Patent Description:
The suspended monorail system is a kind of in-air rail transportation system. It has the advantages of good compatibility, high safety, high integration, low cost, flexible lines, environment friendly and low noise, etc. It meets the needs of modern urban rail transportation and is widely used in new type urban rail construction of China.

At present, domestic suspended monorail traffic turnouts are mainly simple turnout. There are two types of multi-way turnout disclosed in practical applications, respectively translational beam replacement type and segmental type. The translational beam replacement type turnout completes line conversion between a straight traveling state and a curve traveling state by parallel movement of a branch rail beam and a curved rail beam. The segmental type turnout consists of a fixed beam, a driving beam and a driven beam, which makes the vehicle travel on a gently folding line approximate to an arc curve by mechanically driving the driving beam and the driven beam to be switched integrally using an electric motor mounted on the driving beam.

In the suspended rail transit system, the translational beam replacement type multi-way turnout has cumbersome structure, requires high strength of pier column and related mechanisms, and has disadvantages such as requiring high switching power, long switching time, poor in economy. When the segmental type turnout is switched, the turnout beam is a multi-section broken-line beam, and there are many pier column foundations; at the same time, there are high requirement for the precision of the electric motor, and the reliability is poor.

Therefore, the existing technology needs to be improved.

In CN <NUM> A a rail beam turnout mechanism for rail transit is disclosed, wherein the rail beam turnout mechanism for rail transit includes a fixed beam paved with a first traveling rail and at least two bifurcated beams paved with a second traveling rail, one end of the bifurcated beam is a positioning end. It further includes a swing beam provided between the fixed beam and the bifurcated beam and a plurality of limit devices, which are provided on the fixed beam and/or the swing beam. Furthermore, one end of the swing beam is a hinged end and the other end is a swinging end, wherein the swinging end swings around a hinge point, which is provided near the hinged end of the beam. Additionally, a limiting device is used to limit the movement of the beam at the turning point in the Y direction. This can be disadvantageous due to the still necessary bending of the swing beam as shown in the figures. Additionally, the swing angle should be limited to prevent deformation and failure at the turning point.

<CIT> discloses a track changing system, which comprises a main track, a sub-track, a transfer track and an orbiting power device. The sub-track is located on one side of the main track and the two have an angle on a horizontal plane. If the orbit is changed, the transit track connects the main track and the sub-track, while the orbital power device drives the transfer track to connect the main track and the sub-track. Furthermore, the orbital power device drives the transfer track back to reset after the rail transit vehicle safely enters the sub-track. To support the rail transition the transit track, which is aligned with the main track can be reoriented using a drive rod and a compensation track. These are preferably placed inside the main track at a transition point. The placement of the transition track can prove to be disadvantageous since it might interfere with the vehicle inside the rails. Especially, if the compensation track is not completely resettable to the side.

<CIT> discloses a pivot type ballast structure and a ballast turn method, wherein the pivot type ballast structure includes a ballast beam, a support member, a driving device and a locking device. The tail end of the ballast beam is rotatably connected to the base plate by a single surface, i.e. a rotating component, whereas the middle portion of the ballast beam is connected to the driving device, which is configured to release a force for driving the rotation of the single surface of the ballast beam. Furthermore, the locking device is configured to lock the ballast beam and the rail at the front end of the ballast beam. It is further disclosed that the support assembly is located below the ballast beam, whereas the upper portion is fixedly coupled to the ballast beam and the lower portion is provided with a scroll wheel. This can be disadvantageous during use since a rotation of the ballast beam can lead to gaps if a perfect alignment between the ballast beam and the further rails cannot be guaranteed, which can prove difficult especially due to i.e. thermal expansion or deformation of the ballast beam.

In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a rail transit turnout system to solve the problem that the translational beam replacement type multi-way turnout in the suspended rail transit system has cumbersome structure, requires high strength of pier column and related mechanisms, and has disadvantages such as requiring high switching power, long switching time, poor in economy and the problem that the turnout beam is a multi-section broken-line beam when the segmental type turnout is switched, and there are many pier column foundations; at the same time, there are high requirement for the precision of the electric motor, and the reliability is poor.

The rail transit turnout system according to the present disclosure is charactered by comprising: a base rail beam fixedly supported by a plurality of base pier columns arranged at intervals; a turnout beam having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the first end of the turnout beam is provided on a first transition pier column and is rotatably connected to the first transition pier column through a center pin, the center pin is arranged vertically, and the second end of the turnout beam is provided on a second transition pier column and is capable of traveling on the second transition pier column; and branch rail beams, wherein there are at least two branch rail beams, the branch rail beams are fixedly supported by a plurality of branch pier columns arranged at intervals, each of the branch rail beams has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the turnout beam is arranged between the base rail beam and the branch rail beams, the first end of the turnout beam docks with an end of the base rail beam facing the turnout beam, the second end of the turnout beam operatively selects to dock with a first end of one branch rail beam among the branch rail beams, and the second end of each branch rail beam extends in a direction away from the turnout beam, wherein the first transition pier column is provided with two compensation assemblies, the two compensation assemblies are oppositely disposed on two sides of the turnout beam, and each compensation assembly includes at least one compensation device, the compensation device has an output part, and the output part of the compensation device is operatively inserted into a gap between the first end of the turnout beam and the end of the base rail beam facing the turnout beam.

In some embodiments, the compensation device includes a compensation beam, wherein the compensation beam is the output part of the compensation device, and the compensation beam is operatively movable in a direction perpendicular to the base rail beam.

In some embodiments, the first transition pier column includes two opposite support columns, and an inner side of the support column is provided with a support seat corresponding to the compensation device; the compensation device includes a fixed seat and a driving unit, the fixed seat is fixedly disposed on the corresponding support seat, and a fixed end of the driving unit is fixedly disposed on the fixed seat, an output end of the driving unit is capable of telescopically moving back and forth along a horizontal direction, and the output end of the driving unit is fixedly connected with the compensation beam.

In some embodiments, the support seat is provided with a guide rail; and the bottom of the compensation beam is provided with a roller wheel, and the roller wheel is rollablely disposed on the guide rail.

In some embodiments, an inner side of the support column is provided with a guiding plate corresponding to the compensation device, and the bottom of the guiding plate is provided with a slide channel, and the top of the compensation beam is slidably disposed in the slide channel of the corresponding guiding plate.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a locking device, each compensation device is correspondingly configured with one locking device, and the locking device includes: a positioning seat fixedly disposed on the corresponding compensation beam and provided with a locking hole; a telescopic mechanism fixedly disposed on the first transition pier column; and a positioning pin, wherein the positioning pin has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end of the positioning pin is fixedly connected to an output end of the telescopic mechanism, and the second end of the positioning pin is operatively inserted into the locking hole on the positioning seat.

In some embodiments, the second end of the turnout beam travels on the second transition pier column using a traveling mechanism, and the traveling mechanism includes: a traveling track, wherein the traveling track is arc-shaped, and a center of the arc-shaped traveling track is located on a central line of the center pin; and a traveling unit, wherein the second end of the turnout beam is connected to the traveling unit, and the traveling unit operatively travels on the traveling track.

In some embodiments, the traveling unit includes a first side frame and a second side frame arranged opposite to each other, an end of the first side frame and a corresponding end of the second side frame are connected by connecting beams, bottoms of the first side frame and the second side frame are respectively provided with installation grooves, and the second end of the turnout beam is sequentially fixedly connected in the installation grooves at the bottoms of the first side frame and the second side frame.

In some embodiments, the traveling unit further includes: a plurality of wheel shafts arranged at intervals and configured to connect tops of the first side frame and the second side frame, wherein one of the plurality of the wheel shafts is provided with a drive wheel, and the drive wheel is rollablely disposed on the traveling track; and a drive motor fixedly disposed on an outer side of the second side frame, wherein an output shaft of the drive motor is fixedly connected with the one of the plurality of wheel shafts.

With the rail transit turnout system provided by the present disclosure, since the first end of the turnout beam docks with the end of the base rail beam facing the turnout beam, the first end of the turnout beam is rotatably disposed on the first transition pier column, and the second end of the turnout beam operatively selects to dock with the first end of a certain branch rail beam, the purpose of switching can be achieved by operating the rotation of the first end of the turnout beam on the first transition pier column.

Compared with the translational beam replacement type multi-way turnout, the present disclosure adopts a piece of turnout beam as the main body of the turnout, which has a short length and can greatly reduce the mass of the multi-way turnout beam in the prior art, and at the same time the volume and mass of the pier column are reduced and the cost is reduced.

Compared with the segment type multi-way turnout, the present disclosure has only one broken-line segment, and needs only two transition pier column beams, which has higher reliability and lower cost.

The rail transit turnout system disclosed in the present disclosure is simple and reliable in operation, can effectively shorten the switching time, improves the transportation efficiency, and has good practical value.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of a rail transit turnout system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to <FIG>, the system includes a base rail beam <NUM>, a turnout beam <NUM> and branch rail beams, wherein the base rail beam <NUM> is fixedly supported by a plurality of base pier column <NUM> arranged at intervals, and the turnout beam <NUM> has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end of the turnout beam <NUM> is disposed on a first transition pier column <NUM>, and the first end of the turnout beam <NUM> is rotatably connected to the first transition pier column <NUM> through a center pin <NUM> which is arranged vertically. The second end of the turnout beam <NUM> is disposed on a second transition pier column <NUM>, and the second end of the turnout beam <NUM> can travel on the second transition pier column <NUM>. There are at least two branch rail beams. The branch rail beams are fixedly supported by a plurality of branch pier columns <NUM> arranged at intervals, and each branch rail beam has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The turnout beam <NUM> is arranged between the base rail beam <NUM> and the branch rail beams, the first end of the turnout beam <NUM> docks with an end of the base rail beam <NUM> facing the turnout beam <NUM>, and the second end of the turnout beam <NUM> operatively selects to dock with the first end of a certain one of the branch rail beams. The second ends of the branch rail beams extend in a direction away from the turnout beam <NUM>.

In actual operation, the purpose of switching can be achieved by operating the rotation of the first end of the turnout beam <NUM> on the first transition pier column <NUM>. Compared with the translational beam replacement type multi-way turnout, the present disclosure adopts a piece of turnout beam as the main body of the turnout, which has a short length and can greatly reduce the mass of the multi-way turnout beam in the prior art, and at the same time the volume and mass of the pier column are reduced and the cost is reduced. Compared with the segmental type multi-way turnout, the present disclosure has only one broken-line segment, and needs only two transition pier column beams, which has higher reliability and lower cost.

In some embodiments, there can be three branch rail beams, respectively a first branch rail beam <NUM>, a second branch rail beam <NUM> and a third branch rail beam <NUM>. The first branch rail beam <NUM> and the third branch rail beam <NUM> are respectively arranged on two sides of the second branch rail beam <NUM>. The second branch rail beam <NUM> and the base rail beam <NUM> are positioned in a same line. The first branch rail beam <NUM>, the second branch rail beam <NUM> and the third branch rail beam <NUM> are arranged in a fan shape.

Referring to <FIG>, first ends of the plurality of branch rail beams can be fixedly supported by one branch pier column <NUM>.

In order to adapt to the rotation of the turnout beam, there needs to be a gap between the base rail beam <NUM> and the turnout beam <NUM>, which is not conducive to the running of a rail vehicle across the base rail beam <NUM> and the turnout beam <NUM>. In order to solve this problem, the present disclosure provides a compensation assembly.

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the compensation assembly in <FIG>. Combined with <FIG>, there are two compensation assemblies disposed on the first transition pier column <NUM>. The two compensation assemblies are oppositely arranged on two sides of the turnout beam <NUM>. Each compensation assembly includes at least one compensation device <NUM>. The compensation device <NUM> has an output part, and the output part of the compensation device <NUM> is operatively inserted into the gap between the first end of the turnout beam <NUM> and the end of the base rail beam <NUM> facing the turnout beam <NUM>, so that the gap between the base rail beam <NUM> and the turnout beam <NUM> can be filled to ensure the reliability of the running of a rail vehicle across the base rail beam <NUM> and the turnout beam <NUM>.

Combined with <FIG>, the compensation device <NUM> includes a compensation beam <NUM>, which is the output part of the compensation device, and the compensation beam <NUM> operatively moves in a direction perpendicular to the base rail beam <NUM>.

Combined with <FIG>, the first transition pier column <NUM> may include two opposite support columns <NUM>. An inner side of the support column <NUM> is provided with a support seat <NUM> corresponding to the compensation device <NUM>, and the compensation device <NUM> further includes a fixed seat <NUM> and a driving unit <NUM>. The fixed seat <NUM> is secured on a corresponding support seat <NUM>. A fixed end of the driving unit <NUM> is secured on the fixed seat <NUM>, the output end of the driving unit <NUM> can be telescopically moved back and forth along a horizontal direction, and the output end of the driving unit <NUM> is fixedly connected to the compensation beam <NUM>. When the compensation beam <NUM> needs to compensate the gap between the base rail beam <NUM> and the turnout beam <NUM>, the output end of the driving unit <NUM> can drive the compensation beam <NUM> to move to implement the compensation.

In some embodiments, there can be two driving units <NUM> disposed opposite to each other in the horizontal direction, and the two driving units <NUM> move synchronously to make the compensation beam <NUM> move in a predetermined direction. The driving unit <NUM> may be a linear reciprocating motion mechanism such as an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, combined with <FIG>, the support seat <NUM> may be provided with a guide rail, and the bottom of the compensation beam <NUM> is provided with a roller wheel <NUM>. The roller wheel <NUM> is rollable and disposed on the guide rail to reduce friction and improve the swiftness of the operation of the compensation beam <NUM>.

Combined with <FIG>, in some embodiments, the bottom of the support seat <NUM> may be provided with a reinforcing plate <NUM>, and the reinforcing plate <NUM> is connected with the support column <NUM> on the same side to improve the bearing capacity of the support seat <NUM>.

Combined with <FIG>, in some embodiments, the inner side of the support column <NUM> is provided with a guiding plate <NUM> corresponding to the compensation device <NUM>. The bottom of the guiding plate <NUM> is provided with a slide channel, and the top of the compensation beam <NUM> is slidably arranged in the slide channel of the corresponding guiding plate <NUM> to guide the movement of the compensation beam <NUM>.

Combined with <FIG>, the first transition pier column <NUM> also include a top beam <NUM> connecting the two opposite support columns <NUM> together, and a connection plate <NUM> is provided between the top of the guiding plate <NUM> and the top beam <NUM> to improve the reliability of installation of the guiding plate <NUM>.

When the compensation beam <NUM> is operated to reach the gap between the base rail beam <NUM> and the turnout beam <NUM>, in order to prevent the compensation beam <NUM> from returning, each compensation device <NUM> is provided with one corresponding locking device. Combined with <FIG>, the locking device includes a positioning seat <NUM>, a telescopic mechanism and a positioning pin <NUM>. The positioning seat <NUM> is fixedly arranged on the corresponding compensation beam <NUM>. The positioning seat <NUM> is provided with a locking hole. The telescopic mechanism is fixedly arranged on the first transition pier column <NUM>. The positioning pin <NUM> has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end of the positioning pin <NUM> is fixedly connected to the output end of the telescopic mechanism, and the second end of the positioning pin <NUM> is operatively inserted into the locking hole on the positioning seat <NUM>. After the compensation beam <NUM> is compensated in place, the telescopic mechanism is operated to move so that the second end of the positioning pin <NUM> is inserted into the locking hole on the positioning seat <NUM>, and thus the compensation beam <NUM> can be locked.

In some embodiments, the positioning seat <NUM> is preferably arranged at the outer bottom of the compensation beam <NUM>, and preferably there are two locking holes on the positioning seat <NUM>, and the two positioning holes are respectively located on two sides of the compensation beam <NUM>, so that the compensation beam <NUM> can be locked from two directions to improve the reliability of locking.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the locking device in <FIG>. Combined with <FIG>, two telescopic mechanisms <NUM> are provided inside the support seat <NUM>, and the output ends of the two telescopic mechanisms <NUM> are both vertically telescopic. The axial direction of the locking hole on the positioning seat <NUM> is vertical. By operating the telescopic mechanism, the positioning pin <NUM> connected to the output end of the telescopic mechanism <NUM> can be inserted into the locking hole on the positioning seat <NUM>.

Of course, the two telescopic mechanisms <NUM> can also be arranged on the top of the support seat <NUM>. The telescopic end of the telescopic mechanism <NUM> moves in the horizontal direction, and the axial direction of the locking hole on the positioning seat <NUM> is in the horizontal direction. By operating the telescopic mechanism, the positioning pin <NUM> connected to the output end of the telescopic mechanism <NUM> can be inserted into the locking hole on the positioning seat <NUM>.

It should be noted that, before the compensation beam <NUM> is positioned in place, the output end of the telescopic mechanism is in a retracted state, so that the operation of the compensation beam <NUM> is not affected.

Combined with <FIG>, in some embodiments, a support plate <NUM> is provided on the inner side of the beam <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> is used to support the traveling wheels of the rail vehicle to pass, and the inner side of the compensation beam <NUM> above the support plate <NUM> is used to support a guiding wheel of the rail vehicle to adapt to the smooth passage of the rail vehicle with the guiding wheel.

Combined with <FIG>, the second end of the turnout beam <NUM> travels on the second transition pier column <NUM> through a traveling mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic assembly diagram of the turnout beam and the traveling mechanism, and <FIG> is a schematic structural diagram of the traveling mechanism. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the traveling mechanism <NUM> includes a traveling track <NUM> and a traveling unit. The traveling track <NUM> is arc-shaped, and a center of the arc-shaped traveling track <NUM> is located on the center line of the center pin <NUM>. The second end of the turnout beam <NUM> is connected to the traveling unit. The traveling unit can operatively travel on the traveling track <NUM>, so that the first end of the turnout beam <NUM> is rotated by a certain angle around the center pin. That makes the turnout beam <NUM> connect with the branch rail beam of a branch to be guided, and then the key action of switching the turnout beam is completed.

Combined with <FIG> and <FIG>, the traveling unit includes a first side frame <NUM> and a second side frame <NUM> arranged oppositely. An end of the first side frame <NUM> and a corresponding end of the second side frame <NUM> are connected by connecting beams <NUM>. There are mounting grooves <NUM> provided on both sides of the bottom of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>, and the second end of the turnout beam <NUM> are fixedly connected in the mounting grooves <NUM> at the bottom of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> in turn to realize the assembly of the second end of the turnout beam <NUM> and the traveling unit.

The first side frame <NUM>, the second side frame <NUM> and the connecting beam <NUM> constituting the traveling unit are preferably integrally formed, so that the traveling unit has sufficient bearing strength.

Combined with <FIG>, the traveling unit further includes a drive motor <NUM> and a plurality of wheel shafts <NUM>. The tops of the first side frame <NUM> and the top of the second side frame <NUM> are connected by the plurality of wheel shafts <NUM> arranged at intervals. One wheel shaft <NUM> among the plurality of wheel shafts <NUM> is provided with a drive wheel <NUM>, and the remaining wheel shafts <NUM> of the plurality of wheel shafts <NUM> are provided with driven wheels <NUM>. Both the drive wheel <NUM> and the driven wheels <NUM> are rollablely arranged on the traveling track <NUM>. The drive motor <NUM> is fixedly disposed on the outside of the second side frame <NUM>. The output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is connected with the wheel shaft <NUM> on which the drive wheel <NUM> is mounted, so that the drive motor <NUM> can drive the wheel shaft <NUM> on which the drive wheel <NUM> is mounted to rotate, thereby driving the drive wheel <NUM> on the wheel shaft <NUM> to rotate on the traveling track <NUM> to realize the movement of the traveling unit on the traveling track <NUM>, and the movement of the traveling unit can drive the plurality of driven wheels <NUM> to roll on the traveling track <NUM> to balance the movement of the traveling unit.

In some embodiments, the drive wheel <NUM> is located on a middle wheel shaft <NUM> among the plurality of wheel shafts <NUM>, and the way of one drive wheel <NUM> cooperating with the plurality of driven wheels <NUM> can simplify the structure and optimize the space.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, each wheel shaft may also be provided with multiple wheels, so as to further improve the balance performance of the movement of the traveling unit, and the drive motor can rotate in forward and reverse directions to ensure that the turnout beam swings from side to side around the center rotating device upon switching. Of course, the drive motor is not the only way to drive. Alternatively, an electric push rod can be used to drive, or a slide rail can be mounted on the side of the turnout beam to cooperate with a rotating arm to drive, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

The working principle of the rail transit turnout system is as follows:
Switching process:.

In some embodiments, the compensation device, locking device, and traveling mechanism have their own control logic and can act independently, thus having the characteristics of automatic operation.

To sum up, the rail transit turnout system shown in the present disclosure is simple and reliable in operation, can effectively shorten the switching time, improve the transportation efficiency, and has good practical value.

Claim 1:
A rail transit turnout system, charactered by comprising:
a base rail beam (<NUM>) fixedly supported by a plurality of base pier columns (<NUM>) arranged at intervals;
a turnout beam (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, wherein the first end of the turnout beam (<NUM>) is provided on a first transition pier column (<NUM>) and is rotatably connected to the first transition pier column (<NUM>) through a center pin (<NUM>), the center pin (<NUM>) is arranged vertically, and the second end of the turnout beam (<NUM>) is provided on a second transition pier column (<NUM>) and is capable of traveling on the second transition pier column (<NUM>); and
branch rail beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein there are at least two branch rail beams, the branch rail beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are fixedly supported by a plurality of branch pier columns (<NUM>) arranged at intervals, and each of the branch rail beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the turnout beam (<NUM>) is arranged between the base rail beam (<NUM>) and the branch rail beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the first end of the turnout beam (<NUM>) docks with an end of the base rail beam (<NUM>) facing the turnout beam (<NUM>), the second end of the turnout beam (<NUM>) operatively selects to dock with a first end of one branch rail beam among the branch rail beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and the second end of each branch rail beam (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extends in a direction away from the turnout beam (<NUM>), characterised in that the first transition pier column (<NUM>) is provided with two compensation assemblies, the two compensation assemblies are oppositely disposed on two sides of the turnout beam (<NUM>), and each compensation assembly comprises at least one compensation device (<NUM>), the compensation device (<NUM>) has an output part, and the output part of the compensation device (<NUM>) is operatively inserted into a gap between the first end of the turnout beam (<NUM>) and the end of the base rail beam (<NUM>) facing the turnout beam (<NUM>).