Adjustable palletizing fork

Abstract

This application discloses an adjustable palletizing fork, belonging to the technical field of palletizing equipment. It includes: a mounting frame with two slidably mounted support legs on its lower side; a mounting plate that slides vertically on the mounting frame; and two fork carriages mounted on the mounting plate above the support legs; a top plate fixed to the upper end of the mounting frame; two connecting rods, each fixedly mounted on one of the support legs; and an adjusting motor fixedly mounted on the top plate. The power output end of the adjusting motor is fixedly connected to a bidirectional screw, which passes through two threaded blocks and is threadedly connected to the two threaded blocks, with the threads of the two threaded blocks having opposite directions of rotation. The beneficial effect of this application is that it provides an adjustable palletizing fork, where, when the two fork carriages move away from each other, the two support legs also move away from each other, causing the support position of the support legs relative to the ground to change, thus ensuring overall stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of palletizing equipment technology, and more specifically, to an adjustable palletizing fork. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional forklift forks are mostly fixed to the mounting plate, making it difficult to flexibly adjust the spacing when dealing with racks of different sizes. When stacking particularly large items, if the distance between the forks is too narrow, the goods will be unstable on the forks and prone to tipping, posing a problem for safe transportation. To solve these problems, adjustable-spacing forks are now more widely used, including both manual and automatic adjustment methods. This adjustable-spacing design allows forklifts to handle goods on pallets of different sizes without requiring operators to manually adjust the fork spacing, reducing operator workload, improving work efficiency, and reducing damage to pallets and goods. However, when handling larger goods, since the forklift dimensions remain the same except for the fork spacing, the support position of the forklift on the ground does not change, leading to instability.

[0003] Therefore, an adjustable palletizing fork is needed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The summary section of this application is intended to provide a brief overview of the concepts, which will be described in detail in the detailed description section below. This summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solutions.

[0005] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background section, some embodiments of this application provide an adjustable palletizing fork, comprising: a mounting frame with two slidably mounted support legs on its lower side; a mounting plate that slides vertically on the mounting frame; and two fork carriages mounted on the mounting plate above the support legs; a rotating frame rotatably mounted on the lower end of the support legs; and casters mounted on the rotating frame; a top plate fixed to the upper end of the mounting frame; two connecting rods, each fixedly mounted on one of the support legs; the connecting rods passing through the fork carriages and slidingly engaging with them; and a threaded block slidably mounted on the top plate at one end of each connecting rod; and an adjusting motor fixedly mounted on the top plate, with a bidirectional screw fixedly connected to the motor's power output end; the bidirectional screw passing through the two threaded blocks and threadedly connected to the two threaded blocks, the threads of the two threaded blocks having opposite directions of rotation.

[0006] By adjusting the motor, the two threaded blocks can be moved closer or further apart under the action of the bidirectional screw. When the two threaded blocks are close together, the two forks and the two support feet are also close together. When the two threaded blocks are far apart, the two forks and the two support feet are far apart under the action of the connecting rod, so as to accommodate pallets of different sizes. At the same time, since the two support feet are far apart when the two forks are far apart, the support position of the support feet on the ground also changes, ensuring overall stability.

[0007] Furthermore, a sliding plate is slidably connected to the support foot, and a mounting rack that meshes with the meshing wheel is fixedly connected to the sliding plate. A through groove is provided on the support foot for the sliding plate to pass through.

[0008] The sliding plate and mounting rack work together to rotate the meshing wheel when the sliding plate moves, which in turn causes the rotating frame and casters to rotate. The casters have two states: in the first state, they roll in the front-to-back direction (i.e., the direction in which the fork is inserted into the pallet); in the second state, they roll in the left-to-right direction. The rotation of the rotating frame allows the casters to switch between these two states.

[0009] Furthermore, an adjusting cylinder is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket, an adjusting rod is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the adjusting cylinder, a meshing wheel is fixedly connected to the rotating bracket, a connecting sleeve is fixedly connected to the sliding plate, and one end of the adjusting rod is inserted into the connecting sleeve and slides in cooperation with the connecting sleeve.

[0010] By using an adjustable cylinder, when the distance between the two forks needs to be adjusted, the adjustable cylinder pushes the adjusting rod to move, which in turn drives the sliding plate to move, so that the two casters switch from the first state to the second state. At this time, the two support legs can move away from each other in the left and right directions.

[0011] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the fork carriage, and an abutment block is slidably connected in the slot. The abutment block protrudes from the upper surface of the fork carriage. A sliding block is slidably connected on the fork carriage, and a spring is connected between the sliding block and the abutment block. The two ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the sliding block and the abutment block, respectively.

[0012] With the addition of abutment blocks and sliding blocks, when the forklift picks up the pallet, the abutment blocks abut against one side of the pallet to prevent the pallet from moving.

[0013] Furthermore, a lead screw is rotatably mounted on the fork, the lead screw passes through the sliding block, the lead screw and the sliding block are threaded together, a first hinge rod is hinged on the sliding block, and a second hinge rod is hinged on the abutment block, the first hinge rod and the second hinge rod are hinged together.

[0014] The screw rotates, which in turn drives the sliding block to move. Under the action of the spring, the abutment block comes into contact with one side of the pallet. Then, the first and second hinge rods flip, so that the first and second hinge rods extend out of the slots and support the goods on the pallet. When the spring is not stressed, the first and second hinge rods form a predetermined angle, so that when the abutment block and the sliding block are relatively close, the end of the second hinge rod that is hinged to the first hinge rod moves upward toward the forklift.

[0015] Furthermore, a stop is fixed on the sliding block, and the stop limits the first hinge rod.

[0016] When the first and second hinge rods fold through the slot and are supported on the side of the cargo, the guard edge limits the first hinge rod, preventing it from folding forward any further.

[0017] Furthermore, a dual-head motor is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame. The power end of the dual-head motor is connected to an output shaft. A rotating sleeve is rotatably connected to the fork. One end of the output shaft is inserted into the rotating sleeve and slides in cooperation with the rotating sleeve. The output shaft and the rotating sleeve rotate synchronously. A first conical wheel is fixedly connected to the rotating sleeve, and a second conical wheel is fixedly connected to the lead screw. The first conical wheel and the second conical wheel mesh.

[0018] With the dual-head motor and output shaft, the output shaft drives the rotating sleeve to rotate under the action of the dual-head motor. Under the action of the first and second conical wheels, the lead screw rotates, which in turn drives the sliding block to move.

[0019] Furthermore, a torque sensor is connected between the output shaft and the power output end of the dual-head motor.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0021] 1. By adjusting the motor, the two threaded blocks can be moved closer or further apart under the action of the bidirectional screw. When the two threaded blocks are close together, the two forks and the two support feet are also close together. When the two threaded blocks are far apart, the two forks and the two support feet are far apart under the action of the connecting rod, so as to adapt to pallets of different sizes. At the same time, since the two forks are far apart and the two support feet are far apart, the support position of the support feet on the ground also changes, ensuring the overall stability.

[0022] 2. Through the sliding plate and mounting rack, when the sliding plate moves, the mounting rack drives the meshing wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the rotating frame and the movable casters to rotate. The movable casters have two states: in the first state, the rolling trajectory of the movable casters is in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the direction in which the fork is inserted into the pallet; in the second state, the rolling trajectory of the movable casters is in the left-to-right direction. The rotation of the rotating frame allows the movable casters to switch between the first and second states.

[0023] 3. The screw rotates, which in turn drives the sliding block to move. Under the action of the spring, the abutment block comes into contact with one side of the pallet. Then, the first hinge rod and the second hinge rod flip, so that the first hinge rod and the second hinge rod extend out of the slot and support the goods on the pallet. When the spring is not stressed, the first hinge rod and the second hinge rod form a predetermined angle, so that when the abutment block and the sliding block are relatively close, the end of the second hinge rod that is hinged to the first hinge rod moves towards the upper side of the forklift. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application.

[0025] Furthermore, throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] In the attached diagram:

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the installation structure of the public and female marks in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The embodiment is shown in the diagram of the installation of the ear tag and the limiting head.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the motherboard in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The embodiment is shown in the installation diagram of the threaded sleeve;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The above embodiment shows the installation diagram of the expansion cylinder and the fixing ring.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 10. Mounting bracket; 11. Support leg; 12. Mounting plate; 13. Fork; 14. Rotating frame; 15. Casters; 16. Adjusting cylinder; 17. Adjusting rod; 18. Sliding plate; 19. Connecting sleeve; 20. Engaging wheel; 21. Mounting rack; 22. Dual-head motor; 23. Rotating sleeve; 24. First conical wheel; 25. Lead screw; 26. Second conical wheel; 27. Abutment block; 28. Slot; 29. ​​Sliding block; 30. Spring; 31. First hinge rod; 32. Second hinge rod; 33. Side flange; 34. Double-acting screw; 35. Threaded block; 36. Adjusting motor; 37. Top plate; 38. Connecting rod; 39. Output shaft; 40. Sliding groove; 41. Connecting slider; 42. Torque sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0036] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0037] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0039] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] Reference Figure 1-6An adjustable palletizing fork includes: a mounting frame 10, support legs 11, a mounting plate 12, fork carriages 13, a rotating frame 14, casters 15, a top plate 37, a connecting rod 38, an adjusting motor 36, and a threaded block 35. The mounting frame 10 has a vertically sliding mounting plate 12, on which two fork carriages 13 are slidably mounted. The spacing between the two fork carriages 13 is adjustable to accommodate pallets of different sizes. Goods are palletized by the vertical movement of the mounting plate 12. The specific structure of the mounting plate 12 and the mounting frame 10 can be found in the frame and lifting seat structure in patent document CN118978111B. Two support legs 11 are slidably connected to the lower end of the mounting frame 10, located below the two fork carriages 13. A rotating frame 14 is rotatably mounted on the two support legs 11, and casters 15 are fixedly mounted on the rotating frame 14. When palletizing goods, the support legs 11 support the mounting frame 10 to improve stability. In one embodiment, the lower end of the mounting bracket 10 is provided with a sliding groove 40. A connecting slider 41 that slides within the sliding groove 40 is fixedly connected to the support leg 11, so that when the two support legs 11 move away from each other, the connecting slider 41 extends out of both ends of the sliding groove 40 to ensure stable support. A top plate 37 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mounting bracket 10. A connecting rod 38 is fixedly connected to the support leg 11. The connecting rod 38 passes through the fork 13 on the upper side of the support leg 11 and slides with the fork 13. A threaded block 35 that slides on the top plate 37 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting rod 38. A groove is provided on the top plate 37, and the threaded block 35 slides within the groove. An adjusting motor 36 is fixedly connected to the top plate 37. A bidirectional screw 34 is fixedly connected to the power output end of the adjusting motor 36. The bidirectional screw 34 passes through two threaded blocks 35 and is threadedly connected to the two threaded blocks 35. The threads of the two threaded blocks 35 have opposite directions of rotation. When the threaded block 35 outputs power, it can drive the two threaded blocks 35 to move towards or away from each other, thereby driving the fork 13 and the support leg 11 to move under the action of the connecting rod 38, thereby adjusting the distance between the two forks 13 and the distance between the two support legs 11.

[0041] A sliding plate 18 is slidably connected to the support leg 11, and a mounting rack 21 is fixedly connected to the sliding plate 18. A through groove is provided on the support leg 11 for the sliding plate 18 to pass through. A meshing wheel 20 is fixedly connected to the rotating frame 14. The mounting rack 21 meshes with the meshing wheel 20, so that when the sliding plate 18 moves, the mounting rack 21 drives the meshing wheel 20 and the rotating frame 14 to rotate. It should be noted that the rotation of the rotating frame 14 causes the movable caster 15 to have two states. In the first state, the rolling trajectory of the movable caster 15 is in the front-to-back direction, i.e., the direction in which the fork 13 is inserted into the pallet, facilitating pallet retrieval. In the second state, the rolling trajectory of the movable caster 15 is in the left-to-right direction. The rotation of the rotating frame 14 allows the movable caster 15 to switch between the first and second states. An adjusting cylinder 16 is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 10. An adjusting rod 17 is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the adjusting cylinder 16. A connecting sleeve 19 is fixedly connected to the sliding plate 18. One end of the adjusting rod 17 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 19 and slides in cooperation with it. The adjusting cylinder 16 drives the two connecting sleeves 19 to move, causing the sliding plate 18 to move, which in turn causes the caster 15 to switch between the first and second states. When it is necessary to adjust the distance between the two forks 13, the two forks 13 move towards or away from each other (i.e., move in the left and right direction). At this time, the adjusting cylinder 16 controls the caster 15 to adjust to the second state, which facilitates the left and right movement of the support legs 11. When picking up and moving goods, the caster 15 is adjusted to the first state, which facilitates the movement of the goods.

[0042] A slot 28 is provided on the fork carriage 13, and an abutment block 27 is slidably connected within the slot 28. The abutment block 27 protrudes from the upper surface of the fork carriage 13. A sliding block 29 is slidably connected to the fork carriage 13, and a spring 30 is connected between the sliding block 29 and the abutment block 27. The two ends of the spring 30 are fixedly connected to the sliding block 29 and the abutment block 27, respectively. When goods are picked up, the abutment block 27 abuts against the side of the pallet, continuing to limit the pallet's position. It should be noted that when the spring 30 is not under force, the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 form a predetermined angle and do not protrude from the upper surface of the fork carriage 13. This allows the second hinge rod 32, at the end hinged to the first hinge rod 31, to move upwards towards the fork carriage 13 through the slot 28 when the abutment block 27 and the sliding block 29 are relatively close. A lead screw 25 is rotatably mounted on the fork 13, passing through a sliding block 29. The lead screw 25 and the sliding block 29 are threaded together. A first hinge rod 31 is hinged to the sliding block 29, and a second hinge rod 32 is hinged to the abutment block 27. The first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 are hinged together. A stop 33 is fixed to the sliding block 29, limiting the first hinge rod 31. This allows the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 to have retracted and erected states. In the retracted state, the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 form a predetermined angle and do not protrude from the upper surface of the fork 13. When the abutment block 27 approaches the sliding block 29, the hinged end of the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 deflects upward and protrudes from the upper surface of the fork 13 until it reaches the erected state, at which point the stop 33 limits the first hinge rod 31. The first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 are supported on the side of the cargo.

[0043] A dual-head motor 22 is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket 10. The power end of the dual-head motor 22 is connected to an output shaft 39. A rotating sleeve 23 is rotatably connected to the fork carriage 13. One end of the output shaft 39 is inserted into the rotating sleeve 23 and slides within it, allowing the output shaft 39 and rotating sleeve 23 to rotate synchronously. A first conical wheel 24 is fixedly connected to the rotating sleeve 23, and a second conical wheel 26 is fixedly connected to the lead screw 25. The first conical wheel 24 and the second conical wheel 26 mesh. The dual-head motor 22 drives the lead screw 25 to rotate, causing the sliding block 29 to move after the fork picks up goods. Under the action of the spring 30, the abutment block 27 moves and abuts against the side of the pallet. This compresses the spring 30, causing the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 to stand upright until they support the side of the goods, preventing them from falling. A torque sensor 42 is connected between the output shaft 39 and the power output end of the dual-head motor 22. The torque sensor 42 can be a torque sensor of model FC-S2200. When the torque sensor 42 detects that the positive torque between the power output end of the dual-head motor 22 and the output shaft 39 reaches a predetermined value, the abutment block 27 and the sliding block 29 are in the closest position. When the torque sensor 42 detects that the reverse torque between the power output end of the dual-head motor 22 and the output shaft 39 reaches a predetermined value, the sliding block 29 moves to the end position of the lead screw 25.

[0044] Working process or usage method:

[0045] 1. When picking up goods, the casters 15 are in the first state, which facilitates the mounting frame 10 to move along the picking direction of the fork carriage 13, so that the fork carriage 13 can be inserted into the bottom of the pallet, and also facilitates the handling and stacking of goods. When it is necessary to adjust the spacing of the fork carriage 13 according to the pallet size, the cylinder 16 is first used to drive the two sliding plates 18 to move, and then the rack 21 drives the two casters 15 to rotate to the second state. Then, the motor 36 is controlled to output power, which drives the threaded block 35 to move. Under the action of the connecting rod 38, the two fork carriages 13 move away from each other, and the two support legs 11 also move away from each other, which ensures that the two support legs 11 are stable.

[0046] 2. After the forklift picks up the goods, the dual-head motor 22 is started to output power, which drives the rotating sleeve 23 to rotate. Then, under the action of the first cone wheel 24 and the second cone wheel 26, the lead screw 25 rotates, causing the sliding block 29 to move. Under the action of the spring 30, the abutment block 27 moves until the abutment block 27 is in contact with the side of the pallet. At this time, the sliding block 29 continues to move and will squeeze the spring 30, causing the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 to flip, so that the first hinge rod 31 and the second hinge rod 32 are adjusted from the retracted state to the upright state, thereby supporting the side of the goods and preventing them from tipping over.

[0047] The above description is merely a selection of preferred embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An adjustable palletizing fork, characterized in that, include: Mounting bracket (10), with two support feet (11) slidably disposed on the lower side of the mounting bracket (10), and a mounting plate (12) that slides up and down is mounted on the mounting bracket (10), and two forks (13) located on the upper side of the support feet (11) are mounted on the mounting plate (12); A rotating frame (14) is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the support leg (11), and a movable caster (15) is installed on the rotating frame (14); Top plate (37) is fixed to the upper end of mounting bracket (10); There are two connecting rods (38), which are fixedly mounted on two support feet (11). The connecting rod (38) passes through the fork frame (13) and slides with the fork frame (13). One end of the connecting rod (38) is fixedly connected to a threaded block (35) that is slidably mounted on the top plate (37). An adjustment motor (36) is fixedly mounted on the top plate (37). A bidirectional screw (34) is fixedly connected to the power output end of the adjustment motor (36). The bidirectional screw (34) passes through two threaded blocks (35) and is threadedly connected to the two threaded blocks (35). The threads of the two threaded blocks (35) are opposite in direction.

2. The adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sliding plate (18) is slidably connected to the support foot (11), and a mounting rack (21) is fixedly connected to the sliding plate (18). A through groove is provided on the support foot (11) for the sliding plate (18) to pass through.

3. An adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 2, characterized in that: An adjusting cylinder (16) is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket (10). An adjusting rod (17) is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the adjusting cylinder (16). A meshing wheel (20) is fixedly connected to the rotating bracket (14). The meshing wheel (20) meshes with the mounting rack (21). A connecting sleeve (19) is fixedly connected to the sliding plate (18). One end of the adjusting rod (17) is inserted into the connecting sleeve (19) and slides in cooperation with the connecting sleeve (19).

4. An adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 3, characterized in that: A slot (28) is provided on the fork (13), and an abutment block (27) is slidably connected in the slot (28). The abutment block (27) protrudes from the upper surface of the fork (13). A sliding block (29) is slidably connected on the fork (13). A spring (30) is connected between the sliding block (29) and the abutment block (27). The two ends of the spring (30) are fixedly connected to the sliding block (29) and the abutment block (27) respectively.

5. An adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 4, characterized in that: A lead screw (25) is rotatably mounted on the fork (13). The lead screw (25) passes through the sliding block (29) and is threadedly engaged with the sliding block (29). A first hinge rod (31) is hinged on the sliding block (29), and a second hinge rod (32) is hinged on the abutment block (27). The first hinge rod (31) and the second hinge rod (32) are hinged together.

6. An adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 5, characterized in that: A stop (33) is fixed on the sliding block (29), and the stop (33) limits the first hinge rod (31).

7. An adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 6, characterized in that: A dual-head motor (22) is fixedly installed on the mounting bracket (10). The power end of the dual-head motor (22) is connected to an output shaft (39). A rotating sleeve (23) is rotatably connected to the fork (13). One end of the output shaft (39) is inserted into the rotating sleeve (23) and slides with the rotating sleeve (23). The output shaft (39) and the rotating sleeve (23) rotate synchronously. A first conical wheel (24) is fixedly connected to the rotating sleeve (23). A second conical wheel (26) is fixedly connected to the lead screw (25). The first conical wheel (24) and the second conical wheel (26) mesh with each other.

8. An adjustable palletizing fork according to claim 7, characterized in that: A torque sensor (42) is connected between the output shaft (39) and the power output end of the dual-head motor (22).

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