Adjustable pallet fork device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of forklifts, and discloses an adjustable pallet fork device which comprises a supporting frame and pallet fork arms, the two pallet fork arms can be close to or away from each other in the length direction of the supporting frame, first limiting assemblies are arranged on the pallet fork arms, and the first limiting assemblies limit the pallet fork arms and the supporting frame. Each of the two pallet fork arms comprises a first section arm and a second section arm, the second section arm can move back and forth relative to the first section arm, a second limiting assembly is arranged on the second section arm, and the second section arm and the first section arm are limited by the second limiting assembly. According to the fork arm, the first section arm and the second section arm are oppositely arranged, so that the fork arm adapts to goods or trays of different sizes, the compatibility of the fork arm is improved, longitudinal adjustment of the fork arm is achieved through the second section arm and the first section arm, the situation that movement of the fork arm is limited in a narrow space can be avoided, and threat and damage to surrounding people or objects on a movement route are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of forklifts, and particularly to an adjustable fork device. Background Art

[0002] The forks of a forklift are the main components for carrying goods. The forks include a fork frame and fork arms fixedly arranged on the fork frame and parallel to each other. Since the fork arms are fixedly connected to the fork frame, the loading space of the fork arms is fixed. For goods or pallets of different sizes, there are problems such as low space utilization efficiency and limited operation flexibility. Specifically, the following deficiencies exist:

[0003] 1. The distance between the two fork arms is fixed. When handling goods or pallets of different sizes, it is difficult to make full use of their loading space.

[0004] 2. The length of the fork arms is fixed. When the length of the goods or pallet is less than that of the fork arms, or when operating in some narrow spaces or complex environments, the movement of the exposed fork arms is restricted, posing a certain threat to people or objects around their driving routes, or causing the goods to tip over and the fork frame to be damaged due to collisions.

[0005] In addition, when handling goods or pallets carrying goods, due to the lack of a limiting component for the goods or pallets on the forklift, the risk of the goods falling increases, presenting a significant safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an adjustable fork device to solve the problems in the prior art, which can adjust the distance or length of the fork arms, thereby increasing the compatibility of the forklift for handling goods or pallets of different sizes and making full use of its loading space.

[0007] The present invention provides an adjustable fork device, including: a support frame and fork arms. The fork arms are symmetrically arranged on one side of the support frame. The two fork arms can move closer to or away from each other along the length direction of the support frame. A first limiting component is arranged on the fork arms. After the two fork arms move to a preset position, the first limiting component limits the fork arms and the support frame. Each of the two fork arms includes a first section arm and a second section arm. The second section arm can move back and forth relative to the first section arm. A second limiting component is arranged on the second section arm. After the second section arm moves to a preset position of the first section arm, the second limiting component limits the second section arm and the first section arm.

[0008] In the above-mentioned adjustable fork device, preferably, the support frame includes a fixed part and a guiding part. The guiding part is connected to the front end of the fixed part. A first sliding groove is formed on the first section arm. The first sliding groove is sleeved on the guiding part. The two first section arms move towards or away from each other along the guiding part.

[0009] In the adjustable fork device as described above, preferably, the first limit assembly includes a fixing pin, an elastic member and a pull ring, wherein:

[0010] The first section arm has a receiving space extending along the length direction of the first section arm at the first slide groove, and a first limiting groove is formed at the bottom of the first section arm at the position of the receiving space;

[0011] One end of the elastic member is connected to the inner wall of the accommodating space, the other end of the elastic member is connected to the fixing pin, one end of the pull ring is fixedly connected to the fixing pin, and the other end of the pull ring extends to the outside of the first limiting groove;

[0012] A plurality of first limiting holes are evenly arranged on the guide portion, and the pull ring is moved along the length direction of the first limiting groove, so that the fixing pin can be connected with or separated from the first limiting hole.

[0013] An adjustable fork device as described above, wherein preferably, a second slide groove is provided on the first arm section, the top and the front end of the second slide groove are both open, the second arm section is arranged in the second slide groove, and the second arm section can move forward and backward in the second slide groove.

[0014] An adjustable fork device as described above, wherein preferably, a second limiting groove is provided at the bottom of the first section arm, the second limiting assembly includes a stud, a limiting plate and a nut, one end of the stud is connected to the bottom of the second section arm, and the other end of the stud extends to the outside of the second limiting groove, the limiting plate is penetrated through the stud, and the nut is provided at the bottom of the second limiting plate for threaded connection with the stud.

[0015] In the adjustable fork device as described above, preferably, a plurality of second limiting holes are provided on both sides of the second limiting groove, and a side of the limiting plate facing the first section arm is symmetrically provided with protrusions, and the protrusions can be inserted into the second limiting holes.

[0016] An adjustable fork device as described above, wherein preferably, the forklift device also includes a fixed frame and a drive assembly, one side of the fixed frame is connected to the lifting mechanism of the forklift, the other end of the fixed frame is connected to the support frame, the support frame can rotate relative to the fixed frame to tilt the support frame, and the drive assembly is used to drive the support frame to rotate relative to the fixed frame.

[0017] In the adjustable fork device as described above, preferably, the driving assembly comprises a connecting rod, a mounting seat, a connecting block, a mounting plate and a driving member, wherein:

[0018] On one side of the fixing frame facing the support frame, third limiting grooves are symmetrically formed, and the connecting rod passes through the third limiting grooves and is connected to the support frame;

[0019] The mounting seat is sleeved on the connecting rod, and the connecting block is rotatably connected to the top end of the mounting sleeve;

[0020] The mounting plate is arranged on the fixing frame, the fixed end of the driving member is connected to the mounting plate, the output end of the driving member is connected to the connecting block, driving the output end of the driving member, and the connecting rod drives the support frame to rotate relative to the fixing frame.

[0021] In an adjustable fork device as described above, preferably, there is a preset distance between the connecting rod and the top of the groove wall of the third limiting groove in the horizontal state.

[0022] In an adjustable fork device as described above, preferably, a baffle is provided on the first section of the arm.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention realizes the width adjustment between two fork arms through fork arms that can approach or move away from each other, so as to adapt to goods or pallets of different sizes, increase the compatibility of the fork arms, and realize the longitudinal adjustment of the fork arms through the relative movement of the second section of the arm and the first section of the arm. This can not only increase the adaptability to goods or pallets, but also avoid the limitation of the movement of the fork arms in a narrow space, and avoid threatening and damaging people or objects around during the movement route. The two adjustment methods can be adjusted separately or in combination to realize the multi-directional adjustment of the fork bearing space. The first limiting component and the second limiting component are used to limit the two adjustment mechanisms respectively to prevent the fork arms from shaking or shifting during use. The mechanical limiting structure can increase the rigidity and stability of the structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable fork device provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fork arm provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is another perspective view of the fork arm provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the support frame provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the first section of the arm provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6It is an exploded view of the fork arm provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 It is an exploded view of the second limiting component provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 Is Figure 2 The enlarged view at position B in

[0032] Figure 9 It is another three-dimensional view of the adjustable fork device provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional view of the fixed seat provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 Is Figure 1 The enlarged view at position A in

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0036] 10 - Support frame, 11 - Fixed part, 12 - Guide part, 120 - First limiting hole;

[0037] 20 - Fork arm, 21 - First section arm, 210 - First chute, 211 - Accommodating space, 212 - First limiting groove, 213 - Second chute, 214 - Second limiting groove, 215 - Second limiting hole, 216 - Baffle, 22 - Second section arm, 220 - Anti-slip rubber pad;

[0038] 30 - First limiting component, 31 - Fixed pin, 32 - Elastic member, 33 - Pull ring;

[0039] 40 - Second limiting component, 41 - Stud, 42 - Limiting plate, 420 - Convex column, 43 - Nut;

[0040] 50 - Fixed frame, 51 - Third limiting groove;

[0041] 60 - Driving component, 61 - Connecting rod, 62 - Mounting seat, 63 - Connecting block, 64 - Mounting plate, 65 - Driving member. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0043] Embodiment 1

[0044] See Figure 1As shown in FIGS. -8, the fork carriage of a forklift is generally non-adjustable, so its load-bearing space is fixed. When handling different goods or pallets, forklifts with corresponding load-bearing spaces need to be used, resulting in poor compatibility and increased equipment costs. Therefore, the present invention provides an adjustable forklift device, which includes a support frame 10 and fork arms 20. The fork arms 20 are symmetrically arranged on one side of the support frame 10. The two fork arms 20 can approach or move away from each other along the length direction of the support frame 10. A first limiting component is provided on the fork arms 20. After the two fork arms 20 move to a preset position, the first limiting component limits the fork arms 20 and the support frame 10. The distance between the two fork arms 20 is adjustable and can be flexibly adjusted according to the width of different goods. The first limiting component limits the fork arms 20 and the support frame 10 after the fork arms 20 move to the preset position, ensuring that the fork arms 20 will not move randomly during the process of handling goods, which effectively improves the stability of the forklift when handling goods.

[0045] See Figure 2 and 6 As shown in FIGS. -8, for goods with a small length or depth, the fork arms 20 also need to be longitudinally adjusted. In this embodiment, both of the two fork arms 20 include a first section arm 21 and a second section arm 22. The second section arm 22 can move back and forth relative to the first section arm 21. A second limiting component 40 is provided on the second section arm 22. After the second section arm 22 moves to the preset position of the first section arm 21, the second limiting component 40 limits the second section arm 22 and the first section arm 21. By making the longitudinal length of the fork arms 20 adjustable, the adaptability to goods is further improved. This enables the forklift to not only adapt to goods of different widths but also better match the center of gravity positions of different lengths of goods. In addition, it can also improve the space utilization rate. When handling goods with a small load-bearing length, since the length of the fork arms 20 can be adaptively adjusted, the load-bearing space of the fork carriage can be adapted to the goods, avoiding the situation where the exposed fork arms 20 are restricted in movement in a narrow space, posing a certain threat to people or objects around their driving routes, or causing the goods to overturn and the fork carriage to be damaged due to collisions. In the embodiment, the first section arm 21 is connected to the support frame 10, and the second section arm 22 is arranged on the side of the first section arm 21 away from the support frame 10.

[0046] In a feasible implementation manner, see Figure 4As shown in Figure 5, the support frame 10 includes a fixed portion 11 and a guide portion 12. The guide portion 12 is connected to the front end of the fixed portion 11. A first slide groove 210 is provided on the first section arm 21. The first slide groove 210 is sleeved on the guide portion 12. The two first sections arms 21 move toward or away from each other along the guide portion 12. The fixed portion 11 can be used to connect the lifting mechanism of the forklift to play a fixing role. The two first sections arms 21 slide with the guide portion 12 through the first slide groove 210, so as to move closer to or away from each other. There is a certain distance between the fixed portion 11 and the guide portion 12. The distance can be used for the extension of the first section arm 21 to increase the center of gravity of the first section arm 21. Of course, in this application, only the fixed portion 11 can be set, and the first section arm 21 is sleeved on the fixed portion 11.

[0047] See also Figure 5 As shown, the first limiting assembly includes a fixing pin 31, an elastic member 32 and a pull ring 33, wherein: the first section arm 21 has a receiving space 211 extending along the length direction of the first section arm 21 at the first slide groove 210, and a first limiting groove 212 is provided at the bottom of the first section arm 21 at the position of the receiving space 211; one end of the elastic member 32 is connected to the inner wall of the receiving space 211, and the other end of the elastic member 32 is connected to the fixing pin 31, one end of the pull ring 33 is fixedly connected to the fixing pin 31, and the other end of the pull ring 33 extends to the outside of the first limiting groove 212; a plurality of first limiting holes 120 are evenly provided on the guide portion 12, and the pull ring 33 is moved along the length direction of the first limiting groove 212, so that the fixing pin 31 can be connected to or separated from the first limiting hole 120. The elastic member 32 is a spring. In the initial state, when the spring is not compressed, one end of the fixing pin 31 passes through the first limiting hole 120, so that the first section arm 21 is connected to the guide part 12. The pull ring 33 is pulled toward the side away from the guide part 12, and the spring is compressed, driving the fixing pin 31 to disengage from the first limiting hole 120, so that the first section arm 21 can be moved and moved on the guide part 12. When it moves to the appropriate position, the pull ring 33 is released, and the fixing pin 31 is inserted into the corresponding first limiting hole 120.

[0048] In this embodiment, the movement of the fixing pin 31 is controlled by the pull ring 33, and the operator can easily operate outside the first limiting groove 212. The operator only needs to pull the pull ring 33 along the length direction of the first limiting groove 212 to easily connect or separate the fixing pin 31 and the first limiting hole 120. No additional tools are required. The operation is simple and fast, which can improve the adjustment efficiency of the forklift fork arm 20. Several first limiting holes 120 are evenly arranged on the guide portion 12, providing a plurality of preset fixed positions for the fork arm 20.

[0049] See also Figure 6As shown, a second sliding groove 213 is formed in the first boom 21. The top and the front end of the second sliding groove 213 are both open. The second boom 22 is arranged in the second sliding groove 213 and can move back and forth in the second sliding groove 213. The second boom 22 can be accommodated inside the first boom 21. Since the top and the front end of the second sliding groove 213 are both open, the upper end faces of the first boom 21 and the second boom 22 can be on the same horizontal line, ensuring the levelness of the supporting surface when supporting goods. The second sliding groove 213 provides good support and guiding functions for the second boom 22, making the overall structure of the forklift arm 20 more stable. Compared with some structures that achieve telescoping through external connection or hinged methods, this internal sliding groove design can better bear the weight of goods and various forces generated during the handling process, reducing the risk of failures caused by structural loosening or deformation, and also avoiding the occurrence of shaking or offset between the first boom 21 and the second boom 22 during movement.

[0050] In a feasible implementation manner, referring to Figure 7 -8, a second limiting groove 214 is formed at the bottom of the first boom 21. The second limiting component 40 includes a stud 41, a limiting plate 42, and a nut 43. One end of the stud 41 is connected to the bottom of the second boom 22, and the other end of the stud 41 extends outside the second limiting groove 214. The limiting plate 42 is disposed through the stud 41, and the nut 43 is disposed at the bottom of the second limiting plate 42 for threadedly connecting the stud 41. In this embodiment, the threaded connection method has good self-locking performance. The nut 43 and the stud 41 are closely matched to prevent loosening of the connection part between the first boom 21 and the second boom 22. The length of the limiting plate 42 is greater than the length of the second limiting groove 214, which can increase the contact area of the connection part.

[0051] Referring to Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of second limiting holes 215 are formed on both sides of the second limiting groove 214. Convex columns 420 are symmetrically arranged on the side of the limiting plate 42 facing the first boom 21, and the convex columns 420 can be inserted into the second limiting holes 215. In this embodiment, through multi-point fixation, it plays a role in guiding and positioning, enhancing the limiting stability and improving the positioning accuracy. After the second boom 22 slides to a suitable position on the first boom 21, the convex columns 420 on the limiting plate 42 are inserted into the corresponding second limiting holes 215, and then the nut 43 and the stud 41 are locked to realize the fixation of the first boom 21 and the second boom 22. Of course, two or more groups of the second limiting components 40 can also be provided in this embodiment.

[0052] Embodiment 2

[0053] Referring to Figure 9As shown, since there is a lack of a limiting mechanism for the goods during transportation, and the fork arms 20 are generally arranged horizontally, the goods are prone to tilt and fall during the transfer process. Therefore, the forklift device also includes a fixed frame 50 and a driving assembly 60. One side of the fixed frame 50 is connected to the lifting mechanism of the forklift, and the other end of the fixed frame 50 is connected to the supporting frame 10. The supporting frame 10 can rotate relative to the fixed frame 50 to tilt the supporting frame 10. The driving assembly 60 is used to drive the supporting frame 10 to rotate relative to the fixed frame 50. The difference from Example 1 is that the fork arm 20 of Example 1 does not have a tilting function, and the support frame 10 is connected to the lifting mechanism. The fork arm 20 of Example 2 has a tilting function. Therefore, the support frame 10 and the fork arm 20 are used as a whole, and the support frame 10 is connected to the fixing frame 50. The support frame 10 is rotated relative to the fixing frame 50 to achieve tilting. At this time, the fixing frame 50 is connected to the lifting mechanism as a fixed structure. In this embodiment, when the support frame 10 rotates relative to the fixing frame 50 and tilts upward, the cargo is supported and frictional by the inclined surface of the support frame 10, so that the cargo is more firmly held on the fork arm 20, and the cargo is guided to move to the inside of the fork arm 20, further reducing the possibility of cargo falling. Since the fork arm 20 is heavy, the drive assembly 60 needs to apply force to it to tilt it.

[0054] It should be noted that the lifting mechanism in the present application is provided by the forklift, and the connection between the fixing frame 50 or the supporting frame 10 and the lifting mechanism can be realized by the method in the prior art, which is not limited here.

[0055] See also Figure 10As shown in FIG. -11, in a feasible embodiment, the driving assembly 60 includes a connecting rod 61, a mounting seat 62, a connecting block 63, a mounting plate 64, and a driving member 65, where: on one side of the fixing frame 50 facing the support frame 10, third limiting grooves 51 are symmetrically formed, and the connecting rod 61 passes through the third limiting grooves 51 and is connected to the support frame 10; the mounting seat 62 is sleeved on the connecting rod 61, and the connecting block 63 is rotatably connected or hinged to the top end of the mounting sleeve; the mounting plate 64 is arranged on the fixing frame 50, the fixed end of the driving member 65 is connected to the mounting plate 64, and the output end of the driving member 65 is connected to the connecting block 63. By driving the output end of the driving member 65, the connecting rod 61 drives the support frame 10 to rotate relative to the fixing frame 50. The mounting plate 64 is fixed on the fixing frame 50 as a fulcrum, and the connecting rod 61 passes through the third limiting groove 51 and is connected to the support frame 10. When the driving member 65 applies a downward force to the connecting block 63, the connecting block 63 pushes the mounting seat 62 and the connecting rod 61 downward, so that the support frame 10 and the fork arm 20 at the other end of the fulcrum tilt upward. When the driving member 65 pushes the connecting rod 61 down to a certain extent, the hinged part of the connecting block 63 and the mounting seat 62 rotates to keep the device stable. The mounting seat 62 is sleeved on the connecting rod 61 and can slide to a certain extent during the tilting process to achieve balance. In this embodiment, both ends of the support frame 10 are rotatably connected to both ends of the fixing frame 50. When the fork arm 20 does not need to tilt, since one end of the driving assembly 60 is connected to the fixing frame 50 and the other end is connected to the support frame 10, when the goods are carried on the fork arm 20, no rotation occurs between the support frame 10 and the fixing frame 50;

[0056] In this embodiment, the top of the mounting seat 62 is provided with symmetrically arranged connecting ears, the connecting block 63 is located between the two connecting ears on both sides and is hinged to the two connecting ears on both sides. The mounting plate 64 is L-shaped, so that the output end of the driving member 65 can be perpendicular to the top of the connecting block 63.

[0057] There is a preset distance between the connecting rod 61 and the top of the groove wall of the third limiting groove 51 in the horizontal state. Since one end of the connecting rod 61 connected to the support frame 10 needs to be lifted by a certain height when the connecting rod 61 drives the support frame 10 to tilt upward, the preset distance can provide a certain amount of movement space for the connecting rod 61.

[0058] See Figure 6 As shown, in order to prevent the goods from tilting and touching the lifting mechanism, a baffle 216 is provided on the first section arm 21. The baffle 216 is arranged at one end close to the fixing frame 50 and can limit the movement of the goods.

[0059] See Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of anti-slip rubber pads 220 may also be provided on the first section arm 21 to increase the friction with the bottom of the goods and prevent them from falling.

[0060] The structure, features and effects of the present invention have been described in detail based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the drawings. Any changes made according to the concept of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments modified into equivalent changes, should still be within the protection scope of the present invention as long as they do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and the drawings.

Claims

1. An adjustable fork device, characterized in that, It includes a support frame and a fork arm, the fork arm is symmetrically arranged on one side of the support frame, the two fork arms can approach or move away from each other along the length direction of the support frame, the fork arm is provided with a first limiting assembly, when the two fork arms move to a preset position, the first limiting assembly limits the fork arm and the support frame, the two fork arms each include a first section arm and a second section arm, the second section arm can move forward and backward relative to the first section arm, the second section arm is provided with a second limiting assembly, when the second section arm moves to the preset position of the first section arm, the second limiting assembly limits the second section arm and the first section arm.

2. The adjustable fork device according to claim 1, wherein, The support frame includes a fixing portion and a guiding portion, wherein the guiding portion is connected to the front end of the fixing portion, a first slide groove is provided on the first section arm, and the first slide groove is sleeved on the guiding portion, and the two first section arms move toward or away from each other along the guiding portion.

3. The adjustable fork device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting assembly includes a fixing pin, an elastic member and a pull ring, wherein: The first section arm has a receiving space extending along the length direction of the first section arm at the first slide groove, and a first limiting groove is formed at the bottom of the first section arm at the position of the receiving space; One end of the elastic member is connected to the inner wall of the accommodating space, the other end of the elastic member is connected to the fixing pin, one end of the pull ring is fixedly connected to the fixing pin, and the other end of the pull ring extends to the outside of the first limiting groove; A plurality of first limiting holes are evenly arranged on the guide portion, and the pull ring is moved along the length direction of the first limiting groove, so that the fixing pin can be connected with or separated from the first limiting hole.

4. The adjustable fork device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first arm section is provided with a second slide groove, the top and the front end of the second slide groove are both open, the second arm section is arranged in the second slide groove, and the second arm section can move forward and backward in the second slide groove.

5. The adjustable fork device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second limiting groove is provided at the bottom of the first section arm, and the second limiting assembly includes a stud, a limiting plate and a nut. One end of the stud is connected to the bottom of the second section arm, and the other end of the stud extends to the outside of the second limiting groove. The limiting plate is penetrated through the stud, and the nut is provided at the bottom of the second limiting plate for threaded connection with the stud.

6. The adjustable fork device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A plurality of second limiting holes are provided on both sides of the second limiting groove, and a side of the limiting plate facing the first section arm is symmetrically provided with protruding columns, and the protruding columns can be inserted into the second limiting holes.

7. The adjustable fork device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forklift device also includes a fixed frame and a driving assembly, one side of the fixed frame is connected to the lifting mechanism of the forklift, and the other end of the fixed frame is connected to the supporting frame. The supporting frame can rotate relative to the fixed frame to tilt the supporting frame, and the driving assembly is used to drive the supporting frame to rotate relative to the fixed frame.

8. The adjustable fork device according to claim 7, wherein, The driving assembly comprises a connecting rod, a mounting seat, a connecting block, a mounting plate and a driving member, wherein: A third limiting groove is symmetrically provided on one side of the fixing frame facing the supporting frame, and the connecting rod passes through the third limiting groove and is connected to the supporting frame; The mounting seat sleeve is arranged on the connecting rod, and the connecting block is rotatably connected to the top end of the mounting sleeve; The mounting plate is arranged on the fixing frame. The fixed end of the driving member is connected to the mounting plate, and the output end of the driving member is connected to the connecting block. By driving the output end of the driving member, the connecting rod drives the support frame to rotate relative to the fixing frame.

9. The adjustable fork device according to claim 8, characterized in that, There is a preset distance between the connecting rod and the top of the groove wall of the third limiting groove in the horizontal state.

10. The adjustable fork device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle is provided on the first arm.

Images