A flexible swing head, track switching device and suspended conveyor system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flexible swing head, including flexible metal band, fixed block, a plurality of movable block and free end connecting block, a plurality of movable block interconnect and form the movable part, and the fixed block and free end connecting block are arranged at the both ends of movable part respectively, and one end of flexible metal band is connected with fixed block, and the other end is in proper order and is provided with a plurality of movable block and free end connecting block. The one end of movable block is equipped with the protruding portion, and is equipped with the recess on the other end, and the recess of the other of two movable blocks is inserted to articulate through the protruding portion of one, and the fixed block is articulated with the movable block of movable part one end, and the free end connecting block is articulated with the movable block of movable part the other end. Compared with the structure of mainly relying on flexible metal band to bear the weight, the structure of block articulation has enhanced the carrying capacity and structural rigidity of whole flexible swing head greatly, makes it can bear heavier carrier, has improved the durability and security of device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of suspended conveying systems, and in particular to a flexible swing head, a track switching device, and a suspended conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of overhead conveyor systems in modern warehousing, garment manufacturing, and other fields, track switching technology using flexible swing heads has emerged to achieve efficient and flexible material flow in complex path networks. This technology is characterized by connecting a single main track to two or more branch tracks via a swingable flexible track section (i.e., a flexible swing head). A power unit can drive the flexible swing head to switch and connect to different branch tracks, thereby guiding the carrier to flexibly divert to a designated path, greatly improving the automation and intelligence level of the entire conveying system. This, in turn, leads to the widely used track switching devices.

[0003] Traditional track switching devices, such as those disclosed in Chinese Utility Model Patent 2018202182718 (CN207844184U), involve a flexible oscillating head. One end of the oscillating head is fixedly connected to the end of a first track, while the other end is traction-driven by a power device to switch to the end of a second or third track. This flexible oscillating head includes a flexible metal belt, several chain links passing through the flexible metal belt, and a connecting block. One end of the flexible metal belt is connected to the end of the first track, and the other end is connected to the connecting block. Several chain links are located between the connecting block and the end of the first track, and these chain links and the connecting block can oscillate with the flexible metal belt. In this track switching mechanism, the flexible oscillating head is threaded onto a flexible metal belt like beads through the chain links and connecting blocks, thus achieving flexible oscillation of the switching mechanism.

[0004] However, the aforementioned track switching device has significant problems in practical applications. Structurally, the load-bearing capacity of its flexible swing head mainly relies on the flexible metal belt, resulting in limited overall load-bearing capacity and making it difficult to meet the growing demand for heavy-load or high-load transportation. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible swing head, track switching device, and hanging conveyor system to address the problem of limited load-bearing capacity of existing technologies.

[0006] This application provides a flexible oscillating head, including a flexible metal strip, a fixed block, several movable blocks, and a free end connecting block. The fixed block is fixedly connected to a first track. The several movable blocks are interconnected to form a movable part. The movable part has two ends, which are respectively hinged to the fixed block and the free end connecting block. One end of the movable block is provided with a protrusion, and the other end is provided with a groove. Two adjacent movable blocks are hinged by inserting the protrusion of one into the groove of the other. The fixed block is hinged to the movable block at one end of the movable part, and the free end connecting block is hinged to the movable block at the other end of the movable part.

[0007] One end of the flexible metal strip is inserted into the fixed block, and the other end is inserted into the free end connecting block. Several movable blocks are connected in series in the middle to realize the flexible transition switching of the swing head between the tracks.

[0008] Optionally, the fixed block has a first slot on the side of the end connected to the movable block for inserting one end of the flexible metal strip, the movable block has a second slot extending through the length direction on the side of the movable block, and the free end connecting block has a third slot on the side of the end connected to the movable block for inserting the other end of the flexible metal strip. The first slot, the second slot, and the third slot together form a receiving cavity for inserting the flexible metal strip.

[0009] Optionally, the bottom of the fixed block is provided with a first support plate, which extends out of the bottom edge of the fixed block along its length. The bottom of the movable block is provided with a second support plate, one end of which extends out of the bottom edge of the movable block along its length, and the other end forms a notch with the movable block for the adjacent first or second support plate to extend into, thereby connecting the movable block with an adjacent movable block or fixed block. The bottom of the free end connecting block is provided with a third support plate, which forms a notch with the movable block for the adjacent second support plate to extend into, thereby connecting the free end connecting block with an adjacent movable block.

[0010] Optionally, a first wheel limiting groove is provided below the first support plate, a second wheel limiting groove is provided below the second support plate, and a third wheel limiting groove is provided below the third support plate. The first wheel limiting groove, the second wheel limiting groove, and the third wheel limiting groove work together to limit the wheel of the vehicle.

[0011] Optionally, a semi-circular hole is formed on one end of the first support plate facing the second support plate, and semi-circular holes are formed on both ends of the second support plate along its length. A semi-circular hole is also formed on one end of the third support plate facing the second support plate. A pair of adjacent semi-circular holes together form a through hole for accommodating the end of the bolt.

[0012] Optionally, the free end connecting block is further provided with a T-head guide post. The T-head guide post is connected to the free end connecting block through a mounting hole on one end of the free end connecting block away from the connecting end of the movable block. The T-head guide post is used to connect the track changing power device.

[0013] Optionally, the end of the fixing block connected to the first track is provided with a connector insertion groove, and the top of the fixing block is provided with a screw hole, through which the fixing block is connected to the fixing plate above by screws.

[0014] This application also provides a track switching device, including the aforementioned flexible swing head, a fixed plate, and a track-changing power device. The flexible swing head and the track-changing power device are disposed on the fixed plate. The fixed plate is provided with a guide groove, and a T-head guide post is disposed in the guide groove. The track-changing power device drives the T-head guide post to reciprocate along the guide groove, thereby driving the free end of the flexible swing head to switch between the second track and the third track.

[0015] Optionally, the track-changing power device includes a cylinder and a connecting rod. The drive rod of the cylinder is connected to the middle of the connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the fixed plate, and the other end is connected to the T-head guide post.

[0016] This application also provides a suspended conveying system, including the aforementioned track switching device, and further including a first track, a second track, and a third track, as well as a vehicle driving device. The vehicle driving device is disposed on one side of the track switching device and includes a driving mechanism, a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and a tensioning wheel. The driving wheel and the driven wheel are connected and driven by a chain. The tensioning wheel is located on one side of the chain and tensions the chain. The driving mechanism is connected to the driving wheel. A push rod is installed on the chain. The push rod is used to push the vehicle from the flexible swing head to the third track. A push rod detection device is also provided on one side of the chain to control the stop position of the push rod.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages:

[0018] In the aforementioned flexible oscillating head, the movable blocks are positioned by inserting a protrusion at one end into a groove in the adjacent block. Hinged connections are used between the movable blocks, between the fixed block and the movable block, and between the free-end connecting block and the movable block. This connection method effectively transfers the main load of the vehicle's weight from the flexible metal strip to the stronger blocks and the bolts that serve as the rotation axis. Compared to structures that primarily rely on the flexible metal strip for load bearing, this block-hinged structure significantly enhances the overall load-bearing capacity and structural rigidity of the flexible oscillating head, enabling it to withstand heavier vehicles and improving the device's durability and safety. Furthermore, the flexible metal strip can guide several movable blocks to switch oscillations in a more consistent manner, allowing the oscillating head to flexibly switch from the first track to the end of the second or third track. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a flexible oscillating head provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a flexible oscillating head provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed block in a flexible swing head according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable block in a flexible oscillating head according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the free end connecting block in a flexible swing head according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a track switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a suspended conveyor system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Flexible swing head; 1.1 Flexible metal strip; 1.2 Fixing block; 1.2.1 Connector insertion slot; 1.2.2 Screw hole; 1.2.3 First protrusion; 1.2.4 First bolt hole; 1.2.5 First support plate; 1.2.6 First guide wheel limiting groove; 1.2.7 First slot; 1.3 Movable block; 1.3.1 Second protrusion; 1.3.2 First groove; 1.3.3 Second bolt hole; 1.3.4 Second slot; 1.3.5 Second support plate; 1.3.6 Second guide wheel 1.4 Limiting groove; 1.4. Free end connecting block; 1.4.1. Second groove; 1.4.2. Third bolt hole; 1.4.3. Third slot; 1.4.4. Third support plate; 1.4.5. Third guide wheel limiting groove; 1.4.6. Mounting hole; 1.5. Bolt; 1.6. T-head guide post; 2. First track; 3. Second track; 4. Third track; 5. Fixing plate; 5.1. Guide groove; 6. Cylinder; 7. Connecting rod; 8. Drive mechanism; 9. Driving wheel; 10. Driven wheel; 11. Tensioning wheel; 12. Chain; 13. Push rod. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more readily understood, the specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] See Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of this utility model provides a flexible oscillating head, including a flexible metal strip 1.1, a fixed block 1.2, several movable blocks 1.3, and a free end connecting block 1.4. The movable blocks 1.3 are interconnected to form a movable part. The fixed block 1.2 and the free end connecting block 1.4 are respectively disposed at both ends of the movable part. One end of the flexible metal strip 1.1 is connected to the fixed block 1.2, and the other end is sequentially threaded through several movable blocks 1.3 and the free end connecting block 1.4. One end of the movable block 1.3 has a protrusion, and the other end has a groove. The protrusion of one of two adjacent movable blocks 1.3 is inserted into the groove of the other and hinged. The fixed block 1.2 is hinged to the movable block 1.3 at one end of the movable part, and the free end connecting block 1.4 is hinged to the movable block 1.3 at the other end of the movable part.

[0030] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixed block 1.2 has a first protrusion 1.2.3 at one end connected to the movable block 1.3, and the first protrusion 1.2.3 has a vertically penetrating first bolt hole 1.2.4. The movable block 1.3 has a first groove 1.3.2 at one end and a second protrusion 1.3.1 at the other end. Both the first groove 1.3.2 and the second protrusion 1.3.1 have vertically penetrating second bolt holes 1.3.3. The free end connecting block 1.4 has a second groove 1.4.1 at one end connected to the movable block 1.3, and the second groove 1.4.1 has a vertically penetrating third bolt hole 1.4.2.

[0031] The fixed block 1.2 is connected by inserting its first protrusion 1.2.3 into the first groove 1.3.2 of the adjacent movable block 1.3. The adjacent movable blocks 1.3 are connected by inserting their second protrusion 1.3.1 into the first groove 1.3.2. The movable block 1.3 is connected by inserting its second protrusion 1.3.1 into the second groove 1.4.1 of the adjacent free end connecting block 1.4. The fixed block 1.2, the movable block 1.3, and the free end connecting block 1.4 are hinged by inserting bolts 1.5 into the corresponding first bolt holes 1.2.2, second bolt holes 1.3.3, and third bolt holes 1.4.2, and rotate around bolts 1.5.

[0032] The core of this embodiment lies in hinged connection of the fixed block 1.2, movable block 1.3, and free-end connecting block 1.4 using bolts 1.5. Specifically, each block is positioned by inserting a protrusion at one end into the groove of the adjacent block, and then the bolts 1.5 pass through pre-set bolt holes to firmly hinge them together. This connection method effectively transfers the main load bearing the weight of the vehicle from the flexible metal strip 1.1 to the stronger blocks and the bolts 1.5, which serve as the rotation axis. Compared to a structure that mainly relies on the flexible metal strip 1.1 for load bearing, this block hinged structure significantly enhances the load-bearing capacity and structural rigidity of the entire flexible swing head 1, enabling it to withstand heavier vehicles and improving the durability and safety of the device. An included angle should be maintained between the blocks to allow rotation between them.

[0033] Secondly, although the load-bearing capacity mainly relies on the hinged blocks, the flexible metal belt 1.1 runs through and connects all the blocks, playing a guiding role. When the track-changing power unit pulls the free end of the swing head to switch, the flexible metal belt 1.1 can constrain the movement trajectory of each moving block 1.3, ensuring that the entire swing arm bends along a smooth, continuous arc path, rather than forming a series of abrupt zigzag turns. This ensures that the vehicle can smoothly transition when passing through the switching mechanism, avoiding the impact and instability caused by sudden track changes, thereby ensuring the smoothness and stability of the vehicle's operation.

[0034] In summary, this embodiment combines the hinged connection of the block bolt 1.5 with the guidance of the flexible metal strip 1.1, achieving high load-bearing capacity through the hinged structure and ensuring high smoothness of the switching process through the guidance of the metal strip.

[0035] See Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, a first slot 1.2.7 for inserting one end of the flexible metal strip 1.1 is provided on the side of the fixed block 1.2 connected to the movable block 1.3. A second slot 1.3.4 extending through the length direction is provided on the side of the movable block 1.3. A third slot 1.4.3 for inserting the other end of the flexible metal strip 1.1 is provided on the side of the free end connecting block 1.4 connected to the movable block 1.3. The first slot 1.2.7, the second slot 1.3.4 and the third slot 1.4.3 together form a receiving cavity for inserting the flexible metal strip 1.1.

[0036] In this embodiment, by providing interconnected first slots 1.2.7, second slots 1.3.4, and third slots 1.4.3 on the fixed block 1.2, movable block 1.3, and free end connecting block 1.4 respectively, a continuous internal accommodating cavity is formed, completely enclosing the flexible metal strip 1.1 within the block structure. This design effectively protects the flexible metal strip 1.1 from direct impact, wear, and contaminant corrosion from the external environment, extending the service life of the flexible metal strip 1.1 as a key guiding component, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the entire flexible swing head 1 device.

[0037] Secondly, specific slots (first slot 1.2.7 and third slot 1.4.3) are provided on the fixed block 1.2 and the free end connecting block 1.4 for inserting the two ends of the metal strip, thus achieving effective fixation and anchoring of both ends of the metal strip. This not only prevents the risk of axial slippage or dislodgement of the metal strip during long-term reciprocating motion, ensuring the continuous effectiveness of its tension and guiding function, but also simplifies the installation and maintenance process of the entire device.

[0038] See Figures 3 to 5In one embodiment, the bottom of the fixed block 1.2 is provided with a first support plate 1.2.5, which extends beyond the bottom edge of the fixed block 1.2 along its length. The bottom of the movable block 1.3 is provided with a second support plate 1.3.5, one end of which extends beyond the bottom edge of the movable block 1.3 along its length, and the other end forms a notch with the movable block 1.3 for the adjacent first support plate 1.2.5 or second support plate 1.3.5 to extend into, thereby overlapping the movable block 1.3 with the adjacent movable block 1.3 or fixed block 1.2. The bottom of the free end connecting block 1.4 is provided with a third support plate 1.4.4, which forms a notch with the movable block 1.3 for the adjacent second support plate 1.3.5 to extend into, thereby overlapping the free end connecting block 1.4 with the adjacent movable block 1.3.

[0039] In this embodiment, the upper surfaces of these support plates collectively form the direct travel track for the vehicle's rollers. The design of "one end extending and the other end forming a notch" allows the support plates of adjacent blocks to overlap. When the flexible swing head 1 bends due to track switching, relative rotation occurs between the blocks. Without this design, noticeable gaps would appear at the bottom of the blocks. This overlapping structure covers these gaps, creating a physically uninterrupted travel path. This avoids the risk of the vehicle's wheels getting stuck, bumping, or derailing due to falling into the gaps, ensuring smooth and stable operation of the vehicle as it passes through the entire dynamic switching mechanism.

[0040] Secondly, this overlapping design also enhances the vertical support capacity at the block joints. When the weight of the vehicle acts on the joint between two blocks, the load can be more effectively distributed to the adjacent blocks through the overlapping support plates, sharing the concentrated stress at a single hinge point. This further improves the overall strength and deformation resistance of the running surface, indirectly enhancing the load-bearing performance of the entire swing head.

[0041] See Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, a first wheel limiting groove 1.2.6 is provided below the first support plate 1.2.5, a second wheel limiting groove 1.3.6 is provided below the second support plate 1.3.5, and a third wheel limiting groove 1.4.5 is provided below the third support plate 1.4.4. The first wheel limiting groove 1.2.6, the second wheel limiting groove 1.3.6, and the third wheel limiting groove 1.4.5 work together to limit the wheel of the vehicle.

[0042] In this embodiment, the limiting grooves positioned below the support plate and working together to form an integrated structure create a complete constraint track for the vehicle's wheels. When the vehicle travels along the flexible swing head 1, its wheels are confined within this groove, limiting the possibility of lateral swaying or shaking, thus reducing the risk of derailment due to speed, vibration, or dynamic forces during track switching. By providing this continuous lateral constraint, the vehicle can be locked on the track centerline, whether in straight sections or curved sections of the swing head, greatly improving the stability of the vehicle's operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the lower limiting groove and the upper support plate's traveling surface form a complementary dual-guide mechanism. The upper surface of the support plate is responsible for the vehicle's longitudinal bearing and smooth movement, while the lower limiting groove is responsible for the vehicle's lateral limiting and attitude stability. This three-dimensional constraint method ensures that the vehicle maintains accurate trajectory and stable attitude when traversing complex dynamic transition sections.

[0044] See Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, a semi-circular hole is opened on one end of the first support plate 1.2.5 facing the second support plate 1.3.5, and semi-circular holes are opened on both ends of the second support plate 1.3.5 along the length direction. A semi-circular hole is also opened on one end of the third support plate 1.4.4 facing the second support plate 1.3.5. The adjacent pair of semi-circular holes together form a through hole for accommodating the end of the bolt 1.5.

[0045] Since the support plate is located at the bottom of the block and forms the running surface of the vehicle, while the hinge bolt 1.5 needs to penetrate vertically through the connection part of the block as the axis of rotation, the two will interfere with each other in space. By opening a semi-circular hole on each of the mating edges of the adjacent support plates, when the two blocks are connected, these two semi-circular holes are precisely combined to form a complete through hole. This formed through hole provides a receiving space for the lower end of the hinge bolt 1.5, thereby solving the physical interference problem between the support plate and the hinge bolt 1.5, allowing a smooth continuous running surface and a reliable rotation pivot to be integrated into a compact structure. Concealing the end of the bolt 1.5 within the thickness of the support plate also provides protection, preventing the end of the bolt 1.5 from being scratched or collided with the external environment during equipment operation, thus enhancing the reliability of the connection point.

[0046] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5In one embodiment, the free end connecting block 1.4 is further provided with a T-head guide post 1.6. The T-head guide post 1.6 is connected to the free end connecting block 1.4 through a mounting hole 1.4.6 on the end of the free end connecting block 1.4 furthest from the connecting end of the movable block 1.3. The T-head guide post 1.6 is used to connect the track-changing power device. This design ensures that the force of the track-changing power device can be directly applied to the farthest end of the flexible oscillating head 1. This is the most efficient driving method, which can directly convert the push and pull force generated by the power device into the oscillation of the entire oscillating head with minimal lever arm loss and structural deformation, thereby ensuring the sensitivity, speed and directness of the switching action.

[0047] Secondly, the T-head guide post 1.6 serves as the sole contact and guiding medium between the flexible swing head 1 and the guide groove 5.1 on the fixed plate 5, simplifying the complex arc motion of the swing head into trajectory control of a single point. This makes the design of the entire drive and guidance system simpler, and the motion relationship clearer and more reliable, forming the basis for achieving high-precision, high-repeatability switching positioning.

[0048] Finally, the T-head guide post 1.6 can be used as an independent, replaceable component through the connection via mounting holes 1.4.6. Considering that the guide post will wear out as it slides within the guide groove 5.1, this modular design greatly simplifies later maintenance. Users only need to replace the worn guide post without replacing the entire free end connecting block 1.4, reducing maintenance costs and difficulty, and improving the overall economic efficiency of the device throughout its lifecycle.

[0049] See Figure 3 In one embodiment, the end of the fixing block 1.2 connected to the first track 2 is provided with a connector insertion groove 1.2.1, and the top of the fixing block 1.2 is provided with a screw hole 1.2.2. The fixing block 1.2 is screwed to the fixing plate 5 above through the screw hole 1.2.2.

[0050] The connector insertion slot 1.2.1 on the fixed block 1.2 enables docking with the first track 2. This insertion method ensures seamless alignment between the starting end of the flexible swing head 1 and the fixed track, avoiding impact or jamming caused by misalignment.

[0051] Secondly, the top is connected to the upper fixing plate 5 via screw holes 1, 2, and 4. This vertical connection bears the main weight and dynamic force generated by the flexible swing head 1 and the carrier, providing a stable and reliable support foundation for the entire cantilever swing mechanism. This double fixing ensures the stability of the starting point of the switching mechanism and guarantees the high precision and high reliability of the entire track switching function.

[0052] See Figure 6An embodiment of this utility model also provides a track switching device, including the aforementioned flexible swing head 1, a fixed plate 5, and a track-changing power device. The flexible swing head 1 and the track-changing power device are mounted on the fixed plate 5. The fixed plate 5 is provided with a guide groove 5.1, and a T-head guide post 1.6 is mounted in the guide groove 5.1. The track-changing power device drives the T-head guide post 1.6 to reciprocate along the guide groove 5.1, thereby driving the free end of the flexible swing head 1 to switch between the second track 3 and the third track 4.

[0053] In this embodiment, the pre-set guide groove 5.1 on the fixed plate 5 provides a fixed and precise motion trajectory for the T-head guide column 1.6. When the track-changing power device drives the T-head guide column 1.6, which is connected to the free end of the flexible swing head 1, to reciprocate along the groove, it is equivalent to forcing the free end of the flexible swing head 1 to move along this predetermined path as well. This ensures that the free end of the swing head can accurately reach the preset position and align with the second or third track 4 each time it switches, thereby ensuring the high precision and high repeatability of the track switching function.

[0054] Secondly, this design effectively transforms the simple reciprocating force generated by the power unit into the arc swing of the free end of the flexible oscillating head 1, simplifying transmission and control. The power unit (such as cylinder 6) only needs to perform simple extension or push-pull actions, and the geometry of the guide groove 5.1 can naturally guide the oscillating head to complete precise switching actions, making the control logic simple and the execution results reliable.

[0055] Finally, the flexible sway head 1 and the track-changing power unit are both mounted on the same fixed plate 5, forming a highly integrated modular unit. This design not only makes the structure more compact but also greatly simplifies the difficulty of production assembly and on-site installation, facilitating rapid deployment and maintenance and improving the overall engineering practicality of the device.

[0056] See Figure 6 In one embodiment, the track-changing power unit includes a cylinder 6 and a connecting rod 7. The drive rod of the cylinder 6 is connected to the middle of the connecting rod 7. One end of the connecting rod 7 is rotatably connected to the fixed plate 5, and the other end is connected to the T-head guide post 1.6.

[0057] This embodiment achieves an amplification of the motion stroke. The drive rod of cylinder 6 acts on the middle of connecting rod 7, and connecting rod 7 rotates on fixed plate 5 with one end as a fulcrum, while the other end drives T-head guide post 1.6. According to the lever principle, a small extension stroke of cylinder 6 can cause a sufficiently large displacement at the other end of connecting rod 7, thereby driving the flexible swing head 1 to complete a large-span switch between the two tracks. This allows the system to use cylinder 6 with a shorter stroke and a more compact structure, optimizing the spatial layout.

[0058] Secondly, this linkage mechanism can effectively transmit and regulate the driving force. It converts the linear thrust of cylinder 6 into a tangential force that drives the guide column to move along the guide groove 5.1. The position of each connection point can be adjusted according to the design to provide greater force to overcome inertia during startup, mitigate impact at the end of the stroke, achieve smoother and gentler startup and shutdown, and reduce the impact on the mechanical structure.

[0059] Finally, this layout provides great flexibility in the installation position of cylinder 6. Cylinder 6 does not need to be aligned with the movement direction of T-head guide post 1.6, which facilitates compact design in a limited space and improves the overall integration of the device.

[0060] See Figure 7 An embodiment of this utility model also provides a suspended conveying system, including the above-mentioned track switching device, and further including a first track 2, a second track 3 and a third track 4, as well as a vehicle driving device. The vehicle driving device is located on one side of the track switching device and includes a driving mechanism 8, a driving wheel 9, a driven wheel 10 and a tensioning wheel 11. The driving wheel 9 and the driven wheel 10 are connected and driven by a chain 12. The tensioning wheel 11 is located on one side of the chain 12 and tensions the chain 12. The driving mechanism 8 is connected to the driving wheel 9. A push rod is installed on the chain 12. The push rod is used to push the vehicle from the flexible swing head 1 to the third track 4. A push rod detection device is also provided on one side of the chain 12 to control the stop position of the push rod.

[0061] In this embodiment, the drive device, through the drive mechanism 8, the driving wheel 9, the driven wheel 10, the chain 12, and the push rod mounted on the chain 12, constitutes a complete power transmission system. When the carrier reaches the flexible swing head 1, the push rod of the device can actively push it to the third track 4. This allows the entire conveying system to adopt a horizontal track layout without relying on gravity, greatly enhancing the flexibility of the system design and its adaptability to different working conditions.

[0062] Secondly, the push rod detection device enables precise control of the driving process. This detection device can monitor the position of the push rod and, after completing a pushing task, precisely control the push rod to stop at the preset starting position, avoiding interference with the switching action of subsequent vehicles or swing heads, thus ensuring the continuity and error-free operation of the automated process.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible oscillating head, comprising a flexible metal strip (1.1), a fixed block (1.2), a plurality of movable blocks (1.3), and a free-end connecting block (1.4), wherein the fixed block (1.2) is fixedly connected to a first track (2), characterized in that, Several movable blocks (1.3) are interconnected to form a movable part, which has two ends, and the two ends are respectively hinged to the fixed block (1.2) and the free end connecting block (1.4); one end of the movable block (1.3) is provided with a protrusion (1.3.1) and the other end is provided with a groove (1.3.2). Two adjacent movable blocks (1.3) are connected by inserting the protrusion (1.3.1) of one into the groove (1.3.2) of the other and hinged together. One end of the flexible metal strip (1.1) is inserted into the fixed block (1.2), and the other end is inserted into the free end connecting block (1.4). Several movable blocks (1.3) are connected in series in the middle to realize the flexible transition switching of the swing head between the tracks.

2. The flexible oscillating head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed block (1.2) has a first slot (1.2.7) on the side of the end connected to the movable block (1.3) for inserting one end of the flexible metal strip (1.1). The movable block (1.3) has a second slot (1.3.4) that extends through the length direction on the side of the movable block (1.3). The free end connecting block (1.4) has a third slot (1.4.3) on the side of the end connected to the movable block (1.3) for inserting the other end of the flexible metal strip (1.1). The first slot (1.2.7), the second slot (1.3.4), and the third slot (1.4.3) together form a receiving cavity for inserting the flexible metal strip (1.1).

3. The flexible oscillating head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed block (1.2) has a first support plate (1.2.5) at its bottom, which extends beyond the bottom edge of the fixed block (1.2) along its length. The movable block (1.3) has a second support plate (1.3.5) at its bottom, with one end extending beyond the bottom edge of the movable block (1.3) along its length, and the other end forming a joint with the movable block (1.3) for adjacent use. The first support plate (1.2.5) or the second support plate (1.3.5) extends into a notch, thereby connecting the movable block (1.3) with the adjacent movable block (1.3) or fixed block (1.2). The bottom of the free end connecting block (1.4) is provided with a third support plate (1.4.4). The third support plate (1.4.4) and the movable block (1.3) form a notch for the adjacent second support plate (1.3.5) to extend into, thereby connecting the free end connecting block (1.4) with the adjacent movable block (1.3).

4. The flexible oscillating head according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first support plate (1.2.5) is provided with a first wheel limiting groove (1.2.6) below it, the second support plate (1.3.5) is provided with a second wheel limiting groove (1.3.6) below it, and the third support plate (1.4.4) is provided with a third wheel limiting groove (1.4.5) below it. The first wheel limiting groove (1.2.6), the second wheel limiting groove (1.3.6), and the third wheel limiting groove (1.4.5) work together to limit the wheel of the vehicle.

5. The flexible oscillating head according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first support plate (1.2.5) has a semi-circular hole at one end facing the second support plate (1.3.5), and the second support plate (1.3.5) has semi-circular holes at both ends along its length. The third support plate (1.4.4) also has a semi-circular hole at one end facing the second support plate (1.3.5). A pair of adjacent semi-circular holes together form a through hole for accommodating the end of the bolt (1.5).

6. The flexible oscillating head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free end connecting block (1.4) is also provided with a T-head guide post (1.6). The T-head guide post (1.6) is connected to the free end connecting block (1.4) through a mounting hole (1.4.6) on one end of the free end connecting block (1.4) away from the connecting end of the movable block (1.3). The T-head guide post (1.6) is used to connect the track changing power device.

7. The flexible oscillating head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed block (1.2) is provided with a connector insertion groove (1.2.1) at one end connected to the first track (2), and a screw hole (1.2.2) is provided on the top of the fixed block (1.2). The fixed block (1.2) is screwed to the upper fixed plate (5) through the screw hole (1.2.2).

8. A track switching device, comprising the flexible swing head as described in claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a fixed plate (5) and a track-changing power device. The flexible swing head (1) and the track-changing power device are mounted on the fixed plate (5). The fixed plate (5) is provided with a guide groove (5.1). The T-head guide column (1.6) is mounted in the guide groove (5.1). The track-changing power device drives the T-head guide column (1.6) to reciprocate along the guide groove (5.1) so as to drive the free end of the flexible swing head (1) to switch between the second track (3) and the third track (4).

9. The track switching device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The track-changing power device includes a cylinder (6) and a connecting rod (7). The drive rod of the cylinder (6) is connected to the middle part of the connecting rod (7). One end of the connecting rod (7) is rotatably connected to the fixed plate (5), and the other end is connected to the T-head guide post (1.6).

10. A suspended conveying system, comprising the track switching device as described in claims 8-9, characterized in that, It also includes a first track (2), a second track (3) and a third track (4), as well as a vehicle driving device. The vehicle driving device is located on one side of the track switching device and includes a driving mechanism (8), a driving wheel (9), a driven wheel (10) and a tensioning wheel (11). The driving wheel (9) and the driven wheel (10) are connected and driven by a chain (12). The tensioning wheel (11) is located on one side of the chain (12) and tensions the chain (12). The driving mechanism (8) is connected to the driving wheel (9). A push rod is installed on the chain (12). The push rod is used to push the vehicle from the flexible swing head (1) to the third track (4). A push rod detection device is also provided on one side of the chain (12) to control the stop position of the push rod.

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