Telescopic fork with width expansion mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a telescopic fork with a width expanding mechanism. The telescopic fork comprises a telescopic fork body. Two supporting beams arranged in the width direction of the telescopic fork are installed at the upper end of a fork arm at the tail end of the telescopic fork. The inner sides of the two supporting beams are in sliding connection with the two sides of a rectangular main frame correspondingly, so that the main frame can stretch out and draw back in the width direction. A fixing plate fixedly connected to the fork arm is arranged between the two supporting beams, a driving mechanism is installed on the fixing plate, and the driving mechanism is connected with the main frame and used for driving one end of the main frame to stretch out of the outer side of the fork arm; the end, extending out of the outer side of the fork arm, of the main frame and the supporting beam are each provided with a supporting block used for supporting a workpiece to be transferred. The position of a supporting point can be telescopically changed, workpieces with eccentric gravity centers can be transferred, the overturning risk is reduced, the transferring and transferring success rate is improved, the adaptability is good, and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of logistics and warehousing machinery, in particular to a telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism. Background Art

[0002] As is known, telescopic forks are widely used in the logistics and warehousing industries and the automotive manufacturing industry to achieve parallel cross-line transfer of goods or workpieces between different conveyor lines. They have the characteristics of stable structure, low failure rate, reliable operation, safe and efficient, and simple and convenient maintenance. With the development and changes of logistics warehouses and the automotive industry, the shapes of goods or workpieces are becoming more and more complex and irregular, and the center of gravity of the workpiece will deviate from the center range of the telescopic fork. When using existing fixed-spacing telescopic forks, the spacing of the telescopic forks can only be set according to the space. If the center of gravity of the workpiece is not within the center of gravity range of the telescopic fork arm or is at the critical edge of stable transfer, there will be a risk of overload and overturning during the transfer process, which will affect the success rate of transfer or handover. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the existing defects and provide a telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism, which is aimed at working conditions where the cargo structure is complex and irregular, the telescopic transfer space is limited, the center of gravity of the workpiece is not within the transfer center range or is in a critical state of stable transfer, and there is a risk of overturning due to overload during direct transfer. The expansion mechanism of the present invention solves the problem of overturning risk caused by limited space and overload due to overload during direct transfer of workpieces with complex and irregular structures, thereby improving the success rate of transfer.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides the following technical solutions: a telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism, comprising a telescopic fork; two support beams arranged along the width direction of the telescopic fork are installed on the upper end of the fork arm at the end of the telescopic fork; the inner sides of the two support beams are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of a main frame with a rectangular shape, so that the main frame can be telescoped along the width direction; a fixed plate fixedly connected to the fork arm is provided between the two support beams, and a driving mechanism is installed on the fixed plate, and the driving mechanism is connected to the main frame for driving one end of the main frame to extend outward from the fork arm; a support block for supporting the workpiece to be transferred is provided on the end of the main frame extending outward from the fork arm and on the support beam.

[0005] As a further optimization, two linear guide rail assemblies are respectively arranged on both sides of the main frame; the two sides of each linear guide rail assembly are respectively connected to the support beam and the main frame, so as to be used for the sliding connection between the support beam and the main frame.

[0006] As a further optimization, the driving mechanism includes a motor mounted on the fixed plate; the end of the output shaft of the motor is connected to a gear, and the gear is meshed with a rack fixed to the main frame, so as to drive one end of the main frame to extend outward from the fork arm when the motor is running.

[0007] As a further optimization, the induction switch is fixedly connected to the fixed plate; an induction plate corresponding to the induction switch is installed on the main frame; the induction switch is electrically connected to the controller of the motor, and is used to control the main frame to stop moving when the main frame moves to the point where the induction switch and the induction plate overlap.

[0008] As a further optimization, one end of the sensing plate is fixedly connected to the main frame; the sensing switch is installed on the C-shaped groove, and the end of the C-shaped groove is fixedly connected to the fixed plate, which is used for the sensing plate corresponding to the position of the sensing switch.

[0009] As a further optimization, both ends of the fixing plate are mounted on the fork arm via bolt assemblies; and the motor is mounted in the middle of the fixing plate.

[0010] As a further optimization, the main frame is a rectangular frame with a hollow interior, and its four sides are two longitudinal beams and two transverse beams; the outer sides of the longitudinal beams are slidingly connected to the support beams; the motor is located in the hollow space inside the main frame; and the two ends of the rack are fixedly connected to the two transverse beams respectively.

[0011] As a further optimization, the driving mechanism includes a cylinder or electric push rod with one end mounted on the fixed plate, and the end of the telescopic rod of the cylinder or electric push rod is connected to the main frame for driving the main frame to extend and retract along the width direction.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0013] (1) This device can widen the support point position to adapt to workpieces with irregular shapes and eccentric centers of gravity, prevent the center of gravity of the workpiece from falling outside the support range of the fork arm, reduce the risk of overturning, and improve the success rate of transfer and switching.

[0014] (2) This device makes the width of the telescopic fork body smaller by installing the telescopic main frame on the end fork arm, saving space and being suitable for working conditions with limited operating space.

[0015] (3) The expansion mechanism of the device is detachable, that is, the two support beams and the fixed plate are both detachable. On the one hand, it is suitable for adaptive modification of the original telescopic fork, and on the other hand, it can also be replaced to adapt to workpieces of different sizes or different degrees of eccentricity of the center of gravity; the adaptability of the device is good.

[0016] (4) The device has a compact structure, is simple to manufacture, has low modification cost, and is suitable for application and promotion.

[0017] In short, the support point position of the utility model can be telescopically changed, and workpieces with eccentric centers of gravity can be transferred, thereby reducing the risk of overturning and improving the success rate of transfer and switching. It also has good adaptability and low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the connection between the gear and the rack in Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the embodiment 1 of the present invention when transferring the front welded parts of the automobile;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the driving mechanism of Example 2 of the present utility model.

[0022] The correspondence between the technical features and the reference numerals in the figure is: telescopic fork 1; foot 11; column 12; fork arm 13; support beam 2; bracket 21; main frame 3; linear guide assembly 31; induction plate 32; longitudinal beam 33; cross beam 34; fixed plate 4; motor 41; gear 42; rack 43; induction switch 44; C-shaped groove 45; telescopic rod 5 of cylinder or electric push rod; workpiece to be transferred 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0024] Example 1, please refer to Figure 1-3The utility model provides a technical solution: a telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism, comprising a telescopic fork 1; the telescopic fork 1 includes a foot 11, each foot 11 is connected to a column 12; a multi-section retractable movable fork arm mechanism is installed at both ends of the column 12, and two support beams 2 arranged along the width direction of the telescopic fork 1 are installed at the upper end of the terminal fork arm 13; the inner sides of the two support beams 2 are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of a main frame 3 with a rectangular shape, so that the main frame 3 can be extended and retracted along the width direction; a fixing plate 4 fixedly connected to the fork arm 13 is provided between the two support beams 2, and a driving mechanism is installed on the fixing plate 4, and the driving mechanism is connected to the main frame 3, for driving one end of the main frame 3 to extend outward of the fork arm 13; a support block 21 for supporting the workpiece to be transferred is respectively provided on the end of the main frame 3 extending outward of the fork arm 13 and the support beam 2.

[0025] When using, Figure 3 As shown, the transfer of a workpiece 6, a front welded part of an automobile, is used as an example. Initially, the main frame 3 is retracted to reduce the total width of the fork arm 13. The fork arm 13 of the telescopic fork 1 is extended and inserted into the bottom of the tire opening of the front welded part. When the main frame 3 reaches the predetermined position, the telescopic fork 1 stops. The drive mechanism is then activated, driving the main frame 3 to extend until the support block 21 at the end of the main frame 3 aligns with the preset support point position at the bottom of the front welded part. The front welded part is then controlled to fall until the support block 21 supports the bottom of the front welded part. The telescopic fork 1 is then driven to retract, allowing the front welded part to reach the target position, completing the transfer of the workpiece. This shows that the front welded part itself is irregular and has an eccentric center of gravity. Furthermore, the inherent width of the fork arm 13 cannot be too wide, otherwise it will not be able to enter the tire opening. When the fork arm 13 is extended into the notch, the main frame 3 is extended in the width direction, which can match the center of gravity of the front welded parts of the automobile, avoiding the risk of overturning caused by unbalanced center of gravity, thereby improving the success rate of transfer.

[0026] In an exemplary sliding connection, two linear guide rail assemblies 31 are provided on either side of the main frame 3. Each linear guide rail assembly 31 has two sides connected to the support beam 2 and the main frame 3, respectively, for sliding connection between the support beam 2 and the main frame 3. As can be seen, providing a sliding mechanism between the main frame 3 and the support beam 2 can reduce sliding resistance, thereby reducing the power and size of the drive mechanism, resulting in a compact structure.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism includes a motor 41 mounted on the fixed plate 4; the output shaft of the motor 41 is connected to a gear 42, which meshes with a rack 43 fixed to the main frame 3. When the motor 41 is running, the gear 42 drives one end of the main frame 3 to extend outside the fork arm 13. Furthermore, the motor 41 is a servo motor 41, which more accurately controls the extension and retraction of the main frame 3.

[0028] To further precisely control the extension and retraction of the main frame 3, a sensor switch 44 is fixedly attached to the main frame 3; a sensor plate 32 corresponding to the sensor switch 44 is mounted on the main frame 3; the sensor switch 44 is electrically connected to the controller of the motor 41, and is used to control the main frame 3 to stop moving when the main frame 3 moves to the point where the sensor switch 44 and the sensor plate 32 overlap. The sensor switch 44 can be an electromagnetic induction switch 44, and the sensor plate 32 can be made of steel. When the positions overlap, the sensor switch 44 sends a control signal to the controller, controlling the motor 41 to stop, causing the main frame 3 to stop moving. In another embodiment, the sensor switch 44 can be a photoelectric switch, which can also have the same effect.

[0029] To reduce the weight of the moving parts, specifically the main frame 3, one end of the sensor plate 32 is fixedly attached to the main frame 3. The sensor switch 44 is mounted on a C-shaped slot 45, the end of which is fixedly attached to the fixed plate 4, for use with the sensor plate 32 corresponding to the position of the sensor switch 44. As can be seen, the sensor plate 32 is directly connected to the longitudinal beam 33 inherent to the side of the main frame 3, eliminating the need for redundant support components and thus reducing the weight of the main frame 3. The sensor switch 44, a component of the fixed plate 4, can be located in the C-shaped slot 45 of the fixed plate 4, corresponding to the sensor plate 32. In other words, avoiding the need to attach the C-shaped slot 45 to the main frame 3 reduces the weight of the main frame 3.

[0030] In an exemplary mounting method for the fixing plate 4, both ends of the fixing plate 4 are mounted on the fork arm 13 via bolt assemblies; the motor 41 is mounted in the middle of the fixing plate 4. This ensures that the motor 41 is securely fixed to the fixing plate 4 and facilitates removal of the fixing plate 4 and the motor 41 for easy maintenance and replacement.

[0031] The exemplary main frame 3, designed to minimize deadweight and minimize material consumption, is a hollow rectangular frame with two longitudinal beams 33 and two transverse beams 34 on each side. The outer sides of the longitudinal beams 33 are slidably connected to the support beams 2. The motor 41 is located within the hollow space within the main frame 3. The ends of the rack 43 are fixedly connected to the two transverse beams 34. This demonstrates the sturdy structure of the main frame 3, providing stable support for the workpiece.

[0032] The advantages of the present invention are as follows.

[0033] (1) This device can widen the support point position to adapt to workpieces with irregular shapes and eccentric centers of gravity, prevent the center of gravity of the workpiece from falling outside the support range of the fork arm 13, reduce the risk of overturning, and improve the success rate of transfer and switching.

[0034] (2) By installing the telescopic main frame 3 on the end fork arm 13, the width of the telescopic fork 1 is reduced, which saves space and is suitable for working conditions with limited operating space.

[0035] (3) The expansion mechanism of the device is detachable, that is, the two support beams 2 and the fixing plate 4 are both detachable. On the one hand, it is suitable for adaptive modification of the original telescopic fork 1, and on the other hand, it can also be replaced to adapt to workpieces of different sizes or different degrees of eccentricity of the center of gravity; the adaptability of the device is good.

[0036] (4) The device has a compact structure, is simple to manufacture, has low modification cost, and is suitable for application and promotion.

[0037] In summary, the support point position of this embodiment can be flexibly changed, and workpieces with eccentric centers of gravity can be transferred, thereby reducing the risk of overturning and improving the success rate of transfer and switching. It also has good adaptability and low cost.

[0038] Example 2, please refer to Figure 4 . Based on the driving mechanism of Example 1, the difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the driving mechanism is different. The driving mechanism of this embodiment is replaced with a cylinder or electric push rod with one end mounted on the fixed plate 4, and the end of the telescopic rod 5 of the cylinder or electric push rod is connected to the main frame 3, which is used to drive the main frame 3 to extend and retract along the width direction. It also has the effect of controlling the extension and retraction of the main frame 3. In the prior art, similar driving mechanisms also include solutions for achieving extension and retraction through belts and pulleys; or solutions for achieving extension and retraction through chains and sprockets. It can be seen that the specific implementation of the driving mechanism may include but is not limited to the solutions listed in the embodiments of the present application.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism, comprising a telescopic fork (1); characterized in that: Two support beams (2) arranged along the width direction of the telescopic fork (1) are installed at the upper end of the fork arm (13) at the end of the telescopic fork (1); the inner sides of the two support beams (2) are respectively slidably connected to the two sides of a main frame (3) with a rectangular shape, so that the main frame (3) can be telescoped along the width direction; a fixed plate (4) fixedly connected to the fork arm (13) is provided between the two support beams (2), and a driving mechanism is installed on the fixed plate (4), and the driving mechanism is connected to the main frame (3) and is used to drive one end of the main frame (3) to extend outward from the fork arm (13); a support block (21) for supporting a workpiece to be transferred is provided on the end of the main frame (3) extending outward from the fork arm (13) and the support beam (2).

2. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two linear guide rail assemblies (31) are respectively arranged on both sides of the main frame (3); the two sides of each linear guide rail assembly (31) are respectively connected to the support beam (2) and the main frame (3), and are used for sliding connection between the support beam (2) and the main frame (3).

3. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises a motor (41) mounted on the fixed plate (4); the output shaft end of the motor (41) is connected to a gear (42), and the gear (42) is engaged with a rack (43) fixed to the main frame (3) and is used to drive one end of the main frame (3) to extend or retract outside the fork arm (13) when the motor (41) is running.

4. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The induction switch (44) is fixedly connected to the fixed plate (4); the main frame (3) is equipped with an induction plate (32) corresponding to the induction switch (44); the induction switch (44) is electrically connected to a controller of the motor (41) and is used to control the main frame (3) to stop moving when the main frame (3) moves to a position where the induction switch (44) and the induction plate (32) overlap.

5. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the sensing plate (32) is fixedly connected to the main frame (3); the sensing switch (44) is installed on the C-shaped groove (45), and the end of the C-shaped groove (45) is fixedly connected to the fixing plate (4) for the sensing plate (32) corresponding to the position of the sensing switch (44).

6. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both ends of the fixing plate (4) are mounted on the fork arm (13) via bolt assemblies; and the motor (41) is mounted in the middle of the fixing plate (4).

7. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main frame (3) is a rectangular frame with a hollow interior, and its four sides are respectively two longitudinal beams (33) and two transverse beams (34); the outer sides of the longitudinal beams (33) are slidably connected to the support beams (2); the motor (41) is located in the hollow space inside the main frame (3); and the two ends of the rack (43) are respectively fixedly connected to the two transverse beams (34).

8. The telescopic fork with a width expansion mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises a cylinder or an electric push rod with one end mounted on the fixed plate (4), and the end of the telescopic rod (5) of the cylinder or the electric push rod is connected to the main frame (3) for driving the main frame (3) to extend and retract along the width direction.

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