Pallet fork device applied to stacking machine, stacking machine and automatic stacking system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a pallet fork device applied to a stacking machine, the stacking machine and an automatic stacking system. The displacement amount of the pallet fork unit is measured through the position measuring piece, so that the position of the pallet fork unit can be accurately monitored in real time, and the pallet fork unit is prevented from exceeding a safety range or colliding with other objects. For example, when the pallet fork unit approaches the edge of the goods shelf or other obstacles, the telescopic mechanism can stop the stretching movement of the pallet fork unit in time according to the feedback of the position measuring piece. Meanwhile, it is ensured that the pallet fork unit is in the initial retraction state, namely in the middle position, through the two sets of middle position detection pieces; when the pallet fork is not in the middle position, that is, the pallet fork is still in the extending state, the pallet fork can be detected by the middle position detection piece, and therefore an operator is prompted. In this way, the risk that the pallet fork unit stretches out and collides with the goods shelf can be reduced, and the possibility of accidents such as material scattering and goods shelf deformation is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tobacco technology, and in particular to forklift devices for use in stacker cranes, stacker cranes, and automated stacking systems. Background Technology

[0002] In cigarette manufacturing enterprises, the forklifts used in stacker cranes are one of the important logistics equipment in high-bay warehouses, used to realize the storage and retrieval of materials, and are an important piece of equipment to ensure the supply of materials in the cigarette industry.

[0003] When stacker cranes are used to pick up and place goods, the forks are prone to hitting the racks during the process of picking up and placing goods. This can cause serious accidents such as material spillage and rack deformation. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a fork device for stacker cranes that addresses the problem that existing fork devices used in stacker cranes are prone to colliding with the racks.

[0005] A fork assembly for use in a stacker crane, the fork assembly for use in the stacker crane comprising:

[0006] Cargo platform;

[0007] Forklift units are slidably connected to the cargo platform;

[0008] A telescopic mechanism is used to drive the fork unit to extend or retract relative to the loading platform;

[0009] A position measuring device for measuring the displacement of the fork unit;

[0010] Two sets of center-position detection devices are installed on the cargo platform; the two sets of center-position detection devices are arranged at intervals along the extension and retraction direction of the fork unit;

[0011] When the fork unit is in the retracted state and the projection area of ​​the center position detector on the fork unit partially overlaps with the fork unit, the center position detector is triggered.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mid-position detection device includes a photoelectric switch disposed on the cargo platform.

[0013] In one embodiment, the photoelectric switch includes a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter and the receiver being located on opposite sides of the fork unit along its width direction;

[0014] When the fork unit is in the extended state, the fork unit is located between the transmitter and the receiver, and the fork unit blocks the light emitted by the transmitter.

[0015] In one embodiment, the position measuring element includes an encoder disposed at the output end of the telescopic mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fork device applied to the stacker crane further includes a limiting element that is triggered when the fork unit extends or retracts to its limit position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the limiting element includes a limit switch, and the fork unit contacts the limit switch when it extends or retracts to its limit position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fork unit includes a first fork and a second fork, the first fork being slidably connected to the loading platform and capable of extending or retracting relative to the loading platform; the second fork being slidably connected to the first fork and capable of extending or retracting relative to the first fork.

[0019] In one embodiment, the telescopic mechanism includes a drive motor, a first belt drive unit, and a second belt drive unit;

[0020] The drive motor is fixedly connected to the cargo platform, and the first belt drive unit is connected to the drive motor and to the first fork.

[0021] The second belt drive unit is connected to the drive motor and to the second fork.

[0022] A stacker crane includes a lifting device and a fork assembly as described above connected to the lifting device, the lifting device being used to drive the fork assembly to move up and down in a vertical direction.

[0023] An automated stacking system includes a track and a stacker as described above, the stacker being slidably connected to the track.

[0024] The fork mechanism applied to stacker cranes described above measures the displacement of the fork units using position measuring devices. This allows for real-time and accurate monitoring of the fork unit's position, preventing it from exceeding safe limits or colliding with other objects. For example, when the fork unit approaches the edge of the rack or other obstacles, the extension mechanism can promptly stop the fork unit's extension movement based on feedback from the position measuring devices. Simultaneously, two sets of centering detection devices ensure the fork unit is in its initial retracted state, i.e., in the center position. When the fork unit is not in the center position, i.e., partially extended, the projection area of ​​the centering detection device on the fork unit partially overlaps with the fork unit, thus detecting the fork unit and alerting the operator. This reduces the risk of the fork unit colliding with the rack, minimizing the possibility of material spillage and rack deformation. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stacker crane provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a fork device for a stacker crane provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Reference numerals: 100, Fork assembly; 110, Cargo platform; 120, Fork unit; 121, First fork; 122, Second fork; 130, Telescopic mechanism; 140, Position measuring device; 150, Center position detection device; 151, Transmitter; 152, Receiver; 160, Limiting device; 210, Bottom carriage; 220, Moving device; 230, Control cabinet; 240, Lifting device; 250, Frame; 260, Top support; 270, Lifting platform; 281, Ground rail; 282, Ceiling rail; 190, Maintenance platform. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application 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 application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 this application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] In the cigarette manufacturing industry, the forklifts used in stacker cranes are crucial logistics equipment in high-bay warehouses, enabling material storage and retrieval and ensuring a vital supply of materials for the cigarette industry. Currently, stacker crane fork positioning primarily relies on limit switches for detection and positioning. The forks only stop moving when they contact the limit switches, which can lead to malfunctions during production. If the material on the forks is not properly shaped or arranged, the stacker crane may experience over-limit movement, causing serious accidents such as material spillage and shelf deformation when the crane collides with the racks during loading and unloading.

[0035] Based on this, one embodiment of this application provides a fork device for a stacker crane, which can reduce the risk of fork units colliding with the rack. The fork device provided in one embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] See Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a fork device 100 for a stacker crane, including a loading platform 110, a fork unit 120, a telescopic mechanism 130, a position measuring element 140, and two sets of center position detection elements 150. The fork unit 120 is slidably connected to the loading platform 110. The telescopic mechanism 130 is used to drive the fork unit 120 to extend or retract relative to the loading platform 110. The position measuring element 140 is used to measure the displacement of the fork unit 120. The two sets of center position detection elements 150 are disposed on the loading platform 110. The two sets of center position detection elements 150 are arranged at intervals along the extension and retraction direction of the fork unit 120. When the fork unit 120 is in the retracted state, and the projection area of ​​the center position detection element 150 on the fork unit 120 partially overlaps with the fork unit 120, one set of center position detection elements 150 is triggered, that is, one set of center position detection elements 150 can detect the fork unit 120. The telescopic function of the fork unit 120 allows the stacker crane to operate flexibly within limited space. By precisely controlling the extension length of the fork unit 120, it can adapt to rack layouts of different depths, thereby maximizing warehouse space utilization. Figure 2 As shown, the extension and retraction direction of the fork unit 120 is indicated by arrow X.

[0037] The fork unit 100 applied to the stacker crane described above measures the displacement of the fork unit 120 through the position measuring element 140, thereby enabling real-time and accurate monitoring of the position of the fork unit 120 and preventing it from exceeding the safe range or colliding with other objects. For example, when the fork unit 120 approaches the edge of the rack or other obstacles, the extension mechanism 130 can promptly stop the extension movement of the fork unit 120 based on the feedback from the position measuring element 140. Simultaneously, two sets of center position detection elements 150 ensure that the fork unit 120 is in the initially retracted position before extension, i.e., in the center position. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, when the forks are not in the center position, i.e., partially extended, the projection area of ​​the center position detection element 150 on the fork unit 120 partially overlaps with the fork unit 120. Therefore, the fork unit 120 will be detected by the center position detection element 150, thus alerting the operator. In this way, the risk of the fork unit 120 extending and colliding with the rack when the stacker crane is moving can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of accidents such as material spillage and rack deformation.

[0038] See Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the center position detection element 150 includes a photoelectric switch disposed on the cargo platform 110. A photoelectric switch is a sensor that uses light signals to detect the presence, position, or movement of an object. It operates by emitting light (typically infrared light) through an emitter 151, and the reflected light is detected by a receiver 152. When an object blocks or reflects light, the photoelectric switch triggers a corresponding signal output, thereby detecting the object. The detection signal detected by the photoelectric switch is fed back to the control system, allowing the control system to understand the position status of the fork unit 120 and adjust the control strategy accordingly. For example, when the fork unit 120 retracts, the photoelectric switch determines whether the fork unit 120 has returned to the center position, i.e., the initial position. If the fork unit 120 deviates from its position or fails to return to the center position, the control system reports an error, helping to detect problems promptly.

[0039] See Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the photoelectric switch is a through-beam photoelectric switch, that is, it includes a transmitter 151 and a receiver 152, which are located on opposite sides of the fork unit 120 along its width direction. When the fork unit 120 is in the retracted state and the projection area of ​​the center detection element 150 on the fork unit 120 partially overlaps with the fork unit 120, that is, when the fork unit 120 is in the extended state, the fork unit 120 is located between the transmitter 151 and the receiver 152, and the fork unit 120 blocks the light emitted by the transmitter 151. In other embodiments, the photoelectric switch can also be a reflective photoelectric switch, which also includes a reflector. The transmitter 151 emits light to the reflector, which then reflects it back to the receiver 152. If an object appears between the transmitter 151 and the reflector, the light will be partially or completely blocked by the object, causing the light intensity received by the receiver 152 to weaken or disappear, thereby triggering the switch action.

[0040] See Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the position measuring element 140 includes an encoder, which is disposed at the output end of the telescopic mechanism 130. The encoder can measure the extension and retraction displacement of the fork unit 120 in real time and accurately. By continuously feeding back the current position of the fork unit 120 to the control system, the control system can adjust and control the movement of the fork unit 120 based on this information. For example, if a deviation is detected between the actual position and the expected position of the fork unit 120, the control system can issue a correction command in a timely manner. The encoder can monitor the position of the fork unit 120, preventing it from exceeding the safe range or colliding with other objects. For example, when the fork unit 120 approaches the edge of the shelf or other obstacles, the control system can stop the movement of the fork unit 120 in a timely manner based on the encoder feedback. If the encoder detects abnormal movement of the forks, such as discontinuous displacement or abnormal speed, this may be an early signal of a malfunction in the fork unit 120, which helps in timely fault diagnosis and early warning, reducing the risk of equipment damage and production interruption. In one embodiment, the telescopic mechanism includes a drive motor, and an encoder is mounted on the drive motor. By measuring the motor speed and converting it into the displacement of the fork unit 120, closed-loop control of the fork device 100 is achieved, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the fork device 100.

[0041] See Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the fork assembly 100 applied to the stacker crane further includes a limiting member 160, which is triggered when the fork unit 120 extends or retracts to its limit position. When the fork unit 120 extends or retracts to a preset maximum or minimum position, the limiting member 160 is triggered, thereby preventing the fork unit 120 from continuing to move and preventing the fork unit 120 from over-extending or retracting, causing collisions or damage. The trigger signal of the limiting member 160 can be fed back to the control system, allowing the control system to understand the position status of the fork unit 120 in order to adjust the control strategy accordingly. For example, if the limiting member 160 is triggered during retraction, the control system can determine that the fork unit 120 has been fully retracted and then proceed to the next operation. If, during normal operation, the fork unit 120 is triggered before reaching the preset position limit 160, or if it reaches the preset position but the limit 160 is not triggered, this may indicate that the limit 160 itself is faulty, or that the movement of the fork unit 120 is abnormal. This helps to identify and resolve the problem in a timely manner.

[0042] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting member 160 includes a limit switch. When the fork unit 120 extends or retracts to its limit position, the fork unit 120 contacts the limit switch. This contact triggers the limit switch to activate, sending a signal to the control system, causing the telescopic mechanism 130 that drives the fork unit 120 to immediately stop, preventing potential damage or safety hazards caused by continued movement of the fork unit 120. In addition to basic limit protection, the limit switch can also provide accurate position feedback information to the control system, helping to confirm whether the fork unit 120 has reached the designated position. In this embodiment, two limit switches are provided. One limit switch is used for extension limit, that is, a limit switch is installed at the end of the path where the fork unit 120 is fully extended. When the fork reaches its maximum extension length, this limit switch is activated, notifying the control system to stop the forward movement and lock the current position. The other limit switch is used for retraction limit, that is, a corresponding limit switch is provided at the position where the fork unit 120 is fully retracted. This ensures that when the fork is fully retracted, further retraction can be stopped in time, avoiding damage to the internal structure.

[0043] See Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the fork unit 120 includes a first fork 121 and a second fork 122. The first fork 121 is slidably connected to the loading platform 110 and can extend or retract relative to the loading platform 110; the second fork 122 is slidably connected to the first fork 121 and can extend or retract relative to the first fork 121. The first fork 121 can be connected to the power output end of the telescopic mechanism 130, and the second fork 122 is connected to the power output end of the telescopic mechanism 130 via a transmission connector. When the telescopic mechanism 130 is activated, the first fork 121 and the second fork 122 will extend or retract simultaneously. Thus, only one telescopic mechanism 130 is needed, reducing the complexity of the device and simplifying assembly. Of course, in other embodiments, the first fork 121 and the second fork 122 can also be controlled separately by two telescopic mechanisms 130, depending on actual needs. Because it is equipped with a first fork 121 and a second fork 122, the support area can be adjusted by controlling the extension length of the fork unit 120 during actual use. This adapts to different cargo sizes, ensures stable transportation, and gives the stacker crane's fork unit 120 a large operating range. Simultaneously, the telescopic operation of the fork unit 120 can adapt to rack layouts of different depths, thereby maximizing warehouse space utilization.

[0044] In some embodiments, the loading platform 110 is provided with a first guide rail and a first slider slidably connected to the first guide rail, and the first fork 121 can extend or retract relative to the loading platform 110 along the first guide rail. In some embodiments, the loading platform 110 is also provided with a second guide rail and a second slider slidably connected to the second guide rail, and the second fork 122 can extend or retract relative to the first fork 121 along the second guide rail. The guide rail provides a clear movement path for the fork unit 120, ensuring that it always maintains linear movement during extension or retraction, and avoiding deviation from the predetermined track. By limiting the movement direction of the fork unit 120, offset errors caused by mechanical deformation or external interference can be significantly reduced, improving the accuracy of loading and unloading goods. At the same time, the design of the guide rail and slider can effectively distribute the weight of the forks and the load they carry, preventing local stress concentration and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0045] See Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the telescopic mechanism 130 includes a drive motor, a first belt drive unit and a second belt drive unit; the drive motor is fixedly connected to the cargo platform 110, the first belt drive unit is connected to the drive motor and connected to the first fork 121; the second belt drive unit is connected to the drive motor and connected to the second fork 122.

[0046] Taking the first belt drive unit as an example, the first belt drive unit includes a first driving pulley, a first driven pulley, and a first conveyor belt. The first driving pulley is connected to a drive motor, and the first conveyor belt is connected between the first driving pulley and the first driven pulley. The first conveyor belt is connected to the first fork 121 via a first locking block. The drive motor drives the first driving pulley to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby moving the first conveyor belt to the left or right, and thus causing the first fork 121 to extend or retract. Similarly, the second belt drive unit has a second driving pulley connected to the output shaft of the drive motor via a transmission connector such as a transmission gear, and a second conveyor belt connected to the second fork 122 via a second locking block, thereby transmitting the moving power to the second fork 122.

[0047] Thus, the drive motor rotates, causing the first drive wheel to rotate. The first drive wheel drives the first synchronous belt to move, which in turn drives the first locking block to move. The first locking block causes the first fork 121 to extend relative to the base. Simultaneously, the drive motor drives the second drive wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the second synchronous belt to move. The movement of the second synchronous belt causes the second locking block to move, which in turn causes the second fork 122 to extend relative to the first fork 121, achieving a multi-stage fork extension effect. In this embodiment, the first belt drive unit and the second belt drive unit are driven by the same drive motor. In other embodiments, the first belt drive unit and the second belt drive unit can also be driven by two separate drive motors. In this way, by adjusting the rotation of the two drive motors, the extension length of the corresponding forks can be adjusted, thereby meeting the distance changes after the left and right spacing of the vertical warehouse is adjusted, improving the compatibility of the mechanism.

[0048] See Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment of this application also provides a stacker crane, including a lifting device 240 and a fork assembly 100 connected to the lifting device 240. The lifting device 240 is used to drive the fork assembly 100 to move up and down in a vertical direction. The height of the fork assembly 100 can be adjusted by the lifting device 240 so that it can reach rack positions of different heights.

[0049] When goods need to be stored on the shelves, the stacker crane moves to the designated location, the fork unit 120 extends to receive goods from conveying equipment (such as a conveyor belt), and then retracts to ensure the goods are stably placed on the forks. Conversely, when retrieving goods, the stacker crane first moves to the target location, the forks extend to under the pallet or goods on the shelf, lift the goods, and then retract, ready to move them out of the warehouse or transfer them to another location. Because the stacker crane includes the fork device 100 of any of the above embodiments, it can reduce the risk of the fork unit 120 colliding with the shelves when the stacker crane is moving, thereby reducing the possibility of accidents such as material spillage and shelf deformation. The stacker crane also includes a lifting platform 270 connected to the output end of the lifting device 240. The fork device 100 is connected to the lifting platform 270. The lifting device 240 drives the lifting platform 270 to rise and fall, thereby driving the fork device 100 to rise and fall synchronously, enabling it to reach shelf positions of different heights. In some embodiments, the lifting device 240 can be a linear motor.

[0050] In some embodiments, the stacker crane further includes a control cabinet 230, which is mounted on the frame 250 of the stacker crane. The frame 250 includes columns with ladders. In some embodiments, the stacker crane further includes a maintenance platform 190, which operators can access via ladders to perform maintenance on the stacker crane.

[0051] Furthermore, one embodiment of this application also provides an automated stacking system, including a track and the stacker crane described above, the stacker crane being slidably connected to the track. See also... Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the track can be a ground track 281 or a suspended overhead track 282. The track provides stable and precise guidance for the stacker crane, ensuring its linear movement in the traveling direction and enabling it to accurately move to the designated shelf location. In some embodiments, the stacker crane also includes a bottom carriage 210, through which the stacker crane is slidably connected to the ground track 281. The stacker crane also includes a top support 260, through which it is slidably connected to the overhead track 282. Understandably, the stacker crane also includes a moving device 220, which provides power to enable the stacker crane to move smoothly and efficiently on the track. The moving device 220 can be a linear motor, etc.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fork assembly for use in a stacker crane, characterized in that, The fork assembly used in the stacker crane includes: Cargo platform (110); Fork unit (120) is slidably connected to the cargo platform (110). Telescopic mechanism (130) for driving the fork unit (120) to extend or retract relative to the loading platform (110); A position measuring element (140) is used to measure the displacement of the fork unit (120); Two sets of center detection elements (150) are disposed on the cargo platform (110); the two sets of center detection elements (150) are arranged at intervals along the extension and retraction direction of the fork unit (120); When the fork unit (120) is in the retracted state and the projection area of ​​the center position detector (150) on the fork unit (120) partially overlaps with that of the fork unit (120), the center position detector (150) is triggered.

2. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mid-position detection device (150) includes a photoelectric switch, which is disposed on the cargo platform (110).

3. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 2, characterized in that, The photoelectric switch includes a transmitter (151) and a receiver (152), the transmitter (151) and the receiver (152) being located on opposite sides of the fork unit (120) along its width direction; When the fork unit (120) is in the extended state, the fork unit (120) is located between the transmitter (151) and the receiver (152), and the fork unit (120) blocks the light emitted by the transmitter (151).

4. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position measuring element (140) includes an encoder, which is disposed at the output end of the telescopic mechanism (130).

5. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fork device applied to the stacker crane also includes a limiting member (160), which is triggered when the fork unit (120) extends or retracts to its limit position.

6. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting member (160) includes a limit switch, and the fork unit (120) contacts the limit switch when it extends or retracts to its limit position.

7. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fork unit (120) includes a first fork (121) and a second fork (122). The first fork (121) is slidably connected to the cargo platform (110) and can extend or retract relative to the cargo platform (110). The second fork (122) is slidably connected to the first fork (121) and can extend or retract relative to the first fork (121).

8. The fork assembly for a stacker crane according to claim 7, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (130) includes a drive motor, a first belt drive unit, and a second belt drive unit; The drive motor is fixedly connected to the cargo platform (110), and the first belt drive unit is connected to the drive motor and connected to the first fork (121); The second belt drive unit is connected to the drive motor and to the second fork (122).

9. A stacker crane, characterized in that, The device includes a lifting device (240) and a fork assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 connected to the lifting device (240), the lifting device (240) being used to drive the fork assembly to move up and down in a vertical direction.

10. An automated stacking system, characterized in that, It includes a track and a stacker as described in claim 9, the stacker being slidably connected to the track.

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