Automatic steel rail hoisting machine and steel rail hoisting and carrying equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of railway construction equipment, and provides an automatic steel rail hoisting machine and steel rail hoisting and carrying equipment. The automatic steel rail hoisting machine comprises a supporting arm, a first sliding base, a first stretching arm, a first stretching drive and a first hoisting component, the supporting arm is vertically arranged above a steel rail carrying vehicle, the first sliding base is arranged at the end, away from the steel rail carrying vehicle, of the supporting arm, and the first stretching arm is slidably installed on the first sliding base; the first stretching arm is installed on the first sliding base and can slide on the first sliding base in the width direction of the steel rail carrying vehicle, and the first stretching drive is installed on the first sliding base and used for controlling the first stretching arm to slide along the first sliding base; the first lifting component is installed on the first extending arm and used for lifting the steel rail to be carried. The device has the advantages of being compact in structure, small in occupied area, flexible to operate, high in adaptability and capable of improving the steel rail hoisting efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of railway construction equipment technology, and more specifically, to an automated rail hoisting machine and rail hoisting and transport equipment. Background Technology

[0002] During the construction of rail transit infrastructure such as railways and subways, the transportation of rails typically relies on existing track lines, moving them from storage sites to the work site. Traditionally, loading and unloading of rails depend on lifting equipment such as overhead cranes, truck cranes, and tower cranes. However, these devices are generally large in size and require a large area, severely limiting operational space within the limited construction site. Furthermore, their large dimensions necessitate a large working area, resulting in low rail lifting efficiency. When multiple devices work together to transport rails, poor coordination between them can easily lead to operational conflicts and delays. In addition, overhead cranes and tower cranes are often fixed in specific locations, lacking mobility and adaptability to different construction scenarios. This is particularly problematic during rail transport vehicle loading and unloading operations, hindering rapid adjustments and efficient operation, severely restricting the overall progress of rail transportation and installation.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated rail hoisting machine and rail hoisting and transport equipment, which has the advantages of compact structure, small footprint, flexible operation, strong adaptability, and improved rail hoisting efficiency.

[0005] This invention provides an automated rail hoisting machine, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] An automated rail hoisting machine is used to load rails onto or unload rails from a rail transport vehicle, comprising:

[0007] The support arm is vertically installed above the rail transport vehicle, and the end of the support arm closest to the rail transport vehicle is fixedly connected to the rail transport vehicle.

[0008] The first slide is located at the end of the support arm furthest from the rail-mounted vehicle.

[0009] The first extension arm is slidably mounted on the first slide block, and the first extension arm can slide on the first slide block along the width direction of the rail carrier.

[0010] The first extension drive is mounted on the first slide and is used to control the sliding of the first extension arm along the first slide.

[0011] The first lifting component is mounted on the first extension boom and is used to lift the rails to be transported.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the first slide includes a slide body and a sliding bearing, wherein a sliding groove is formed on the slide body along the width direction of the rail carrier, and the sliding bearing is installed on the inner wall of the sliding groove.

[0013] The first extendable arm includes an extendable arm body and a track. The track is fixedly installed on the extendable arm body along its length and is matched with a sliding bearing.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the first extension drive includes a drive motor, a reducer and a gear, the drive motor is mounted on the reducer and the output end of the drive motor is connected to the input end of the reducer, the gear is located inside the slide hole, the reducer is fixedly mounted on the slide body and the output end of the reducer passes through the slide body and is connected to the gear.

[0015] The first extendable arm also includes a rack, which is fixedly mounted on the extendable arm body along the length of the extendable arm body, and the rack meshes with a gear.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the first lifting component includes a roller bracket, a roller, a lifting motor, a wire rope and end fittings. The roller bracket is fixedly installed at one end of the first extension arm, the roller is installed on the roller bracket, the lifting motor is installed on the roller bracket, and the output end of the lifting motor is connected to the roller to drive the roller to rotate. One end of the wire rope is installed on the roller.

[0017] The first extendable arm also includes a first wire rope guide roller and a second wire rope guide roller. Both the first wire rope guide roller and the second wire rope guide roller are rotatably mounted on the extendable arm body. The first wire rope guide roller is located on the extendable arm body at the end closer to the drum support, and the second wire rope guide roller is located on the extendable arm body at the end away from the drum support. The other end of the wire rope passes through the first wire rope guide roller and the second wire rope guide roller in sequence and is then connected to the end fitting.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the automated rail hoist further includes a second slide block, a second extension arm, a second extension drive, and a second lifting component. The first slide block and the second slide block are both located at the end of the support arm away from the rail transport vehicle, and the first slide block and the second slide block are located on the front and rear sides of the support arm, respectively. The second extension arm is slidably mounted on the second slide block, and the second extension arm can slide on the second slide block along the width direction of the rail transport vehicle. The second extension drive is mounted on the second slide block and is used to control the sliding of the second extension arm along the second slide block. The second lifting component is mounted on the second extension arm and is used to lift the rail to be transported.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the structure of the second slide is the same as the structure of the first slide, the structure of the second extension arm is the same as the structure of the first extension arm, the structure of the second extension drive is the same as the structure of the first extension drive, and the structure of the second lifting component is the same as the structure of the first lifting component.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes a rail hoisting and transporting device, which includes the aforementioned automated rail hoisting machine and a rail placement frame unit. The rail placement frame unit includes a first column, a second column, a bottom support column, and a movable support column. The bottom support column is installed on the rail transport vehicle along the width direction of the rail transport vehicle. The first column is vertically installed, and its lower end is fixedly connected to one end of the bottom support column. The second column is vertically installed, and its lower end is fixedly connected to the other end of the bottom support column. The movable support column is installed between the first column and the second column, and one end of the movable support column is hinged to the second column, while the other end of the movable support column is detachably connected to the first column.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the rail placement frame unit further includes a plurality of first rail partitions arranged sequentially on the bottom support column and a plurality of second rail partitions arranged sequentially on the movable support column, wherein the distance between two adjacent first rail partitions matches the width of the bottom rail of the rail to be transported, and the distance between two adjacent second rail partitions matches the width of the bottom rail of the rail to be transported.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that the first track partition and the second track partition have the same structure, and both the first track partition and the second track partition are provided with threaded holes;

[0023] The rail placement frame unit also includes a rail pressure plate and pressure plate screws. The rail pressure plate has pressure plate holes, and the threaded end of the pressure plate screw passes through the pressure plate hole and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes that there be multiple automated rail hoisting machines, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the rail transport vehicle, and all automated rail hoisting machines are located in the middle of the width direction of the rail transport vehicle.

[0025] There are also multiple rail placement rack units, which are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the length of the rail transport vehicle.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, the automated rail hoisting machine and rail hoisting and transport equipment provided by the present invention, through the support arm fixed to the rail transport vehicle, and in conjunction with the sliding seat, extension arm and hoisting components, realizes the automated hoisting of rails, which solves the problems of existing equipment being large and inconvenient to operate. It has the advantages of compact structure, small footprint, flexible operation, strong adaptability, and improved rail hoisting efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automated rail hoisting machine from a first-view perspective in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automated rail hoisting machine from a second perspective in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram from a first perspective showing the installation position relationship of the first sliding block, the first extension arm, the first extension drive, and the first lifting component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a two-dimensional structural diagram of the installation position relationship of the first sliding block, the first extension arm, the first extension drive, and the first lifting component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rail placement frame unit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rail hoisting and transport equipment in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 10—Rail transport vehicle; 20—Support arm; 30—First slide;

[0036] 31—Slide body; 32—Sliding bearing; 33—Slide groove hole;

[0037] 40—First extendable arm; 41—Extendable arm body; 42—Railway;

[0038] 43—Rack; 44—First wire rope guide roller;

[0039] 45—Second wire rope guide roller; 50—First extension drive;

[0040] 51—Drive motor; 52—Reducer;

[0041] 60—First lifting component; 61—Roller support; 62—Roller;

[0042] 63—Lifting motor; 64—Wire rope; 65—End fittings;

[0043] 70—Second slide; 71—Second extension arm; 72—Second extension drive;

[0044] 73—Second lifting component; 80—First column; 81—Second column;

[0045] 82—Bottom load-bearing column; 83—Modible load-bearing column;

[0046] 84—First track partition; 85—Second track partition; 86—Threaded hole;

[0047] 87—Rail pressure plate; 88—Pressure plate screw; 89—Pressure plate hole. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of this invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. The components of this invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

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

[0050] In traditional railway and subway construction, the loading and unloading of rails typically relies on large lifting equipment such as overhead cranes, truck cranes, and tower cranes. These machines suffer from drawbacks in practical applications, including large footprints, extensive operating space requirements, and relatively low operational efficiency. Furthermore, when multiple machines operate in tandem, coordination is poor, and overhead cranes and tower cranes are often fixed in specific areas, resulting in insufficient overall flexibility and difficulty adapting to changing working environments.

[0051] In this regard, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, this invention proposes an automated rail hoisting machine designed for loading rails onto or unloading rails from a rail transport vehicle 10. The hoisting machine includes a support arm 20 vertically mounted above the rail transport vehicle 10, one end of which is fixedly connected to the vehicle, providing a stable foundation for the entire hoisting system. This eliminates the need for a dedicated hoisting area, allowing the hoisting equipment to move with the vehicle, offering flexibility and convenience. A first sliding block 30 is located at the other end of the support arm 20, on which a first extension arm 40 is slidably mounted and capable of sliding along the width of the rail transport vehicle 10. A first extension drive 50 mounted on the first sliding block 30 precisely controls the sliding of the first extension arm 40. Furthermore, a first lifting component 60 is mounted on the first extension arm 40, specifically designed for lifting rails to be transported. This structural design aims to effectively improve the efficiency and flexibility of rail hoisting operations through integration and automation, while reducing the need for working space.

[0052] For ease of understanding, the following explains some key terms in this embodiment:

[0053] The rail transport vehicle 10 refers to a special vehicle used to carry and transport rails. It is also called a long rail transport vehicle or rail transport vehicle. It is a special vehicle used in railway engineering to transport long rails. It usually runs on railway or subway lines and is the basic platform for rail transport operations.

[0054] The support arm 20 is a structural component designed to be vertically positioned and used to support other parts of the hoisting machine. One end of it is fixedly connected to the rail carrier 10, ensuring the overall stability and safety of the hoisting machine.

[0055] The first slide block 30 refers to the base of a sliding mechanism, which is located at the end of the support arm 20 away from the rail carrier 10, i.e., at the upper end of the support arm 20, so that the lifting components can lift the rail to the required height. The slide block 30 provides a sliding track and support for the first extension arm 40, enabling it to move laterally.

[0056] The first extension arm 40 refers to a sliding arm-like structure that is slidably mounted on the first slide block 30. The extension arm 40 can move along the width direction of the rail carrier 10, thereby adjusting the lateral position of the lifting components.

[0057] The first extension drive 50 refers to a device that provides power to drive the first extension arm 40 to slide. It is mounted on the first slide block 30 and achieves automated lateral positioning of the first extension arm 40 through precise control.

[0058] The first lifting component 60 refers to a device used for gripping, lifting, and placing rails. It is mounted on the first extension arm 40 and is the core functional unit that directly contacts the rails to be transported and performs the lifting operation.

[0059] The automated rail hoisting machine in this embodiment achieves precise loading and unloading of rails through the coordinated action of its various components.

[0060] Specifically, the support arm 20 is vertically positioned above the rail transport vehicle 10. Alternatively, the support arm 20 can be a sturdy metal column, with its end near the rail transport vehicle 10 fixedly connected to the structural frame of the rail transport vehicle 10 via welding or flange connection. Thus, the support arm 20 provides stable vertical support for the entire lifting system.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, steps can also be installed on it to facilitate maintenance and repair of the equipment.

[0062] The first slide 30 is located at the end of the support arm 20 away from the rail carrier 10. For example, the first slide 30 can be a rectangular frame structure welded from steel plates, which is fixed to the top of the support arm 20 by bolts, stiffeners, etc.

[0063] The first extension arm 40 is slidably mounted on the first slide block 30. Alternatively, the first extension arm 40 can be a metal rod with a rectangular cross-section, its four outer surfaces machined to fit the sliding bearing surface of the inner wall of the rectangular frame structure of the first slide block 30. The first extension arm 40 can move laterally on the first slide block 30 along the width direction of the rail carrier 10, thereby adjusting the lifting position.

[0064] The first extension drive 50 is mounted on the first slide block 30 and is used to control the sliding of the first extension arm 40 along the first slide block 30. For example, the first extension drive 50 can be a hydraulic cylinder, with one end fixed to the first slide block 30 and the other end connected to the first extension arm 40. By controlling the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder, the first extension arm 40 can be driven to reciprocate on the first slide block 30.

[0065] The first lifting component 60 is mounted on the first extension boom 40 and is used to lift the rail to be transported. Specifically, the first lifting component 60 can be a simple electric winch, which is bolted to the end of the first extension boom 40. The winch is equipped with a steel cable and a hook, and the operator can raise and lower the hook by controlling the winch motor, thereby completing the lifting and placement of the rail.

[0066] The automated rail hoisting machine of this embodiment integrates the hoisting mechanism above the rail transport vehicle 10 and employs a laterally sliding extension arm and drive mechanism, effectively solving the problems of large footprint and wide operating space required by traditional rail hoisting equipment. Furthermore, compared to existing cantilever cranes, the sliding block and extension arm structure used in this embodiment not only meets hoisting requirements but also prevents the extension arm from swaying like the boom of an existing cantilever crane while the rail transport vehicle 10 is running, thus ensuring safe operation. Additionally, the hoisting operation no longer requires additional large lifting equipment, significantly improving the compactness and flexibility of the operation. Precise control of the first extension arm 40 by the first extension drive 50 enables automated adjustment of the hoisting position, thereby improving the efficiency and positioning accuracy of rail loading and unloading operations and optimizing the coordination of multiple devices working together.

[0067] In some of the embodiments of the present invention described above, a first sliding block and a first extension arm are proposed to enable the extension arm to slide along the width direction. However, in the process of its implementation, the sliding mechanism lacks specific guiding and supporting structures, resulting in unstable sliding, high friction, easy wear or inaccurate positioning, which affects the hoisting accuracy and efficiency.

[0068] In this regard, the present invention further proposes that the first slide block 30 includes a slide block body 31 and a sliding bearing 32. The slide block body 31 has a sliding groove hole 33 along the width direction of the rail carrier 10, and the sliding bearing 32 is installed on the inner wall of the sliding groove hole 33. The first extension arm 40 includes an extension arm body 41 and a track 42. The track 42 is fixedly installed on the extension arm body 41 along the length direction of the extension arm body 41, and the track 42 cooperates with the sliding bearing 32.

[0069] The slide body 31, as the main structure of the first slide 30, primarily functions to provide a stable mounting and support platform. Specifically, the slide body 31 supports the sliding bearing 32 and the first extension arm 40, and provides a structural foundation for the sliding groove 33 on it. In practical applications, the slide body 31 can be manufactured using high-strength structural steel or aluminum alloy through integral molding, welding, or riveting to ensure sufficient rigidity and stability when bearing lifting loads. Its structural form can be designed as a box type to adapt to different space constraints and mechanical requirements.

[0070] The groove hole 33 is a precise groove-shaped structure opened on the slide body 31 along the width direction of the rail carrier 10. The core function of the groove hole 33 is to provide a clear and controlled guide path for the lateral sliding of the first extension arm 40. Its cross-sectional shape can be designed as a rectangular groove, a dovetail groove, or a V-shaped groove according to specific needs. Each shape can provide different degrees of guidance and limiting effect to ensure that the first extension arm 40 does not deviate or get stuck during the sliding process.

[0071] The sliding bearing 32 is mounted on the inner wall of the sliding groove 33. Its main purpose is to significantly reduce the frictional force generated by the first extendable arm 40 during sliding and to reduce wear. By providing a low-friction sliding interface, the sliding bearing 32 ensures that the first extendable arm 40 can move laterally smoothly and accurately. The sliding bearing 32 can be implemented in various ways; for example, it can be a self-lubricating composite material bearing (such as polytetrafluoroethylene composite), a bronze alloy bearing, an engineering plastic bearing, or a needle roller bearing. The choice of these materials and structures depends on the required load capacity, coefficient of friction, wear resistance, and working environment. They can be embedded or fixed to the inner wall of the sliding groove 33 in the form of bushings, sliders, or rollers.

[0072] The telescopic boom body 41 is the core load-bearing structure of the first telescopic boom 40. Its main function is to provide a stable foundation for the rail 42 installed on it and to directly support the first lifting component 60. The design of the telescopic boom body 41 needs to take into account the bending and torsional stresses it will experience during extension and retraction. Therefore, it is usually made of high-strength structural steel and designed with a cross-sectional form with good mechanical properties, such as a box girder, I-beam, or rectangular tube, to ensure sufficient bending and torsional stiffness.

[0073] The track 42 is fixedly installed along the length of the extendable arm body 41 and cooperates with the sliding bearing 32. The function of the track 42 is to form a low-friction, high-precision sliding pair with the sliding bearing 32, thereby guiding the first extendable arm 40 to achieve smooth and precise lateral sliding within the sliding groove 33. The track 42 can be in the form of a linear guide, a V-shaped guide, or a rectangular guide. The track 42 can be firmly fixed to the extendable arm body 41 by means of bolt connection, welding, or riveting.

[0074] Through the above technical solution, the first slide block 30, through its slide block body 31, sliding groove hole 33, and sliding bearing 32, forms a compact and precisely fitted sliding guide system with the extension arm body 41 and track 42 of the first extension arm 40. The slide block body 31 provides a solid foundation for the entire sliding mechanism, and the sliding groove hole 33 provided on it provides precise guidance for the lateral movement of the first extension arm 40. The sliding bearing 32 is installed on the inner wall of the sliding groove hole 33 and fits tightly with the track 42 fixed on the extension arm body 41, significantly reducing frictional resistance during the sliding process and reducing wear between components. This design ensures that the first extension arm 40 maintains a high degree of stability and accuracy when sliding along the width direction of the rail carrier 10, effectively avoiding problems such as jamming, shaking, or inaccurate positioning that may occur in traditional sliding mechanisms. In view of this, the present invention can significantly improve the operating accuracy and working efficiency of the rail hoist during the rail loading and unloading process, while extending the service life of key sliding components and reducing maintenance costs.

[0075] In some of the embodiments of the present invention described above, a first extension drive is proposed to control the sliding of the first extension arm. However, in its implementation, the existing drive method may lead to inaccurate control, unstable sliding or low efficiency, affecting the reliability and operational efficiency of rail hoisting.

[0076] In this regard, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the present invention further proposes that the first extension drive 50 includes a drive motor 51, a reducer 52, and a gear. The drive motor 51 is mounted on the reducer 52, and the output end of the drive motor 51 is connected to the input end of the reducer 52. The gear is located inside the slide hole 33. The reducer 52 is fixedly mounted on the slide body 31, and the output end of the reducer 52 passes through the slide body 31 and is connected to the gear. The first extension arm 40 also includes a rack 43, which is fixedly mounted on the extension arm body 41 along the length direction of the extension arm body 41, and the rack 43 meshes with the gear.

[0077] Specifically, the drive motor 51, as the power source of the entire drive system, primarily converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, providing the initial driving force for the sliding of the first extension arm 40. In practical applications, the drive motor 51 can be of various types; for example, an AC servo motor can be used; or a DC brushless motor can be used, which features high efficiency, small size, long lifespan, and low maintenance costs, making it suitable for scenarios with high energy consumption and space requirements. The reducer 52 is installed after the drive motor 51. Its function is to reduce the output speed of the drive motor 51 and correspondingly increase the output torque, thereby improving the stability of the transmission. Through the reducer 52, the drive motor 51 can operate at a higher speed, thus improving its efficiency, while providing sufficient driving torque to the gears to overcome the inertia and friction of the first extension arm 40 and its load, ensuring smooth start and stop. The reducer 52 can be implemented in various ways; for example, a planetary gear reducer can be used, which features small size, large transmission ratio, high efficiency, and low noise; or a worm gear reducer can be used, which has the advantages of smooth transmission, good self-locking, and compact structure. The gear is the driving component in the gear-rack transmission mechanism. It is located inside the slide hole 33 and meshes with the rack 43. Through precise meshing with the rack 43, the gear converts the rotational motion output by the reducer 52 into the linear motion of the rack 43. The type of gear can be selected according to actual needs. For example, a spur gear can be used, which is simple to manufacture and has a low cost; or a helical gear can be used, which has smooth transmission, low noise, and high load-bearing capacity. The rack 43 is the driven component in the gear-rack transmission mechanism. It is fixedly mounted on the first extended arm 40 along the length of the extended arm body 41. The meshing of the rack 43 with the gear allows the rack 43 to be driven to perform precise linear reciprocating motion when the gear rotates, thereby driving the entire first extended arm 40 to slide on the first slide block 30. The tooth profile and precision of the rack 43 must match those of the gear to ensure transmission accuracy and stability. The rack 43 can be a straight rack, which has a simple structure and is easy to process; or it can be a helical rack, which has better transmission smoothness and is suitable for high-speed and heavy-load applications.

[0078] Through the above technical solution, the drive motor 51, reducer 52, gear, and rack 43 are combined to form a gear-rack transmission mechanism, effectively solving the problems of inaccurate control, unstable sliding, or low efficiency that may occur during the sliding of the first extension arm 40. Specifically, the drive motor 51 provides a stable and reliable power source, while the reducer 52 reduces the rotational speed and increases the torque, ensuring sufficient and stable driving torque. The precise meshing of the gear and rack 43 efficiently and accurately converts the rotational motion into the linear sliding of the first extension arm 40, avoiding the slippage, vibration, or positioning errors that may occur with traditional friction transmission or chain transmission. This positive meshing transmission method enables the first extension arm 40 to achieve high-precision, high-rigidity linear reciprocating motion with the cooperation of the sliding groove hole 33 of the first slide block 30 and the sliding bearing 32, thereby significantly improving the positioning accuracy and running stability of rail hoisting operations, reducing the difficulty of operation, and improving the overall operation efficiency and reliability.

[0079] The present invention further proposes an automated rail hoisting machine, wherein the first hoisting component 60 includes a roller support 61, a roller 62, a lifting motor 63, a wire rope 64, and an end fitting 65. The roller support 61 is fixedly installed at one end of the first extension arm 40, the roller 62 is installed on the roller support 61, the lifting motor 63 is installed on the roller support 61, and the output end of the lifting motor 63 is connected to the roller 62 for driving the roller 62 to rotate, and one end of the wire rope 64 is installed on the roller 62. The first extension arm 40 also includes a first wire rope guide roller 44 and a second wire rope guide roller 45. Both the first wire rope guide roller 44 and the second wire rope guide roller 45 are rotatably mounted on the extension arm body 41. The first wire rope guide roller 44 is located on the extension arm body 41 at one end near the roller bracket 61, and the second wire rope guide roller 45 is located on the extension arm body 41 at one end away from the roller bracket 61. The other end of the wire rope 64 passes through the first wire rope guide roller 44 and the second wire rope guide roller 45 in sequence and is then connected to the end fitting 65.

[0080] Specifically, the roller support 61 serves as the structural foundation of the first lifting component 60, providing a stable mounting platform for core components such as the roller 62 and the lifting motor 63. The roller support 61 can be securely fixed to the first extension arm 40 using various mechanical connection methods such as welding, bolting, or riveting to ensure that the entire lifting system maintains structural stability during rail lifting and movement, preventing operational accuracy and safety from being affected by component loosening.

[0081] The drum 62 is the core component used for winding and unwinding the wire rope 64. The drum 62 can be designed with a spiral groove on its surface to ensure that the wire rope 64 is evenly arranged during winding, preventing tangling; or it can be designed as a smooth cylinder for use with a rope arranger. The drum 62 is rotatably mounted on the drum bracket 61 via bearing seats or other means to reduce rotational friction and ensure smooth winding and unwinding of the wire rope 64.

[0082] The lifting motor 63 is the power source that drives the drum 62 to rotate, thereby realizing the winding and unwinding of the wire rope 64 and controlling the lifting and lowering of the rail. The lifting motor 63 can be an AC motor, a DC motor, or a servo motor to meet different lifting speed and precision requirements. The output end of the lifting motor 63 can be connected to the drum 62 through gear transmission, chain transmission, belt transmission, or direct coupling to efficiently transmit the motor's power to the drum 62.

[0083] Wire rope 64 is a flexible component that directly bears and transmits lifting force. One end of wire rope 64 is securely fixed to drum 62 by means of pressure plates, wedges, or rope clamps to ensure that it will not fall off under heavy loads. The material and specifications of wire rope 64 are selected according to the expected maximum lifting weight and safety factor, for example, high-strength galvanized steel wire rope or stainless steel wire rope.

[0084] The first wire rope guide roller 44 and the second wire rope guide roller 45 are key components in this embodiment for precisely guiding the wire rope 64. Both guide rollers are rotatably mounted on the extension arm body 41, and low-friction rotation is typically achieved through internally installed rolling or sliding bearings. The guide rollers can be made of wear-resistant engineering plastics (such as polyurethane or nylon) or metals (such as stainless steel), and their surfaces can be machined with V-grooves or U-grooves to better accommodate and guide the wire rope 64 and prevent its lateral slippage.

[0085] The first wire rope guide roller 44 is located on the extension arm body 41 near the drum support 61. Its main function is to perform preliminary path correction and guidance on the wire rope 64 led out from the drum 62, ensuring that the wire rope 64 can be smoothly led out from the drum 62, reducing swaying and friction in the initial stage. The second wire rope guide roller 45 is located on the extension arm body 41 away from the drum support 61. Its function is to perform fine adjustment and positioning of the end path of the wire rope 64, ensuring that the wire rope 64 maintains a stable straight trajectory when the first extension arm 40 slides along the width direction of the rail carrier 10, and ultimately accurately guides the end accessory 65 above the rail to be lifted.

[0086] The other end of the wire rope 64 passes sequentially through the first wire rope guide roller 44 and the second wire rope guide roller 45 before connecting to the end fitting 65. The end fitting 65 is the component that directly contacts and connects with the rail to be transported. It can be a dedicated rail hook, electromagnetic chuck, hydraulic clamp, or mechanical clamp, etc. Its design should ensure reliable connection and rapid separation with the rail to improve work efficiency.

[0087] The end fitting 65 is connected to the other end of the wire rope and is a component that comes into contact with or connects to the object being lifted. It can be a hook, a special lifting tool, a lifting ring, a shackle, etc.

[0088] Through the aforementioned technical solution, the first lifting component 60, through the coordinated action of the roller support 61, roller 62, lifting motor 63, wire rope 64, and end fitting 65, constructs a stable and reliable lifting body. More importantly, by setting a first wire rope guide roller 44 and a second wire rope guide roller 45 on the first extension arm 40, and ensuring that the wire rope 64 passes through these two guide rollers sequentially, a highly efficient wire rope guiding system is formed. This system effectively solves the problems of wire rope swaying, increased friction, and inaccurate lifting position that may occur during lifting. The rational layout of the first wire rope guide roller 44 and the second wire rope guide roller 45 ensures that the wire rope 64 maintains a stable running trajectory throughout the entire lifting and lateral movement process, significantly reducing friction and wear between the wire rope and surrounding structures, and extending the service life of the wire rope. At the same time, precise wire rope guidance allows the end fitting 65 to accurately position itself to the predetermined position of the rail to be lifted, greatly improving the stability and accuracy of the lifting operation, thereby enhancing the working efficiency and safety of the automated rail hoist.

[0089] In some of the embodiments of the present invention described above, a first lifting component is proposed for lifting the rail. However, in this process, since there is only one lifting point, the lifting efficiency is low and multiple positions cannot be operated at the same time, resulting in low work efficiency.

[0090] In this regard, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this invention proposes an automated rail hoisting machine, which further includes a second slide block 70, a second extension arm 71, a second extension drive 72, and a second lifting component 73. The first slide block 30 and the second slide block 70 are both located at the end of the support arm 20 away from the rail transport vehicle 10, and the first slide block 30 and the second slide block 70 are located on the front and rear sides of the support arm 20, respectively. The second extension arm 71 is slidably mounted on the second slide block 70, and the second extension arm 71 is capable of sliding along the width direction of the rail transport vehicle 10 on the second slide block 70. The second extension drive 72 is mounted on the second slide block 70 and is used to control the sliding of the second extension arm 71 along the second slide block 70. The second lifting component 73 is mounted on the second extension arm 71 and is used to lift the rail to be transported.

[0091] The second slide 70 is a mechanical structure used to provide linear motion guidance. Its function is to support the second extension arm 71 and guide it to slide smoothly in a preset direction. The second slide 70 can be implemented in various forms. For example, it can consist of one or more linear guides with balls or rollers to reduce frictional resistance and ensure the smoothness and accuracy of the movement of the second extension arm 71; or, the second slide 70 can also adopt a structure of sliding bearings and sliding groove holes, achieving movement through the sliding surface of low-friction material.

[0092] The second extension boom 71 is a structural component mounted on the second slide 70 and capable of lateral extension and retraction. Its main function is to support the second lifting component 73 and position it at any location in the width direction of the rail carrier 10. The second extension boom 71 can be designed as a beam structure with sufficient rigidity, such as a box girder, I-beam, or truss structure, to withstand the load when lifting the rails. Its extension and retraction can be single-stage or multi-stage to adapt to different operating width requirements.

[0093] The second extension drive 72 is a mechanism for driving the second extension arm 71 to slide precisely on the second slide block 70. This drive mechanism ensures that the second extension arm 71 can move stably and accurately to the target position. The second extension drive 72 can adopt various driving methods. For example, it can use a gear and rack transmission system, in which a motor drives a gear to mesh with a rack fixed on the second extension arm 71 to achieve linear motion; it can also use a screw and nut transmission system, in which rotating a screw drives a nut and the second extension arm 71 to move; or it can use a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder drive, in which fluid pressure pushes a piston rod to achieve extension and retraction.

[0094] The second lifting component 73 is a device directly used for gripping, lifting, and placing rails. Installed at the end of the second extension boom 71, it is the core actuator for rail lifting operations. The second lifting component 73 can take various forms; for example, it can be a roller system driven by a lifting motor, using wire ropes and end fittings to lift and lower the rails; it can also be a dedicated rail clamp, clamping the rails mechanically or hydraulically; or it can be an electromagnetic chuck, using electromagnetic force to attract the rails.

[0095] The first slide 30 and the second slide 70 are both located at the end of the support arm 20 away from the rail carrier 10, and the first slide 30 and the second slide 70 are located on the front and rear sides of the support arm 20, respectively. This layout allows the two independent lifting systems to operate on both sides of the support arm 20, greatly expanding the operating range and flexibility of the hoist.

[0096] Through the above technical solution, this invention adds a second independent lifting assembly to the existing automated rail hoist, including a second slide block 70, a second extension arm 71, a second extension drive 72, and a second lifting component 73. This dual-lifting-point design enables the automated rail hoist to simultaneously lift, load, or unload two rails. Specifically, the first lifting component 60 and the second lifting component 73 can work together, for example, simultaneously lifting both ends of a long rail, or simultaneously lifting two different rails. The first slide block 30 and the second slide block 70 are located on the front and rear sides of the support arm 20, respectively, giving the two lifting points a wider coverage area and independent operating capability in the width direction of the rail transport vehicle 10. The sliding of the second extension arm 71 on the second slide block 70 and the precise control of the second extension drive 72 ensure that the second lifting component 73 can be positioned flexibly and accurately. Therefore, this solution significantly improves the efficiency of rail hoisting operations, reduces the time consumption and operational limitations caused by single-point hoisting, and makes the rail loading and unloading process faster and more efficient.

[0097] In some of the solutions described above in this invention, a second slide block, a second extension arm, a second extension drive, and a second lifting component are proposed to achieve double-sided lifting to enhance the stability and efficiency of rail loading and unloading. However, in this process, if the structure of these components is different from that of the first component, it may lead to problems such as complicated manufacturing process, increased maintenance costs, inconsistent operation, and difficulty in spare parts management.

[0098] In this regard, the present invention further proposes that the structure of the second slide 70 is the same as that of the first slide 30, the structure of the second extension arm 71 is the same as that of the first extension arm 40, the structure of the second extension drive 72 is the same as that of the first extension drive 50, and the structure of the second lifting component 73 is the same as that of the first lifting component 60.

[0099] Specifically, the structure of the second slide 70 is identical to that of the first slide 30. This means that the second slide 70 is consistent with the first slide 30 in terms of size, material, internal structure, and connection method with the support arm 20 and the second extension arm 71. This structural similarity ensures functional consistency between the two slides; for example, they both provide stable sliding support and withstand the same load. Possible implementation methods include: producing the first slide 30 and the second slide 70 using unified design drawings and manufacturing processes; or, through modular design, making the first slide 30 and the second slide 70 interchangeable. The structure of the second extension arm 71 is identical to that of the first extension arm 40, indicating that the second extension arm 71 is consistent with the first extension arm 40 in terms of length, width, cross-sectional shape, material selection, and internal structure. This structural similarity ensures consistency between the two extension arms in terms of sliding stroke, load-bearing capacity, and connection interface with lifting components. Possible implementations include: using the same molds or processing procedures to manufacture the first extension arm 40 and the second extension arm 71; or, using standardized profiles and connectors to assemble the first extension arm 40 and the second extension arm 71. The structure of the second extension drive 72 is identical to that of the first extension drive 50, meaning that the second extension drive 72 is consistent with the first extension drive 50 in terms of the model of the drive motor 51, the reduction ratio of the reducer 52, the module and number of teeth of the gears, and their connection method and mounting interface. This structural similarity ensures consistency in driving torque, sliding speed control accuracy, and response characteristics between the two extension drives. Possible implementations include: procuring drive motors 51, reducers 52, and gears of the same specifications to assemble the first extension drive 50 and the second extension drive 72; or, using a unified control unit and drive algorithm to manage the two extension drives. The structure of the second lifting component 73 is identical to that of the first lifting component 60. This means that the second lifting component 73 is consistent with the first lifting component 60 in terms of the size and strength of the roller support 61, the diameter and winding capacity of the roller 62, the power and speed of the lifting motor 63, the diameter and length of the wire rope 64, and the type and connection method of the end fittings 65. This structural similarity ensures consistency in lifting capacity, lifting speed, and safety performance between the two lifting components. Possible implementation methods include: using standardized lifting modules so that the first lifting component 60 and the second lifting component 73 are interchangeable; or, using the same supplier and model to procure components for all lifting components.

[0100] Through the aforementioned technical solution, the structures of the second slide block 70, second extension arm 71, second extension drive 72, and second lifting component 73 in the automated rail hoist are designed to be identical to those of the corresponding first slide block 30, first extension arm 40, first extension drive 50, and first lifting component 60, thus achieving component standardization. This standardized design greatly simplifies the product design and manufacturing process, reduces the need for different design schemes, special tooling fixtures, and production lines, and effectively reduces production costs. Simultaneously, because the two sets of lifting components are structurally consistent, equipment maintenance is simplified. For example, maintenance personnel can use unified maintenance procedures and troubleshooting methods, reducing the time spent learning and adapting to different components. Spare parts management also becomes more efficient; only one set of universal spare parts is needed to meet the needs of both sets of lifting components, significantly reducing spare parts inventory costs and management complexity. In actual operation, operators can apply the same operating instructions and control logic to both sets of lifting components, ensuring the coordination and consistency of lifting operations on both sides, avoiding operational imbalances or synchronization problems that may occur due to structural differences, thereby improving the overall stability and operational efficiency of rail loading and unloading. This structural uniformity enables the automated rail hoist to achieve more precise and reliable synchronous movement when hoisting rails on both sides. This is especially important for the smooth loading and unloading of long rails, effectively avoiding the risk of rail deformation or equipment damage caused by uneven force or asynchronous movement on both sides.

[0101] In traditional rail hoisting operations, equipment such as overhead cranes, truck cranes, and tower cranes have problems such as large footprint, high operating space requirements, low operating efficiency, poor coordination, and insufficient flexibility, making them difficult to adapt to the changing environment in railway and subway construction.

[0102] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the core innovation of this embodiment lies in integrating an automated rail hoist with a rail placement frame unit with a specific structure. The rail placement frame unit adopts a combination design of a first column 80, a second column 81, a bottom support column 82, and a movable support column 83. In particular, the movable support column 83 has a structure in which one end is hinged to the second column 81 and the other end is detachably connected to the first column 80, thereby enabling flexible spatial adjustment and rapid installation and disassembly during rail loading and unloading.

[0103] Specifically, this invention proposes a rail hoisting and transporting device, which includes an automated rail hoisting machine and a rail placement frame unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The rail placement frame unit includes a first column 80, a second column 81, a bottom supporting column 82, and a movable supporting column 83. The bottom supporting column 82 is arranged on the rail transport vehicle 10 along the width direction of the rail transport vehicle 10, providing a lateral support foundation for the entire structure. The first column 80 is vertically arranged, and its lower end is fixedly connected to one end of the bottom supporting column 82; the second column 81 is also vertically arranged, and its lower end is fixedly connected to the other end of the bottom supporting column 82, forming a stable symmetrical support frame. The movable supporting column 83 is arranged between the first column 80 and the second column 81, with one end hinged to the second column 81 and the other end detachably connected to the first column 80.

[0104] Through the above structural design, the movable support column 83 can rotate around the hinge point with the second column 81, facilitating dynamic adjustment of the load-bearing space during rail loading and unloading, and enabling multi-layer loading of rails. Simultaneously, its detachable connection with the first column 80 allows for rapid installation and disassembly, adapting to different working conditions. The introduction of the automated rail hoist further improves operational efficiency, while the flexible structure of the rail placement frame unit optimizes the coordination of multi-device collaborative operations, enhancing the overall adaptability and flexibility of the system.

[0105] In summary, this technical solution effectively solves the problems of large footprint, low efficiency, poor coordination, and insufficient flexibility in existing technologies through structural innovation and functional integration, providing a compact, efficient, and flexible solution for rail hoisting operations.

[0106] In some of the solutions described above in this invention, a rail placement frame unit is proposed to support the rail. However, during this process, the rail may slide or shift due to transportation vibration or loading and unloading operations, resulting in unstable rail position and affecting transportation safety and loading and unloading efficiency.

[0107] In this regard, the present invention further proposes that the rail placement frame unit also includes a plurality of first rail partitions 84 arranged sequentially on the bottom support column 82 and a plurality of second rail partitions 85 arranged sequentially on the movable support column 83. The distance between two adjacent first rail partitions 84 matches the width of the bottom of the rail to be transported, and the distance between two adjacent second rail partitions 85 matches the width of the bottom of the rail to be transported.

[0108] Specifically, the plurality of first track partitions 84 sequentially arranged on the bottom support column 82 are structural components used for lateral positioning and support of the rails in the rail placement frame unit. They form a series of intervals on the bottom support column 82, separating the rail base portions and thus restricting lateral movement of the rails. One implementation is that the first track partitions 84 can be made of metal sheets, fixed to specific positions on the bottom support column 82 by welding or bolting to form preset intervals. Another implementation is that the first track partitions 84 can be designed as an adjustable structure, for example, installed on the bottom support column 82 via grooves and fasteners, so that their spacing can be flexibly adjusted according to the rail base width of different specifications of rails.

[0109] The multiple second track partitions 85, sequentially arranged on the movable support column 83, work in conjunction with the first track partition 84 to further position and support the rails laterally within the rail placement frame unit. They form intervals on the movable support column 83 corresponding to those of the first track partition 84, collectively clamping the bottom portion of the rail and further enhancing its lateral stability. One implementation is that the second track partitions 85 can be made of metal sheets similar to the first track partition 84, fixed to the movable support column 83 by welding or bolting. Another implementation is that the second track partitions 85 can be designed as adjustable structures, for example, mounted on the movable support column 83 via grooves and fasteners, so that their spacing can be adjusted synchronously with that of the first track partitions 84.

[0110] The distance between two adjacent first track partitions 84 matches the width of the rail base of the rail to be transported. This matching ensures that the rail base can be tightly embedded in the groove formed between the adjacent first track partitions 84, thereby effectively preventing the rail from sliding or shifting along the width direction during transportation or loading / unloading. One implementation method is to determine the fixed spacing of the first track partitions 84 based on the standard width of common rail bases during design and manufacturing. Another implementation method is to use adjustable first track partitions 84, which can be precisely adjusted according to the width of the rail base of the rail to be transported during actual operation to achieve optimal matching.

[0111] The distance between two adjacent second track partitions 85 matches the width of the rail base of the track to be transported. This matching, in conjunction with the matching of the first track partition 84, further consolidates the lateral positioning of the rail, ensuring that the rail is also stably supported on the side of the movable support column 83, thereby comprehensively restricting the lateral movement of the rail. One implementation method is to design and manufacture the second track partitions 85 so that their fixed spacing is consistent with the spacing of the first track partitions 84 and matches the width of the rail base. Another implementation method is to use adjustable second track partitions 85, which are adjusted synchronously with the first track partitions 84 during actual operation to accommodate rails with different rail base widths.

[0112] Through the above technical solution, in the rail placement frame unit, multiple first rail partitions 84 and second rail partitions 85 work together to form a series of slots that precisely match the width of the rail base to be transported. When the rail is placed in these slots, its rail base is tightly clamped and positioned by the first rail partitions 84 and second rail partitions 85. This precise matching and clamping effectively restricts the sliding or displacement of the rail along the width and length directions during transportation, ensuring that the rail maintains its preset position even during vehicle vibration or loading / unloading operations. This significantly enhances the stability of the rail during transportation, reduces the safety risks caused by accidental rail movement, and greatly improves the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading operations due to the fixed position of the rail, avoiding secondary adjustments or potential damage caused by rail displacement.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present invention described above, the rail placement frame unit separates the rails by rail partitions. However, in its implementation, the rails lack effective fixing, which makes them prone to displacement or detachment during transportation.

[0114] In response, the present invention further proposes an improved scheme for the rail placement frame unit, wherein the first rail partition 84 and the second rail partition 85 have the same structure, and both the first rail partition 84 and the second rail partition 85 are provided with threaded holes 86; the rail placement frame unit also includes a rail pressure plate 87 and a pressure plate screw 88, the rail pressure plate 87 is provided with a pressure plate hole 89, and the threaded end of the pressure plate screw 88 passes through the pressure plate hole 89 and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole 86.

[0115] Specifically, the first track partition 84 and the second track partition 85 are designed to have the same structure, which not only simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs, but also improves the interchangeability of components and the ease of maintenance. These partitions can be made of high-strength steel, aluminum alloy, or composite materials to ensure sufficient load-bearing capacity and durability. Both the first track partition 84 and the second track partition 85 have threaded holes 86. These threaded holes 86 can be formed directly by tapping into the partition material, or they can be achieved by pre-drilling and then inserting threaded bushings. Their function is to provide a reliable threaded connection point for subsequent fasteners.

[0116] To effectively secure the rails, the rail placement unit is further equipped with rail clamping plates 87 and clamping plate screws 88. The rail clamping plate 87 is typically a plate-like structure with a certain rigidity. Its design can be a straight plate, an L-shaped bracket, or a custom-shaped plate tailored to the shape of the rail base to ensure good contact with the rail. The rail clamping plate 87 can be made of steel, or a cushioning material such as rubber can be added to the contact surface with the rail to protect the rail surface. Clamping plate holes 89 are provided on the rail clamping plate 87. These holes 89 are typically designed as through holes, with a diameter slightly larger than that of the clamping plate screws 88, to allow the clamping plate screws 88 to pass through smoothly and to allow for certain installation tolerances or adjustment space. The clamping plate screws 88 are threaded fasteners. After passing through the clamping plate holes 89 of the rail clamping plate 87, their threaded ends are threadedly connected to the threaded holes 86 on the first rail partition 84 or the second rail partition 85. The pressure plate screw 88 can be made of standard hex head bolts, socket head cap screws or other types of bolts, and is usually made of high-strength alloy steel to withstand the required clamping force.

[0117] With the above technical solution, after the rail is placed in the rail placement frame unit and separated by the first rail partition 84 and the second rail partition 85, the operator can place the rail clamping plate 87 on top of the rail, allowing the clamping plate screw 88 to pass through the clamping plate hole 89 and screw into the threaded hole 86. As the clamping plate screw 88 is tightened, the rail clamping plate 87 will apply downward pressure to the rail, thereby firmly clamping the rail between the rail partitions. This detachable threaded connection effectively solves the problem of rail displacement or detachment during transportation due to lack of effective fixation, significantly improving the stability and safety of rail transportation. Meanwhile, the identical structure of the first rail partition 84 and the second rail partition 85 facilitates standardized production and reduces spare parts costs. This fixing method is simple to operate, highly reliable, and easy to install and disassemble according to actual needs, thus improving operational efficiency while ensuring transportation safety.

[0118] In some of the solutions described above in this invention, automated rail hoisting machines and rail placement rack units are proposed for efficient rail hoisting. However, in the implementation process, a single hoisting machine and placement rack unit may not be able to cover the entire rail transport vehicle, resulting in low operating efficiency, inability to efficiently handle long-distance rail transport, and poor coordination.

[0119] In this regard, such as Figure 6 As shown, the present invention further proposes that there are multiple automated rail hoisting machines, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the rail transport vehicle 10, and all automated rail hoisting machines are located in the middle of the width direction of the rail transport vehicle 10; there are also multiple rail placement frame units, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the rail transport vehicle 10.

[0120] Specifically, multiple automated rail hoists are employed to enhance overall hoisting capacity and operational efficiency, addressing the loading and unloading needs of long or large quantities of rails. These automated rail hoists can be modularly designed, with each hoist operating as an independent unit that can be flexibly added or removed based on actual operational requirements; alternatively, multiple automated rail hoists can be designed as part of an integrated system, sharing some control or power resources but performing hoisting tasks independently; or, multiple automated rail hoists can be deployed as distributed units along the length of the rail carrier 10, with each unit responsible for hoisting operations in its designated area.

[0121] Multiple automated rail hoists are arranged at intervals along the length of the rail transport vehicle 10 to ensure that the hoisting operation covers the entire length of the vehicle, avoiding blind spots or efficiency bottlenecks in certain areas. This interval arrangement helps provide sufficient working space for each hoist and allows for simultaneous handling of rails at different locations. This arrangement can be fixed-interval, where each automated rail hoist is installed on the rail transport vehicle 10 at a preset, equidistant interval, suitable for loading and unloading standardized rails; or adjustable-interval, where the position of each hoist can be adjusted according to the length of the rail to be hoisted or operational requirements via sliding rails or detachable connectors; or, the hoists can form segmented coverage, with each hoist responsible for a section of the rail transport vehicle 10, where adjacent sections may overlap or be closely connected.

[0122] Furthermore, the automated rail hoists are all positioned in the middle of the rail transport vehicle 10 in the width direction to ensure balance and stability during the hoisting process, effectively reducing the risk of the rail transport vehicle 10 overturning or tilting when lifting heavy objects, while also reducing torsional stress on the vehicle body structure. This can be achieved by directly installing the automated rail hoist on the width centerline of the rail transport vehicle 10; or by ensuring through structural design that the center of gravity of the hoist and its maximum load is always located on the longitudinal centerline of the rail transport vehicle 10, so that even if the physical installation position is slightly off, balance can be achieved through counterweights or structural optimization; or, the hoist itself can adopt a symmetrical design to ensure balanced force in the width direction.

[0123] Meanwhile, multiple rail placement rack units are also included, designed to provide multiple independent or continuous rail storage areas to increase the load-bearing capacity and storage flexibility of the rail transport vehicle 10, and to coordinate with multiple hoists. These placement rack units can adopt an independent modular design, with each unit capable of independent installation and disassembly, facilitating adjustments to the number and layout as needed; alternatively, multiple placement rack units can be designed as interconnected sections, forming a continuous rail storage system; or, through a layered or partitioned design, multiple rail placement areas can be achieved within a limited space.

[0124] Multiple rail placement rack units are sequentially spaced along the length of the rail transport vehicle 10. This arrangement is designed to coordinate with multiple automated rail hoists, providing storage points corresponding to the hoist positions. This enables rapid and orderly loading, unloading, and storage of rails, improving overall operational efficiency. The spaced arrangement also facilitates the categorized storage and retrieval of rails. This arrangement can employ uniform spacing, arranging the rail placement rack units at fixed, equidistant intervals along the length of the rail transport vehicle 10 to match the hoists; or variable spacing, adjusting the distance between placement rack units according to the needs of rails of different lengths or types; or, each placement rack unit can form segmented storage areas, each area used to store a specific number or type of rail, corresponding to the corresponding hoist operation area.

[0125] Through the above technical solution, this invention effectively solves the problems of insufficient coverage, low operating efficiency, and poor coordination when a single hoisting machine and placement rack unit handles long-distance rail transportation. Multiple automated rail hoists are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the length of the rail transport vehicle 10, and all are located in the middle of the width of the rail transport vehicle 10, significantly increasing the number of hoisting operation points. This allows long rails to be hoisted simultaneously or in sections from multiple points, greatly improving loading and unloading efficiency and stability. Simultaneously, multiple rail placement rack units are arranged sequentially and at intervals along the length of the rail transport vehicle 10, forming an efficient collaborative operation system with the multiple hoists. This not only provides ample storage space for the rails but also makes the loading and unloading process smoother and more orderly. This multi-machine collaborative, multi-point coverage layout enables the entire rail hoisting and transportation equipment to efficiently and safely complete the transportation and loading / unloading tasks of long-distance rails, significantly improving overall operating efficiency and flexibility.

[0126] The following example will provide a more detailed explanation of the above technical solution:

[0127] At railway or subway construction sites, long steel rails need to be loaded from the ground onto rail transport vehicles 10, or unloaded from rail transport vehicles 10. Traditional lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes or truck cranes, usually requires a large working space, and their deployment and movement are not flexible enough when working in different locations, resulting in low overall work efficiency.

[0128] The automated rail hoist in this example is directly mounted on the rail transport vehicle 10, forming an integrated hoisting and transport device. This device includes a support arm 20 vertically positioned above the rail transport vehicle 10, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rail transport vehicle 10, providing stable support for the entire hoisting mechanism.

[0129] At the end of the support arm 20 away from the rail carrier 10, a first slide block 30 is provided. The first slide block 30 includes a slide block body 31, on which a sliding groove hole 33 is opened along the width direction of the rail carrier 10, and a sliding bearing 32 is installed on the inner wall of the sliding groove hole 33.

[0130] The first extendable arm 40 is slidably mounted on the first slide block 30. The first extendable arm 40 includes an extendable arm body 41 and a track 42 fixedly mounted along its length. The track 42 cooperates with a sliding bearing 32 in the first slide block 30, so that the first extendable arm 40 can slide smoothly on the first slide block 30 along the width direction of the rail carrier 10.

[0131] To control the sliding of the first extension arm 40, a first extension drive 50 is installed on the first slide block 30. The first extension drive 50 consists of a drive motor 51, a reducer 52, and gears. The output end of the drive motor 51 is connected to the input end of the reducer 52, which is fixedly mounted on the slide block body 31, and its output end passes through the slide block body 31 and connects to the gears. A rack 43 is also fixedly mounted on the extension arm body 41 of the first extension arm 40, and the rack 43 meshes with the gears. When the drive motor 51 is working, it drives the gears to rotate through the reducer 52. The meshing action of the gears and the rack 43 allows the first extension arm 40 to extend or retract precisely along the width direction of the rail carrier 10.

[0132] A first lifting component 60 is installed on the first extension arm 40 for actually lifting the rail to be transported. The first lifting component 60 includes a roller bracket 61, a roller 62, a lifting motor 63, a wire rope 64, and an end fitting 65. The roller bracket 61 is fixedly installed at one end of the first extension arm 40, and the roller 62 is installed on the roller bracket 61. The lifting motor 63 is also installed on the roller bracket 61, and its output end is connected to the roller 62 to drive the roller 62 to rotate. One end of the wire rope 64 is installed on the roller 62. To ensure smooth guidance of the wire rope 64, a first wire rope guide roller 44 and a second wire rope guide roller 45 are rotatably installed on the extension arm body 41 of the first extension arm 40. The first wire rope guide roller 44 is close to the roller bracket 61, and the second wire rope guide roller 45 is away from the roller bracket 61. The other end of the wire rope 64 passes through these two guide rollers in sequence and is connected to the end fitting 65, which is used to hook the rail.

[0133] In actual operation, when rails need to be loaded onto the rail transport vehicle 10, the rail transport vehicle 10 is parked next to the rail to be loaded. The operator controls the first extension drive 50 to extend the first extension arm 40 outwards, moving the first lifting component 60 above the rail to be loaded. Then, by controlling the lifting motor 63, the drum 62 is rotated, lowering the wire rope 64 and connecting the end fitting 65 to the rail. After the rail is securely connected, the lifting motor 63 reverses the drive of the drum 62, lifting the rail to a certain height. Next, the first extension drive 50 controls the first extension arm 40 to retract, moving the rail above the rail transport vehicle 10. Finally, the lifting motor 63 again smoothly places the rail onto the rail transport vehicle 10. The process of unloading the rail is the reverse.

[0134] Compared to existing technologies that require additional large lifting equipment, this automated rail hoist is directly integrated into the rail transport vehicle 10, eliminating the need for additional ground space and solving the problems of large footprint and large operating space required by traditional lifting equipment. The lateral sliding function of its extension boom 40 allows for flexible adjustment of the lifting point to adapt to rails in different positions, improving operational flexibility.

[0135] To further improve efficiency and stability, the automated rail hoist may also include a second slide block 70, a second extension arm 71, a second extension drive 72, and a second lifting component 73. The first slide block 30 and the second slide block 70 are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the support arm 20. The structures of the second slide block 70, the second extension arm 71, the second extension drive 72, and the second lifting component 73 are the same as the first set of components. This dual-set hoisting mechanism configuration enables the equipment to lift rails simultaneously or collaboratively. Especially for the hoisting of long rails, it can provide more stable support and faster operating speed, effectively solving the problems of poor coordination and low operating efficiency when multiple machines are working together.

[0136] In addition, the rail hoisting and transporting equipment may also include a rail placement frame unit. This unit includes a first column 80, a second column 81, a bottom support column 82, and a movable support column 83. The bottom support column 82 is installed on the rail transport vehicle 10 along its width. The first column 80 and the second column 81 are respectively vertically installed at both ends of the bottom support column 82. The movable support column 83 is located between the first column 80 and the second column 81, with one end hinged to the second column 81 and the other end detachably connected to the first column 80. The rail placement frame unit also includes multiple first track partitions 84 sequentially installed on the bottom support column 82 and multiple second track partitions 85 sequentially installed on the movable support column 83. The distance between them matches the width of the bottom of the rail to be transported, and is used for positioning and separating the rails. To further secure the rails, threaded holes 86 are provided on both the first rail partition 84 and the second rail partition 85. These holes are used in conjunction with rail pressure plates 87 and pressure plate screws 88. The pressure plate screws 88 pass through the pressure plate holes 89 on the rail pressure plates 87 and are threaded into the threaded holes 86 to firmly press the rails together.

[0137] In practical applications, multiple automated rail hoists and multiple rail placement rack units can be sequentially and spaced along the length of the rail transport vehicle 10. This combination of multiple hoists and multiple placement rack units makes the entire rail transport vehicle 10 a highly automated, self-sufficient rail loading, unloading, and transportation platform, greatly improving the overall efficiency and safety of rail transportation and construction, while avoiding dependence on external large lifting equipment and improving operational flexibility and adaptability.

[0138] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated rail hoisting machine for loading rails onto a rail transport vehicle (10) or unloading rails from the rail transport vehicle (10), characterized in that, include: Support arm (20), the support arm (20) is vertically arranged above the rail transport vehicle (10), and one end of the support arm (20) near the rail transport vehicle (10) is fixedly connected to the rail transport vehicle (10); The first slide (30) is disposed at the end of the support arm (20) away from the rail carrier (10). The first extension arm (40) is slidably mounted on the first slide block (30), and the first extension arm (40) is capable of sliding on the first slide block (30) along the width direction of the rail carrier (10); A first extension drive (50) is mounted on the first slide (30) and is used to control the sliding of the first extension arm (40) along the first slide (30); The first lifting component (60) is mounted on the first extension arm (40) and is used to lift the rail to be transported.

2. The automated rail hoisting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first slide (30) includes a slide body (31) and a sliding bearing (32). The slide body (31) has a sliding groove (33) along the width direction of the rail carrier (10). The sliding bearing (32) is installed on the inner wall of the sliding groove (33). The first extension arm (40) includes an extension arm body (41) and a track (42). The track (42) is fixedly installed on the extension arm body (41) along the length direction of the extension arm body (41), and the track (42) cooperates with the sliding bearing (32).

3. The automated rail hoisting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first extension drive (50) includes a drive motor (51), a reducer (52) and a gear. The drive motor (51) is mounted on the reducer (52), and the output end of the drive motor (51) is connected to the input end of the reducer (52). The gear is located inside the slide hole (33). The reducer (52) is fixedly mounted on the slide body (31), and the output end of the reducer (52) passes through the slide body (31) and is connected to the gear. The first extendable arm (40) further includes a rack (43), which is fixedly mounted on the extendable arm body (41) along the length direction of the extendable arm body (41), and the rack (43) meshes with the gear.

4. The automated rail hoisting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first lifting component (60) includes a roller bracket (61), a roller (62), a lifting motor (63), a wire rope (64), and an end fitting (65). The roller bracket (61) is fixedly installed on one end of the first extension arm (40). The roller (62) is installed on the roller bracket (61). The lifting motor (63) is installed on the roller bracket (61), and the output end of the lifting motor (63) is connected to the roller (62) to drive the roller (62) to rotate. One end of the wire rope (64) is installed on the roller (62). The first extension arm (40) further includes a first wire rope guide roller (44) and a second wire rope guide roller (45). The first wire rope guide roller (44) and the second wire rope guide roller (45) are rotatably mounted on the extension arm body (41). The first wire rope guide roller (44) is located on the extension arm body (41) at one end close to the roller bracket (61), and the second wire rope guide roller (45) is located on the extension arm body (41) at one end away from the roller bracket (61). The other end of the wire rope (64) passes through the first wire rope guide roller (44) and the second wire rope guide roller (45) in sequence and is then connected to the end fitting (65).

5. An automated rail hoisting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The automated rail hoist also includes a second slide (70), a second extension arm (71), a second extension drive (72), and a second lifting component (73). The first slide (30) and the second slide (70) are both located at the end of the support arm (20) away from the rail carrier (10), and the first slide (30) and the second slide (70) are located on the front and rear sides of the support arm (20), respectively. The second extension arm (71) is slidably mounted on the second slide (70), and the second extension arm (71) can slide along the width direction of the rail carrier (10) on the second slide (70). The second extension drive (72) is mounted on the second slide (70), and the second extension drive (72) is used to control the sliding of the second extension arm (71) along the second slide (70). The second lifting component (73) is mounted on the second extension arm (71), and the second lifting component (73) is used to lift the rail to be transported.

6. An automated rail hoisting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The structure of the second slide (70) is the same as that of the first slide (30), the structure of the second extension arm (71) is the same as that of the first extension arm (40), the structure of the second extension drive (72) is the same as that of the first extension drive (50), and the structure of the second lifting component (73) is the same as that of the first lifting component (60).

7. A rail hoisting and transporting device, characterized in that, The rail hoisting and transport equipment includes an automated rail hoisting machine and a rail placement frame unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The rail placement frame unit includes a first column (80), a second column (81), a bottom support column (82), and a movable support column (83). The bottom support column (82) is arranged on the rail transport vehicle (10) along the width direction of the rail transport vehicle (10). The first column (80) is vertically arranged, and the lower end of the first column (80) is fixedly connected to one end of the bottom support column (82). The second column (81) is vertically arranged, and the lower end of the second column (81) is fixedly connected to the other end of the bottom support column (82). The movable support column (83) is arranged between the first column (80) and the second column (81), and one end of the movable support column (83) is hinged to the second column (81). The other end of the movable support column (83) is detachably connected to the first column (80).

8. The rail hoisting and transport equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rail placement frame unit also includes multiple first rail partitions (84) arranged sequentially on the bottom support column (82) and multiple second rail partitions (85) arranged sequentially on the movable support column (83). The distance between two adjacent first rail partitions (84) matches the width of the bottom rail of the rail to be transported, and the distance between two adjacent second rail partitions (85) matches the width of the bottom rail of the rail to be transported.

9. A rail hoisting and transporting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first track partition (84) and the second track partition (85) have the same structure, and both the first track partition (84) and the second track partition (85) are provided with threaded holes (86). The rail placement frame unit also includes a rail pressure plate (87) and a pressure plate screw (88). The rail pressure plate (87) has a pressure plate hole (89). The threaded end of the pressure plate screw (88) passes through the pressure plate hole (89) and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole (86).

10. A rail hoisting and transporting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of automated rail hoists is multiple, and the multiple automated rail hoists are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length and width directions of the rail transport vehicle (10), and the automated rail hoists are all located in the middle of the width direction of the rail transport vehicle (10). The number of rail placement frame units is also multiple, and the multiple rail placement frame units are arranged sequentially and at intervals on the rail transport vehicle (10) along the length direction of the rail transport vehicle (10).

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