Rapid crossover coupling for rail

Abstract

The invention discloses a rapid rail conversion connector, and relates to the technical field of rail structures, in particular to a rapid rail conversion connector which comprises a gantry crane rail and a flatcar rail which are crossed, and further comprises a rotating supporting piece and a rotating rail, and the gantry crane rail is composed of a first gantry crane rail and a second gantry crane rail which are located on the same axis; through the design that the hydraulic generator is triggered through wheel rolling, automatic switching of the rails can be completed without manual operation, and the problem of process interruption caused by traditional manual disassembly of rail joints is completely solved. When the gantry crane wheels run to the first gantry crane rail, the first hydraulic generator is rolled to enable hydraulic oil in the first hydraulic generator to flow into the first oil cavity through the first three-way pipe, the pressure of the first oil cavity is increased to push the thrust ring to drive the rotary table to rotate, then the rotating rail is communicated with the first gantry crane rail and the second gantry crane rail, the whole switching speed is extremely high, and compared with manual operation, the switching efficiency is improved. And the efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of track structure technology, specifically to a quick-change joint for railway tracks. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production scenarios, gantry cranes and electric transfer flatcars are key equipment for efficient cargo transfer. They often work together to complete the process of transferring goods from lifting to horizontal transport. The gantry crane travels along fixed rails to lift goods across areas, while the electric transfer flatcar runs along another set of rails to transfer goods lifted by the gantry crane to other work areas. The gantry crane rails and the electric transfer flatcar rails are usually perpendicularly intersecting, inevitably causing structural interference at the intersection.

[0003] This interference problem directly affects the smooth passage of equipment: when the gantry crane wheels reach the intersection, the rails of the crosscar become obstructed, preventing the gantry crane from passing smoothly; similarly, when the crosscar reaches this position, it will also be obstructed by the gantry crane's rails, not only reducing the efficiency of cargo transfer but also potentially causing equipment failure or safety hazards due to forced passage. Currently, there is no simple and efficient solution in the industry to resolve this rail intersection interference problem. Most methods involve manually dismantling rail joints or adjusting the equipment's travel path, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, severely restricting the continuity and automation level of production operations.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple and reliable connecting device to enable unimpeded passage between two sets of perpendicularly intersecting rails, thus meeting the actual needs of industrial production for efficient transfer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a quick-change rail connector, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a quick-change rail connector, comprising a cross-shaped gantry crane rail and a flatcar rail, and further comprising a rotating support and a rotating track. The gantry crane rail is composed of a first gantry crane rail and a second gantry crane rail on the same axis; the flatcar rail is composed of a first flatcar rail and a second flatcar rail on the same axis.

[0007] The rotating track is fixedly installed on the rotating support, which is located at the intersection of the gantry crane rails and the flatcar rails. The rotating support includes a base and a turntable. The turntable is rotatably installed on the base, and the base has a fan-shaped hydraulic chamber inside. The turntable divides the hydraulic chamber into a first oil chamber and a second oil chamber.

[0008] A hydraulic generator is fixedly installed on each of the first gantry crane rail, the second gantry crane rail, the first flatcar rail, and the second flatcar rail; the hydraulic generators on the first gantry crane rail and the second gantry crane rail are connected to the first oil chamber; the hydraulic generators on the first flatcar rail and the second flatcar rail are connected to the second oil chamber.

[0009] When a hydraulic generator is subjected to wheel pressure, the oil inside the hydraulic generator flows into the first oil chamber or the second oil chamber. The hydraulic oil drives the turntable to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The turntable drives the rotating track to rotate. After rotation, the rotating track is on the same axis as the gantry crane rail or the flatcar rail.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes a first tee pipe and a second tee pipe. The hydraulic generators fixedly installed on the first gantry crane rail, the second gantry crane rail, the first flatcar rail, and the second flatcar rail are, in sequence, a first hydraulic generator, a second hydraulic generator, a third hydraulic generator, and a fourth hydraulic generator. The first end of the first tee pipe is connected to the internal oil chamber of the first hydraulic generator, the second end of the first tee pipe is connected to the internal oil chamber of the second hydraulic generator, and the third end of the first tee pipe is connected to the first oil chamber on the rotating support.

[0011] Optionally, the first end of the second three-way pipe is connected to the internal oil chamber of the third hydraulic generator, the second end of the second three-way pipe is connected to the internal oil chamber of the fourth hydraulic generator, and the third end of the second three-way pipe is connected to the second oil chamber on the rotating support.

[0012] Optionally, the base is provided with a first liquid flow hole and a second liquid flow hole, the first liquid flow hole is connected to the first oil cavity, and the first three-way pipe is connected to the first liquid flow hole; the second liquid flow hole is connected to the second oil cavity, and the second three-way pipe is connected to the second liquid flow hole.

[0013] Optionally, the hydraulic generator includes a pressure head, a cylinder, a pressure cover, and a piston plate. The pressure cover is screw-fixed on the inner wall of the upper end of the cylinder. The piston plate is longitudinally slidably installed inside the cylinder. The pressure head passes through the pressure cover and the two are slidably connected. The lower end of the pressure head is fixedly connected to the piston plate, and the upper end of the pressure head is spherical. The cylinder is fixedly installed on the gantry crane rail or flatcar rail, and the pressure head is close to the path of the wheels. The inside of the cylinder and below the piston plate form a hydraulic oil chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the turntable includes a column and a thrust ring. The thrust ring is fan-shaped and is fixedly installed on the lower outer wall of the column. The column is inserted into the base and the two are rotatably connected. The thrust ring is located in the piston chamber and divides the piston chamber into a first oil chamber and a second oil chamber.

[0015] Optionally, the included angle formed by the two straight sides of the thrust ring is 45 degrees, and the included angle formed by the two straight sides of the piston chamber is 135 degrees; the sum of the spatial volumes of the first oil chamber and the second oil chamber is equal to the spatial volume of the oil chamber inside the hydraulic generator.

[0016] Optionally, the turntable further includes two fan wings, which are fixedly installed on the top of the column and arranged opposite each other. The fan wings have multiple second bolt holes. A rail mounting groove is formed between the two fan wings. The rotating rail is inserted laterally into the rail mounting groove between the two fan wings and is fixedly installed to the fan wings by multiple bolts. The lower part of the turntable protrudes outward relative to the upper part to form a shoulder.

[0017] Optionally, the base includes a piston cylinder and an end cap. The column is inserted through the piston cylinder and the two are rotatably connected. The outer periphery of the end cap is threadedly fixed to the inner wall of the lower end of the piston cylinder. The lower end of the column is inserted into the end cap and the two are rotatably connected. The inner ring side edge of the upper end of the piston cylinder is a ring-shaped inwardly protruding limiting flange. The limiting flange abuts against the shoulder of the column, and the limiting flange provides a limiting stop to the shoulder. The piston cylinder has multiple first bolt holes.

[0018] (III) Beneficial Effects This invention provides a quick-change rail connector, which has the following advantages: 1. This invention utilizes a wheel-driven hydraulic generator design to automatically switch rails without manual operation, completely eliminating the process interruptions caused by traditional manual disassembly of rail joints. When the gantry crane wheel travels to the first gantry crane rail, the first hydraulic generator is activated, causing hydraulic oil to flow into the first oil chamber through the first three-way pipe. The increased pressure in the first oil chamber pushes the thrust ring to rotate the turntable, thus connecting the rotating track with the first and second gantry crane rails. The entire switching process is extremely fast, significantly improving efficiency compared to manual operation. Similarly, when the electric cross-track flatcar travels, it can trigger the third or fourth hydraulic generator, achieving rapid connection between the rotating track and the flatcar rails. This ensures that the two types of equipment do not need to wait in the intersection area, significantly improving the continuity of cargo transfer, and is particularly suitable for fast-paced industrial scenarios. Simultaneously, this automatic switching method avoids the risk of errors from manual operation, reduces equipment failures caused by insecure rail installation, and ensures operational safety. Automatic rail switching completely solves the problem of intersection interference and improves transfer efficiency.

[0019] 2. This invention cleverly utilizes the weight of the wheel itself as the power source for the hydraulic generator, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy to drive the turntable rotation. It eliminates the need for additional power equipment such as motors and hydraulic pumps, simplifying the device structure and reducing energy consumption, thus meeting the requirements of green production. The core components of the device employ mechanical connections and hydraulic transmission, offering stronger anti-interference capabilities compared to electrical control methods, making it suitable for complex environments such as dust and vibration in industrial production. Specifically, the base of the rotating support and the turntable are axially positioned via limiting flanges and shoulders, and the end caps further ensure stable rotation of the turntable. The hydraulic generator's pressure head features a spherical crown design, guiding the wheel to smoothly roll over the surface and preventing damage caused by localized stress concentration. The first or second three-way pipe allows the two hydraulic generators on the same rail side to complement each other. When the wheel rolls over the second hydraulic generator, its internal hydraulic oil can flow back to the first hydraulic generator, resetting the pressure head and extending the component's service life. Furthermore, the simple structure of each component facilitates disassembly and replacement. Routine maintenance only requires checking the hydraulic oil level and seals, reducing maintenance costs compared to traditional equipment. No additional power source is required, the structure is stable and reliable, and the cost of use and maintenance is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating support member in this invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the rotating support component in this invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating support component in this invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure of the rotating support member in this invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the cutting line where CC is located; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transfer platform in this invention; Figure 8 This is a top view of the transfer platform in this invention. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hydraulic generator in this invention; Figure 10 This is a front view schematic diagram of the hydraulic generator in this invention; Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the cutting line where BB is located; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the present invention (where: A represents the movement of the vehicle on the gantry crane rail, the wheels rolling over the first hydraulic generator or the second hydraulic generator, thereby causing the turntable to rotate, the turntable driving the rotating track to rotate, and the rotating track and the gantry crane rail being on the same straight line and connected). B indicates that the car is moving on the flatcar rails, and the wheels are rolling over the third or fourth hydraulic generator, which causes the turntable to rotate. The turntable drives the rotating track to rotate, and the rotating track is on the same straight line and connected to the flatcar rails.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. First gantry crane rail; 2. Second gantry crane rail; 3. First flatcar rail; 4. Second flatcar rail; 5. Rotating track; 6. Hydraulic generator; 61. First hydraulic generator; 62. Second hydraulic generator; 63. Third hydraulic generator; 64. Fourth hydraulic generator; 601. Pressure head; 602. Cylinder body; 603. Pressure cap; 604. Piston plate; 7. Rotary support component; 71. Base; 711. Piston cylinder; 712. End cap; 713. First bolt hole; 714. Limiting flange; 715. First fluid flow hole; 716. Second fluid flow hole; 72. Turntable; 721. Column; 722. Fan fin; 723. Second bolt hole; 724. Shoulder; 725. Thrust ring; 726. Rail mounting groove; 73. First oil chamber; 74. Second oil chamber; 8. First tee pipe; 9. Second tee pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying anything.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 12 This invention provides a technical solution: a quick-change rail connector, comprising cross-shaped gantry crane rails and flatcar rails. The quick-change rail connector further includes a rotating support 7 and a rotating track 5. The gantry crane rails consist of a first gantry crane rail 1 and a second gantry crane rail 2 on the same axis. The flatcar rails consist of a first flatcar rail 3 and a second flatcar rail 4 on the same axis.

[0026] The rotating track 5 is fixedly installed on the rotating support 7, which is located at the intersection of the gantry crane rails and the flatcar rails. The rotating support 7 includes a base 71 and a turntable 72. The turntable 72 is rotatably installed on the base 71, and the base 71 has a fan-shaped hydraulic chamber inside. The turntable 72 divides the hydraulic chamber into a first oil chamber 73 and a second oil chamber 74.

[0027] A hydraulic generator 6 is fixedly installed on each of the following rails: the first gantry crane rail 1, the second gantry crane rail 2, the first flatcar rail 3, and the second flatcar rail 4. The hydraulic generators 6 on the first gantry crane rail 1 and the second gantry crane rail 2 are connected to the first oil chamber 73. The hydraulic generators 6 on the first flatcar rail 3 and the second flatcar rail 4 are connected to the second oil chamber 74.

[0028] When a hydraulic generator 6 is run over by a wheel, the oil inside the hydraulic generator 6 flows into the first oil chamber 73 or the second oil chamber 74. The hydraulic oil drives the turntable 72 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The turntable 72 drives the rotating track 5 to rotate. After rotation, the rotating track 5 is on the same axis as the gantry crane rail or the flatcar rail.

[0029] In heavy-duty transport scenarios such as metallurgical workshops, this device provides core technical support for the coordinated operation of gantry cranes and electric cross-pass flatcars. Its core lies in the precise linkage between the rotating track 5 and the rotating support component 7. The rotating support component 7, as the central component, is located at the intersection of the gantry crane rails and the flatcar rails. Its base 71 has a built-in fan-shaped annular hydraulic chamber, in which the turntable 72 is nested and the chamber is divided into a first oil chamber 73 and a second oil chamber 74, forming the basic structure for power drive.

[0030] Each rail is equipped with a hydraulic generator 6 to act as a trigger element: the hydraulic generators 6 of the first gantry crane rail 1 and the second gantry crane rail 2 are connected to the first oil chamber 73, while the hydraulic generators 6 of the first flatcar rail 3 and the second flatcar rail 4 are connected to the second oil chamber 74. When the gantry crane wheel rolls over the corresponding hydraulic generator 6, the oil is pressurized and injected into the first oil chamber 73. The pressure difference drives the turntable 72 to rotate, and the turntable 72 drives the rotating track 5 to be precisely collinear with the gantry crane rail.

[0031] Similarly, when the flatcar is in motion, the oil is injected into the second oil chamber 74 to switch the rotating track 5 to the flatcar rail axis, achieving interference-free and efficient transfer.

[0032] Specifically, a quick-change rail connector also includes a first tee pipe 8, a second tee pipe 9, and hydraulic generators 6 fixedly installed on the first gantry crane rail 1, the second gantry crane rail 2, the first flatcar rail 3, and the second flatcar rail 4, which are respectively the first hydraulic generator 61, the second hydraulic generator 62, the third hydraulic generator 63, and the fourth hydraulic generator 64.

[0033] The first end of the first three-way pipe 8 is connected to the internal oil chamber of the first hydraulic generator 61, the second end of the first three-way pipe 8 is connected to the internal oil chamber of the second hydraulic generator 62, and the third end of the first three-way pipe 8 is connected to the first oil chamber 73 on the rotating support 7.

[0034] The first three-way pipe 8 serves as a hydraulic oil circuit, used for flow guidance, connecting the first hydraulic generator 61, the second hydraulic generator 62, and the first oil chamber 73 of the rotating support 7, thus constructing a precise power transmission link. The first hydraulic generator 61 and the second hydraulic generator 62 are respectively fixed to the first gantry crane rail 1 and the second gantry crane rail 2, and the oil flow is coordinated through the first three-way pipe 8.

[0035] refer to Figure 12When the gantry crane wheels roll over the first hydraulic generator 61, the hydraulic fluid flows through the first three-way pipe 8 into the first oil chamber 73 and the second hydraulic generator 62, driving the turntable 72 to switch the rotating track 5. When the wheels continue to press on the second hydraulic generator 62, the hydraulic fluid flows back in the same pipe, pushing the first hydraulic generator 61 to reset. The hydraulic fluid injected into the first oil chamber 73 remains, keeping the turntable 72 stationary. This keeps the rotating track 5 aligned with the gantry crane rails, ensuring the gantry crane travels smoothly along the rails without jerking, improving the continuity and safety of heavy-load transport. Because the rotating track 5 remains aligned with the gantry crane rails, regardless of how many times the gantry crane wheels roll over the first hydraulic generator 61 or the second hydraulic generator 62, the presence of the three-way pipe allows the hydraulic oil to flow back and forth within the cavities of the first and second hydraulic generators 61 and 62, ensuring that the first or second hydraulic generator 61 or 62 does not obstruct the wheels.

[0036] More specifically, the first end of the second three-way pipe 9 is connected to the internal oil chamber of the third hydraulic generator 63, the second end of the second three-way pipe 9 is connected to the internal oil chamber of the fourth hydraulic generator 64, and the third end of the second three-way pipe 9 is connected to the second oil chamber 74 on the rotating support 7.

[0037] The second three-way pipe 9 serves as a hydraulic oil circuit, used for flow guidance, and establishes a precise power link between the third hydraulic generator 63, the fourth hydraulic generator 64, and the second oil chamber 74 of the rotating support 7. The third hydraulic generator 63 and the fourth hydraulic generator 64 are respectively fixed to the first flatcar rail 3 and the second flatcar rail 4, and achieve coordinated hydraulic fluid control through the second three-way pipe 9.

[0038] When the flatcar wheels roll over the third hydraulic generator 63, hydraulic fluid is injected into the second oil chamber 74 and the inner cavity of the fourth hydraulic generator 64 through the second three-way pipe 9. The pressure difference drives the turntable 72 to switch the rotating track 5. When the flatcar wheels continue to press on the fourth hydraulic generator 64, the hydraulic fluid flows back through the same pipe to reset the third hydraulic generator 63, ensuring efficient passage of the flatcar along the flatcar rails and improving the stability and continuity of heavy-load transportation. The hydraulic control principle on the flatcar rails is the same as that on the gantry crane rails, and will not be described again.

[0039] More specifically, the base 71 is provided with a first liquid flow hole 715 and a second liquid flow hole 716, the first liquid flow hole 715 is connected to the first oil cavity 73, and the first three-way pipe 8 is connected to the first liquid flow hole 715.

[0040] The second fluid flow hole 716 is connected to the second oil cavity 74, and the second three-way pipe 9 is connected to the second fluid flow hole 716.

[0041] The first hydraulic flow orifice 715 connects the first tee pipe 8 to the first oil chamber 73, and the second hydraulic flow orifice 716 connects the second tee pipe 9 to the second oil chamber 74, thus establishing a precise hydraulic passage. When the wheel runs over the hydraulic generator 6, the oil converges through the tee pipe and is then efficiently injected into the oil chamber through the corresponding hydraulic flow orifice. The hydraulic flow orifice ensures lossless oil transmission, allowing the stable pressure difference in the oil chamber to drive the turntable 72 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating track 5 to precisely switch axes, ensuring seamless passage between the gantry crane and the flatcar and improving the reliability of the transfer.

[0042] Specifically, the hydraulic generator 6 includes a pressure head 601, a cylinder 602, a pressure cover 603, and a piston plate 604. The pressure cover 603 is screwed and fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the upper end of the cylinder 602. The piston plate 604 is longitudinally slidably installed inside the cylinder 602. The pressure head 601 passes through the pressure cover 603 and the two are slidably connected. The lower end of the pressure head 601 is fixedly connected to the piston plate 604, and the upper end of the pressure head 601 is spherical. The cylinder 602 is fixedly installed on the gantry crane rail or flatcar rail, and the pressure head 601 is close to the path through which the wheels pass. The interior of the cylinder 602 and the area below the piston plate 604 form a hydraulic oil chamber.

[0043] The hydraulic generator 6 is the core unit of the hydraulic power source for track switching, consisting of a pressure head 601, a cylinder 602, a pressure cover 603, and a piston plate 604. The pressure cover 603 is screwed to the upper end of the cylinder 602, and a sealing ring is provided at the threaded connection between the two to achieve a seal. When the wheel rolls over the pressure head 601, the spherical crown structure disperses the stress, pushing the piston plate 604 downward to compress the oil chamber, converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, providing power for the rotation of the turntable 72, and ensuring precise and efficient track switching. The hydraulic oil in the oil chamber flows through a three-way pipe to the inner cavity of another hydraulic generator 6 on the same straight track, or to the first oil chamber 73 or the second oil chamber 74.

[0044] Specifically, the turntable 72 includes a column 721 and a thrust ring 725. The thrust ring 725 is fan-shaped and is fixedly installed on the lower outer wall of the column 721. The column 721 is inserted into the base 71 and the two are rotatably connected. The thrust ring 725 is located in the piston chamber and divides the piston chamber into a first oil chamber 73 and a second oil chamber 74.

[0045] The turntable 72 is the core actuator for track switching, consisting of a column 721 and a fan-shaped thrust ring 725. The thrust ring 725 is fixed to the outer side of the lower end of the column 721, which is inserted into the base 71 for flexible rotation. The thrust ring 725 is embedded in the hydraulic cavity of the base 71, precisely dividing it into a first oil cavity 73 and a second oil cavity 74. When hydraulic oil is injected into one side of the oil cavity, the pressure difference pushes the thrust ring 725 to rotate the column 721, thereby driving the rotating track 5 to rotate and switch the axis. This ensures that the rotating track 5 is on the same axis as the gantry crane track (or flatcar rail), guaranteeing passage and providing reliable execution support for efficient transportation.

[0046] More specifically, the angle formed by the two straight sides of the thrust ring 725 is 45 degrees, and the angle formed by the two straight sides of the piston chamber is 135 degrees. The sum of the spatial volumes of the first oil chamber 73 and the second oil chamber 74 is equal to the spatial volume of the internal oil chamber of the hydraulic generator 6.

[0047] The parameter design of the thrust ring 725 and the hydraulic chamber is the core guarantee for precise track switching. The thrust ring 725 has a 45-degree angle between its two straight sides, which, combined with the 135-degree angle of the hydraulic chamber, allows the thrust ring 725 to drive the turntable 72 to achieve a precise 90-degree rotation, ensuring that the rotating track 5 is coaxial with the target rail after switching. The combined volume of the first oil chamber 73 and the second oil chamber 74 is equal to the volume of the oil chamber in the hydraulic generator 6, ensuring no redundant oil circulation. When the wheel rolls over the track, all the oil is injected into one side of the oil chamber, forming a stable pressure difference that drives the turntable 72 to rotate reliably, providing precise power control for seamless equipment passage.

[0048] More specifically, the turntable 72 also includes two fan-shaped blades 722, which are fixedly installed on the top of the column 721 and are arranged opposite to each other. Multiple second bolt holes 723 are provided on each fan-shaped blade 722. A rail mounting groove 726 is formed between the two fan-shaped blades 722. A rotating rail 5 is laterally inserted into the rail mounting groove 726 between the two fan-shaped blades 722 and is fixedly installed to the fan-shaped blades 722 by multiple bolts. The lower part of the turntable 72 protrudes outwards compared to the upper part, forming a shoulder 724.

[0049] Two fan-shaped fins 722 are fixed to the top of the column 721, forming a rail mounting groove 726. After the rotating rail 5 is inserted laterally, it is secured with bolts through the second bolt hole 723, achieving a rigid connection between the two. The shoulder 724 at the bottom of the turntable 72 can limit movement and improve rotational stability. When the oil chamber drives the column 721 to rotate, the fan-shaped fins 722 drive the rotating rail 5 to rotate synchronously and precisely, ensuring efficient docking with the target rail and providing structural support for seamless passage of flatcars and gantry cranes.

[0050] More specifically, the base 71 includes a piston cylinder 711 and an end cap 712. A column 721 is inserted through the piston cylinder 711 and rotatably connected to it. The outer periphery of the end cap 712 is threadedly fixed to the inner wall of the lower end of the piston cylinder 711. The lower end of the column 721 is inserted into the end cap 712 and rotatably connected to it. The inner ring side edge of the upper end of the piston cylinder 711 has a circumferentially protruding limiting flange 714. The limiting flange 714 abuts against the shoulder 724 of the column 721, and the limiting flange 714 provides a limiting stop to the shoulder 724. The piston cylinder 711 has multiple first bolt holes 713.

[0051] In the heavy-load rail transport operation in the metallurgical workshop, the base 71 serves as the core load-bearing and positioning unit, forming a stable assembly consisting of a piston cylinder 711 and an end cap 712. The end cap 712 is threadedly connected to the lower end of the piston cylinder 711, achieving both sealing and providing bottom support for the column 721. The column 721 passes through the piston cylinder 711 and is rotatably connected to it at both ends, ensuring rotational flexibility. The limiting flange 714 at the upper end of the piston cylinder 711 precisely abuts against the shoulder 724 of the column 721, forming an axial limiting stop to prevent the turntable 72 from shifting. The first bolt hole 713 of the piston cylinder 711 rigidly fixes the base 71 to the foundation, ensuring the stability of the device during heavy-load compaction, providing a reliable foundation for the smooth rotation of the turntable 72, and ensuring precise and controllable rail switching.

[0052] In use, this technical solution enables gantry cranes and flat cars to pass through cross-shaped railway tracks without obstruction through hydraulic drive and mechanical linkage. The core is that the wheels trigger hydraulic power to drive the rotating track to precisely switch the axis. The following describes the usage process in conjunction with the working conditions.

[0053] When the gantry crane is in operation: 1. In the initial state, the rotating track 5 is collinear with the flatcar track (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). When the gantry crane travels along the first gantry crane rail 1 to the second gantry crane rail 2, the wheels first run over the pressure head 601 of the first hydraulic generator 61, pushing the piston plate 604 to compress the oil chamber. The oil is injected into the first oil chamber 73 through the first three-way pipe 8 and the first liquid flow hole 715. The pressure difference pushes the thrust ring 725 to rotate the turntable 72 90 degrees. The rotating track 5 rotates synchronously with the column 721, precisely collinear with the gantry crane rail. After the gantry crane wheels pass smoothly, they run over the second hydraulic generator 62. The oil in the second hydraulic generator 62 flows back in the opposite direction, causing the first hydraulic generator 61 to reset (since the first oil chamber 73 is already filled with oil, the oil will flow into the oil chamber of the first hydraulic generator 61 at this time), ensuring that the triggering conditions for subsequent equipment passage are intact.

[0054] 2. When the gantry crane travels along the second gantry crane rail 2 towards the first gantry crane rail 1, hydraulic oil is already present in the first oil chamber 73, and the rotating track 5 is collinear with the gantry crane rail. Under these circumstances, the gantry crane can pass normally. During its passage, it successively crushes the second hydraulic generator 62 and the first hydraulic generator 61, causing the hydraulic oil in the two hydraulic generators to flow into each other's oil chambers, achieving oil displacement and ensuring the normal passage of the gantry crane.

[0055] Note: The internal oil chambers of the first hydraulic generator 61, the second hydraulic generator 62, and the first oil chamber 73 (at maximum capacity) have the same volume, i.e., a ratio of 1:1:1. These three chambers hold only 2 volumes of hydraulic oil. Under these conditions, one of the three oil chambers is always empty, providing space for the hydraulic oil to flow.

[0056] When the flatcar passes: Initially, the rotating track 5 is collinear with the gantry crane rail. The electric flatcar travels along the first flatcar rail 3 to the second flatcar rail 4. The wheels roll over the third hydraulic generator 63, and oil is injected into the second oil chamber 74 through the second three-way pipe 9 and the second fluid flow hole 716, pushing the turntable 72 to rotate 90 degrees in the opposite direction. The rotating track 5 is then switched to be collinear with the flatcar rail. After the flatcar passes, it rolls over the fourth hydraulic generator 64, and the oil flows back to reset the third hydraulic generator 63, restoring the device to its initial standby state. This principle is the same as when the flatcar is in operation and will not be described again.

[0057] In practical implementation, the hydraulic generator 6 (and its internal parts), rotating support 7 (and its internal parts), oil chamber, etc., in this technical solution can be further optimized and adjusted in terms of dimensional parameters according to actual working conditions to meet the actual implementation requirements. In this technical solution, all parts involving hydraulic oil are equipped with rubber sealing rings (gaskets) to enhance the sealing effect, prevent oil leakage, and avoid hydraulic failure.

[0058] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick-change rail connector, comprising cross-shaped gantry crane rails and flatcar rails, characterized in that: It also includes a rotating support (7) and a rotating track (5). The gantry crane rail is composed of a first gantry crane rail (1) and a second gantry crane rail (2) on the same axis; the flatcar rail is composed of a first flatcar rail (3) and a second flatcar rail (4) on the same axis. The rotating track (5) is fixedly installed on the rotating support (7), which is located at the intersection of the gantry crane rail and the flatcar rail. The rotating support (7) includes a base (71) and a turntable (72). The turntable (72) is rotatably installed on the base (71). The base (71) has a fan-shaped hydraulic chamber inside. The turntable (72) divides the hydraulic chamber into a first oil chamber (73) and a second oil chamber (74). A hydraulic generator (6) is fixedly installed on each of the first gantry crane rail (1), the second gantry crane rail (2), the first flatcar rail (3), and the second flatcar rail (4); the hydraulic generators (6) on the first gantry crane rail (1) and the second gantry crane rail (2) are all connected to the first oil chamber (73); the hydraulic generators (6) on the first flatcar rail (3) and the second flatcar rail (4) are all connected to the second oil chamber (74); When a hydraulic generator (6) is subjected to wheel crushing, the oil inside the hydraulic generator (6) flows into the first oil chamber (73) or the second oil chamber (74), and the hydraulic oil drives the turntable (72) to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The turntable (72) drives the rotating track (5) to rotate. After rotation, the rotating track (5) is on the same axis as the gantry crane rail or the flatcar rail.

2. The quick-change rail connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first three-way pipe (8) and a second three-way pipe (9). The hydraulic generators (6) fixedly installed on the first gantry crane rail (1), the second gantry crane rail (2), the first flatcar rail (3), and the second flatcar rail (4) are respectively the first hydraulic generator (61), the second hydraulic generator (62), the third hydraulic generator (63), and the fourth hydraulic generator (64). The first end of the first three-way pipe (8) is connected to the oil chamber inside the first hydraulic generator (61), the second end of the first three-way pipe (8) is connected to the oil chamber inside the second hydraulic generator (62), and the third end of the first three-way pipe (8) is connected to the first oil chamber (73) on the rotating support (7).

3. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first end of the second three-way pipe (9) is connected to the internal oil chamber of the third hydraulic generator (63), the second end of the second three-way pipe (9) is connected to the internal oil chamber of the fourth hydraulic generator (64), and the third end of the second three-way pipe (9) is connected to the second oil chamber (74) on the rotating support (7).

4. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base (71) is provided with a first liquid flow hole (715) and a second liquid flow hole (716). The first liquid flow hole (715) is connected to the first oil cavity (73), and the first three-way pipe (8) is connected to the first liquid flow hole (715). The second liquid flow hole (716) is connected to the second oil cavity (74), and the second three-way pipe (9) is connected to the second liquid flow hole (716).

5. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hydraulic generator (6) includes a pressure head (601), a cylinder (602), a pressure cover (603), and a piston plate (604). The pressure cover (603) is screw-fixed on the inner side wall of the upper end of the cylinder (602). The piston plate (604) is longitudinally slidably installed inside the cylinder (602). The pressure head (601) passes through the pressure cover (603) and the two are slidably connected. The lower end of the pressure head (601) is fixedly connected to the piston plate (604). The upper end of the pressure head (601) is spherical. The cylinder (602) is fixedly installed on the gantry crane rail or flatcar rail. The pressure head (601) is close to the path through which the wheels pass. The inside of the cylinder (602) and the area below the piston plate (604) form a hydraulic oil chamber.

6. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turntable (72) includes a column (721) and a thrust ring (725). The thrust ring (725) is fan-shaped and is fixedly installed on the lower outer wall of the column (721). The column (721) is inserted into the base (71) and the two are rotatably connected. The thrust ring (725) is located in the piston chamber and divides the piston chamber into a first oil chamber (73) and a second oil chamber (74).

7. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The angle formed by the two straight sides of the thrust ring (725) is 45 degrees, and the angle formed by the two straight sides of the piston chamber is 135 degrees; the sum of the spatial volumes of the first oil chamber (73) and the second oil chamber (74) is equal to the spatial volume of the oil chamber inside the hydraulic generator (6).

8. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The turntable (72) also includes two fan wings (722), which are fixedly installed on the top of the column (721) and are arranged opposite to each other. Multiple second bolt holes (723) are provided on the fan wings (722). A rail mounting groove (726) is formed between the two fan wings (722). The rotating track (5) is inserted laterally into the rail mounting groove (726) between the two fan wings (722). The rotating track (5) is fixedly installed to the fan wings (722) by multiple bolts. The lower part of the turntable (72) protrudes outward relative to the upper part to form a shoulder (724).

9. A quick-change rail connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The base (71) includes a piston cylinder (711) and an end cap (712). The column (721) is inserted through the piston cylinder (711) and the two are rotatably connected. The outer periphery of the end cap (712) is threadedly fixed to the inner side wall of the lower end of the piston cylinder (711). The lower end of the column (721) is inserted into the end cap (712) and the two are rotatably connected. The inner side edge of the upper end of the piston cylinder (711) is a ring-shaped inwardly protruding limiting flange (714). The limiting flange (714) abuts against the shoulder (724) of the column (721) and the limiting flange (714) causes a limiting block on the shoulder (724). The piston cylinder (711) is provided with a plurality of first bolt holes (713).

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