Flexible positioning device of pallet truck fork arm carrier

Abstract

The flexible positioning device comprises a fork root positioning mechanism and a fork tip positioning mechanism which are sequentially and slidably arranged in the length direction of a positioning platform, each of the fork root positioning mechanism and the fork tip positioning mechanism comprises two relatively sliding moving assemblies, and each moving assembly comprises a driving device and an outer stop block which are oppositely arranged; the fork root positioning mechanism further comprises a pressing plate assembly erected above the position between the two moving assemblies. The fork tip positioning mechanism further comprises a connecting shaft used for penetrating through a fork tip shaft hole in the pallet fork to be fixed. A group of fork frame positioning mechanisms for positioning the two ends of the fork frame respectively are symmetrically arranged on the positioning platform in a sliding manner, each fork frame positioning mechanism comprises a connecting column, and a supporting part for supporting the bottom end of the fork frame and an abutting part for pressing the end part of the fork frame are mounted on each connecting column. According to the positioning device, the manual scribing process is omitted, the labor intensity is greatly reduced, the working efficiency is improved, and the welding quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to fork carriage assembly devices, specifically relating to a flexible positioning device for pallet truck fork carriages. Background Technology

[0002] Pallet trucks, also known as pallet handling vehicles, are one of the most common material handling equipment in the warehousing and logistics industry. Their main working principle involves inserting the two forks at the front into slots on the pallet, and then lifting the goods via a hydraulic system, thus enabling short-distance handling and loading / unloading operations. Pallet trucks are widely used in production workshops, warehouses, distribution centers, and other similar locations due to their ease of operation, compact structure, and high load-bearing capacity.

[0003] The pallet truck's fork carriage includes fork carriage 71 and forks 72 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown in the figure, during assembly, the fork carriage 71 needs to be assembled first, then the fork carriage 71 and the forks 72 need to be assembled together, and then the whole assembly needs to be assembled with the frame body.

[0004] To adapt to different work scenarios and objects, pallet trucks have varying specifications, resulting in different fork carriage widths, fork lengths, and opening angles. Therefore, different welding fixtures are required during assembly. For non-standard products with special fork lengths and carriage dimensions, the lack of universal flexible fixtures necessitates frequent changes to welding fixtures. Alternatively, manual marking on sheet metal or profiles is used to determine the welding positions and assembly dimensions of each component. This leads to low production efficiency and high labor intensity; changing to specialized molds each time a non-standard frame is produced is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Relying on manual marking not only requires long preparation times but also demands high skill levels from operators, severely limiting production speed and product quality. Furthermore, machining accuracy is difficult to guarantee; errors in manual marking and simple fixture positioning are typically on the millimeter level, posing a significant challenge to the precise assembly of subsequent hydraulic systems, drive wheel sets, and steering mechanisms. Excessive dimensional deviations can lead to assembly difficulties, jamming of moving parts, uneven tire wear, and even affect the overall load-bearing capacity and service life of the vehicle. Therefore, optimizing the assembly tooling of pallet truck forks and forks to reduce reliance on manual labor, improve welding quality and dimensional accuracy, and increase production efficiency has become a pressing technical problem in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a flexible positioning device for pallet truck fork carriages, used for positioning and assembling the forks and fork carriages on the fork carriage.

[0006] The specific technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage includes a positioning platform, wherein a fork root positioning mechanism and a fork tip positioning mechanism are slidably provided on the top surface of the positioning platform along the length direction. Both the fork root positioning mechanism and the fork tip positioning mechanism include two relatively sliding moving components. Each moving component includes a driving device and an outer stop block arranged opposite to each other, and a receiving groove for placing the forks is formed between the driving device and the outer stop block. The fork root positioning mechanism also includes a pressure plate assembly mounted above the space between the two moving components; the fork tip positioning mechanism also includes a connecting shaft for fixing through the fork tip shaft hole on the fork; A set of fork positioning mechanisms for positioning both ends of the fork is symmetrically slidably provided on the positioning platform located outside the fork root positioning mechanism. The fork positioning mechanism includes a connecting column, on which a support part for supporting the bottom end of the fork and a clamping part for pressing the end of the fork are installed.

[0008] The fork root positioning mechanism and fork tip positioning mechanism are slidably mounted on the positioning platform, thus adapting to the positioning requirements of forks of different lengths. Furthermore, two forks on a pallet truck can be simultaneously positioned and welded, i.e., they are placed on two relatively moving components, allowing adjustment of the fork opening size to accommodate pallet trucks of different sizes. The sides of the forks are restricted by a drive unit and external stops, while the top of the fork root is limited by a pressure plate assembly, preventing deformation of the forks during welding. Simultaneously, the fork carriage positioning mechanism positions the sides of the fork carriage, significantly improving the positioning accuracy of the fork carriage and facilitating welding and finished product quality.

[0009] To avoid instability of long forks, a clamping mechanism is installed on the positioning platform located between the fork root positioning mechanism and the fork tip positioning mechanism to clamp the upper surface of the forks. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed rod threadedly connected to the positioning platform. A long pressure plate is horizontally mounted on the top of the fixed rod. A locking button is threadedly connected to the fixed rod above the long pressure plate. By adjusting the height of the fixed rod, the long pressure plate clamps the upper surface of the forks.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the positioning platform includes an operating table fixed on a base, a set of slide rails fixed along the length of the operating table, and a positioning block for positioning and connecting the fork root positioning mechanism and the fork tip positioning mechanism fixed on the positioning platform located outside the slide rails.

[0011] Specifically, the first base plate and the positioning block are positioned and connected by the first positioning pin, and the first movable plate and the first base plate can also be positioned and connected by the positioning pin.

[0012] To accommodate the positioning requirements of longer forks, a movable support mechanism is installed on the operating platform located away from the fork root positioning mechanism to support the bottom of the forks. The movable support mechanism includes an elastic element fixed at the bottom of the inner end of the connecting cylinder, a spindle located above the elastic element, and the top end of the spindle being threadedly connected to a top column located outside the connecting cylinder; a rotating element is movably installed on the outer wall of the connecting cylinder; when the rotating element is screwed out, the elasticity of the elastic element causes the spindle to move upward with the top column, and when the rotating element is screwed in and contacts the outer wall of the spindle, it supports the spindle and prevents the top column from moving downward.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the connecting cylinder is fixed to the operating table by a mounting base, and the top of the connecting cylinder is fitted with an open top cover. The top column moves up and down along the opening on the top cover. A groove is opened in the middle of the top of the mandrel, and the groove wall located on the outer periphery of the groove is located below the top cover, thereby preventing the mandrel from moving upward.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the fork root positioning mechanism includes a first base plate slidably mounted on a positioning platform, the driving device and the outer stop block mounted on a first movable plate, the first movable plate being mounted on the first base plate via a first sliding assembly and moving along the first base plate; a fork root pad block is detachably mounted at the bottom end of the receiving groove; The pressure plate assembly includes a fixed frame fixed on a positioning platform located between two moving components, and an upper pressure plate for pressing the upper surface of the forks is detachably installed on the fixed frame.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the fork tip positioning mechanism includes a second base plate slidably mounted on the positioning platform, the driving device and the outer stop block are mounted on a second movable plate, and the second movable plate is mounted on the second base plate via a second sliding assembly and moves along the second base plate.

[0016] In order to fix the connecting shaft and thus the fork tips, a long shaft locking assembly is fixed on the second movable plate for fixing the connecting shaft.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the long shaft locking assembly includes a U-shaped pad for supporting the connecting shaft, locking seats and locking blocks located on both sides of the U-shaped pad, one end of the locking block being rotatably connected to one of the locking seats for locking or releasing the connecting shaft placed on the U-shaped pad.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the connecting column is slidably mounted on the positioning platform via a base, and a third positioning pin is provided on the connecting column for positioning the side wall of the fork. The support includes a support plate vertically mounted on the side wall of the connecting column and a support column fixed on the support plate.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the abutment is a U-shaped structure, with abutment blocks that contact the fork at its two open ends. The abutment blocks include a support block fixed on the abutment and a positioning block fixed on the support block. A flipping block is rotatably connected to one side of the positioning block.

[0020] The positioning block and the flipping block are provided in twos. The flipping block is rotatably connected to the flipping block through a flipping pin. When it rotates inward, it is supported on the support block to abut against the fork. When it rotates outward, it moves away from the fork.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the clamping member is fixed to the connecting column by a clamping fixing plate, and a telescopic component is fixed on the rear side wall of the clamping fixing plate. The telescopic component is connected to the quick clamping device two, so that the quick clamping device two can move telescopically.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the telescopic component includes a telescopic fixed block and a telescopic movable block with the telescopic fixed block inside it. The outer end of the telescopic movable block is connected to the quick clamping device 2 via a fixed connecting plate.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the quick clamping device includes a fixed platform, a wrench, and a clamping arm. A hinge plate connects the wrench and the clamping arm. The bottom ends of the wrench and the clamping arm are connected to the fixed platform via a rotating shaft. An abutment rod is fixedly provided at the top end of the clamping arm.

[0024] The telescopic fixed block has an internal cavity, within which the telescopic moving block moves. The telescopic moving block and the telescopic fixed block are secured together by a telescopic fixing pin. An observation window is provided in the telescopic moving block to facilitate observation of the position of the telescopic moving block and the lock hole.

[0025] In order to simultaneously perform positioning welding on the hydraulic cylinder support on the rear side of the fork, a hydraulic cylinder support positioning mechanism is also included. The hydraulic cylinder support positioning mechanism includes a support seat that is slidably mounted on a positioning platform. A positioning shaft and a quick clamping device are mounted on the mounting platform at the top of the support seat. The shaft hole on the hydraulic cylinder support passes through the positioning shaft. The quick clamping device works to make its abutment rod engage with the positioning shaft to position the hydraulic cylinder support.

[0026] The structure of quick clamp device one is the same as that of quick clamp device two.

[0027] In this application, the fork root positioning mechanism and the fork tip positioning mechanism are slidably mounted on the positioning platform, so the positions of the two and the distance between them can be adjusted to adapt to the positioning requirements of forks of different lengths.

[0028] This application, to ensure compatibility with different forks, utilizes receiving grooves on the fork root positioning mechanism and fork tip positioning mechanism at the bottom of the fork for support, ensuring the fork is in a horizontal position. The fork tip shaft holes are connected by a connecting shaft and locked by a long shaft locking assembly to achieve longitudinal limiting; simultaneously, a removable and replaceable outer stop is provided on the outside of the fork to accommodate different sizes, and a drive device (such as a cylinder) is used to clamp the inside of the fork to achieve lateral limiting. This greatly improves the positioning accuracy of the fork carriage, facilitates welding, and ensures high-quality finished products.

[0029] When the forks are too long, a clamping mechanism is used at the top of the forks to clamp them, and a movable support mechanism is used at the bottom of the forks to support them, preventing the forks from deforming and improving the positioning accuracy.

[0030] This application achieves omnidirectional positioning and clamping of the fork carriage by using a support in the fork carriage positioning mechanism to support the bottom end of the fork carriage, positioning the rear side of the fork carriage by a third positioning pin and a connecting column, positioning and clamping the left and right sides of the fork carriage by a clamping member and a clamping block, and finally positioning and clamping the front side of the fork carriage by a quick clamping device.

[0031] To enable simultaneous positioning and welding of the hydraulic cylinder support on the rear side of the fork carriage, a hydraulic cylinder support positioning mechanism is used to position the hydraulic cylinder support. This allows for simultaneous welding operations between the forks and fork carriage, and between the hydraulic cylinder support and fork carriage, thus completing the assembly of the fork carriage.

[0032] Therefore, the positioning device of this application not only eliminates the manual marking process, greatly reducing labor intensity and significantly improving work efficiency, but also improves welding quality, namely, eliminating dimensional problems caused by manual marking and enhancing overall welding quality. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the fork carriage. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning platform in this invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the movable support mechanism in this invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic cylinder support positioning mechanism in this invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism for the hydraulic cylinder support in this invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fork root positioning mechanism in this invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fork tip positioning mechanism in this invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the moving component in the fork tip positioning mechanism of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the fork positioning mechanism in the present invention. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the quick-clamp device two in this invention. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping block in this invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic component in this invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the fork carriage according to the present invention.

[0034] In the diagram: 1-positioning platform, 11-base, 12-operating table, 13-positioning block, 14-slide rail, 15-handle valve, 16-movable support mechanism, 161-mounting seat, 162-connecting cylinder, 163-spindle, 164-top cover, 165-top column, 166-rotating component, 167-spring; 2-Cylinder support positioning mechanism, 21-Support seat, 22-Mounting platform, 23-Quick clamping device one; 3-Fork root positioning mechanism, 31-First base plate, 32-First movable plate, 33-First sliding component, 34-First outer stop block, 35-Fork root pad block, 361-Upper pressure plate, 362-Fixing frame, 37-First driving device, 38-First positioning pin, 39-First slider; 4-Fork tip positioning mechanism; 41-Second base plate; 42-Second movable plate; 43-Second sliding assembly; 44-Second outer stop block; 45-Long shaft locking assembly; 451-Locking seat; 452-Locking block; 453-Locking pin; 454-U-shaped pad; 455-Pin bolt; 46-Connecting shaft; 47-Second drive device; 48-Second positioning pin; 49-Second slider; 5-Fork positioning mechanism, 51-Base, 52-Telescopic assembly, 521-Telescopic fixing block, 522-Cavity, 523-Telescopic fixing pin, 524-Telescopic moving block, 53-Connecting column, 541-Support plate, 542-Support column, 55-Third positioning pin, 56-Clamping part, 561-Clamping fixing plate, 57-Clamping block, 571-Flipping block, 572-Flipping pin, 573-Positioning block, 574-Supporting block; 58-Fixed connecting plate, 59-Quick clamping device two, 591-Fixed platform, 592-Wrench, 593-Hinge plate, 594-Clamping arm, 595-Clamping rod, 596-Rotating shaft; 6-Clamping mechanism, 61-Long pressure plate, 62-Fixing rod; 7-Fork carriage, 71-Fork carriage, 72-Fork, 721-Fork tip shaft hole, 73-Cylinder support. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "fixed installation," 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, an electrical connection, or a communication 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] This application pertains to the positioning and assembly of the fork carriage of an existing pallet truck, wherein the structure of the fork carriage 7 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the assembly includes a fork carriage 71, forks 72, and a hydraulic cylinder support 73. The forks 72 are mounted on the front bottom of the fork carriage 71, and the hydraulic cylinder support 73 is fixed to the rear top of the fork carriage 71. During assembly, the fork carriage 71 must be assembled first, then the fork carriage 71 and forks 72 must be aligned and positioned, and then the hydraulic cylinder support 73 must be positioned on the rear side wall of the fork carriage 71. After assembly, the entire assembly is then assembled with the vehicle frame.

[0038] like Figure 2-13 As shown, this embodiment provides a flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage, including a positioning platform 1. The top surface of the positioning platform 1 is slidably provided with a fork root positioning mechanism 3 and a fork tip positioning mechanism 4 along the length direction. That is, the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 are slidably installed on the positioning platform 1, so the positions of the two and the distance between them can be adjusted to adapt to the positioning requirements of forks of different lengths.

[0039] Both the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 include two relatively sliding moving components. Each moving component includes a driving device and an outer stop that are arranged opposite to each other, and a receiving groove for placing the forks is formed between the driving device and the outer stop.

[0040] The moving components in the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 have the same structure, both including a base plate and a drive device and an outer stop mounted on the movable plate. The position between the two moving components is adjustable to accommodate pallet trucks with different fork spacings. Specifically, the first drive device 37 and the first outer stop 34 on the fork root positioning mechanism 3 are mounted on the first movable plate to limit the movement of the fork root on both sides; the second drive device 47 and the second outer stop 44 on the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 are mounted on the second movable plate to limit the movement of the fork tip on both sides.

[0041] In this embodiment, the drive device can be selected from cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, linear motors, etc., and is used to apply force to one side wall of the fork to abut against the outer stop for precise positioning. In order to control the various drive devices in a unified manner, a handle valve 15 can be installed on the outside of the positioning platform. For example, the control valves of each cylinder can be connected to the handle valve 15, and the opening and closing operations of each cylinder can be controlled by controlling the handle valve 15.

[0042] In this embodiment, the outer stop block can be replaced according to the size of the forks, and it is installed detachably by bolts.

[0043] This means that the two forks on a pallet truck can be simultaneously positioned and welded, by placing them on two relatively movable components. The fork opening size is adjusted by moving these components, accommodating pallet trucks of different sizes. Furthermore, the forks are restrained on both sides by a drive mechanism and external stops.

[0044] The fork root positioning mechanism 3 also includes a pressure plate assembly mounted above the two moving components; the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 also includes a connecting shaft 46 for fixing through the fork tip shaft hole 721 on the fork. A set of fork positioning mechanisms 5 are symmetrically slidably provided on the positioning platform 1 located outside the fork root positioning mechanism 3 to position the two ends of the fork 71 respectively. The fork positioning mechanism 5 includes a connecting column 53, on which a support part for supporting the bottom end of the fork 71 and a clamping member 56 for pressing the end of the fork 71 are installed.

[0045] Specifically, a pressure plate assembly is used to limit the position of the forks above the fork root, and the fork tip shaft holes on the forks are connected by a connecting shaft 46 to fix the position between the two forks. Then, the fork carriage positioning mechanism positions both sides of the fork carriage, which greatly improves the positioning accuracy of the fork carriage and facilitates welding and finished product quality.

[0046] In this embodiment, the flexible positioning device assembles and positions the entire fork carriage in a forward-mounted manner. The fork root positioning mechanism 3, fork tip positioning mechanism 4, and fork carriage positioning mechanism 5 are all slidably mounted on the positioning platform 1 and can move along the positioning platform before being fixed with fixing pins.

[0047] To ensure compatibility with different forks, the bottom of the forks is supported by receiving grooves on the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4, ensuring the forks are in a horizontal position. The fork tip shaft hole 721 is connected by a connecting shaft 46 and locked by a long shaft locking assembly to achieve longitudinal limiting. A removable and replaceable outer stop is provided on the outside of the forks to accommodate different sizes, while a drive device (such as a cylinder) is used to clamp the inside of the forks to achieve lateral limiting. This ensures the fork's positioning and installation requirements are met.

[0048] When the forks are too long, a clamping mechanism 6 is used to clamp them at the top of the forks, and a movable support mechanism 16 is used to support them at the bottom of the forks to prevent them from deforming.

[0049] Specifically, a clamping mechanism 6 for clamping the upper surface of the forks is installed on the positioning platform 1 located between the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4. The clamping mechanism 6 includes a fixed rod 62 threadedly connected to the positioning platform. A long pressure plate 61 is horizontally mounted on the top of the fixed rod 62. A locking button is threadedly connected to the fixed rod 62 above the long pressure plate 61. The height of the fixed rod 62 is adjusted by placing it, so that the long pressure plate 61 presses against the upper surface of the forks. Then, the locking button is tightened to lock the long pressure plate 61. This achieves the limitation of the upper surface of the forks.

[0050] In another embodiment, in order to accommodate the positioning requirements of longer forks, a movable support mechanism 16 is installed on the operating table 12 located away from the fork root positioning mechanism 3 to support the bottom of the forks.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the movable support mechanism 16 includes an elastic element fixed to the bottom of the connecting cylinder 162, preferably a spring 167 in this embodiment. A spindle 163 is located above the spring 167. The bottom end of the spring 167 is fixed to the connecting cylinder 162, and the spindle 163 is movably disposed on the connecting cylinder 162, allowing it to move up and down with external force. The spring 167 and the spindle 163 are not fixedly connected. The top end of the spindle 163 is threadedly connected to a top post 165 located outside the connecting cylinder 162; the top post 165 is used to support the bottom end face of the fork 72. A rotating component 166 is movably mounted on the outer wall of the connecting cylinder 162, i.e., the rotating component 166 is threadedly connected to the connecting cylinder 162, and can be screwed into or out of the inner cavity of the connecting cylinder 162 by rotation. When the rotating part 166 is rotated out, the elastic extension of the spring 167 causes the spindle 163 to move upward along with the top column 165; when the rotating part 166 is rotated in and contacts the outer wall of the spindle 163, it supports the spindle 163 and prevents the top column 165 from moving downward under force.

[0052] That is, a stepped surface is provided on the outer side wall of the end of the spindle 163 to contact the end of the rotating member 166. When the top column 165 moves up to the position and contacts the fork 72, the fork will exert a downward force on the top column 165. However, because the spindle 163 is supported by the rotating member 166, the top column 165 is stabilized in a fixed position to support the fork.

[0053] In another embodiment, the connecting cylinder 162 is fixed to the operating table 12 by a mounting base 161. Specifically, the mounting base 161 can be bolted or inserted into the operating table 12 via a bottom post, meaning the mounting base 161 can be adjusted in position according to actual conditions. Generally, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the movable support mechanism 16 is adjusted along the slide rail 14.

[0054] The top end of the connecting cylinder 162 is fitted with an open top cover 164, and the top column 165 moves up and down along the opening on the top cover; the top end of the spindle 163 has a groove in the middle, and the groove wall on the outer periphery of the groove is located below the top cover 164, thereby preventing the spindle 163 from moving upward.

[0055] In another embodiment, positioning platform 1 is as follows Figure 2 As shown, it includes an operating table 12 fixed on a base 11. A set of slide rails 14 are fixed on the operating table 12 along the length direction. A positioning block 13 for positioning and connecting the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 is fixed on a positioning platform 1 located outside the slide rails 14.

[0056] Specifically, the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 can move along the slide rail 14. When they move to the appropriate position, the fork root positioning mechanism 3 is positioned and connected to each positioning hole on the positioning block 13 through the first positioning pin 34. Similarly, the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 is positioned and connected to the positioning block 13 through the second positioning pin 44.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the fork root positioning mechanism 3 includes a first base plate 31 slidably mounted on the positioning platform 1, the driving device and the outer stop block are mounted on the first movable plate 32, the first movable plate 32 is mounted on the first base plate 31 through the first sliding assembly 33 and moves along the first base plate; a fork root pad block 35 is detachably mounted at the bottom end of the receiving groove.

[0058] Specifically, the fork positioning mechanism 3 uses the first positioning pin 38 to position and connect the first base plate 31 to the positioning block 13, and can also use the positioning pin to position and connect the first movable plate 32 to the first base plate 31.

[0059] The fork root pad 35 can be selected according to the model and size of the forks to be assembled, and then it is installed in the receiving groove in a detachable manner with bolts to ensure that the fork root and fork tip are always on the same horizontal line, thus protecting the quality of its assembly and welding.

[0060] In this embodiment, the pressure plate assembly includes a fixed frame 362 fixed on a positioning platform 1 located between two moving components. An upper pressure plate 361 for pressing the upper surface of the forks is detachably installed on the fixed frame 362. That is, after the fork root is placed, the upper pressure plate 361 is installed on top of it and locked by tightening the nut to limit and fix the top of the forks.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 includes a second base plate 41 slidably mounted on the positioning platform 1, the driving device and the outer stop block are mounted on the second movable plate 42, and the second movable plate 42 is mounted on the second base plate 41 through the second sliding assembly 43 and moves along the second base plate.

[0062] Similarly, the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 can position and connect the second base plate 41 to the positioning block 13 through the second positioning pin 48, and can also position and connect the second movable plate 42 to the second base plate 41 through the positioning pin.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first sliding component 33 and the second sliding component 43 have the same structure, which is a structure that cooperates with existing guide rails and guide grooves.

[0064] The bottom end of the first base plate 31 is equipped with a first slider 39 that mates with the slide rail 14 on the operating table 12. The first slider 39 moves along the slide rail 14 to move the fork root positioning mechanism 3 to a suitable position, and then the first base plate 31 is connected and fixed to the positioning block 13 by the first positioning pin 38. The bottom end of the second base plate 41 is equipped with a second slider 49 that mates with the slide rail 14 on the operating table 12. The second slider 49 moves along the slide rail 14 to move the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 to a suitable position, and then the second base plate 41 is connected and fixed to the positioning block 13 by the second positioning pin 48. The number of first sliders 39 and second sliders 49 is the same as the number of slide rails 14, both being two, and they are symmetrically arranged.

[0065] In order to fix the connecting shaft 46 and thus the fork tips, a long shaft locking assembly 45 is fixed on the second movable plate 42 for fixing the connecting shaft 46.

[0066] like Figure 9As shown, the long shaft locking assembly 45 is positioned on the second movable plate 42 away from the fork root positioning mechanism 3. The long shaft locking assembly 45 includes a U-shaped pad 454 for supporting the connecting shaft 46, locking seats 451 and locking blocks 452 located on both sides of the U-shaped pad 454, one end of the locking block 452 being rotatably connected to one of the locking seats 451 for locking or releasing the connecting shaft 46 placed on the U-shaped pad 454.

[0067] Specifically, one end of the locking block 452 is rotatably connected to one of the locking seats 451 via a locking pin 453, enabling opening and closing; the other end of the locking block 452 is connected to another locking seat 451, and a locking bolt 455 is used for locking. Specifically, first, the locking block 452 is rotated open around the locking pin 453, and the connecting shaft 46, which passes through the fork tip shaft hole 721, is placed on the U-shaped pad 454, which can also be replaced. Then, the locking block 452 is rotated and engaged around the locking pin 453, connecting to the other locking seat 451, and a locking bolt 455 is used for locking, thus securing the fork tip.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, the connecting column 53 of the fork positioning mechanism 5 is slidably mounted on the positioning platform 1 via the base 51. That is, the base 51 can move perpendicular to the slide rail 14 through the cooperation of the guide rail and the guide groove to accommodate forks of different sizes. A third positioning pin 55 is provided on the connecting column 53 for positioning the side wall of the fork 71. The support includes a support plate 541 vertically fixed to the side wall of the connecting column 53 and a support column 542 fixed to the support plate 541. When positioning the fork 71, its bottom end is first placed on the support column 542, and then the third positioning pin 55 is inserted to initially position the fork 71 and the connecting column 53; then the length of the clamping member 56 is adjusted to clamp and fix it against the two outer sides of the fork 71, thus realizing the positioning of the fork.

[0069] The clamping member 56 is movably mounted on the connecting post 53. The clamping member 56 has a U-shaped structure, and its two open ends are respectively connected to clamping blocks 57 that contact the fork 71. The structure of the clamping block 57 is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, it includes a support block 574 fixed on the abutment member 56 and a positioning block 573 fixed on the support block 574. A flipping block 571 is rotatably connected to one side of the positioning block 573.

[0070] Specifically, there are two positioning blocks 573 and two flipping blocks 571, with a gap between the two positioning blocks 573. The flipping block 571 is rotatably connected to the flipping pin 572. When it rotates inward, it is mounted on the support block 574 to abut against the fork 71. When it rotates outward, it moves away from the fork and does not limit the fork.

[0071] In another embodiment, the clamping member 56 is fixed to the connecting post 53 by a clamping fixing plate 561. A telescopic component 52 is fixed on the rear side wall of the clamping fixing plate 561. The telescopic component 52 is connected to the quick-clamping device 59, allowing the quick-clamping device 59 to telescopically move. This allows for compatibility with fork frames of different thicknesses.

[0072] like Figure 13 As shown, the telescopic assembly 52 includes a telescopic fixing block 521 and a telescopic moving block 524 movably disposed inside the telescopic fixing block. The outer end of the telescopic moving block 524 is connected to the quick clamping device 59 through a fixed connecting plate 58.

[0073] The telescopic fixing block 521 has a cavity 522 inside, and the telescopic moving block 524 moves freely in the cavity 522, thereby extending or shortening the quick-clamping device 59. The telescopic moving block 524 and the telescopic fixing block 521 are connected and fixed by a telescopic fixing pin 523. In order to facilitate observation of the position of the telescopic moving block 524 and the pin hole, an observation window is provided on the surface of the telescopic moving block 524.

[0074] like Figure 11 As shown, the quick clamping device 2 59 includes a fixed platform 591, a wrench 592, and a clamping arm 594. A hinge plate 593 is connected between the wrench 592 and the clamping arm 594. The bottom ends of the wrench 592 and the clamping arm 594 are connected to the fixed platform 591 through a rotating shaft 596. An abutment rod 595 is fixedly provided at the top end of the clamping arm 594.

[0075] The fixed platform 591 is fixedly connected to the fixed connecting plate 58. When the wrench 592 is pulled outward, it drives the clamping arm 594 and the abutment rod 595 to move outward together through the hinge plate 593, moving away from the fork 71. When the wrench 592 is moved in the opposite direction, it drives the clamping arm 594 and the abutment rod 595 to move towards the fork 71 through the hinge plate 593, and finally abut against the fork 71, realizing multi-directional clamping and positioning of the fork 71.

[0076] In another embodiment, in order to simultaneously perform positioning welding on the cylinder support at the rear of the fork, a cylinder support positioning mechanism 2 is also included for positioning the cylinder support 73. The cylinder support positioning mechanism 2 is as follows: Figure 5As shown, it includes a support base 21 slidably mounted on the positioning platform 1. The support base 21, through the cooperation of guide rails and guide grooves, can move along the length of the slide rail 14 to facilitate positioning the hydraulic cylinder support 73 on the fork. A positioning shaft and a quick-clamping device 23 are mounted on the mounting platform 22 at the top of the support base 21. During assembly, the shaft hole on the hydraulic cylinder support 73 passes through the positioning shaft, and the quick-clamping device 23 operates to align its abutment rod 595 with the positioning shaft, thereby positioning the hydraulic cylinder support 73. Figure 6 As shown.

[0077] The structure of quick clamp device 123 is the same as that of quick clamp device 259.

[0078] The procedure for using this device is as follows: First, according to the type of forklift frame to be welded, move the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 along the slide rail 14 to the appropriate position; then use positioning pins to fix them in the current position respectively. Next, determine the spacing between the two forks to be placed, as well as the width and thickness of the forks. Then, assemble the first movable plate 32 on the fork root positioning mechanism 3, the fork root pad 35, and the second movable plate 42 on the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 with suitable sized components to ensure that the forks are on the same horizontal line.

[0079] Then, based on the distance between the two forks, adjust the two moving components on the fork root positioning mechanism 3 and the fork tip positioning mechanism 4 to the appropriate positions, and use positioning pins to fix them to the base plate to complete the initial state.

[0080] Place the left and right forks 72 in the appropriate positions, insert the connecting shaft 46 into the fork tip shaft hole 721 for fixation, and then place the connecting shaft 46 onto the U-shaped pad 454 on the long shaft locking assembly 45. This U-shaped pad 454 is replaceable to be compatible with different vehicle models. Then rotate the locking block 452 to partially lock it.

[0081] At the same time, the fork root is placed on the fork root pad 35 of the fork root positioning mechanism 3, and then the pressure plate assembly is installed and the upper pressure plate 361 is partially locked. At this point, the position of the fork has been basically fixed.

[0082] Next, place the fork carriage 71 vertically behind the fork root. Specifically, the lower side of the outer plate of the fork carriage rests on the support column 542 of the fork carriage positioning mechanism 5. Then, insert the third positioning pin 55 to position the fork carriage 72 and the connecting column 53. Adjust the position of the clamping member 56 so that it is exactly on both sides of the fork carriage. Then, rotate the flipping block 571 so that its end is exactly abutting against the fork carriage. Finally, rotate the wrench 592 of the quick-clamping device 2 59 on the front of the fork carriage 71 so that the abutting rod 595 abuts against the fork carriage.

[0083] Open the cylinder and fully lock the upper pressure plate 361 and locking block 452 to fix the position of the forks 72 and fork carriage 71 before proceeding with the welding operation.

[0084] If the cylinder support 73 needs to be welded simultaneously, it can be placed on the positioning shaft of the cylinder support positioning mechanism before welding. After checking the alignment of the cylinder support, the quick-clamp device 23 can be locked to achieve the positioning of the cylinder support 73. After all positioning is complete, as follows... Figure 14 As shown, welding operations can be performed simultaneously between the fork 72 and the fork carriage 71, and between the hydraulic cylinder support 73 and the fork carriage 71, to complete the assembly of the fork carriage 7.

[0085] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application shall be within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage, comprising a positioning platform (1), characterized in that: The top surface of the positioning platform (1) is provided with a fork root positioning mechanism (3) and a fork tip positioning mechanism (4) in sequence along the length direction. Both the fork root positioning mechanism (3) and the fork tip positioning mechanism (4) include two relatively sliding moving components. The moving components include a driving device and an outer stop block arranged opposite to each other, and a receiving groove for placing the forks is formed between the driving device and the outer stop block. The fork root positioning mechanism (3) further includes a pressure plate assembly mounted above the two moving components; the fork tip positioning mechanism (4) further includes a connecting shaft (46) for fixing through the fork tip shaft hole (721) on the fork. A set of fork positioning mechanisms (5) for positioning both ends of the fork (71) is symmetrically slidably provided on the positioning platform (1) located outside the fork root positioning mechanism (3). The fork positioning mechanism (5) includes a connecting column (53), on which a support part for supporting the bottom end of the fork (71) and a clamping member (56) for pressing the end of the fork (71) are installed.

2. The flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: A clamping mechanism (6) for clamping the upper surface of the forks is installed on the positioning platform (1) located between the fork root positioning mechanism (3) and the fork tip positioning mechanism (4). The clamping mechanism (6) includes a fixed rod (62) threadedly connected to the positioning platform. A long pressure plate (61) is horizontally mounted on the top of the fixed rod (62). A locking button is threadedly connected to the fixed rod (62) above the long pressure plate (61). By adjusting the height of the fixed rod (62), the long pressure plate (61) clamps the upper surface of the fork.

3. The flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning platform (1) includes an operating table (12) fixed on a base (11). A set of slide rails (14) are fixed on the operating table (12) along the length direction. A positioning block (13) for positioning and connecting the fork root positioning mechanism (3) and the fork tip positioning mechanism (4) is fixed on the positioning platform (1) located outside the slide rails (14).

4. The flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: An active support mechanism (16) is installed on the operating table (12) located away from the fork root positioning mechanism (3) to support the bottom of the forks; The movable support mechanism (16) includes an elastic element fixed inside the bottom of the connecting cylinder (162), and a spindle (163) is provided above the elastic element. The top end of the spindle (163) is threadedly connected to a top column (165) located outside the connecting cylinder (162). A rotating element (166) is movably installed on the outer wall of the connecting cylinder (162). When the rotating element (166) is rotated out, the elasticity of the elastic element causes the spindle (163) to move upward with the top column (165). When the rotating element (166) is rotated in and contacts the outer wall of the spindle (163), it supports the spindle (163) and prevents the top column (165) from moving downward.

5. A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting cylinder (162) is fixed on the operating table (12) by the mounting base (161). The top end of the connecting cylinder (162) is fitted with an open top cover (164). The top column (165) moves up and down along the opening on the top cover. The top end of the spindle (163) has a groove in the middle. The groove wall on the outer periphery of the groove is located below the top cover (164), thereby preventing the spindle (163) from moving up.

6. The flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fork root positioning mechanism (3) includes a first base plate (31) slidably mounted on the positioning platform (1), the driving device and the outer stop block are mounted on the first movable plate (32), the first movable plate (32) is mounted on the first base plate (31) through the first sliding component (33) and moves along the first base plate; a fork root pad (35) is detachably mounted at the bottom end of the receiving groove. The pressure plate assembly includes a fixed frame (362) fixed on a positioning platform (1) located between two moving components, and an upper pressure plate (361) for pressing the upper surface of the forks is detachably mounted on the fixed frame (362).

7. The flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fork tip positioning mechanism (4) includes a second base plate (41) slidably mounted on the positioning platform (1), the driving device and the outer stop are mounted on the second movable plate (42), the second movable plate (42) is mounted on the second base plate (41) through the second sliding assembly (43) and moves along the second base plate; a long shaft locking assembly (45) is fixed on the second movable plate (42) for fixing the connecting shaft (46).

8. A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 7, characterized in that: The long shaft locking assembly (45) includes a U-shaped pad (454) for supporting the connecting shaft (46), locking seats (451) and locking blocks (452) located on both sides of the U-shaped pad (454). One end of the locking block (452) is rotatably connected to one of the locking seats (451) for locking or releasing the connecting shaft (46) placed on the U-shaped pad (454).

9. A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting column (53) is slidably mounted on the positioning platform (1) via the base (51), and a third positioning pin (55) is provided on the connecting column (53) for positioning the side wall of the fork (71); The support includes a support plate (541) vertically mounted on the side wall of the connecting column (53) and a support column (542) fixed on the support plate (541); and / or, The clamping member (56) has a U-shaped structure, and its two open ends are respectively connected to clamping blocks (57) that contact the fork (71). The clamping block (57) includes a support block (574) fixed on the clamping member (56) and a positioning block (573) fixed on the support block (574). A flipping block (571) is rotatably connected to one side of the positioning block (573).

10. A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping member (56) is fixed to the connecting column (53) by the clamping fixing plate (561). The rear side wall of the clamping fixing plate (561) is fixed with a telescopic component (52). The telescopic component (52) is connected to the quick clamping device (59) so that the quick clamping device (59) can move telescopically.

11. A flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 10, characterized in that: The telescopic assembly (52) includes a telescopic fixing block (521) and a telescopic moving block (524) movably housed within the telescopic fixing block. The outer end of the telescopic moving block (524) is connected to the quick-clamping device (59) via a fixed connecting plate (58); and / or, The quick clamping device 2 (59) includes a fixed platform (591), a wrench (592), and a clamping arm (594). A hinge plate (593) is connected between the wrench (592) and the clamping arm (594). The bottom ends of the wrench (592) and the clamping arm (594) are connected to the fixed platform (591) through a rotating shaft (596). An abutment rod (595) is fixedly provided at the top end of the clamping arm (594).

12. The flexible positioning device for a pallet truck fork carriage according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cylinder support positioning mechanism (2) for positioning the cylinder support (73). The cylinder support positioning mechanism (2) includes a support seat (21) slidably mounted on a positioning platform (1). A positioning shaft and a quick clamping device (23) are mounted on the mounting platform (22) at the top of the support seat (21). The shaft hole on the cylinder support (73) passes through the positioning shaft. The quick clamping device (23) works to make its abutment rod (595) engage with the positioning shaft to position the cylinder support (73).

Images