Container lifting device based on forklift

Abstract

The utility model relates to hoisting equipment, in particular to a container hoisting device based on a forklift, which comprises a box frame fixedly connected with a fork arm carrier of the forklift, the upper end of the box frame is fixedly connected with a main beam, and the lower end of the box frame is fixedly connected with a supporting beam. The main beam is connected with cylinder bodies of a left telescopic oil cylinder and a right telescopic oil cylinder, piston rods of the left telescopic oil cylinder and the right telescopic oil cylinder are connected with the free ends of a left telescopic beam and a right telescopic beam respectively, and the free ends of the left telescopic beam and the right telescopic beam are provided with spin lock mechanisms respectively. And an operating rod for controlling the oil inlet and outlet of the left telescopic oil cylinder and the right telescopic oil cylinder is integrated on a console of the forklift. Compared with the prior art, the device can adapt to containers of different sizes and specifications, and the flexibility and applicability of operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to lifting equipment, specifically a container lifting device based on a forklift. Background Technology

[0002] Forklift-based container lifting devices are forklift equipment specifically designed for loading and unloading containers. They are commonly used in ports, docks, warehouses, and logistics centers. Operators can control the lifting device's movements, such as lifting, tilting, and rotating, through the forklift's control system to achieve precise container loading and unloading. Compared to traditional cranes or gantry cranes, forklift-based container lifting devices typically offer greater flexibility and operational efficiency, especially in space-constrained environments.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN206336989U discloses a forklift-type container spreader, including main beams and end beams. The main beams and end beams are box-frame structures, with two main beams and two end beams. Two forklift slots are connected within the box-frame of the front and rear main beams, arranged symmetrically. The forklift slots can move within the box-frame, and supports are provided on the forklift slots. A four-part rotary locking mechanism is provided at the connection between the main beams and end beams, comprising a lock head and a handle. The handle is connected to the support via a connecting rod. This technical solution allows the lock head to rotate back and forth between 0 and 90 degrees by controlling the left and right movement of the forklift's teeth, achieving the purpose of locking and unlocking. It has the advantages of simple structure, low failure rate, no need for forklift modification, and wide applicability.

[0004] However, this technical solution also has some limitations. First, it requires a specialized forklift with adjustable tooth spacing, which limits its application on ordinary forklifts. Second, due to its fixed structure, it can only adapt to specific types of containers and cannot adapt to containers of different sizes and specifications, which limits its applicability in diverse operating scenarios. Furthermore, operators cannot visually determine whether the lock is locked or unlocked and must rely on intuition, which increases the risk of operational errors. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned defects or one of the defects in the existing technology, this utility model aims to provide a more intuitive, efficient and adaptable container lifting device through technological improvement and functional expansion, so as to meet the needs of market and industry development.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A container lifting device based on a forklift includes a frame fixedly connected to the forklift's fork carriage. A main beam is fixedly connected to the upper end of the frame, and a support beam is fixedly connected to the lower end. Unlike existing technologies, the main beam is slidably fitted with a left telescopic beam and a right telescopic beam that can partially extend into it. The main beam connects to the cylinder bodies of the left and right telescopic cylinders. The piston rods of the left and right telescopic cylinders are respectively connected to the free ends of the left and right telescopic beams. The free ends of the left and right telescopic beams are respectively equipped with a rotary locking mechanism. The operating levers for controlling the oil inflow and outflow of the left and right telescopic cylinders are integrated on the forklift's control panel.

[0008] Furthermore, the rotary locking mechanism includes a rotary locking box fixed to the end of the left or right telescopic beam. The rotary locking box has an axially vertical lock head and an axially horizontal rotary locking cylinder body fixed on it. A rocker arm is fixed to the upper end of the lock head, and the piston rod of the rotary locking cylinder is connected to the rocker arm.

[0009] Furthermore, proximity switch one and proximity switch two are installed inside the rotary lock housing. A status indicator light group with red and green lights is installed in the middle of the main beam within the operator's field of vision. Proximity switch one is connected to the red light of the status indicator light group, and proximity switch two is connected to the green light of the status indicator light group. Proximity switch one is installed at the position corresponding to the swing arm when the rotary lock cylinder returns, and proximity switch two is installed at the position corresponding to the swing arm when the rotary lock cylinder extends. When the red light is on, the lock head is locked to the lifting hole on the container; when the green light is on, the lock head is unlocked from the lifting hole on the container.

[0010] Furthermore, the hydraulic oil for the left telescopic cylinder, the right telescopic cylinder, and the rotary lock cylinder all comes from the hydraulic system of the forklift.

[0011] Furthermore, a camera is installed inside the rotary lock housing, facing the lock head. A display screen is installed on the forklift's control panel, and the camera is connected to the display screen so that the operator can observe in real time whether the lock head is locked or unlocked.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer surface of the rotary lock housing is equipped with a protective cover, which is used to protect the rotary lock housing and its internal components from external environmental influences and damage.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a left balance cylinder and a right balance cylinder installed within the housing frame; a left guide groove with a stroke in the lower left-upper right direction is formed on the housing frame below the left balance cylinder, the left guide groove is slidably engaged with a left slider, and the piston rod of the left balance cylinder is connected to the left slider; a right guide groove with a stroke in the upper left-lower right direction is formed on the housing frame below the right balance cylinder, the right guide groove is slidably engaged with a right slider, and the piston rod of the right balance cylinder is connected to the right slider; the left and right sliders are connected to the forklift's fork carriage to control the left and right balance of the entire lifting device.

[0014] Furthermore, the hydraulic oil for the left and right balance cylinders comes from the hydraulic system of the forklift.

[0015] Furthermore, a left diagonal brace is fixed to the lower left end of the box frame and the left end of the main beam, and a right diagonal brace is fixed to the lower right end of the box frame and the right end of the main beam.

[0016] Furthermore, an elastic buffer pad is fixed to the side of the support beam facing the forklift carriage.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] 1. High adaptability: By adopting telescopic left and right telescopic beams, this device can adapt to containers of different sizes and specifications, improving operational flexibility and applicability.

[0019] 2. Easy to operate: The control levers for the left and right telescopic cylinders are integrated into the forklift's control panel, allowing the operator to directly control the lifting device from the cab, simplifying the operation process.

[0020] 3. Enhanced safety: The twistlock mechanism ensures the stability and safety of the container during lifting, reducing the risk of accidents caused by operational errors.

[0021] 4. Intuitive locking status indication: By installing a proximity switch and status indicator light group inside the rotary lock housing, the operator can intuitively see the locking status of the lock head, improving the accuracy and safety of operation.

[0022] 5. Real-time monitoring: The camera installed inside the twistlock housing is connected to the display screen on the forklift control panel, allowing operators to monitor the locking or unlocking status of the lock in real time, further enhancing operational safety.

[0023] 6. Structural optimization: The installation of left and right balance cylinders, as well as the addition of left and right diagonal braces, enhances the stability and load-bearing capacity of the entire lifting device.

[0024] 7. Low maintenance cost: Due to its reasonable structural design, this device has a low failure rate and relatively low maintenance cost, which improves the efficiency and economy of forklift use.

[0025] 8. No forklift modification required: This device can be directly installed on a regular forklift without any additional modifications, reducing the barrier to entry and cost.

[0026] 9. Improved operational efficiency: Through the integrated design of the control lever and rotary lock mechanism, this device can quickly respond to operating commands, thereby improving the operational efficiency of container loading and unloading.

[0027] In summary, the container lifting device of this utility model has significant improvements and enhancements compared with the prior art in terms of adaptability, ease of operation, safety, real-time monitoring, structural optimization, maintenance cost, modification requirements, operating efficiency, and environmental adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at point E. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "communication" 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 communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] like Figure 1-4 The container lifting device based on a forklift shown includes a frame 1 fixedly connected to the forklift's fork carriage. A main beam 2 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the frame 1, and a support beam 3 is fixedly connected to the lower end. The main beam 2 is slidably fitted with a left telescopic beam 4 and a right telescopic beam 5 that can partially extend into it. The main beam 2 is connected to the cylinder bodies of a left telescopic cylinder 6 and a right telescopic cylinder 7. The piston rods of the left telescopic cylinder 6 and the right telescopic cylinder 7 are respectively connected to the free ends of the left telescopic beam 4 and the right telescopic beam 5. The free ends of the left telescopic beam 4 and the right telescopic beam 5 are respectively provided with a rotary locking mechanism. The operating levers for controlling the oil in and out of the left telescopic cylinder 6 and the right telescopic cylinder 7 are integrated on the forklift's control panel. The rotary locking mechanism includes a rotary locking box 8 fixed at the end of the left telescopic beam 4 or the right telescopic beam 5. A vertically oriented lock head 9 and a cylinder body of a horizontally oriented rotary locking cylinder 10 are mounted on the rotary locking box 8. A rocker arm 11 is fixed at the upper end of the lock head 9, and the piston rod of the rotary locking cylinder 10 is connected to the rocker arm 11.

[0036] In this embodiment, proximity switch 12 and proximity switch 13 are installed inside the rotary lock housing 8. A status indicator light group 14 with red and green lights is installed in the middle of the main beam 2 within the operator's field of vision. Proximity switch 12 is connected to the red light of the status indicator light group 14, and proximity switch 13 is connected to the green light of the status indicator light group 14. Proximity switch 12 is installed at the position corresponding to the swing arm 11 when the rotary lock cylinder 10 returns, and proximity switch 13 is installed at the position corresponding to the swing arm 11 when the rotary lock cylinder 10 extends. When the red light is on, the lock head 9 is locked to the lifting hole on the container, and when the green light is on, the lock head 9 is unlocked from the lifting hole on the container.

[0037] The following describes the operation of this forklift-based container lifting device, including the interaction mechanism between the lock and the lifting port:

[0038] 1. Preparation phase: The forklift is moved next to the container to be loaded or unloaded. The operator prepares to operate the forklift from the control panel.

[0039] 2. Extension of the telescopic beam: The operator controls the left telescopic cylinder 6 and the right telescopic cylinder 7 via the integrated control lever on the control panel. The piston rods of the left telescopic cylinder 6 and the right telescopic cylinder 7 push the left telescopic beam 4 and the right telescopic beam 5 to slide outwards until they cover the lifting opening of the container.

[0040] 3. Rotary Lock Mechanism Positioning: Rotary lock mechanisms are installed at the free ends of the left telescopic beam 4 and the right telescopic beam 5, respectively, including a rotary lock housing 8, a lock head 9, and a rotary lock cylinder 10. The lock head 9 is designed as an arrow-shaped rod, suitable for vertical non-circular flat lifting holes on containers.

[0041] 4. Inserting the lock head into the lifting hole: The operator operates the hydraulic cylinder 10 to release the lock head 9 into the unlocked position. The lock head 9 is then inserted into the lifting hole of the container.

[0042] 5. Locking the container: The operator continues to operate the rotary lock cylinder 10, causing the swing arm 11 to rotate, which in turn rotates the lock head 9 90 degrees in the lifting hole, changing it from the unlocked position to the locked position, thus achieving locking. At this time, when the swing arm 11 moves to the preset position when the rotary lock cylinder 10 returns, the proximity switch 12 is triggered, and the red light of the status indicator light group 14 illuminates, indicating that the lock head 9 has been locked with the lifting hole on the container.

[0043] 6. Lifting the container: After confirming that the lock 9 is locked, the operator operates the forklift to lift the forks and lift the container through the main beam 2, left telescopic beam 4, and right telescopic beam 5.

[0044] 7. Container handling: Forklifts are used to move containers to designated locations.

[0045] 8. Lowering and Unlocking: Upon arrival at the destination, the operator lowers the forklift forks to bring the container close to the ground. Using the control lever on the console, the operator retracts the piston rod of the rotary lock cylinder 10, causing the swing arm 11 to rotate the lock head 9 90 degrees, changing it from the locked position to the unlocked position, thus unlocking the container. At this point, when the swing arm 11 moves to the preset position of the rotary lock cylinder 10's outward stroke, the proximity switch 13 is triggered, and the green light in the status indicator group 14 illuminates, indicating that the lock head 9 has unlocked from the lifting hole on the container.

[0046] 9. Telescopic beam retraction: The operator controls the left telescopic cylinder 6 and the right telescopic cylinder 7 to retract via the control lever on the control panel, so that the left telescopic beam 4 and the right telescopic beam 5 slide toward the main beam 2 and are retracted to their initial positions.

[0047] 10. Complete the operation: The forklift leaves the work area to complete the loading and unloading of the container.

[0048] Throughout the operation, the status indicator light group 14 provides intuitive visual feedback, enabling operators to quickly understand the locking and unlocking status of the unlocking head 9, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of the operation.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, a camera 15 is installed inside the rotary lock housing 8, facing the lock head 9. A display screen is installed on the forklift's control panel, and the camera 15 is connected to the display screen, enabling the operator to observe in real time whether the lock head 9 is locked or unlocked, thus improving the accuracy and safety of the operation.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the rotary lock housing 8 is equipped with a protective cover, which is used to protect the rotary lock housing 8 and its internal components (such as camera 15, rotary lock cylinder 10, etc.) from the influence and damage of the external environment (such as dust, moisture, impact, etc.) and ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, a left balance cylinder 16 and a right balance cylinder 17 are also installed within the housing frame 1. A left guide groove 18 with a stroke in the lower left-upper right direction is formed on the housing frame 1 to the lower left of the left balance cylinder 16. The left guide groove 18 is slidably engaged with a left slider 19, and the piston rod of the left balance cylinder 16 is connected to the left slider 19. A right guide groove 20 with a stroke in the upper left-lower right direction is formed on the housing frame 1 to the lower right of the right balance cylinder 17. The right guide groove 20 is slidably engaged with a right slider 21, and the piston rod of the right balance cylinder 17 is connected to the right slider 21. The left slider 19 and the right slider 21 are connected to the forklift's fork carriage. The movement of the sliders is controlled by the piston rods of the left balance cylinder 16 and the right balance cylinder 17 to achieve the balance of the lifting device.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the hydraulic oil for the left telescopic cylinder 6, right telescopic cylinder 7, twist lock cylinder 10, left balance cylinder 16, and right balance cylinder 17 comes from the forklift's hydraulic system. This reduces the number of independent hydraulic components in the lifting device, simplifies system design, and lowers maintenance costs.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, a left diagonal brace 22 is fixed to the lower left end of the box frame 1 and the left end of the main beam 2, and a right diagonal brace 23 is fixed to the lower right end of the box frame 1 and the right end of the main beam 2, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the entire lifting device.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, an elastic buffer pad is fixed on the side of the support beam 3 facing the fork carriage of the forklift to absorb the impact force during the lifting process and protect the forklift and container from damage.

[0055] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A container lifting device based on a forklift, comprising a box frame (1) fixedly connected to the fork carriage of a forklift, wherein a main beam (2) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the box frame (1) and a support beam (3) is fixedly connected to the lower end, characterized in that, The main beam (2) is slidably fitted with the left telescopic beam (4) and the right telescopic beam (5) that can partially extend into it. The main beam (2) is connected to the cylinder bodies of the left telescopic cylinder (6) and the right telescopic cylinder (7). The piston rods of the left telescopic cylinder (6) and the right telescopic cylinder (7) are respectively connected to the free ends of the left telescopic beam (4) and the right telescopic beam (5). The free ends of the left telescopic beam (4) and the right telescopic beam (5) are respectively provided with a rotary locking mechanism. The operating levers that control the oil in and out of the left telescopic cylinder (6) and the right telescopic cylinder (7) are integrated on the control panel of the forklift.

2. The container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary locking mechanism includes a rotary locking box (8) fixed at the end of the left telescopic beam (4) or the right telescopic beam (5). The rotary locking box (8) is provided with a vertically axial lock head (9) and a cylinder body of a horizontally axial rotary locking cylinder (10). A rocker arm (11) is fixed at the upper end of the lock head (9), and the piston rod of the rotary locking cylinder (10) is connected to the rocker arm (11).

3. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary lock housing (8) is equipped with proximity switch one (12) and proximity switch two (13). A status indicator light group (14) with red and green lights is installed in the middle of the main beam (2) within the operator's field of vision. Proximity switch one (12) is connected to the red light of the status indicator light group (14), and proximity switch two (13) is connected to the green light of the status indicator light group (14). Proximity switch one (12) is installed at the position of the swing arm (11) corresponding to the return stroke of the rotary lock cylinder (10), and proximity switch two (13) is installed at the position of the swing arm (11) corresponding to the exit stroke of the rotary lock cylinder (10). When the red light is on, the lock head (9) is locked with the lifting hole on the container, and when the green light is on, the lock head (9) is unlocked from the lifting hole on the container.

4. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydraulic oil in the left telescopic cylinder (6), right telescopic cylinder (7) and rotary lock cylinder (10) all comes from the hydraulic system of the forklift.

5. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 2, characterized in that, A camera (15) is installed inside the rotary lock housing (8), and the camera (15) faces the lock head (9). A display screen is installed on the control panel of the forklift, and the camera (15) is connected to the display screen so that the operator can observe in real time whether the lock head (9) is locked or unlocked.

6. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the rotary lock housing (8) is equipped with a protective cover, which is used to protect the rotary lock housing (8) and its internal components from external environmental influences and damage.

7. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a left balance cylinder (16) and a right balance cylinder (17) installed in the box frame (1); a left guide groove (18) with a stroke in the direction of left-lower-right-upper is opened on the box frame (1) to the lower left of the left balance cylinder (16), the left guide groove (18) is slidably engaged with a left slider (19), and the piston rod of the left balance cylinder (16) is connected to the left slider (19); a right guide groove (20) with a stroke in the direction of left-upper-right-lower is opened on the box frame (1) to the lower right of the right balance cylinder (17), the right guide groove (20) is slidably engaged with a right slider (21), and the piston rod of the right balance cylinder (17) is connected to the right slider (21); the left slider (19) and the right slider (21) are connected to the forklift fork carriage to control the left and right balance of the entire lifting device.

8. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hydraulic oil in the left balance cylinder (16) and the right balance cylinder (17) comes from the hydraulic system of the forklift.

9. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, A left diagonal brace (22) is fixed to the lower left end of the box frame (1) and the left end of the main beam (2), and a right diagonal brace (23) is fixed to the lower right end of the box frame (1) and the right end of the main beam (2).

10. A container lifting device based on a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic buffer pad is fixed to the side of the support beam (3) facing the fork carriage of the forklift.

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