An air spring

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of rail vehicle damping technology, and particularly relates to an air spring. The air spring comprises an upper cover assembly, an air bag, a supporting seat assembly, an electromagnetic valve and a height detector. The electromagnetic valve is installed at an upper air inlet column of the upper cover assembly or a lower air inlet column of the supporting seat assembly. The electromagnetic valve comprises a moving valve rod, which can be controlled to extend into the inner cavity of the upper air inlet column to close the upper air inlet column or extend into the inner cavity of the lower air inlet column to close the lower air inlet column. The height detector is located inside the air bag and fixed to the upper cover plate or the supporting base, and is used for detecting the height of the air spring. The height detector of the air spring detects the height of the air spring in real time. The electromagnetic valve controls the moving valve rod to retract according to the height of the air spring, so that the upper air inlet column or the lower air inlet column is in communication with the outside atmosphere to rapidly exhaust, or the moving valve rod is elongated into the upper air inlet column or the lower air inlet column to be isolated from the outside atmosphere. The air spring is rapidly exhausted by the electromagnetic valve, and the working efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vibration reduction technology for rail vehicles, specifically to an air spring. Background Technology

[0002] The operating conditions of container flatcars differ greatly between empty and heavy loads during transportation. Traditional secondary suspension systems mostly use steel springs with fixed stiffness, resulting in significant differences in vehicle vibration frequency under empty and heavy load conditions. This leads to a high rate of cargo damage, severe wheel and rail wear when traversing curves, and changes in vehicle height with load, affecting overall dynamic performance.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies utilize air springs instead of steel springs. Air springs adjust internal air pressure via a height valve, maintaining a relatively consistent operating height under varying loads, thereby improving vehicle dynamics.

[0004] However, applying traditional air springs directly to container flatcars with significant differences between empty and loaded loads reveals new technical problems: when the vehicle is rapidly unloading at the unloading point (e.g., using a tipper), the load decreases sharply, and the high-pressure gas inside the air spring quickly lifts the vehicle body until it contacts a rigid stop. At this point, if only a traditional height valve is used to vent the gas and lower the vehicle height, the slow venting rate of the height valve means the entire process takes more than 3 minutes, severely impacting on-site operational efficiency and failing to meet the operational requirements of rapid loading and unloading.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an air spring that can quickly respond to changes in altitude and achieve automatic and rapid ventilation to adapt to the extreme working conditions of container flatcars. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention solves at least to some extent the above-mentioned technical problems and provides an air spring.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an air spring, comprising: The upper cover consists of an upper cover plate, with an upper air intake column disposed in the middle of the upper cover plate, the upper air intake column being in communication with the outside atmosphere; Airbag: The first end is connected to the upper cover plate, and its interior is connected to the upper air intake column; The support base consists of a support base connected to the second end of the airbag, and a lower air intake column disposed in the middle of the support base, which communicates with the outside atmosphere and the inside of the airbag. Solenoid valve: installed at the upper air intake column formed by the upper cover, or at the lower air intake column formed by the support base; the solenoid valve includes a movable valve stem, which can be controlled to extend into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column to close the upper air intake column, or extend into the inner cavity of the lower air intake column to close the lower air intake column. Height detector: Located inside the airbag and fixed to the upper cover or the support base, used to detect the height of the air spring.

[0008] The technical solution provided in this application brings at least the following benefits: by integrating the height detector and solenoid valve structure into the air spring, compared with the traditional air spring, a rapid exhaust function is added, eliminating the need for slow exhaust through the height valve, and eliminating the need to reserve separate installation space for the height detector and solenoid valve on the car body and bogie. This solves the core contradiction of the adaptability of the suspension system in the process of high-speed container flatcar trains, and provides key technical support for high-speed freight railways.

[0009] In other embodiments of this application, a control unit is included, which is connected to the solenoid valve and the height detector.

[0010] The technical solution provided in this application offers at least the following advantages: By setting up a control unit, automatic closed-loop control of height detection and solenoid valve operation is achieved. The control unit receives real-time signals from the height detector and sends precise opening or closing commands to the solenoid valve accordingly, requiring no manual intervention, resulting in a high degree of automation and rapid, accurate response.

[0011] In other embodiments of this application, when the solenoid valve is installed in the upper air inlet formed by the upper cover, the upper cover forms a mounting groove facing the upper air inlet column, and a first through hole is provided at the junction of the upper air inlet column and the mounting groove. The moving valve rod passes through the first through hole and extends into the inner cavity of the upper air inlet column. or, When the solenoid valve is installed on the lower air intake column formed by the support base, the support base forms a mounting groove facing the lower air intake column, and a second through hole is provided at the junction of the lower air intake column and the mounting groove. The moving valve rod passes through the second through hole and extends into the inner cavity of the lower air intake column.

[0012] The technical solution provided in this application has at least the following beneficial effects: by setting the mounting groove and through hole, a precise installation and action path is provided for the moving valve stem of the solenoid valve, ensuring that the moving valve stem can accurately extend into the inner cavity of the intake column to achieve sealing, or withdraw from the inner cavity to open the exhaust passage. The structure is simple and reliable.

[0013] In other embodiments of this application, sealing rings are provided in the first through hole and the second through hole, and the moving valve rod extends through the sealing ring into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column or the inner cavity of the lower air intake column.

[0014] The technical solution provided in this application has at least the following beneficial effects: the sealing ring effectively prevents gas from leaking from the gap between the through hole and the moving valve stem during the operation of the moving valve stem, ensuring the sealing performance when the exhaust channel is closed, thereby ensuring that the air spring can maintain a stable internal pressure during normal operation.

[0015] In other embodiments of this application, the solenoid valve includes: Elastic pad: located at the end of the moving valve stem away from the mounting groove.

[0016] The technical solution provided in this application has at least the following beneficial effects: the elastic pad is set at the end of the moving valve stem. When the moving valve stem extends to close the intake column, the elastic pad can provide a soft seal, enhance the sealing effect, reduce impact and wear, and extend the service life of the solenoid valve.

[0017] In other embodiments of this application, the solenoid valve includes: Solenoid valve signal receiving unit: connected to the control unit; Electromagnetic coil: fixed in the mounting slot and connected to the solenoid valve signal receiving unit; The solenoid valve signal receiving unit receives control commands from the control unit and controls the energization or de-energization of the solenoid coil according to the commands, thereby realizing the control of the moving valve stem.

[0018] The technical solution provided in this application offers at least the following advantages: This structure enables the electrically controlled drive of the solenoid valve. By receiving electrical signals from the control unit, it precisely controls the on / off state of the solenoid coil, thereby using electromagnetic force to drive the linear movement of the valve stem, resulting in fast response and precise control.

[0019] In other embodiments of this application, the solenoid valve includes: Valve body: fixed to the mounting groove; Return spring: Located inside the electromagnetic coil, with its first end connected to the valve body and its second end connected to the moving valve stem; When the reset spring extends, the moving valve stem extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column, or into the inner cavity of the lower air intake column.

[0020] The technical solution provided in this application offers at least the following advantages: A return spring provides the driving force for the extension of the moving valve stem; when the solenoid coil is energized, it generates magnetic force to overcome the spring force and attract the moving valve stem back (opening the valve). This normally closed design offers high safety; in the event of a power outage, the solenoid valve automatically closes to prevent accidental venting.

[0021] In other embodiments of this application, the air spring further includes: Height valve: When the solenoid valve is located in the upper air inlet, the height valve is located in the lower air inlet; when the solenoid valve is located in the lower air inlet, the height valve is located in the upper air inlet.

[0022] The technical solution provided in this application offers at least the following benefits: It combines a height valve with a rapid exhaust solenoid valve. The height valve handles routine, precise height adjustment and slow exhaust, while the solenoid valve handles emergency rapid exhaust when the load suddenly decreases. The two work together to ensure control accuracy under normal operating conditions while solving efficiency issues under extreme conditions.

[0023] In other embodiments of this application, the support assembly further includes a rubber stack located inside the support base.

[0024] The technical solution provided in this application brings at least the following beneficial effects: the rubber stack, as an auxiliary elastic element, provides a certain supporting force and elasticity when the air spring is too low or there is no air inside, playing a role of safety redundancy, preventing direct impact from metal parts, and protecting the air spring structure.

[0025] In other embodiments of this application, the support assembly further includes a friction block, which is fixed to the support base and located inside the second end of the airbag.

[0026] The technical solution provided in this application has at least the following beneficial effects: the friction block can limit the excessive lateral movement of the airbag and reduce the wear between the airbag and the support base. Especially when the airbag is repeatedly stretched and deformed during vehicle operation, it can effectively extend the service life of the airbag.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1) It enables the container flatcar to quickly restore its height after unloading, reducing the exhaust time from more than 3 minutes to less than 15 seconds, which greatly improves operational efficiency.

[0028] 2) The height detection and rapid ventilation functions are integrated into the air spring, which has a compact structure and does not require additional installation space on the vehicle body and bogie, making it easy to upgrade existing vehicles.

[0029] 3) It solved the core contradiction of the adaptability of the suspension system in the process of high-speed container flatcar trains, and provided key technical support for freight railways with speeds of 160 km / h and above.

[0030] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution disclosed herein. In order to better understand the technical means of this disclosure and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air spring in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the air spring in the embodiment of this application when it changes from heavy load to no load; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the air spring when it changes from heavy load to no load and the solenoid valve is open according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the air spring during rapid descent according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the air spring when it returns to the standard height according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the state when the air spring returns to the standard height and the solenoid valve is closed according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air spring in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ; In the above figures: 1. Top cover plate; 101. Mounting groove; 2. Airbag; 3. Solenoid valve; 4. Height sensor; 5. Friction block; 6. Support base; 7. Rubber stack; 8. Upper air intake column; 9. Lower air intake column; 10. Moving valve stem; 11. Sealing ring; 12. Elastic pad; 13. Return spring. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0034] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" used in this application embodiment are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. The use of ordinal numbers and other prefixes used to distinguish descriptive objects in this application embodiment does not constitute a limitation on the described objects. The description of the described objects is given in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and should not constitute unnecessary restrictions due to the use of such prefixes. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; the term "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0038] In traditional container flatcars, the secondary suspension system uses steel springs. Due to the limitations of its fixed stiffness characteristics, steel spring suspensions generally suffer from the following problems: 1) The vibration frequency difference between no-load and heavy-load conditions is high. When passing through the uneven area of ​​the track at high speed, the goods are damaged by bumps during transportation (the damage rate of fresh goods is >15%).

[0039] 2) The wear rate of the wheel flange is high when passing through curves, and the wheel-rail wear is many times that of other subway or EMU vehicles.

[0040] 3) The difference between empty and loaded loads is particularly large. As the weight of the cargo increases, the overall vehicle height decreases, resulting in a decrease in overall dynamic performance.

[0041] 4) Insufficient control precision; the mechanical height valve has a large adjustment error and cannot meet the height control requirements of container flatcars.

[0042] If container flatcars directly adopt traditional air springs for their secondary suspension, they will not be suitable for working conditions where there is a significant difference between empty and heavy loads.

[0043] A typical air spring structure consists of a top cover, a rubber air chamber, and auxiliary rubber springs. The air spring is installed between the car body and the bogie, with the lower air intake column connected to the bogie. A height adjustment valve is installed between the car body and the bogie; when the car body load changes, the air spring uses the height valve to adjust the internal air pressure, ensuring that the air spring maintains the same operating height under different loads.

[0044] However, traditional air springs have a load capacity of approximately 135kN / 500KPa under heavy load and approximately 47kN / 150KPa under no load, with a significant difference between no load and heavy load. When a container flatcar is suddenly unloaded, the air springs will instantly lift the car body, causing it to come into contact with a rigid stop. At this point, the air springs take more than 3 minutes to vent through the height valve, making it impossible to quickly vent the air springs and lower the car body to the working height, which seriously delays on-site operation efficiency.

[0045] To address the above issues, this invention provides an air spring that integrates a solenoid valve and a height detector to achieve automatic and rapid ventilation, thereby improving the dynamic performance of the container flatcar and increasing exhaust efficiency.

[0046] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "left," "right," "first," "second," etc., used in this embodiment are for descriptive convenience only and do not constitute a limitation on the specific structure.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, the air spring includes an upper cover assembly, an airbag 2, a support base assembly, a solenoid valve 3, and a height detector 4. The upper cover assembly includes an upper cover plate 1, with an upper air intake column 8 disposed in the middle of the upper cover plate 1. The upper air intake column 8 is connected to the outside atmosphere and is also connected to the vehicle body.

[0048] The first end of the airbag 2 is connected to the upper cover plate 1, and its inner cavity is connected to the upper air intake column 8.

[0049] The support base consists of a support base 6, which is connected to the second end of the airbag 2. A lower air intake column 9 is provided in the middle of the support base 6. The lower air intake column 9 is connected to the outside atmosphere and the inner cavity of the airbag 2, and is also connected to the vehicle steering column.

[0050] Solenoid valve 3 is installed on the upper air intake column 8 formed by the upper cover. Solenoid valve 3 includes a moving valve stem 10, which can be controlled to extend into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column 8 to close the upper air intake column 8.

[0051] The height detector 4 is located inside the airbag 2 and is fixed to the upper cover plate 1 or the support base 6. It is used to detect the height of the air spring.

[0052] Under normal circumstances, the air spring is located at the standard working height, for example, 210±2mm. When the container flatcar enters the station, the tipper unloads the cargo from the car, that is, the container flatcar changes from a heavily loaded state to an empty state. Figure 2 As shown, at this time, due to the high internal pressure, the air spring directly pushes the upper cover assembly and the empty car body to the vehicle body limit position, for example, 310±2mm, which will contact the rigid stop.

[0053] The air spring internal height detector 4 monitors changes in air spring height in real time. When it detects a sudden change in air spring height to the vehicle body limit position, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the solenoid valve 3 controls the valve stem 10 to retract, and the air intake column 8 on the air spring is directly connected to the outside atmosphere to quickly exhaust air. Within 15 seconds, the internal pressure of the air spring changes from heavy load to no load. The state of the air spring during the change process is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the final working height of the air spring is restored to the standard working height, exemplarily 210±2mm. When the air spring is detected by the height detector 4 to be at this standard height, as shown... Figure 6 As shown, the solenoid valve 3 controls the extension of the valve stem, which extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column 8, closing the connection between the inner cavity of the airbag 2 and the outside atmosphere.

[0055] The technical solution of this application, through the cooperation of a solenoid valve and a height detector, allows for rapid exhaust to the atmosphere through the upper air intake column at the instant the vehicle changes from heavy load to empty load, thereby achieving rapid depressurization and height reduction, improving the dynamic performance of container flatcars and increasing on-site operation efficiency.

[0056] In a specific illustrative embodiment, the air spring of this application includes a control unit, which is connected to a solenoid valve 3 and a height detector 4.

[0057] It should be noted that this control unit can be a standalone controller or a functional module of the vehicle's central control system. The control unit is connected to the altitude detector 4 and the solenoid valve 3 via cable or wirelessly.

[0058] The air spring's operating procedure is as follows: The height sensor 4 continuously sends a height signal to the control unit. The control unit has a preset standard operating height range (e.g., 210±2mm) and a trigger exhaust height threshold (e.g., 310mm). When the height sensor 4 detects that the air spring's height exceeds the threshold, the control unit immediately sends an opening command to the solenoid valve 3. Upon receiving the opening command, the solenoid valve 3 controls the valve stem 10 to retract, allowing the inner cavity of the airbag 2 to connect with the outside atmosphere, and the gas inside the airbag 2 is quickly discharged into the atmosphere. When the height sensor 4 detects that the air spring's height has returned to the standard range, it sends a closing command. Upon receiving the closing command, the solenoid valve 3 controls the valve stem 10 to extend, inserting into the upper air intake column 8, thus isolating the inner cavity of the airbag 2 from the outside atmosphere.

[0059] The technical solution provided in this application achieves automatic closed-loop control of height detection and solenoid valve operation by setting up a control unit. The control unit receives real-time signals from the height detector and sends precise opening or closing commands to the solenoid valve accordingly. It requires no manual intervention, has a high degree of automation, and responds quickly and accurately.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific illustrative embodiment, the upper cover plate 1 forms a mounting groove 101 facing the upper air intake column 8. A first through hole is provided at the junction of the upper air intake column 8 and the mounting groove 101. The moving valve rod 10 passes through the first through hole and extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column 8.

[0061] When the height detector 4 detects that the height of the air spring exceeds the trigger exhaust height threshold (e.g., 310mm), the control unit issues an opening command. The solenoid valve 3 controls the moving valve rod 10 to retract according to the opening command. The moving valve rod 10 retracts into the first through hole, making the inner cavity of the airbag 2 connected to the outside atmosphere, quickly expelling the internal gas, and causing the vehicle body to fall rapidly. When the height detector 4 detects that the vehicle body has fallen back to the standard working height (e.g., 210±2mm), the control unit issues a closing command. The solenoid valve 3 controls the moving valve rod 10 to extend according to the closing command, extending through the first through hole into the interior of the upper air intake column 8, isolating the inner cavity of the airbag 2 from the outside atmosphere, thereby maintaining the standard working height.

[0062] The technical solution of this application achieves high integration of the solenoid valve within the air spring through the design of the mounting groove and through hole, resulting in a compact structure and significantly saving the layout space of the air spring.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown in a specific illustrative embodiment, a sealing ring 11 is provided in the first through hole. The sealing ring 11 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the first through hole and in close contact with the moving valve stem 10. The moving valve stem 10 passes through the sealing ring 11 and extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column 8.

[0064] When the air spring is working at the standard working height (e.g., 210±2mm), the moving valve rod passes through the sealing ring 11 and extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column 8, sealing the inner cavity of the airbag 2. At this time, the sealing ring 11, the first through hole, and the moving valve rod 10 form a sealing structure to prevent the gas inside the airbag 2 from leaking out through the first through hole, thereby ensuring that the air spring is stably maintained at the standard working height.

[0065] The technical solution provided in this application effectively prevents gas leakage from the gap between the first through hole and the moving valve stem 10 during the operation of the moving valve stem 10 by setting a sealing ring 11 in the first through hole, thus ensuring the sealing performance when the exhaust channel is closed, thereby ensuring that the air spring can maintain a stable internal pressure during normal operation.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown in a specific illustrative embodiment, the solenoid valve 3 includes an elastic pad 12, which is located at the end of the moving valve stem 10 away from the mounting groove. When the moving valve stem 10 extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column 8, isolating the inner cavity of the airbag 2 from the outside atmosphere, the moving valve stem 10 contacts the inner arm of the upper air intake column 8 through the elastic pad 12, thereby sealing the inner cavity of the airbag 2.

[0067] The technical solution provided in this application provides an elastic pad 12 at the end of the moving valve stem. When the moving valve stem 10 extends out to close the air intake column, the elastic pad 12 can provide a soft seal, enhance the sealing effect, reduce impact and wear, and extend the service life of the solenoid valve.

[0068] In a specific illustrative embodiment, the solenoid valve 3 includes a solenoid valve signal receiving unit and a solenoid coil. The solenoid valve signal receiving unit is connected to the control unit; the solenoid coil is fixed in the mounting slot and connected to the solenoid valve signal receiving unit.

[0069] The solenoid valve signal receiving unit receives control commands from the control unit and controls the solenoid coil to be energized or de-energized according to the commands, thereby controlling the moving valve stem.

[0070] Specifically, when the container flatcar enters the station, the tipper unloads the cargo from the car, changing the container flatcar from a heavily loaded state to an empty state. At this time, due to the high internal pressure, the air spring directly pushes the upper cover assembly and the empty car to the limit position of the car body, making contact with the rigid stop. At this time, the height detector 4 detects that the height of the air spring exceeds the exhaust height threshold, and the control unit issues an opening command. After receiving the opening command from the control unit, the solenoid valve signal receiving unit of the solenoid valve 3 controls the coil to be energized. Under the electromagnetic induction of the coil, the moving valve rod 10 retracts into the first through hole, making the inner cavity of the airbag 2 connected to the outside atmosphere, and the internal gas is quickly discharged, and the car body quickly falls back. When the car body falls back, the height detector 4 detects that the height of the air spring reaches the standard working height (e.g., 210±2mm), and the control unit issues a closing command. According to the closing command, the solenoid valve signal receiving unit of the solenoid valve 3 controls the solenoid coil to be de-energized, and the moving valve rod 10 extends into the interior of the upper air intake column 8, isolating the inner cavity of the airbag 2 from the outside atmosphere, so that the air spring is stabilized at the standard working height.

[0071] The technical solution provided in this application realizes the electronic control drive of the solenoid valve. By receiving the electrical signal from the control unit, it precisely controls the on and off of the solenoid coil, and then uses electromagnetic force to drive the linear movement of the valve stem. It has a fast response speed and precise control.

[0072] In a specific illustrative embodiment, the solenoid valve 3 includes a valve body and a return spring 13. The valve body is fixed to the mounting groove, and the return spring is located inside the solenoid coil. The first end of the return spring is connected to the valve body, and the second end is connected to the moving valve stem 10. When the return spring 13 extends, the moving valve stem 10 extends into the inner cavity of the upper intake column 8.

[0073] Specifically, when the container flatcar enters the station, the tipper unloads the cargo from the flatcar, changing it from a heavily loaded state to an empty state. At this time, due to the high internal pressure, the air spring directly pushes the upper cover assembly and the empty car body to the limit position, contacting the rigid stop. At this point, the height detector 4 detects that the height of the air spring exceeds the exhaust height threshold, and the control unit issues an opening command. After receiving the opening command from the control unit, the solenoid valve signal receiving unit of the solenoid valve 3 energizes the control coil. Under the electromagnetic induction of the coil, the moving valve rod 10 retracts into the first through hole. The compression return spring 12 connects the inner cavity of the airbag 2 with the outside atmosphere, allowing the internal gas to be quickly expelled and the vehicle body to fall rapidly. During the fall, when the height detector 4 detects that the air spring height has reached the standard working height (e.g., 210±2mm), the control unit issues a shut-off command. The solenoid valve 3 receives the solenoid valve signal and, according to the shut-off command, controls the solenoid coil to be de-energized. Under the restoring force of the return spring 13, the moving valve rod 10 extends into the interior of the upper air intake column 8, isolating the inner cavity of the airbag 2 from the outside atmosphere, thus stabilizing the air spring at the standard working height.

[0074] The technical solution provided in this application uses a return spring to provide the driving force for the extension of the moving valve stem. When the solenoid coil is energized, it generates a magnetic force that overcomes the spring force and attracts the moving valve stem to retract (open the valve). This "normally closed" design has high safety; in the event of a power failure, the solenoid valve will automatically close to prevent accidental venting.

[0075] In a specific illustrative embodiment, the air spring also includes a height valve, which is disposed in the lower air intake column 9. On the one hand, the height valve is responsible for fine-tuning the height during normal vehicle operation due to slow air leakage or slight load changes. Its adjustment accuracy is high but the speed is slow. On the other hand, while the solenoid valve 3 is rapidly venting air, the height valve is slowly venting air through the lower air intake column 9. When the solenoid valve 3 is closed, the height valve closes the connection between the lower air intake column 9 and the outside atmosphere. In conjunction with the rapid venting of the solenoid valve 3, the venting efficiency is further improved, and the on-site operation capability is enhanced.

[0076] The technical solution provided in this application combines a height valve with a rapid exhaust solenoid valve. The height valve is responsible for regular, precise height adjustment and slow exhaust, while the solenoid valve is responsible for emergency rapid exhaust when the load suddenly decreases. The two work together to ensure control accuracy under normal operating conditions while solving efficiency problems under extreme operating conditions.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific illustrative embodiment, the support assembly further includes a rubber stack 7 located inside the support base 6.

[0078] The technical solution provided in this application uses a rubber stack as an auxiliary elastic element to provide a certain amount of support and elasticity when the air spring is too low or there is no air inside, thus playing a role in safety redundancy, preventing direct impact from metal parts, and protecting the air spring structure.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific illustrative embodiment, the support assembly further includes a friction block 5, which is fixed to the support base 6 and located inside the second end of the airbag 2.

[0080] The friction block 5 provided in this application restricts the lateral movement of the airbag 2, preventing the airbag 2 from deforming due to rapid gas changes during the deflation and inflation process. On the other hand, as a wear-resistant component, it reduces the direct friction between the airbag 2 and the support base during repeated deformation, significantly extending the service life of the airbag 2 and reducing maintenance costs.

[0081] like Figure 7As shown in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the air spring includes an upper cover assembly, an airbag 2, a support assembly, a solenoid valve 3, and a height sensor 4. The support assembly includes a support base 6, which is connected to the second end of the airbag 2. A lower air intake column 9 is disposed in the middle of the support base 6, which communicates with the outside atmosphere and the interior of the airbag 2, and is connected to the vehicle steering column.

[0082] The upper cover assembly includes an upper cover plate 1, the first end of the airbag 2 is connected to the upper cover plate 1, and the inner cavity of the airbag 2 is connected to the upper air intake column 8.

[0083] The solenoid valve 3 is installed on the lower intake column 9 of the support 6. The solenoid valve 3 includes a movable valve stem 10, which can be controlled to extend into the inner cavity of the lower intake column 9 to close the lower intake column 9.

[0084] The height detector 4 is located inside the airbag 2 and fixed to the upper cover plate 1, and is used to detect the height of the air spring.

[0085] Under normal circumstances, the air spring is located at the standard working height, for example, 210±2mm. When the container flatcar enters the station, the tipper unloads the cargo from the car, that is, the container flatcar changes from a heavily loaded state to an empty state. At this time, due to the high pressure inside, the air spring directly pushes the top cover and the empty car to the limit position of the car body, for example, 310±2mm, and will contact the rigid stop.

[0086] The air spring internal height detector 4 monitors the change in air spring height in real time. When it detects that the air spring height changes instantaneously to the vehicle body limit position, the solenoid valve 3 controls the valve rod 10 to retract, and the lower air intake column 9 of the air spring directly connects to the outside atmosphere to quickly exhaust air, completing the change of air spring internal pressure from heavy load to no load within 15 seconds.

[0087] Finally, the working height of the air spring is restored to the standard working height, which is 210±2mm. When the air spring is detected to be at this standard height by the height detector 4, the solenoid valve 3 controls the valve rod to extend and enter the inner cavity of the lower air intake column 9, closing the communication between the inner cavity of the airbag 2 and the outside atmosphere.

[0088] The technical solution of this application, through the cooperation of a solenoid valve and a height detector, allows for rapid exhaust to the atmosphere through a direct passage of the lower air intake column at the instant the vehicle changes from heavy load to empty load, thereby achieving rapid depressurization and height reduction, improving the dynamic performance of container flatcars and increasing on-site operation efficiency.

[0089] In a specific illustrative embodiment, the air spring also includes a height valve, which is disposed in the upper air intake column 8. On the one hand, the height valve is responsible for fine-tuning the height during normal vehicle operation due to slow air leakage or slight load changes. Its adjustment accuracy is high but the speed is slow. On the other hand, while the solenoid valve 3 is rapidly venting air, the height valve is slowly venting air through the upper air intake column 8. When the solenoid valve 3 is closed, the height valve closes the connection between the upper air intake column 8 and the outside atmosphere. In conjunction with the rapid venting of the solenoid valve 3, the venting efficiency is further improved, and the on-site operation capability is enhanced.

[0090] The technical solution provided in this application combines a height valve with a rapid exhaust solenoid valve. The height valve is responsible for regular, precise height adjustment and slow exhaust, while the solenoid valve is responsible for emergency rapid exhaust when the load suddenly decreases. The two work together to ensure control accuracy under normal operating conditions while solving efficiency problems under extreme operating conditions.

[0091] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this application or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of this application, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in this application.

Claims

1. An air spring, characterized in that, include: The upper cover consists of an upper cover plate, with an upper air intake column disposed in the middle of the upper cover plate, the upper air intake column being in communication with the outside atmosphere; Airbag: The first end is connected to the upper cover plate, and its interior is connected to the upper air intake column; The support base consists of a support base connected to the second end of the airbag, and a lower air intake column disposed in the middle of the support base, which communicates with the outside atmosphere and the inside of the airbag. Solenoid valve: installed at the upper air intake column formed by the upper cover, or at the lower air intake column formed by the support base; the solenoid valve includes a movable valve stem, which can be controlled to extend into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column to close the upper air intake column, or extend into the inner cavity of the lower air intake column to close the lower air intake column. Height detector: Located inside the airbag and fixed to the upper cover or the support base, used to detect the height of the air spring.

2. The air spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a control unit, which is connected to the solenoid valve and the height detector.

3. The air spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the solenoid valve is installed in the upper air inlet formed by the upper cover, the upper cover forms a mounting groove facing the upper air inlet column. A first through hole is provided at the junction of the upper air inlet column and the mounting groove. The moving valve rod passes through the first through hole and extends into the inner cavity of the upper air inlet column. or, When the solenoid valve is installed on the lower air intake column formed by the support base, the support base forms a mounting groove facing the lower air intake column, and a second through hole is provided at the junction of the lower air intake column and the mounting groove. The moving valve rod passes through the second through hole and extends into the inner cavity of the lower air intake column.

4. The air spring according to claim 3, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided in the first through hole and the second through hole, and the moving valve rod extends through the sealing ring into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column or the inner cavity of the lower air intake column.

5. The air spring according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solenoid valve includes: Elastic pad: located at the end of the moving valve stem away from the mounting groove.

6. The air spring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The solenoid valve includes: Solenoid valve signal receiving unit: connected to the control unit; Electromagnetic coil: fixed in the mounting slot and connected to the solenoid valve signal receiving unit; The solenoid valve signal receiving unit receives control commands from the control unit and controls the energization or de-energization of the solenoid coil according to the commands, thereby realizing the control of the moving valve stem.

7. The air spring according to claim 6, characterized in that, The solenoid valve includes: Valve body: fixed to the mounting groove; Return spring: Located inside the electromagnetic coil, with its first end connected to the valve body and its second end connected to the moving valve stem; When the reset spring extends, the moving valve stem extends into the inner cavity of the upper air intake column, or into the inner cavity of the lower air intake column.

8. The air spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Height valve: When the solenoid valve is located in the upper air inlet, the height valve is located in the lower air inlet; when the solenoid valve is located in the lower air inlet, the height valve is located in the upper air inlet.

9. The air spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly also includes a rubber stack located inside the support base.

10. The air spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly further includes a friction block, which is fixed to the support base and located inside the second end of the airbag.

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