A ballast lifting device for a railway line excavation and screening plant

Abstract

The application discloses a ballast lifting device of a railway line ballast excavating and screening equipment, and relates to the technical field of railway line ballast screening equipment.The ballast lifting device comprises a conveying and lifting device, the conveying and lifting device comprises a support frame and a conveying chain set, a plurality of excavating buckets are arranged on the outer part of the conveying chain set along the conveying direction, the bottom of each excavating bucket is in an open shape and is provided with a vibrating grid assembly, a driving assembly is arranged on each excavating bucket, a transmission assembly is arranged between the driving assembly and the conveying and lifting device, a plurality of shielding covers are arranged on the outer part of the two conveying chain sets, and a collecting assembly is arranged between the lower part of the conveying and lifting device and the excavating chain.The ballast lifting device can vibrate and screen the ballast in the excavating buckets while conveying the ballast, and thus, it is no longer necessary to specially equip additional screening equipment and power equipment, so that the structure of the device is more compact, the shielding covers and the support assembly can support the excavating buckets, the excavating buckets are prevented from being subjected to a large force, and the collecting assembly can collect the excavated ballast, so that the ballast is prevented from splashing everywhere outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of railway line cleaning and screening equipment, and in particular to a ballast lifting device for railway line excavation and cleaning equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In railway line maintenance, ballast, as an important component of the track structure, plays a role in shock absorption, drainage, and sleeper stabilization. With prolonged operation, ballast is prone to compaction due to dust intrusion and mud penetration, leading to decreased elasticity and affecting track smoothness and train safety. Therefore, regular cleaning and screening are necessary. Currently, the mainstream cleaning and screening methods include manual cleaning, large-scale track maintenance machinery cleaning, and medium-sized mechanical cleaning based on excavators. Among these, medium-sized mechanical cleaning equipment is increasingly widely used in localized maintenance and emergency repair scenarios due to its advantages such as high mobility, convenient track access, and flexible operation. A typical structure involves an excavation chain to remove ballast, which is then lifted and transferred to the subsequent cleaning and screening unit via a conveyor belt or scraper mechanism. Vibrating screening equipment separates the ballast from impurities. The entire process typically adopts a modular design, with each functional unit independently configured and working collaboratively to complete the cleaning and screening task.

[0003] However, existing ballast cleaning devices have significant technical limitations: on the one hand, the functions of ballast lifting and conveying and vibratory screening are handled by different components, resulting in low system integration and a large overall structure. This not only occupies a large space but also requires additional vibratory motors or hydraulic drive devices, increasing power consumption and equipment costs. On the other hand, there is a lack of effective interception measures in the initial stage when the ballast is thrown out at high speed from the excavation chain, causing material to easily splash in all directions, posing a safety hazard. Simultaneously, during the vibratory screening process, the bucket bears a large dynamic load, leading to stress concentration at the connection points, which can easily cause fatigue damage under long-term operation. Furthermore, some of the screened fine particles may fall into the bucket below, causing secondary pollution or jamming, affecting continuous operation efficiency. Therefore, how to achieve integrated ballast lifting and screening without increasing external power, and effectively solve problems such as material splashing and uneven structural stress, has become a key technical bottleneck in improving the performance of medium-sized ballast cleaning equipment.

[0004] For example, a ballast cleaning and screening device disclosed in the prior art publication document "CN217026515U" includes an excavation mechanism and a ballast lifting mechanism. The excavation mechanism digs out the ballast under the track, and the ballast lifting mechanism transfers and lifts the ballast to the rear. Then, other cleaning and screening equipment is used for cleaning and screening. It can be seen that this cleaning and screening device needs to be equipped with additional cleaning and screening equipment and perform additional cleaning and screening work, so the excavation and screening efficiency is still generally low. For example, a multi-functional railway ballast cleaning machine disclosed in the prior art publication document "CN116971219B" includes digging rake teeth, a conveying unit for lifting and conveying ballast, and a screening component for cleaning the ballast. Although this cleaning machine can perform ballast digging, lifting, and screening, the conveying unit for lifting ballast and the screening component for screening are installed separately, making the entire digging and screening structure relatively large and not compact. In addition, a vibrator is required to realize the vibrating screening function of the screening component, so additional power is still needed during screening, which undoubtedly increases the subsequent operating costs. Moreover, during digging, the excavated ballast will still fly everywhere, making the screening operation still risky. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to address the aforementioned problems in the prior art by proposing a ballast lifting device for railway line excavation and screening equipment. This application solves the problems of existing screening equipment where the ballast lifting and screening functions are separated during operation, requiring additional screening devices and power sources, resulting in bulky structures, high costs, and low efficiency. It also addresses issues such as ballast splashing, high vibration stress on the excavator bucket, and easy clogging.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: This application provides a ballast lifting device for railway line excavation and screening equipment, including a conveying and lifting device installed on the outside of the excavation chain; The conveying and lifting device includes: a support frame and two symmetrically distributed conveyor chain groups disposed within the support frame, with longitudinal gaps between the conveyor chain groups. Several buckets are fixedly connected to the outside of each bucket along the conveying direction. Each bucket has an open bottom and is equipped with a vibrating grid assembly consisting of fixed grid bars and hinged vibrating grid bars. Each bucket integrates a drive assembly consisting of a crankshaft and connecting rod. The drive assembly engages with a first rack and a second rack mounted on the support frame via a gear transmission mechanism. As the bucket travels with the conveyor chain groups to a specific section... The vibration action is automatically triggered to achieve vibratory screening of the ballast. Multiple U-shaped shields are alternately arranged on the conveying path between adjacent buckets. The shields and adjacent buckets are connected by a concave-convex nested structure formed by the connecting groove on the outside of the shield and the connecting piece fixed to the outer surface of the bucket. A collection component is provided at the lower part of the support frame corresponding to the discharge port of the excavating chain. The collection component is a trumpet-shaped collection box with a through groove on the top, which is used to receive the ballast thrown from the excavating chain and allows the bucket to periodically pass through to perform ballast lifting operations.

[0007] In some embodiments, the vibrating grid assembly includes a plurality of fixed grid bars and a plurality of vibrating grid bars. The fixed grid bars are fixedly connected to the inside of the bucket, and one end of the vibrating grid bar is hinged to the bucket and the other end is connected to the drive assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a crankshaft and a plurality of connecting rods, the crankshaft being rotatably connected inside the bucket, and the plurality of connecting rods being movably connected between a plurality of vibrating grid bars and the crankshaft.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gear transmission assembly includes a gear, a first rack, and a second rack. The gear is fixedly connected to the outer end of the crankshaft. The upper side and one side of the support frame are both fixedly connected to a fixed frame. The first rack is fixedly connected to the upper fixed frame, and the second rack is fixedly connected to the other fixed frame.

[0010] In some embodiments, a support assembly is provided between the shield and one of the adjacent buckets. The support assembly includes a connecting groove formed on the outside of the shield and a connector fixed to the outer surface of the bucket. The connecting groove and the connector are adapted to each other, and the connector is a round shaft with a groove on its outer surface adapted to the connecting groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the collection assembly includes a collection box with a flared opening at one end near the digging chain. The upper surface of the collection box has a through groove adapted to the digging bucket, and both sides of the inside of the collection box have rounded corners. An inclined guide plate is provided on the outer side of the rounded corner near the digging chain.

[0012] In some embodiments, a discharge assembly is provided in the gap between the two conveyor chain groups to discharge the material screened out by the vibrating grid assembly to the conveying and lifting device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the discharge assembly includes an inclined discharge box, which is fixedly connected to a support frame. The lower part of the discharge box is inclined and has a discharge pipe. One end of the discharge pipe communicates with the interior of the discharge box, and the other end extends outward from the support frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, a hydraulic motor is provided on the outside of the support frame, and the output end of the hydraulic motor is connected to the conveyor chain assembly for driving the conveyor chain assembly to operate.

[0015] In some embodiments, a guide assembly is also included, which includes a plurality of rollers and two guide protrusions. The rollers are rotatably mounted on the outside of the chain and are equidistantly distributed along the length direction. The guide protrusions are elongated strips and are respectively fixed to the upper and lower parts of the support frame and roll in contact with the rollers to improve the smoothness of the chain operation.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application provides a ballast lifting device for railway line excavation and screening equipment, which has the following beneficial effects: By coordinating the vibrating grid assembly, drive assembly, and transmission assembly, the ballast in the bucket can be vibrated and screened during the ballast lifting and conveying process. This eliminates the need for additional screening equipment and work, resulting in a more compact structure and improved efficiency and convenience of ballast screening. The transmission assembly enables vibratory screening via gears and a first rack, eliminating the need for additional power units. This reduces costs and makes the process more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, meeting the requirements of green development. The shielding cover guides the mud and sand dislodged from the bucket into the discharge box during screening, preventing it from falling into the lower bucket and ensuring proper screening. Preventing mud and other impurities from splashing onto other parts of the device helps maintain its cleanliness and thus extends its service life to some extent. The combination of the shield and support components supports the bucket during vibrating screen and excavation, preventing it from being subjected to excessive forces and extending its service life while ensuring normal excavation and screening operations. The gear and second rack mechanism, after the bucket throws out the ballast, engages with the second rack, causing the vibrating grid to rotate and vibrate. This vibration removes residual or stuck ballast from the fixed and vibrating grids, assisting in cleaning the bucket and preventing disruption to subsequent work. The collection component transports the ballast excavated by the excavation chain to a collection box for temporary collection, preventing it from splashing outwards and ensuring the safety of surrounding construction work.

[0017] Other advantages, objectives and features of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows; and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description; or may be learned from practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a rear-view perspective and structural schematic diagram of the present application and the excavation chain in an assembled state; Figure 2 This is a frontal three-dimensional structural diagram of the present application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frontal sectional view of the structure of this application; Figure 4 This is a side view of a partial three-dimensional structure of this application; Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the conveyor chain assembly; Figure 6 A frontal three-dimensional structural diagram of the bucket and shield; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional three-dimensional structural diagram of the excavator bucket; Figure 8 This is a top-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the excavator bucket; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the crankshaft; Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the gear and the first rack; Figure 11 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the gear and the second rack; Figure 12 A rear-view stereoscopic structural diagram of the collection components.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a front view structural diagram of the guide component.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ballast lifting device of this application.

[0021] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Partial top view diagram.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the ballast jacking mechanism.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Conveying and lifting device; 101. Support frame; 102. Conveying chain assembly; 1021. Chain; 1022. Drive sprocket; 1023. Driven sprocket; 1024. Support sprocket; 1025. Drive shaft; 2. Bucket; 3. Vibrating grid assembly; 301. Fixed grid bar; 302. Vibrating grid bar; 4. Drive assembly; 401. Crankshaft; 4011. Main journal; 4012. Connecting rod journal; 4013. Crank; 4014. End shaft; 402. Connecting shaft; 403. Connecting rod; 501. Gear; 502. First gear. 503. Second rack; 6. Shield; 7. Support assembly; 701. Connecting groove; 702. Connector; 703. Groove; 8. Collection assembly; 801. Collection box; 802. Through groove; 803. Guide plate; 804. Rounded corner; 9. Discharge assembly; 901. Discharge box; 902. Discharge pipe; 1001. Roller; 1002. Guide protrusion; 11. Hydraulic motor; 12. Fixing frame; 13. Digging chain; 14. Connecting frame; 15. Automatic tensioning device; 16. Ballast collection mechanism; 1601. Rotary shaft hinge point. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0025] Example 1 Reference Figure 1-5 A ballast lifting device for railway line excavation and sieving equipment includes a conveying and lifting device 1 installed on the outside of an excavation chain 13, and a connecting frame 14 fixedly installed between the conveying and lifting device 1 and the excavation chain 13. The conveying and lifting device 1 includes a support frame 101 and two conveying chain groups 102 disposed within the support frame 101. The two conveying chain groups 102 are symmetrically distributed with a gap between them. Several buckets 2 are provided on the outside of the two conveying chain groups 102 along the conveying direction. The buckets 2 are located outside the gap. The bottom of the buckets 2 is open and is provided with a vibrating grid assembly 3 for sieving the ballast. A drive assembly 4 is provided on the buckets 2. A transmission assembly is provided between the drive assembly 4 and the conveying and lifting device 1 for driving the vibrating grid 302 to vibrate through the drive assembly 4. Several U-shaped shields 6 are provided on the outside of the two conveying chain groups 102 along the conveying direction. The shields 6 and the buckets 2 are distributed alternately in sequence.

[0026] The conveyor chain assembly 102 includes a chain 1021, a drive sprocket 1022, a driven sprocket 1023, and a support sprocket 1024. The drive sprocket 1022, driven sprocket 1023, and support sprocket 1024 are rotatably mounted in the support frame 101. The driven sprocket 1023 and support sprocket 1024 are located below the drive sprocket 1022 and have the same height. The chain 1021 is driven and mounted outside the drive sprocket 1022, driven sprocket 1023, and support sprocket 1024. A drive shaft 1025 is provided between the two drive sprockets 1022, the two driven sprockets 1023, and the two support sprockets 1024 on the two conveyor chain assemblies 102 to enable the two conveyor chain assemblies 102 to operate synchronously. A hydraulic motor 11 is provided on the outside of the support frame 101. The output end of the hydraulic motor 11 is connected to the drive sprocket 1022 for driving the conveyor chain group 102 to operate.

[0027] A collection component 8 is provided between the lower part of the conveying and lifting device 1 and the excavation chain 13 for collecting the ballast excavated by the excavation chain 13.

[0028] This application integrates the vibratory screening function into the ballast lifting device. Without increasing external power, it utilizes the spatial positioning relationship in the bucket's running path, with gear 501 and the first rack 502 meshing to automatically activate the vibration mechanism, achieving "simultaneous lifting and screening," significantly improving work efficiency and reducing system complexity. This design eliminates the need for traditional independent vibration motors or hydraulic cylinders, making the overall structure more compact and reducing maintenance costs. By setting up a support component 7 between the U-shaped shield 6 and the bucket 2, fine particulate impurities are prevented from falling into the subsequent bucket, while effectively distributing the structural load of the bucket during bearing and vibration, enhancing overall stability and extending the service life of key components. The collection component 8 adopts a flared design, combined with an internal arc corner 804 and an inclined guide plate 803, which can efficiently intercept high-speed thrown ballast, avoiding the risk of splashing and ensuring construction safety. The discharge component 9 is arranged in the gap between the two conveyor chain groups 102, forming a closed discharge channel, guiding the undersize material out in an orderly manner, reducing blockage and pollution. The entire device is based on an excavator platform and is driven by a hydraulic motor. It has the advantages of being ready to use immediately, highly mobile, and widely adaptable. It is especially suitable for local screening operations on railway lines in confined spaces such as bridges and tunnels.

[0029] Reference Figure 6-8 The vibrating grid assembly 3 includes several fixed grid bars 301 and several vibrating grid bars 302. Both the fixed grid bars 301 and the vibrating grid bars 302 are hollow. The fixed grid bars 301 and the vibrating grid bars 302 are distributed in a crisscross pattern along the width direction of the bucket 2. The fixed grid bars 301 are fixedly connected to the inside of the bucket 2. One end of the vibrating grid bar 302 is hinged to the bucket 2, and the other end is connected to the drive assembly 4.

[0030] This structure constitutes the core execution unit of the vibrating screen. The fixed grid bars serve as a static support frame, maintaining overall rigidity; the vibrating grid bars are movably connected via hinges, reciprocating under the drive assembly to generate periodic vibrations, thereby loosening and screening the ballast. The two are arranged alternately to form the screen surface, with a perforated design allowing fine particles to pass through while retaining large pieces of stone. In practical applications, the grid bar shape can also be rectangular, wavy, or perforated; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0031] Reference Figure 7-9The drive assembly 4 includes a crankshaft 401 and several connecting rods 403. The crankshaft 401 is rotatably connected inside the bucket 2. The crankshaft 401 includes several main journals 4011 arranged in a linear array. Cranks 4013 are fixedly installed at both ends of the main journals 4011. Connecting rod journals 4012 are fixedly installed between two adjacent cranks 4013. The connecting rod journals 4012 are parallel to but do not coincide with the axis of the main journals 4011. The outer surfaces of the two outermost cranks 4013 are fixedly connected to end shafts 4014 that are coaxial with the main journals 4011. One end of each of the connecting rods 403 is hinged to one of the crankshafts 401, and the other end is rotatably connected to a connecting shaft 402. The connecting shafts 402 are respectively installed at the ends of several vibration grid bars 302.

[0032] The crankshaft 401 consists of a main journal 4011, a crank 4013, a connecting rod journal 4012, and an end shaft 4014. Its rotational motion is converted into the reciprocating oscillation of the vibrating grid bars through the connecting rod 403. The two ends of the connecting rod are connected by ball joints or pins, providing good dynamic adaptability. This mechanism efficiently transmits the rotary motion input by the gear to multiple vibration points, achieving multi-point synchronous excitation. In practical applications, the crankshaft can be replaced by a cam mechanism or an eccentric wheel structure; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0033] Inside the bucket 2, a protective cover 404 is fixedly installed outside the crankshaft 401. The outer surface of the protective cover 404 has a groove adapted to the vibration grid 302. One end of the vibration grid 302 is connected to the connecting rod 403 through the through groove. One end of the fixed grid 301 is fixed to the bucket 2, and the other end is fixed to the protective cover 404.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The gear transmission assembly includes a gear 501, a first rack 502, and a second rack 503. Both the first rack 502 and the second rack 503 can mesh with the gear 501. There are two gears 501, which are fixedly connected to the outer end of the end shaft 4014. Two fixed frames 12 are fixedly connected to the upper side and one side of the support frame 101. The fixed frames 12 are made of channel steel. There are two first racks 502, which are fixedly connected to the steel grooves on the two upper fixed frames 12. There are two second racks 503, which are fixedly connected to the steel grooves on the other two fixed frames 12. The fixed frames 12 abut against the outer surface of the chain 1021, thus providing a certain guiding effect on the chain 1021 and improving the smoothness of the chain 1021's operation to a certain extent.

[0035] The first rack 502 is arranged in the upper area of ​​the conveying path. When the bucket 2 carries the ballast upward, the gear 501 meshes with it and drives the crankshaft 401 to rotate, thereby driving the vibrating grid 302 to screen the material. The second rack 503 is arranged on the side of the return section. When the bucket descends, it runs unloaded. The gear meshes again to drive the vibrating grid in the opposite direction, clearing residual stuck material and achieving a self-cleaning function. The two racks are spatially staggered to achieve "one in, one out, dual-condition response". In practical applications, the racks can be replaced by flexible toothed belts or sprockets and chains. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0036] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 A support assembly 7 is provided between the shield 6 and one of the adjacent buckets 2. The support assembly 7 includes a connecting groove 701 opened on the outside of the shield 6 and a connector 702 fixed on the outer surface of the bucket 2. The connecting groove 701 is adapted to the connector 702, and the connector 702 is a round shaft and has a groove 703 on its outer surface adapted to the connecting groove 701.

[0037] The connector 702 is a cylindrical metal shaft with an annular groove 703 machined on its outer circumference; the connecting groove 701 is a U-shaped open groove, and the two are nested together to form a sliding support relationship. This structure ensures that the shield 6 remains physically connected to the bucket 2 during the movement of the conveyor chain 102, guiding the directional discharge of undersize material and providing lateral restraint during the digging and vibration stages, thus enhancing the structural stability of the bucket. In practical applications, the connection method can be a dovetail groove-slider, snap-fit, or magnetic structure; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 12 The collection assembly 8 includes a collection box 801 fixedly installed below the support frame 101. The end of the collection box 801 near the digging chain 13 is flared open. The upper surface of the collection box 801 is provided with a through groove 802 adapted to the bucket 2. Both sides of the inside of the collection box 801 are provided with arc corners 804. The outer side of the arc corner 804 near the digging chain 13 is provided with an inclined guide plate 803. The arc corner 804 and the guide plate 803 can prevent ballast from entering the corners inside the collection box 801, thereby preventing dead corners.

[0039] The flared opening structure expands the material receiving range and improves the capture efficiency of high-speed ejected ballast; the through slot 802, slightly larger than the bucket width, allows the bucket 2 to pass through, ensuring interference-free operation. The internal rounded corner 804 eliminates right-angle dead angles and prevents ballast accumulation; the inclined guide plate 803 guides the material to slide towards the center and discharge, avoiding blockages. The entire collection box 801 is welded from wear-resistant steel plates with a thickness of 8–12 mm. In practical applications, the collection box can be equipped with a spray dust suppression system or a buffer rubber layer; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A discharge assembly 9 is provided in the gap between the two conveyor chain groups 102 to discharge the material screened out by the vibrating grid assembly 3 to the conveying and lifting device 1.

[0041] The discharge assembly 9 includes an inclined discharge box 901, which is fixedly connected to the support frame 101. The lower part of the discharge box 901 is inclined and is provided with a discharge pipe 902. One end of the discharge pipe 902 is connected to the interior of the discharge box 901, and the other end extends outward from the support frame 101.

[0042] The discharge assembly 9 is located in the longitudinal channel between the two conveyor chain groups 102. Utilizing the spatial redundancy in the central area of ​​the equipment, it constructs an independent impurity discharge path, preventing undersize material from contaminating the transmission components or entering the lower bucket. This layout makes efficient use of structural space without occupying additional external volume. In practical applications, the discharge assembly can be equipped with multiple branch channels to adapt to different discharge direction requirements; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0043] The discharge box 901 is made of Q235A steel and bent into shape, with an inclination angle of 30° to 45°, ensuring that undersized materials such as mud, sand, and gravel slide down automatically under gravity. The end of the discharge pipe 902 extends outward from the support frame 101, facilitating connection to a belt conveyor or collection vehicle for centralized processing. The discharge process requires no power intervention, making it energy-efficient and reliable. In practical applications, a valve can be installed at the outlet of the discharge pipe to control its opening and closing; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0044] Reference Figure 13 The system also includes a guide assembly, which comprises guide protrusions 1002 and several rollers 1001. The rollers 1001 are rotatably mounted on the outside of the chain 1021, and are equidistantly distributed along the length of the chain 1021. The guide protrusions 1002 are elongated and number two; one is fixed to the upper side of the support frame 101, and the other is fixed to the lower part of the support frame 101. Both guide protrusions 1002 are parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor chain assembly 102 and abut against the rollers 1001. When the conveyor chain assembly 102 operates, the rollers 1001 on the chain 1021 also roll on the outside of the guide protrusions 1002, making the operation of the chain 1021 more stable, thereby making the conveying and excavation of the bucket 2 and ballast more stable.

[0045] The guide protrusion 1002 is made of a nylon or polyurethane-coated metal core, possessing low friction and high wear resistance. The roller 1001 is fitted between the chain 1021 pitches and rolls on the surface of the guide protrusion 1002 as the chain runs, effectively limiting lateral chain sway, reducing vibration and impact, and extending the life of the sprocket and chain. This guiding mechanism significantly improves the overall machine's operational stability, especially under high-load conditions. In practical applications, the guide assembly can be replaced with a guide rail + slider structure; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0046] In this application, the excavating chain 13 is installed on the excavator, and the hydraulic motor 11 is connected to the hydraulic oil pump on the excavator through the hydraulic pipeline. When the excavating and screening work is carried out, the excavating chain 13 digs out the ballast under the track. The excavated ballast is thrown into the collection box 801 under the high speed of the excavating chain 13. At this time, the ballast can be prevented from splashing everywhere, ensuring the safety of the surrounding construction. During this process, the hydraulic oil pump of the excavator will also drive the hydraulic motor 11, so that the hydraulic motor 11 drives the two conveyor chain groups 102 to rotate slowly clockwise, thereby driving several buckets 2 on the periphery to circulate through the through slot 802 into the collection box 801, and dig out the ballast in the collection box 801, and then slowly lift and transport it obliquely upward along the conveying line.

[0047] The hydraulic motor 11 is connected to the drive sprocket 1022 via a coupling, and its power source comes from the excavator's own hydraulic system, requiring no additional power supply. This design makes full use of existing onboard energy, simplifies the overall machine configuration, and reduces modification costs. The hydraulic motor has overload protection and operates safely and stably. In practical applications, a combination of electric motor and reducer can also be used for drive, suitable for non-hydraulic platform equipment; this application does not limit this approach.

[0048] During the upward lifting and conveying process, the bucket 2, carrying the ballast, arrives above the discharge box 901. At this time, the gear 501 also enters the fixed frame 12 located there and meshes with the first rack 502 inside it. As the bucket 2 and gear 501 continue to convey, the first rack 502 drives the gear 501 to rotate. At this time, the gear 501 drives the crankshaft 401 to rotate. The crankshaft 401 then drives the vibrating grid 302 to swing back and forth around the hinge between it and the bucket 2 through the connecting rod journal 4012 and the connecting rod 403, thereby creating a vibration effect. This creates a vibrating screen effect on the ballast in the bucket 2. At this time, small particles such as mud and sand in the ballast can fall down to the discharge box 901 through the hollow fixed grid 301 and the vibrating grid 302. Since the discharge box 901 is set at an inclination, small particles such as mud and sand will slide down until they are discharged from the discharge pipe 902.

[0049] During the vibrating screen process, the shield 6 is also kept at the bottom of the bucket 2 by the conveying chain group 102. At this time, the shield 6 can guide the mud and sand shaken off from the bucket 2 into the discharge box 901, thereby preventing the shaken mud and sand from falling into the bucket 2 below and ensuring the normal operation of the screen cleaning work.

[0050] Furthermore, under the conveyor chain assembly 102, the outer connecting groove 701 of the shield 6 will also be fitted onto the connecting piece 702 on the outside of the bucket 2, and the groove 703 on the outside of the connecting piece 702 will also be fitted onto the connecting groove 701. At this time, the shield 6 can be supported and connected to the lower side of the bucket 2, thereby providing a certain support force to the bucket 2, so that the bucket 2 can still ensure stable conveying when vibrating and screening, and can also effectively ensure the service life of related components. In addition, when the collection box 801 is not digging ballast, the shield 6 at the rear of the bucket 2 can also be supported at the rear of the bucket 2 by the support assembly 7, which can also prevent the ballast from generating excessive reaction force on the bucket 2 during digging, ensuring the normal digging of the bucket 2, and improving its service life to a certain extent.

[0051] After passing through the vibrating screen, the bucket 2 continues to be conveyed by the conveyor chain 102. After passing through the drive sprocket 1022, it flips downwards. At this time, the ballast that has been cleaned inside the bucket 2 is thrown to one side and collected or backfilled. Subsequently, the empty bucket 2 continues to move towards the collection box 801 and begins the next round of digging. During the movement towards the collection box 801, the gear 501 on the outside of the bucket 2 enters the fixed frame 12 located there and meshes with the second rack 503 inside. Similarly, the second rack 503 also drives the vibrating grid 302 to rotate and vibrate back and forth through the gear 501, crankshaft 401 and connecting rod 403. This vibration can remove the ballast that is left or stuck on the fixed grid 301 and the vibrating grid 302, achieving the purpose of auxiliary cleaning of the bucket 2 and preventing it from affecting subsequent work.

[0052] The working principle of the ballast lifting device in the above-mentioned scheme of this application for railway line excavation and screening equipment is as follows: The device is installed on the outside of the excavating chain 13 of the excavator and fixed by the connecting frame 14. At the start of operation, the excavating chain 13 digs out the ballast that has hardened under the track and throws it into the collection assembly 8 at the bottom of the ballast lifting device while rotating at high speed. The collection box 801 adopts a flared design, which can effectively catch the scattered ballast, prevent materials from splashing everywhere, and ensure construction safety.

[0053] The conveying and lifting device 1 consists of a support frame 101 and two symmetrically arranged conveyor chain groups 102. Each conveyor chain group 102 is equipped with multiple buckets 2, which circulate along the conveying direction. A hydraulic motor 11 drives the drive sprocket 1022 to rotate, which synchronously drives the conveyor chain groups 102 on both sides through the transmission shaft 1025, realizing the continuous ballast lifting operation of the buckets 2. The buckets 2 periodically pass through the through slot 802 at the top of the collection box 801, scoop up the ballast from the bottom and convey it upward.

[0054] During the ascending phase, when the bucket 2 reaches above the discharge assembly 9, its gear 501 meshes with the first rack 502 on the upper part of the support frame 101, driving the crankshaft 401 to rotate. The crankshaft 401 drives the vibrating grid bars 302 to swing back and forth through the connecting rod 403, causing the vibrating grid assembly 3 to generate a vibration effect. During this process, fine particles, silt, and other impurities in the ballast fall downwards through the hollow structure between the fixed grid bars 301 and the vibrating grid bars 302, into the inclined discharge box 901, and are discharged to the external collection system through the discharge pipe 902, achieving the function of simultaneous lifting and screening.

[0055] Meanwhile, U-shaped shields 6 are alternately arranged between adjacent buckets 2. During the vibrating screening process, the lower shield 6 can catch the impurities that fall off the screen, preventing them from falling into the subsequent lower buckets and causing secondary pollution or blockage. In addition, the connecting groove 701 on the outside of the shield 6 is nested with the round shaft connecting piece 702 on the outer surface of the bucket 2 to form a support component 7. This provides additional structural support when the bucket is under heavy load or undergoes vibration, reduces stress concentration at the chain connection points, and improves overall stability and service life.

[0056] When the bucket 2 flips downwards after passing the top drive sprocket 1022, its external gear 501 enters the side area and meshes with the second rack 503, driving the crankshaft 401 in the opposite direction, causing the vibrating grid 302 to vibrate again, clearing the residual ballast attached between the fixed grid 301 and the vibrating grid 302, achieving a self-cleaning function and avoiding screen blockage.

[0057] Throughout the operation, the rollers 1001 on the chain 1021 roll on the guide protrusions 1002, serving as limiters and guides, thus improving the stability of the conveying process. The entire ballast lifting device does not require additional vibration motors or hydraulic cylinders; the vibration energy originates from the mechanical motion of the conveying system itself. It is energy-efficient, compact in structure, and suitable for localized ballast cleaning operations on railway lines in space-constrained environments such as bridges and tunnels.

[0058] Example 2 The second embodiment provided in this application has the same main structure as the first embodiment, using a combination of a chain-lifting device and a ballast-lifting device. The effective ballast-lifting length of the chain-lifting device is 3.1 meters, and the chain uses a 3-0-2-0 (three-tooth-empty plate-two-tooth-empty plate) tooth arrangement, with hydraulic automatic tensioning. Figure 14 As shown, the conveyor chain assembly 102 includes an automatic tensioning device 15, a chain 1021, a drive sprocket 1022, a driven sprocket 1023, and a support sprocket 1024. The ballast lifting device is a three-wheel structure (drive sprocket 1022 - driven sprocket 1023 - support sprocket 1024). The teeth are designed in a chain arrangement, and the tensioning method is automatic hydraulic tensioning. It adopts a ballast lifting and backfilling design, which can realize the loading, screening, and backfilling of ballast. During operation, the support sprocket 1024 to the drive sprocket 1022 loads the material into the near-grid bucket. The driven sprocket 1023 to the drive sprocket 1022 lifts the material to the top and throws out the screened ballast. During the process from the drive sprocket 1022 to the support sprocket 1024, small materials fall and fall down the box to the rear of the support sprocket 1024, and the cycle repeats.

[0059] The chain-pulling device features a 3-0-2-0 (three-tooth-empty plate-two-tooth-empty plate) chain tooth arrangement design, increasing the cutting depth of the ballast beneath the track bed, maximizing ballast removal volume, and improving ballast cutting efficiency. It also includes an automatic tensioning device; compared to mechanical tensioning, hydraulic tensioning keeps the chain taut in real-time, preventing loosening after a period of operation and thus reducing ballast removal efficiency. Furthermore, the automatic tensioning device is equipped with a hydraulic locking mechanism, ensuring the chain remains taut even when the hydraulic circuit is closed.

[0060] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic tensioning device. The hydraulic system for the ballast chuck utilizes a German Rexroth radial piston motor, characterized by high torque, high pressure rating, and high volumetric efficiency, ensuring high ballast chuck operation. A flushing valve is used to cool the hydraulic oil in the ballast chuck motor, contributing to the stability of the ballast chuck operation. In the rotary hydraulic system, a Thales motor is used, featuring significant braking torque to lock the rotary mechanism, ensuring stable feeding and overall stability of the screen cleaning machine.

[0061] The ballast lifting device employs a three-wheel structure with a drive sprocket 1022, a driven sprocket 1023, and a support sprocket 1024. The drive sprocket 1022 is positioned at the top, the driven sprocket 1023 at the bottom, and the support sprocket 1024 at the lower right, forming a triangular structure. The center-to-center distance between the drive sprocket 1022 and the driven sprocket 1023 is 1500mm, forming a 50° angle with the horizontal plane. Compared to the traditional two-wheel structure, the addition of a support sprocket 1024 further enhances the performance of the driven sprocket. The center distance between the support sprockets 1023 and 1024 is approximately 600mm, which increases the contact area between the ballast removal chain and the ground ballast, thereby increasing the amount of ballast removed and improving ballast removal efficiency. Additionally, the support sprockets 1024 can rotate at a hinge point, allowing for mechanical adjustment of the angle between the support sprockets 1024 and the ground according to the ballast height on site, achieving the optimal ballast removal posture. Furthermore, the support sprockets 1024 are detachable, allowing for interchange between two and three sprockets to meet two different operating conditions. The ballast removal chain adopts a chain arrangement design with a grid-like chain tooth structure on the chain plates. The grid size is designed according to requirements to achieve material loading and screening. The chain uses a tooth-empty plate-tooth interval arrangement to improve ballast transport efficiency. The chain is tensioned by an automatic tensioning device 15. One end of the automatic tensioning device 15 (hydraulic drive end) is hinged to the support sprocket 1024, and the other end (hydraulic fixed end) is connected to the support frame 101. During operation, the chain is in a tensioned state to prevent the chain from loosening after working for a certain period of time and reducing work efficiency. In addition, the use of an automatic tensioning device can make it convenient and quick to replace the chain.

[0062] like Figure 16 As shown, the ballast lifting mechanism and the chain conveyor body have two orientations: 80° and 45°, which can be adjusted via a pin to meet the operational requirements of two different working conditions. Specifically, the bottom of the ballast lifting mechanism is connected to the ballast outlet of the chain conveyor via a ballast gathering mechanism 16. The ballast gathering mechanism 16 has a rotating shaft hinge point 1601. By rotating this rotating shaft hinge point 1601, the ballast lifting device can be switched between 80° and 45°. The length of the ballast gathering structure is adjustable, thus matching the two orientations (80° and 45°) of the ballast lifting mechanism. In the ballast lifting hydraulic system, a Danfoss cycloidal motor is used, which has the characteristics of compact structure, small size and high torque, which can meet the compact design of the ballast discharge structure, as well as the fault tolerance and reliability of different working conditions.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this application, should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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.

Claims

1. A ballast pickup device for a railway line excavation and screening plant, characterised in that: This includes a conveyor and lifting device installed on the outside of the excavation chain; The conveying and lifting device includes: a support frame and two symmetrically distributed conveyor chain groups arranged in the support frame. The conveyor chain groups have a longitudinal gap between them. Several buckets are fixedly connected to the outside of the buckets along the conveying direction. The bottom of each bucket is an open structure and is provided with a vibrating grid assembly consisting of fixed grid bars and hinged vibrating grid bars. Each bucket is also equipped with a drive assembly consisting of a crankshaft and a connecting rod. The drive assembly engages with the first and second racks mounted on the support frame via a gear transmission mechanism. When the bucket moves to a specific section with the conveyor chain, it automatically triggers a vibration action to achieve vibratory screening of the ballast. Multiple U-shaped shields are alternately arranged on the conveying path between adjacent buckets. The shields and adjacent buckets are connected by a concave-convex nested structure formed by a connecting groove on the outside of the shield and a connector fixed to the outer surface of the bucket, which constitutes a support assembly. The lower part of the support frame is equipped with a collection component corresponding to the discharge port of the excavating chain. The collection component is a funnel-shaped collection box with a through groove on the top, which is used to receive the ballast thrown out from the excavating chain, and at the same time allows the excavator bucket to periodically pass through to perform ballast lifting operations. The vibrating grid assembly includes several fixed grid bars and several vibrating grid bars. The fixed grid bars are fixedly connected inside the bucket, and one end of the vibrating grid bar is hinged to the bucket and the other end is connected to the drive assembly. Both the fixed grid bars and the vibrating grid bars are hollow, and the fixed grid bars and the vibrating grid bars are distributed alternately along the width direction of the bucket. The drive assembly includes a crankshaft and several connecting rods. The crankshaft is rotatably connected inside the bucket, and the several connecting rods are movably connected between several vibrating grid bars and the crankshaft. The crankshaft includes several main journals arranged in a linear array. Cranks are fixedly installed at both ends of the main journals. Connecting rod journals are fixedly installed between two adjacent cranks. The axes of the connecting rod journals are parallel to but do not coincide with the axes of the main journals. The outer surfaces of the two outermost cranks are fixedly connected to end shafts coaxial with the main journals. One end of each of the several connecting rods is hinged to the several crankshafts, and the other end is rotatably connected to a connecting shaft. The several connecting shafts are respectively installed at the ends of several vibrating grid bars. The gear transmission mechanism includes a gear, a first rack, and a second rack. The gear is fixedly connected to the outer end of the crankshaft. The upper side and one side of the support frame are both fixedly connected to a fixed frame. The first rack is fixedly connected to the upper fixed frame, and the second rack is fixedly connected to the other fixed frame.

2. The ballast lifting device of the railway line excavation and screening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support assembly is provided between the shield and one of the adjacent buckets. The support assembly includes a connecting groove on the outside of the shield and a connector fixed to the outer surface of the bucket. The connecting groove and the connector are adapted to each other, and the connector is a round shaft with a groove on its outer surface adapted to the connecting groove. The collection assembly includes a collection box, which has a flared opening at one end near the excavation chain. The upper surface of the collection box has a through groove adapted to the bucket, and both sides of the inside of the collection box have rounded corners. The outer side of the rounded corner near the excavation chain has an inclined guide plate.

3. The ballast lifting device of the railway line excavation and screening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A discharge assembly is provided in the gap between the two conveyor chain groups to discharge the material screened out by the vibrating grid assembly to the conveying and lifting device; The discharge assembly includes an inclined discharge box, which is fixedly connected to the support frame. The lower part of the discharge box is inclined and has a discharge pipe. One end of the discharge pipe is connected to the interior of the discharge box, and the other end extends outward from the support frame.

4. The ballast lifting device of the railway line excavation and screening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame is equipped with a hydraulic motor on its exterior. The output end of the hydraulic motor is connected to the conveyor chain assembly for driving the conveyor chain assembly to operate.

5. The ballast lifting device of the railway line excavation and screening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a guide assembly, which consists of several rollers and two guide protrusions. The rollers are rotatably mounted on the outside of the chain and are evenly distributed along the length direction. The guide protrusions are elongated strips, which are fixed to the upper and lower parts of the support frame respectively and make rolling contact with the rollers.

6. The ballast lifting device of the railway line excavation and screening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor chain assembly includes a chain, a driving sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a support sprocket. The driving sprocket, driven sprocket, and support sprocket are rotatably mounted inside a support frame. The driven sprocket and support sprocket are located below the driving sprocket and are at the same height. The chain drive is installed outside the driving sprocket, driven sprocket, and support sprocket. A drive shaft is provided between the two driving sprockets, the two driven sprockets, and the two support sprockets on the two conveyor chain assemblies to enable the two conveyor chain assemblies to operate synchronously. A hydraulic motor is provided outside the support frame, and the output end of the hydraulic motor is connected to the driving sprocket drive to drive the conveyor chain assembly.

7. The ballast lifting device of the railway line excavation and screening equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor chain assembly includes an automatic tensioning device, a chain, a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a support sprocket. The drive sprocket, driven sprocket, and support sprocket are rotatably mounted inside a support frame. The driven sprocket and support sprocket are located below the drive sprocket. The chain drive is installed outside the drive sprocket, driven sprocket, and support sprocket, forming a triangular structure. A hydraulic motor is installed outside the support frame, and the output end of the hydraulic motor is connected to the drive sprocket drive to drive the conveyor chain assembly. The automatic tensioning device is hydraulically driven, with one end hinged to the support sprocket and the other end hinged to the support frame, so that the chain is in a tensioned state during operation; the automatic tensioning device can rotate the hinge point of the support sprocket to adjust the angle between the support sprocket and the ground.

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