The design, operation features and the optimal design method for the drive swing connections are considered. These are proposed as an alternative design variant of the articulation of adjacent links of hydraulic manipulation systems of mobile boom cranes are considered. The design of the device allows to combine two functions: to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted kinematic connection between adjacent links of the manipulation system by creating a cylindrical hinge for performing the reciprocating relative motion of adjacent links and to form an integrated rotary hydraulic gate type hydraulic motor. A mathematical model is developed, the problem of the optimal synthesis of the drive joint on the basis of minimization of the device mass is formulated and solved, while observing the nonlinear system of design, installation, power, strength and kinematic constraints. Analysis of the results of the performed optimization calculations showed that the mass of the optimal version of the device increases with the growth of the overcome moment from the moved cargo and decreases with the increase in the number of chambers. The operating pressure of the hydraulic system does not have a practical effect on the optimum mass, which allows the pump unit of lower power to be used to provide the movement of the links of the manipulation system. Optimum values of the main design dimensions of the drive articulation are determined both by the value of the operational load and by the installation conditions of the device taking into account the dimensions of the cross sections of adjacent links of the manipulation system. When designing manipulation systems, the swing joints allow to abandon remote power hydromotors, eliminate operational failures due to wear and fatigue failure of hinge elements, and also increase the energy efficiency of loader cranes by transferring the hydraulic system to lower operating pressure levels while maintaining the required load-altitude characteristics.
