Turnover device and unmanned vehicle
By introducing a position detection mechanism and limit switches into the flipping device, the accurate positioning and safe flipping of the express delivery cage are ensured, solving the problem of inaccurate positioning in the existing technology and improving the efficiency and safety of the flipping operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NEOLIX TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing express delivery cage tipping devices lack effective positioning and detection mechanisms, making it difficult for operators to determine whether the cage has been tipped to the preset position, affecting work efficiency and increasing safety hazards.
Design a flipping device, including a base, a flipping mechanism and a position detection mechanism. Employ first and second position sensors and a programmable logic control system to ensure that the flipping table can be accurately flipped to a preset position. A position signal is generated by a limit switch to control the start and stop of the flipping action.
It enables precise positioning and safe flipping of express delivery cages, improving the efficiency and safety of flipping operations and reducing operational risks.
Smart Images

Figure CN224349693U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of logistics and transportation technology, specifically relating to a flipping device and an unmanned vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of e-commerce, the express delivery and logistics industry has ushered in unprecedented development opportunities. In this process, express delivery cages, as efficient logistics containers, are widely used in the storage, transportation, and loading / unloading of goods. With their standardized and modular features, express delivery cages greatly improve logistics efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
[0003] In actual loading and unloading operations, the tilting of express delivery cages faces a series of challenges. To improve loading and unloading efficiency and safety, the existing express logistics industry generally uses tilting devices to assist in tilting the cages. These tilting devices typically include hydraulic or electric drive systems, capable of tilting the cages from a horizontal to a vertical position, or making other necessary angle adjustments.
[0004] However, existing tilting devices still have some problems in practical applications. These devices often only detect the tilting angle and position of the cage during operation. Due to the lack of an effective positioning and detection mechanism, operators find it difficult to determine whether the cage has been tilted to the preset position. This not only affects work efficiency but also increases safety hazards during operation.
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new solution to the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flipping device and an unmanned vehicle, which can detect and control the flipping position and improve safety during flipping operations.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:
[0008] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a flipping device, which includes a base, a flipping mechanism, and a position detection mechanism; the base is provided with a slide rail; the flipping mechanism includes a flipping table, a sliding plate, and a hinge, the flipping table is movably disposed on the base, the sliding plate is slidably mounted on the slide rail, the sliding plate can slide along the slide rail between a first position and a second position, one end of the hinge is hinged to the flipping table, and the other end is hinged to the sliding plate, the flipping table is capable of flipping relative to the base as the sliding plate slides; the position detection mechanism includes a first position sensor and a second position sensor disposed on the base; wherein, when the sliding plate slides to the first position, the sliding plate can trigger the first position sensor; when the sliding plate slides to the second position, the sliding plate can trigger the second position sensor.
[0009] In one or more embodiments, when the slide plate slides to a first position, the flip platform is placed flat on the base; and / or when the slide plate slides to a second position, the flip platform has a flip angle of 90° relative to the base.
[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first position sensor and the second position sensor are both limit switches, with the first position sensor set to a first position and the second position sensor set to a second position.
[0011] In one or more embodiments, the limit switch includes a body, a reset lever, and a rotating shaft. The body is fixed to the base, and the reset lever is rotatably mounted on the body via the rotating shaft.
[0012] In one or more embodiments, when the slide plate slides to a first position, the slide plate can push the reset lever of the first position sensor, causing the first position sensor to generate a first position signal; when the slide plate slides to a second position, the slide plate can push the reset lever of the second position sensor, causing the second position sensor to generate a second position signal.
[0013] In one or more embodiments, the position detection mechanism further includes a third position sensor disposed on the base, the third position sensor being located between the first position sensor and the second position sensor.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, when the tilting platform is tilted from a flat position to a 30° angle relative to the base, the slide plate can slide to a third position, causing the third position sensor to generate a third position signal.
[0015] In one or more embodiments, the flipping mechanism further includes a drive assembly that is drively connected to the slide plate, the slide plate being able to slide relative to the base under the drive of the drive assembly.
[0016] In one or more embodiments, the base is provided with an inclined platform, and the tilting platform is provided with a pulley that matches the inclined platform. When the tilting platform is tilted, the pulley can slide along the inclined platform.
[0017] Secondly, this utility model provides an unmanned vehicle, which includes the aforementioned tipping device.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the flipping device and unmanned vehicle provided by this utility model provide position feedback for the flipping process by setting the first and second position sensors in the position detection mechanism. The signals of these sensors can be used by the control system to detect the flipping angle of the flipping table and thus control the start and stop of the flipping action to ensure the execution of the flipping action. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flipping device in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the flipping device shown;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the flipping device after the flipping table has been removed.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a limit switch in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Explanation of key figure labels:
[0025] 1-Base, 11-Slide rail, 12-Slope, 2-Flipping mechanism, 21-Flipping table, 22-Slide plate, 23-Hinge, 24-Drive assembly, 25-Pulley, 3-Position detection mechanism, 31-First position sensor, 32-Second position sensor, 33-Third position sensor, 34-Main body, 35-Reset lever, 36-Rotation shaft. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0027] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.
[0028] In the express delivery and logistics sector, with the rapid development of e-commerce, efficient and accurate cargo loading and unloading technologies have become particularly important. While existing express delivery cage tipping devices have improved logistics efficiency to some extent, they still have many shortcomings, especially the low positioning accuracy of the express delivery cages during the tipping process.
[0029] The technical solution of this utility model is to design a novel flipping device, aiming to improve the positioning and operational adaptability during the flipping process, thereby effectively solving the shortcomings of the existing technology. The core of this technical solution lies in the introduction of a flipping mechanism with a position detection mechanism, which can control the flipping position of the express delivery cage, ensuring that the express delivery cage can be accurately flipped to the preset position.
[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the flipping device in one embodiment of this utility model includes a base 1, a flipping mechanism 2, and a position detection mechanism 3. A slide rail 11 is provided on the base 1. The flipping mechanism 2 includes a flipping table 21, a sliding plate 22, and a hinge 23. The flipping table 21 is movably disposed on the base 1, and the sliding plate 22 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 11. The sliding plate 22 can slide along the slide rail 11 between a first position (near the head of the base 1) and a second position (near the tail of the base 1). One end of the hinge 23 is hinged to the flipping table 21, and the other end is hinged to the sliding plate 22. The flipping table 21 is able to flip relative to the base 1 as the sliding plate 22 slides. The position detection mechanism includes a first position sensor 31 and a second position sensor 32 disposed on the base 1. When the sliding plate 22 slides to the first position, the sliding plate 22 can trigger the first position sensor 31; when the sliding plate 22 slides to the second position, the sliding plate 22 can trigger the second position sensor 32.
[0031] The base 1 is the foundation of the flipping device, providing stable support for the entire device. The base 1 is designed with sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the forces and pressures generated during the flipping process. The slide rail 11 is a guiding system mounted on the base 1, responsible for guiding the sliding direction of the slide plate 22 and limiting its sliding range. The base 1 is typically made of robust and durable materials, such as steel or aluminum alloy, to ensure the stability and durability of the entire flipping device. The slide rail 11 is fixed to the base 1 and can be a linear track.
[0032] The tilting platform 21 is designed to support express delivery cages. Its surface may be designed with anti-slip material or structure to prevent the express delivery cages from sliding during tilting. The sliding plate 22 is connected to the tilting platform 21 via a hinge 23 and can slide along the slide rail 11. Ball bearings or rollers may be provided between the sliding plate 22 and the slide rail 11 to reduce friction and ensure smooth sliding. The hinge 23 connects the tilting platform 21 and the sliding plate 22, allowing the tilting platform 21 to tilt as the sliding plate 22 slides along the slide rail 11.
[0033] The first position sensor 31 and the second position sensor 32 are mounted on the base 1 to detect whether the slide plate 22 has slid to the preset first and second positions. The sensors can be photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, or limit switches, etc. The sensors can be connected to the control system; when the slide plate 22 triggers the sensor, the control system receives the signal and controls the flipping action.
[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, when the slide plate 22 slides to the first position, the flip platform 21 is placed flat on the base 1 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). When the slide plate 22 slides to the second position, the flipping platform 21 flips at an angle of 90° relative to the base 1.
[0035] The sliding motion of the slide plate 22 on the slide rail 11 drives the tilting platform 21 to perform corresponding tilting actions via the hinge 23. When the slide plate 22 slides to the first position (near the head of the base 1), the tilting platform 21 remains flat, allowing the express delivery cages loaded on the tilting platform 21 to be laid flat, facilitating the transportation of the express delivery cages. When the slide plate 22 slides to the second position (near the tail of the base 1), the tilting platform 21 tilts to 90°, suitable for loading and unloading express delivery cages.
[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, both the first position sensor 31 and the second position sensor 32 are limit switches (such as commercially available travel switches). The first position sensor 31 is set to the first position, and the second position sensor 32 is set to the second position.
[0037] When the slide plate 22 moves to the first or second position, it directly or indirectly triggers the corresponding limit switch, generating a signal. This signal can be received by the control system to control the stop or start of the flipping action of the tilting table 21. This design ensures that the slide plate 22 and the tilting table 21 can stop at the desired position, avoiding problems such as over-tilting or failure to reach the required tilting angle.
[0038] For details, please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the limit switch includes a main body 34, a reset lever 35, and a rotating shaft 36. The main body 34 is fixed on the base 1, and the reset lever 35 is rotatably mounted on the main body 34 via the rotating shaft 36. The reset lever 35 can rotate under external force and reset after the external force is removed.
[0039] The main body 34 can be made of robust materials, such as metal or engineering plastics, to ensure stability and durability during long-term use. Electronic or mechanical contacts are installed inside the main body 34 to generate position signals. The main body 34 can be directly fixed to the base 1 with screws or secured using a special clamp to prevent displacement due to vibration or impact.
[0040] The reset lever 35 is a component in the limit switch that interacts with the slide plate 22. Through the rotation mechanism of the rotating shaft 36, the reset lever 35 can rotate smoothly and trigger the contacts inside the limit switch when the slide plate 22 pushes the lever, thereby generating a position signal.
[0041] Furthermore, when the slide plate 22 slides to the first position, it can push the reset lever 35 of the first position sensor 31, causing the first position sensor 31 to generate a first position signal. When the slide plate 22 slides to the second position, it can push the reset lever 35 of the second position sensor 32, causing the second position sensor 32 to generate a second position signal.
[0042] When the control system receives the first position signal, it indicates that the tilting platform 21 has been tilted to a flat position. The control system then controls the tilting mechanism 2 to stop tilting and can notify the unmanned vehicle to start transportation. When the control system receives the first position signal, it indicates that the tilting platform 21 has been tilted to a vertical position (tilting angle of 90°). The control system then controls the tilting mechanism 2 to stop tilting and can notify the operator to load and unload the cages via audible and visual signals.
[0043] When the slide plate 22 slides along the slide rail 11 to a preset position (such as the first or second position), one end or its extension contacts the reset lever 35 of the limit switch located at that position. The reset lever 35 is a structure that can rotate around the rotation axis 36 and is mounted on the body 34 of the limit switch. As the slide plate 22 continues to move forward, an external force is applied to push the reset lever 35 to rotate around the rotation axis 36. When the rotation angle reaches a certain value, the triggering structure inside the lever (which can be an elastic mechanism or a push rod mechanism) will press the electrical contacts or springs inside the limit switch body, causing them to close or open, thereby generating a state change in the electrical circuit. This state change is read as a position signal by the control system, reflecting whether the slide plate 22 has reached the designated position. Since the lever has a reset spring, when the slide plate 22 leaves, the lever will automatically reset, returning the limit switch to its initial state.
[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the position detection mechanism 3 also includes a third position sensor 33 disposed on the base 1, which is located between the first position sensor 31 and the second position sensor 32. When the tilting table 21 is tilted from a flat position to 30° relative to the base 1, the slide plate 22 can slide to the third position (the middle position of the base 1), so that the third position sensor 33 generates a third position signal.
[0045] The third position sensor 33 is located between the first position sensor 31 and the second position sensor 32, and is designed to detect the position of the slide plate 22 when the tilting table 21 is tilted to 30°. This sensor can be a commercially available limit switch, photoelectric sensor, magnetic sensor, or other type of sensor, selected according to actual needs.
[0046] The control system receives signals from the third position sensor 33 and adjusts the flipping speed of the flipping mechanism 2 accordingly. The system can be based on a microprocessor or PLC and equipped with corresponding algorithms to control the flipping speed. For example, during the process of flipping the table 21 from a flat position to a predetermined angle (such as 90°), the total time required for flipping can be shortened at 30° while ensuring safety, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency.
[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, the flipping mechanism 2 further includes a drive assembly 24 that is kinetically connected to the slide plate 22, which is capable of sliding relative to the base 1 under the drive of the drive assembly 24. The drive assembly 24 may include a motor, a reducer, a chain, or gears, etc. The motor provides power for the flipping operation, the reducer adjusts the rotation speed, and the chain or gears transmit power to the slide plate 22.
[0048] The control system can be electrically connected to the drive assembly 24 to control the start, stop, and speed of the motor according to operational requirements. The control system uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a microcontroller.
[0049] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, a ramp 12 is provided at the head to the middle position of the base 1, and a pulley 25 matching the ramp 12 is provided on the tilting platform 21. When the tilting platform 21 tilts, the ramp 12 can slide along the pulley 25. When the tilting platform 21 starts to tilt, the pulley 25 slides along the ramp 12. This design effectively reduces the frictional resistance during the tilting process, making the tilting action smoother and reducing wear.
[0050] The tilting platform 21 is supported on the base 1 and can slide and tilt relative to the base 1. The bottom of the tilting platform 21 is hinged to one end of the slide plate 22 via a hinge 23, while the slide plate 22 can slide along the slide rail 11 on the base 1. The hinge 23 can be a pin or a pivot structure, with one end fixed to a connecting lug or bracket below the tilting platform 21 and the other end fixed to the slide plate 22. Since the hinge point allows the tilting platform 21 to rotate relative to the slide plate 22, when the slide plate 22 moves back and forth on the slide rail 11, the hinge 23 can drive the tilting platform 21 to rotate around its bottom or near-bottom hinge axis, so that the tilting platform 21 forms different tilting angles relative to the base 1.
[0051] The tilting platform 21 is connected to the slide plate 22; the slide plate 22 slides along the slide rail 11 on the base 1 from the head to the tail under the drive of the drive assembly 24. In the head to middle region of the base 1, an integrally formed or fixedly installed inclined platform 12 is provided. This inclined platform 12 tilts upwards from the head to the tail of the base 1, and its upper surface forms an inclined guide path. A pulley 25 is provided at the lower part of the tilting platform 21. The pulley 25 rolls in contact with the inclined platform 12, serving as a support and guide contact point between the tilting platform 21 and the base 1.
[0052] When the skateboard 22 slides towards the rear of the base 1 under the drive of the drive assembly 24, the skateboard 22 pushes the entire flip platform 21 to move towards the rear. At the same time, the pulley 25 at the front end of the flip platform 21 slides along the inclined direction of the ramp 12. Since the slope of the ramp 12 is inclined upward, when the pulley 25 slides along it, the front end of the flip platform 21 tilts upward, thereby gradually forming an inclination angle (flip angle) relative to the base 1.
[0053] As the skateboard 22 moves further towards the rear of the base 1, the overall center of gravity of the flip platform 21 gradually shifts backward, eventually extending beyond the rear edge of the base 1. At this point, since the flip platform 21 is already tilted, its center of gravity is no longer in the central area of the base 1, but has shifted to the suspended area at the rear. In this state, the continued sliding of the skateboard 22 will cause the flip platform 21 to continue flipping along its original tilting trend. At this time, gravity begins to dominate its movement, causing the flip platform 21 to naturally flip towards the rear after losing some support.
[0054] Because the tilting platform 21 has a certain mass and length, its structural forces change after its center of gravity passes the tail of the base. The tail end, suspended above the base 1, sinks under gravity, further increasing the tilting angle. Finally, when the slide plate 22 reaches the tail of the base 1, the tilting platform 21 tilts to a 90° vertical position, achieving a complete tilt. When the slide plate 22 is at the head of the base 1, the tilting platform 21 is horizontal; when it reaches the tail, it tilts to a vertical position. Since the slide plate 22 and the tilting platform 21 are connected by a hinge, and the slide plate is controlled by a linear guide rail, a fixed correspondence exists between its position and the tilting angle. The control system only needs to monitor the position of the slide plate 22 to detect the tilting angle.
[0055] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides an unmanned vehicle, which includes the aforementioned flipping device, the base of which is fixed to the vehicle body.
[0056] In summary, the flipping device and unmanned vehicle provided by this utility model provide position feedback for the flipping process through the setting of the first and second position sensors in the position detection mechanism. The signals of these sensors can be used by the control system to detect the flipping angle of the flipping table and thus control the start and stop of the flipping action, ensuring the execution of the flipping action.
[0057] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0058] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A flipping device, characterized in that, include: A base, on which a slide rail is provided; A flipping mechanism includes a flipping table, a sliding plate, and a hinge. The flipping table is movably disposed on the base. The sliding plate is slidably mounted on the slide rail and can slide between a first position and a second position along the slide rail. One end of the hinge is hinged to the flipping table, and the other end is hinged to the sliding plate. The flipping table is disposed such that it can flip relative to the base as the sliding plate slides. The position detection mechanism includes a first position sensor and a second position sensor disposed on the base; Specifically, when the skateboard slides to the first position, the skateboard can trigger the first position sensor; when the skateboard slides to the second position, the skateboard can trigger the second position sensor.
2. The flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the slide plate slides to the first position, the flipping platform lies flat on the base; and / or When the slide plate slides to the second position, the flipping platform rotates at a 90° angle relative to the base.
3. The flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first position sensor and the second position sensor are limit switches. The first position sensor is set to a first position, and the second position sensor is set to a second position.
4. The flipping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limit switch includes a main body, a reset lever, and a rotating shaft. The main body is fixed on the base, and the reset lever is rotatably mounted on the main body via the rotating shaft.
5. The flipping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the slide plate slides to the first position, the slide plate can push the reset lever of the first position sensor, causing the first position sensor to generate a first position signal; When the slide plate slides to the second position, the slide plate can push the reset lever of the second position sensor, causing the second position sensor to generate a second position signal.
6. The flipping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The position detection mechanism further includes a third position sensor disposed on the base, the third position sensor being located between the first position sensor and the second position sensor.
7. The flipping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the flipping platform is flipped 30° relative to the base from a flat position, the slide plate can slide to the third position, causing the third position sensor to generate a third position signal.
8. The flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism also includes a drive assembly that is connected to the skateboard drive, and the skateboard platform can slide relative to the base under the drive of the drive assembly.
9. The flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is provided with an inclined platform, and the flipping platform is provided with a pulley that matches the inclined platform. When the flipping platform is flipped, the pulley can slide along the inclined platform.
10. An unmanned vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the flipping device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.