Rail clamping system and long rail tractor
The automatic adjustment function of the rail clamping system solves the problem of low efficiency in clamping long rails by the tractor, and enables fast and accurate adjustment of the clamp position, thereby improving construction efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA STATE RAILWAY GRP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
The existing long rail tractor has low efficiency in clamping rails and requires manual adjustment of the rail clamping device position, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The system employs a rail clamping system, including a rail clamping device, a first detection device, and a controller. The detection device monitors the motion data of the drive unit in real time, and the controller precisely controls the operation of the drive unit to achieve automatic adjustment of the connecting arm and the gripper.
Without the need for frequent manual intervention, the position of the clamp can be adjusted quickly and accurately, significantly improving the efficiency of clamping rails and saving time.
Smart Images

Figure CN224311753U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of track laying equipment, and relates to a rail clamping system and a long rail traction vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, in the practical application of long rail tractors, rail clamping devices at the rear of the vehicle are typically used to grip the rails. However, due to differences in the placement and angle of the rails, varying degrees of sag, and different turning radii, construction workers need to manually adjust the position of the clamping devices each time rails are gripped from the rail transport vehicle. This manual adjustment method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, severely impacting the efficiency of rail clamping. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rail clamping system and a long rail traction vehicle, which solves the problem of low efficiency in clamping rails in existing long rail traction vehicles.
[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a rail clamping system, including a rail clamping device, a first detection device, and a controller. The rail clamping device includes a connecting arm, a rail clamp, and a drive unit. The connecting arm is configured to be rotatably connected to the body of a tractor vehicle and is driven to rotate relative to the tractor vehicle body by at least one of the drive units. The rail clamp is slidably disposed on the connecting arm and is driven to slide relative to the connecting arm by at least one of the drive units. The first detection device corresponds one-to-one with each drive unit for detecting motion data of the corresponding drive unit. The controller is electrically connected to both the first detection device and the drive unit. The controller is used to control the operation of the corresponding drive unit based on the motion data acquired by the first detection device.
[0005] Optionally, the drive unit includes a telescopic cylinder and a first control valve; the telescopic cylinder is drivenly connected to the connecting arm or the rail clamp; the first control valve is disposed in the oil circuit of the telescopic cylinder; the controller is electrically connected to the first control valve and is used to control the movement of the telescopic cylinder through the first control valve.
[0006] Optionally, the first detection device includes a pull-wire sensor, which is installed on the telescopic cylinder to acquire the telescopic cylinder's extension / retraction information; the controller is electrically connected to the pull-wire sensor to receive the extension / retraction information.
[0007] Optionally, the rail clamping system further includes a second detection device for detecting the position information of the rail; the controller is electrically connected to the second detection device and is used to receive the position information.
[0008] Optionally, the second detection device includes a positioning beacon and multiple positioning base stations; the positioning beacon is configured to be installed on the rail; the multiple positioning base stations are configured to be installed on the tractor body; the multiple positioning base stations are communicatively connected to the positioning beacon to acquire the location information; the controller is electrically connected to the multiple positioning base stations respectively to receive the location information.
[0009] Optionally, the rail clamping system further includes an alarm unit, and the controller is electrically connected to the alarm unit for controlling the operation of the alarm unit.
[0010] Optionally, the connecting arm is elongated, and the two rail clamps are slidably disposed on the connecting arm along the length of the connecting arm and are driven by the driving unit to slide relative to the connecting arm.
[0011] Optionally, the rail clamping device further includes a four-bar linkage, through which the connecting arm is rotatably connected to the tractor frame; the drive unit is disposed on the four-bar linkage and is used to drive the four-bar linkage to deform so that the connecting arm rotates relative to the tractor frame.
[0012] Secondly, this utility model provides a long rail tractor, including a tractor body and a rail clamping system as described above, wherein the rail clamping system is installed on the tractor body.
[0013] Optionally, the long rail tractor also includes a hydraulic running system, which is installed on the tractor body. The hydraulic running system includes a second control valve and a wheel drive motor. The second control valve is located in the oil circuit of the wheel drive motor. The controller is electrically connected to the second control valve and is used to control the operation of the wheel drive motor through the second control valve.
[0014] Compared with related technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0015] When the rail clamping system is ready to clamp the rail, the rotating connection between the connecting arm and the tractor body, along with the sliding arrangement of the clamp on the connecting arm, and the drive unit's operation, enable automatic adjustment of the positions of the connecting arm and clamp. During this process, the first detection device monitors the motion data of the drive unit in real time. Based on this motion data, the controller precisely controls the corresponding drive unit, allowing the connecting arm and clamp to quickly and accurately reach the desired position. This eliminates the need for frequent manual intervention by construction personnel, significantly saving time required for position adjustments and greatly improving the efficiency of rail clamping. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the rail clamping system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rail clamping device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a connection block diagram of the controller and drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the telescopic hydraulic cylinder and the pull-wire sensor in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the connection between the controller and the second detection device in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 6 This is a connection block diagram of the controller and alarm unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the connection between the controller and the hydraulic travel system in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 100. Rail clamping device; 101. Drive unit; 1011. Telescopic cylinder; 1012. First control valve; 102. Connecting arm; 103. Rail clamp; 104. Four-bar linkage; 200. First detection device; 201. Pull-wire sensor; 2011. Main body; 2012. Pull wire; 300. Controller; 400. Second detection device; 401. Positioning beacon; 402. Positioning base station; 500. Alarm unit; 600. Hydraulic traveling system; 601. Second control valve; 602. Wheel drive motor. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this utility model can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this utility model. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this utility model are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0026] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; and the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this utility model are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.
[0027] It should be noted that the terms "one" and "multiple" used in this utility model are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".
[0028] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the rail clamping system of this utility model embodiment includes a rail clamping device 100, a first detection device 200, and a controller 300. The rail clamping device 100 includes a connecting arm 102, a rail clamp 103, and a drive unit 101. The connecting arm 102 is configured to be rotatably connected to the tractor body and is driven by at least one of the drive units 101 to rotate relative to the tractor body. The rail clamp 103 is slidably disposed on the connecting arm 102 and is driven by at least one of the drive units 101 to slide relative to the connecting arm 102. The first detection device 200 corresponds one-to-one with the drive unit 101 to detect the motion data of the corresponding drive unit 101. The controller 300 is electrically connected to both the first detection device 200 and the drive unit 101. The controller 300 is used to control the operation of the corresponding drive unit 101 based on the motion data acquired by the first detection device 200.
[0029] In this embodiment, the controller 300 can be either the on-board controller 300 of the long rail tractor or an external PLC controller 300.
[0030] When the rail clamping system is ready to clamp the rail, the rotating connection between the connecting arm 102 and the tractor body, along with the sliding arrangement of the clamp on the connecting arm 102, combined with the drive unit 101, enables automatic adjustment of the positions of the connecting arm 102 and the clamp. During this process, the first detection device 200 monitors the motion data of the drive unit 101 in real time. Based on this motion data, the controller 300 precisely controls the operation of the corresponding drive unit 101, allowing the connecting arm 102 and the clamp to quickly and accurately reach the desired position. This eliminates the need for frequent manual intervention by construction personnel, significantly saving time required for position adjustment and greatly improving the efficiency of rail clamping.
[0031] Optionally, the drive unit 101 includes a telescopic cylinder 1011 and a first control valve 1012; the first control valve 1012 is disposed in the oil circuit of the telescopic cylinder 1011; the controller 300 is electrically connected to the first control valve 1012 and is used to control the telescopic cylinder 1011 to move through the first control valve 1012.
[0032] Specifically, in one embodiment of the driving unit 101, such as Figure 3 The drive unit 101 includes a telescopic cylinder 1011 and a first control valve 1012. When the telescopic cylinder 1011 is driven connected to the connecting arm 102, for example, the fixed end and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 1011 are rotatably connected to the tractor body and the connecting arm 102 respectively, the telescopic cylinder 1011 can extend and retract to allow the connecting arm 102 to rotate relative to the tractor body. When the telescopic cylinder 1011 is driven connected to the rail clamp 103, for example, the fixed end and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 1011 are respectively connected to the rail clamp 103. The rail clamp 103 is not connected to the connecting arm 102 and the rail clamp 103. The rail clamp 103 can slide relative to the connecting arm 102 through telescopic movement. The first control valve 1012 is an electro-proportional valve, which is set in the oil circuit of the telescopic cylinder 1011. The controller 300 is electrically connected to the first control valve 1012 and can send a signal to the first control valve 1012. In this way, the controller controls the electromagnet in the first control valve 1012 to drive the valve core to move, so as to realize the flow direction switching and flow control of the telescopic cylinder 1011.
[0033] In this optional embodiment, by setting the first control valve 1012 in the oil circuit of the telescopic cylinder 1011 and electrically connecting the controller 300 to the first control valve 1012, precise control of the movement of the telescopic cylinder 1011 is achieved, thereby enabling precise alignment of the rail clamp 103.
[0034] Optionally, the first detection device 200 includes a pull-wire sensor 201, which is installed on the telescopic cylinder 1011 and used to acquire the telescopic amount information of the telescopic cylinder 1011; the controller 300 is electrically connected to the pull-wire sensor 201 and is used to receive the telescopic amount information.
[0035] Specifically, each telescopic cylinder 1011 is equipped with a wire-type sensor 201. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the pull-wire sensor 201 includes a main body 2011 and a pull wire 2012 wound inside the main body 2011. The main body 2011 is fixed to the cylinder body of the telescopic cylinder 1011, and the free end of the pull wire 2012 is fixed to the telescopic rod of the telescopic cylinder 1011. When the telescopic rod of the telescopic cylinder extends or retracts, the pull wire 2012 will extend or retract accordingly, thereby obtaining the extension and retraction information of the telescopic cylinder 1011. The controller 300 is electrically connected to the pull-wire sensor 201 and is used to receive the extension and retraction information obtained by the pull-wire sensor 201.
[0036] In this optional embodiment, by installing a pull-wire sensor 201 on the telescopic cylinder 1011 and electrically connecting the sensor to the controller 300, real-time and accurate monitoring of the telescopic cylinder 1011's extension and retraction is achieved. The controller 300 can receive the extension and retraction information fed back by the pull-wire sensor 201, thereby accurately grasping the real-time position and action status of the telescopic cylinder 1011. This allows the controller 300 to perform precise control and adjustment based on the actual extension and retraction, ensuring that the action of the telescopic cylinder 1011 meets preset requirements, thus improving the system's control accuracy and reliability.
[0037] Optionally, the rail clamping system further includes a second detection device 400, which is used to detect the position information of the rail; the controller 300 is electrically connected to the second detection device 400 and is used to receive the position information.
[0038] It should be understood that the controller 300 needs to control the operation of multiple telescopic cylinders 1011 of the rail clamping device 100 based on the position information of the rail. The position information of the rail can be input into the controller 300 by the operator, or it can be detected by the second detection device 400 and transmitted to the controller 300.
[0039] In this optional embodiment, a second detection device 400 is added to detect the position information of the rail and electrically connected to the controller 300, enabling the controller 300 to receive precise position data of the rail in real time. This improvement allows the rail clamping system to automatically input the position information of the rail to the controller 300 through the second detection device 400 when preparing to clamp the rail, thereby reducing the need for operator intervention.
[0040] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second detection device 400 includes a positioning beacon 401 and multiple positioning base stations 402; the positioning beacon 401 is configured to be installed on the rail; the multiple positioning base stations 402 are configured to be installed on the tractor body; the multiple positioning base stations 402 are communicatively connected to the positioning beacon 401 to acquire the location information; the controller 300 is electrically connected to the multiple positioning base stations 402 respectively to receive the location information.
[0041] Specifically, each rail end is equipped with a positioning beacon 401; there are three or more positioning base stations 402, which are installed on the tractor body. Through communication connection with the positioning beacon 401, the three-axis information of the positioning beacon 401 can be obtained. In other words, through the cooperation of the positioning beacon 401 and multiple positioning base stations 402, the position information of the rail end can be obtained; the controller 300 is electrically connected to multiple positioning base stations 402 respectively to receive the position information of the rail.
[0042] In this optional embodiment, by installing the positioning beacon 401 on the rail, a stable and fixed reference point is provided for the position detection of the tractor, ensuring the reliability of the reference source for position information. Multiple positioning base stations 402 are installed on the tractor body and communicate with the positioning beacon 401, enabling them to acquire position information from different angles and positions. This multi-point detection method greatly improves the accuracy and stability of position information acquisition and reduces the impact of errors or malfunctions at a single detection point on the overall position detection results. The controller 300 is electrically connected to the multiple positioning base stations 402, allowing it to receive this position information in real time and comprehensively, thereby achieving precise monitoring of the position of the rail ends.
[0043] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the rail clamping system also includes an alarm unit 500, and the controller 300 is electrically connected to the alarm unit 500 to control the operation of the alarm unit 500.
[0044] Specifically, the alarm unit 500 can be at least one of a speaker and a lamp; when the alarm unit 500 is a speaker, the controller 300 can control the speaker to emit sound; when the alarm unit 500 is a lamp, the controller 300 can control the lamp to emit light; when the alarm unit 500 is both a speaker and a lamp, the controller 300 can simultaneously control the speaker to emit sound and the lamp to emit light.
[0045] In this optional embodiment, after the rail clamping device 100 is in position, the controller 300 can control the alarm unit 500 to work to remind the operator, thereby prompting the operator to fix the rail in the channel inside the rail clamp 103 by using the wedges.
[0046] Optionally, the connecting arm 102 is elongated, and the two rail clamps 103 are slidably disposed on the connecting arm 102 along the length direction of the connecting arm 102 and are driven by the driving unit 101 to slide relative to the connecting arm 102.
[0047] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the connecting arm 102 is generally elongated, and the upper parts of the two rail clamps 103 are sleeved on the connecting arm 102 and can be slidably disposed on the connecting arm 102 along the length direction of the connecting arm 102; the driving unit 101 is a bidirectional driving cylinder, the fixed end of which is connected to the connecting arm 102, and the two telescopic ends are respectively connected to the two rail clamps 103.
[0048] In this optional embodiment, the two rail clamps 103 are slidably arranged along the length direction of the connecting arm 102 and driven by the drive unit 101, so that the rail clamps 103 can flexibly adjust the spacing between each other according to the width of different tracks, which can adapt to a variety of different track specifications, greatly enhancing the versatility and applicability of the device. There is no need to replace the entire device or make complex adjustments for different tracks, reducing the cost of use and improving work efficiency.
[0049] Optionally, the rail clamping device 100 further includes a four-bar linkage 104, through which the connecting arm 102 is rotatably connected to the tractor frame; the driving unit 101 is disposed on the four-bar linkage 104 and is used to drive the four-bar linkage 104 to deform so that the connecting arm 102 rotates relative to the tractor frame.
[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the four-bar linkage 104 is a parallel four-bar linkage 104. Two of its opposite linkages are fixedly connected to the upper part of the connecting part and the tractor body, respectively. The other two linkages are rotatably connected to the fixed end and the telescopic end of the drive unit 101, which is the telescopic cylinder 1011. When the telescopic cylinder 1011 is working, it can drive the four-bar linkage 104 to deform so that the connecting arm 102 can rotate relative to the tractor frame.
[0051] In this optional embodiment, a four-bar linkage 104 is used to connect the connecting arm 102 to the tractor frame, and the drive unit 101 is disposed in this mechanism, enabling the connecting arm 102 to rotate relative to the tractor frame. This structural design allows the rail clamping device 100 to precisely adjust the relative position between the connecting arm 102 and the frame according to different working conditions during operation. For example, during tractor movement, the four-bar linkage 104 can keep the connecting arm 102 stable, preventing loosening or abnormal shaking of the connection between the connecting arm 102 and the frame due to factors such as road bumps, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the overall structure of the rail clamping device 100. When the rail clamping device 100 needs to be operated or adjusted, the drive unit 101 drives the four-bar linkage 104 to deform, which can quickly and accurately realize the rotation of the connecting arm 102, improving work efficiency, reducing the difficulty and intensity of manual operation, and enhancing the practicality and adaptability of the rail clamping device 100.
[0052] The long rail tractor of this utility model includes a tractor body and a rail clamping system as described above, wherein the rail clamping system is installed on the tractor body.
[0053] The long rail tractor in this embodiment has the same beneficial effects as the rail clamping system described above compared to the prior art, so it will not be described again here.
[0054] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the long rail tractor also includes a hydraulic running system 600, which is installed on the tractor body. The hydraulic running system 600 includes a second control valve 601 and a wheel drive motor 602. The second control valve 601 is located in the oil circuit of the wheel drive motor 602. The controller 300 is electrically connected to the second control valve 601 and is used to control the operation of the wheel drive motor 602 through the second control valve 601.
[0055] Specifically, the hydraulic traveling system 600 is installed on the tractor body and is used to drive the wheels to rotate so as to move the tractor body forward or backward. The hydraulic traveling system 600 includes a second control valve 601 and a wheel drive motor 602. The second control valve 601 is an electro-proportional valve, which is set in the oil circuit of the wheel drive motor 602. The controller 300 is electrically connected to the second control valve 601 and can send signals to the second control valve 601 to control the electromagnet in the second control valve 601 to drive the valve core to move, so as to realize the switching of the flow direction and flow control of the wheel drive motor 602.
[0056] In this optional embodiment, after the rail clamp 103 is aligned with the rail, the controller 300 uses the second control valve 601 to cause the wheel drive motor 602 to drive the tractor body backward, thereby allowing the rail to smoothly pass through the corresponding rail clamp 103. This design avoids the tediousness and inaccuracy of manually adjusting the position of the tractor, improves the efficiency and accuracy of the docking between the tractor and the rail, reduces the risk of rail damage caused by improper position adjustment, enhances the overall quality and safety of long rail traction operations, and effectively ensures the smooth progress of long rail laying during railway construction or maintenance.
[0057] Although the present invention has been disclosed above, its protection scope is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A rail clamping system, characterized in that, The system includes a rail clamping device (100), a first detection device (200), and a controller (300). The rail clamping device (100) includes a connecting arm (102), a rail clamp (103), and a drive unit (101). The connecting arm (102) is configured to be rotatably connected to the tractor body and is driven by at least one of the drive units (101) to rotate relative to the tractor body. The rail clamp (103) is slidably disposed on the connecting arm (102) and is driven by at least one of the drive units (101) to slide relative to the connecting arm (102). The first detection device (200) corresponds one-to-one with the drive unit (101) to detect the motion data of the corresponding drive unit (101). The controller (300) is electrically connected to the first detection device (200) and the drive unit (101) respectively. The controller (300) is used to control the operation of the corresponding drive unit (101) according to the motion data obtained by the first detection device (200).
2. The rail clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (101) includes a telescopic cylinder (1011) and a first control valve (1012); the telescopic cylinder (1011) is driven to connect to the connecting arm (102) or the rail clamp (103); the first control valve (1012) is disposed in the oil circuit of the telescopic cylinder (1011); the controller (300) is electrically connected to the first control valve (1012) and is used to control the action of the telescopic cylinder (1011) through the first control valve (1012).
3. The rail clamping system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first detection device (200) includes a pull-wire sensor (201), which is installed on the telescopic cylinder (1011) and is used to acquire the telescopic amount information of the telescopic cylinder (1011); the controller (300) is electrically connected to the pull-wire sensor (201) and is used to receive the telescopic amount information.
4. The rail clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second detection device (400) for detecting the position information of the rail; the controller (300) is electrically connected to the second detection device (400) for receiving the position information.
5. The rail clamping system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second detection device (400) includes a positioning beacon (401) and a plurality of positioning base stations (402); the positioning beacon (401) is configured to be installed on the rail; the plurality of positioning base stations (402) are configured to be installed on the tractor body; The plurality of positioning base stations (402) are communicatively connected to the positioning beacon (401) to obtain the location information; the controller (300) is electrically connected to the plurality of positioning base stations (402) to receive the location information.
6. The rail clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm unit (500), and the controller (300) is electrically connected to the alarm unit (500) for controlling the operation of the alarm unit (500).
7. The rail clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting arm (102) is elongated, and the two rail clamps (103) are slidably disposed on the connecting arm (102) along the length direction of the connecting arm (102) and are driven by the driving unit (101) to slide relative to the connecting arm (102).
8. The rail clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rail clamping device (100) further includes a four-bar linkage (104), and the connecting arm (102) is rotatably connected to the tractor frame through the four-bar linkage (104); the driving unit (101) is disposed on the four-bar linkage (104) and is used to drive the four-bar linkage (104) to deform so that the connecting arm (102) rotates relative to the tractor frame.
9. A long-rail tractor, characterized in that, It includes a tractor body and a rail clamping system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the rail clamping system being mounted on the tractor body.
10. The long rail tractor according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a hydraulic running system (600), which is installed on the tractor body. The hydraulic running system (600) includes a second control valve (601) and a wheel drive motor (602). The second control valve (601) is located in the oil circuit of the wheel drive motor (602). The controller (300) is electrically connected to the second control valve (601) and is used to control the operation of the wheel drive motor (602) through the second control valve (601).