Novel distance-adjusting side shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium battery forklift

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of forklifts, and provides a novel distance-adjusting side shifting fork for a medium-voltage lithium battery forklift, which comprises a fork frame, a left pallet fork, a right pallet fork, a first transmission mechanism for realizing side shifting and a second transmission mechanism for adjusting the distance between the pallet forks. The first transmission mechanism adopts a double-shaft stepping motor to drive a ball screw rod, a ball screw nut is installed on the ball screw rod, and the ball screw nut is connected with a sliding frame and used for driving the whole pallet fork to laterally move. And the second transmission mechanism adopts another double-shaft stepping motor, an output shaft of the second transmission mechanism is respectively connected with a ball screw left-handed screw and a ball screw right-handed screw, and the ball screw left-handed screw and the ball screw right-handed screw are respectively provided with corresponding ball screw nuts and are respectively connected with a left pallet fork and a right pallet fork so as to realize a synchronous distance adjusting function. In addition, the device is further provided with a bearing for supporting, a limiter is used for limiting the moving range of the ball screw, and safety and stability in the lateral moving and distance adjusting process are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of forklift technology, and more specifically, to a novel adjustable-pitch side-shift fork for medium-voltage lithium-ion forklifts. Background Technology

[0002] Forklifts, as essential equipment in modern logistics and warehousing operations, directly impact the convenience and safety of goods handling through their efficiency and adaptability. Forklift attachments are accessories used to extend the functionality of forklifts, enhancing their operational capabilities and enabling them to handle handling needs in various scenarios. Among these attachments, adjustable-pitch side-shift forks are widely used in warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing industries to achieve lateral movement of the forks and adjustment of the fork spacing to accommodate the handling needs of goods of different sizes. Existing adjustable-pitch side-shift forks typically use hydraulic systems for drive. Their structure includes side-shift cylinders, adjustment cylinders, hydraulic lines, and related support mechanisms. The lateral movement and spacing adjustment of the forks are achieved through the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders. However, the complex piping layout of these hydraulically driven adjustable-pitch side-shift forks, with the hydraulic lines usually installed at the front of the fork carriage, can easily obstruct the forklift operator's view, affecting driving safety. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in optimizing visibility and enhancing safety in existing adjustable-pitch side-shift forks. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a novel adjustable-distance side-shift fork for medium-voltage lithium-ion forklifts. This addresses the problem in existing technologies where complex hydraulic system piping obstructs the operator's view and affects driving safety. This invention employs an electric drive mechanism, eliminating traditional hydraulic piping. A dual-axis stepper motor drives ball screws to achieve lateral movement and adjustable distance forks. This design reduces obstruction of the front piping, providing the driver with a wider field of vision and improving driving safety.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A novel adjustable-pitch side-shift fork for medium-voltage lithium-ion battery forklifts includes a fork carriage and left and right forks, and the adjustable-pitch side-shift fork is provided with a first transmission mechanism for side-shifting and a second transmission mechanism for adjusting the pitch.

[0006] The first transmission mechanism includes a first dual-axis stepper motor (2) and a ball screw (1). One end of the ball screw (1) is connected to the first dual-axis stepper motor (2). A ball screw nut (4) is provided on the ball screw (1). The ball screw nut (4) is connected to the carriage used to drive the left and right forks to move sideways. When the first dual-axis stepper motor (2) drives the ball screw (1), the ball screw (1) drives the ball screw nut (4) to move left and right. The ball screw nut (4) is subjected to the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw, which drives the carriage to move sideways, thereby realizing the side-moving function.

[0007] The second transmission mechanism includes a second dual-axis stepper motor (7), a left-hand ball screw (5), and a right-hand ball screw (8). The left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8) are respectively connected to the two output ends of the second dual-axis stepper motor (7). A left-hand ball screw nut (6) is provided on the left-hand ball screw (5), and a right-hand ball screw nut is provided on the right-hand ball screw (8). The left-hand ball screw nut (6) is connected to the left fork. The connecting structure is connected, and the ball screw right-hand nut is connected to the connecting structure of the right fork; when the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) drives the ball screw left-hand screw (5) and the ball screw right-hand screw (8), the ball screw left-hand screw (5) and the ball screw right-hand screw (8) drive the ball screw left-hand nut (6) and the ball screw right-hand nut to move left and right. The ball screw left-hand nut (6) and the ball screw right-hand nut are subjected to the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw, which drives the fork to realize the distance adjustment function;

[0008] The device also includes a bearing (3) and a limiter (9). The bearing (3) supports the rotation of the ball screw (1), the left-hand ball screw (5), and the right-hand ball screw (8). The limiter (9) is located at the end or working stroke limit position of the ball screw (1), the left-hand ball screw (5), and the right-hand ball screw (8) to limit the range of movement of lateral displacement and pitch adjustment.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the ball screw (1) is a non-standard part, used to drive the carriage to move laterally during the lateral movement process via the ball screw nut (4).

[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8) are both mounted on the same horizontal plane and are connected to the left and right output shafts of the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) so that the two screws can rotate relative to each other at the same time when adjusting the pitch.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the ball screw nut (4) is connected to the slide structure, so that when the first dual-axis stepper motor (2) is driven, the ball screw nut (4) can drive the slide to move laterally.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model, when the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) drives the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8), the left-hand ball screw nut (6) and the right-hand ball screw nut respectively drive the left and right forks to move.

[0013] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the limiter (9) is set at the end or stroke limit position of the ball screw (1) and the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8), and corresponds to the movement range of the ball screw nut (4), the left-hand ball screw nut (6) and the right-hand ball screw nut, in order to limit the distance of adjustment and lateral movement to prevent overtravel or collision.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model of a novel adjustable-pitch side-shift fork for medium-voltage lithium-ion battery forklifts are as follows:

[0015] This invention eliminates hydraulic lines and adopts electric drive, effectively reducing the obstruction of vision caused by hydraulic lines in traditional adjustable-pitch side-shift forks. This optimizes the driver's forward visibility and improves operational safety. The invention utilizes a dual-axis stepper motor to drive a ball screw, achieving lateral movement and fork spacing adjustment. This makes the control method more compact and avoids the drawbacks of complex hydraulic line distribution and large space occupation in hydraulic systems. It allows operators to more intuitively observe the goods and working environment, reducing the risk of misoperation due to obstructed vision. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the original design of the adjustable-pitch side-shift fork for medium-voltage lithium battery forklifts.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel adjustable-pitch side-shift fork for a medium-voltage lithium-ion battery forklift according to this utility model.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Ball screw; 2. First dual-axis stepper motor; 3. Bearing; 4. Ball screw nut; 5. Left-hand ball screw; 6. Left-hand ball screw nut; 7. Second dual-axis stepper motor; 8. Right-hand ball screw; 9. Limit switch. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0020] Example 1

[0021] A novel adjustable-pitch side-shift fork for medium-voltage lithium-ion battery forklifts includes a fork carriage and left and right forks, and the adjustable-pitch side-shift fork is provided with a first transmission mechanism for lateral movement and a second transmission mechanism for pitch adjustment.

[0022] The first transmission mechanism in this embodiment of the present invention includes a first dual-axis stepper motor (2) and a ball screw (1). One end of the ball screw (1) is connected to the first dual-axis stepper motor (2). A ball screw nut (4) is provided on the ball screw (1). The ball screw nut (4) is connected to a slide for driving the left and right forks to move sideways. When the first dual-axis stepper motor (2) drives the ball screw (1), the ball screw (1) drives the ball screw nut (4) to move left and right. The ball screw nut (4) is subjected to the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw, which drives the slide to move sideways, thereby realizing the side-moving function.

[0023] The second transmission mechanism in this embodiment of the present invention includes a second dual-axis stepper motor (7), a left-hand ball screw (5), and a right-hand ball screw (8). The left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8) are respectively connected to the two output ends of the second dual-axis stepper motor (7). A left-hand ball screw nut (6) is provided on the left-hand ball screw (5), and a right-hand ball screw nut is provided on the right-hand ball screw (8). The left-hand ball screw nut (6) The ball screw right-hand nut is connected to the connection structure of the left fork. When the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) drives the ball screw left-hand screw (5) and the ball screw right-hand screw (8), the ball screw left-hand screw (5) and the ball screw right-hand screw (8) drive the ball screw left-hand nut (6) and the ball screw right-hand nut to move left and right. The ball screw left-hand nut (6) and the ball screw right-hand nut are subjected to the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw, which drives the fork to realize the distance adjustment function.

[0024] This utility model embodiment also includes a bearing (3) and a limiter (9). The bearing (3) supports the rotation of the ball screw (1), the left-hand ball screw (5), and the right-hand ball screw (8). The limiter (9) is set at the end or working stroke limit position of the ball screw (1), the left-hand ball screw (5), and the right-hand ball screw (8) to limit the range of movement of lateral displacement and pitch adjustment.

[0025] The ball screw (1) in this embodiment of the present invention is a non-standard part, used to drive the slide to move laterally through the ball screw nut (4) during the lateral movement process.

[0026] In this embodiment of the present invention, the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8) are both mounted on the same horizontal plane and are connected to the left and right output shafts of the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) so that the two screws can rotate relative to each other at the same time during pitch adjustment.

[0027] In this embodiment of the present invention, the ball screw nut (4) is connected to the slide structure, so that when the first dual-axis stepper motor (2) is driven, the ball screw nut (4) can drive the slide to move laterally.

[0028] In this embodiment of the present invention, when the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) drives the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8), the left-hand ball screw nut (6) and the right-hand ball screw nut respectively drive the left and right forks to move.

[0029] The limiter (9) in this embodiment of the present invention is set at the end or stroke limit position of the ball screw (1) and the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (8), and corresponds to the movement range of the ball screw nut (4), the left-hand ball screw nut (6) and the right-hand ball screw nut, and is used to limit the distance of adjustment and lateral movement to prevent overtravel or collision.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] Currently, in the forklift industry, especially in medium-voltage lithium-ion battery forklifts, the traditional approach to achieve adjustable fork spacing and overall lateral movement typically uses hydraulic cylinders to separately drive the fork spacing adjustment cylinder and the lateral movement cylinder. This type of adjustable-spread lateral movement forklift is already widely used in the market, and its typical structure is illustrated below. Figure 1As shown, a side-shift cylinder and two pitch-adjusting cylinders are installed. The cylinder body of the side-shift cylinder is hinged to the rear fixed support, and the piston rod end is connected to the front slide that can drive the forks to move horizontally as a whole, thereby realizing left and right side-shifting. The two pitch-adjusting cylinders are installed side by side in the horizontal direction, and the piston rod ends are connected to the left and right forks respectively. The fork distance is changed by telescopic cylinders. Since this scheme relies on multiple cylinders and corresponding hydraulic lines, the lines may obstruct the operator's view and increase the driving danger.

[0032] The novel adjustable-pitch side-shifting fork in this embodiment of the invention achieves both pitch adjustment and side-shifting functions by combining a ball screw and a stepper motor, eliminating the need for piping and replacing it with a finer circuit.

[0033] This utility model embodiment includes a first dual-axis stepper motor (2) and a ball screw (1). One end of the ball screw (1) is connected to the output shaft of the first dual-axis stepper motor (2), and the other end is supported by a bearing. The screw is equipped with a ball screw nut (4), which drives the slide to move laterally by the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw.

[0034] When the first dual-axis stepper motor (2) rotates forward / reverse, the ball screw nut moves along the screw axis to realize the overall left and right translation of the forks, i.e., the side-shifting function.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) drives the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (7) respectively. These two screws are on the same horizontal plane and can be driven by the left and right output shafts of the second dual-axis stepper motor (7).

[0036] Each screw is equipped with a matching left-hand ball screw nut (6) and right-hand ball screw nut, which are fixed to the left and right forks or their slide structures, respectively. When the second dual-axis stepper motor (7) drives the left-hand ball screw (5) and the right-hand ball screw (7) to rotate, the nuts move on the screws, thereby causing the left and right forks to change their spacing synchronously, i.e., the pitch adjustment function.

[0037] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0038] Finally: 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, improvements, etc., 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 new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium battery forklifts, comprising a fork frame and left and right forks, characterized in that, The distance adjusting side shifting fork is provided with a first transmission mechanism for side shifting and a second transmission mechanism for distance adjusting. The first transmission mechanism comprises a first double-shaft stepping motor (2) and a ball screw rod (1), one end of the ball screw rod (1) is connected with the first double-shaft stepping motor (2), a ball screw nut (4) is arranged on the ball screw rod (1), the ball screw nut (4) is connected with a sliding frame for driving the left and right forks to shift as a whole; when the first double-shaft stepping motor (2) drives the ball screw rod (1), the ball screw rod (1) drives the ball screw nut (4) to move left and right, the ball screw nut (4) is driven by the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw rod to shift the sliding frame, thereby realizing the side shifting function. The second transmission mechanism comprises a second double-shaft stepping motor (7), a left-hand ball screw rod (5) and a right-hand ball screw rod (8), the left-hand ball screw rod (5) and the right-hand ball screw rod (8) are respectively connected with two output ends of the second double-shaft stepping motor (7); a left-hand ball screw nut (6) is arranged on the left-hand ball screw rod (5), and a right-hand ball screw nut is arranged on the right-hand ball screw rod (8). The new distance adjusting side shifting fork for medium voltage lithium battery forklift further comprises a bearing (3) and a limiter (9), the bearing (3) supports the rotation of the ball screw rod (1), the left-hand ball screw rod (5) and the right-hand ball screw rod (8), and the limiter (9) is arranged at the end or the working stroke limit position of the ball screw rod (1), the left-hand ball screw rod (5) and the right-hand ball screw rod (8) to limit the moving range of side shifting and distance adjusting.

2. A new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball screw rod (1) is a non-standard part, which is used to drive the sliding frame to shift during side shifting through the ball screw nut (4).

3. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left-hand ball screw rod (5) and the right-hand ball screw rod (8) are installed on the same horizontal plane and are correspondingly connected with the left and right output shafts of the second double-shaft stepping motor (7) to realize the relative rotation of the two screw rods at the same time during distance adjusting.

4. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball screw nut (4) is connected with the sliding frame structure, so that the ball screw nut (4) can drive the sliding frame to shift when the first double-shaft stepping motor (2) is driven.

5. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second double-shaft stepping motor (7) drives the left-hand ball screw rod (5) and the right-hand ball screw rod (8), the left-hand ball screw nut (6) and the right-hand ball screw nut drive the left and right forks to move, respectively.

6. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiter (9) is arranged at the end or the stroke limit position of the ball screw rod (1), the left-hand ball screw rod (5) and the right-hand ball screw rod (8) and corresponds to the moving range of the ball screw nut (4), the left-hand ball screw nut (6) and the right-hand ball screw nut to limit the distance of distance adjusting and side shifting.

7. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left-hand ball screw nut (6) is connected with the connection structure of the left fork, and the right-hand ball screw nut is connected with the connection structure of the right fork.

8. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second double-shaft stepper motor (7) drives the ball screw left-hand screw (5) and the ball screw right-hand screw (8), the ball screw left-hand screw (5) and the ball screw right-hand screw (8) drive the ball screw left-hand nut (6) and the ball screw right-hand nut to move left and right.

9. The new type of distance-adjusting side-shifting fork for medium-voltage lithium batteries of a forklift according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ball screw left-hand nut (6) and the ball screw right-hand nut are driven by the radial force generated by the rotation of the screw rod to drive the forks to realize the distance adjustment function.

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