Intelligent suspended conveyor system for conveying highway construction material

Abstract

An intelligent suspended conveying system for transporting highway construction materials includes a material cart equipped with a suspended conveying frame, a hydraulic station, and a central control system. The suspended conveying frame comprises a horizontal suspended conveying mechanism and two uprights. A smooth rod is fixed to each upright, and the smooth rods are arranged horizontally. A left connecting rod is fixed between the two uprights, and a right connecting rod is fixed between the right ends of the two smooth rods. The left and right connecting rods are located on the same horizontal plane. In summary, this invention, by employing an automated mechanical gripper and a hydraulic control system, can automatically grasp and flip guardrail panels, significantly reducing the need for manual operation and lowering the physical labor intensity of construction workers. The automated system can quickly and accurately complete the handling and installation preparation of guardrail panels, reducing manual operation time and thus improving overall construction efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of highway construction technology, and specifically relates to an intelligent suspended conveying system for transporting highway construction materials. Background Technology

[0002] Commonly used highway construction materials include asphalt mixtures, crushed stone, formwork, curb stones, guardrails, and slope protection netting. Guardrails absorb collision energy through the deformation of the soil base, posts, and beams, forcing out-of-control vehicles to change direction and return to their normal driving direction, preventing vehicles from running off the road and protecting vehicles and passengers, thus reducing accident losses. In current highway construction processes, guardrails need to be transported to the site for installation. Construction workers must unload the guardrails one by one from material trucks and lay them along the road for installation. Manual transportation and placement of guardrails is inefficient, labor-intensive, and affects construction efficiency.

[0003] Patent publication number CN116767777A discloses a material conveying device for highway construction. This device can automatically deliver guardrail panels and posts, greatly reducing the labor intensity of construction workers and improving the efficiency of guardrail panel installation. However, some problems still exist in the construction and installation process of guardrail panels. For example, when installing guardrail panels onto posts, 2-3 construction workers need to lift the guardrail panel on the ground, then rotate it 90°, and another construction worker then installs and fixes both ends of the guardrail panel onto the two posts in sequence. The entire installation process requires several construction workers to continuously hold the guardrail panel, resulting in high labor intensity and increased construction costs due to the large number of workers required. Furthermore, some lanes have a certain curvature, while the guardrail panels are straight. Therefore, after installing one end of the guardrail panel, construction workers need to expend a lot of effort to push the guardrail panel to deform it before installing and fixing the other end. The entire construction process is even more labor-intensive and affects construction efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an intelligent suspended conveying system for transporting highway construction materials, thereby solving the technical problems of high labor intensity and slow construction efficiency that still exist in the installation of existing guardrail panels.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An intelligent overhead conveying system for transporting highway construction materials includes a material cart, which is equipped with an overhead conveying frame, a hydraulic station, and a central control system. The overhead conveying frame includes a horizontal overhead conveying mechanism and two columns. A smooth rod is fixed on each column. The smooth rod is set horizontally. A left connecting rod is fixed between the two columns, and a right connecting rod is fixed between the right ends of the two smooth rods. The left and right connecting rods are located on the same horizontal plane. A sliding block is fitted on each smooth rod. The horizontal overhead conveying mechanism is used to drive the two sliding blocks to move synchronously on the two smooth rods.

[0007] Each slide is equipped with a guide seat and a vertical shaft. The vertical shaft is inserted into the guide seat in the vertical direction. A vertical moving mechanism is installed on the guide seat. The vertical moving mechanism is used to drive the vertical shaft to move in the vertical direction on the guide seat.

[0008] The lower ends of the two vertical shafts are equipped with mechanical grippers for guardrails. The mechanical grippers for guardrails include gripper boxes. The lower ends of the two vertical shafts are connected to the top of the gripper box by hinges. A tilting cylinder is also connected between each vertical shaft and the top of the gripper box. By extending and retracting the two sets of tilting cylinders, the mechanical gripper for guardrails is pushed to tilt around the lower ends of the vertical shafts. There are openings on the left and right sides of the bottom of the gripper box. A set of mechanical gripper assemblies is installed on the left and right sides of the gripper box. The two sets of mechanical gripper assemblies extend outward through the two openings respectively.

[0009] Two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms are installed in the center of the gripper box, symmetrically arranged left and right. Two rectangular openings are opened in the center of the bottom surface of the gripper box, corresponding to the two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms respectively. Each set of guardrail pushing mechanisms includes a boosting hydraulic cylinder, a frame, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a crank arm. The frame is fixedly installed in the gripper box. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the frame via a first pin, and the other end of the first connecting rod is hinged to one end of the second connecting rod via a second pin. One end of the crank arm is hinged to the frame via a third pin, and the other end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the middle of the crank arm via a fourth pin. A wheel frame is installed at the end of the crank arm, and a push roller is rotatably mounted on the wheel frame. The cylinder body of the boosting hydraulic cylinder is installed in the gripper box, and the piston rod end of the boosting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the middle of the first connecting rod.

[0010] The piston rod of the booster hydraulic cylinder extends and pushes the middle part of the first connecting rod. The first connecting rod rotates around the first pin. The first connecting rod pushes the crank arm through the second connecting rod, causing the crank arm to rotate around the third pin. After the crank arm rotates, the push roller at the end of the crank arm pushes outward from the rectangular opening.

[0011] The main control system is connected to the hydraulic station, the horizontal suspension conveying mechanism, and the two sets of vertical moving mechanisms. The hydraulic station is connected to the two sets of boosting hydraulic cylinders and the two sets of tilting hydraulic cylinders through oil circuits.

[0012] Furthermore, two sets of double-opening doors are provided at the bottom of the gripper box. The two sets of double-opening doors are respectively located at two rectangular openings. Each set of double-opening doors is connected to the corresponding guardrail pushing mechanism. Each set of double-opening doors includes two doors, which are respectively hinged to the rectangular openings via short shafts. The two doors can be opened in a double-opening state. A special-shaped bracket is hinged to the frame via a fifth pin. An arc-shaped plate is fixed to the end of the special-shaped bracket. The upper surfaces of the two doors are respectively connected to the middle of the special-shaped bracket via linkage rods, and the two ends of the linkage rods are respectively connected to the upper surface of the doors and the middle of the special-shaped brackets via hinges.

[0013] As the pusher roller is pushed outward from the rectangular opening by the booster hydraulic cylinder, it pushes the two boxes open, allowing the pusher roller to be pushed outward from the rectangular opening. When the pusher roller is pulled back into the gripper box by the booster hydraulic cylinder, it pushes the arc plate, which rotates around the fifth pivot. The arc plate, along with the irregular bracket, pulls the two boxes closed via two linkage rods.

[0014] Furthermore, the horizontal suspension conveying mechanism includes a lead screw and a drive motor. The two ends of the lead screw are rotatably mounted on the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod, respectively. A threaded sleeve is provided on the lead screw, and the threaded sleeve is threadedly engaged with the lead screw. The drive motor is mounted on the left connecting rod and is connected to the lead screw for transmission. The two slides are fixedly connected to the threaded sleeves through short rods. The overall control system is connected to the drive motor for control.

[0015] Furthermore, the vertical movement mechanism includes a vertical motor, which is mounted on a guide seat. The main shaft of the vertical motor is equipped with a gear, and a rack is provided on one side of the vertical shaft. The gear and the rack mesh with each other. The overall control system is connected to the vertical motor control system.

[0016] Furthermore, the mechanical gripper assembly includes a double piston rod hydraulic cylinder and two sets of gripper assemblies, with the two sets of gripper assemblies arranged side by side, and the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder located between the two sets of gripper assemblies;

[0017] Each gripper assembly includes two incomplete gears, which are rotatably mounted inside the gripper box. The gear parts of the two incomplete gears mesh with each other. An arm is fixed to each of the two incomplete gears. The end of the arm extends outward from the opening into the gripper box. A gripper plate is hinged to the end of the arm, and the surface of the gripper plate is provided with an anti-slip rubber pad. An extension plate is fixed to one of the incomplete gears, and an elongated hole is provided on the extension plate.

[0018] The two piston rods of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder are respectively connected to the extension plates of the two gripper assemblies, and the piston rod ends of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder are connected to the elongated hole of the extension plate through the sixth pin, which can move in the elongated hole.

[0019] Furthermore, each gripper plate is equipped with an electromagnet, which is connected to the main control system.

[0020] Furthermore, the material cart is equipped with a track, on which a base is installed. The base can move on the track. The material cart is also equipped with a translation hydraulic cylinder, the piston rod of which is connected to the base. The suspended conveyor frame is installed on the base.

[0021] Furthermore, both ends of the bare pole are connected to the upper end of the column via tie rods.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0023] (1) By adopting an automated mechanical gripper and a hydraulic control system, the present invention can automatically grab and flip guardrail panels, which significantly reduces the need for manual operation and reduces the physical labor intensity of construction workers; the automated system can quickly and accurately complete the handling and installation preparation of guardrail panels, reducing the time of manual operation, thereby improving the overall construction efficiency.

[0024] (2) For construction sections with a certain curvature, the built-in guardrail pushing mechanism can easily deform the guardrail to adapt to the road shape, without requiring construction personnel to make extra effort to adjust the guardrail.

[0025] (3) By designing translational hydraulic cylinders and movable bases, the suspended conveyor frame can be moved as needed, which not only enhances the flexibility of the equipment, but also reduces the space occupied in non-operational state and avoids safety hazards.

[0026] The suspended conveying system of this invention effectively solves the problems existing in the traditional guardrail installation through its automation, flexibility and safety features, and improves the quality and efficiency of highway construction. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent overhead conveyor system for transporting highway construction materials according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a top view of the suspended conveyor frame.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the gripper box;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a top-down view showing the mechanical gripper picking up and installing a guardrail panel.

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the guardrail pushing mechanism;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanical gripper assembly.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cabinet door installation.

[0035] Figure 8 Diagram showing the positional relationship between the door and the guardrail pushing mechanism;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the pressure roller and the curved plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of 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.

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0039] A specific embodiment of the intelligent overhead conveyor system for transporting highway construction materials provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an intelligent suspended conveying system for transporting highway construction materials includes a material cart 1, which can be connected to any type of vehicle head, such as a truck head, and the truck head pulls the material cart 1. The material cart 1 is equipped with a suspended conveying frame, a hydraulic station, and a main control system. The suspended conveying frame includes a horizontal suspended conveying mechanism and two columns 2. A smooth rod 3 is fixed on each column 2. The smooth rod 3 is set in the horizontal direction. A left connecting rod 4 is fixed between the two columns 2. A right connecting rod 5 is fixed between the right ends of the two smooth rods 3. The left connecting rod 4 and the right connecting rod 5 are located on the same horizontal plane. A sliding seat 6 is fitted on each smooth rod 3. The horizontal suspended conveying mechanism is used to drive the two sliding seats 6 to move synchronously on the two smooth rods 3.

[0041] Each slide 6 is equipped with a guide seat 7 and a vertical shaft 8. The vertical shaft 8 is inserted into the guide seat 7 in the vertical direction. The guide seat 7 is equipped with a vertical moving mechanism, which is used to drive the vertical shaft 8 to move in the vertical direction on the guide seat 7.

[0042] Mechanical grippers 9 for guardrails are installed at the lower ends of the two vertical shafts 8. Each mechanical gripper 9 includes a gripper box 10. The lower ends of the two vertical shafts 8 are hinged to the top of the gripper box 10. A tilting cylinder 11 is also connected between each vertical shaft 8 and the top of the gripper box 10. By extending and retracting the two sets of tilting cylinders 11, the mechanical gripper 9 is pushed to tilt around the lower ends of the vertical shafts 8. The bottom left and right sides of the gripper box 10 are respectively provided with openings 12 (such as...). Figure 3 As shown), a set of mechanical gripper assemblies 13 is provided on both the left and right sides of the gripper box 10, and the two sets of mechanical gripper assemblies 13 extend outward through two openings 12 respectively;

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms 15 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the center of the gripper box 10. Two rectangular openings 14 are formed in the center of the bottom surface of the gripper box 10, each corresponding to one of the two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms 15. Figure 5 As shown, each set of guardrail pushing mechanisms 15 includes a booster hydraulic cylinder 16, a frame 17, a first connecting rod 18, a second connecting rod 19, and a crank arm 20. The frame 17 is fixedly installed inside the gripper box 10. One end of the first connecting rod 18 is hinged to the frame 17 via a first pin 21, and the other end of the first connecting rod 18 is hinged to one end of the second connecting rod 19 via a second pin 22. One end of the crank arm 20 is hinged to the frame 17 via a third pin 23, and the other end of the second connecting rod 19 is hinged to the middle of the crank arm 20 via a fourth pin 24. A wheel frame 25 is installed at the end of the crank arm 20, and a push roller 26 is rotatably installed on the wheel frame 25. The cylinder body of the booster hydraulic cylinder 16 is installed inside the gripper box 10, and the piston rod end of the booster hydraulic cylinder 16 is hinged to the middle of the first connecting rod 18.

[0044] The piston rod of the booster hydraulic cylinder 16 extends and pushes the middle part of the first connecting rod 18. The first connecting rod 18 rotates around the first pin 21. The first connecting rod 18 pushes the crank arm 20 through the second connecting rod 19, causing the crank arm 20 to rotate around the third pin 23. After the crank arm 20 rotates, the push roller 26 at the end of the crank arm 20 is pushed outward from the rectangular opening 14.

[0045] The main control system is connected to the hydraulic station, the horizontal suspension conveying mechanism and the two sets of vertical moving mechanisms respectively. The hydraulic station is connected to the two sets of boosting hydraulic cylinders 16 and the two sets of tilting cylinders 11 through oil circuits. The main control system can be a PLC controller.

[0046] The working process of the intelligent overhead conveyor system for transporting highway construction materials in this embodiment is as follows: First, the guardrail panels are installed. Figure 1The guardrail panels are stacked on the material cart 1 as shown. When installing the guardrail panels, the PLC controller first controls the two sets of vertical moving mechanisms to start. The two sets of vertical moving mechanisms drive the vertical shaft 8 to move downward, so that the guardrail mechanical gripper 9 reaches the top of the guardrail panel. Then, the two sets of mechanical gripper assemblies 13 are started. The two sets of mechanical gripper assemblies 13 extend downward from the opening 12 and grab the top guardrail panel. After grabbing, the vertical moving mechanism drives the vertical shaft 8 to move upward. The guardrail mechanical gripper 9 grabs the guardrail panel and moves upward. After reaching the height that can be moved out of the material cart 1, the vertical moving mechanism stops working, and the horizontal suspension conveyor mechanism starts. The horizontal suspension conveyor mechanism drives the two slides 6 to move synchronously on the two light rods 3, so that the vertical shaft 8 connected to the slides 6 moves in the horizontal direction. Finally, the guardrail panel at the lower end of the vertical shaft 8 is moved out of the material cart 1.

[0047] At this point, the guardrail panel gripped below the guardrail mechanical gripper 9 is in a horizontal position. Therefore, the guardrail panel needs to be rotated 90° before installation. Next, the two sets of tilting cylinders 11 are activated. The piston rods of the tilting cylinders 11 extend and push the guardrail mechanical gripper 9 to rotate around the lower end of the vertical axis 8. After rotating 90° (as shown in the image), the guardrail panel is rotated... Figure 6 As shown), the tilting cylinder 11 stops working, and then the construction workers can install the two ends of the guardrail plate onto the two posts 2 in sequence.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, if the construction section has a certain curvature, after one end of the guardrail is installed and fixed, the guardrail needs to be pushed by two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms 15 in the gripper box 10 to cause a certain curvature deformation before the other end of the guardrail can be installed. The specific process is as follows: the mechanical gripper assembly 13 releases its grip on the guardrail, then the two sets of auxiliary hydraulic cylinders 16 are activated. The piston rod of the auxiliary hydraulic cylinder 16 extends and pushes the middle of the first connecting rod 18. The first connecting rod 18 rotates around the first pin 21. The first connecting rod 18 pushes the crank arm 20 through the second connecting rod 19, causing the crank arm 20 to rotate around the third pin 23. Then, the push roller 26 at the end of the crank arm 20 is pushed outward from the rectangular opening 14. After being pushed out, the push roller 26 contacts the concave surface of the guardrail. As the push roller 26 is continuously pushed out, it can continuously push the guardrail. At the same time, the material cart 1 is started and made to move in a straight line. The push roller 26 pushes the guardrail and deforms it on the one hand, and rolls on the guardrail on the other hand, eventually deforming the entire guardrail into a certain arc. The construction workers can then install the other end of the guardrail. Of course, during the deformation of the guardrail, the construction workers need to lift the guardrail. However, since one end of the guardrail is already fixed, it is not necessary to exert a lot of force to lift it at this time.

[0049] To enable the horizontal suspension conveyor mechanism to drive the two slide blocks 6 to move synchronously on the two guide rods 3, a horizontal suspension conveyor mechanism (such as...) was designed. Figure 2 As shown, it includes a lead screw 27 and a drive motor 28. The two ends of the lead screw 27 are rotatably mounted on the left connecting rod 4 and the right connecting rod 5, respectively. A threaded sleeve 29 is provided on the lead screw 27, and the threaded sleeve 29 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 27. The drive motor 28 is mounted on the left connecting rod 4 and is connected to the lead screw 27 for transmission. Two slide blocks 6 are fixedly connected to the threaded sleeve 29 through short rods 30, respectively. The main control system is connected to the drive motor 28 for control.

[0050] The working principle of the horizontal suspension conveyor mechanism is as follows: the drive motor 28 drives the lead screw 27 to rotate, the rotation of the lead screw 27 drives the threaded sleeve 29 to move on the lead screw 27, and the threaded sleeve 29 drives the two slide blocks 6 to move on the smooth rod 3 through the short rod 30.

[0051] To enable the vertical moving mechanism to drive the vertical shaft 8 to move vertically on the guide seat 7, a vertical moving mechanism (such as...) was designed. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a vertical motor 31, which is mounted on a guide seat 7. The main shaft of the vertical motor 31 is equipped with a gear, and a rack 32 is provided on one side of the vertical shaft 8. The gear and the rack 32 mesh with each other. The main control system is connected to the vertical motor 31. The vertical motor 31 drives the rack 32 to move through the gear. The rack 32 is located on the vertical shaft 8. Finally, the vertical shaft 8 moves vertically on the guide seat 7 under the drive of the rack 32.

[0052] In this embodiment, the mechanical gripper assembly 13 is responsible for gripping the guardrail panel, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the mechanical gripper assembly 13 includes a double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 and two sets of gripper assemblies, which are arranged side by side, with the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 located between the two sets of gripper assemblies.

[0053] Each gripper assembly includes two incomplete gears 34, which are rotatably mounted inside the gripper box 10. The gear parts of the two incomplete gears 34 mesh with each other. An arm 35 is fixed to each of the two incomplete gears 34. The end of the arm 35 extends outward from the opening 12 into the gripper box 10. A gripper plate 36 is hinged to the end of the arm 35. The surface of the gripper plate 36 is provided with an anti-slip rubber pad. An extension plate 37 is fixed to one of the incomplete gears 34. An elongated hole 38 is provided on the extension plate 37.

[0054] The two piston rods of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 are respectively connected to the extension plates 37 of the two gripper assemblies, and the piston rod ends of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 are connected to the elongated hole 38 of the extension plate 37 through the sixth pin 39, which can move in the elongated hole 38.

[0055] The specific process of the mechanical gripper assembly 13 gripping the guardrail is as follows: The hydraulic station is connected to the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 through an oil circuit. When the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 is started, the two piston rods of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder 33 push the extension plates 37 of the two gripper assemblies respectively. The extension plates 37 drive the connected incomplete gears 34 to rotate, so that the two incomplete gears 34 mesh and rotate. The arm 35 is fixed on the incomplete gears 34. Finally, the arm 35 rotates, and the gripper plates 36 at the ends of the two arm 35 jointly clamp the rib protrusions of the guardrail, completing the clamping of the guardrail. In order to further improve the clamping force, an electromagnet can be installed in each gripper plate 36. The electromagnet is connected to the main control system. By energizing the electromagnet, it generates a high magnetic field. When the gripper plate 36 grips the guardrail, the gripper plate 36 can be attracted and fixed on the guardrail. When releasing the guardrail, the electromagnet is de-energized.

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, double doors 40 can be provided at the two rectangular openings 14 respectively, and the rectangular openings 14 can be closed when not in use. Specifically, as shown in the example... Figure 7-9 As shown, two sets of double-opening doors 40 are provided at the bottom of the gripper box 10. The two sets of double-opening doors 40 are respectively located at two rectangular openings 14. Each set of double-opening doors 40 is connected to the corresponding guardrail pushing mechanism 15. Each set of double-opening doors 40 includes two doors 41. The two doors 41 are respectively hinged to the rectangular openings 14 by short shafts 42. The two doors 41 can be opened in a double-opening state. A special-shaped bracket 44 is hinged to the frame 17 by a fifth pin 43. An arc plate 45 is fixed to the end of the special-shaped bracket 44. The upper surfaces of the two doors 41 are respectively connected to the middle of the special-shaped bracket 44 by linkage rods 46. The two ends of the linkage rods 46 are respectively connected to the upper surface of the doors 41 and the middle of the special-shaped bracket 44 by hinges.

[0057] When the pusher roller 26 is pushed outward from the rectangular opening 14 by the booster hydraulic cylinder 16, the pusher roller 26 pushes the two box doors 41, and the two box doors 41 are opened in a split state at the rectangular opening 14, so that the pusher roller 26 can be pushed outward from the rectangular opening 14. When the pusher roller 26 is pulled back from the rectangular opening 14 into the gripper box 10 by the booster hydraulic cylinder 16, the pusher roller 26 pushes the arc plate 45, and the arc plate 45, together with the irregular bracket 44, rotates around the fifth pin 43. The irregular bracket 44 pulls the two box doors 41 through the two linkage rods 46, so that the two box doors 41 are closed.

[0058] Furthermore, since this invention uses the sliding block 6 to move on the smooth rod 3 to push the guardrail plate below the guardrail mechanical gripper 9 out of the material cart 1, the smooth rod 3 acts as a "track." During operation, the smooth rod 3 needs to extend outside the material cart 1. When no construction work is required, the smooth rod 3 remains outside the material cart 1, and the exposed smooth rod 3 poses a certain safety hazard. To solve the above problems, the device can be optimized. Specifically, the material cart 1 is equipped with a track 47, and a base 48 is installed on the track 47. The base 48 can move on the track 47. The material cart 1 is also equipped with a translation hydraulic cylinder 49. The piston rod of the translation hydraulic cylinder 49 is connected to the base 48. The suspended conveyor frame is installed on the base 48. During operation, the translation hydraulic cylinder 49 pushes the base 48 to move, so that the suspended conveyor frame moves in the horizontal direction, and finally pushes the smooth rod 3 to a suitable position outside the material cart 1. When the operation is completed, the translation hydraulic cylinder 49 pulls the base 48 to move, pulls the suspended conveyor frame, and retracts the smooth rod 3 into the material cart 1.

[0059] To increase the structural strength of the smooth rod 3, the column 2, and the overall suspended conveyor frame, tie rods 50 are installed between the two ends of the smooth rod 3 and the upper end of the column 2.

[0060] It should be noted that, in this document, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0061] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An intelligent overhead conveying system for transporting highway construction materials, characterized in that: The system includes a material cart, which is equipped with a suspended conveyor frame, a hydraulic station, and a main control system. The suspended conveyor frame includes a horizontal suspended conveying mechanism and two columns. Each column has a smooth rod fixed on it. The smooth rod is set horizontally. A left connecting rod is fixed between the two columns, and a right connecting rod is fixed between the right ends of the two smooth rods. The left and right connecting rods are located on the same horizontal plane. Each smooth rod is fitted with a slide block. The horizontal suspended conveying mechanism is used to drive the two slide blocks to move synchronously on the two smooth rods. Each slide is equipped with a guide seat and a vertical shaft. The vertical shaft is inserted into the guide seat in the vertical direction. A vertical moving mechanism is installed on the guide seat. The vertical moving mechanism is used to drive the vertical shaft to move in the vertical direction on the guide seat. The lower ends of the two vertical shafts are equipped with mechanical grippers for guardrails. The mechanical grippers for guardrails include gripper boxes. The lower ends of the two vertical shafts are connected to the top of the gripper box by hinges. A tilting cylinder is also connected between each vertical shaft and the top of the gripper box. By extending and retracting the two sets of tilting cylinders, the mechanical gripper for guardrails is pushed to tilt around the lower ends of the vertical shafts. There are openings on the left and right sides of the bottom of the gripper box. A set of mechanical gripper assemblies is installed on the left and right sides of the gripper box. The two sets of mechanical gripper assemblies extend outward through the two openings respectively. Two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms are installed in the center of the gripper box, symmetrically arranged left and right. Two rectangular openings are opened in the center of the bottom surface of the gripper box, corresponding to the two sets of guardrail pushing mechanisms respectively. Each set of guardrail pushing mechanisms includes a boosting hydraulic cylinder, a frame, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, and a crank arm. The frame is fixedly installed in the gripper box. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the frame via a first pin, and the other end of the first connecting rod is hinged to one end of the second connecting rod via a second pin. One end of the crank arm is hinged to the frame via a third pin, and the other end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the middle of the crank arm via a fourth pin. A wheel frame is installed at the end of the crank arm, and a push roller is rotatably mounted on the wheel frame. The cylinder body of the boosting hydraulic cylinder is installed in the gripper box, and the piston rod end of the boosting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the middle of the first connecting rod. The piston rod of the booster hydraulic cylinder extends out and pushes the middle part of the first connecting rod. The first connecting rod rotates around the first pin. The first connecting rod pushes the crank arm through the second connecting rod, causing the crank arm to rotate around the third pin. After the crank arm rotates, the push roller at the end of the crank arm is pushed outward from the rectangular opening. The main control system is connected to the hydraulic station, the horizontal suspension conveying mechanism, and the two sets of vertical moving mechanisms. The hydraulic station is connected to the two sets of boosting hydraulic cylinders and the two sets of tilting hydraulic cylinders through oil circuits.

2. The intelligent overhead conveying system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two sets of double-opening doors are provided at the bottom of the gripper box. The two sets of double-opening doors are located at two rectangular openings respectively. Each set of double-opening doors is connected to the corresponding guardrail pushing mechanism. Each set of double-opening doors includes two doors. The two doors are hinged to the rectangular openings by short shafts. The two doors can be opened in a double-opening state. A special-shaped bracket is hinged to the frame by the fifth pin. An arc plate is fixed to the end of the special-shaped bracket. The upper surfaces of the two doors are connected to the middle of the special-shaped bracket by linkage rods. The two ends of the linkage rods are connected to the upper surface of the doors and the middle of the special-shaped bracket by hinges respectively. As the pusher roller is pushed outward from the rectangular opening by the booster hydraulic cylinder, it pushes the two boxes open, allowing the pusher roller to be pushed outward from the rectangular opening. When the pusher roller is pulled back into the gripper box by the booster hydraulic cylinder, it pushes the arc plate, which rotates around the fifth pivot. The arc plate, along with the irregular bracket, pulls the two boxes closed via two linkage rods.

3. The intelligent overhead conveying system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 2, characterized in that: The horizontal suspension conveying mechanism includes a lead screw and a drive motor. The two ends of the lead screw are rotatably mounted on the left and right connecting rods, respectively. A threaded sleeve is provided on the lead screw, and the threaded sleeve is threadedly engaged with the lead screw. The drive motor is mounted on the left connecting rod and is connected to the lead screw for transmission. The two slide blocks are fixedly connected to the threaded sleeves through short rods. The main control system is connected to the drive motor for control.

4. The intelligent overhead conveying system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vertical movement mechanism includes a vertical motor, which is mounted on a guide seat. The main shaft of the vertical motor is equipped with a gear, and a rack is provided on one side of the vertical shaft. The gear and the rack mesh with each other. The main control system is connected to the vertical motor control system.

5. The intelligent overhead conveyor system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mechanical gripper assembly includes a double piston rod hydraulic cylinder and two sets of gripper assemblies, with the two sets of gripper assemblies arranged side by side, and the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder located between the two sets of gripper assemblies. Each gripper assembly includes two incomplete gears, which are rotatably mounted inside the gripper box. The gear parts of the two incomplete gears mesh with each other. An arm is fixed to each of the two incomplete gears. The end of the arm extends outward from the opening into the gripper box. A gripper plate is hinged to the end of the arm, and the surface of the gripper plate is provided with an anti-slip rubber pad. An extension plate is fixed to one of the incomplete gears, and an elongated hole is provided on the extension plate. The two piston rods of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder are respectively connected to the extension plates of the two gripper assemblies, and the piston rod ends of the double piston rod hydraulic cylinder are connected to the elongated hole of the extension plate through the sixth pin, which can move in the elongated hole.

6. The intelligent overhead conveyor system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each gripper plate is equipped with an electromagnet, which is connected to the main control system.

7. The intelligent overhead conveyor system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 6, characterized in that: The material cart is equipped with a track, and a base is installed on the track. The base can move on the track. The material cart is also equipped with a translation hydraulic cylinder, and the piston rod of the translation hydraulic cylinder is connected to the base. The suspended conveyor frame is installed on the base.

8. The intelligent overhead conveying system for conveying highway construction materials according to claim 7, characterized in that: Both ends of the bare pole are connected to the upper end of the column via tie rods.

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