Device, method and guardrail for protecting fork entrance / exit of guardrail of automatic station in production workshop

Abstract

The present invention discloses a protection device and method for the fork inlet / outlet of the guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop, comprising a liftable baffle unit respectively installed at two fork inlet / outlet positions of the guardrail, the liftable baffle unit comprises two guide rods installed opposite to each other, the baffle is connected between the two guide rods, the guide rods are provided with elastic members, the baffle can compress the elastic members and move down when it receives downward pressure, and can return under the action of the elastic force of the elastic members when the pressure is removed. By installing the liftable baffle at the fork inlet / outlet position of the guardrail, the present invention not only does not affect the normal operation of the fork, but also plays a protective role when the forklift is not working, has low cost, is easy to install, not only meets the production needs, but also meets the safety requirements, and has high practical value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on July 5, 2022, bearing application number 202210781334.1 and entitled "Protective device and method for the fork entrance and exit of guardrails of automatic stations in production workshops," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of equipment control in production workshops, and more particularly to a device and method for protecting the fork entrance and exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop. [Background technology]

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present invention and are not necessarily construed as prior art.

[0004] In production workshops, there are many situations where a manual forklift is used to place a load such as a container, part, or tool at an automated station, and then the next automated work process is carried out at the automated station. To ensure safety, a guardrail whose height meets safety standards must be installed outside the automated station. If the height of the work platform at the automated station is lower than the height of the guardrail, the forks will interfere with the guardrail when the forklift places the load. To prevent this, fork entrances and exits are left in positions corresponding to the forks on the guardrail, so that the forks can enter through the fork entrance and exit, allowing the load to be smoothly placed on the work platform and avoiding the forks from interfering with the guardrail.

[0005] However, this makes it easier for workers to climb over the guardrail from the fork entrance / exit position, which poses a safety risk and makes it inconvenient for safety management in the workplace. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a device and method for protecting the fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automated station in a production workshop, in which a liftable baffle covers the fork entrance / exit when a forklift is not in operation, thereby preventing people from climbing over, and can accurately distinguish between the descent of the liftable baffle due to pressure from a person climbing over or pressure from a forklift.

[0007] In some embodiments, the following technical solutions are used:

[0008] A protective device for the fork entrance / exit points of a guardrail of an automated station in a production workshop includes a liftable baffle unit respectively installed at the two fork entrance / exit points of the guardrail, the liftable baffle unit including two guide rods installed opposite each other, a baffle connected between the two guide rods, and an elastic member provided on the guide rod, the baffle compresses the elastic member and moves down when subjected to downward pressure, and returns to its original position under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member when the pressure is removed.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the device further includes safety detection units symmetrically installed at the two fork entrances and exits, The safety detection unit a first proximity switch installed on the top of the guide rod; a second proximity switch installed at a first position set at the bottom of the guide rod; and a third proximity switch installed at a second set position below the guide rod.

[0010] The first proximity switch is in an on state when the baffle is not pressed down and is turned off after the baffle is pressed down, the second proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a set first position, and the third proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a set second position.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the device further includes a safety recognition unit that receives and determines the opening and closing timings of the first proximity switch, the second proximity switch, and the third proximity switch, and compares the timings with set state timings to determine whether the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail is in a normal state for the forklift to enter.

[0012] The set state timings are specifically as follows: If the first proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned off at the same time, and after a set first time range, the second proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on at the same time, and after a set second time range, the third proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on at the same time, and after a set third time range, the first proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on at the same time, it is determined that the forklift is in a normal on state; otherwise, the forklift is not in a normal on state.

[0013] In some other embodiments, the following technical solutions are used:

[0014] The method of protecting the fork entrance and exit of the guardrail of the automatic station in the production workshop is as follows: a step of respectively installing a liftable baffle at each of the two fork entrance / exit positions of the guardrail of the automatic station, wherein the baffle can compress an elastic member and move down when subjected to downward pressure, and can return to its original position under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member when the pressure is removed; The method includes the steps of providing a first proximity switch, a second proximity switch, and a third proximity switch at positions corresponding to the two fork entrance / exit points, respectively, receiving and judging the opening / closing timing of each proximity switch, and comparing it with a set state timing to judge whether the fork entrance / exit point of the guardrail is in a normal state for the forklift to enter.

[0015] In some other embodiments, the following technical solutions are used:

[0016] A protective device for the fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automated station in a production workshop includes: a liftable baffle unit respectively installed at two fork entrance / exit positions of the guardrail; the liftable baffle unit includes a baffle, a counterweight, and a pulley assembly; the baffle and counterweight are respectively installed on two opposite sides of the guardrail; the baffle and counterweight are connected via the pulley assembly; the baffle is initially located at the fork entrance / exit position and can shield the fork entrance / exit; and the baffle can move downward under the action of pressure until it does not shield the fork entrance / exit at all.

[0017] The device further includes safety detection units symmetrically installed on both sides of the two fork entrances and exits, The safety detection unit includes a first proximity switch, a second proximity switch, and a third proximity switch, the first proximity switch being set to a corresponding setting position when the baffle is in the uppermost position, the second proximity switch being set to a corresponding setting position when the baffle is in a set intermediate position, and the third proximity switch being set to a corresponding setting position when the baffle is in the lowermost position.

[0018] The first proximity switch is in an on state when the baffle is not pressed down and is turned off after the baffle is pressed down, the second proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a set intermediate position, and the third proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to the lowest position.

[0019] In some other embodiments, the following technical solutions are used:

[0020] The guardrails of the automated stations in the production workshop include a protective device for the fork entrance and exit of any of the guardrails described above.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] (1) The present invention installs a liftable baffle at the fork entrance / exit position of the guardrail, which not only does not affect the normal operation of the forks but also plays a protective role when the forklift is not in operation. This is low cost and easy to install, and not only meets production needs but also meets safety requirements, resulting in high practical value.

[0023] (2) By determining the timing state of the detection switch, the present invention can accurately distinguish between the descent of the liftable baffle due to pressure from a person climbing over it or pressure from a forklift, and can timely recognize and warn that the forklift is not in a normal entry state, ensuring the normal operation of the main equipment and preventing people from climbing over the guardrail, thereby ensuring the safety of people.

[0024] (3) When considering solutions for using a spring to raise and lower the baffle, the baffle's lifting stroke is limited by the spring's length, and it is often difficult to find a suitable spring for applications requiring a large baffle lifting stroke, or the spring's structural requirements are high, resulting in high overall device costs. The present invention also achieves automatic baffle lifting through the structural interlocking of the baffle, counterweight, and pulley assembly, resulting in a simple structure, high adaptability, and component selection not limited by the baffle's lifting stroke, thereby reducing costs.

[0025] Other features and advantages of additional aspects of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2(a)]FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing how a forklift according to the first embodiment of the present invention cooperates with a fork entrance / exit. [Figure 2(b)] FIG. 2(b) is a schematic diagram showing the forklift according to the first embodiment of the present invention linked to the fork entrance / exit. [Figure 3(a)] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the process of compressing the baffle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3(b)] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the process of compressing the baffle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3(c)] FIG. 3(c) is a schematic diagram of the process of compressing the baffle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5(a)] FIG. 5(a) is a front view and a side view of the structure of a baffle, counterweight and pulley assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5(b)] FIG. 5(b) is a front view and a side view of the structure of a baffle, counterweight and pulley assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a guide mechanism for a counterweight according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7(a)] FIG. 7(a) is a schematic diagram showing the process of compressing the baffle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7(b)] FIG. 7(b) is a schematic diagram showing the process of compressing the baffle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7(c)] FIG. 7(c) is a schematic diagram showing the process of compressing the baffle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Please note that the following detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and is intended to provide further explanation to the present application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0028] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of the present application. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used herein, the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, assemblies, and / or combinations thereof is indicated.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, a protective device for fork entrances and exits of a guardrail of an automated station in a production workshop is disclosed. Referring to FIG. 1 , the device specifically includes a liftable baffle unit respectively installed at two fork entrances and exits 2 of a guardrail 1. The liftable baffle unit includes two guide rods 3 installed opposite each other. The two guide rods 3 are fixed to a mounting base 6, which is installed at the bottom of the fork entrances and exits 2. A baffle 5 is connected between the two guide rods 3. The left and right ends of the baffle 5 are respectively connected to the two guide rods 3 and can move up and down along the guide rods 3. The guide rods 3 are equipped with elastic members which are installed below the connecting members between the baffles 5 and the guide rods 3. The baffles 5 can be pressed down to compress the elastic members.

[0030] In this embodiment, baffle units 5 that can be raised and lowered are installed at the positions of the respective fork entrances and exits on the guardrail 1.

[0031] The baffle 5 can compress and lower the elastic member when subjected to downward pressure, and can return to its original position under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member when the pressure is removed. The elastic member can be a spring 4, or of course, other elastic members well known in the art can be selected.

[0032] In this embodiment, in order to prevent people from passing through the fork entrance / exit 2 and climbing over the guardrail 1, a baffle 5 that can be raised and lowered is installed at the position of the fork entrance / exit 2, and when a forklift arrives, it presses down the baffle 5 to complete the material placement operation on the work platform 10, and when the forklift is not operating, the baffle 5 rises to shield the fork entrance / exit 2. Figures 2(a) to (b) show schematic diagrams of a forklift working in conjunction with the fork entrance / exit 2.

[0033] However, the above-mentioned liftable baffle 5 can also be pressed down by a person, and the prior art cannot effectively detect whether the baffle 5 is pressed down by a person or a forklift, so there is still a situation where a person climbs over the guardrail 1, which still poses a safety risk. Based on this, in this embodiment, a safety detection unit is installed to effectively recognize whether the pressing down of the baffle 5 is due to the normal operation of a forklift, and thereby determine whether the fork entrance / exit 2 of the guardrail 1 is in a normal forklift entry state.

[0034] Specifically, the safety detection units are installed at the positions of the two fork entrances and exits 2, respectively, and each safety detection unit has: a first proximity switch 7 that is installed on the upper portion of the guide rod 3 and that can detect that the baffle 5 is in a conductive state when the baffle 5 is in its initial position, and that cannot detect the baffle 5 when the baffle 5 is pressed down and is therefore cut off; a second proximity switch 8 that is installed at a first set position below the guide rod 3 and that is turned on when the baffle 5 is pressed down to the first set position and can detect the baffle 5; and a third proximity switch 9 which is installed at a set second position below the guide rod 3 and which is turned on when the baffle 5 is pressed down to the set second position as the baffle 5 is pressed down and can detect the baffle 5.

[0035] The first proximity switch 7, second proximity switch 8, and third proximity switch 9 at each fork entrance / exit 2 are all installed on one guide pillar, and the proximity switches are installed in the same positions at the two fork entrance / exits 2. In this embodiment, the two safety detection units are installed symmetrically, that is, the proximity switches are installed on the two guide pillars that are farthest from the two fork entrance / exits 2 (as shown in FIG. 1), and may also be installed on the two guide pillars that are closest to the two fork entrance / exits 2.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3(a), when the baffle 5 is in the highest position (i.e., the initial position where it is not pressed down), both of the first proximity switches 7 can detect the baffle 5, and both of the first proximity switches 7 are turned on, indicating that the system is safe.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3(b), when the fork presses down on the baffle 5 to lower it, the two first proximity switches 7 are simultaneously turned off, and after the first set time has elapsed, the two second proximity switches 8 are simultaneously turned on, at which time the two first proximity switches 7 are temporarily turned off.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3(c), the fork continues to press down the baffle 5, and after the second set time has elapsed, the two third proximity switches 9 are simultaneously turned on, at which point the baffle 5 is pressed down to the bottom end, and the two first proximity switches 7 are still turned off.

[0039] Then, as the forks rise, the baffle 5 also rises, and within a certain period of time the two third proximity switches 9 are simultaneously turned off, while the two first proximity switches 7 are still turned off. As the baffle 5 continues to rise, within a certain period of time the two second proximity switches 8 are simultaneously turned off, while the two first proximity switches 7 are still turned off. When the baffle 5 rises to its initial position at the top, the two first proximity switches 7 are turned on, and the system is restored to its initial state.

[0040] Based on the above process of forklift operation, this embodiment further installs a safety recognition unit and an alarm unit. The safety recognition unit receives and judges the opening and closing timings of the first proximity switch 7, the second proximity switch 8 and the third proximity switch 9, and compares them with the set state timing to determine whether the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail is in the normal forklift entrance state. If the received opening and closing timings match the set state timing, it is determined that the forklift is in the normal forklift entrance state. Otherwise, it is determined that a person is entering or the forklift is not in the normal forklift entrance state. When it is determined that the person is entering or the forklift is not in the normal forklift entrance state, the safety recognition unit transmits a signal to the alarm unit to trigger the alarm unit to issue an alarm.

[0041] In this embodiment, the set state timings are specifically as follows: The first proximity switches 7 of the two safety detection units are turned off simultaneously, and after a set first time range, the second proximity switches 8 of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, after a set second time range, the third proximity switches 9 of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, and after a set third time range, the first proximity switches 7 of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously.

[0042] Example 2 If the first proximity switches 7 of the two safety detection units are turned off at the same time, and after a set first time range, the second proximity switches 8 of the two safety detection units are turned on at the same time, after a set second time range, the third proximity switches 9 of the two safety detection units are turned on at the same time, and after a set third time range, the first proximity switches 7 of the two safety detection units are turned on at the same time, it is determined that the forklift is in a normal on state; otherwise, it is determined that a person is in a state where the forklift is not in a normal on state, and an alarm signal is issued.

[0043] The specific implementation of the above process is described in detail in the first embodiment, and the detailed description is omitted here.

[0044] Example 3 5(a)-(b), each liftable baffle unit includes a baffle 5, a counterweight 11, and a pulley assembly 12, the baffle 5 and the counterweight 11 being respectively installed on two opposite sides of the guardrail 1, the baffle 5 and the counterweight 11 being connected via the pulley assembly 12, the baffle 5 being initially located at the fork entrance / exit 2 and being able to shield the fork entrance / exit 2. As is necessary to explain, FIGS. 5(a)-(b) only show the structural relationship between the baffle 5, the counterweight 11, and the pulley assembly 12, and do not show the first proximity switch 7, the second proximity switch 8, and the third proximity switch 9.

[0045] The weight of the counterweight 11 is greater than the weight of the baffle 5, and therefore, in the initial state or when not pressed down, the baffle 5 automatically rises to the position of the fork entrance / exit 2 under the action of the gravity difference, and can block the fork entrance / exit 2.

[0046] When the fork presses down on the baffle 5, the baffle 5 moves downward and the counterweight 11 moves upward, so that the baffle 5 does not block the fork entrance / exit 2 at all until the fork reaches the set position.

[0047] In this embodiment, the size of the baffle 5 must be such that it can completely cover the fork entrance / exit 2. Referring to FIG. 4, the baffle 5 is wider than the fork entrance / exit 2, and the pulley assembly 12 is made up of two sets of fixed pulleys, one set on each side of the fork entrance / exit 2 at the top of the guardrail 1. There may be only one counterweight 11, and each fixed pulley may correspond to one counterweight 11.

[0048] The drawings in this embodiment all show a schematic diagram of a single counterweight 11. When there is one counterweight 11, one end of the flexible rope (rope, tape, wire rope, chain, etc.) of each set of fixed pulleys is connected to the left or right side of the baffle 5, and the other end is commonly connected to the counterweight 11. In this case, to prevent the counterweight 11 from interfering with the operation of the forks, all of the counterweights 11 are located under the lowest end of the fork entrance / exit 2 during the entire process of pressing down the baffle 5.

[0049] When there are two counterweights 11, one end of the flexible rope (rope, tape, wire rope, chain, etc.) of each set of fixed pulleys is connected to the left or right side of the baffle 5, and the other end is connected to one counterweight 11. In this case, the two counterweights 11 are located on both sides of the fork entrance / exit 2, respectively, and do not interfere with the operation of the forks.

[0050] In this embodiment, the baffle 5 rises or falls along the first guide mechanism, which includes first guide wheels 14 installed on both sides of the baffle 5 and first guide grooves 13 installed on the guardrail 1 that match the position of the guide wheels 14, and the first guide wheels 14 can move up and down along the first guide grooves 13.

[0051] The counterweight 11 moves up and down along the second guide mechanism, which includes second guide wheels installed on both sides of the counterweight 11 and second guide grooves installed on the guardrail 1 that match the positions of the second guide wheels, and the second guide wheels can move up and down along the second guide grooves.

[0052] 6 shows a schematic diagram of the second guide mechanism of the counterweight 11, and the structure of the first guide mechanism of the baffle 5 is the same as that of the second guide mechanism, so it is not shown. Of course, the first guide groove 13 and the second guide groove may be two independent guide grooves, or may be the same guide groove, that is, the first guide wheel 14 and the second guide wheel may share one guide groove.

[0053] In this embodiment, in order to prevent people from passing through the fork entrance / exit 2 and climbing over the guardrail 1, a liftable baffle 5 is installed at the fork entrance / exit 2 position. When a forklift arrives, it presses down the baffle 5 to complete the material placement operation on the work platform 10. When the forklift is not in operation, the baffle 5 rises to shield the fork entrance / exit 2. See Figures 2(a) to (b) for a schematic diagram of the forklift interacting with the fork entrance / exit 2.

[0054] To further prevent people from climbing over the guardrail 1 by pressing down on the baffle 5, in this embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, safety detection units are installed symmetrically on both sides of the two fork entrances 2, and the safety detection units include a first proximity switch 7, a second proximity switch 8, and a third proximity switch 9, where the first proximity switch 7 is installed at a corresponding setting position when the baffle 5 is in the uppermost position, the second proximity switch 8 is installed at a corresponding setting position when the baffle 5 is in a set intermediate position, the specific positions can be set as needed, and the third proximity switch 9 is installed at a corresponding setting position when the baffle 5 is in the lowermost position.

[0055] The first proximity switch 7 is in the on state when the baffle 5 is not being pressed down and is turned off after the baffle 5 is being pressed down, the second proximity switch 8 is turned on when the baffle 5 is being pressed down to a set intermediate position, and the third proximity switch 9 is turned on when the baffle 5 is being pressed down to the lowest position.

[0056] As a specific example, the first proximity switch 7 is installed at a position corresponding to the top end of the fork inlet / outlet 2, and when the baffle 5 is in its initial position, the first proximity switch 7 can detect that the baffle 5 is in a conductive state, and when the baffle 5 is pressed down, the first proximity switch 7 cannot detect the baffle 5 and is therefore disconnected.

[0057] The second proximity switch 8 is installed at an intermediate set first position, and the second proximity switch 8 is turned on because it can detect the baffle 5 when the baffle 5 is pressed down to the set first position.

[0058] The third proximity switch 9 is installed at a position corresponding to the uppermost end of the baffle 5 when the baffle 5 does not block the fork entrance / exit 2 at all, and as the baffle 5 is pressed down, the third proximity switch 9 becomes conductive because it can sense the baffle 5 when the baffle 5 is pressed down to that position.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 7(a), when the baffle 5 is in the highest position (i.e., the initial position where it is not pressed down), both of the first proximity switches 7 can detect the baffle 5, and both of the first proximity switches 7 are turned on, indicating that the system is safe.

[0060] Referring to Figure 7(b), when the fork presses down on the baffle 5 to lower it, the two first proximity switches 7 are simultaneously turned off, and after the first set time has elapsed, the two second proximity switches 8 are simultaneously turned on, at which time the two first proximity switches 7 are temporarily turned off.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7(c), the fork continues to press down the baffle 5, and after the set second time has elapsed, the two third proximity switches 9 are turned on simultaneously, at which point the baffle 5 is pressed down to the bottom end, and the two first proximity switches 7 are still turned off.

[0062] Then, as the forks rise, the baffle 5 also rises, and within a certain period of time the two third proximity switches 9 are simultaneously turned off, while the two first proximity switches 7 are still turned off. As the baffle 5 continues to rise, within a certain period of time the two second proximity switches 8 are simultaneously turned off, while the two first proximity switches 7 are still turned off. When the baffle 5 rises to its initial position at the top, the two first proximity switches 7 are turned on, and the system is restored to its initial state.

[0063] Based on the above process of forklift operation, this embodiment further includes a control unit and an alarm unit. The control unit receives and judges the opening and closing timings of the first proximity switch 7, the second proximity switch 8, and the third proximity switch 9, and compares them with the set safe state timing to determine whether the fork entrance / exit 2 of the guardrail 1 is in a safe state. If the received opening and closing timings match the safe state timing, it is determined to be in a safe state; otherwise, it is determined to be in an unsafe state. If it is determined to be in an unsafe state, the control unit transmits a signal to the alarm unit to trigger the alarm. The control unit and its timing judgment process of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0064] Example 4 In some embodiments, a guardrail of an automated station in a production workplace is further disclosed, which includes a protection device for a fork entrance / exit of the guardrail of the automated station in the production workplace in Example 1 or Example 3.

[0065] The above describes specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but does not limit the protection scope of the present invention. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art based on the technical solutions of the present invention without requiring creative work still fall within the protection scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Guardrail, 2. Fork inlet / outlet, 3. Guide rod, 4. Spring, 5. Baffle, 6. Mounting base, 7. First proximity switch, 8. Second proximity switch, 9. Third proximity switch, 10. Work platform, 11. Counterweight, 12. Pulley assembly, 13. First guide groove, 14. First guide wheel.

Claims

1. 1. A protective device for fork entrance / exit points of a guardrail of an automated station in a production workshop, comprising: a liftable baffle unit respectively installed at two fork entrance / exit points of the guardrail, the liftable baffle unit comprising two guide rods installed opposite each other, a baffle connected between the two guide rods, the guide rods being provided with elastic members, the baffle compressing the elastic members and descending when subjected to downward pressure, and returning to its original position under the action of the elastic force of the elastic members when the pressure is removed.

2. The device further includes safety detection units symmetrically installed at the two fork entrances and exits, The safety detection unit a first proximity switch installed on the upper portion of the guide rod; a second proximity switch installed at a first predetermined position below the guide rod; 2. The protection device for the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 1, further comprising: a third proximity switch installed at the second set position on the lower part of the guide rod.

3. 3. The protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 2, wherein the first proximity switch is in an on state when the baffle is not pressed down and is turned off after the baffle is pressed down, the second proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a set first position, and the third proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a set second position.

4. 3. The protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 2, further comprising a safety recognition unit that receives and judges the opening / closing timings of the first proximity switch, the second proximity switch, and the third proximity switch, and compares the timings with a preset state timing to determine whether the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail is in a normal state for a forklift to enter.

5. The set state timings are specifically as follows:

5. The protective device for the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail of the automatic station in the production workshop according to claim 4, wherein when the first proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned off simultaneously, and after a set first time range, the second proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, and after a set second time range, the third proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, and after a set third time range, the first proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, it is determined that the forklift is entering normally; otherwise, it is determined that the forklift is not entering normally.

6. 5. The protective device for the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail of the automatic station in the production workshop according to claim 4, further comprising an alarm unit, the alarm unit being connected to the safety recognition unit and being used to issue an alarm signal when the safety recognition unit recognizes that the forklift is not in a normal entrance state.

7. 2. The protective device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

8. A method for protecting a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workplace, comprising: a step of respectively installing a liftable baffle at each of the two fork entrance / exit positions of the guardrail of the automatic station, wherein the baffle can compress an elastic member and move down when subjected to downward pressure, and can return under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member when the pressure is removed; a step of providing a first proximity switch, a second proximity switch, and a third proximity switch at positions corresponding to two fork entrances and exits, respectively, receiving and judging the opening and closing timing of each proximity switch, and comparing it with a preset state timing to judge whether the fork entrance and exit of the guardrail is in a normal state for a forklift to enter.

9. The set state timings are specifically as follows:

9. The method for protecting the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail of the automatic station in the production workshop according to claim 8, wherein when the first proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned off simultaneously, and after a set first time range, the second proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, and after a set second time range, the third proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, and after a set third time range, the first proximity switches of the two safety detection units are turned on simultaneously, it is determined that the forklift is entering normally; otherwise, it is determined that the forklift is not entering normally.

10. 1. A protective device for fork entrance / exit points of a guardrail of an automated station in a production workplace, comprising: riable baffle units respectively installed at two fork entrance / exit points of the guardrail; the riable baffle units each comprising a baffle, a counterweight, and a pulley assembly; the baffle and counterweight are respectively installed on two opposite sides of the guardrail, and the baffle and counterweight are connected via the pulley assembly; the baffle is initially located at the fork entrance / exit points and can block the fork entrance / exit points; and the baffle can be moved downward under the action of pressure until it does not block the fork entrance / exit points at all.

11. 11. The protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 10, wherein the weight of the counterweight is greater than the weight of the baffle.

12. The pulley assembly is a fixed pulley installed on both sides of the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail, and the baffle is connected to the counterweight via two fixed pulleys; There is only one counterweight, and when the baffle is being pressed down, the position of the counterweight is always lower than the fork inlet / outlet. Alternatively, the protective device for the fork entrance / exit of the guardrail of the automatic station in the production workshop according to claim 10, characterized in that there are two counterweights, and each fixed pulley corresponds to one counterweight.

13. The device further includes safety detection units symmetrically installed on both sides of the two fork entrances and exits, 11. The protective device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 10, wherein the safety detection unit includes a first proximity switch, a second proximity switch, and a third proximity switch, the first proximity switch being installed at a setting position corresponding to when the baffle is in the uppermost position, the second proximity switch being installed at a setting position corresponding to when the baffle is in a set intermediate position, and the third proximity switch being installed at a setting position corresponding to when the baffle is in the lowermost position.

14. 14. The protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workshop according to claim 13, wherein the first proximity switch is in an on state when the baffle is not pressed down and is turned off after the baffle is pressed down, the second proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a set intermediate position, and the third proximity switch is turned on when the baffle is pressed down to a lowest position.

15. 11. The protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail of an automatic station in a production workplace according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit and an alarm unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the alarm unit and controls the alarm unit to issue an alarm signal.

16. A guardrail for an automatic station in a production workplace, characterized in that it includes a protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or a protection device for a fork entrance / exit of a guardrail according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

Images