A tilting forklift

Abstract

This utility model provides a forklift with a tilting mast, including a vehicle body, a mast, a mast tilting drive assembly, and a mast locking assembly. The vehicle body and the mast are hinged together by a hinge shaft, allowing the mast to rotate relative to the vehicle body around the hinge shaft. One end of the mast tilting drive assembly is connected to the mast, and a drive tool drives the mast to rotate relative to the vehicle body around the hinge shaft. The other end of the mast tilting drive assembly is detachably connected to the vehicle body, and after the mast rotates to a set angle position, it is fixedly connected to the vehicle body. The mast locking assembly is used to connect and lock the mast and the vehicle body at both ends respectively after the mast tilts to the set angle. By adding the mast tilting drive assembly and the mast locking assembly, tilting delivery of the mast is achieved, significantly improving transportation convenience, operating efficiency, and operational stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of forklift technology, and in particular to a forklift with a tilting mast. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing forklifts feature a fixed, integrated mast and body design, resulting in a relatively high overall height and significant limitations in actual transportation. When forklifts are packaged and shipped from the factory or transferred across regions, the internal height and dimensions of containers and other transport vehicles often prevent the entire vehicle from being directly loaded into the transport space. To meet transportation requirements, current technologies commonly employ the method of completely disassembling the mast and body for component transport. This method has several drawbacks: firstly, the disassembly process requires specialized tools and technicians, making it cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, significantly increasing preparation time and labor costs before transportation; secondly, the disassembled mast, body, and related connecting parts are prone to collision damage or component loss during transportation, affecting the forklift's subsequent use; furthermore, after the forklift arrives at its destination, secondary assembly and testing are required, which not only prolongs the equipment's operational cycle and reduces operational efficiency, but frequent disassembly and assembly may also lead to a decrease in the connection precision between the mast and body, thus affecting the forklift's operational stability and safety. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve all or part of the problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a mast tilting forklift, which realizes tilting delivery by adding a mast tilting drive component and a mast locking component, greatly improving transportation convenience, operation efficiency and operation stability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A tilting mast forklift includes a body, a mast, a mast tilting drive assembly, and a mast locking assembly, wherein the body and the mast are hinged together by a hinge axis, allowing the mast to rotate relative to the body about the hinge axis. One end of the gantry tilting drive assembly is connected to the gantry, and the gantry tilting drive assembly is driven by a drive tool to move, thereby causing the gantry to rotate relative to the vehicle body around the hinge axis; the other end of the gantry tilting drive assembly is detachably connected to the vehicle body, and is fixed to the vehicle body after the gantry rotates to a set angle position. The gantry locking assembly is used to connect and lock the gantry and the vehicle body at both ends respectively after the gantry is tilted to a set angle.

[0005] The gantry tilting drive assembly includes a gantry retainer screw, a gantry tilting support shaft, and a gantry retainer assembly. The gantry tilting support shaft is fixed to the vehicle body and has a threaded hole that matches the external thread of the gantry retainer screw. The gantry retainer assembly is fixed to the gantry and has a threaded hole that matches the external thread of the gantry retainer screw.

[0006] The gantry tilting support shaft is fixed to the vehicle body by welding or by bolts.

[0007] The gantry retainer assembly is connected to the gantry via bearings. After the gantry is tilted to a set angle, the threaded hole of the gantry retainer assembly is coaxial with the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft.

[0008] One end of the gantry retainer screw passes through the threaded hole of the gantry retainer assembly, and the other end is provided with a drive part adapted to the drive tool; the drive tool drives the gantry retainer screw to rotate, thereby causing the gantry to rotate about its hinge axis with the vehicle body.

[0009] When the gantry reaches the set angle, the end of the gantry retainer screw away from the drive unit passes through the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft and is threadedly connected to it.

[0010] The driving tool is an air gun, the driving part is a nut structure, and the external dimensions of the nut structure are adapted to the sleeve head of the air gun.

[0011] The gantry locking assembly includes a driver platform retaining plate. Mounting seats are provided at corresponding positions on the vehicle body and the gantry. Mounting holes are provided at both ends of the driver platform retaining plate. The gantry is detachably installed by bolts passing through the mounting holes and mounting seats.

[0012] It also includes a control mode switching component, which includes a manual / automatic switching switch. The manual / automatic switching switch is installed in the operating area of ​​the vehicle's driving platform and is used to switch between the vehicle's manual control mode and remote control mode.

[0013] The control mode switching component also includes an aviation connector, which is fixed to the vehicle body. One end of the aviation connector is electrically connected to the manual / automatic switching switch via a wire, and the other end is used to connect to a handheld remote control handle inside the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a tilting forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of a tilting forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a third-view structural diagram of a tilting forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Vehicle body; 2. Mast; 3. Mast tilting drive assembly; 301. Mast retainer screw; 302. Mast tilting support shaft; 303. Mast retainer assembly; 4. Mast locking assembly; 5. Aircraft plug; 6. Manual / automatic switch. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions in specific embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. 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] This utility model discloses a tilting mast forklift, aiming to solve the problems of existing forklifts where the overall height is too high due to the integrated fixing of the vehicle body 1 and mast 2, requiring complete disassembly of the mast 2 for transportation, resulting in cumbersome operation, high cost, vulnerable parts, and reduced precision. The following is in conjunction with the appendix... Figures 1 to 3 The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below, so that those skilled in the art can implement this technical solution accordingly.

[0021] The tilting forklift provided in this embodiment has a core structure including a vehicle body 1, a mast 2, a mast tilting drive assembly 3, and a mast locking assembly 4. To expand the flexibility of operation, an operation mode switching assembly is also added. All components work together to achieve controllable tilting and stable fixation of the mast 2, while taking into account both ease of operation and safety of use.

[0022] The vehicle body 1 serves as the load-bearing foundation of the forklift and is articulated with the mast 2 via a hinge shaft. This hinge structure provides the mast 2 with the freedom to rotate relative to the vehicle body 1 around the hinge shaft, which is the structural basis for the mast 2 to tilt. Compared to the existing integrated structure, this articulated design breaks the fixed limitation of the overall vehicle height while retaining the normal operating function of the mast 2, making height adjustment possible in transportation scenarios.

[0023] The gantry tilting drive assembly 3 is the core actuator for realizing the tilting action of the gantry 2. One end of it is stably connected to the gantry 2. By driving the assembly with an external drive tool, the gantry 2 can be rotated relative to the vehicle body 1 around the hinge axis. The other end is detachably connected to the vehicle body 1. After the gantry 2 rotates to the set angle position that meets the transportation requirements, this end is fixedly connected to the vehicle body 1, forming the initial positioning support for the gantry 2. Specifically, the gantry tilting drive assembly 3 consists of three parts: the gantry retainer screw 301, the gantry tilting support shaft 302, and the gantry retainer assembly 303. The three parts are connected by threads to form a stable transmission and positioning structure.

[0024] The gantry tilting support shaft 302, as a fixed component connected to the vehicle body 1, can be fixed to the vehicle body 1 in a manner that can be selected according to actual assembly requirements. It can be rigidly fixed by welding to ensure connection strength, or it can be fixed by bolts for detachment, facilitating later maintenance and component replacement. The shaft of the gantry tilting support shaft 302 has an internal threaded hole, the specifications of which perfectly match the external thread of the gantry retainer screw 301, providing a structural basis for subsequent threaded connection positioning.

[0025] The gantry retainer assembly 303 serves as a linkage component connected to the gantry 2. It achieves a rotatable connection with the gantry 2 via bearings. This bearing connection effectively reduces rotational resistance during the tilting process of the gantry 2, ensuring smooth operation and preventing component wear. The gantry retainer assembly 303 also features internal threaded holes, which are identical in specifications to the threaded holes on the gantry tilting support shaft 302. When the gantry 2 tilts to a set angle, the two threaded holes achieve precise coaxial alignment, a crucial prerequisite for ensuring the smooth insertion and fixation of the gantry retainer screw 301. It should be noted that the threaded holes on the gantry retainer assembly 303 can be formed by welding nuts. The internal thread of these nuts matches the external thread of the gantry retainer screw 301. Simultaneously, the gantry retainer assembly 303 is further fixed to the vehicle body 1 via bolts, further enhancing structural stability.

[0026] The gantry retainer screw 301, as the core component for driving and positioning, has one end that moves through a threaded hole on the gantry retainer assembly 303, and the other end that is integrally formed or fixedly connected to a drive unit adapted to the driving tool. In this embodiment, the driving tool is preferably an air gun commonly used in industrial settings, and the corresponding drive unit is designed as a nut structure. The outer dimensions of this nut structure are precisely adapted to the sleeve head of the air gun, allowing the operator to quickly attach the drive unit and drive the gantry retainer screw 301 to rotate via the air gun. Under the action of the threaded engagement, the rotational motion of the gantry retainer screw 301 is converted into the rotational motion of the gantry 2 around the hinge axis, thereby causing the gantry 2 to tilt slowly. When the gantry 2 reaches the set angle (i.e., the angle that meets the height limit of the transport vehicle), the end of the gantry retainer screw 301 away from the drive unit can just pass through the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft 302. Through continuous rotation, the two are threadedly fastened together, completing the initial fixation of the gantry 2.

[0027] To further enhance the structural stability of the mast 2 in the tilting state, this embodiment incorporates a mast locking assembly 4 for secondary locking. This mast locking assembly 4 includes a driver platform retaining plate. Mounting seats matching the retaining plate are pre-fabricated at corresponding positions on both the vehicle body 1 and the mast 2. Mounting holes adapted to the mounting seats are provided at both ends of the driver platform retaining plate. After the mast 2 is fixed by the mast tilting drive assembly 3, the two ends of the driver platform retaining plate are respectively attached to the mounting seats on the vehicle body 1 and the mast 2. Bolts are then passed through the mounting holes and tightened, achieving a detachable locking and fixing of the mast 2 to the vehicle body 1. This structure effectively distributes the load-bearing pressure on the mast 2, preventing structural failure caused by excessive stress on a single drive assembly.

[0028] Considering the need for forklift movement in confined spaces after the mast 2 tilts, this embodiment adds a control mode switching component to enable flexible switching between manual and remote control. This component includes a manual / automatic switch 6 and a remote control connector 5. The manual / automatic switch 6 is installed in the driver's platform operating area of ​​the vehicle body 1 for intuitive operation by the operator. Its core function is to control the vehicle between manual control mode (operator in the cab) and remote control mode (remote control via handheld device). The remote control connector 5 is fixed in a preset position on the vehicle body 1. One end is electrically connected to the manual / automatic switch 6 via a wire, and the other end is an adapter interface for connecting a handheld remote control handle installed inside the vehicle body 1. When remote control is required, the operator switches to remote control mode via the manual / automatic switch 6 and then connects the handheld remote control handle to the remote control connector 5 to remotely control the vehicle's movement, greatly improving operational flexibility in confined spaces.

[0029] The following details the operation procedure for tipping the mast 2 of this forklift, based on actual usage scenarios: Before the forklift needs to transport goods, the operator first removes the bolts originally used to temporarily fix the mast 2 to the vehicle body 1 (i.e., the bolts attached). Figure 3 Remove the two positioning bolts (shown in the diagram) to release the initial fixed state of the gantry 2; then take out the air gun and put the sleeve head of the air gun onto the drive part (nut structure) of the gantry retainer screw 301. Start the air gun to drive the gantry retainer screw 301 to rotate. Under the action of thread transmission, the gantry retainer screw 301 drives the gantry retainer assembly 303 and the gantry 2 to slowly tilt around the hinge axis. During this process, the operator can judge whether the gantry 2 has reached the set angle that meets the transportation requirements by observing the angle of the gantry 2 or by referring to the angle mark on the vehicle body 1. Once the gantry 2 is in place, the threaded hole of the gantry retainer assembly 303 is exactly coaxial with the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft 302. The air gun is continuously driven to screw the end of the gantry retainer screw 301 into the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft 302, completing the initial positioning of the gantry 2. Finally, the driver platform retainer plate is taken out, and the mounting holes at both ends are aligned with the mounting seats on the vehicle body 1 and the gantry 2, respectively. Bolts are inserted and tightened to achieve secondary locking between the gantry 2 and the vehicle body 1. At this time, the overall vehicle height is reduced to meet the requirements of the transport vehicle and can be directly loaded into the container or transport vehicle.

[0030] Once the forklift has been transported to its destination, there is no need to disassemble and reassemble the mast 2. Simply reverse the process to restore it to its normal operating state: First, remove the bolts on the driver's platform retaining plate and remove the retaining plate; then, use an air gun to reverse the rotation of the mast retaining screw 301, causing it to unscrew from the threaded hole of the mast tilting support shaft 302; continue to rotate the screw in the opposite direction, causing the mast 2 to return to a vertical position around the hinge axis; finally, reinstall the initially disassembled positioning bolts to complete the fixation of the mast 2 in its operating state. If it is necessary to adjust the forklift position in a confined space after the mast 2 has been reset, the manual / automatic switch 6 can be used to switch to remote control mode. Connect the handheld remote control handle to the boom plug 5 to remotely control the vehicle to move to the working position.

[0031] This embodiment achieves relative rotation between the mast 2 and the vehicle body 1 through a hinged structure. Combined with a threaded tilting drive assembly and a double locking structure, it solves the height limitation problem of existing forklifts during transport and avoids many drawbacks associated with complete disassembly of the mast 2. The entire tilting and resetting process is simple to operate, requiring no professional technicians; the core actions can be completed using only an air gun, significantly shortening transport preparation and recovery time. The mast 2 remains connected to the vehicle body 1 at all times, effectively avoiding the risk of component collision damage and loss. Furthermore, the elimination of frequent disassembly and assembly ensures the connection precision between the mast 2 and the vehicle body 1, maintaining the forklift's operational stability and safety. In addition, the addition of a remote control mode further expands the forklift's application scenarios and enhances operational convenience and practicality.

[0032] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A tilting forklift, characterized in that, It includes a vehicle body, a mast, a mast tilting drive assembly, and a mast locking assembly. The vehicle body and the mast are hinged together by a hinge axis, allowing the mast to rotate relative to the vehicle body about the hinge axis. One end of the gantry tilting drive assembly is connected to the gantry, and the gantry tilting drive assembly is driven by a drive tool to move, thereby causing the gantry to rotate relative to the vehicle body around the hinge axis; the other end of the gantry tilting drive assembly is detachably connected to the vehicle body, and is fixed to the vehicle body after the gantry rotates to a set angle position. The gantry locking assembly is used to connect and lock the gantry and the vehicle body at both ends respectively after the gantry is tilted to a set angle.

2. The forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gantry tilting drive assembly includes a gantry retainer screw, a gantry tilting support shaft, and a gantry retainer assembly. The gantry tilting support shaft is fixed to the vehicle body and has a threaded hole that matches the external thread of the gantry retainer screw. The gantry retainer assembly is fixed to the gantry and has a threaded hole that matches the external thread of the gantry retainer screw.

3. The forklift according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gantry tilting support shaft is fixed to the vehicle body by welding or by bolts.

4. The forklift according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gantry retainer assembly is connected to the gantry via bearings. After the gantry is tilted to a set angle, the threaded hole of the gantry retainer assembly is coaxial with the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft.

5. The forklift according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the gantry retainer screw passes through the threaded hole of the gantry retainer assembly, and the other end is provided with a drive part adapted to the drive tool; the drive tool drives the gantry retainer screw to rotate, thereby causing the gantry to rotate about its hinge axis with the vehicle body.

6. The forklift according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the gantry reaches the set angle, the end of the gantry retainer screw away from the drive unit passes through the threaded hole of the gantry tilting support shaft and is threadedly connected to it.

7. The forklift according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driving tool is an air gun, the driving part is a nut structure, and the external dimensions of the nut structure are adapted to the sleeve head of the air gun.

8. The forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gantry locking assembly includes a driver platform retaining plate. Mounting seats are provided at corresponding positions on the vehicle body and the gantry. Mounting holes are provided at both ends of the driver platform retaining plate. The gantry is detachably installed by bolts passing through the mounting holes and mounting seats.

9. The forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control mode switching component, which includes a manual / automatic switching switch. The manual / automatic switching switch is installed in the operating area of ​​the vehicle's driving platform and is used to switch between the vehicle's manual control mode and remote control mode.

10. The forklift according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control mode switching component also includes an aviation connector, which is fixed to the vehicle body. One end of the aviation connector is electrically connected to the manual / automatic switching switch via a wire, and the other end is used to connect to a handheld remote control handle inside the vehicle body.

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