Forklift workstations, forklifts, and forklift boom changing systems

Abstract

This application discloses a forklift workstation, a forklift, and a forklift boom changing system. The forklift workstation includes: a workstation body with at least two first forklift supports, each forklift support being detachably connected to a forklift arm on the forklift; a first main control unit, disposed on the workstation body, for sending control commands to at least a portion of the at least two first forklift supports, causing the controlled forklift support to release the forklift arm it is connected to or to perform a connection action with a target forklift arm; and a first communication unit, electrically connected to the first main control unit, for communicating with the forklift, so that the first main control unit can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information. The technical solution provided by this application embodiment can realize the autonomous disassembly or replacement of forklift arms by the forklift according to different usage requirements, without the need to replace the forklift, thus achieving cost savings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of forklifts, and more particularly to a forklift workstation, a forklift, and a forklift boom changing system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing autonomous mobile forklifts have fixed fork arms (also known as fork teeth), such as single-arm autonomous mobile forklifts and double-arm autonomous mobile forklifts. In actual use, if a different type of fork arm is required, the corresponding forklift must be replaced, but replacing the forklift is expensive.

[0003] Application content

[0004] This application provides a forklift workstation, forklift, and forklift boom changing system that can solve or improve the above problems.

[0005] In one embodiment of this application, a forklift workstation is provided. The forklift workstation includes:

[0006] The workstation body is provided with at least two first fork arm supports, which are used to detachably connect to the fork arms on the forklift.

[0007] The first main control unit is disposed on the workstation body and is used to send control commands to at least some of the first fork arm supports among the at least two first fork arm supports, so that the controlled fork arm support releases the fork arm connected to it or performs a connection action with the target fork arm.

[0008] The first communication unit is electrically connected to the first main control unit and is used to communicate with the forklift so that the first main control unit can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information.

[0009] In another embodiment of this application, a forklift is provided. The forklift includes:

[0010] The vehicle body is equipped with a second fork arm support, which is used to detachably connect the fork arm of the workstation.

[0011] The second main control unit is installed on the vehicle body and is used to send control commands to the second fork arm support so that the controlled second fork arm support releases the fork arm connected to it or performs a connection action with the target fork arm.

[0012] The second communication unit is electrically connected to the second main control unit and is used to communicate with the workstation so that the second main control unit can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information.

[0013] In another embodiment of this application, a forklift boom changing system is provided. The forklift boom changing system includes:

[0014] The forklift workstation described above; and

[0015] Forklifts as described above.

[0016] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment can realize the autonomous disassembly or replacement of the fork arms of the forklift according to different usage needs, without the need to replace the forklift, thus achieving the purpose of saving costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a forklift boom changing system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another forklift boom changing system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 A simplified structural diagram of a forklift workstation provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a simplified structural diagram of a forklift provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This application provides the following embodiments to solve or partially solve the problems existing in the above-described solutions. To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In some processes described in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, multiple operations appearing in a specific order are included. These operations may be executed out of order or in parallel. Operation numbers such as 101, 102, etc., are merely used to distinguish different operations and do not represent any execution order. Furthermore, these processes may include more or fewer operations, and these operations may be executed sequentially or in parallel. It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are used to distinguish different messages, devices, modules, etc., and do not represent a sequential order, nor do they limit "first" and "second" to different types. Moreover, the embodiments described below are only a part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a forklift boom changing system according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 A simplified structural diagram of a forklift workstation provided in one embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 A simplified structural diagram of a forklift provided in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the forklift boom changing system mainly includes the following parts: forklift workstation 1, forklift 4, and boom 30. The components of forklift workstation 1, forklift 4, and boom 30, as well as the connection and communication relationships between these components, will be described in detail below.

[0026] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,like Figure 3 As shown, the forklift workstation 1 includes: a workstation body 10, a first main control unit 101, and a first communication unit 102. The workstation body 10 has at least two first fork arm supports 20, which are detachably connected to the fork arms 30 on the forklift 4. The first main control unit 101 is disposed on the workstation body 10 and is used to send control commands to at least some of the fork arm supports 20, causing the controlled first fork arm support 20 to release the fork arm 30 connected to it or to perform a connection action with a target fork arm. The first communication unit 102 is electrically connected to the first main control unit 101 and is used to communicate with the forklift 4, so that the first main control unit 101 can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information.

[0027] The aforementioned at least two first fork arm supports 20 are used to connect different types of fork arms. The different types of fork arms include at least: a single-tooth fork arm 30a, a double-tooth fork arm 30b, or a multi-tooth fork arm (not shown in the figure), but this embodiment does not specifically limit this. Correspondingly, the at least two first fork arm supports 20 include at least: a single-tooth fork arm support 20a, a double-tooth fork arm support 20b, or a multi-tooth fork arm support (not shown in the figure).

[0028] The aforementioned first fork arm support 20 includes a first base (not shown in the figure) and a first movable clamp (not shown in the figure) disposed on the first base. The first movable clamp is used to lock or release the connection with the fork arm 30. There are various connection methods for connecting the fork arm 30 via the first movable clamp, and this embodiment does not specifically limit these methods.

[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the workstation body 10 is further provided with a first drive unit 102; the first drive unit 102 is electrically connected to the first main control unit 101 and is used to output driving power to the first movable clamp; the first main control unit 101 can control the first drive unit 102 to drive the opening and closing of the first movable clamp, so as to lock or release the connection with the fork arm 30. The first drive unit 102 can be various devices with driving capabilities, such as motors, pneumatic or hydraulic drives, etc., and this embodiment does not specifically limit its use.

[0030] Specifically, the first main control unit 101 is electrically connected to the first drive unit 102. After receiving a control task, the first main control unit 101 sends a control signal to the first drive unit 102. After receiving the control signal, the first drive unit 102 outputs a driving force to the corresponding first movable clamp, driving the opening and closing of the first movable clamp, which can realize the quick replacement or installation of the fork arms required by the forklift.

[0031] Furthermore, the workstation body 10 is provided with a first power supply unit 103 and a charging port (not shown in the figure) connected to the first power supply unit 103. The charging port is used to electrically connect to the forklift 4 to charge the forklift 4. The first power supply unit 103 is connected to the first main control unit 101, and the first main control unit 101 can control the start and stop of the first power supply unit 103.

[0032] The charging process here can be performed via the forklift arm, meaning the forklift workstation's functions include charging in addition to arm switching. When the forklift's battery is low, the first main control unit 101 sends a charging control signal to the first power supply unit 103, controlling the first power supply unit 103 to charge the forklift through the charging port. Once the forklift's battery is fully charged, the first main control unit 101 sends a charging stop signal to the first power supply unit 103, controlling the first power supply unit 103 to stop charging the forklift. This charging function makes the charging process more convenient.

[0033] In the implementation of this embodiment, the charging port can be set on the first fork arm support 20; when the fork arm 30 is connected to the first fork arm support 20, it can be electrically connected to the charging port at the same time, so that after the fork arm is replaced, it can be charged directly, and after charging is completed, the forklift 4 can be moved away from the workstation.

[0034] To reduce the workstation's footprint, the first fork arm support 20 may be equipped with a rotatable component (not shown in the figure). This rotatable component is connected to the fork arm 30, allowing the fork arm 30 to rotate relative to the workstation body 10, thus switching between the storage position and the arm-changing position. Figure 2 As shown, when docking with forklift 4 is not required, the fork arm 30 located on the fork arm support can rotate to a vertical position to save horizontal space. When the workstation detects that forklift 4 needs to be docked and the fork arm 30 needs to be installed, as... Figure 1 As shown, the rotatable support is controlled to keep the fork arm 30 in a horizontal position so that it can dock with the forklift 4 and complete the automatic installation of the fork arm 30.

[0035] To protect and facilitate the storage of the fork arm 30, the workstation body 10 is provided with a storage slot (not shown in the figure). The storage position is such that the fork arm 30 is set to fit against the workstation body 10 and stored in the storage slot.

[0036] Furthermore, the workstation body 10 is also provided with a first drive unit 104; the first drive unit 104 is electrically connected to the first main control unit 101 and is used to drive the rotatable component to move; the first main control unit 101 can control the first drive unit 104 to drive the rotatable component to move so that the fork arm 30 is in the storage position and the arm-changing position.

[0037] The above-mentioned at least two first fork arm supports 20 are configured in at least one of the following ways:

[0038] At least two of the first fork arm supports 20 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the workstation body 10;

[0039] And / or at least two of the first fork arm supports 20 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the workstation body 10, and the at least two first fork arm supports 20 can be replaced in position along the height direction of the workstation body 10.

[0040] The technical solution provided in this embodiment can enable the forklift to automatically disassemble or replace the fork arms according to different usage needs, without replacing the forklift, thus achieving the goal of saving costs.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this application also provides a simplified structural diagram of a forklift, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the forklift 4 includes: a vehicle body 40, a second main control unit 401, and a second communication unit 402. The vehicle body 40 has a second fork arm support (not shown in the figure) for detachably connecting to the fork arm 30 mounted on the workstation. The second main control unit 401 is mounted on the vehicle body 40 and is used to send control commands to the second fork arm support to disengage the connected fork arm or perform a connection action with the target fork arm. The second communication unit 402 is electrically connected to the second main control unit 401 and is used to communicate with the workstation so that the second main control unit 401 can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information.

[0042] The aforementioned second fork arm support is provided with a second seat and a second movable clamp disposed on the second seat. The second movable clamp is used to lock or release the connection with the fork arm 30.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle body 40 is also provided with a third drive unit 403; the third drive unit 403 is electrically connected to the second main control unit 401 and is used to output driving power to the second movable clamp; the second main control unit 401 can control the third drive unit 403 to drive the opening and closing of the second movable clamp, so as to lock or loosen the connection with the fork arm 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the vehicle body 40 is provided with a second power supply unit 404 and a power connection port connected to the second power supply unit 404. The power connection port is used to electrically connect to the forklift workstation 1 to charge the second power supply unit 404.

[0045] In this embodiment, the fork arm 30 is a single-tooth fork arm 30a, a double-tooth fork arm 30b, or a multi-tooth fork arm; no specific limitation is made in this embodiment.

[0046] Application scenarios

[0047] The following are the main types of forklift installation scenarios in this application:

[0048] 1. The forklift already has a fork arm, which can be a single fork arm or a double fork arm. Then, a new fork arm is replaced with a forklift workstation.

[0049] 2. The forklift already has forks, which can be single or double forks, and then a forklift workstation is used to replace them with another type of forklift.

[0050] 3. The forklift already has forks, which can be single or double forks. Then, with the help of the forklift workstation, the forks are placed on the forklift workstation to complete the storage of the forks.

[0051] 4. If the forklift does not have forks, install the required forks on the vehicle body using a forklift workstation.

[0052] When the forklift needs to replace, install, or retract its fork arms, the control unit guides the forklift to approach the workstation and align it with an available fork arm support that matches the type of forklift already on the forklift. The forklift moves toward the fork arm support until the end of its fork arm is inserted into the movable clamp of the fork arm support. After the forklift's fork arm is inserted into the corresponding movable clamp, the workstation sends a release signal to the forklift via the communication component. Upon receiving the release signal, the forklift executes a release action to release the fork arm from the forklift.

[0053] After the release action is completed, the forklift obtains the position of the target fork arm to be installed by communicating with the workstation and plans the docking path. When moving to the front of the target fork arm according to the docking path, it aligns with the target fork arm and then moves towards it. The end of the target fork arm, which is held in the movable clamp on the workstation, is gradually inserted into the forklift's fork arm installation position as the forklift moves, and is secured by another movable clamp at that position. After securing the target fork arm, a release signal is sent to the workstation via the communication component. Upon receiving the release signal, the workstation controls the movable clamp on its side to release the target fork arm.

[0054] It should be noted that, in addition to the functions described above, the forklift boom changing system, forklift workstation, and forklift in this embodiment can also realize other functions, methods, and steps mentioned above. For details, please refer to the corresponding contents in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A forklift workstation, characterized in that, include: The workstation body is provided with at least two first fork arm supports, which are used to detachably connect to the fork arms on the forklift. The first main control unit is disposed on the workstation body and is used to send control commands to at least some of the first fork arm supports among the at least two first fork arm supports, so that the controlled fork arm support releases the fork arm connected to it or performs a connection action with the target fork arm. The first communication unit is electrically connected to the first main control unit and is used to communicate with the forklift so that the first main control unit can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information.

2. The forklift workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two first fork arm supports are used to connect different types of fork arms.

3. The forklift workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least two first fork arm supports include: a single fork arm support and a double fork arm support.

4. The forklift workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first fork arm support includes a first base and a first movable clamp disposed on the first base. The first movable clamp is used to lock or release the connection with the fork arm.

5. The forklift workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The workstation body is also equipped with a first drive unit; The first drive unit is electrically connected to the first main control unit and is used to output drive power to the first movable clamp; The first main control unit can control the first drive unit to drive the opening and closing of the first movable clamp, so as to lock or loosen the connection with the fork arm.

6. The forklift workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The workstation body is provided with a first power supply unit and a charging port connected to the first power supply unit. The charging port is used to electrically connect to the forklift to charge the forklift.

7. The forklift workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that, The charging port is located on the first fork arm support; when the fork arm is connected to the first fork arm support, it is also electrically connected to the charging port.

8. The forklift workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first fork arm support is provided with a rotatable component, which is connected to the fork arm so that the fork arm can rotate relative to the workstation body to switch the storage position and the arm-changing position.

9. The forklift workstation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The workstation body is provided with a storage slot, and the storage position is such that the fork arm fits against the workstation body and is stored in the storage slot.

10. The forklift workstation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The workstation body is also equipped with a second drive unit; The second drive unit is electrically connected to the first main control unit and is used to drive the rotatable component to move; The first main control unit can control the second drive unit to drive the rotatable component to move so that the fork arm is in the storage position and the arm-changing position.

11. The forklift workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least two of the first fork arm supports are arranged at intervals along the length of the workstation body; and / or At least two of the first fork arm supports are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the workstation body, and the positions of the at least two first fork arm supports can be replaced along the height direction of the workstation body.

12. A forklift, characterized in that, include: The vehicle body is equipped with a second fork arm support, which is used to detachably connect the fork arm of the workstation. The second main control unit is installed on the vehicle body and is used to send control commands to the second fork arm support so that the controlled second fork arm support releases the fork arm connected to it or performs a connection action with the target fork arm. The second communication unit is electrically connected to the second main control unit and is used to communicate with the workstation so that the second main control unit can issue corresponding control commands based on the communication information.

13. The forklift according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second fork arm support is provided with a second seat and a second movable clamp disposed on the second seat. The second movable clamp is used to lock or release the connection with the fork arm.

14. The forklift according to claim 13, characterized in that, The vehicle body is also equipped with a third drive unit; The third drive unit is electrically connected to the second main control unit and is used to output drive power to the second movable clamp. The second main control unit can control the third drive unit to drive the opening and closing of the second movable clamp, so as to lock or loosen the connection with the fork arm.

15. The forklift according to claim 12, characterized in that, The vehicle body is equipped with a second power supply unit and a power connection port connected to the second power supply unit. The power connection port is used to connect to the forklift workstation to charge the second power supply unit.

16. The forklift according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The fork arm is a single fork arm; or the fork arm is a double fork arm.

17. A forklift boom changing system, characterized in that, include: Forklift workstation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11; as well as The forklift as described in any one of claims 12 to 16.

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