Forklift

Abstract

To provide a forklift capable of suppressing displacement of a reach mechanism while shortening the overall length in the front-rear direction.SOLUTION: A forklift has: a vehicle having a pair of straddle legs extending forward from the bottom of the vehicle body and spaced apart in the vehicle width direction; a cargo handling device having a mast provided between the pair of straddle legs and extending in the vertical direction, a lift bracket provided on the mast so as to be movable up and down, and a pair of forks extending forward from the lift bracket; a reach mechanism having a forward and backward drive unit that can be driven forward and backward on the straddle leg; and a connection unit that connects the mast and the forward and backward drive unit. The connection unit includes a protrusion part that is provided on one of the forward and backward drive unit and the mast and extends vertically toward the other, and a housing part that is provided on the other of the forward and backward drive unit and the mast and has a housing hole into which the protrusion part is inserted from above and below through a gap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a forklift.

Background Art

[0002] A forklift is provided with a reach mechanism that moves the forks in the front-rear direction. In the reach mechanism, for example, a cylinder is arranged behind the mast, and the cylinder is extended and contracted to move the mast and the forks integrally in the front-rear direction. In this case, in addition to the front-rear stroke of the forks, the reach mechanism has to secure a dead space equivalent to the cylinder at the rear, and the overall length of the vehicle body tends to be long.

[0003] In view of this problem, for example, in the forklift of Patent Document 1, the reach mechanism includes a drive mechanism that moves the mast back and forth in parallel via the force application points at the lower part and the middle part of the mast. The drive mechanism forms each force application point of the mast by a rack and a pinion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the forklift described in Patent Document 1, the rack and the pinion may be displaced due to the deflection and inclination of the mast caused by the load weight, and the correct alignment relationship between the rack and the pinion may be inhibited. That is, the reach mechanism may be displaced.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a forklift that can suppress displacement of the reach mechanism while shortening the overall length in the front-rear direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the forklift according to the present disclosure is a vehicle capable of traveling on a road surface, and includes a vehicle body, and a pair of straddle legs that extend forward from the lower part of the vehicle body and are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction. A vehicle, a mast provided between the pair of straddle legs and extending in the vertical direction, a lift bracket provided on the mast so as to be movable up and down, and a pair of forks extending forward from the lift bracket. A handling device, a reach mechanism having a forward and backward drive unit capable of driving forward and backward in the front-rear direction on the straddle leg, and a connecting portion connecting the mast and the forward and backward drive unit. The connecting portion is provided on one of the forward and backward drive unit and the mast, and has a protruding portion extending in the vertical direction toward the other, and is provided on the other of the forward and backward drive unit and the mast, and the protruding portion is inserted from the vertical direction through a gap. And a housing portion having a housing hole to be inserted.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the forklift of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the reach mechanism while shortening the overall length in the front-rear direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <First Embodiment> (Forklift) Hereinafter, the forklift 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. In the present embodiment, the forklift 1 is used to load and unload the goods on the shelves in the warehouse and can travel on the passage in the warehouse. For example, the forklift 1 is an unmanned forklift.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the forklift 1 includes a vehicle 2, a cargo handling device 3, a lifting mechanism 4, a tilt mechanism 16, a reach mechanism 5, a connecting portion 6, and a control unit 7.

[0012] (Vehicle) Hereinafter, the vehicle width direction D1 of the vehicle 2 may be simply referred to as the "vehicle width direction D1", the front-rear direction D2 of the vehicle 2 may be simply referred to as the "front-rear direction D2", and the vertical direction D3 of the vehicle 2 may be simply referred to as the "vertical direction D3". Also, the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction D1 may be simply referred to as "left and right". The vehicle 2 has a vehicle body 10, straddle legs 20, and a traveling mechanism 30.

[0013] (Vehicle Body) The vehicle body 10 extends in the vertical direction D3. The vehicle body 10 includes a frame 11, a cap 12, a bracket 13, a weight 14, and a cover 15.

[0014] A pair of frames 11 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The frames 11 extend in the vertical direction D3. The cap 12 is provided above the frame 11. The rear edge of the cap 12 is formed in a U shape that protrudes rearward when viewed in the vertical direction D3. The cap 12 connects the upper ends of the pair of frames 11.

[0015] A plurality of brackets 13 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction D3 below the rear part of the frame 11 and below the cap 12. The brackets 13 are plate-like members extending in the vehicle width direction D1. The rear edge of the bracket 13 is formed in a U shape that protrudes rearward when viewed in the vertical direction D3. Each bracket 13 connects the pair of frames 11. The weight 14 is attached to the two lower brackets 13.

[0016] The cover 15 is provided so as to cover the frame 11, the bracket 13, and the weight 14 from the rear. The cover 15 is attached so as to extend downward from the rear edge of the cap 12. The cover 15 extends in the vertical direction D3. The cover 15 is formed in a U shape that opens forward when viewed in the vertical direction D3.

[0017] (Straddle leg) The straddle legs 20 extend forward from the lower part of the vehicle body 10, and a pair of them are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The rear end of the straddle leg 20 is connected to the lower end of the frame 11. The straddle leg 20 has a guide groove 21 and a reach groove 22.

[0018] (Guide groove) The guide groove 21 is provided on the inner surface of the straddle leg 20 in the vehicle width direction D1. The guide groove 21 extends in the front-rear direction D2 (see FIG. 3). The guide groove 21 is formed in a U shape that opens inward in the vehicle width direction D1 when viewed from the front-rear direction D2.

[0019] (Reach groove) The reach groove 22 is provided on the upper surface of the straddle leg 20. The reach groove 22 extends in the front-rear direction D2 (see FIG. 2 Reference). The reach groove 22 is formed in a U shape that opens upward when viewed from the front-rear direction D2.

[0020] (Travel mechanism) The travel mechanism 30 includes a first wheel 31, a second wheel 32, and a travel drive source 33. The first wheel 31 is provided on the vehicle body 10. The first wheel 31 is attached to the lower surface of the lowermost bracket 13. The first wheel 31 is in contact with the road surface F. A pair of second wheels 32 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The second wheels 32 are provided at the front ends of the straddle legs 20. The second wheels 32 are in contact with the road surface F. The travel drive source 33 is attached to the bracket 13 inside the vehicle body 10. The travel drive source 33 drives the first wheel 31. The vehicle 2 can travel on the road surface F by the travel mechanism 30.

[0021] (Loading and unloading device) The loading and unloading device 3 includes a mast 40, a lift bracket 50, and a fork 60.

[0022] (Mast) The mast 40 is provided between the pair of straddle legs 20. A pair of masts 40 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The mast 40 extends in the vertical direction D3. The mast 40 has guide rollers 41.

[0023] (Guide roller) As shown in Fig. 4, two guide rollers 41 are provided on the outer surface of the lower part of the mast 40 in the vehicle width direction D1. The two guide rollers 41 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction D2. The guide roller 41 is arranged in the guide groove 21 of the straddle leg 20 (see Fig. 3). The diameter dimension of the guide roller 41 is approximately the same as the width dimension of the guide groove 21 of the straddle leg 20. The guide roller 41 is supported by the straddle leg 20 in the guide groove 21. That is, the mast 40 is supported by the straddle leg 20 by the guide roller 41. The guide roller 41 is provided so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction D2 in the guide groove 21.

[0024] (Lift bracket) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the lift bracket 50 is provided in front of the mast 40. The lift bracket 50 spans a pair of masts 40. The lift bracket 50 is provided on the mast 40 so as to be movable up and down. The lift bracket 50 has a backrest 51, a support bar 52, and a finger bar 53.

[0025] The backrest 51 has a frame portion 54, a first bar 55, and a second bar 56. The frame portion 54 extends in the vehicle width direction D1. The frame portion 54 has an upper frame 54a, side frames 54b, and a lower frame 54c. The upper frame 54a extends in the vehicle width direction D1. The side frames 54b are respectively provided at both ends of the upper frame 54a in the vehicle width direction D1. That is, a pair of side frames 54b are provided spaced apart in the vehicle width direction D1. The side frames 54b extend downward from both ends of the upper frame 54a in the vehicle width direction. The lower frame 54c is respectively provided at the lower ends of the side frames 54b. That is, a pair of lower frames 54c are provided spaced apart in the vehicle width direction D1. Each lower frame 54c extends inward in the vehicle width direction D1 from the lower end of the side frame 54b. The first bar 55 is provided inside the frame portion 54. The first bar 55 extends in the vehicle width direction D1 and connects the side frames 54b of the frame portion 54 to each other. The second bar 56 extends in the vertical direction D3 and connects the upper frame 54a and the first bar 55 of the frame portion 54. A plurality of second bars 56 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1.

[0026] The support bar 52 is provided below the first bar 55 inside the frame portion 54. The support bar 52 extends in the vertical direction D3 and connects the first bar 55 and the inner end in the vehicle width direction D1 of the lower frame 54c. A pair of support bars 52 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The finger bar 53 is provided between the pair of support bars 52. The finger bar 53 extends in the vehicle width direction D1 and connects the pair of support bars 52.

[0027] (Fork) The fork 60 extends forward from the lift bracket 50, and a pair of forks 60 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The pair of forks 60 are provided inside the vehicle width direction D1 of the pair of straddle legs 20. The fork 60 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction D1. The fork 60 has a fork base 61, a claw portion 63, and a hook portion 62.

[0028] The fork base 61 extends in the vertical direction D3. Claw part 63 The claw portion 63 projects forward from the lower end of the fork base 61. The claw portion 63 extends in the front-rear direction D2. The hook portion 62 is provided at the upper end of the fork base 61. The hook portion 62 is engaged with the finger bar 53. The fork 60 is attached to the lift bracket 50 by the engagement between the hook portion 62 and the finger bar 53.

[0029] (Lifting mechanism) The lifting mechanism 4 has a lifting drive source 4a. The lifting drive source 4a is attached to a bracket 13 inside the vehicle body 10. The lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the lift bracket 50 and the fork 60 in the vertical direction D3 by the driving force of the lifting drive source 4a.

[0030] (Tilting mechanism) The tilt mechanism 16 is provided on each of the pair of masts 40. The tilt mechanism 16 has a tilt cylinder 16a. When the mast 40 approaches the vehicle body 10, the tilt mechanism 16 can tilt the mast 40 so that the mast 40 can be displaced between a state in which it extends in the vertical direction perpendicular to the road surface F by the tilt cylinder 16a and a state in which the mast 40 is inclined with respect to the road surface F.

[0031] (Reach mechanism) The reach mechanisms 5 are provided in a pair spaced apart in the vehicle width direction D1 outside the vehicle width direction D1 of the fork 60. The reach mechanism 5 has a guide rail 9, a rack 8, and a forward and backward drive unit 70.

[0032] (Guide rail) The guide rail 9 is provided on the upper surface of the straddle leg 20. The guide rail 9 extends in the front-rear direction D2 along the straddle leg 20 and is provided in a pair at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. The guide rail 9 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction D2. The pair of guide rails 9 are provided so as to sandwich the reach groove 22 from both sides in the vehicle width direction D1. The inner edge 9a of the guide rail 9 on the reach groove 22 side protrudes from the edge of the reach groove 22 toward the reach groove 22 side. The inner edge 9a of the guide rail 9 is formed in a V shape when viewed from the front-rear direction D2 so as to gradually taper toward the reach groove 22 side.

[0033] (Rack) The rack 8 extends in the front-rear direction D2 along the straddle leg 20. More specifically, the rack 8 is provided on the side surface outside the vehicle width direction D1 of the reach groove 22. The rack 8 protrudes toward the reach groove 22 side more than the inner edge 9a of the guide rail 9.

[0034] (Forward and backward drive unit) The forward and backward drive unit 70 is provided on the straddle leg 20. The forward and backward drive unit 70 is capable of driving forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 on the straddle leg 20. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the forward and backward drive unit 70 includes a carriage 71, a rotational drive unit 72, and a pinion 73.

[0035] (Carriage) The carriage 71 is capable of sliding in the front - rear direction D2 on the straddle leg 20. The carriage 71 includes a carriage body 74 and guide rollers 75.

[0036] (Carriage body) The carriage body 74 is formed in a flat plate shape arranged along the upper surface of the straddle leg 20. The carriage body 74 is formed in a square shape when viewed from the vertical direction D3. The carriage body 74 is arranged at a position slightly spaced upward from the guide rail 9. An arrangement groove 76 that opens upward is formed at the central portion of the carriage body 74. The arrangement groove 76 is formed in a square shape when viewed from the vertical direction D3. A carriage through - hole 78 that penetrates the carriage body 74 in the vertical direction D3 is formed at the central portion of the arrangement groove 76. The carriage through - hole 78 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the vertical direction D3.

[0037] (Guide roller) The guide rollers 75 are attached to the lower surface of the carriage body 74. A total of four guide rollers 75 are provided, two at the front portion of the carriage body 74 and two at the rear portion of the carriage body 74. The front guide rollers 75 and the rear guide rollers 75 are provided so as to sandwich the carriage through - hole 78 from both sides in the front - rear direction D2. The guide rollers 75 are mounted horizontally so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis.

[0038] A guide groove 77 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 75. The guide groove 77 is provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 75. The guide groove 77 is formed in a V - shape when viewed from the circumferential direction of the guide roller 75. The inner edge 9a of the guide rail 9 is accommodated in the guide groove 77. The guide roller 75 is provided so as to be rotationally movable in the front - rear direction D2 along the guide rail 9 with the inner edge 9a of the guide rail 9 accommodated in the guide groove 77.

[0039] (Rotary drive unit) The rotary drive unit 72 is disposed in the arrangement groove 76 of the carriage body 74 and is fixed to the carriage body 74. The rotary drive unit 72 is a hydraulic motor 72a. The rotary drive unit 72 rotates about the vertical axis. The output shaft (not shown) of the rotary drive unit 72 protrudes downward from the carriage body 74 through the carriage through hole 78. A pinion 73 is attached to the output shaft of the rotary drive unit 72.

[0040] (Pinion) The pinion 73 is disposed below the carriage body 74. The pinion 73 is arranged horizontally so that the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction D3. The pinion 73 rotates about the vertical axis by the rotary drive unit 72. The pinion 73 engages with the rack 8 and is provided so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction D2. The pinion 73 is disposed directly opposite to the rack 8.

[0041] (Connecting part) The connecting part 6 connects the mast 40 and the reciprocating drive unit 70. The connecting part 6 has a protruding part 80 and a housing part 81.

[0042] (Protruding part) The protruding part 80 is provided on the mast 40. The protruding part 80 extends in the vertical direction D3 toward the reciprocating drive unit 70. The protruding part 80 has a base part 82 and an insertion part 83.

[0043] (Base part) The base part 82 is rigidly coupled to the outer surface of the mast 40 in the vehicle width direction D1. That is, the base part 82 is fixed to the mast 40. The fixing method of the base part 82 may be fastening with bolts or welding or the like. The base part 82 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The base part 82 is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction D2 along the surface of the mast 40.

[0044] (Insertion part) The insertion part 83 is provided on the surface of the base part 82 opposite to the mounting surface to the mast 40. The insertion part 83 is integrally formed with the base part 82. The insertion part 83 is a plate-like member along the base part 82. The insertion part 83 protrudes downward from the base part 82.

[0045] (Receiving part) The receiving part 81 is provided on the advancing / retreating drive part 70. More specifically, the receiving part 81 is provided on the inner edge in the vehicle width direction D1 of the carriage body 74. The receiving part 81 is fixed to the carriage body 74. In this embodiment, the receiving part 81 is integrally formed with the carriage body 74. The receiving part 81 is formed in a plate shape long in the front-rear direction D2. The dimension of the receiving part 81 in the front-rear direction D2 is equal to the dimension of the carriage body 74 in the front-rear direction D2. The receiving part 81 is disposed below the base part 82 of the protruding part 80. The receiving part 81 has a receiving hole 84 penetrating the receiving part 81 in the vertical direction D3.

[0046] (Receiving hole) The receiving hole 84 is formed in a long hole shape long in the front-rear direction D2. The dimension of the receiving hole 84 in the front-rear direction D2 is slightly smaller than the dimension of the arrangement groove 76 in the front-rear direction D2. The end parts of the receiving hole 84 in the front-rear direction D2 are curved in a semi-circular shape. The insertion part 83 of the protruding part 80 is inserted into the receiving hole 84 from the vertical direction D3 with a gap S.

[0047] (Gap between the receiving hole and the protruding part) The gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 84 and the insertion part 83 of the protruding part 80 exists over the entire circumference of the insertion part 83. In this gap S, the dimension H2 in the front-rear direction D2 is equal on both sides in the front-rear direction D2 with respect to the insertion part 83, and the dimension H1 in the vehicle width direction D1 is equal on both sides in the vehicle width direction D1 with respect to the insertion part 83. Also, in this gap S, the dimension H2 in the front-rear direction D2 is longer than the dimension H1 in the vehicle width direction D1.

[0048] Thus, the connecting portion 6 is a small joint mechanism that combines a flexible mechanism with a "play" provided between the mast 40 and the forward and backward drive unit 70 by the gap S between the protruding portion 80 and the receiving hole 84, and a rigid mechanism that transmits the driving force of the forward and backward drive unit 70 by rigidly connecting the protruding portion 80 to the mast 40.

[0049] (Control unit) The control unit 7 is attached to the bracket 13 inside the vehicle body 10. The control unit 7 controls the operations of the traveling mechanism 30, the lifting mechanism 4, the reach mechanism 5, and the tilt mechanism 16 according to the input program.

[0050] (Operation of the forklift) The operation of the forklift 1 when placing the container CN as a load will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the forklift 1 travels by the traveling mechanism 30 and approaches the container CN. The container CN is placed on the pallet PL. Further, the pallet PL is placed on the pedestal ST.

[0052] Subsequently, the forklift 1 advances the fork 60 by the reach mechanism 5. Specifically, the reach mechanism 5 operates as follows. First, the rotation drive unit 72 receives a command from the control unit 7 and rotates. Then, the pinion 73 receives the driving force of the rotation drive unit 72 and rotates about the vertical axis. As a result, while the pinion 73 meshes with the rack 8, it tries to advance forward along the rack 8. Then, the entire forward and backward drive unit 70 tries to slide forward along the rack 8. Then, the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 84 abuts against the protruding portion 80 from the rear, and a force acting forward is applied to the protruding portion 80. As a result, the forward force of the forward and backward drive unit 70 is transmitted to the mast 40, and the mast 40 slides forward. When the mast 40 is slid forward, the lift bracket 50 and the fork 60 are pushed by the mast 40 and slid forward. Thus, the fork 60 advances and protrudes forward of the straddle leg 20.

[0053] By sliding the fork 60 forward, the fork 60 protrudes toward the container CN, and the claw portion 63 of the fork 60 is inserted under the bottom of the pallet PL on which the container CN is placed. Thereafter, the forklift 1 raises the fork 60 inserted under the bottom of the pallet PL together with the lift bracket 50 by the elevating mechanism 4. Then, the forklift 1 can lift the container CN by lifting the pallet PL on the upper surface of the claw portion 63 of the fork 60.

[0054] Thereafter, the forklift 1 retracts the fork 60 by the reach mechanism 5. The rotation drive unit 72 rotates in the opposite direction to when the fork 60 is advanced. As a result, the entire forward and backward drive unit 70 tends to slide rearward along the rack 8. Then, the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 84 comes into contact with the protruding portion 80 from the front, and a force acting rearward is applied to the protruding portion 80. Thereby, the rearward force of the forward and backward drive unit 70 is transmitted to the mast 40, and the mast 40 slides rearward. When the mast 40 slides rearward, the lift bracket 50 and the fork 60 are pushed by the mast 40 and slide rearward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the fork 60 retracts, and the container CN is accommodated behind the front end of the straddle leg 20 and above the straddle leg 20.

[0055] The forklift 1 travels on the road surface F with the container CN accommodated therein. By sliding the mast 40 forward, the fork 60 protrudes. Then, by lowering the fork 60, the container CN can be loaded and unloaded onto the truck bed, the floor of the warehouse, the pallet rack in the warehouse, or the like.

[0056] (Function and effect) The forklift 1 of the present embodiment includes a reach mechanism 5 having a forward and backward drive unit 70 that can be driven forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 on the straddle leg 20, and a connecting portion 6 that connects the mast 40 and the forward and backward drive unit 70.

[0057] As a result, the forklift 1 can move the fork 60 forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 by the forward and backward driving of the forward and backward driving unit 70. The forward and backward driving unit 70 drives forward and backward on the straddle leg 20. For this reason, a cylinder is arranged behind the mast 40, and there is no need to secure a stroke in the front-rear direction D2 behind the mast 40 as compared with the case where the mast 40 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 by the expansion and contraction of the cylinder in the front-rear direction D2. Therefore, the overall length of the forklift 1 in the front-rear direction D2 can be shortened. In addition, since the overall length of the forklift 1 in the front-rear direction D2 can be shortened, the passage width between the goods placed flat on the floor in the warehouse and between the pallet racks can be shortened. Therefore, the number of pallets PL that can be stored in the warehouse can be increased, and the storage density in the warehouse can be increased.

[0058] Moreover, the connecting portion 6 of the present embodiment includes a protruding portion 80 provided on the mast 40 and extending in the vertical direction D3 toward the forward and backward driving unit 70, and a housing portion 81 provided on the forward and backward driving unit 70 and having a housing hole 84 into which the protruding portion 80 is inserted from the vertical direction D3 through a gap S. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, even if the mast 40 is bent and tilted due to the load weight, the gap S between the protruding portion 80 and the housing hole 84 can absorb the displacement between the mast 40 and the forward and backward driving unit 70. Therefore, the pitch displacement between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be prevented, and the facing relationship between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be maintained. In this way, the displacement of the reach mechanism 5 can be suppressed.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the reach mechanism 5 has a rack 8 extending in the front-rear direction D2 along the straddle leg 20. The forward and backward driving unit 70 includes a carriage 71 that can slide in the front-rear direction D2 on the straddle leg 20, a rotation driving unit 72 that is fixed on the carriage 71 and is rotationally driven, and a pinion 73 that rotates around a vertical axis by the rotation driving unit 72 and engages with the rack 8.

[0060] As a result, the reach mechanism 5 can be manufactured with a simple structure and at low cost. Further, the pinion 73 can be arranged horizontally so that the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction D3. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pitch deviation between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 due to the load weight, as compared with the case where the pinion 73 is arranged vertically so that the rotation axis extends in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the facing relationship between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be maintained more reliably. Thus, the deviation of the reach mechanism 5 can be further suppressed.

[0061] According to the present embodiment, the reach mechanism 5 has a guide rail 9 extending in the front-rear direction D2 along the straddle leg 20. The carriage 71 has a guide roller 75 that can rotate and move in the front-rear direction D2 along the guide rail 9.

[0062] Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pinion 73 from deviating from the rack 8 when the carriage 71 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2. Therefore, the carriage 71 can move forward and backward stably in the front-rear direction D2. Hand It can move forward and backward.

[0063] According to the present embodiment, the straddle leg 20 has a guide groove 21 extending in the front-rear direction D2 on the inner surface in the vehicle width direction D1. The mast 40 has a guide roller 41 that is supported by the straddle leg 20 in the guide groove 21 on the outside in the vehicle width direction D1 and can rotate and move in the front-rear direction D2 in the guide groove 21.

[0064] Thereby, the forklift 1 can stably move the mast 40 forward and backward by the guide groove 21 and the guide roller 41. Therefore, the forklift 1 can stably move the fork 60 forward and backward. Further, the load of the mast 40 can be supported by the straddle leg 20. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the load of the mast 40 from being directly applied to the forward and backward drive unit 70. Therefore, the pitch deviation between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be more reliably prevented, and the facing relationship between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be more reliably maintained. Thus, the deviation of the reach mechanism 5 can be further suppressed.

[0065] According to this embodiment, in the gap S between the accommodation hole 84 and the protrusion 80, the dimension H2 in the longitudinal direction D2 is longer than the dimension H1 in the vehicle width direction D1.

[0066] Thereby, the connecting portion 6 can favorably absorb the deflection and inclination of the mast 40 in the longitudinal direction D2 due to the load. Therefore, the pitch deviation between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be more reliably prevented, and the facing relationship between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be more reliably maintained. Thus, the deviation of the reach mechanism 5 can be further suppressed.

[0067] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the forklift 201 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 11. For the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11, the connecting portion 206 has an elastic body 285 in the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 84 and the protrusion 80. The elastic body 285 is provided over the entire gap S. The elastic body 285 is, for example, rubber.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the connecting portion 206 has an elastic body 285 in the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 84 and the protrusion 80.

[0070] Thereby, the forklift 201 can absorb the rattling between the protrusion 80 and the accommodation hole 84 by the elastic body 285. Further, the forklift 201 can absorb the deviation between the mast 40 and the forward and backward drive unit 70 by the deformation of the elastic body 285. Therefore, the pitch deviation between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be prevented, and the facing relationship between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 can be maintained. Thus, the deviation of the reach mechanism 5 can be suppressed. In this way, the forklift 201 can absorb the rattling between the protrusion 80 and the accommodation hole 84 by the elastic body 285 and absorb the deviation of the reach mechanism 5 by the deformation of the elastic body 285.

[0071] In the above-described second embodiment, the elastic body 285 is provided over the entire gap S, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of elastic bodies 285 may be provided around the insertion portion 83 at intervals.

[0072] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included. In the above embodiment, the rotary drive unit 72 is a hydraulic motor 72a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rotary drive unit 72 may be, for example, an electric motor.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the rotary drive unit 72 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rotary drive unit 72 may be arranged vertically so as to rotate about a horizontal axis. In this case, for example, the driving force of the rotary drive unit 72 may be transmitted to the pinion 73 via a gear different from the pinion 73.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the pinion 73 is arranged horizontally such that the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction D3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The pinion 73 may be arranged vertically such that the rotation axis extends in the horizontal direction, for example, the vehicle width direction D1. In this case, the rack 8 engaged with the pinion 73 is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction D2 along the bottom surface of the reach groove 22 of the straddle leg 20.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the reach mechanism 5 includes the rack 8 and the pinion 73, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reach mechanism 5 may include another drive mechanism using wheels or the like instead of the rack 8 and the pinion 73.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the mast 40 is provided with the protrusion 80, and the retractable drive unit 70 is provided with the accommodation portion 81. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The retractable drive unit 70 may be provided with the protrusion 80, and the mast 40 may be provided with the accommodation portion 81.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the gap S between the accommodation hole 84 and the protrusion 80 is such that the dimension H2 in the front-rear direction D2 is longer than the dimension H1 in the vehicle width direction D1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The gap S between the accommodation hole 84 and the protrusion 80 may have the dimension H2 in the front-rear direction D2 equal to the dimension H1 in the vehicle width direction D1.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the guide groove 77 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the guide roller 75. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The guide groove 77 may be provided on the inner edge portion in the vehicle width direction D1 of the guide rail 9. In this case, with at least a part of the guide roller 75 being accommodated in the guide groove 77, the guide roller 75 rotates and moves in the front-rear direction D2 along the guide rail 9.

[0079] <Appended Note> The forklifts 1, 201 described in each embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0080] (1) The forklift 1,201 according to the first aspect is a vehicle 2 capable of traveling on a road surface F, and includes a vehicle body 10, and a pair of straddle legs 20 that extend forward from the lower part of the vehicle body 10 and are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction D1. A cargo handling device 3 is provided between the pair of straddle legs 20 and includes a mast 40 extending in the vertical direction D3, a lift bracket 50 provided on the mast 40 so as to be movable up and down, and a pair of forks 60 extending forward from the lift bracket 50. A reach mechanism 5 having a forward and backward drive unit 70 that is capable of driving forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 on the straddle legs 20, and a connecting portion 6, 206 that connects the mast 40 and the forward and backward drive unit 70. The connecting portion 6 includes a protruding portion 80 provided on one of the forward and backward drive unit 70 and the mast 40 and extending in the vertical direction D3 toward the other, and a receiving portion 81 provided on the other of the forward and backward drive unit 70 and the mast 40 and having a receiving hole 84 into which the protruding portion 80 is inserted through a gap S in the vertical direction D3.

[0081] Accordingly, the forklift 1,201 can move the forks 60 forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 by the forward and backward drive of the forward and backward drive unit 70. The forward and backward drive unit 70 drives forward and backward on the straddle legs 20. For this reason, compared with the case where a cylinder is arranged behind the mast 40 and the mast 40 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2 by the expansion and contraction of the cylinder in the front-rear direction D2, there is no need to secure a stroke in the front-rear direction D2 behind the mast 40. Further, even if the mast 40 is bent or tilted due to the load weight, the gap S between the protruding portion 80 and the receiving hole 84 can absorb the displacement between the mast 40 and the forward and backward drive unit 70.

[0082] (2) The forklift 1,201 of the second aspect is the forklift 1,201 of (1), wherein the reach mechanism 5 further has a rack 8 extending in the front-rear direction D2 along the straddle leg 20, and the reciprocating drive unit 70 includes a carriage 71 slidable in the front-rear direction D2 on the straddle leg 20, a rotary drive unit 72 fixed and rotationally driven on the carriage 71, and a pinion 73 rotated about a vertical axis by the rotary drive unit 72 and engaged with the rack 8.

[0083] Thereby, the reach mechanism 5 can be manufactured with a simple structure and at low cost. Further, the pinion 73 can be arranged horizontally such that the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction D3. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pitch deviation between the pinion 73 and the rack 8 due to the load weight as compared with the case where the pinion 73 is arranged vertically such that the rotation axis extends in the horizontal direction.

[0084] (3) The forklift 1,201 of the third aspect is the forklift 1,201 of (2), wherein the reach mechanism 5 further has a guide rail 9 extending in the front-rear direction D2 along the straddle leg 20, and the carriage 71 may have a guide roller 75 rotatably movable in the front-rear direction D2 along the guide rail 9.

[0085] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the pinion 73 from deviating from the rack 8 when the carriage 71 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction D2.

[0086] (4) The forklift 1,201 of the fourth aspect is the forklift 1,201 of any one of (1) to (3), wherein the straddle leg 20 has a guide groove 21 extending in the front-rear direction D2 on the inner surface in the vehicle width direction D1, and the mast 40 has a guide roller 41 supported by the straddle leg 20 in the guide groove 21 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction D1 and rotatably movable in the front-rear direction D2 in the guide groove 21.

[0087] As a result, the forklift 1,201 can stably move the mast 40 forward and backward by means of the guide groove 21 and the guide roller 41. Further, the load of the mast 40 can be supported by the straddle legs 20.

[0088] (5) The forklift 201 according to the fifth aspect is the forklift 201 according to any one of (1) to (4), and the connecting portion 206 may further include an elastic body 285 in a gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 84 and the protruding portion 80.

[0089] As a result, the forklift 201 can absorb the rattling between the protruding portion 80 and the accommodation hole 84 by the elastic body 285. Further, the forklift 201 can absorb the displacement between the mast 40 and the forward and backward drive unit 70 due to the deformation of the elastic body 285.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0090] 1... Forklift 2... Vehicle 3... Handling device 4... Lifting mechanism 4a... Lifting drive source 5... Reach mechanism 6... Connecting portion 7... Control unit 8... Rack 9... Guide rail 9a... Inner edge 10... Vehicle body 11... Frame 12... Cap 13... Bracket 14... Weight 15... Cover 20... Straddle leg 21... Guide groove 22... Reach groove 30... Travel mechanism 31... First wheel 32... Second wheel 33... Travel drive source 40... Mast 41... Guide roller 50... Lift bracket 51... Backrest 52... Support bar 53... Finger bar 54... Frame portion 54a... Upper frame 54b... Side frame 54c... Lower frame 55... First bar 56... Second bar 60... Fork 61... Fork base 62... Hook portion 63... Tooth portion 70... Forward and backward drive unit 71... Trolley 72... Rotary drive unit 72a... Hydraulic motor 73... Pinion 74... Trolley body 75... Guide roller 76... Arrangement groove 77... Guide groove 78... Trolley through hole 80... Protruding portion 81... Accommodation portion 82... Base portion 83... Insertion portion 84... Accommodation hole 201... Forklift 206... Connecting portion 285... Elastic body D1... Vehicle width direction D2... Front and rear direction D3... Vertical direction F... Road surface S... Gap H1... Dimension (in the vehicle width direction of the gap S) H2... (Of the gap S Front and backDimensions in the direction CN…Container PL…Pallet ST…Pedestal

Claims

1. A vehicle having a vehicle body and a pair of straddle legs that are made capable of traveling on a road surface, extend forward from the lower part of the vehicle body, and are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction, and A cargo handling device provided between the pair of straddle legs, having a mast extending in the vertical direction, a lift bracket provided on the mast so as to be movable up and down, and a pair of forks extending forward from the lift bracket, and A reach mechanism having a forward and backward drive unit that is made capable of advancing and retreating in the front-rear direction on the straddle leg, and A connecting portion that connects the mast and the forward and backward drive unit, and Comprising, The connecting portion is A protruding portion provided on one of the forward and backward drive unit and the mast, extending in the vertical direction toward the other, and A receiving portion provided on the other of the forward and backward drive unit and the mast, having a receiving hole into which the protruding portion is inserted from the vertical direction with a gap therebetween, and A forklift having.

2. The reach mechanism Further has a rack extending in the front-rear direction along the straddle leg, and The forward and backward drive unit A carriage that is slidable in the front-rear direction on the straddle leg, and A rotation drive unit that is fixed on the carriage and rotationally driven, and A pinion that rotates around a vertical axis by the rotation drive unit and engages with the rack, and The forklift according to claim 1 having.

3. The reach mechanism further has a guide rail extending in the front-rear direction along the straddle leg, and The forklift according to claim 2, wherein the carriage has a guide roller that is rotatable in the front-rear direction along the guide rail.

4. The straddle leg has a guide groove extending in the front-rear direction on the inner surface in the vehicle width direction, and The forklift according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mast has a guide roller on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, is supported by the straddle leg in the guide groove, and is rotatable in the front-rear direction in the guide groove.

5. The connecting portion The forklift according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further having an elastic body in a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole and the protruding portion.

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