Pallet fork supporting plate up-and-down movement guiding mechanism for four-way shuttle vehicle

Abstract

A pallet fork supporting plate vertical movement guiding mechanism for a four-way shuttle vehicle comprises a pallet fork supporting plate connected with a four-way shuttle vehicle lifting mechanism, and is characterized in that a lifting guiding frame is installed on the pallet fork supporting plate in the X-axis direction of the four-way shuttle vehicle and comprises an upper cross beam, and guiding plates perpendicular to the upper cross beam are arranged on the same sides of the two ends of the upper cross beam; a guide wheel set is arranged on the inner side or the outer side of each guide plate, and guide wheel shafts are adjustably installed on the vehicle frame side plates in the Y-axis direction of the four-way shuttle vehicle. The stable, accurate and reliable guiding of the pallet fork supporting plate in the lifting process is achieved. The characteristics jointly ensure the safety and efficiency of the cargoes in the carrying process. Specifically, by means of the guide mechanism, the lifting stability and accuracy of the pallet fork supporting plate are improved, resistance and shaking in the lifting process are reduced, and meanwhile the universality and adaptability of equipment are enhanced. Due to the advantages, the guide mechanism has a wide application prospect in logistics equipment such as a four-way shuttle vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of four-way shuttle vehicles for storage and transportation, in particular to a guide mechanism for the up and down movement of a fork support plate for the four-way shuttle vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Amid the rapid development of intelligent warehousing and logistics, automated high-bay warehouses (AHWs), a key component in improving storage efficiency and reducing costs, have become a focus of ongoing industry attention in optimizing space utilization. Four-way shuttle systems, with their exceptional high-density storage capabilities and flexible adaptability to complex spatial layouts, are increasingly becoming a core element of modern warehousing and logistics solutions. This system not only significantly increases warehouse storage capacity but also enables rapid access to goods through intelligent scheduling, thereby improving the responsiveness and operational efficiency of the entire logistics chain.

[0003] The performance of the four-way shuttle is the heart of the system, and its performance directly determines the operating effect of the entire system. The lifting mechanism, as the key component of the four-way shuttle to achieve vertical movement of goods, is crucial to ensuring efficient and accurate cargo handling. The mainstream lifting mechanisms on the current market, such as hydraulic transmission, eccentric cam, and screw lifting, each have their own characteristics, but they all face certain technical limitations in actual applications. In particular, when the fork pallet is installed with a guide bracket at a diagonal position, the uneven force distribution often leads to a decrease in the guide positioning accuracy on the Z axis (vertical direction) and a lack of stability. This not only affects the precise placement and extraction of goods, but may also cause increased wear on the equipment due to shaking, shortening its service life.

[0004] Furthermore, the warehousing and logistics industry's continued pursuit of automation and intelligent capabilities places higher demands on the precision, stability, and maintenance efficiency of four-way shuttles. Traditional diagonal guide bracket designs are no longer able to meet these emerging demands, especially when handling goods of varying shapes and sizes, where adaptability and flexibility are particularly limited.

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art such as low guiding and positioning accuracy, insufficient stability and poor adaptability, the utility model proposes an innovative up and down movement guide mechanism for a fork pallet for a four-way shuttle vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0006] In response to the problems existing in the prior art, the utility model provides an innovative guide mechanism for the up and down movement of the fork pallet for a four-way shuttle vehicle; this mechanism aims to enhance the uniformity of force distribution and improve the guidance accuracy and stability by optimizing the structural layout of the guide bracket, thereby providing a more efficient, stable and intelligent cargo handling solution for the field of intelligent warehousing and logistics.

[0007] The utility model is implemented as follows: a four-way shuttle fork pallet up and down movement guide mechanism includes a fork pallet connected to the four-way shuttle lifting mechanism, and is characterized in that a lifting guide frame is installed on the fork pallet along the X-axis direction of the four-way shuttle, and the lifting guide frame includes an upper crossbeam, and guide plates perpendicular to the upper crossbeam are provided on the same side of both ends of the upper crossbeam, and a group of guide wheel groups are provided on the inner side or the outer side of the guide plate, and the guide wheel shaft is adjustably mounted on the vehicle frame side panel in the Y-axis direction of the four-way shuttle.

[0008] Further preferably, the upper cross beam and the guide plate are an integrated structure.

[0009] Further preferably, the upper crossbeam is detachably mounted on the outer end surface of the fork support plate via a connecting piece.

[0010] Further preferably, the guide wheel group includes a guide wheel shaft installed on the side panel of the vehicle frame, a guide wheel is installed on the guide wheel shaft, the outer wall of the guide wheel is in contact with the side wall of the lifting guide plate, and the shaft end of the guide wheel shaft is installed with a retaining ring through a fastener to prevent axial movement of the guide wheel.

[0011] Further preferably, the guide wheel includes a bearing and a non-metallic tire sleeved on the outside of the guide wheel, and the outer side of the tire is in contact with the side wall of the guide frame.

[0012] Further preferably, a limiting ring is integrally provided on the inner side of the tire, and the inner diameter of the limiting ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing outer ring; an annular groove is symmetrically provided on the inner circumferential surface of the tire on the limiting ring, and a retaining ring is provided in the annular groove to prevent axial movement of the tire.

[0013] Further preferably, the tire is a tapered tire, the small diameter end of which is close to the side plate of the vehicle frame, and the side surface of the guide plate matched with the tire is provided with an inclined surface consistent with the cone angle of the tapered tire.

[0014] Further preferably, the wheel axle includes a connecting section, a clamping section and a guide wheel mounting section, and the connecting section is a threaded connecting section; threaded holes are provided on the vehicle frame side panels corresponding to the external threads of the connecting section.

[0015] Further preferably, the clamping section is provided with at least one set of clamping surfaces arranged opposite to each other.

[0016] Further preferably, the fork pallets on both sides of the four-way shuttle are both installed with the above-mentioned guide mechanisms, and the centers of the guide mechanisms on both sides are located on the same straight line.

[0017] The advantages and technical effects of this utility model include: The fork pallet's vertical movement guide mechanism for a four-way shuttle vehicle, provided by this utility model, significantly improves the overall performance of the device through a series of carefully designed features. The fork pallet's close connection to the lifting mechanism ensures stable and accurate vertical movement, enabling precise storage and retrieval of cargo. The lifting guide frame, along with its integrated or separate upper crossbeam and guide plate, not only enhances the device's strength and rigidity but also simplifies manufacturing and assembly. The guide wheel assembly reduces lifting resistance through rolling friction, improving handling accuracy and safety. In particular, the tapered tire's fit with the guide plate's inclined surface, along with the retaining ring and snap ring design on the inside of the tire, ensures a tight fit and stable installation between the tire and the guide plate. The threaded connection and clamping surface design of the wheel axle facilitate installation, removal, and adjustment of the guide wheel assembly, enhancing the device's maintainability and ease of operation. Finally, the bilaterally symmetrical guide mechanism design not only balances force distribution, improving the device's stability and durability, but also enhances its overall aesthetics and user experience. In summary, through a series of innovative designs, the utility model realizes the efficiency, stability, safety and ease of use of the up and down movement guide mechanism of the four-way shuttle fork pallet, providing strong technical support for the field of intelligent warehousing and logistics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Middle AA section view;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of middle part I;

[0023] Figure 6 1. It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide wheel group;

[0024] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the guide wheel group.

[0025] In the figure, 1. Fork pallet; 2. Lifting guide frame; 2-1. Upper crossbeam; 2-2. Guide plate; 2-20. Inclined surface; 3. Guide wheel assembly; 3-1. Guide wheel shaft; 3-10. Connecting section; 3-11. Clamping section; 3-12. Guide wheel mounting section; 3-13. Clamping surface; 3-2. Guide wheel; 3-20. Bearing; 3-21. Tire; 3-22. Limiting ring; 3-23. Annular groove; 3-24. Snap ring; 3-3. Retaining ring; 4. Frame side panel; 4-1. Threaded hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] See also Figures 1 to 7 A fork pallet guide mechanism for a four-way shuttle vehicle includes a fork pallet 1 connected to the four-way shuttle vehicle's lifting mechanism. This feature ensures that the fork pallet is tightly connected to the four-way shuttle vehicle's lifting mechanism, thereby enabling the fork pallet's up and down movement. This allows the cargo pallet to be lifted, allowing it to be removed from the shelf for storage and retrieval. A lifting guide frame 2 is mounted on the fork pallet along the four-way shuttle vehicle's X-axis. By mounting the lifting guide frame on the fork pallet and arranging it along the X-axis, the stability and accuracy of the fork pallet during the lifting process are ensured. The lifting guide frame provides positioning and guidance, preventing the fork pallet from shifting or shaking during the lifting process. The lifting guide frame 2 includes an upper crossbeam 2-1, which serves as the main structural component of the lifting guide frame and provides stable support and connection points, ensuring the overall strength and stability of the lifting guide frame. Guide plates 2-2 are provided on the same side of both ends of the upper crossbeam, perpendicular to the upper crossbeam. The provision of the guide plates further enhances the guiding capability of the lifting guide frame. They cooperate with the guide wheel group to ensure that the fork pallet can move along the predetermined trajectory during the lifting process, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of transportation; a group of guide wheel groups 3 are provided on the inner or outer side of the guide plate, and the guide wheel group fits tightly with the guide plate, reducing the resistance during the lifting process through rolling friction, while ensuring the smooth movement of the fork pallet. This design also improves the sensitivity and reliability of the guide. The guide wheel shaft of the four-way shuttle is adjustable in the Y-axis direction on the side panel of the vehicle frame. This feature allows the guide wheel group to be adjusted along the Y-axis direction during initial installation to adapt to different processing accuracy and installation errors. This ensures that the guide wheels of the guide wheel group can fit tightly with the guide plate, thereby playing an effective guiding role. This adjustable design also improves the versatility and adaptability of the equipment.

[0028] Further preferably, the upper crossbeam 2-1 and guide plate 2-2 are integrally formed. This design significantly improves the overall strength and rigidity of the lifting guide frame, reducing guidance errors caused by loose or deformed connecting components. This design also simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process, improving production efficiency. Alternatively, the upper crossbeam and guide plate may be separate structures.

[0029] Furthermore, the upper crossbeam is preferably detachably mounted to the outer end surface of the fork support plate via connectors (bolts). This detachable design facilitates maintenance and replacement of the lifting guide frame, reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, this design allows the position or number of the lifting guide frames to be adjusted according to actual needs, enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the equipment.

[0030] Further preferably, the guide wheel assembly 3 includes a guide wheel shaft 3-1 mounted on the frame side plate 4, a guide wheel 3-2 mounted on the guide wheel shaft, the outer wall of the guide wheel in contact with the side wall of the lifting guide plate, and a retaining ring 3-3 mounted on the end of the guide wheel shaft via a fastener to prevent axial movement of the guide wheel. The design of the guide wheel assembly ensures that the fork pallet can move smoothly along the guide plate during lifting. The provision of the retaining ring effectively prevents axial movement of the guide wheel shaft when subjected to force, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the guide.

[0031] Further preferably, the guide wheel 3-2 includes a bearing 3-20 and a non-metallic tire 3-21 mounted on the outside of the guide wheel, with the outer side of the tire contacting the sidewall of the guide frame. The use of the non-metallic tire reduces the coefficient of friction between the guide wheel and the guide plate, reducing wear and noise. Furthermore, the non-metallic tire has excellent elasticity and shock absorption properties, further enhancing the smoothness and comfort of lifting and lowering the fork pallet.

[0032] Further preferably, a retaining ring 3-22 is integrally provided on the inner side of the tire 3-21. The inner diameter of the retaining ring is smaller than that of the bearing outer ring. An annular groove 3-23 is provided symmetrically on the inner circumference of the tire, and a retaining ring 3-24 is positioned within the groove to prevent axial movement of the tire. The retaining ring and retaining ring together ensure stable installation of the tire on the guide wheel shaft, preventing axial movement or dislodging of the tire when subjected to stress. This design enhances the overall stability and safety of the guide wheel assembly.

[0033] Further preferably, the tire is a conical tire with its small diameter end close to the side plate of the frame. This shape design allows the tire to gradually and smoothly transition to a full contact state when in contact with the guide plate, reducing the impact and wear during initial contact. The side of the guide plate that cooperates with the tire is provided with an inclined surface 2-20 that is consistent with the cone angle of the conical tire. This design ensures that the tire can maintain a close fit with the guide plate during the lifting process, and can provide a stable guiding effect both during initial installation and in subsequent use. By adjusting the position of the guide wheel group, a close fit can be ensured between the guide wheel and the guide plate. This fit not only improves the accuracy and stability of the guidance, but also reduces the noise and vibration caused by the gap.

[0034] Further preferably, the wheel axle 3-1 includes a connecting section 3-10, a clamping section 3-11, and a guide wheel mounting section 3-12. The connecting section is a threaded connection section; threaded holes 4-1 are provided on the frame side panels corresponding to the external threads of the connecting section. The threaded connection design facilitates installation and removal of the wheel axle, improving the maintainability of the equipment. Furthermore, the threaded connection offers high connection strength and stability, ensuring the safety and reliability of the wheel axle under load. This also facilitates adjustment of the guide wheel assembly's position along the Y-axis.

[0035] Further preferably, the clamping section is provided with at least one set of opposing clamping surfaces 3-13. To facilitate tool clamping, the opposing clamping surfaces designed on the clamping section provide convenient clamping points for installing, removing, or adjusting the guide wheel assembly. These clamping surfaces typically have flat, smooth, and mutually parallel surfaces, allowing them to fit snugly around clamping tools (such as wrenches and pliers), ensuring stable clamping and preventing slippage.

[0036] Improved operational convenience: The presence of the clamping surface allows operators to more easily apply force to the guide wheel assembly, enabling them to tighten, loosen, or adjust positions more quickly and accurately. This greatly improves operational convenience and efficiency, and reduces potential equipment damage or safety accidents caused by improper operation.

[0037] Protecting Equipment: Oppositely positioned clamping surfaces ensure that the force applied by the clamping tool to the guide wheel assembly is uniform and controllable during operation, preventing deformation or damage to the equipment caused by uneven force. Furthermore, the design of the clamping surfaces reduces the area of direct contact between the clamping tool and the guide wheel assembly, reducing wear and damage caused by friction.

[0038] Furthermore, the aforementioned guide mechanisms are preferably installed on the fork pallets on both sides of the four-way shuttle, with the centers of the guide mechanisms on both sides aligned. This design significantly improves the stability and accuracy of the fork pallets during lifting operations. Compared to the potential instability associated with diagonal arrangements in traditional technologies, this solution effectively balances force distribution, avoids deformation or damage to the equipment due to uneven force, and significantly improves its durability and service life.

[0039] Furthermore, the bilaterally symmetrical guide mechanism design not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the device but also makes it more stable during operation, reduces vibration and noise, and improves the user experience. This design not only demonstrates precise control of device performance but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the user experience.

[0040] In summary, this technical solution achieves a comprehensive improvement in the stability, accuracy and aesthetics of the equipment by optimizing the layout and installation method of the guide mechanism, providing a strong guarantee for the efficient and safe operation of the four-way shuttle.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A four-way shuttle fork pallet up and down motion guide mechanism, comprising a fork pallet connected to a four-way shuttle lifting mechanism, characterized in that: A lifting guide frame is installed on the fork pallet along the X-axis direction of the four-way shuttle. The lifting guide frame includes an upper crossbeam, and guide plates perpendicular to the upper crossbeam are provided on the same side of both ends of the upper crossbeam. A group of guide wheel groups are provided on the inner or outer side of the guide plate. The guide wheel shaft is adjustably mounted on the side panel of the vehicle frame in the Y-axis direction of the four-way shuttle.

2. The four-way shuttle fork pallet up and down motion guide mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper cross beam and the guide plate are an integrated structure.

3. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper crossbeam is detachably mounted on the outer end surface of the fork support plate through a connecting piece.

4. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide wheel assembly includes a guide wheel shaft installed on the side plate of the vehicle frame, a guide wheel is installed on the guide wheel shaft, the outer wall of the guide wheel is in contact with the side wall of the lifting guide plate, and a retaining ring is installed on the shaft end of the guide wheel shaft through a fastener to prevent the guide wheel from axial movement.

5. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide wheel comprises a bearing and a non-metallic tire sleeved on the outer side of the guide wheel, and the outer side surface of the tire contacts the side wall of the guide frame.

6. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 5, characterized in that: A limiting ring is integrally provided on the inner side of the tire, and the inner diameter of the limiting ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing outer ring; an annular groove is symmetrically provided on the inner circumferential surface of the tire on the limiting ring, and a snap ring is provided in the annular groove to prevent the tire from axial movement.

7. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The tire is a tapered tire, with its small diameter end close to the side plate of the vehicle frame, and the side surface of the guide plate matched with the tire is provided with an inclined surface consistent with the cone angle of the tapered tire.

8. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The wheel axle includes a connecting section, a clamping section and a guide wheel installation section, and the connecting section is a threaded connecting section; a threaded hole is provided on the side plate of the vehicle frame corresponding to the external thread of the connecting section.

9. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 8, characterized in that: The clamping section is provided with at least one set of clamping surfaces arranged opposite to each other.

10. The vertical motion guide mechanism for the fork pallet of the four-way shuttle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide mechanism described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed on the fork pallets on both sides of the four-way shuttle, and the centers of the guide mechanisms on both sides are located on the same straight line.

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