Secondary locking mechanism for bottom door of railway hopper car

Abstract

A secondary locking mechanism for a bottom door of a railway hopper car, which relates to the technical field of railway hopper cars. The secondary locking mechanism comprises a handle assembly (1), a first pull rod assembly (2), a lever fulcrum assembly (3), a second pull rod assembly (4), a rotating shaft assembly (5), a tension spring seat (6), a tension spring (7), a third pull rod assembly (8), and a locking lever assembly (9), wherein the handle assembly (1) is fixed on two sides of an underframe; the lever fulcrum assembly (3) is fixed below the car; two ends of the first pull rod assembly (2) are respectively movably connected to the handle assembly (1) and the lever fulcrum assembly (3) by means of pin shafts; the second pull rod assembly (4) is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly (5) by means of a pin shaft; the tension spring seat (6) is fixed in the middle of the underframe; the tension spring (7) is sleeved inside the tension spring seat (6) at one end and is connected to the rotating shaft assembly (5) at the other end; and the third pull rod assembly (8) is movably connected to both the rotating shaft assembly (5) and the locking lever assembly (9) by means of pin shafts. The device uses the manually operated secondary locking mechanism, without the need for separately providing ground facilities, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Description

A two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of railway hopper car technology, and more specifically to the field of a two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car. Background Technology

[0002] Existing patents disclose the following bottom door locking devices for railway hopper cars:

[0003] Patent publication number CN104139783A, entitled "A Self-Locking Device for a Hopper Car Bottom Door and a Hopper Car Bottom Door," discloses the following: The self-locking device for the hopper car bottom door includes an anti-rotation mechanism. When the main shaft rotates to the closed position, the anti-rotation mechanism prevents the main shaft of the hopper car bottom door from rotating, thus preventing accidental opening and maintaining a stable closed state. Simultaneously, when it is necessary to open the bottom door, the anti-rotation mechanism does not obstruct the free rotation of the main shaft, allowing the bottom door to open as needed. The hopper car bottom door provided by this invention, due to its self-locking device, also possesses the aforementioned technical effects, making its application safer and more reliable.

[0004] Patent publication number CN103552566A, entitled "Secondary Locking Device for Bottom Door of Hopper Car and Hopper Car," discloses the following: The railway hopper car includes a bottom door and a primary locking device; the secondary locking device includes: a hook component, which is pivotally mounted on the car body outside the bottom door and can pivot along the car body; a first side of the hook component includes a guide portion and a locking portion, the locking portion being adapted to form a locking engagement with the bottom door of the hopper car to apply an upward lifting force to the bottom door; the guide portion being adapted to guide the hook component from a disengaged state to a locked state with the bottom of the hopper car; a spring unit, one end of which is connected to a second side of the hook component, the second side being located on both sides of the pivot, and the other end of the spring unit being connected to other parts of the car body outside the bottom door, for applying force to the hook component. This secondary locking method improves the safety of the hopper car.

[0005] The aforementioned patent and the current methods for locking the bottom doors of railway hopper cars in my country are of two types. One is a single-stage locking method, which mainly uses hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical control equipment to directly act on the bottom door, or indirectly act on the bottom door with the help of ground facilities to achieve the effect of locking the bottom door. The other is a two-stage locking method, which mainly adds a second-stage locking in addition to the single-stage locking. This method often uses ground facilities, employing roller-contact automatic locking of the bottom door, or manually adjusting the locking device at the bottom of the hopper to prevent the bottom door from opening.

[0006] The first method is highly dependent on external equipment. If hydraulic or pneumatic equipment malfunctions, the bottom door cannot be closed. The second method reduces dependence on external equipment, but requires bottom door facilities for the secondary locking mechanism, increasing additional costs. When manual adjustment is used, it is limited by operating space, increasing labor costs.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to study a new type of two-stage locking mechanism that does not rely on external additional facilities, is simple to operate, and has a reliable locking function. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problem that the existing secondary locking mechanism of the bottom door requires external force and has a complex structure. This invention provides a secondary locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] The present invention provides a two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car, comprising a handle assembly, a first pull rod assembly, a lever fulcrum assembly, a second pull rod assembly, a rotating shaft assembly, a tension spring seat, a tension spring, a third pull rod assembly, and a locking lever assembly;

[0011] The handle assembly is fixed to both sides of the base frame, the lever fulcrum assembly is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle, the two ends of the first pull rod assembly are movably connected to the handle assembly and the lever fulcrum assembly respectively via pins, the second pull rod assembly is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly via pins, the tension spring seat is fixed to the middle of the base frame, one end of the tension spring is fitted into the tension spring seat, and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft assembly, and the third pull rod assembly is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly and the locking lever assembly respectively via pins.

[0012] Specifically, when the bottom door is opened, rotating the handle to a certain angle causes the first and second pull rod assemblies to move, which in turn causes the rotating shaft assembly to rotate, which in turn causes the third pull rod assembly to move, and finally causes the locking lever assembly to rotate and disengage from the main shaft locking block. At this time, the secondary locking mechanism is unlocked, and after the bottom door is successfully opened, the handle is returned to its original position to lock the secondary locking mechanism.

[0013] When the bottom door is closed, the secondary locking mechanism must first be unlocked. This is done by rotating the handle to a certain angle. The handle moves the first and second pull rod assemblies, which in turn rotates the rotating shaft assembly, causing the third pull rod assembly to move. Finally, the locking lever assembly rotates and disengages from the main shaft locking block. At this point, the secondary locking mechanism is unlocked, and the bottom door closes smoothly. Then, the handle is returned to its original position to lock the secondary locking mechanism.

[0014] In addition, the spring will generate a certain preload when the door is closed normally to ensure that the locking mechanism is under stress.

[0015] In one embodiment, the handle assembly includes two symmetrically arranged handle units and a handle shaft connecting the two handle units.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the handle units includes a handle, a seat plate, a stiffening plate, a handle shaft, a mounting plate, and a stop block;

[0017] The seat plate is fixedly connected to the rib plate, and both the seat plate and the rib plate are vertically fixed on both sides along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, expanding the operating space and facilitating personnel to operate the mechanism from outside the vehicle. The mounting plate is movably connected to the seat plate by bolts, facilitating subsequent disassembly and maintenance. The two ends of the handle shaft pass through the mounting plates of the two handle units respectively, and the two ends of the handle shaft are fixedly connected to the corresponding handles respectively, facilitating personnel to operate from either side of the vehicle. The stop block is fixed to the mounting plate and serves to limit the movement of the handle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the axis of the handle shaft is orthogonal to the axis of the first pull rod assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first pull rod assembly includes a pull rod and pull rod heads disposed at both ends of the pull rod;

[0020] The pull rod head near the mounting plate is movably connected to the mounting plate. The pull rod head has a threaded hole in the middle for connecting to the pull rod. Both ends of the pull rod have threaded sections that mate with the corresponding threaded holes and are adjustable in length. The length of the threaded sections can be adjusted according to the actual manufacturing situation during installation. The pull rod head has two concentric through holes for easy movable connection with the components on both sides.

[0021] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft assembly includes a plurality of rotating shaft levers, two mounting plates, a rotating shaft, and two tension spring levers;

[0022] Multiple rotating shaft levers are evenly arranged on the rotating shaft, two tension spring levers are arranged in the middle of the rotating shaft, and two mounting plates are respectively fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft and connected to the shaft seat by bolts;

[0023] A pull rod connected to the tension spring is provided between the ends of the two tension spring levers;

[0024] One of the rotating shaft levers located at the end is connected to the second pull rod assembly via a pin;

[0025] The other two rotating shaft levers are connected to the corresponding third tie rod assembly via pins.

[0026] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is provided with elongated holes to reduce installation difficulties caused by manufacturing errors.

[0027] In one embodiment, the locking lever assembly includes a locking lever, a locking shaft, and a lever; the locking lever is fixed to one end of the locking shaft, and the lever is connected to the other end of the locking lever by a fastener.

[0028] In one embodiment, the locking lever contacts the locking block surface of the main shaft to prevent the main shaft from rotating, and the lever is movably connected to the corresponding third pull rod assembly via a pin.

[0029] In one embodiment, the spindle mounting plate is fixed below the base frame, and a certain gap is reserved between the locking lever and the locking block when the bottom door is closed.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. The handles are located on the outside of the vehicle body, making it convenient for personnel to operate from the outside and increasing the operating space. Handles are located on both sides of the vehicle body, allowing operation from either side and reducing the impact on the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0032] 2. It adopts a manual opening and closing two-stage locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate ground facilities and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0033] 3. The components are connected by movable joints, making the installation and maintenance of the mechanism flexible, reducing maintenance difficulty and labor costs.

[0034] 4. The handles are located on the outside of the vehicle body, making it convenient for personnel to operate from the outside and increasing the operating space. Handles are located on both sides of the vehicle body, allowing operation from either side and reducing the impact on the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0035] 5. The manual two-stage locking mechanism eliminates the need for separate ground facilities, reducing manufacturing costs. The movable connections between components allow for flexible installation and maintenance, lowering repair difficulty and labor costs.

[0036] 6. A single two-stage locking mechanism can simultaneously lock two sets of bottom doors, resulting in a compact spatial layout and significantly saving space at the bottom of the hopper car. This two-stage locking mechanism can prevent the bottom doors from accidentally opening during vehicle operation due to vehicle vibration, malfunction of the bottom door control system, or other reasons, thus enhancing safety performance. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, 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 the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly;

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the locking lever assembly;

[0043] Reference numerals: 1-Handle assembly, 2-First pull rod assembly, 3-Lever fulcrum assembly, 4-Second pull rod assembly, 5-Rotating shaft assembly, 6-Tension spring seat, 7-Tension spring, 8-Third pull rod assembly, 9-Locking lever assembly, 10-Locking block, 11-Main shaft;

[0044] 1.1-Handle, 1.2-Seat plate, 1.3-Rib plate, 1.4-Handle shaft, 1.5-Mounting plate, 1.6-Stop block;

[0045] 5.1-Rotating shaft lever, 5.2-Mounting plate, 5.3-Rotating shaft, 5.4-Tension spring lever;

[0046] 9.1-Locking lever, 9.2-Locking shaft, 9.3-Lever. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0048] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0049] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "upper", 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 in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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.

[0051] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances, and therefore they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this embodiment provides a two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car, including a handle assembly 1, a first pull rod assembly 2, a lever fulcrum assembly 3, a second pull rod assembly 4, a rotating shaft assembly 5, a tension spring seat 6, a tension spring 7, a third pull rod assembly 8, and a locking lever assembly 9.

[0054] The handle assembly 1 is fixed to both sides of the base frame, the lever fulcrum assembly 3 is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle, the two ends of the first pull rod assembly 2 are movably connected to the handle assembly 1 and the lever fulcrum assembly 3 respectively via pins, the second pull rod assembly 4 is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly 5 via pins, the tension spring seat 6 is fixed to the middle of the base frame, one end of the tension spring 7 is fitted into the tension spring seat 6, and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft assembly 5, and the third pull rod assembly 8 is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly 5 and the locking lever assembly 9 respectively via pins.

[0055] Specifically, when the bottom door is opened, rotating the handle to a certain angle causes the first and second pull rod assemblies to move, which in turn causes the rotating shaft assembly to rotate, which in turn causes the third pull rod assembly to move, and finally causes the locking lever assembly to rotate and disengage from the main shaft locking block. At this time, the secondary locking mechanism is unlocked, and after the bottom door is successfully opened, the handle is returned to its original position to lock the secondary locking mechanism.

[0056] When the bottom door is closed, the secondary locking mechanism must first be unlocked. This is done by rotating the handle to a certain angle. The handle moves the first and second pull rod assemblies, which in turn rotates the rotating shaft assembly, causing the third pull rod assembly to move. Finally, the locking lever assembly rotates and disengages from the main shaft locking block. At this point, the secondary locking mechanism is unlocked, and the bottom door closes smoothly. Then, the handle is returned to its original position to lock the secondary locking mechanism.

[0057] In addition, the spring will generate a certain preload when the door is closed normally to ensure that the locking mechanism is under stress.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this embodiment provides a two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car, including a handle assembly 1, a first pull rod assembly 2, a lever fulcrum assembly 3, a second pull rod assembly 4, a rotating shaft assembly 5, a tension spring seat 6, a tension spring 7, a third pull rod assembly 8, and a locking lever assembly 9.

[0060] The handle assembly 1 is fixed to both sides of the base frame, the lever fulcrum assembly 3 is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle, the two ends of the first pull rod assembly 2 are movably connected to the handle assembly 1 and the lever fulcrum assembly 3 respectively via pins, the second pull rod assembly 4 is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly 5 via pins, the tension spring seat 6 is fixed to the middle of the base frame, one end of the tension spring 7 is fitted into the tension spring seat 6, and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft assembly 5, and the third pull rod assembly 8 is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly 5 and the locking lever assembly 9 respectively via pins.

[0061] The handle assembly 1 includes two handle units arranged symmetrically and a handle shaft 1.4 connecting the two handle units.

[0062] Each of the aforementioned handle units includes a handle 1.1, a seat plate 1.2, a rib plate 1.3, a handle shaft 1.4, a mounting plate 1.5, and a stop block 1.6;

[0063] The seat plate 1.2 is fixedly connected to the stiffening plate 1.3. Both the seat plate 1.2 and the stiffening plate 1.3 are vertically fixed on both sides along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, expanding the operating space and facilitating operation of the mechanism from outside the vehicle. The mounting plate 1.5 is movably connected to the seat plate 1.2 by bolts, facilitating subsequent disassembly and maintenance. The two ends of the handle shaft 1.4 pass through the mounting plates 1.5 of the two handle units respectively, and the two ends of the handle shaft 1.4 are fixedly connected to the corresponding handle 1.1 respectively, facilitating operation from either side of the vehicle. The stop block 1.6 is fixed on the mounting plate 1.5, which limits the movement of the handle 1.1.

[0064] The axis of the handle shaft 1.4 is orthogonal to the axis of the first pull rod assembly 2.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 2, specifically:

[0067] The first pull rod assembly 2 includes a pull rod and pull rod heads disposed at both ends of the pull rod; the pull rod head near the mounting plate 1.5 is movably connected to the mounting plate 1.5, the pull rod head is provided with a threaded hole in the middle for connecting to the pull rod, and the two ends of the pull rod are provided with threaded sections that cooperate with the corresponding threaded holes and can be adjusted in length. During installation, the length of the threaded sections can be adjusted according to the actual manufacturing situation. The pull rod head is provided with two concentric through holes for easy movable connection with the components on both sides.

[0068] Example 4

[0069] This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 2, specifically:

[0070] The rotating shaft assembly 5 includes multiple rotating shaft levers 5.1, two mounting plates 5.2, a rotating shaft 5.3, and two tension spring levers 5.4;

[0071] Multiple rotating shaft levers 5.1 are evenly arranged on the rotating shaft 5.3, two tension spring levers 5.4 are arranged in the middle of the rotating shaft 5.3, and two mounting plates 5.2 are respectively fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft 5.3 and connected to the shaft seat by bolts;

[0072] A pull rod connected to the tension spring 7 is provided between the ends of the two tension spring levers 5.4;

[0073] One of the rotating shaft levers 5.1 located at the end is connected to the second pull rod assembly 4 via a pin;

[0074] The other two rotating shaft levers 5.1 are connected to the corresponding third pull rod assembly 8 via pins.

[0075] The mounting plate 5.2 is provided with elongated holes to reduce installation difficulties caused by manufacturing errors.

[0076] Example 5

[0077] This embodiment is a further optimization based on embodiment 2, specifically:

[0078] The locking lever assembly 9 includes a locking lever 9.1, a locking shaft 9.2, and a lever 9.3; the locking lever 9.1 is fixed to one end of the locking shaft 9.2, and the lever 9.3 is connected to the other end of the locking lever 9.1 by a fastener.

[0079] The locking lever 9.1 contacts the surface of the locking block 10 of the main shaft 11, preventing the main shaft 11 from rotating. The lever 9.3 is movably connected to the corresponding third pull rod assembly 8 via a pin.

[0080] The spindle mounting plate is fixed below the base frame. When the bottom door is closed, a certain gap is reserved between the locking lever 9.1 and the locking block 10.

Claims

1. A two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car, characterized in that, It includes a handle assembly (1), a first pull rod assembly (2), a lever fulcrum assembly (3), a second pull rod assembly (4), a rotating shaft assembly (5), a tension spring seat (6), a tension spring (7), a third pull rod assembly (8), and a locking lever assembly (9); The handle assembly (1) is fixed to both sides of the base frame, the lever fulcrum assembly (3) is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle, the two ends of the first pull rod assembly (2) are movably connected to the handle assembly (1) and the lever fulcrum assembly (3) respectively by pins, the second pull rod assembly (4) is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly (5) by pins, the tension spring seat (6) is fixed to the middle of the base frame, one end of the tension spring (7) is sleeved in the tension spring seat (6), and the other end is connected to the rotating shaft assembly (5), the third pull rod assembly (8) is movably connected to the rotating shaft assembly (5) and the locking lever assembly (9) respectively by pins.

2. The two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle assembly (1) includes two handle units arranged symmetrically and a handle shaft (1.4) connecting the two handle units.

3. The two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned handle units includes a handle (1.1), a seat plate (1.2), a rib plate (1.3), a handle shaft (1.4), a mounting plate (1.5), and a stop block (1.6); The seat plate (1.2) is fixedly connected to the stiffening plate (1.3). Both the seat plate (1.2) and the stiffening plate (1.3) are vertically fixed on both sides along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The mounting plate (1.5) is movably connected to the seat plate (1.2) by bolts. The two ends of the handle shaft (1.4) pass through the mounting plates (1.5) of the two handle units respectively, and the two ends of the handle shaft (1.4) are fixedly connected to the corresponding handle (1.1) respectively. The stop block (1.6) is fixed on the mounting plate (1.5) and plays a limiting role for the handle (1.1).

4. The two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axis of the handle shaft (1.4) is orthogonal to the axis of the first pull rod assembly (2).

5. The secondary locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pull rod assembly (2) includes a pull rod and pull rod heads disposed at both ends of the pull rod; The pull rod head near the mounting plate (1.5) is movably connected to the mounting plate (1.5). The pull rod head has a threaded hole in the middle that connects to the pull rod. The two ends of the pull rod have threaded sections that mate with the corresponding threaded holes and are adjustable in length.

6. The two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft assembly (5) includes multiple rotating shaft levers (5.1), two mounting plates (5.2), a rotating shaft (5.3), and two tension spring levers (5.4); Multiple rotating shaft levers (5.1) are evenly arranged on the rotating shaft (5.3), two tension spring levers (5.4) are arranged in the middle of the rotating shaft (5.3), and two mounting plates (5.2) are respectively fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft (5.3) and connected to the shaft seat by bolts; A pull rod connected to the tension spring (7) is provided between the ends of the two tension spring levers (5.4); One of the rotating shaft levers (5.1) located at the end is connected to the second pull rod assembly (4) via a pin; The other two rotating shaft levers (5.1) are connected to the corresponding third pull rod assembly (8) by pins.

7. The two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting plate (5.2) is provided with elongated holes to reduce installation difficulties caused by manufacturing errors.

8. The two-stage locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking lever assembly (9) includes a locking lever (9.1), a locking shaft (9.2), and a lever (9.3); the locking lever (9.1) is fixed to one end of the locking shaft (9.2), and the lever (9.3) is connected to the other end of the locking lever (9.1) by a fastener.

9. The secondary locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking lever (9.1) contacts the surface of the locking block (10) of the main shaft (11) to prevent the main shaft (11) from rotating. The lever (9.3) is movably connected to the corresponding third pull rod assembly (8) via a pin.

10. The secondary locking mechanism for the bottom door of a railway hopper car according to claim 9, characterized in that, The spindle mounting plate is fixed below the base frame. When the bottom door is closed, the locking lever (9.1) and the locking block (10) are reserved with a gap.

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