Additional tool for attaching to the fork of an industrial truck

Abstract

Additional tool (JM) for attachment to the fork (G) of an industrial truck for mounting pre-installed assembly modules (MM), comprising: a) a base body (GK) with mounting devices for detachable attachment to the forks of the industrial truck (FFZ), b) a substructure (UB) arranged on the base body (GK); c) a head section (KT) rotatably mounted on the base (UB) to accommodate the assembly modules, d) a rotating device for rotating the head part (KT) relative to the base (UB) about a vertical axis (VA), e) the head part (KT) is equipped with fastening means for the releasable fixing of the assembly modules (MM); and f) whereby the combination of a rotating head section (KT) and a specially designed base (UB) enables flexible positioning of the assembly modules (MM) in a confined assembly environment.

Description

[0001] In the automotive industry, especially during the construction and expansion of car factories, the efficient assembly of steel construction components plays a central role for many downstream trades such as electric monorail systems, conveyor systems, and conveyor superstructures. The implementation of such projects often takes place under tight time constraints, especially during short production interruptions. This places high demands on the flexibility and speed of the assembly processes.

[0002] To reduce time pressure, the pre-assembly of steel construction modules outside of the actual conversion times has become established in practice. These pre-assembled modules must then be transported precisely and quickly to their destination in the factory and installed. This poses particular challenges due to the often limited space in existing production facilities and the need to assemble the modules in various positions and angles. A major advantage is that an elongated assembly module (MM) can be lifted and rotated so that its longitudinal axis aligns with the direction of travel of the industrial truck (FFZ).

[0003] Conventional industrial trucks such as forklifts reach their limits when it comes to these tasks. Their limited maneuverability and the restricted operating radius of the forks make it difficult to precisely position bulky steel construction modules at height. Furthermore, standard forks often do not offer sufficient options for secure securing and flexible alignment of the load.

[0004] The development of specialized attachments for industrial trucks could help overcome these challenges and increase efficiency in the assembly of pre-assembled steel construction modules. Such attachments would need to be able to combine the advantages of forklift mobility and lifting power with enhanced capabilities for precise positioning and safe load handling.

[0005] An improved solution in this area could not only shorten installation times but also increase worker safety and improve installation quality. This would be particularly beneficial in environments where renovation work must be carried out under tight time constraints and in confined spaces.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an additional tool is provided for attachment to the forks of an industrial truck for assembling pre-installed assembly modules. The additional tool comprises a base body with receiving devices for releasably fastening it to the forks of the industrial truck, a substructure arranged on the base body, a head section rotatably mounted on the substructure for receiving the assembly modules, and a rotating device for rotating the head section relative to the substructure about a vertical axis. The head section is equipped with fastening means for releasably securing the assembly modules. The combination of the rotatable head section and the specially designed substructure enables flexible positioning of the assembly modules in confined assembly spaces.

[0007] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the additional tool may have one or more of the following features. The base may be configured to allow rotation of the head section with the mounting module attached thereto such that the mounting module is rotatable above a vehicle height of the industrial truck.

[0008] The base body is designed such that the fork, with its pair of forks, can be moved into a fork receptacle. The fork receptacle can have a first fork receptacle and a second fork receptacle, wherein the fork receptacles can have securing means that can be releasably connected to the fork to prevent the fork from slipping out of the fork receptacles. The assembly modules can be designed for electric monorail systems in the automotive industry.

[0009] Further advantages and thoughts on the invention are as follows: The additional tool enables efficient and flexible assembly of steel components in industrial environments, particularly in the automotive industry.

[0010] The attachment is designed for use with various types of material handling equipment, including telehandlers and standard forklifts. This versatility makes the tool particularly suitable for use in a variety of project environments.

[0011] A key advantage of the additional tool is that it enables the pre-assembly of steel construction components. This pre-assembly can be performed before production interruptions and major changeover times, resulting in significant time savings during the actual assembly work.

[0012] The additional tool is characterized by its adaptability to various project environments. It is suitable for both brownfield projects, where existing facilities are being converted or expanded, and greenfield projects, where new facilities are being built.

[0013] A particular challenge in industrial assembly environments is limited space. This additional tool was specifically designed for use in confined assembly spaces. It takes into account the fact that technical building equipment is often installed before or in parallel with steel construction. This feature enables the seamless integration of the assembly process into complex construction workflows.

[0014] Thanks to its special design and functionality, the additional tool helps increase the efficiency and flexibility of assembly processes in industrial environments. It thus addresses the growing demands for fast and precise assembly work in modern industrial production. Shown: Fig. 1 a three-dimensional view of the additional tool and Fig. 2 how an industrial truck picks up the additional tool.

[0015] The base body GK of the additional tool JM represents the basis for the connection to the industrial truck FFZ. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the base body GK has a special design that enables secure and stable attachment to the forks G1, G2 of the industrial truck FFZ.

[0016] The GK base body features mounting devices that ensure detachable attachment to the forks of the industrial truck (FFZ). These mounting devices, namely a first fork mount GA1 and a second fork mount GA2, are designed to enable quick and easy installation and removal of the JM additional tool without compromising the functionality of the industrial truck (FFZ).

[0017] Both the first and second fork mounts GA1, GA2 are equipped with locking devices. These locking devices serve to create a detachable connection with the fork G. This design prevents the fork G from accidentally slipping out of the fork mounts GA1, GA2, thus increasing the operational reliability of the additional tool JM.

[0018] The design of the GK base body takes into account the need for a robust yet flexible connection between the JM additional tool and the industrial truck. The special design of the GA1 and GA2 fork mounts and the securing devices ensures reliable power transmission from the industrial truck to the JM additional tool.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base body GK may include additional reinforcement elements to further increase stability and load-bearing capacity. These reinforcement elements may vary depending on the specific requirements of the application.

[0020] The material selection for the base body takes into account the high mechanical loads to which the JM additional tool is exposed. In some cases, high-strength steel alloys are used, offering an optimal combination of strength and weight.

[0021] The surface of the GK base body can be coated with a special coating to ensure corrosion protection and improved wear resistance. This coating contributes to the longevity of the JM additional tool and reduces maintenance requirements.

[0022] The substructure UB of the additional tool represents an important component that is arranged on the base body GK.

[0023] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the substructure UB forms a connection between the base body GK and the rotating head section KT. The construction of the substructure UB is designed to ensure high stability while maintaining flexibility. The substructure UB may be made of high-strength materials to withstand the mechanical stresses encountered during operation.

[0024] A special feature of the UB substructure is that it allows rotation of the KT head section with the MM assembly module attached to it. This rotation can occur beyond the FZH of the industrial truck. This provides increased flexibility in positioning and assembling the MM assembly modules.

[0025] The substructure UB may incorporate various bracing and support elements that contribute to the stability of the overall structure. These elements can be arranged to ensure optimal force transmission between the base body GK and the head section KT.

[0026] In some cases, the UB substructure may be equipped with leveling mechanisms that can compensate for minor unevenness or inclinations in the subfloor. This contributes to the precision positioning of the MM mounting modules.

[0027] The connection between the substructure UB and the base body GK may be designed to allow for easy assembly and disassembly. This can be achieved using screw connections, plug-in connections, or other detachable fastening methods.

[0028] The UB substructure may also feature fixtures for accommodating additional equipment such as hydraulic lines or electrical cables. These fixtures can help expand the functionality of the JM auxiliary tool and enable integration into complex assembly systems.

[0029] Due to its special elongated design, the substructure UB contributes significantly to the flexibility and versatility of the additional tool JM. Due to its height, it not only enables the rotational movement of the assembly module MM beyond the vehicle height FZH, but also forms a stable base for the precise handling of heavy assembly modules MM at different heights and positions.

[0030] An essential function of the KT head section is to accommodate the MM assembly modules. For this purpose, the KT head section may be equipped with special mounting devices that enable secure and stable fixation of the MM assembly modules.

[0031] The KT head section features fasteners for releasably securing the MM assembly modules. These fasteners can take various forms, such as quick-release fasteners, bolt connections, or hydraulic clamps. The choice of specific fasteners may depend on the requirements of the respective assembly modules and the operating conditions.

[0032] The rotatability of the KT head section, combined with the mounting hardware, contributes significantly to the flexible positioning of the MM mounting modules. This flexibility allows the MM mounting modules to be precisely positioned in the desired position, even in confined assembly spaces.

[0033] In some cases, the KT head may be equipped with additional compensation mechanisms that can compensate for minor positioning inaccuracies. These mechanisms may help minimize stresses and deformations during the assembly process.

[0034] The connection between the head section KT and the substructure UB may be designed to enable low-friction rotation. Special bearings or sliding surfaces may be used to enable precise and controlled rotation of the head section KT.

[0035] The KT head section may also be equipped with sensors or measuring devices that enable precise position control of the assembly modules. These devices may help optimize the assembly process and minimize potential errors.

[0036] The rotating device may consist of various mechanical elements that enable precise and controlled rotational movement. In some cases, the rotating device may include a ball bearing or a plain bearing, ensuring low-friction rotation.

[0037] The mechanism of the rotating device may be designed to allow 360-degree rotation of the head. This contributes significantly to the flexibility of the additional tool, as it allows optimal positioning of the assembly modules in various orientations.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rotating device may be equipped with a drive system. This drive system may be electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically operated and may enable precise control of the rotational movement.

[0039] The rotating device may also be equipped with safety mechanisms to prevent unintentional rotation of the headrest. These safety mechanisms may include brakes or locks that can be activated when rotation is not required.

[0040] The importance of the rotating device for the functionality of the additional tool lies in the increased flexibility it provides when assembling modules. The ability to rotate the head section allows assembly modules to be precisely positioned even in hard-to-reach areas. This is particularly advantageous in confined assembly environments, such as those often found in industrial plants. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

[0041] The additional tool may be used in various applications in the automotive industry, especially in the assembly of electric monorail systems. As in Fig.2, the additional tool may be used in complex industrial environments to facilitate the installation of various steel structural components.

[0042] In some cases, the additional tool may be used for the assembly of ladder steel structures. These structures may serve as access to higher areas of the production facility. The rotating head of the additional tool may enable the prefabricated ladder steel modules to be precisely positioned, even when access is restricted by previously installed equipment.

[0043] The additional tool may also be used for the installation of walkways. These walkways may be required for maintenance and inspection work on the electric monorail system. The flexibility of the additional tool may allow the walkway modules to be positioned at different heights and orientations to ensure optimal integration into the existing system structure.

[0044] In other cases, the additional tool may be used for the assembly of control cabinet platforms. These platforms may serve as a location for control units and electrical components of the overhead conveyor. The ability to rotate the head of the additional tool may allow the control cabinet platforms to be precisely aligned and securely fastened.

[0045] The attachment may be particularly useful in situations where the building services are already installed or are being installed parallel to the steel structure. In such cases, the attachment's ability to rotate assembly modules above the truck's height may be crucial to avoid collisions with existing structures.

Claims

[1] Additional tool (JM) for attachment to the fork (G) of an industrial truck for mounting pre-installed assembly modules (MM), comprising: a) a base body (GK) with mounting devices for detachable attachment to the forks of the industrial truck (FFZ), b) a substructure (UB) arranged on the base body (GK); c) a head section (KT) rotatably mounted on the base (UB) to accommodate the assembly modules, d) a rotating device for rotating the head part (KT) relative to the base (UB) about a vertical axis (VA), e) the head part (KT) is equipped with fastening means for the releasable fixing of the assembly modules (MM); and f) whereby the combination of a rotating head section (KT) and a specially designed base (UB) enables flexible positioning of the assembly modules (MM) in a confined assembly environment. [2] Additional tool (JM) according to claim 1, wherein the substructure (UB) is designed such that it allows rotation of the head part (KT) with the mounting module (MM) attached thereto such that the mounting module (MM) is rotatable above a vehicle height (FZH) of the industrial truck (FFZ). [3] Additional tool (JM) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base body (GK) is designed such that the fork (G) with its fork pair (G1, G2) can be moved into a fork receptacle (GA1, GA2). [4] Additional tool (JM) according to claim 3, wherein the fork receptacle (GA1, GA2) has a first fork receptacle (GA1) and a second fork receptacle (GA2), wherein the fork receptacles (GA1, GA2) have securing means which are releasably connectable to the fork (G) in order to prevent the fork (G) from slipping out of the fork receptacles (GA1, GA2). [5] Additional tool (JM) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the assembly modules (MM) are designed for electric overhead conveyor systems in the automotive industry.

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