A wedge locking based modular welding-free connection device for agricultural machinery

Abstract

This application relates to the field of agricultural machinery manufacturing and assembly technology, and discloses a modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking. The device includes: two locking plates, with two fixed connecting plates fixedly connected between the two locking plates. A connecting square tube beam is provided on the side of each fixed connecting plate away from the locking plates. Four wedge blocks are provided on the side wall of the connecting square tube beam, and clamping bolts are provided inside each wedge block. The locking plates have channels for accommodating the connecting square tube beam. This invention uses the connecting square tube beam as a universal frame platform, and it is mounted to functional modules through a main frame composed of the locking plates and fixed connecting plates. By rotating the clamping bolts to drive the wedge blocks to lock, the main frame and the connecting square tube beam can be fixed, achieving weldless assembly between the frame and the main structure, thus enhancing the adaptability of agricultural machinery to varying operating environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery manufacturing and assembly technology, specifically to a modular, weld-free connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking. Background Technology

[0002] In modern agricultural machinery, such as seeders, fertilizer applicators, or cultivators, the connection and fixation between functional modules, such as seeders, fertilizer bin supports, and scratchers, and the main frame is a key factor determining the overall structural integrity and operational performance of the machine. As agricultural production develops towards precision and diversification, the ability of agricultural machinery to adapt to different agronomic requirements faces greater challenges. The reliability, ease of installation, and adjustability of the connecting devices affect the production efficiency, service life, and adaptability of agricultural machinery to various agronomic needs. Existing methods for manufacturing the main frame and assembling functional modules in agricultural machinery employ a combination of welded frames and bolted fasteners. Based on pre-defined machine specifications, steel profiles are welded into an integrated main frame with defined dimensions and fixed connection points. Subsequently, functional modules such as seeders and fertilizer bins are installed into pre-drilled welded connection plates or structural holes on the main frame using ordinary bolts, U-bolts, or flanges, thus achieving the connection between the main frame and the functional modules.

[0003] However, existing methods of manufacturing mainframes and assembling functional modules in agricultural machinery rely on welding processes, resulting in the permanent solidification of the frame structure. Once the mainframe is welded, the installation positions of the functional modules are fixed, preventing users from flexibly adjusting according to changes in agronomic requirements and limiting the overall applicability of the machine. Furthermore, the demand for different machine specifications forces manufacturers to design and produce various welded frames of different sizes, increasing design and tooling costs. In later maintenance and adjustments, the position of individual modules cannot be adjusted. If a part of the frame is damaged, complex cutting and repair or costly replacement of the entire frame is often required, severely impacting maintenance efficiency and economy. Therefore, this invention proposes a wedge-locking-based modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery to address the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a modular, weld-free connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking. This solves the problems of rigid frame structure, inflexible adjustment of functional module positions, high manufacturing costs, poor versatility, and difficult maintenance caused by welding.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking, comprising: two locking fixing plates, two fixing connecting plates fixedly connected between the two locking fixing plates, a connecting square tube beam provided on the side of the fixing connecting plate away from the locking fixing plates, four wedge blocks provided on the side wall of the connecting square tube beam, and clamping bolts provided inside the wedge blocks.

[0006] Preferably, the locking and fixing plate has a channel for accommodating the connecting square tube beam.

[0007] Preferably, the locking and fixing plate has guide slopes on two adjacent inner walls, and the wedge block has matching slopes that cooperate with the guide slopes.

[0008] Preferably, the other two adjacent inner wall surfaces of the locking and fixing plate are provided with protrusions, the side wall of the fixing and connecting plate is provided with grooves, and the protrusions are disposed inside the grooves.

[0009] Preferably, the wedge-shaped block has two limiting grooves on its surface facing each other, and the locking plate is embedded in the limiting grooves.

[0010] Preferably, the surface of the wedge block is provided with a threaded hole, the clamping bolt passes through two adjacent wedge blocks and is threadedly connected to the two wedge blocks, and the two wedge blocks are disposed opposite to each other inside the locking and fixing plate.

[0011] Preferably, the two fixing plates are fixedly connected.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting square tube beam abuts against the side of the wedge block away from the limiting groove.

[0013] This invention provides a modular, weld-free connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking. It offers the following advantages: 1. This invention uses a standardized connecting square tube beam as a universal frame platform, and various functional modules, such as seeding unit mounting arms or box supports, are mounted on the main frame consisting of locking plates and fixed connecting plates. This allows the main frame to slide freely and smoothly along the entire length of the connecting square tube beam when unlocked. When fixing is required, the operator rotates the locking bolts, which drives the internal wedge blocks to generate locking force, achieving a secure fixation between the main frame and the connecting square tube beam at any selected position. This assembly method simplifies the frame production process and allows for flexible combinations to meet diverse market demands, thus positively impacting design, production, and inventory costs. For users, it allows for convenient and precise stepless adjustment of the spacing between functional modules according to different crop types or field agronomic requirements, enhancing the adaptability of agricultural machinery to varying operating environments.

[0014] 2. This invention uses a rotating clamping bolt to synchronously drive the two wedge blocks to contract relative to each other. The matching inclined surface of the wedge block interacts with the guiding inclined surface of the locking plate, converting the rotational torque of the clamping bolt into a clamping force acting perpendicularly on the connecting square tube beam. The static friction force generated by the clamping force is used to resist the vibration and impact loads of agricultural machinery under complex working conditions, ensuring the stability of the connection between the main frame and the connecting square tube beam. This simplifies the assembly process and makes maintenance convenient. When a single module is damaged, maintenance personnel do not need to use complex tools such as cutting and welding. They can quickly disassemble and replace the module by simply rotating the clamping bolt in the opposite direction, which helps to shorten maintenance time and reduce the overall life cycle cost of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and fixing plate of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed connection plate of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the wedge block of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main framework of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping bolt of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking and fixing plate of the present invention.

[0016] Legend 1. Locking and fixing plate; 2. Fixing connecting plate; 3. Wedge block; 4. Clamping bolt; 5. Connecting square tube beam. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Please see Figure 1-8This invention provides a modular, weld-free connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking, comprising two locking and fixing plates 1. The parts directly connected to functional modules such as seed unit mounting arms and box supports are made of high-strength steel plates and are bolted to the functional modules. Two fixing connecting plates 2 are fixedly connected between the two locking and fixing plates 1. The fixing connecting plates 2 are welded to the locking and fixing plates 1, forming an overall connection frame. A connecting square tube beam 5 is provided on the side of the fixing connecting plate 2 away from the locking and fixing plate 1. The connecting square tube beam 5 is a general-purpose main frame beam with a square or rectangular cross-section and is a standard profile. Four... Wedge block 3, made of forged high-strength steel, has a calculated slope angle to ensure optimal self-locking effect. Inside wedge block 3 is a clamping bolt 4, which can directly act on wedge block 3. Rotating the clamping bolt 4 drives wedge block 3 to move. The overall structure forms a completely detachable and independent locking assembly, integrating all components that generate clamping force into one unit. Through cooperation with the standard profile connecting square tube beam 5, it constitutes a modular connection system that does not rely on welding. This design makes the mounting points of functional modules no longer permanent structures on the frame, but standardized interfaces that can be configured as needed, providing a foundation for flexible production and personalized customization of agricultural machinery.

[0019] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 The locking and fixing plate 1 has a channel for accommodating the connecting square tube beam 5. The channel provides physical space for connecting the square tube beam 5, allowing the locking and fixing plate 1 and the fixing connecting plate 2 to slide along the axial direction of the connecting square tube beam 5 when not locked. This provides full-length adjustability for the installation position of the functional modules. This full-length adjustability solves the problem of fixed installation position caused by welding or drilling in traditional technology. It allows users to continuously fine-tune the row spacing or module spacing in the field according to actual agronomic parameters such as crop variety, planting density or soil conditions, thereby optimizing the operation effect and improving the adaptability of the whole machine to different operating environments.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 8The locking and fixing plate 1 has guide ramps on two adjacent inner walls, and the wedge block 3 has matching ramps that cooperate with the guide ramps. The surface contact between the guide ramps and the matching ramps provides a definite guide path for the movement of the wedge block 3 under the drive of the clamping bolt 4, and decomposes the axial force applied by the clamping bolt 4 into a clamping force perpendicular to the side wall of the connecting square tube beam 5, realizing the transmission and direction conversion of force. The ramps utilize the force amplification principle of the wedge block, which can amplify the small torque applied by the operator to the clamping bolt 4 with tools into a normal clamping force sufficient to generate huge static friction. The angle of the ramps is precisely calculated to ensure that the force is effectively amplified while also ensuring that the friction force generated by the system when subjected to external vibration loads is greater than the component force that causes the wedge block 3 to slide, thereby forming a reliable self-locking state.

[0021] Please see Figure 1-3 The locking and fixing plate 1 has protrusions on its two adjacent inner wall surfaces, and the fixing and connecting plate 2 has grooves on its side walls. The protrusions are located inside the grooves. The interlocking structure of the protrusions and grooves provides an assembly reference when the locking and fixing plate 1 and the fixing and connecting plate 2 are assembled, defining the relative position between the locking and fixing plate 1 and the fixing and connecting plate 2. At the same time, when the device is subjected to shear force or torque, the load is borne by the structural interlock between the locking and fixing plate 1 and the fixing and connecting plate 2. The interlocking structure of the protrusions and grooves is not only a positioning method, but also a reinforcing rib that enhances the structural stability. It disperses the shear stress that may originally be concentrated on the fastening bolts to a larger area of ​​the structural body, improving the torsional stiffness and shear resistance of the entire connecting frame. For agricultural machinery operating on complex terrain, this helps to extend the service life of the connecting device.

[0022] Please see Figure 4-6 Two limiting grooves are formed on the surface of the wedge block 3, and the locking plate 1 is embedded in the limiting groove. During the movement of the wedge block 3, the limiting groove structure restricts the degree of freedom of the wedge block 3 except for the preset movement direction, preventing the wedge block 3 from tilting or lateral displacement, ensuring the reliability of the stable application and transmission of force during the locking process, and ensuring that the wedge block 3 always maintains the correct posture during the force and movement process. It avoids stress concentration or uneven locking force caused by deflection or jamming. By ensuring pure translational movement, each locking and unlocking operation has high repeatability and consistency, ensuring the performance stability of the whole device after multiple disassembly and adjustment.

[0023] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7The wedge block 3 has threaded holes on its surface. The clamping bolt 4 passes through two adjacent wedge blocks 3 and is threadedly connected to the two wedge blocks 3. The two wedge blocks 3 are arranged opposite each other inside the locking and fixing plate 1. By using the clamping bolt 4 and the two opposing wedge blocks 3 with internal threaded holes to form a threaded pair, the unidirectional rotational movement of the clamping bolt 4 is converted into the synchronous linear contraction movement or synchronous linear expansion movement of the two wedge blocks 3 relative to each other or opposite to each other. This applies equal clamping forces with symmetrical points of action on both sides of the connecting square tube beam 5. This balanced force application method avoids generating unidirectional thrust or torque on the connecting square tube beam 5, ensuring that the center line of the functional module is consistent with the preset position after clamping, and providing a power source for realizing the clamping and releasing operation of the connecting square tube beam 5.

[0024] Please see Figure 5 The two fixed connecting plates 2 are fixedly connected to each other. The fixed connection between the fixed connecting plates 2 integrates the locking plate 1 and the fixed connecting plate 2 into a frame structure with a predetermined stiffness, which provides a reaction force fulcrum for the wedge block 3 and ensures the stability of the entire device. When the wedge block 3 expands outward and generates huge internal tension, all the action and reaction forces are constrained inside the frame structure and balanced by the structural strength of the frame structure itself, without transmitting the stress to the functional module body connected to it, thus protecting the functional module from the influence of installation stress.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 5 The connecting square tube beam 5 abuts against the side of the wedge block 3 away from the limiting groove. Through the abutment between the connecting square tube beam 5 and the wedge block 3, when the wedge block 3 expands, the abutment surface of the wedge block 3 directly applies clamping force to the side wall of the connecting square tube beam 5. At the same time, the other side wall of the connecting square tube beam 5 is pushed against and abuts against the inner wall of the locking plate 1, forming a double-sided clamping state of the connecting square tube beam 5, thereby generating a force that can resist vibration and impact loads. This double-sided, large-area clamping method evenly distributes the clamping force. The components are evenly distributed on the pipe wall of the connecting square tube beam 5. Compared with point or line fixing methods such as U-bolts, this can effectively avoid local depressions or deformations of the pipe wall caused by stress concentration. The static friction generated by the contact between the connecting square tube beam 5 and the wedge block 3 makes the entire connecting device and the connecting square tube beam 5 form a quasi-rigid whole. Even under complex working conditions such as frequent starts and stops, turns, or encountering bumps in the field, it can effectively suppress relative sliding and rotation, ensuring the stability of the functional module's working posture.

[0026] Working principle: During assembly, the main frame, consisting of locking plate 1 and fixing plate 2, is first fitted onto the surface of the connecting square tube beam 5 and slid along the axial direction of the connecting square tube beam 5 to the predetermined installation position. Then, two sets of wedge blocks 3, connected by clamping bolts 4, are respectively inserted into the cavities inside the guide slope of the inner wall of the connecting square tube beam 5 and the inner wall of the locking plate 1. When locking is required, the operator uses a tool to rotate the clamping bolts 4. During rotation, the clamping bolts 4 drive the two wedge blocks 3 to move synchronously and relative, causing the distance between the two wedge blocks 3 to decrease. During this decrease, the matching slope of the wedge blocks 3 slides along the guide slope of the locking plate 1, generating thrust. Simultaneously, the wedge blocks 3 on both sides of the connecting square tube beam 5 away from the limiting groove will tightly abut against and push against the side wall of the connecting square tube beam 5. The connecting square tube beam 5 is pushed outwards from both sides by the wedge blocks 3. The outer wall of the connecting square tube beam 5 is then blocked by the inner wall of the locking plate 1, forming a clamping state under double-sided pressure. During this process, the connecting square tube beam 5 generates huge and balanced internal tension, so the wedge block 3 firmly clamps and locks the connecting square tube beam 5 within the main frame composed of the locking plate 1 and the fixed connecting plate 2. When it is necessary to adjust the position of the module or disassemble it, simply rotate the clamping bolt 4 in the opposite direction, and the distance between the two wedge blocks 3 will expand synchronously in opposite directions, releasing the clamping force on the connecting square tube beam 5. At this time, the main frame restores its ability to slide freely on the connecting square tube beam 5. The operator can easily push the main frame axially for precise fine-tuning of the position, or completely remove it from one end of the connecting square tube beam 5 when needed. The connecting square tube beam 5 can be easily removed or adjusted, realizing a fast and convenient adjustment function.

Claims

1. A modular, weld-free connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking, characterized in that, include: Two locking plates (1) are fixedly connected to each other by two fixed connecting plates (2). A connecting square tube beam (5) is provided on the side of the fixed connecting plate (2) away from the locking plates (1). Four wedge blocks (3) are provided on the side wall of the connecting square tube beam (5). A clamping bolt (4) is provided inside the wedge block (3).

2. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and fixing plate (1) has a channel for accommodating the connecting square tube beam (5).

3. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and fixing plate (1) has guide slopes on two adjacent inner walls, and the wedge block (3) has matching slopes that cooperate with the guide slopes.

4. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and fixing plate (1) has protrusions on its two adjacent inner wall surfaces, and the fixing and connecting plate (2) has grooves on its side wall, with the protrusions located inside the grooves.

5. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wedge block (3) has two limiting grooves on its surface, and the locking plate (1) is embedded in the limiting groove.

6. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the wedge block (3) is provided with threaded holes, and the clamping bolt (4) passes through two adjacent wedge blocks (3) and is threadedly connected to the two wedge blocks (3). The two wedge blocks (3) are arranged opposite to each other inside the locking and fixing plate (1).

7. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two fixed connecting plates (2) are fixedly connected.

8. The modular weldless connection device for agricultural machinery based on wedge locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting square tube beam (5) abuts against the side of the wedge block (3) away from the limiting groove.

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