Load fork of a forklift truck

Abstract

Load fork (1) of a forklift truck, wherein a module (2) is arranged on or in the load fork (1) which is designed to carry out a measure, wherein the module (2) is held on or in the load fork (1) by means of a holding device (3), characterized in that the holding device (3) comprises: - at least two fastening tabs (4, 5, 6, 7) arranged on the module (2), - at least two retaining strips (8, 9) with a longitudinal direction (L) which are attached to or in the load fork (1), wherein the retaining strips (8, 9) are designed such that, in the state attached to the load fork (1), they form a number of receiving spaces (10, 11, 12, 13) for the fastening lugs (4, 5, 6, 7) and a number of passage openings (14, 15, 16, 17) for the fastening lugs (4, 5, 6, 7), and - Locking means (18, 19) with which the module (2) is fixed in the longitudinal direction (L) in the state in which the fastening tabs (4, 5, 6, 7) are inserted into the receiving spaces (10, 11, 12, 13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a load fork of a forklift truck, wherein a module is arranged on or in the load fork which is designed to carry out a measure, wherein the module is held on or in the load fork by means of a holding device.

[0002] Load forks in which modules of this type are integrated are known in the prior art. EP 3 034 452 B1 describes such a load fork in which a module is integrated, which – as in the present invention – can be, for example, a headlight, a camera, an optical code scanner, a flashing light, a signal light, a projection light, a sensor, or an environmental scanner.

[0003] Similar or further solutions are shown in DE 10 2018 110 915 A1, DE 10 2016 102 652 A1 and CN 107289904 A.

[0004] It is advantageous or even necessary to equip the module containing the relevant component for performing the function (for example, the sensor or camera) with a suitable power supply and / or signal transmission unit. Often, and particularly with hollow load forks, routing a cable connection to a battery or display unit in the driver's cab within the load fork can be problematic, as the sheet metal wall thickness of the load fork is too thin to mill a cable channel.

[0005] The embodiments described in US patent 2020 / 0207597 A1 relate to a robotic system for transporting a container. The robotic system comprises a lifting mechanism and a container storage device connected to the lifting mechanism. The container storage device comprises at least one mounting device, which further comprises an elongated mounting element. The elongated mounting element comprises a surface with at least one slot and a locking mechanism within the at least one slot. The at least one slot and the locking mechanism are configured to slidably receive and positively lock at least one locking element of the container.

[0006] The load transport mechanism described in German patent application DE 30 17 164 C2 is designed for a forklift truck that operates a racking system, particularly on two or three sides. It extends laterally on a rail that moves up and down a mast. The mechanism is mounted on the guide rail in such a way that it can slide horizontally in all directions. It can be suspended from the guide rail so that, under the action of a drive mechanism within the guide rail, it can move in a coordinated manner in a horizontal plane, forming a unit that enables precise positioning independent of the truck's own drive system. It can be equipped with a sensor that works in conjunction with guide units at the storage location.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of further developing a load fork of a forklift truck of the type mentioned above in such a way that it is possible to easily attach and remove the module from the load fork. In particular, the attachment and replacement of the module should be possible without the use of tools.

[0008] The solution to this problem by the invention is characterized in that the holding device comprises: - at least two mounting tabs arranged on the module, - two retaining strips with a longitudinal axis, which are attached to or in the load fork, wherein the retaining strips are designed such that, when attached to the load fork, they form a number of receiving spaces for the fastening lugs as well as a number of passage openings for the fastening lugs, and - Locking means by which the module is fixed in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the state in which the mounting tabs are inserted into the receiving spaces.

[0009] The load fork is preferably designed as a downwardly open hollow component when used as intended, with the module being arranged in the cavity of the load fork.

[0010] The longitudinal axis of the retaining strips and the longitudinal axis of the load fork preferably run parallel to each other.

[0011] The locking means preferably comprise a hook pivotably mounted on the module, wherein the hook can interact with a fastening bolt arranged on one of the retaining strips. The hook is preferably spring-loaded on the module. The spring preload is preferably achieved by a coil spring.

[0012] The retaining strips can be attached to the load fork using a screw connection.

[0013] The module preferably includes a power supply.

[0014] The load fork may also include a fork extension and / or a manual or hydraulic telescopic fork tine, in which the module is arranged.

[0015] The module preferably includes a sensor and / or a camera. However, other elements are also possible.

[0016] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the holding device comprises: - a receiving container which is attached to or in the load fork and which is designed to receive the module, wherein the receiving container has an open side through which the module can be inserted into the receiving container in the direction of a longitudinal axis, - Locking means by which the module can be fixed in the receiving container in the direction of the longitudinal axis when it is inserted into the receiving container.

[0017] Here too, it is preferred that the load fork, when used as intended, is designed as a downwardly open hollow component, with the module arranged in the cavity of the load fork.

[0018] The locking means preferably comprise a locking pin arranged on the module (or on the receiving container) and designed to engage in a recess formed in the receiving container (or in the module). The locking pin is preferably spring-loaded, in particular by a helical spring.

[0019] In this case too, it is preferably provided that the module includes a power supply, and in particular the module further includes a laser and / or a sensor and / or a camera.

[0020] The proposed concept is preferably one that is used as a retrofittable element and installed in the load fork of a forklift truck. The load fork is preferably constructed of hollow material, thus providing a cavity for housing the module. In contrast to solid load forks, into which components for driver assistance systems can be directly integrated into corresponding milled recesses (such as cameras, target lasers, and sensors), these components are preferably integrated into a cavity created by hollow load forks. This advantageously provides sufficient installation space for the module.

[0021] The industrial trucks in which the invention is preferably used are in particular pallet trucks and high-lift pallet trucks.

[0022] The proposed solution therefore consists of a module which preferably contains a driver assistance component, a power storage device (battery / accumulator) and a control board.

[0023] After attaching the retaining strips inside the load fork using appropriate fasteners, the module can be inserted with its mounting tabs into corresponding openings in the retaining strips and pushed against a stop. This ensures that the module's mounting tabs are positioned within the designated recesses of the retaining strips, preventing the module from falling out.

[0024] A spring-loaded locking mechanism on the module, which snaps into a mounting bolt attached to a retaining strip, prevents the connection from unintentionally coming loose. To remove the module, the locking mechanism is released, and the mount with the integrated module can then be removed.

[0025] Inserting or removing the module into the load fork, and specifically into its cavity, can be done easily and with one hand, without tools.

[0026] This results in the particularly advantageous circumstance that the module can be inserted into and removed from the load fork without tools. In particular, one-handed insertion and removal of the module is possible.

[0027] The proposed solution can be used universally on all industrial trucks, especially those with hollow forks.

[0028] Any electronic components, such as sensors and a camera, can be integrated into the module. The module described above, intended for carrying out a specific action, should therefore be understood in a broad sense.

[0029] It can also be used with fork extensions or with manual or hydraulic telescopic forks.

[0030] The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a module which is to be mounted in the load fork of a forklift truck in order to carry out a measure (for example in the form of recording distance values ​​or in the form of taking camera images), Fig. Figure 2 shows the module in perspective view according to Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 3 shows in perspective two retaining strips that are part of a holding device for the module, Fig. Figure 4 shows the view from below into the load fork of the industrial truck, in which the retaining strips are arranged according to Fig. 3 are mounted, Fig. 5a shows the cutaway side view of the load fork, into which the retaining strips are inserted according to Fig. 3 are mounted, Fig. 5b shows in the representation according to Fig. 5a the load fork with the module to be mounted in a first assembly stage, Fig. 5c shows in the representation according to Fig. 5a the load fork with the module to be mounted in a second assembly stage, Fig. 5d shows in the representation according to Fig. 5a the load fork with fully assembled module, Fig. 6 shows in the direction of view how they are in Fig. 4 shows a part of the holding device in the assembled state of the module according to Fig. 5d, Fig. 7a shows in the representation according to Fig. 6 the disassembly process of the module in a first stage, Fig. 7b shows in the representation according to Fig. 6 the disassembly process of the module in a second stage, Fig. Figure 7c shows the disassembly process of the module in a cutaway side view of the load fork. Fig. Figure 8 shows the underside of the load fork 1 with two separate retaining strips 8, 9 in a top view and in cross-section with module 2 suspended in place. Fig. Figure 9 shows the underside of the load fork 1 with a (number word) one-piece retaining strip 32 in a top view and in cross-section, Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a receiving space for the module, which is arranged in the load fork, showing the state of inserting the module into the receiving space, and Fig. Figure 11 shows in perspective what is now in the recording room according to Fig. 10 inserted modules, which are locked in the inserted position.

[0031] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is a module 2 represented (in Fig. 1 in exploded view and in Fig. 2 in the assembled state), which in the exemplary embodiment is located in the cavity of a load fork 1 (see. Fig. 4) is placed or is detachably attached there.

[0032] Module 2 comprises a power supply 22 in the form of a battery, a component 25 which can be a sensor, a laser, a camera or another element, and a module cover 24 under which a control board 23 is located. A charging port 29 and an LED status indicator 30 are also provided.

[0033] The module 2 in the cavity 20 of the load fork 1 (see below) must be located. Fig. 4) Detachable but securely fastened, so that both the assembly and disassembly of module 2 is possible in a simple manner.

[0034] For this purpose, a holding device 3 is provided (see below). Fig. 5), which include mounting tabs 4, 5, 6 and 7, arranged on module 2. The mounting tabs are bent-out sections of sheet metal from the housing, which are located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are designed in the manner shown.

[0035] The holding device 3 further comprises two holding strips 8 and 9, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the retaining strips 8 and 9 having a longitudinal direction L, whereby in the assembled state of the retaining strips 8, 9 in the cavity 20 of the load fork 1 the longitudinal direction L coincides with that of the load fork 1.

[0036] The two retaining strips 8 and 9 are each attached to the load fork 1 with two screws 26 and nuts 27, as can be seen from Fig. 4 as well as from Fig. 5 emerges.

[0037] When the retaining strips 8 and 9 are attached to the load fork 1, receiving spaces 10, 11, 12 and 13 are created, as can be seen, for example, from Fig. 5a. Similarly, passage openings 14, 15, 16 and 17 result, as can best be seen from Fig. 3 is evident.

[0038] The passage openings 14, 15, 16, 17 allow the module 2 with its mounting tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 to be pushed onto the retaining strips 8, 9, whereby by a displacement in longitudinal direction L the mounting tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 are moved into the receiving spaces 10, 11, 12, 13, so that the module 2 is fixed to the retaining strips 8, 9.

[0039] To prevent this position from being unintentionally abandoned, locking means 18, 19 are provided, consisting of a hook 18 arranged on module 2 (see also Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and a fastening bolt 19, which is arranged on one of the retaining strips 9 (see above for details). Fig. 3).

[0040] The assembly of module 2 in the load fork 1 is described in the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the disassembly of the module in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0041] In the Fig. Figures 5a to 5d show the cut side view of the load fork 1, showing different assembly stages for the module 2 in order to mount it in the cavity 20 of the load fork 1.

[0042] In Fig. In 5a, only the load fork 1 is initially visible, with the two retaining strips 8 and 9 screwed into the cavity 20. This can be seen in conjunction with... Fig. 3, that when the retaining strips 8 and 9 are screwed into place, respective receiving spaces 10, 11, 12, 13 are formed between the retaining strips 8, 9 and the inner underside of the load fork 1. Furthermore, passage openings 14, 15, 16, 17 are visible, which make it possible to slide the fastening tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 of the module 2 from below onto the retaining strips 8, 9, in order to then place the tabs into the receiving spaces.

[0043] This shows Fig. 5b, how the module 2 is inserted from below into the cavity 20 of the load fork 1 in the direction of the two arrows shown, i.e., in the y direction of the drawn coordinate system. It can be seen that the fastening tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 are aligned with the position of the through-openings 14, 15, 16, 17 in order to allow the module 2 to be pushed upwards until the fastening tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 touch the inner underside of the load fork 1.

[0044] Out of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5c, the inserted module 2 is now moved in the direction of the arrow, i.e., in the x direction of the drawn coordinate system, so that the fastening tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 come into the receiving spaces 10, 11, 12, 13. For this movement, the retaining strips 8, 9 form a stop 28, which in Fig. 5b is marked.

[0045] Once this has been done, the position of module 2 is reached, as shown in Fig. 5D representation.

[0046] To ensure that the position thus achieved is reliably maintained, the locking means 18, 19 already described are provided. The locked state is in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the hook 18, pre-tensioned by means of the coil spring 21, is inserted into the Fig. The position shown in 5d is engaged above the fastening bolt 19.

[0047] If module 2 needs to be removed again (for example, because the battery needs to be recharged), the procedure is the same as described in the Fig. 7a to 7c illustrate: Next, pressure is applied to hook 18, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 7a is indicated, whereby hook 18 goes into the Fig. The position sketched in 7b is pivoted so that the locking mechanism of the hook 18 behind the fastening bolt 19 is released. Now, as in Fig. As sketched in 7c, module 2 is moved in the x direction until the fastening tabs 4, 5, 6, 7 are in the area of ​​the through-openings 14, 15, 16, 17, thus enabling module 2 to be pulled off again in the y direction and removed from the load fork 1.

[0048] Regarding the description of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 refers to the character listing.

[0049] In the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. Here, an element 33 made of bent sheet metal is attached to the load fork 1, which forms a receiving container for the module 2. The module 2 can be inserted into the receiving container 33 in the direction of a longitudinal axis L' of the receiving container 33. The receiving container 33 has an open side 34 for this purpose, which allows the module 2 to enter the receiving container 33. [Figure 11 shows...] Fig. 10, how the module 2, which is still outside the receiving container 33, is positioned, which is then according to Fig. 11 is inserted into the receiving container 33.

[0050] When the module 2 is inserted into the receiving container 33 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L', it is locked in the inserted position (see. Fig. 11) For this purpose, locking means 35, 36 are provided, which in the exemplary embodiment are formed by a locking pin 35 that is spring-loaded (in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L') and which can enter a recess (bore) 36 in the receiving container 33 for the purpose of locking; this condition is in Fig. 11 shown. Reference symbol list: 1 forklift truck Module 2 3 Holding device 4 fastening tabs 5 Mounting tab 6 Mounting tab 7 Mounting tab 8 retaining strip 9 retaining strip 10 Recording room 11 Recording Room 12 Recording room 13 Recording Room 14 Passage opening 15 Passage opening 16 Passage opening 17 Passage opening 18, 19 Locking devices 18 hooks 19 fastening bolts 20 Cavity of the load fork 21 coil spring 22 Power supply (battery) 23 Control board 24 module covers 25 component (sensor, laser, camera) 26 screw 27 Mother 28 stops 29 charging ports 30 LED status lights 32 alternative retaining strips, preferably one-piece 33 collection containers 34 open side of the receiving container 35, 36 Locking devices 35 Locking pin 36 Exclusion L Longitudinal direction of the retaining strips L' Longitudinal axis of the receiving container

Claims

[1] Load fork (1) of a forklift truck, wherein a module (2) is arranged on or in the load fork (1) which is designed to carry out a measure, wherein the module (2) is held on or in the load fork (1) by means of a holding device (3), characterized by , that the holding device (3) comprises: - at least two fastening tabs (4, 5, 6, 7) arranged on the module (2), - at least two retaining strips (8, 9) with a longitudinal direction (L) which are attached to or in the load fork (1), wherein the retaining strips (8, 9) are designed such that, in the state attached to the load fork (1), they form a number of receiving spaces (10, 11, 12, 13) for the fastening lugs (4, 5, 6, 7) and a number of passage openings (14, 15, 16, 17) for the fastening lugs (4, 5, 6, 7), and - Locking means (18, 19) with which the module (2) is fixed in the longitudinal direction (L) in the state in which the fastening tabs (4, 5, 6, 7) are inserted into the receiving spaces (10, 11, 12, 13). [2] Load fork (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that when used as intended it is designed as a downwardly open hollow component, wherein the module (2) is arranged in the cavity (20) of the load fork (1). [3] Load fork (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the longitudinal direction (L) of the retaining strips (8, 9) and the longitudinal axis of the load fork (1) run parallel to each other. [4] Load fork (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the locking means (18, 19) comprise a hook (18) which is pivotably arranged on the module (2), wherein the hook (18) can interact with a fastening bolt (19) which is arranged on one of the retaining strips (8, 9). [5] Load fork (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the hook (18) is spring-loaded on the module (2). [6] Load fork (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the spring preload is realized by a coil spring (21). [7] Load fork (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the retaining strips (8, 9) are attached to the load fork (1) by means of a screw connection. [8] Load fork (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the module (2) includes a power supply (22). [9] Load fork (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the load fork (1) is designed as a fork extension and / or manual or hydraulic telescopic fork tine, in which or in which the module (2) is arranged. [10] Load fork (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the module (2) includes a laser and / or sensor and / or a camera. [11] Load fork (1) of a forklift truck, wherein a module (2) is arranged on or in the load fork (1) which is designed to carry out a measure, wherein the module (2) is held on or in the load fork (1) by means of a holding device (3), characterized by , that the holding device (3) comprises: - a receiving container (33) which is attached to or in the load fork (1) and which is designed to receive the module (2), wherein the receiving container (33) has an open side (34) through which the module (2) can be inserted into the receiving container (33) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L'), - Locking means (35, 36) with which the module (2) can be fixed in the receiving container (33) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L') when it is inserted into the receiving container (33). [12] Load fork (1) according to claim 11, characterized by, that when used as intended it is designed as a downwardly open hollow component, wherein the module (2) is arranged in the cavity (20) of the load fork (1). [13] Load fork (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that the locking means (35, 36) comprise a locking pin (35) which is arranged on the module (2) or on the receiving container (33) and which is designed to engage in a recess (36) which is formed in the receiving container (33) or in the module (2). [14] Load fork (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the locking pin (35) is spring-loaded, in particular by a coil spring (21). [15] Load fork (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by , that the module (2) comprises a power supply (22), wherein the module (2) further comprises in particular a laser and / or a sensor and / or a camera.

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