meters for circular curves. For circular curves or S-curves shorter than 300 meters, the vehicles cannot be coupled.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a coupler structure and vehicle suitable for coupling on small curves, which effectively solves the problem that unmanned vehicles cannot be coupled on small curves, requiring human assistance or on-duty command and operation, resulting in safety hazards.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves is provided for a vehicle. The coupler structure includes a centering component, an adjusting component, and a coupler assembly. The coupler assembly is connected to the front end of the vehicle via the centering component. The adjusting component includes a main body and a connecting rod. The connecting rod is telescopically disposed on the main body, and the main body is rotatably disposed on the front end of the vehicle. The centering component includes a centering bracket, and the end of the connecting rod is connected to the centering bracket.

[0007] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member, both of which include the main body and the connecting rod, and are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the centering bracket.

[0008] Preferably, the centering assembly is rotatably connected to the front end of the vehicle; when the two vehicles are coupled on a small curve, the adjustment assemblies of the two vehicles move to rotate the centering assembly until the coupler assemblies of the two vehicles face each other.

[0009] Preferably, the centering bracket is positioned close to the front end of the vehicle, and connecting holes are provided at both ends of the centering bracket. The connecting rod portion of the first adjusting member and the connecting rod portion of the second adjusting member are respectively connected to the connecting holes at both ends of the centering bracket.

[0010] Preferably, both the centering component and the adjustment component are formed as symmetrical structures.

[0011] Preferably, the centering assembly includes a connecting portion, a first end of which is connected to the coupler assembly, the first end of which extends out of the front end of the vehicle, and a second end of which is rotatably connected to the mounting base of the vehicle.

[0012] Preferably, a pivot is provided between the second end of the connecting portion and the mounting base.

[0013] Preferably, the coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves further includes an actuation component, which includes a control unit and a radar component connected to each other, with the radar component positioned close to the coupler assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit is connected to the main body and the connecting rod.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle includes a coupler structure as described above suitable for coupling on narrow curves.

[0016] According to this utility model, a coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves allows the coupler assembly to be movably mounted on the front end of the vehicle through the cooperation of the centering component, the adjusting component, and the coupler assembly. The cooperation of the adjusting component and the centering component enables two vehicles to be coupled on small curves. The adjustment component's movement replaces manual assistance and judgment in curve coupling, saving time and labor costs, ensuring coupling accuracy and efficiency, and avoiding safety hazards associated with manual operation. This coupler structure for coupling on small curves has a simple overall structure, is easy to assemble, improves vehicle operating efficiency, and enhances the vehicle's integration level.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates another structural schematic of a coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This illustrates the first step of docking two vehicles in a tight curve coupling situation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This illustrates the second step of docking two vehicles in a tight curve coupling situation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 The third step of docking two vehicles in a tight curve coupling situation is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Reference numerals: 1-alignment assembly; 101-alignment bracket; 102-connection hole; 103-connection part; 104-rotating shaft; 201-first adjusting part; 202-second adjusting part; 203-main body; 204-connecting rod; 3-coupler assembly; 401-control unit; 402-radar component; 5-mounting base. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] According to a first aspect of this utility model, a coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves is provided, such as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves is used in driverless vehicles such as subways or urban rail vehicles. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves includes a centering component 1, an adjustment component, and a coupler component 3.

[0030] In the following description, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 5 This section describes the detailed structure of the centering assembly 1, the adjustment assembly, and the coupler assembly 3, which are applicable to couplers on small curves.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the coupler assembly 3 is located at the end of the subway or urban rail vehicle to be coupled, i.e., the front end of the vehicle. The coupler assembly 3 can be a common coupler in the prior art, and its structure and specific connection method are known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here. The coupler assembly 3 is installed at the front end of the vehicle through the centering assembly 1. The centering assembly 1 can drive the coupler assembly 3 to change position, so that the coupler assembly 3 of one vehicle can be coupled to the coupler assembly 3 of another vehicle. The position change of the centering assembly 1 is achieved by adjusting the assembly.

[0032] Specifically, the adjustment assembly may include a main body 203 and a connecting rod 204. The connecting rod 204 is telescopically disposed on the main body 203. The main body 203 and the connecting rod 204 may be formed into a structure similar to a telescopic cylinder. One end of the telescopic cylinder is fixed to the front end of the vehicle, that is, the main body 203 is rotatably disposed on the front end of the vehicle. The rotatability can be achieved by opening through holes at the connection point at the front end of the vehicle and the end of the main body 203, and connecting the two with a rotating shaft, so that the main body 203 is rotatably disposed on the front end of the vehicle. In this way, one end of the structure similar to a telescopic cylinder can be connected to the front end of the vehicle, and the other end can be connected to the centering assembly 1. When small curve coupling is required, the relative position between the main body 203 and the connecting rod 204 is adjusted, that is, the telescopic amount of the connecting rod 204 relative to the main body 203 is adjusted, so as to control the swing angle of the centering assembly 1, thereby making the angles of the centering assemblies 1 of the two vehicles correspond, so that the coupler assemblies 3 of the two vehicles can be coupled.

[0033] Furthermore, the centering assembly 1 may include a centering bracket 101, with the end of the connecting rod 204 connected to the centering bracket 101. To achieve precise control, the centering assembly 1 is provided with a centering bracket 101 for connection and fixation. Adjusting the assembly drives the centering bracket 101 to change position, thereby allowing the coupler assembly 3 to adjust its angle.

[0034] This coupler structure, suitable for coupling on small curves, utilizes the coordination of the centering component 1, the adjusting component, and the coupler component 3. The coupler component 3 is movably mounted at the front of the vehicle. Through the coordination of the adjusting component and the centering component 1, two vehicles to be coupled can be coupled on small curves. The adjustment component's movement replaces manual assistance and judgment in curve coupling, saving time and labor costs. It ensures coupling accuracy and efficiency while avoiding safety hazards associated with manual operation. This coupler structure for coupling on small curves has a simple overall structure, is easy to assemble, improves vehicle operating efficiency, and enhances the vehicle's integration level.

[0035] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the adjustment assembly may include a first adjustment member 201 and a second adjustment member 202. Both the first adjustment member 201 and the second adjustment member 202 include a main body portion 203 and a connecting rod portion 204. The first adjustment member 201 and the second adjustment member 202 are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the centering bracket 101. In order to further achieve precise control and avoid the coupler assembly 3 from shifting during coupling, the adjustment assembly may include two adjustment members, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the centering bracket 101.

[0036] Preferably, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the centering assembly 1 is rotatably connected to the front end of the vehicle. When the two vehicles are coupled on a small curve, the adjustment assemblies of the two vehicles move to rotate the centering assembly 1 until the coupler assemblies 3 of the two vehicles face each other. Figure 3 The first step in preparing two vehicles for coupling on tight curves. Figure 4 The first adjusting member 201 and the second adjusting member 202 cause the coupler assembly 3 to change position. The change is achieved by extending the connecting rod portion 204 of the first adjusting member 201 longer, while extending the connecting rod portion 204 of the second adjusting member 202 shorter, causing the coupler assembly 3 to swing at an angle. The coupler assemblies 3 of both vehicles undergo this position change simultaneously. Figure 5 The coupler assembly 3 of the two vehicles is now in the connected state.

[0037] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the centering bracket 101 is positioned close to the front end of the vehicle. Connecting holes 102 are provided at both ends of the centering bracket 101. The connecting rod portion 204 of the first adjusting member 201 and the connecting rod portion 204 of the second adjusting member 202 are respectively connected to the connecting holes 102 at both ends of the centering bracket 101. Thus, the connection between the connecting rod portion 204 and the centering bracket 101 can also rotate, allowing the adjusting components to further assist the centering component 1 in position adjustment.

[0038] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the centering component 1 may further include a connecting portion 103. The first end of the connecting portion 103 is connected to the coupler assembly 3, and the first end of the connecting portion 103 extends beyond the front end of the vehicle. The second end of the connecting portion 103 is rotatably connected to the mounting seat 5 of the vehicle. The mounting seat 5 can be a component for mounting the centering component 1 and the coupler assembly 3, and can be mounted on the front end of the vehicle. To facilitate docking of the coupler assembly 3, the first end of the connecting portion 103 extends beyond the front end of the vehicle, so that the coupler assembly 3 connected to the first end of the connecting portion 103 is also located outside the front end of the vehicle. The connecting portion 103 can be formed as a vertical, approximately cuboid structure. The axis of the centering bracket 101 is perpendicular to the axis of the connecting portion 103, thus allowing both ends of the centering bracket 101 to extend out of the connecting portion 103 and connect to the first adjusting member 201 and the second adjusting member 202.

[0039] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, a pivot 104 is provided between the second end of the connecting part 103 and the mounting base 5, and the connecting part 103 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base 5 via the pivot 104. Specifically, a mounting hole is provided at the end of the mounting base 5 facing the coupler assembly 3, and the connecting part 103 also has a mounting hole. These two mounting holes are used for the pivot 104 to pass through.

[0040] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, both the centering component 1 and the adjustment component are formed as symmetrical structures. The symmetrical structure facilitates precise adjustment.

[0041] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment, the coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves also includes an action component. The action component may include a control unit 401 and a radar component 402 connected to each other. The radar component 402 is positioned close to the coupler assembly 3. The radar component 402 can detect the current state of the ends of the two vehicles and immediately feed this state back to the control unit 401. The control unit 401 can determine whether the two vehicles are coupled based on the signal transmitted by the radar component 402. The radar component 402 can be a radar from the prior art; its structure and connection method will not be described in detail here, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0042] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the control unit 401 is connected to the main body 203 and the connecting rod 204. Specifically, the control unit 401 can be simultaneously connected to the main body 203 and the connecting rod 204 of both adjusting members, thus enabling the control unit 401 to simultaneously control the extension, retraction, and rotation of the two adjusting members, thereby better controlling the position adjustment of the centering assembly 1. The control unit 401 can be a PLC control system, control cabinet, etc., as described in the prior art; its structure and connection method will not be elaborated here, as those skilled in the art will understand them.

[0043] The assembly and use process of this coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves is as follows: See Figures 3 to 5The radar component 402 can be installed on the coupler assembly 3 or the vehicle body. The first adjusting component 201 and the second adjusting component 202 can be, for example, telescopic cylinders. One end of the telescopic cylinder is installed on the centering bracket 101, and the other end is installed on the mounting base 5. The telescopic cylinder can make the coupler assembly 3 rotate around the rotating shaft 104 by filling it with different amounts of air. In addition, since the control unit 401 is connected to the first adjusting component 201 and the second adjusting component 202, the control unit 401 can lock the air circuit. After the air circuit is locked, the telescopic cylinder becomes a gas spring, thereby providing a certain compression force, so that the coupler assembly 3 can still swing within a small range after locking, preventing the small range of swing generated when the coupler assembly 3 is coupled from damaging the centering control system. During coupling, radar component 402 detects the calibrated position of the curve, causing the vehicle to automatically stop upon reaching the corresponding position. Control unit 401, based on the data returned and calculated by radar component 402, drives the left and right telescopic cylinders to inflate, causing the coupler assembly 3 to swing around the pivot 104 at a speed of 0.5° until it swings within the range sufficient for coupler coupling (vertical: ±90mm, lateral: ±170mm). Then, control unit 401 locks the internal air source of the telescopic cylinders, locking the air inside and turning the telescopic cylinders into gas springs. The vehicle begins to move slowly at a speed of 0.8–2 km / h, preparing for coupling. After coupling, the vehicle undergoes a re-inspection to determine if the coupler coupling is intact (whether the internal trains are interconnected, whether the coupler is locked, and a reverse pull test). Once coupling is confirmed, control unit 401 releases the lock, the telescopic cylinders return to their free state, and the vehicle slowly starts moving away from the curve, completing the coupling.

[0044] This coupler structure, suitable for coupling on tight curves, utilizes a centering component, an adjusting component, and a coupler assembly to allow the coupler assembly to be movably mounted at the front of the vehicle. The adjustment and centering components work together to enable coupling of two vehicles on tight curves. The adjusting component's movement replaces manual assistance and judgment in curve coupling, saving time and labor costs, ensuring coupling accuracy and efficiency, and avoiding safety hazards associated with manual operation. This coupler structure for tight curve coupling is simple in overall design, easy to assemble, and improves vehicle operating efficiency and integration levels.

[0045] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of this utility model, a vehicle is provided, which includes the above-described coupler structure suitable for coupling on narrow curves. During use, this vehicle, through the above-described coupler structure suitable for coupling on narrow curves, can achieve accurate coupling without human assistance, thereby improving the vehicle's operational efficiency while ensuring the health and safety of operators.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the technical scope disclosed in this application. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A coupler structure suitable for coupling on narrow curves, used in vehicles, characterized in that, The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves includes a centering component, an adjusting component, and a coupler assembly. The coupler assembly is connected to the front end of the vehicle through the centering component. The adjusting component includes a main body and a connecting rod. The connecting rod is telescopically disposed on the main body, and the main body is rotatably disposed on the front end of the vehicle. The centering component includes a centering bracket, and the end of the connecting rod is connected to the centering bracket.

2. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member. Both the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member include the main body and the connecting rod. The first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the centering bracket.

3. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering component is rotatably connected to the front end of the vehicle; When the two vehicles are coupled on a small curve, the adjustment components of the two vehicles move to rotate the centering component until the coupler components of the two vehicles face each other.

4. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The centering bracket is positioned close to the front end of the vehicle, and connecting holes are provided at both ends of the centering bracket. The connecting rod portion of the first adjusting member and the connecting rod portion of the second adjusting member are respectively connected to the connecting holes at both ends of the centering bracket.

5. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the centering component and the adjustment component are formed into a symmetrical structure.

6. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering assembly includes a connecting portion, a first end of which is connected to the coupler assembly and extends out of the front end of the vehicle, and a second end of which is rotatably connected to the vehicle's mounting base.

7. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 6, characterized in that, A pivot is provided between the second end of the connecting part and the mounting base.

8. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 7, characterized in that, The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves also includes an action component, which includes a control unit and a radar component connected to each other, with the radar component positioned close to the coupler assembly.

9. The coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control unit is connected to the main body and the connecting rod.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the coupler structure suitable for coupling on small curves as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images