A clamp-type telescopic fork

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of clamping type telescopic fork, it is related to logistics equipment field, and its technical scheme main point is: including sequentially sliding connection's upper fork subassembly, first middle fork subassembly, second middle fork subassembly and lower fork subassembly, upper fork subassembly includes upper fork body, lower fork subassembly includes lower fork body, first middle fork subassembly includes first middle fork body, the front end of first middle fork body is provided with first idler, rear end is provided with second idler, second middle fork subassembly includes second middle fork body, the front end of second middle fork body is provided with third idler, rear end is provided with fourth idler, still include drive assembly, drive assembly is suitable for driving second middle fork subassembly telescopic, and through first synchronous belt, second synchronous belt, third synchronous belt and fourth synchronous belt linkage first middle fork subassembly and upper fork subassembly synchronous telescopic.The utility model can meet stable transmission demand under smaller space occupancy rate, and can meet the demand of accessing to multiple deep position goods shelves feeding box in limited space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of logistics equipment technology, and more specifically, it relates to a clamping telescopic fork. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous expansion of the logistics industry, logistics management methods and technologies have been constantly improving. Shortening logistics time, saving logistics costs, improving logistics efficiency, and rationalizing logistics organization are common characteristics of logistics development in economically developed countries. Currently, modern logistics infrastructure exists. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) are an important component of modern logistics systems and are widely used in various industries. They have become one of the hallmarks of enterprise production and management informatization. Stacker cranes are the core equipment of the entire automated storage and retrieval system, moving boxes from one location to another through manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic operation. The box-picking and unloading units used in stacker cranes generally employ a telescopic fork structure. There are various structures for telescopic forks, among which the clamping telescopic fork is the most common.

[0003] The most common telescopic forks on the market are three-stage telescopic forks. For example, the key technical points of the Chinese utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN204324824U are: including: a three-stage fork, a two-stage fork, a one-stage fork, and a clamping positioning component; the two-stage fork engages with the one-stage fork; the three-stage fork is linked to the two-stage fork; the clamping positioning component is fixed to the one-stage fork; and the three-stage fork is fixed to the one-stage fork. This telescopic fork can achieve bidirectional movement in both left and right directions; with the clamping positioning component, it achieves secondary positioning in the middle after connecting to the storage port and retrieving the shelf meter.

[0004] However, with the above structure, the actual extendable length is only the sum of the lengths of the three-stage forks and the two-stage forks, resulting in a short fork extension stroke. For multi-deep racks, the fork length needs to be increased to meet the extension stroke requirements. However, simply lengthening the forks would increase the overall size of the equipment, leading to low space utilization.

[0005] Therefore, a new solution is needed to address the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a clamping telescopic fork with multi-level telescopic capability, compact structure, and low space occupancy.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a clamping telescopic fork, comprising an upper fork assembly, a first middle fork assembly, a second middle fork assembly, and a lower fork assembly slidably connected in sequence. The upper fork assembly includes an upper fork body, the lower fork assembly includes a lower fork body, the first middle fork assembly includes a first middle fork body, a first idler wheel is provided at the front end of the first middle fork body, and a second idler wheel is provided at the rear end, the first idler wheel and the second idler wheel being staggered vertically; the second middle fork assembly includes a second middle fork body, a third idler wheel is provided at the front end of the second middle fork body, and a fourth idler wheel is provided at the rear end, the third idler wheel and the fourth idler wheel being staggered vertically.

[0008] It also includes a first synchronous belt, a second synchronous belt, a third synchronous belt, and a fourth synchronous belt; one end of the first synchronous belt passes over the third idler pulley and is fixed to the rear end of the first middle fork body, and the other end is fixed to the rear end of the lower fork body; one end of the second synchronous belt passes over the fourth idler pulley and is fixed to the front end of the lower fork body, and the other end is fixed to the front end of the first middle fork body; one end of the third synchronous belt passes over the first idler pulley and is fixed to the rear end of the upper fork body, and the other end is fixed to the rear end of the second middle fork body; one end of the fourth synchronous belt passes over the second idler pulley and is fixed to the front end of the second middle fork body, and the other end is fixed to the front end of the upper fork body;

[0009] It also includes a drive component, which is adapted to drive the second middle fork component to extend and retract, and to coordinate the first middle fork component and the upper fork component to extend and retract synchronously.

[0010] Preferably, the upper fork assembly and the first middle fork assembly are slidably connected by two sets of first slide rail pairs, the first middle fork assembly and the second middle fork assembly are slidably connected by two sets of second slide rail pairs, and the second middle fork assembly and the lower fork assembly are slidably connected by two sets of third slide rail pairs.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a clamping assembly, which includes rotary drive members respectively disposed at both ends of the upper fork body, and each rotary drive member is provided with a shift finger at its output end.

[0012] Preferably, a cable chain is provided between the first middle fork body and the upper fork body, and a first cable is provided inside the cable chain. One end of the first cable is electrically connected to the rotary drive component. A second cable is embedded in the second synchronous belt. One end of the second cable extends along the second synchronous belt and is fixed at the front end of the first middle fork body, and is electrically connected to the other end of the first cable. The other end of the second cable extends along the second synchronous belt and is fixed at the front end of the lower fork body.

[0013] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a gear transmission structure disposed on the lower fork body, a rack fixed on the second middle fork body, and a reduction motor disposed on the lower fork body. The gear transmission structure includes an input gear, an output gear, and an intermediate gear set that is transmissionally connected between the input gear and the output gear. The output shaft of the reduction motor is connected to the input gear, and the output gear meshes with the rack.

[0014] Preferably, the intermediate gear set includes a first gear meshing with the input gear, a second gear meshing with the output gear, and a third gear meshing between the first gear and the second gear. The first gear and the second gear have the same tip circle diameter, which is smaller than the tip circle diameter of the input gear and the output gear.

[0015] Preferably, the tip circle diameters of the input gear, the output gear, and the third gear are equal, so that both the third gear and the input gear can mesh with the rack.

[0016] Preferably, the geared motor is detachably connected to the outside of the lower fork body, and the lower fork body is provided with a disassembly groove coaxial with the output shaft of the geared motor facing the input gear, the inner diameter of the disassembly groove being larger than the tip circle diameter of the input gear.

[0017] Preferably, a connecting frame is fixed on the geared motor, and the connecting frame is connected to the lower fork body located on the periphery of the disassembly groove by bolts.

[0018] Preferably, the upper fork assembly, the first middle fork assembly, the second middle fork assembly, the lower fork assembly, the drive assembly, and the clamping assembly are all arranged in pairs and are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the telescopic direction.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the clamping telescopic fork disclosed in this utility model are: by setting it to the first and second middle fork assemblies, and through the linkage transmission structure composed of the first, second, third, and fourth synchronous belts and the first, second, third, and fourth idler pulleys, the upper fork assembly, the first middle fork assembly, and the second middle fork assembly can be synchronously extended and retracted when the second middle fork assembly is driven at a single point. Compared with the traditional three-stage telescopic fork, the extension stroke is effectively increased. At the same time, the upper fork assembly, the first middle fork assembly, and the second middle fork assembly can achieve a smaller retracted size after retraction. Furthermore, by adopting the above-mentioned linkage transmission structure, the stable transmission requirements can be met with a small space occupancy rate, which can meet the needs of storing and retrieving multi-depth rack loading boxes in a limited space. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping telescopic fork according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping telescopic fork according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper fork assembly, the first middle fork assembly, the second middle fork assembly, the first slide groove, and the clamping assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drive component and the first slide rail according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cable chain and the second timing belt according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals and components in the accompanying drawings:

[0028] 1. Upper fork assembly; 1a. Upper fork body; 2. First middle fork assembly; 21. First middle fork body; 3. Lower fork assembly; 31. Lower fork body; 4. Drive assembly; 41. Gear motor; 42. Input gear; 43. Output gear; 44. First gear; 45. Second gear; 46. Third gear; 47. Bolt; 48. Rack; 49. Connecting frame; 5. Clamping assembly; 51. Rotary drive component; 52. Shift finger; 6. Base frame; 7. First slide rail pair; 71. First slide rail; 72. First slide groove; 8. Second slide rail pair; 9. Third slide rail pair; 10. First idler pulley; 11. Second idler pulley; 12. Third idler pulley; 13. Fourth idler pulley; 14. First timing belt; 15. Second timing belt; 16. Third timing belt; 17. Fourth timing belt; 18. Second middle fork assembly; 181. Second middle fork body; 19. Cable chain. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described through specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0030] Please see also Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a clamping telescopic fork, including an upper fork assembly 1, a first middle fork assembly 2, a second middle fork assembly 18, and a lower fork assembly 3, which are slidably connected in sequence. The upper fork assembly 1 includes an upper fork body 1a, and the lower fork assembly 3 includes a lower fork body 31. The lower fork assembly 3 is mounted on a base frame 6. The first middle fork assembly 2 includes a first middle fork body 21, with a first idler wheel 10 rotatably connected to its front end and a second idler wheel 11 rotatably connected to its rear end. The first idler wheel 10 and the second idler wheel 11 are vertically offset. The second middle fork assembly 18 includes a second middle fork body 181, with a third idler wheel 12 rotatably connected to its front end and a fourth idler wheel 13 rotatably connected to its rear end. The third idler wheel 12 and the fourth idler wheel 13 are vertically offset. The upper fork body 1a, the first middle fork body 21, the second middle fork body 181, and the lower fork body 31 are all side-mounted plate-shaped components.

[0031] It also includes a first synchronous belt 14, a second synchronous belt 15, a third synchronous belt 16, and a fourth synchronous belt 17; one end of the first synchronous belt 14 passes over the third idler pulley 12 and is fixed to the rear end of the first middle fork body 21, and the other end is fixed to the rear end of the lower fork body 31; one end of the second synchronous belt 15 passes over the fourth idler pulley 13 and is fixed to the front end of the lower fork body 31, and the other end is fixed to the front end of the first middle fork body 21; one end of the third synchronous belt 16 passes over the first idler pulley 10 and is fixed to the rear end of the upper fork body 1a, and the other end is fixed to the rear end of the second middle fork body 181; one end of the fourth synchronous belt 17 passes over the second idler pulley 11 and is fixed to the front end of the second middle fork body 181, and the other end is fixed to the front end of the upper fork body 1a; it also includes a drive assembly 4, which is adapted to drive the second middle fork assembly 18 to extend and retract, and to coordinate the first middle fork assembly 2 and the upper fork assembly 1 to extend and retract synchronously.

[0032] It also includes a clamping assembly 5, which includes rotary drive components 51 respectively disposed at both ends of the upper fork body 1a. The rotary drive components 51 can be rotary cylinders, motors, etc., and each rotary drive component 51 is provided with a shift finger 52 on its output end. The upper fork assembly 1, the first middle fork assembly 2, the second middle fork assembly 18, the lower fork assembly 3, the drive assembly 4, and the clamping assembly 5 are all arranged in pairs and symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the telescopic direction, so that the material box can be clamped between the two symmetrical upper fork assemblies 1. Compared with the traditional method of driving two sets of telescopic forks by a single drive assembly 4 and a transmission shaft, this application has a more compact and small structure by setting two symmetrical drive assemblies 4.

[0033] When storing goods: Install the bottom frame 6 on the stacker crane and move it to the front of the target storage bin location. A platform is provided below the storage bin location and the clamping telescopic fork for the bin to allow the bin to slide. Start the drive assembly 4 to drive the second middle fork assembly 18 to extend forward. Under the force of the third idler wheel 12, the first synchronous belt 14 moves forward near the end of the first middle fork body 21, thereby driving the first middle fork assembly 2 to move forward.

[0034] When the first middle fork assembly 2 moves forward, under the force of the first idler pulley 10, the end of the third synchronous belt 16 near the upper fork body 1a moves forward, thereby driving the upper fork assembly 1 to move forward.

[0035] During the above process, when the upper fork assembly 1 moves forward to the material box, the upper fork assembly 1 will briefly stop moving forward. The rotation drive 51 of the clamping assembly 5 drives the shift finger 52 to rotate, so that the material box is clamped in the area enclosed by the two upper fork assemblies 1 and the four shift fingers 52. Then the upper fork assembly 1 continues to push the material box stably and accurately into the storage box position. After pushing it into place, the shift finger 52 resets, and the upper fork assembly 1, the first middle fork assembly 2 and the second middle fork assembly 18 retract.

[0036] When picking up goods: the above-mentioned upper fork assembly 1 extends into the target storage bin location, the clamping assembly 5 clamps the bin in the same way as above, the drive assembly 4 drives the second middle fork assembly 18 to move backward, and under the force of the fourth idler wheel 13, the second synchronous belt 15 moves backward near the end of the first middle fork body 21, thereby driving the first middle fork assembly 2 to move backward.

[0037] When the first middle fork assembly 2 moves backward, under the force of the second idler wheel 11, the end of the fourth synchronous belt 17 near the upper fork body 1a moves backward, thereby driving the upper fork assembly 1 to move backward, so as to remove the material box from the target storage box location.

[0038] In the above method, by setting the first middle fork assembly 2 and the second middle fork assembly 18, and through the linkage transmission structure composed of the first synchronous belt 14, the second synchronous belt 15, the third synchronous belt 16 and the fourth synchronous belt 17, and the first idler pulley 10, the second idler pulley 11, the third idler pulley 12 and the fourth idler pulley 13, when the second middle fork assembly 18 is driven at a single point, the upper fork assembly 1, the first middle fork assembly 2 and the second middle fork assembly 18 can be synchronously extended and retracted. Compared with the traditional three-stage telescopic fork, the extension stroke is effectively increased. At the same time, the upper fork assembly 1, the first middle fork assembly 2 and the second middle fork assembly 18 can achieve a smaller retraction size after retraction. Furthermore, by adopting the above linkage transmission structure, the stable transmission requirements can be met with a small space occupancy rate, which can meet the needs of storing and retrieving the loading bins of multi-depth racks in a limited space.

[0039] The upper fork assembly 1 and the first middle fork assembly 2 are slidably connected by two sets of first slide rail pairs 7. The two sets of first slide rail pairs 7 are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the upper fork body 1a. Each first slide rail pair 7 includes a first slide rail 71 fixed on the upper fork body 1a and a first slide groove 72 disposed on the middle fork body of the first middle fork assembly 2. The first slide groove 72 is slidably adapted to the first slide rail 71. The first slide groove 72 can be a dovetail groove or a C-groove, so that the first slide rail 71 can be stably confined within the first slide groove 72. The first middle fork assembly 2 and the second middle fork assembly 18 are slidably connected by two sets of second slide rail pairs 8. The second middle fork assembly 18 and the lower fork assembly 3 are slidably connected by two sets of third slide rail pairs 9. The second slide rail pairs 8 and the third slide rail pairs 9 adopt the same structure and the same arrangement as the first slide rail pairs 7. In this method, two sets of first slide rail pairs 7, two sets of second slide rail pairs 8, and two sets of third slide rail pairs 9 are respectively set up symmetrically distributed along the central axis to form an upper and lower double-layer guide rail structure, which enhances the structural strength and stability of the connection between the upper fork body 1a, the first middle fork body 21, the second middle fork body 181, and the lower fork body 31, and effectively improves the overall bending torque resistance of the clamping telescopic fork.

[0040] See Figure 6 As shown, a cable chain 19 is provided between the first middle fork body 21 and the upper fork body 1a. A first cable is provided inside the cable chain 19. One end of the first cable is electrically connected to the rotary drive component 51. A second cable is embedded in the second synchronous belt 15. One end of the second cable extends from the fixed position at the front end of the second synchronous belt 15 and the first middle fork body 21 and is electrically connected to the other end of the first cable. The other end of the second cable extends from the fixed position at the front end of the second synchronous belt 15 and the lower fork body 31 and is connected to the control terminal interface of the stacker crane. By embedding the second cable in the second synchronous belt 15, the length of the external cable and its accessory cable chain 19 can be greatly reduced, avoiding the redundant space occupation caused by the accessory cable chain 19 extending and retracting with the telescopic fork in the traditional external cable layout.

[0041] The drive assembly 4 includes a gear transmission structure mounted on the lower fork body 31, a rack 48 fixed on the second middle fork body 181 of the second middle fork assembly 18 (the length of the rack 48 is adapted to the length of the second middle fork body 181), and a reduction motor 41 mounted on the lower fork body 31. To precisely control the extension and retraction position of the telescopic fork, the reduction motor 41 can specifically be a servo reduction motor 41. The gear transmission structure includes an input gear 42, an output gear 43, and an intermediate gear set connecting the input gear 42 and the output gear 43. The output shaft of the reduction motor 41 is connected to the input gear 42, and the output gear 43 meshes with the rack 48. The intermediate gear set includes a first gear 44 meshing with the input gear 42, a second gear 45 meshing with the output gear 43, and a third gear 46 meshing between the first gear 44 and the second gear 45. The tip circle diameters of the first gear 44 and the second gear 45 are the same and smaller than the tip circle diameters of the input gear 42 and the output gear 43, so that the rack 48 will not mesh with them and will not jam due to different directions. The input gear 42, output gear 43 and third gear 46 have the same tip circle diameter, so that the third gear 46 and input gear 42 can both mesh with rack 48. Thus, when the second middle fork body 181 is not fully extended, the input gear 42, output gear 43 and third gear 46 can all apply a supporting force to rack 48, resulting in good stability during extension and retraction.

[0042] The geared motor 41 is detachably connected to the outside of the lower fork body 31. The lower fork body 31 has a disassembly groove coaxial with the output shaft of the geared motor 41, facing the input gear 42. The inner diameter of the disassembly groove is larger than the tip circle diameter of the input gear 42. A connecting frame 49 is fixed on the geared motor 41. The connecting frame 49 is connected to the lower fork body 31 located on the periphery of the disassembly groove by bolts 47. With this setting, when disassembling the geared motor 41, the connecting frame 49 can be removed, and the geared motor 41 and the input gear 42 can be removed directly together. There is no need to disassemble other parts separately from the other side before disassembling the input gear 42. It has the advantages of convenient and quick disassembly and high work efficiency.

[0043] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A clamping telescopic fork, comprising an upper fork assembly, a first middle fork assembly, a second middle fork assembly, and a lower fork assembly slidably connected in sequence, wherein the upper fork assembly includes an upper fork body, and the lower fork assembly includes a lower fork body, characterized in that: The first fork assembly includes a first fork body, with a first idler wheel at the front end and a second idler wheel at the rear end, the first and second idler wheels being staggered vertically; the second fork assembly includes a second fork body, with a third idler wheel at the front end and a fourth idler wheel at the rear end, the third and fourth idler wheels being staggered vertically. It also includes a first synchronous belt, a second synchronous belt, a third synchronous belt, and a fourth synchronous belt; one end of the first synchronous belt passes over the third idler pulley and is fixed to the rear end of the first middle fork body, and the other end is fixed to the rear end of the lower fork body; one end of the second synchronous belt passes over the fourth idler pulley and is fixed to the front end of the lower fork body, and the other end is fixed to the front end of the first middle fork body; one end of the third synchronous belt passes over the first idler pulley and is fixed to the rear end of the upper fork body, and the other end is fixed to the rear end of the second middle fork body; one end of the fourth synchronous belt passes over the second idler pulley and is fixed to the front end of the second middle fork body, and the other end is fixed to the front end of the upper fork body; It also includes a drive component, which is adapted to drive the second middle fork component to extend and retract, and to coordinate the first middle fork component and the upper fork component to extend and retract synchronously.

2. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper fork assembly is slidably connected to the first middle fork assembly via two sets of first slide rail pairs, the first middle fork assembly is slidably connected to the second middle fork assembly via two sets of second slide rail pairs, and the second middle fork assembly is slidably connected to the lower fork assembly via two sets of third slide rail pairs.

3. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a clamping assembly, which includes rotary drive members respectively disposed at both ends of the upper fork body, and each rotary drive member is provided with a shift finger at its output end.

4. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 3, characterized in that: A cable chain is provided between the first middle fork body and the upper fork body. A first cable is provided inside the cable chain. One end of the first cable is electrically connected to the rotary drive component. A second cable is embedded in the second synchronous belt. One end of the second cable extends along the second synchronous belt and is fixed at the front end of the first middle fork body, and is electrically connected to the other end of the first cable. The other end of the second cable extends along the second synchronous belt and is fixed at the front end of the lower fork body.

5. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a gear transmission structure mounted on the lower fork body, a rack fixed on the second middle fork body, and a reduction motor mounted on the lower fork body. The gear transmission structure includes an input gear, an output gear, and an intermediate gear set that is connected between the input gear and the output gear. The output shaft of the reduction motor is connected to the input gear, and the output gear meshes with the rack.

6. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 5, characterized in that: The intermediate gear set includes a first gear meshing with the input gear, a second gear meshing with the output gear, and a third gear meshing between the first gear and the second gear. The first gear and the second gear have the same tip circle diameter, which is smaller than the tip circle diameter of the input gear and the output gear.

7. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 6, characterized in that: The input gear, the output gear, and the third gear have the same tip circle diameter, so that both the third gear and the input gear can mesh with the rack.

8. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 5, characterized in that: The geared motor is detachably connected to the outside of the lower fork body. The lower fork body is provided with a disassembly groove coaxial with the output shaft of the geared motor facing the input gear. The inner diameter of the disassembly groove is larger than the tip circle diameter of the input gear.

9. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 8, characterized in that: A connecting frame is fixed on the geared motor, and the connecting frame is connected to the lower fork body located on the periphery of the disassembly slot by bolts.

10. The clamping telescopic fork according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper fork assembly, the first middle fork assembly, the second middle fork assembly, the lower fork assembly, the drive assembly, and the clamping assembly are all arranged in pairs and are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the telescopic direction.

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