Horizontal checker

Abstract

This device provides a horizontal checker that offers useful indicators for ensuring the forks of a reach forklift are level. [Solution] A horizontal checker for detecting the tilt of a forklift fork, comprising a measuring unit and a linear member with one end fixed to the fork or backrest and the other end fixed to the measuring unit. The measuring unit comprises an indicator that moves in accordance with the movement of the linear member due to a change in the tilt of the fork, and a scale that indicates the position indicated by the indicator when the fork is in a horizontal position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a horizontal checker used to check whether the forks of a forklift are horizontal.

Background Art

[0002] General-purpose forklifts are "counterbalance forklifts" and "reach forklifts". Due to the structure of the forklift, currently, the horizontal checker can only be mounted on the counterbalance forklift. The counterbalance forklift is designed to tilt the entire mast, while the reach forklift is designed to tilt only the backrest part that moves the mast up and down.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, the reach forklift has a structure in which only the backrest and the forks tilt, and the mast does not tilt. Therefore, with a horizontal checker for a counterbalance forklift, it is impossible to check whether the forks are horizontal.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the above-described prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a horizontal checker that presents a useful index for leveling the forks of a reach forklift.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a horizontal checker that detects the inclination of the forks of a forklift, The device comprises a measuring unit and a linear member, one end of which is fixed to a backrest that tilts integrally with the fork, and the other end of which is fixed to the measuring unit, wherein the measuring unit includes an indicator that moves in accordance with the movement of the linear member due to a change in the tilt of the fork. A horizontal checker having a scale indicating the position pointed to by the indicator when the fork is in a horizontal position.

[0007] The horizontal checker of the present invention, when mounted on a reach forklift, allows the operator to easily determine the orientation of the forks from the position of the indicator. Furthermore, the operator of the reach forklift can easily determine whether the forks are horizontal based on their position relative to the indicator.

[0008] Preferably, the measuring unit has a rotating body that rotates around a predetermined axis and to which the other end of the linear member is fixed, and the indicator rotates integrally with the rotating body.

[0009] Preferably, the measuring unit has a housing that houses the rotating body and has an arc-shaped outer surface, and the indicator has a first indicator that is located outside the housing and moves along the outer surface, and a first scale that indicates the position of the first indicator is formed on the outer surface.

[0010] Preferably, a second scale is formed on the upper surface of the housing, and a third scale is formed on the lower surface of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the second and third scales indicates the position indicated by the indicator when the fork is in a horizontal position.

[0012] Preferably, the scale is positioned toward the driver's seat side relative to the front direction of the forklift.

[0013] Preferably, one end of the linear member is provided with a magnet that is fixed to the backrest by magnetic force.

[0014] Preferably, a mast fixing member for fixing the measuring unit to the vertical moving member of the front mast is provided, the housing is fixed to be movable in the horizontal direction of the mast fixing member, and the indicator rotates according to the horizontal position of the mast fixing member.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a horizontal checker that presents a useful index for leveling the forks of a reach forklift can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a reach forklift 11 to which a horizontal checker 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a horizontal checker 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a structure in which a horizontal checker 31 is fixed to a reach forklift 11. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a structure on the side surface side of the horizontal checker 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an indicator 91 and a mechanism around it. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a measuring unit 35 shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a measuring unit 35 shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a measuring unit 35 shown in FIG. 2.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a horizontal checker used for a forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of a reach forklift 11 to which a horizontal checker 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. As shown in FIG. 1, in the reach forklift 11, the backrest 23 and the fork 25 move up and down integrally along the mast 21.

[0018] The reach forklift 11 has a mechanism for tilting the fork 25, and the backrest 23 and the fork 25 tilt integrally with respect to the mast 21. The mast 21 includes a vertical movement member 22 that fixes the backrest 23 and moves up and down integrally with the backrest 23. As will be described later, the horizontal checker 31 is fixed to the vertical movement member 22.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the horizontal checker 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As will be described later, the horizontal checker 31 is fixed to the vertical movement member 22 of the reach forklift 11 and detects the tilt of the fork 25. The horizontal checker 31 has, for example, a measurement unit 35, a linear body 63, a mast fixing member 37, a backrest fixing member 61, and the like.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the structure in which the horizontal checker 31 is fixed to the reach forklift 11. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the structure on the side surface side of the horizontal checker 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the mast fixing member 37 of the horizontal checker 31 is fixed to the vertical movement member 22 of the mast 21 shown in FIG. 1. The vertical movement member 22 is a member that moves up and down together with the backrest 23.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mast fixing member 37 has a connecting portion 51 and a connecting portion 53 that extend in the horizontal direction. Magnets 56 and 57 are provided at the tips of the connecting portion 51 and the connecting portion 53, respectively. At least one of the connecting portion 51 and the connecting portion 53 has a structure that can expand and contract in the horizontal direction.

[0022] The mast fixing member 37 is fixed to the vertical moving member 22 (support columns 221 and 222) by rotating the length adjustment screw 62 to adjust the length of the connecting part 51 and the connecting part 53 to a size corresponding to the width between the support columns 221 and 222 of the vertical moving member 22 of the mast 21, and by pressing magnets 56 and 57 between the support columns 221 and 222 from the inside, and by the friction and magnetic force caused by the pressing force.

[0023] A measuring unit 35 is fixed to either the connecting part 51 or the connecting part 53. As shown in Figure 3, the measuring unit 35 is fixed to the connection part 51 or the connection part 53 by a fixing device 71. The measuring unit 35 has a housing 41, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. Outside the enclosure 41, the indicator 91 rotates around the rotation axis 43.

[0024] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the indicator 91 and its surrounding mechanisms. The mechanism shown in Figure 5 is housed within the casing 41. As shown in Figure 5, the indicator 91 is integrally molded with a first member 111 positioned opposite the outer peripheral surface 81, a second member 112 positioned opposite the plane 82 of the housing 41, and a third member 113 positioned opposite the bottom surface 83.

[0025] Figure 6 is a front view of the measuring unit 35 shown in Figure 2, Figure 7 is a top view of the measuring unit 35 shown in Figure 2, and Figure 8 is a bottom view of the measuring unit 35 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, a first scale 101 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 81 of the housing 41 of the measuring unit 35.

[0026] The first scale 101 is where the first member 111 of the indicator 91 is positioned when the fork 25 is horizontal. On both sides of the first scale 101 on the outer surface 81, the words "UP" indicating that the fork 25 is in an upward angle position and "DOWN" indicating that the fork 25 is in a downward angle position are printed.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, a second scale 102 is formed on the flat surface 82 of the housing 41 of the measuring unit 35. The second scale 102 is where the second member 112 of the indicator 91 is positioned when the fork 25 is horizontal. On both sides of the second scale 102 on the plane 81, the words "UP" indicating that the fork 25 is in an upward angle position and "DOWN" indicating that the fork 25 is in a downward angle position are printed.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, a third scale 103 is formed on the bottom surface 83 of the housing 41 of the measuring unit 35. The third scale 103 is where the third component 113 of the indicator 91 is located when the fork 25 is horizontal. On both sides of the third scale 103 on the base surface 83, the words "UP" indicating that the fork 25 is in an upward angle position and "DOWN" indicating that the fork 25 is in a downward angle position are printed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the linear body 63 has a backrest fixing member 61 directed toward one end. As shown in Figure 5, the other end 153 of the linear body 63 is fixed to the connection part 155 of the rotating body 151.

[0030] The linear body 63 shifts in response to the change in the inclination of the fork 25. This shift generates a rotational force at the other end 153 and the connecting part 155, causing the rotating body 151 to rotate around the rotation axis 43. The indicator 91 rotates (shifts) in conjunction with the rotation of the rotation axis 43. As the indicator 91 rotates, the operator of the reach forklift 11 can determine the orientation of the forks 25 (horizontal, upward tilt, downward tilt) from the position of the indicator 91 in Figures 6 to 8 and its positional relationship with the first scale 101, the second scale 102, and the third scale 103.

[0031] The following explains how to use the horizontal checker 31. <Installation on Reach Forklift 11> As shown in Figure 3, the worker retracts and positions the connecting parts 51 and 53 of the horizontal checker 31 shown in Figure 2 so that they can be attached between the support columns 221 and 222 of the vertically moving member 22 of the mast 21. Then, the worker extends the connecting part 53 so that the magnet 55 contacts the support column 221 and the magnet 57 contacts the support column 222. As a result, the connecting parts 51 and 53 are stably fixed between the support columns 221 and 222 by magnetic force and frictional force.

[0032] Next, after confirming that the fork 25 is in a horizontal position, the operator moves the horizontal checker 31 horizontally along the connection 51 and connection 53 so that the indicator 91 points to the first scale 101, the second scale 102, and the third scale 103. Then, the operator tightens the fixing device 71 at the new position to fix the horizontal checker 31 in place.

[0033] <Actions during cargo handling> The operator moves the reach forklift 11 to the location of the load to be transported and moves the forks 25 to the position of the load. At this time, for example, when the forks 25 are to be in a horizontal position, the operator adjusts the angle of the forks 25 until the indicator 91 aligns with the first scale 101, the second scale 102, and the third scale 103. Once the angle of fork 25 is adjusted, move the fork 25, now in a horizontal position, towards the load and place the load on top of fork 25. Then, move the load to its designated position.

[0034] As explained above, the horizontal checker 31 allows the operator to easily determine the orientation of the forks 25 of the reach forklift 11 from the position of the indicator 91. Furthermore, according to the horizontal checker 31, the operator of the reach forklift 11 can easily determine whether the forks 25 are horizontal based on the positional relationship between the first scale 101, the second scale 102, the third scale 103 and the indicator 91.

[0035] According to the horizontal checker 31, by using a first scale 101 formed on the outer circumferential surface 81 of the housing 41, a second scale 102 formed on the flat surface 82 of the housing 41, and a third scale 103 formed on the bottom surface 83 of the housing 41, the positional relationship between the indicator 91 and the first scale 101, the second scale 102, and the third scale 103 can be easily visually confirmed by the operator of the reach forklift 11, even when the horizontal checker 31 moves up and down together with the vertical moving member 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the horizontal checker 31 allows for the orientation of the fork 25 to be determined with a relatively simple structure. This makes it possible to offer a durable and low-cost product.

[0037] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In other words, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and substitutions with respect to the components of the embodiments described above, within the technical scope of the present invention or its equivalents.

[0038] The shape of the measuring unit 35 is arbitrary. For example, in the embodiment described above, an indicator 91 that rotates according to the angle of the fork 25 was exemplified, but an indicator 91 that moves linearly according to the angle of the fork 25 may also be used.

[0039] The position in which the horizontal checker 31 is attached is not particularly limited, as long as it is a position in which the linear body 63 shifts in accordance with the change in the inclination of the fork 25.

[0040] The position in which the backrest fixing member 61 is fixed is not particularly limited, as long as it is a position that changes in accordance with the change in the angle of the fork 25.

[0041] The patterns and numbers of the first scale division 101, the second scale division 102, and the third scale division 103 are arbitrary.

[0042] Furthermore, if the mast fixing member 37 can be fixed to the vertically moving member 22, other members besides the magnets 56 and 57 may be used. Furthermore, the backrest fixing member 61 may be made of a material other than a magnet, as long as it can be fixed to the backrest 23 or the fork 25.

[0043] Furthermore, the reach forklift 11 is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0044] The present invention is applicable to a horizontal checker that provides a useful indicator for leveling the forks of a forklift. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 11… Reach forklift 21...Must 22...Vertical moving member 221...post 222…post 23... Backrest 25... Fork 31…Horizontal checker 37… Mast fixing component 51, 53… Connection part 55, 57… Magnets 41... Cabinet 61... Backrest fixing member 63...linear body 71...Fixing tool 91... Indicator 111...First component 112...Second component 113...Third component 101...First scale mark 102...Second scale mark 103...Third scale 221,222…post

Claims

1. A horizontal checker for detecting the tilt of the forks of a reach forklift, Measurement unit, A linear member having one end fixed to a backrest that tilts integrally with the fork and the other end fixed to the measuring section, A mast fixing member that fixes the measurement unit to the vertically moving member of the front mast, It has, The aforementioned measuring unit is A rotating body that rotates around a predetermined axis, with the other end of the linear member fixed to it, A housing having an arc-shaped outer surface and housing the rotating body, An indicator is provided which is located on the outside of the housing and has a first indicator that moves along the outer surface in conjunction with the rotating body, A first scale is formed on the outer circumferential surface, which indicates the position of the first indicator when the fork is in a horizontal position, Yes, The housing is fixed to the mast fixing member so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, and the indicator rotates according to the horizontal position of the mast fixing member. A horizontal checker characterized by the following features.

2. A second scale is formed on the upper surface of the housing, and a third scale is formed on the lower surface of the housing. A horizontal checker according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the second and third scales indicates the position pointed to by the indicator when the fork is in a horizontal position. A horizontal checker according to claim 2.

4. The scale is positioned facing the driver's seat side relative to the front of the forklift. A horizontal checker according to claim 1.

5. A magnet is provided at one end of the linear member, which is fixed to the backrest by magnetic force. A horizontal checker according to claim 1.

6. A horizontal checker for detecting the tilt of the forks of a reach forklift, Measurement unit, A linear member having one end fixed to a backrest that tilts integrally with the fork and the other end fixed to the measuring section, A mast fixing member that fixes the measurement unit to the vertically moving member of the front mast, It has, The aforementioned measuring unit is An indicator that changes in accordance with the movement of the linear member due to a change in the inclination of the fork, A scale indicating the position pointed to by the indicator when the fork is in a horizontal position, has A horizontal checker characterized by the following features.

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