Modularized automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for coupler yoke maintenance

Abstract

The invention provides a modularized automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for coupler yoke maintenance, which belongs to the technical field of railway locomotive maintenance equipment and comprises a basic frame, a lateral positioning module, a head positioning module, a height positioning module, a lateral cylinder, a pair of pressing plates and a pair of vertical cylinders. Through collaborative design of the lateral positioning module, the head positioning module and the height positioning module, X-direction, Y-direction and Z-direction accurate positioning of the coupler yoke is achieved, the problems that manual positioning is large in error and inconsistent in size are solved, and a reliable reference is provided for accurate machining of a numerical control machine tool; the lateral air cylinder and the vertical air cylinder are matched with a lever type pressing plate structure, automatic clamping is achieved, manual force application is not needed, the clamping time is greatly shortened, and the overhauling efficiency is improved; the lever type pressing plate achieves pressing action through rotation of the middle portion, small air cylinder driving force is converted into large pressing force, clamping firmness is guaranteed, deformation of the coupler yoke caused by too large clamping force is avoided, and stability and workpiece protection are both considered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of railway locomotive maintenance equipment, and more specifically, relates to a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for the maintenance of the hook tail frame. Background Technology

[0002] The X15 type tail frame is a core component of the traction buffer device of the HXD3D electric locomotive. Its core function is to transmit longitudinal forces, including traction and impact forces, during train operation. When the locomotive performs traction or braking operations, the tail frame is connected to the coupler via the coupler pin, transmitting the generated force to the slave plate and buffer, thereby ensuring effective power transmission between vehicles.

[0003] like Figure 6 As shown, during long-term use, the rear arc section of the X15 type tail frame will inevitably experience wear, as indicated by the arrow. The repair of this worn area must strictly adhere to the relevant provisions of the "HXD3D Electric Locomotive Repair Technical Regulations (C6 Repair)" (Standard No.: TG / JW235-2021) and the "15X Type Coupler and Coupler Tail Frame Repair Standard" (Standard No.: Q / TY16-237-2021).

[0004] Existing repair processes for this type of wear typically involve first performing weld overlay on the repaired area, followed by manual grinding as the primary processing method. However, manual grinding has many drawbacks: the repair period is long, it is difficult to ensure that the dimensions of the ground parts are standardized, and the entire process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, seriously affecting repair efficiency and quality.

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism that, when used with CNC machine tools, can effectively compensate for the deficiencies of manual grinding. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance, which solves the defects of manual grinding in the existing hook tail frame maintenance process, such as long maintenance period, non-standard grinding dimensions, and time and labor costs.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance, comprising: Basic framework; A lateral positioning module is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the basic frame and is used to perform Y-axis positioning on one side of the hook tail frame; The head positioning module is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the basic frame and is used to perform X-axis positioning on the front end face of the hook tail frame; A height positioning module is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame and is used to perform Z-axis positioning on the lower surface of the hook tail frame; A lateral cylinder is fixedly installed on the base frame. The telescopic end of the lateral cylinder acts on the other side of the hook tail frame to press the hook tail frame tightly against the lateral positioning module. A pair of pressure plates are respectively located on the upper sides of the hook tail frame. The middle of the pair of pressure plates is rotatably arranged to form a lever structure, with the rotation axis set along the X direction. The lower plane of the pressing end of the pressure plate acts on the upper plane of the hook tail frame to press the hook tail frame against the height positioning module. A pair of vertical cylinders are fixedly installed below the lever arm ends of the pair of pressure plates. The telescopic end of the vertical cylinder acts on the lower plane of the lever arm end, causing the pressing end of the pressure plate to press down.

[0008] Optionally, the basic frame includes an upper plane support plate and a lower plane support plate, and a pair of side plates vertically arranged between the two. An installation space is formed between the upper plane support plate and the lower plane support plate. A pair of vertical cylinders are installed in the installation space. The upper plane support plate is provided with a pair of clearance notches, which are used to avoid the extension and retraction ends of the vertical cylinders.

[0009] Optionally, the pressure plate is rotatably connected to the Y-shaped connecting arm via a rotating shaft, the Y-shaped connecting arm is connected to the upper end of the support column, and the lower end of the support column is fixedly connected to the foundation frame.

[0010] Optionally, the Y-shaped connecting arm is threaded to the upper end of the support column, and its height can be adjusted through the threaded connection.

[0011] Optionally, the height positioning module is higher than the upper surface of the base frame, so that a processing clearance space is formed between the lower tail frame arc and the upper surface of the base frame.

[0012] Optionally, the height positioning module includes headrest blocks and a pair of central support blocks spaced apart along the X direction.

[0013] Optionally, the basic frame is provided with a clamping part that mates with the T-slot of the CNC machine tool worktable.

[0014] Optionally, the hook tail frame maintenance modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism also includes an air circuit control module for driving the lateral cylinder and the pair of vertical cylinders in a lateral-to-vertical sequence.

[0015] Optionally, the head positioning module is detachably connected to the base frame, and can be replaced with head positioning modules of different sizes or shapes.

[0016] Optionally, the lateral cylinder is fixedly connected to the base frame via a pair of right-angle brackets.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It provides a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for the maintenance of hook tail frames, including a basic frame, a lateral positioning module, a head positioning module, a height positioning module, a lateral cylinder, a pair of pressure plates, and a pair of vertical cylinders. Through the coordinated design of the lateral positioning module, the head positioning module, and the height positioning module, precise positioning of the hook tail frame in the X, Y, and Z directions is achieved, solving the problems of large errors and inconsistent dimensions in manual positioning, and providing a reliable benchmark for precise machining on CNC machine tools. The lateral cylinder and the vertical cylinder, together with the lever-type pressure plate structure, realize automated clamping without manual force application, significantly shortening clamping time and improving maintenance efficiency. The lever-type pressure plate achieves the clamping action through central rotation, converting a small cylinder driving force into a large clamping force, ensuring clamping firmness while avoiding deformation of the hook tail frame due to excessive clamping force, thus balancing stability and workpiece protection.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 One of the schematic structural diagrams of a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 The second schematic structural diagram of a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 The third schematic structural diagram shows a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 The fourth schematic structural diagram shows a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 The fifth schematic structural diagram shows a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the X15 type tail frame in the prior art is shown.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Basic frame; 11. Upper support plate; 12. Lower support plate; 13. Side plate; 14. Installation space; 15. Clearance gap; 2. Lateral positioning module; 3. Hook tail frame; 31. Lower tail frame arc; 4. Head positioning module; 5. Height positioning module; 51. Headrest block; 52. Central support block; 6. Side cylinder; 7. Pressure plate; 8. Vertical cylinder; 9. Shaft; 10. Y-type connecting arm; 11. Support columns; 13. Right-angle bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail. While preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0028] Example

[0029] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this embodiment provides a modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance, which is particularly suitable for the rapid maintenance positioning and clamping of X15 type hook tail frames. It works in conjunction with CNC machine tools to achieve precise machining of worn parts of the hook tail frame. This automatic positioning and clamping mechanism includes: Basic framework 1; The lateral positioning module 2 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame 1 and is used to perform Y-direction positioning on one side of the hook tail frame 3; The head positioning module 4 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame 1 and is used to perform X-axis positioning on the front end face of the hook tail frame 3. The height positioning module 5 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame 1 and is used to perform Z-axis positioning on the lower surface of the hook tail frame 3. The side cylinder 6 is fixedly installed on the base frame 1. The extension end of the side cylinder 6 acts on the other side of the hook tail frame 3 to press the hook tail frame 3 against the side positioning module 2. A pair of pressure plates 7 are respectively located on the upper sides of the hook tail frame 3. The middle of the pair of pressure plates 7 is rotatably set to form a lever structure. The rotation axis is set along the X direction. The lower plane of the pressing end of the pressure plate 7 acts on the upper plane of the hook tail frame 3 to press the hook tail frame 3 against the height positioning module 5. A pair of vertical cylinders 8 are fixedly installed below the lever arm ends of a pair of pressure plates 7. The extension and retraction ends of the vertical cylinders 8 act on the lower plane of the lever arm ends, causing the pressing ends of the pressure plates 7 to press down.

[0030] Specifically, through the collaborative design of the lateral positioning module 2, the head positioning module 4, and the height positioning module 5, precise positioning of the hook tail frame 3 in the X, Y, and Z directions is achieved, completely solving the problems of large errors and inconsistent dimensions in manual positioning, and providing a reliable benchmark for precise machining on CNC machine tools; the lateral cylinder 6 and the vertical cylinder 8, together with the lever-type pressure plate 7 structure, realize automated clamping without manual force application, greatly shortening the clamping time and improving maintenance efficiency; the lever-type pressure plate 7 achieves the clamping action through central rotation, converting a small cylinder driving force into a large clamping force, which ensures both clamping firmness and avoids deformation of the hook tail frame 3 due to excessive clamping force, thus balancing stability and workpiece protection.

[0031] Optionally, the basic frame 1 includes an upper support plate 11 and a lower support plate 12, and a pair of side plates 13 vertically arranged between them. An installation space 14 is formed between the upper support plate 11 and the lower support plate 12. A pair of vertical cylinders 8 are installed in the installation space 14. The upper support plate 11 is provided with a pair of clearance notches 15, which are used to avoid the extension and retraction ends of the vertical cylinders 8. The enclosed installation space 14 formed between the upper support plate 11 and the lower support plate 12 allows the vertical cylinders 8 to be installed inside, which protects the cylinders from processing debris and oil contamination, optimizes the mechanism layout, makes the overall structure more compact, and saves space occupied by the worktable. The clearance notches 15 of the upper support plate 11 precisely match the movement trajectory of the extension and retraction ends of the vertical cylinders 8, completely avoiding interference between the cylinder movement and the frame, ensuring smooth extension and retraction of the vertical cylinders 8, and improving the stability and reliability of the clamping action.

[0032] Optionally, the pressure plate 7 is rotatably connected to the Y-shaped connecting arm 10 via the rotating shaft 9. The Y-shaped connecting arm 10 is connected to the upper end of the support column 11, and the lower end of the support column 11 is fixedly connected to the base frame 1. The pressure plate 7 and the Y-shaped connecting arm 10 form a rotatable fit through the rotating shaft 9, ensuring that the lever-type clamping action is flexible and without jamming, and ensuring that the pressure of the clamping end on the upper surface of the hook tail frame 3 is evenly distributed, avoiding excessive local force that could damage the workpiece. The combined structure of the Y-shaped connecting arm 10 and the support column 11 provides a stable support reference for the pressure plate 7. The support column 11 is fixedly connected to the base frame 1, forming a rigid transmission path from top to bottom, preventing the support from loosening when the pressure plate 7 is clamped, and further ensuring clamping stability and positioning accuracy.

[0033] Optionally, the Y-shaped connecting arm 10 is threaded to the upper end of the support column 11, and its height can be adjusted via the threaded connection. The threaded connection design between the Y-shaped connecting arm 10 and the support column 11 enables stepless adjustment of the height of the pressure plate 7, which can be flexibly adapted to the height dimensions of different specifications of hook tail frames 3 without replacing the pressure plate 7 or support components, greatly improving the versatility of the mechanism for multiple models of hook tail frames 3; the threaded adjustment structure is easy to operate, and height calibration can be completed without complicated tools, shortening the adjustment time when switching between different models of hook tail frames 3 and improving the production cycle of multi-product maintenance; the threaded connection has strong locking force, and the height positioning after adjustment is accurate and not easy to loosen, ensuring the consistency of the pressure plate 7's pressing position during long-term use and ensuring the stability of processing accuracy.

[0034] Optionally, the height positioning module 5 is higher than the upper surface of the base frame 1, creating a machining clearance space between the lower tail frame arc 31 and the upper surface of the base frame 1. This clearance space prevents interference between the CNC machine tool and the base frame 1 when machining the lower tail frame arc 31, allowing for machining of both the upper and lower arc surfaces in a single setup without the need for secondary setup, thus shortening the machining cycle. The clearance space provides sufficient allowance for tool movement, allowing the CNC machine tool to use a more optimized cutting path, improving the machining quality and surface finish of the lower tail frame arc 31, and meeting the maintenance standards for worn areas. The raised design of the height positioning module 5 also facilitates the removal of machining debris, reducing the impact of debris accumulation on positioning accuracy or machining quality, and reducing cleaning workload.

[0035] Optionally, the height positioning module 5 includes head pillow blocks 51 spaced apart along the X-direction and a pair of middle support blocks 52. The head pillow blocks 51 and the pair of middle support blocks 52 form a three-point support layout, which precisely matches the structural shape of the hook tail frame 3, ensuring stable positioning of the lower surface of the hook tail frame 3 and avoiding workpiece tilting or deformation due to unreasonable support points; the support points are spaced apart along the X-direction, dispersing the weight and clamping force of the hook tail frame 3, further improving positioning stability, especially suitable for the maintenance of long hook tail frames 3, avoiding workpiece shaking during processing; the design of multiple support blocks facilitates the individual replacement of worn support components without the need to replace the entire height positioning module 5, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0036] Optionally, the base frame 1 is equipped with a clamping part that mates with the T-slot of the CNC machine tool's worktable. The clamping part of the base frame 1 precisely mates with the T-slot of the CNC machine tool's worktable, enabling rapid positioning and installation of the mechanism and the machine tool without the need for additional calibration references, thus shortening equipment debugging time. The T-slot mating structure has strong connection reliability and can effectively resist the impact forces brought by cutting forces and clamping forces during machining, preventing mechanism displacement, ensuring the consistency between the machining coordinate system and the positioning reference, and improving machining accuracy.

[0037] Optionally, the modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance also includes a pneumatic control module for driving the lateral cylinder 6 and a pair of vertical cylinders 8 in a lateral-to-vertical sequence. The pneumatic control module presets the lateral-to-vertical action sequence to ensure that the lateral cylinder 6 first clamps and positions the hook tail frame 3 before the vertical cylinders 8 press it down, avoiding positioning offset caused by disordered action sequence and ensuring clamping accuracy. The pneumatic control has a fast response speed, which significantly shortens the clamping cycle time compared to manual cylinder control, improving overall maintenance efficiency. The pneumatic control module can achieve automated and standardized control, reducing human error, and is also easy to link with the machining program of CNC machine tools, improving the automation integration of the production line.

[0038] Optionally, the head positioning module 4 is detachably connected to the base frame 1 to allow for replacement with head positioning modules 4 of different sizes or shapes. The detachable connection design between the head positioning module 4 and the base frame 1 allows for quick adaptation to the front face structure of different models of hook tail frames 3 by replacing head positioning modules 4 of different sizes and shapes, without the need to replace the entire clamping mechanism, thus significantly reducing the equipment investment cost for the maintenance of various types of hook tail frames 3.

[0039] Optionally, the lateral cylinder 6 is fixedly connected to the base frame 1 via a pair of right-angle brackets 13. The pair of right-angle brackets 13 form a double-point support structure, enhancing the connection rigidity between the lateral cylinder 6 and the base frame 1, preventing the cylinder body from shaking or shifting when the lateral cylinder 6 is tightening against the hook tail frame 3, and ensuring the stability of the lateral positioning accuracy; the right-angle brackets 13 can disperse the tightening force transmitted by the lateral cylinder 6, avoiding force concentration that could cause local deformation of the base frame 1, and extending the service life of the frame; the installation method of the right-angle brackets 13 simplifies the disassembly and maintenance process of the lateral cylinder 6, and when the cylinder malfunctions or needs to be replaced, the cylinder can be quickly separated from the frame, reducing maintenance difficulty and downtime.

[0040] In this embodiment, the specific steps for using the automatic positioning and clamping mechanism are as follows: Mechanism installation and fixing: Fix the assembled automatic positioning and clamping mechanism to the CNC machine tool's worktable through the clamping part and T-slot, ensuring that the mechanism is level and aligned with the CNC machine tool's machining coordinate system; Workpiece hoisting and preliminary positioning: Start the hoisting equipment, lift the X15 hook tail frame 3 to be inspected and transfer it to the top of the mechanism, operate the cylinder control valve to make all three QGB125 cylinders in the piston rod retracted state, slowly lower the hook tail frame 3 so that its bottom is close to the head positioning module 4 and the side positioning module 2, and after completing the preliminary positioning, shut down the hoisting mechanism of the hoisting equipment. Automatic clamping operation: The cylinders are controlled sequentially by the cylinder control valve. First, the side cylinder 6 is activated, and the cylinder piston rod extends to press against the side of the hook tail frame 3, so that the hook tail frame 3 is further in contact with the side positioning module 2 to achieve Y-axis positioning. Then, the other two vertical cylinders 8 are activated, and the piston rods extend to drive the pressure plate 7 to rotate downward through the Y-shaped connecting arm 10, pressing the upper plane of the hook tail frame 3 on both sides to complete the overall clamping. During the clamping process, the clamping force is ensured to be uniform to avoid deformation of the hook tail frame 3. CNC machining: Start the CNC machine tool and call the preset machining program for the arc surface of the hook tail frame 3. The CNC machine tool performs cutting machining on the upper and lower worn arc surfaces of the hook tail frame 3 according to the program path. During the machining process, the mechanism remains clamped to ensure machining accuracy. Workpiece unloading: After processing is completed, the CNC machine tool executes the program end command, operates the cylinder control valve to close all QGB125 cylinders, retracts the piston rod, releases the pressure plate 7, and the extension end of the side cylinder 6 disengages from the side of the hook tail frame 3. The hoisting equipment is started to lift the processed hook tail frame 3 and transfer it to the designated storage area, completing one maintenance process.

[0041] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for the maintenance of hook tail frames, characterized in that, include: Basic framework (1); The lateral positioning module (2) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame (1) and is used to perform Y-direction positioning on one side of the hook tail frame (3); The head positioning module (4) is fixedly set on the upper surface of the base frame (1) and is used to perform X-direction positioning on the front end face of the hook tail frame (3); The height positioning module (5) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame (1) and is used to perform Z-axis positioning on the lower surface of the hook tail frame (3); A lateral cylinder (6) is fixedly installed on the base frame (1). The extension end of the lateral cylinder (6) acts on the other side of the hook tail frame (3) to press the hook tail frame (3) against the lateral positioning module (2). A pair of pressure plates (7) are respectively located on the upper sides of the hook tail frame (3). The middle part of the pair of pressure plates (7) is rotated to form a lever structure. The rotation axis is set along the X direction. The lower plane of the pressing end of the pressure plate (7) acts on the upper plane of the hook tail frame (3) to press the hook tail frame (3) against the height positioning module (5). A pair of vertical cylinders (8) are fixedly installed below the lever arm ends of a pair of pressure plates (7). The extension and retraction ends of the vertical cylinders (8) act on the lower plane of the lever arm ends, causing the pressing ends of the pressure plates (7) to press down.

2. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic frame (1) includes an upper plane support plate (11) and a lower plane support plate (12), and a pair of side plates (13) vertically arranged between the two. An installation space (14) is formed between the upper plane support plate (11) and the lower plane support plate (12). A pair of vertical cylinders (8) are installed in the installation space (14). The upper plane support plate (11) is provided with a pair of clearance notches (15), which are used to avoid the extension and retraction ends of the vertical cylinders (8).

3. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure plate (7) is rotatably connected to the Y-shaped connecting arm (10) via the rotating shaft (9). The Y-shaped connecting arm (10) is connected to the upper end of the support column (11), and the lower end of the support column (11) is fixedly connected to the base frame (1).

4. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The Y-shaped connecting arm (10) is threaded to the upper end of the support column (11) and its height can be adjusted by the threaded connection.

5. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height positioning module (5) is higher than the upper surface of the base frame (1), so that a processing clearance space is formed between the lower tail frame arc (31) and the upper surface of the base frame (1).

6. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The height positioning module (5) includes head pillow blocks (51) spaced apart along the X direction and a pair of central support blocks (52).

7. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic frame (1) is provided with a clamping part that cooperates with the T-slot of the CNC machine tool worktable.

8. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air circuit control module for driving the lateral cylinder (6) and a pair of vertical cylinders (8) in a lateral-to-vertical sequence.

9. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head positioning module (4) is detachably connected to the base frame (1) for replacing head positioning modules (4) of different sizes or shapes.

10. The modular automatic positioning and clamping mechanism for hook tail frame maintenance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral cylinder (6) is fixedly connected to the base frame (1) by a pair of right-angle brackets (13).

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