Ballastless track spike component taking and placing mechanism and ballastless track fastener replacement equipment

Abstract

The application provides a ballastless track spike component taking and placing mechanism and a ballastless track fastener replacement device. The taking and placing mechanism comprises a main mechanism base, a mounting seat located below the main mechanism base and connected with the main mechanism base, a clamping jaw device symmetrically arranged at both ends of the length direction of the mounting seat and used for clamping an elastic fastener, a vertical moving device connected with the main mechanism base and the mounting seat respectively and used for driving the mounting seat to move vertically, and a spike tensioning device connected with the main mechanism base and penetrating through the mounting seat vertically and used for loosening or tightening the spike. The clamping jaw device is arranged at both ends of the length direction of the mounting seat, the spike tensioning device is connected with the main mechanism base and penetrates through the mounting seat vertically and is used for loosening or tightening the spike. The spike does not need to be loosened or tightened manually, the working process is simplified, the labor intensity is reduced, the uniform stress is ensured, the elastic fastener is prevented from falling off or deforming during the carrying process, and the subsequent use performance is affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of railway track maintenance technology, specifically to a ballastless track spike component pick-and-place mechanism and a ballastless track fastener replacement device. Background Technology

[0002] In the adjustment and replacement process of the WJ-8 fastener assembly adjustment and replacement device for ballastless track, the WJ-8 fastener assembly for picking up and placing track spikes and elastic clips requires the track spikes, flat washers, and elastic clips to be properly aligned for optimal spike placement. Currently, in the daily maintenance or construction of ballastless track, the disassembly and installation of elastic fasteners and matching track spikes are still mainly done manually, supplemented by simple hand tools. This method has the following drawbacks: Low efficiency: Traditional methods rely on manual operation, using wrenches to loosen and tighten track spikes one by one, and then using pry bars or clamps to pick up and place elastic fasteners. The entire process is cumbersome and time-consuming, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale track maintenance; High labor intensity: Due to the large tightening force of track spikes, especially under long-term pressure or corrosion, manual disassembly is difficult, requiring workers to repeatedly apply force, which can easily cause physical fatigue or even occupational injuries; Unstable clamping: Existing clamps are mostly single-sided clamping structures, and the clamping force is uncontrollable, which can easily cause elastic fasteners to fall off or deform during transportation, affecting their subsequent performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a ballastless track spike component handling mechanism and a ballastless track fastener replacement device to solve the problems of low efficiency and high labor intensity caused by manual operation in existing track spike disassembly.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism includes:

[0006] Main structure base;

[0007] The mounting base is located below the main mechanism base and is connected to the main mechanism base;

[0008] The gripper device is symmetrically arranged at both ends of the mounting base along its length for gripping the elastic fastener;

[0009] A vertical moving device is connected to the main mechanism base and the mounting base respectively, and is used to drive the mounting base to move vertically;

[0010] The track spike tightening device is connected to the main mechanism seat and extends vertically through the mounting seat, used to loosen or tighten the track spike.

[0011] Optionally, the gripper device includes:

[0012] The gripper drive assembly is located below the mounting base;

[0013] Two sets of grippers are arranged opposite each other at both ends of the length direction of the mounting base. Each set of grippers is hinged to the support base, and each set of grippers includes two oppositely arranged grippers.

[0014] A gripper linkage mechanism is hinged to two grippers of any set of grippers;

[0015] The gripper drive assembly is connected to the gripper linkage mechanism and is used to drive the gripper linkage mechanism to move vertically. When the gripper drive assembly extends, the gripper closes.

[0016] Optionally, the gripper linkage mechanism includes:

[0017] The first link, the second link, and the third link are hinged in sequence. The two ends of the first link and the third link are respectively connected to the corresponding grippers, and the second link is connected to the gripper drive assembly.

[0018] Optionally, the gripper drive assembly is either a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0019] Optionally, the rail spike tensioning device includes:

[0020] The track spike tensioning drive assembly is located on the main support base;

[0021] The spike operating head is connected to the extended end of the spike tightening drive assembly and is used to tighten the spike.

[0022] Optionally, a vertical guide column is provided below the main mechanism base;

[0023] The mounting base is provided with guide holes that fit with the vertical guide post.

[0024] Optionally, the gripper includes an anti-slip gripping surface that matches the profile of the resilient fastener.

[0025] Optionally, the gripper device and the rail spike tightening device are each configured as two sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base.

[0026] Optionally, the vertical moving device is either a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0027] This application provides a ballastless track fastener replacement device, comprising:

[0028] Three-axis mobile platform;

[0029] The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism described in any of the above embodiments;

[0030] The three-axis moving platform is fixed to the main mechanism seat of the ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism, and drives the main mechanism seat to move.

[0031] The ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism and ballastless track fastener replacement equipment provided in this application embodiment have the following technical advantages compared with the prior art:

[0032] The main mechanism base and the mounting base are connected by a vertical moving device, which drives the mounting base to move vertically. The gripper device is set at both ends of the mounting base along its length to hold the elastic fasteners. The track spike tightening device is connected to the main mechanism base and runs vertically through the mounting base to loosen or tighten the track spikes. It eliminates the need for manual tightening or loosening of the track spikes, simplifies the operation process, reduces labor intensity, and ensures uniform force distribution, preventing the elastic fasteners from falling off or deforming during handling, which would affect subsequent performance. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ballast track spike component loading and unloading mechanism provided in this application embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a ballast track spike component loading and unloading mechanism provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0036] The following labels are shown in the attached diagram:

[0037] Ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism 500;

[0038] Main mechanism base 501, mounting base 502, gripper device 503, vertical moving device 504, rail spike tightening device 505;

[0039] Gripper drive assembly 5031, gripper 5032, gripper linkage mechanism 5033;

[0040] Road spike tensioning drive assembly 5051, road spike operating head 5052. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This invention discloses a ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism and a ballastless track fastener replacement device to solve the problems of low efficiency and high labor intensity of existing track spike disassembly, which is carried out manually.

[0042] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the exemplary embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not an exhaustive list of all embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0043] Please see Figures 1-2 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ballast track spike component loading and unloading mechanism provided in this application embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a ballast track spike component loading and unloading mechanism provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism 500 provided in this application includes:

[0045] Main structure seat 501;

[0046] Mounting base 502 is located below main mechanism base 501 and is connected to main mechanism base 501;

[0047] The gripper device 503 is symmetrically arranged at both ends of the mounting base 502 along its length and is used to grip the elastic fastener;

[0048] The vertical moving device 504 is connected to the main mechanism base 501 and the mounting base 502 respectively, and is used to drive the mounting base 502 to move vertically;

[0049] The track spike tightening device 505 is connected to the main mechanism seat 501 and extends vertically through the mounting seat 502, and is used to loosen or tighten the track spike.

[0050] The main mechanism base 501 serves as the structural foundation of the mechanism system, bearing all other components. Its material can be high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon steel. The mounting base 502 is located below the main mechanism base 501 and serves as the operating platform for the gripper 5032 and the rail spike device. A guide or drive mechanism is provided between the mounting base 501 and the main mechanism base 502, enabling vertical movement and assisting the gripper device 503 in clamping or releasing the rail spike components. The gripper device 503 is installed on both sides of the main mechanism base 501 in a symmetrical arrangement to clamp or release the rail elastic pads, spring strips, support blocks, and other fastener components. It can adopt pneumatic / hydraulic / electric gripper forms, and the ends can be provided with anti-slip textures or cushioning materials to prevent damage to the elastic fasteners.

[0051] The vertical moving device 504 controls the lifting and lowering of the mounting base 502. It can be driven by a servo motor with a ball screw, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., to move the mounting base 502 vertically, and simultaneously drive the gripper device 503 on the mounting base 502 to move vertically and align with the road spike. Preferably, the vertical moving device 504 is either a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0052] The rail spike tightening / loosening device 505 is located on the main mechanism seat 501 and is used for disassembling or installing rail spikes. It runs vertically through the mounting seat 502 and can act directly on the rail spikes without interfering with the grippers. It can be configured as an electric wrench head with torque control, a pneumatic rotary motor, or a self-centering clamp + rotary drive mechanism; it supports forward and reverse rotation and meets the dual-mode operation of loosening and tightening rail spikes.

[0053] The specific operation process is as follows: the pick-and-place mechanism moves down as a whole under the drive of the robot or other drive device until the spike tensioning device 505 abuts against the spike. The vertical moving device 504 is driven to extend, causing the mounting base 502 to move downward relative to the main mechanism base 501 until it is opposite to the elastic bar. The gripper device 503 is controlled to clamp the elastic fastener. The spike tensioning device 505 is controlled to start, releasing the spike. The pick-and-place mechanism rises as a whole, taking out the elastic fastener and the spike together. During the taking out and transfer process, the relative position of the spike tensioning device 505 and the spike remains stationary, and it presses the spike tight during the taking out and transfer process.

[0054] The ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism 500 and ballastless track fastener replacement device provided in this application embodiment have the following technical advantages compared with the prior art:

[0055] The main mechanism base 501 and the mounting base 502 are connected by a vertical moving device 504, which drives the mounting base 502 to move vertically. A gripper device 503 is located at both ends of the mounting base 502 along its length to grip the elastic fasteners. A rail spike tightening device 505 is connected to the main mechanism base 501 and extends vertically through the mounting base 502 to loosen or tighten the rail spikes. This eliminates the need for manual tightening of the rail spikes, simplifying the operation process, reducing labor intensity, and ensuring uniform force distribution. It also prevents the elastic fasteners from falling off or deforming during handling, which could affect subsequent performance. It is understood that two sets of gripper devices 503 and rail spike tightening devices 505 are respectively provided, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base 502.

[0056] In one alternative embodiment, the gripper device 503 includes:

[0057] The gripper drive assembly 5031 is located below the mounting base 502;

[0058] Two sets of grippers 5032 are arranged opposite each other at both ends of the length direction of the mounting base 502. Each set of grippers 5032 is hinged to the support base, and each set of grippers 5032 includes two oppositely arranged grippers 5032.

[0059] The gripper linkage mechanism 5033 is hinged to the two grippers 5032 of any set of grippers 5032;

[0060] The gripper drive assembly 5031 is connected to the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 and is used to drive the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 to move vertically. When the gripper drive assembly 5031 extends, the gripper 5032 closes.

[0061] The gripper drive assembly 5031 provides power for the opening and closing action of the grippers 5032. It is positioned below the mounting base 502 to avoid interference with the main mechanism base 501 or other components. It can be in the form of a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric push rod, with a vertical drive direction to facilitate control of the gripper linkage mechanism 5033. Each set of grippers 5032 is symmetrically arranged at both ends along the length of the mounting base 502. Each set of grippers 5032 includes two grippers 5032 arranged opposite each other along the width of the mounting base 502. Each gripper 5032 is hinged to the mounting base 502, which can be achieved by setting a hinge axis. The hinge axis rotates around the hinge point to achieve the opening and closing action. Anti-slip textures can be provided at the ends, such as the grippers 5032 including an anti-slip gripping surface that matches the contour of the elastic fastener, to enhance gripping stability. The gripper linkage mechanism 5033 is provided in two sets, which are respectively hinged to the two grippers 5032 of the corresponding set of grippers 5032. The two ends of the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 form a rotating pair with the grippers 5032, and the middle is connected to the drive component to ensure that the two grippers 5032 move in the same way and improve the gripping reliability.

[0062] The specific operation process is as follows: the gripper drive assembly 5031 pushes the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 to close the gripper 5032, the gripper drive assembly 5031 extends, the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 moves down, and the gripper 5032 closes; conversely, the gripper drive assembly 5031 retracts, the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 moves up, and the gripper 5032 opens.

[0063] In one optional embodiment, the gripper linkage mechanism 5033 includes a first link, a second link, and a third link that are hinged in sequence. The two ends of the first link and the third link are respectively connected to the corresponding grippers 5032, and the second link is connected to the gripper drive assembly 5031.

[0064] The first, second, and third links form a multi-section hinged linkage structure, with the first, second, and third links hinged together by pins; this supports the conversion of vertical motion into the rotational closing action of the gripper 5032; the length and angle of each link can be flexibly adjusted according to the gripping range.

[0065] The first link is connected to the left gripper 5032, and the third link is connected to the right gripper 5032. The connection is hinged, allowing the gripper 5032 to rotate around a point. This ensures that the gripper 5032 maintains a consistent posture during opening and closing, which helps improve clamping stability and force uniformity. The second link is the "central transmission component" of the entire linkage mechanism. It is directly connected to the gripper drive assembly 5031 and receives power input. When the gripper drive assembly 5031 moves up and down, it drives the second link to move, which in turn drives the first and third links to move together, causing the gripper 5032 to close or open, thus realizing the synchronous opening and closing control of the gripper device 503.

[0066] Among them, the gripper drive assembly 5031 is either a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, both of which can provide stable and reliable linear thrust output, adapting to different working environments and gripping force requirements.

[0067] In another embodiment, the spike tensioning device 505 includes:

[0068] The track spike tensioning drive assembly 5051 is located on the main support base;

[0069] The spike operating head 5052 is connected to the extended end of the spike tightening drive assembly 5051 and is used to tighten the spike.

[0070] The track spike tightening / loosening drive assembly 5051 serves as the power source for the track spike tightening / loosening action. It is mounted on the main support base to ensure structural stability and vibration resistance. It can be configured as a starter motor or servo motor, capable of forward and reverse rotation control, enabling both loosening and tightening operation modes. The track spike operating head 5052 is the actuating component that directly acts on the track spike. It can be configured as an internal hexagonal socket head cap or a magnetic rotating head. It features a buffer structure to prevent slippage or thread damage. It can be connected to the drive assembly via couplings, quick-change couplings, or other methods.

[0071] In another embodiment, a vertical guide post is provided below the main mechanism base 501; the mounting base 502 has a guide hole that fits with the vertical guide post. The vertical guide post below the main mechanism base 501 provides linear guidance, ensuring smooth vertical movement of the mounting base 502. Multiple guide posts (e.g., two or four) can be provided to enhance stability. The surface of the guide post can be hardened or chrome-plated to extend its service life. The mounting base 502 has a guide hole that matches the guide post; there is typically a small gap between the guide hole and the guide post, allowing sliding but limiting lateral offset.

[0072] Optionally, the gripper device 503 and the rail spike tensioning device 505 are configured as two sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base 502; each side has an independent gripper device 503 and rail spike tensioning device 505; symmetrical arrangement on both sides of the mounting base 502: ensures that the operating mechanisms on both sides can work synchronously, maintaining balance and coordination; can handle rail spikes and elastic fasteners on both sides of the track at the same time, greatly improving the working speed; enhances stability: the symmetrical layout helps to maintain the stability of the center of gravity of the entire device and avoids the problem of off-center loading caused by unilateral operation.

[0073] This application also provides a ballastless track fastener replacement device, including a three-axis moving platform and a ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism 500 as described in any of the above embodiments; the three-axis moving platform is fixed to the main mechanism seat 501 of the ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism 500, and drives the main mechanism seat 501 to move.

[0074] The specific procedures for handling and placing rail spike components include:

[0075] The pick-and-place mechanism moves to the road spike positioning point: First, the control system guides the pick-and-place mechanism to move to the preset road spike positioning point. This process may involve using a laser rangefinder or other types of position sensors to ensure accurate positioning.

[0076] Extend the vertical moving device 504 to move the mounting base 502 downward. Then, activate the vertical moving device 504 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator) to make the mounting base 502 descend smoothly along the vertical guide post until the gripper device 503 approaches the elastic fastener to be processed.

[0077] The gripper device 503 drives the grippers to lock the elastic fastener: Then, the gripper device 503 is activated so that its grippers close and firmly grasp the elastic fastener, providing a stable foundation for subsequent operations.

[0078] The track spike tightening device 505 drives the track spike operating head 5052 to tighten or loosen the track spike, and presses down the track spike, washer, and elastic fastener. Subsequently, the track spike tightening device 505 starts to work, loosening or tightening the track spike through rotation. During this process, the track spike operating head 5052 is also responsible for maintaining the overall stability of the track spike, washer, and elastic fastener, preventing them from sliding or misaligning.

[0079] The pick-and-place mechanism drives the mounting base 502 upward to the next work station. Finally, after the road spike is processed, the vertical moving device 504 is activated again to lift the mounting base 502 back to the starting height, ready to operate the next road spike.

[0080] In another embodiment, the installation operation is performed during:

[0081] Alignment of the pick-and-place mechanism with the previous work station: First, the control system guides the pick-and-place mechanism to move to the preset installation position. This process may involve the use of positioning technologies such as vision systems and laser rangefinders to ensure accurate positioning.

[0082] Extend the vertical moving device 504 to move the mounting base 502 downward. Then, activate the vertical moving device 504 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator) to make the mounting base 502 descend smoothly along the vertical guide post until the gripper device 503 approaches the elastic fastener to be processed.

[0083] The gripper device 503 drives the grippers to lock the elastic fastener: Then, the gripper device 503 is activated so that its grippers close and firmly grasp the elastic fastener, providing a stable foundation for subsequent operations.

[0084] The track spike tensioning device 505 drives the track spike operating head 5052 to press down the track spike, washer and elastic fastener: Subsequently, the track spike tensioning device 505 starts to work, pressing down the track spike, washer and elastic fastener through an appropriate pressure mechanism to ensure that they will not slip or misalign during the entire installation process.

[0085] The drive pick-and-place mechanism moves upward, then outward and downward to align the road spike component with the pre-embedded sleeve. Next, the mounting base 502 is lifted to move away from the current working area. Then, it moves laterally to the target position. Finally, it descends again to complete the alignment process.

[0086] The drive spike tightening device 505 drives the spike operating head 5052 to lock the spike: Finally, after the spike component is aligned with the pre-embedded sleeve, the spike tightening device 505 applies a predetermined torque value to tighten the spike, ensuring that it is firmly fixed in the track structure.

[0087] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0088] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A mechanism for picking up and placing track spike components for ballastless rail tracks, characterized in that, include: Main structure base; The mounting base is located below the main mechanism base and is connected to the main mechanism base; The gripper device is symmetrically arranged at both ends of the mounting base along its length for gripping the elastic fastener; A vertical moving device is connected to the main mechanism base and the mounting base respectively, and is used to drive the mounting base to move vertically; The track spike tightening device is connected to the main mechanism seat and extends vertically through the mounting seat, used to loosen or tighten the track spike.

2. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripper device includes: The gripper drive assembly is located below the mounting base; Two sets of grippers are arranged opposite each other at both ends of the length direction of the mounting base. Each set of grippers is hinged to the mounting base, and each set of grippers includes two oppositely arranged grippers. A gripper linkage mechanism is hinged to two grippers of any set of grippers; The gripper drive assembly is connected to the gripper linkage mechanism and is used to drive the gripper linkage mechanism to move vertically. When the gripper drive assembly extends, the gripper closes.

3. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gripper linkage mechanism includes: The first link, the second link, and the third link are hinged in sequence. The two ends of the first link and the third link are respectively connected to the corresponding grippers, and the second link is connected to the gripper drive assembly.

4. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gripper drive assembly is either a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

5. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The track spike tensioning device includes: The track spike tensioning drive assembly is located on the main mechanism base; The spike operating head is connected to the extended end of the spike tightening drive assembly and is used to tighten the spike.

6. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A vertical guide column is provided below the main mechanism base; The mounting base is provided with a guide hole, which is fitted with the vertical guide post.

7. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gripper includes an anti-slip gripping surface that matches the profile of the elastic fastener.

8. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripper device and the rail spike tightening device are each configured as two sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base.

9. The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical moving device is either a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

10. A ballastless track fastener replacement device, characterized in that, include: Three-axis mobile platform; The ballastless track spike component loading and unloading mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9; The three-axis moving platform is fixed to the main mechanism seat of the ballastless track spike component picking and placing mechanism, and drives the main mechanism seat to move.

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