Fixing device for a stacker and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of fixing device, especially relates to a fixing device for a stacker and a working method thereof; the fixing device for the stacker comprises a fixing frame, a supporting piece, a hoop, a fixing bolt and a locking piece, the fixing frame is fixed to the outer wall of a cabin, two supporting pieces are symmetrically fixed to the side walls of the fixing frame, the hoop is sleeved on the outer wall of an air filter, the end of the hoop is provided with two positioning ears, the locking piece is fixed to the end of the supporting piece and is adapted to penetrate the positioning ears, when fastened, the locking piece is inserted into the positioning ears to adjust the spacing between the two positioning ears to a clamping state, the fixing bolt connects the two positioning ears to lock and fix the locking piece and the positioning ears, and the cooperation of the supporting piece, the positioning ears and the fixing bolt improves the locking and fixing effect of the hoop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fixing device technology, and particularly relates to a fixing device for forklifts and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] Forklifts are core pieces of engineering machinery for loading and unloading goods, operating in harsh environments and typically 24 / 7. As a core component of the diesel engine's intake system, the air filter effectively filters dust, particulate matter, and salt spray impurities from the air, preventing unpurified air from entering the engine and causing wear on components. It is a crucial structure for ensuring stable equipment operation. Currently, forklift air filters are mostly externally mounted on the outside of the engine compartment, commonly using steel clamps and locking bolts for fixation. Due to their simple structure and convenient assembly and disassembly, this method is widely used in existing equipment.

[0003] However, this traditional fixing structure is ill-suited to the harsh working conditions of high temperature and high vibration of hoists, exhibiting poor fixing stability and a tendency to loosen. The air filter is located close to the engine heat source, and the heat generated by the engine continuously acts on the filter and clamp assembly during operation. Due to the different materials of the mounting base, clamps, filter housing, and gaskets, their coefficients of thermal expansion vary significantly. Under high-temperature conditions, the deformation of each component is inconsistent, altering the assembly clearance. Simultaneously, the continuous operation of the equipment over long periods and repeated hot and cold cycles continuously weaken the preload of the locking bolts, further widening the clearance and creating potential hazards for clamp loosening and filter displacement.

[0004] Furthermore, the impact vibrations generated by the crane's travel, lifting, luffing, and slewing operations, combined with the high-frequency vibrations of the engine, create a continuous alternating load on the clamping bolts. Conventional bolts rely solely on the static friction of the threads for tightening, and prolonged vibration can easily lead to thread stripping and loosening. The clearance caused by thermal deformation amplifies the destructive effects of vibration, creating a vicious cycle of thermal deformation widening and vibration-induced thread loosening. This can easily cause filter seal failure, air intake leakage, and accelerated engine wear.

[0005] Therefore, how to solve the problems of poor adaptability and insufficient fixing stability of the clamp fixing structure of air filter is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of this application concept, and therefore, the above description is not considered to constitute information related to the technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides at least one fixing device for a forklift and its working method.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a fixing device for a forklift, including a fixing frame, a support member, a clamp, fixing bolts and locking members, wherein the fixing frame is fixed to the outer wall of the nacelle; The two support members are symmetrically fixed to the side wall of the fixing frame; The clamp is fitted onto the outer wall of the air filter, and two positioning ears are provided at its end; The locking member is fixed to the end of the support member and is adapted to pass through the positioning ear; During tightening, the locking element is inserted into the positioning ear to adjust the distance between the two positioning ears to the clamping state; The fixing bolt connects the two positioning ears so that the locking member is locked and fixed to the positioning ears.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the locking member includes a positioning plate, one end of which is fixed to the end of the support member; The bottom wall of the positioning plate is provided with a first straight toothed rack, which abuts against the inner wall of the rectangular through hole opened on the positioning ear.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the locking member further includes a locking pin, which is raised and lowered within a positioning lug located on the outer side; When the fixing bolt is inserted into the positioning ear, the locking pin moves downward and the lower end of the locking pin abuts against the positioning plate.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, a second linear rack is provided inside the rectangular through hole, and the second linear rack is adapted to the first linear rack; When the locking pin pushes the positioning plate downward, the first linear rack and the second linear rack mesh with each other.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, a receiving cavity is formed in one of the positioning ears on the outer side, the locking pin is raised and lowered in the receiving cavity, and a return spring is provided on the inner wall of the receiving cavity. One end of the return spring abuts against the locking pin to push the locking pin to move upward.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the upper end of the locking pin is provided with an inclined surface, which faces the insertion port of the fixing bolt.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the positioning ear is further provided with a threaded hole, which is located above the rectangular through hole; In the initial state, the upper end of the locking pin is located inside the threaded hole.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the support member is provided with an arc-shaped spring near the fixing frame, and the side wall of the arc-shaped spring abuts against the outer wall of the clamp.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the support member is U-shaped, and the clamp is integrally formed with the support member.

[0017] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a method for operating a fixing device for a forklift, the method comprising: After the clamp is fitted onto the outer wall of the air filter, the support is first fixed to the side wall of the mounting bracket. Push one of the outer positioning ears towards the locking element, so that the positioning plate passes through both positioning ears; The first straight toothed rack on the bottom wall of the positioning plate is located above the second straight toothed rack on the bottom wall of the rectangular through hole of the positioning ear, until the inner wall of the clamp is in contact with the outer wall of the air filter; When the distance between the two positioning ears reaches the clamping state, connect the two positioning ears with the fixing bolt so that the locking part is locked and fixed to the positioning ears.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are that it provides a fixing device for forklifts and its working method. Through the cooperation of the locking component and the positioning ear, and the engagement of the rack and pinion, along with a double-locking structure limiting the travel of the locking column, the overall fastening strength is significantly improved, resisting alternating vibration impact and preventing bolt loosening. The rack and pinion meshing, which matches the gaps generated by the thermal deformation of various components, breaks the vicious cycle of thermal deformation widening and vibration loosening. The entire device is easy to assemble, has high locking reliability, and can maintain the long-term installation stability of the air filter.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of the forklift fixing device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a front view of the forklift fixing device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 A perspective view of the clamp, support member, and locking member provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of the support member and locking member provided in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a front view of the state where the fixing bolt is not inserted into the positioning ear, as provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] In the picture: 1. Fixing frame; 2. Support component; 20. Bow-shaped spring clip; 3. Clamp; 4. Fixing bolt; 5. Locking component; 50. Positioning plate; 51. First linear rack; 52. Locking pin; 53. Inclined surface; 6. Positioning ear; 60. Rectangular through hole; 61. Second linear rack; 62. Receiving cavity; 63. Threaded hole; 7. Air filter. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless explicitly stated otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, and the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0026] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0027] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, at least one embodiment provides a fixing device for a forklift, including a fixing frame 1, a support 2, a clamp 3, a fixing bolt 4 and a locking member 5, which are assembled on the outer wall of the forklift engine compartment for clamping and fixing an external air filter 7.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the mounting frame 1 is welded from thick steel plate and directly fixed to the flat area of ​​the outer wall of the engine compartment by welding / high-strength bolts. It serves as the mounting base for the entire mounting device, bearing the entire load, and has high structural rigidity, resisting vibration and impact from equipment operation. Two support members 2 are symmetrically distributed and fixed to the side wall of the mounting frame 1, forming a double-support structure. Preferably, the support member 2 has a U-shaped structure with the U-shaped opening facing the air filter 7, resulting in uniform stress distribution and strong resistance to bending and deformation.

[0030] like Figure 3 The clamp 3 is a ring-shaped fastening structure that is fitted onto the outer wall of the air filter 7 housing, fitting tightly against the outer circular surface of the air filter 7. The two free ends of the clamp 3 extend outwards and are integrally formed with two symmetrical positioning ears 6. These two positioning ears 6 are arranged in parallel, providing mounting positions for the locking and insertion structures. Simultaneously, the clamp 3 and the U-shaped support 2 are manufactured using an integral molding process, eliminating gaps in separate assembly and further enhancing the overall structural integrity.

[0031] like Figure 3 The locking element 5 is fixedly installed at the outer end of each set of support members 2. The locking element 5 is located on the upper part of the air filter 7, directly opposite the positioning ear 6. During assembly, the locking element 5 can pass through the two positioning ears 6 in sequence, serving as the main limiting and locking base of the clamp 3. The fixing bolt 4 is a standard high-strength fastening bolt, which is transversely installed between the two positioning ears 6, serving as the final locking component. An arc-shaped spring 20 is provided near the fixing frame 1 on the support member 2. The side wall of the arc-shaped spring 20 abuts against the outer wall of the clamp 3. The arc-shaped spring 20 is elastic. When the air filter and clamp 3 are heated and expand, the arc-shaped spring 20 undergoes elastic deformation and absorbs the expansion, which not only avoids stress concentration caused by rigid compression, but also helps the clamp 3 maintain the radial clamping force on the air filter, and improves the overall stability in conjunction with the rack and pinion locking structure.

[0032] like Figure 4 After the clamp 3 is fitted onto the air filter 7, move the outer positioning ear 6 so that the locking piece 5 passes through the positioning ear 6. Adjust the distance between the two positioning ears 6 until the clamp 3 clamps the air filter 7. Finally, insert the fixing bolt 4 to connect the two positioning ears 6, so as to achieve complete locking of the locking piece 5 and the positioning ear 6, and complete the fixing of the air filter 7.

[0033] Continue to refer to the appendix Figure 4The locking component 5 includes a positioning plate 50 and a first linear rack 51 fixed to the bottom wall of the positioning plate 50, which is the core component for achieving limiting and engagement. One end of the positioning plate 50 is firmly fixed to the end of the support component 2 by welding. The overall structure is a long, straight plate that extends horizontally and passes through two positioning ears 6. The bottom wall of the positioning plate 50 is integrally machined with the first linear rack 51, which has regular tooth shape and high structural strength. Rectangular through holes 60 are coaxially opened on the two positioning ears 6. The positioning plate 50 and the first linear rack 51 pass through the rectangular through holes 60 as a whole, and the tooth surface of the first linear rack 51 abuts against the inner wall of the rectangular through hole 60. To ensure sufficient assembly tolerance and adjustment space, the opening height of the rectangular through hole 60 is greater than the sum of the overall heights of the positioning plate 50 and the first linear rack 51. During the pre-tightening stage of assembly, the positioning plate 50 can move slightly up and down and back and forth within the rectangular through hole 60 to adjust the clamping tightness of the clamp 3 and reserve a gap for thermal deformation compensation. During the fully locking stage, the locking pin 52 presses down on the positioning plate 50, eliminating the clearance and locking the rack. Furthermore, the inner bottom wall of the rectangular through hole 60 of the positioning ear 6 located on the outer side is integrally machined with the second linear rack 61. The tooth profile and pitch of the second linear rack 61 are completely matched and adapted to the first linear rack 51 at the bottom of the positioning plate 50. When the fixing bolt 4 is screwed in and pushes the locking pin 52 downward, the locking pin 52 presses down on the positioning plate 50, causing the positioning plate 50 to move downward as a whole. At this time, the first linear rack 51 and the second linear rack 61 are fully engaged. After the rack meshes, it forms a rigid tooth surface limit, which on the one hand restricts the relative sliding between the positioning ear 6 and the positioning plate 50 and prevents the clamp 3 from being loose; on the other hand, the multi-tooth mating structure of the rack can adapt to the small gaps generated by the thermal expansion of each component under high temperature conditions, offset the assembly play caused by thermal deformation, and break the vicious cycle of "thermal deformation gap expansion and vibration loosening" in the traditional structure.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, a liftable locking pin 52 is integrated inside the single positioning ear 6 on the outer side, which, together with the fixing bolt 4, achieves secondary mechanical locking. A vertically oriented receiving cavity 62 is opened inside the outer positioning ear 6, and the receiving cavity 62 communicates with the rectangular through hole 60 below. The locking pin 52 is vertically arranged inside the receiving cavity 62 and can move up and down along the cavity. To prevent the locking pin 52 from rotating, the locking pin 52 is rectangular. A return spring is installed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 62. The spring is located between the locking pin 52 and the side wall of the receiving cavity 62. Under normal conditions, the spring pushes the locking pin 52 upward, keeping the locking pin 52 in an upward return state. At this time, the upper end of the locking pin 52 protrudes from the threaded hole 63.

[0035] The positioning ear 6 has a threaded hole 63 directly above the rectangular through hole 60, which communicates with the receiving cavity 62. In the initial, untightened state, the upper part of the locking pin 52 extends into the threaded hole 63. The upper end of the locking pin 52 is machined with an inclined surface 53, which faces the insertion port of the threaded hole 63, i.e., the insertion direction of the fixing bolt 4. The end of the fixing bolt 4 also has an inclined surface; initially, the inclined surface of the fixing bolt 4 matches the inclined surface 53 at the upper end of the locking pin 52. When the fixing bolt 4 is screwed into the threaded hole 63 and fed downwards, the bolt shank presses against the inclined surface 53. Using the guiding effect of the inclined surface 53, the horizontal thrust is converted into vertical pressure, driving the locking pin 52 to overcome the return spring force and move downwards along the receiving cavity 62. After the locking pin 52 descends, its lower end face directly and tightly abuts against the upper surface of the positioning plate 50, forming a vertical clamping limit on the positioning plate 50. This allows the first linear rack 51 and the second linear rack 61 to mesh with each other.

[0036] The specific operating procedures for the forklift fixing device are as follows: Pre-assembly involves fitting the clamp 3 onto the outer wall of the air filter 7 of the forklift engine, ensuring that the inner wall of the clamp 3 fits snugly against the filter housing. Then, two sets of symmetrically arranged support members 2 are fixedly installed on the side walls of the mounting frame 1, completing the pre-assembly of the entire support base. At this point, the locking pin 52 is in an upward reset state under the action of the return spring, with its upper end extending into the threaded hole 63 of the positioning ear 6, and the first linear rack 51 and the second linear rack 61 are in a separated state.

[0037] Align and install the locking member 5, manually push the outer positioning ears 6 so that the two positioning ears 6 move synchronously towards the locking member 5 at the end of the support member 2, allowing the positioning plate 50 of the locking member 5 to pass laterally through the rectangular through holes 60 on the two positioning ears 6. After installation, the first straight rack 51 at the bottom of the positioning plate 50 is suspended above the second straight rack 61 on the bottom wall of the rectangular through hole 60, maintaining a gap between them.

[0038] Adjust the clamping force and continue to push the positioning ear 6 to gradually reduce the distance between the two positioning ears 6, causing the clamp 3 to tighten continuously until the inner wall of the clamp 3 is completely and tightly attached to the outer wall of the air filter 7, reaching the preset clamping force. At this time, the distance between the two positioning ears 6 remains stable, and the device is in the pre-clamping state.

[0039] Finally, to lock the position, screw the fixing bolt 4 into the threaded hole 63 above the positioning ear 6. The bolt shank moves downward and presses against the inclined surface 53 at the upper end of the locking pin 52, driving the locking pin 52 to move downward along the receiving cavity 62. The lower end of the locking pin 52 presses down on the positioning plate 50, causing the first linear rack 51 and the second linear rack 61 to fully mesh, forming a tooth surface lock. Continue to tighten the fixing bolt 4, using the axial preload of the bolt to firmly pull the two positioning ears 6 together, achieving double locking of the locking element 5 and the positioning ears 6.

[0040] The disassembly process is reversed. When the air filter 7 needs to be removed for equipment maintenance, unscrew the fixing bolt 4 in the reverse direction. The bolt releases the pressure on the locking pin 52. The locking pin 52 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the bottom return spring, releasing the downward pressure on the positioning plate 50. The first linear rack 51 and the second linear rack 61 disengage. Then, move the positioning ear 6 outward to widen the distance between the two positioning ears 6, and the positioning ear 6 can be pulled out from the positioning plate 50. After loosening the clamp 3, the air filter 7 can be removed. The disassembly process is simple and efficient.

[0041] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a method for operating a fixing device for a forklift, the method comprising: After the clamp 3 is fitted onto the outer wall of the air filter 7, the support 2 is first fixed to the side wall of the fixing frame 1; Push one of the outer positioning ears 6 towards the locking member 5, so that the positioning plate 50 passes through both positioning ears 6; The first straight toothed rack 51 on the bottom wall of the positioning plate 50 is located above the second straight toothed rack 61 on the bottom wall of the rectangular through hole 60 of the positioning ear 6, until the inner wall of the clamp 3 is in contact with the outer wall of the air filter 7. When the distance between the two positioning ears 6 reaches the clamping state, connect the two positioning ears 6 with the fixing bolt 4 so that the locking part 5 is locked and fixed to the positioning ears 6.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless expressly indicated herein. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed above may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0044] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fixing device for a forklift, characterized in that, It includes a fixing frame (1), a support (2), a clamp (3), a fixing bolt (4), and a locking component (5), wherein the fixing frame (1) is fixed to the outer wall of the cabin; The two support members (2) are symmetrically fixed to the side wall of the fixing frame (1); The clamp (3) is fitted on the outer wall of the air filter (7), and two positioning ears (6) are provided at its end. The locking member (5) is fixed to the end of the support member (2) and is adapted to pass through the positioning ear (6). When tightening, the locking member (5) is inserted into the positioning ear (6) to adjust the distance between the two positioning ears (6) to the clamping state; The fixing bolt (4) connects the two positioning ears (6) so that the locking member (5) is locked and fixed to the positioning ears (6).

2. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member (5) includes a positioning plate (50), one end of which is fixed to the end of the support member (2); The bottom wall of the positioning plate (50) is provided with a first straight toothed rack (51), which abuts against the inner wall of the rectangular through hole (60) opened on the positioning ear (6).

3. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The locking component (5) also includes a locking pin (52), which is raised and lowered within a positioning ear (6) located on the outer side; When the fixing bolt (4) is inserted into the positioning ear (6), the locking pin (52) is pushed down and the lower end of the locking pin (52) abuts against the positioning plate (50).

4. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A second linear rack (61) is provided inside the rectangular through hole (60), and the second linear rack (61) is adapted to the first linear rack (51); When the locking pin (52) pushes the positioning plate (50) downward, the first linear rack (51) and the second linear rack (61) mesh with each other.

5. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A receiving cavity (62) is provided in a positioning ear (6) located on the outside. The locking pin (52) is raised and lowered in the receiving cavity (62). A return spring is provided on the inner wall of the receiving cavity (62). One end of the return spring abuts against the locking pin (52) to push the locking pin (52) to move upward.

6. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The upper end of the locking pin (52) is provided with an inclined surface (53), which faces the insertion port of the fixing bolt (4).

7. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning ear (6) is also provided with a threaded hole (63), which is located above the rectangular through hole (60); In the initial state, the upper end of the locking pin (52) is located inside the threaded hole (63).

8. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (2) is provided with an arc-shaped spring piece (20) near the fixed frame (1), and the side wall of the arc-shaped spring piece (20) abuts against the outer wall of the clamp (3).

9. The forklift fixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (2) is U-shaped, and the clamp (3) is integrally formed with the support member (2).

10. A method for operating a fixing device for a forklift, characterized in that, The working method of using the forklift fixing device as described in any one of claims 1-9 includes: After the clamp (3) is fitted onto the outer wall of the air filter (7), the support (2) is first fixed to the side wall of the fixing frame (1); Push one of the outer positioning ears (6) towards the locking member (5) so that the positioning plate (50) passes through the two positioning ears (6); The first straight toothed rack (51) on the bottom wall of the positioning plate (50) is located above the second straight toothed rack (61) on the bottom wall of the rectangular through hole (60) of the positioning ear (6) until the inner wall of the clamp (3) is attached to the outer wall of the air filter (7); When the distance between the two positioning ears (6) reaches the clamping state, connect the two positioning ears (6) with the fixing bolt (4) so ​​that the locking part (5) is locked and fixed with the positioning ear (6).

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