Steering wheel apparatus for industrial vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle. The steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle according to the present invention comprises a steering wheel, an operating part supported by the steering wheel and operable by an operator, and a guide part that guides the operating part to move between the rotation center of the steering wheel and the outer circumference of the steering wheel.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle, and more specifically, to a steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle capable of operating the steering wheel according to the driver's body structure or preference. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a steering wheel is installed inside industrial vehicles to control steering. In other words, the driver rotates the steering wheel to move the industrial vehicle in the desired direction.

[0003] However, arm lengths and heights vary among drivers, and each has a steering wheel diameter that is easy to rotate.

[0004] Unlike general passenger cars, industrial vehicles often have multiple operators, and since cargo must be unloaded or loaded using the vehicles, the fatigue experienced by workers due to the operation of the vehicles is significant.

[0005] At this time, due to the fixed outer diameter of the steering wheel, there is a problem in that unnecessary fatigue occurs when the driver rotates the steering wheel. Specifically, since the diameter of the steering wheel may vary depending on the cabin layout or the model of the industrial vehicle, the operator may experience inconvenience in operating it.

[0006] This inconvenience poses a problem by increasing worker fatigue caused by the operation of industrial vehicles. The problem to be solved

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle capable of adjusting the steering wheel's operating radius to suit the driver's body structure or preference. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle comprises a steering wheel, an operating part supported on the steering wheel and operable by an operator, and a guide part that guides the operating part to move between the rotation center of the steering wheel and the outer circumference of the steering wheel.

[0009] Additionally, the steering wheel may include a cover having a cover hole formed therein that guides at least a portion of the operating part to be inserted and positioned, and a support member coupled to the cover and supporting the guide part.

[0010] Additionally, the guide member may include a guide member that is supported by the support member and has at least a portion of the operating member inserted therein to guide the movement of the operating member, and a fastening member that fixes the position of the operating member inserted into the guide member.

[0011] Additionally, the support member may include a fastening area formed open to face at least one area of ​​the guide member so as to allow access to the fastening member.

[0012] In addition, the steering wheel device of the industrial vehicle described above may further include an adjustment part capable of adjusting the distance between the rotation center of the steering wheel and the operating part.

[0013] Alternatively, the steering wheel device of the industrial vehicle described above may further include a drive unit that provides power for the movement of the operating unit.

[0014] Additionally, the driving unit may include a gas cylinder disposed inside the steering wheel and filled with gas, a rod disposed extendably within the gas cylinder and coupled to the operating unit, and a switch supported by the steering wheel and controlling the extension of the rod.

[0015] Alternatively, the steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an input unit for inputting information for the movement of the operating unit.

[0016] In addition, the driving unit can be operated by the information input into the input unit. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, a steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle can adjust the operating radius of the steering wheel to suit the driver's body structure or preference. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the lower part of a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the interior of a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a driving unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the interior of a steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0020] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The relative dimensions and proportions of parts in the drawings are exaggerated or reduced in size for clarity and convenience, and any dimensions are illustrative only and not limiting. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features for identical structural elements or parts appearing in two or more drawings.

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention specifically illustrate ideal embodiments of the present invention. As a result, various variations of the illustration are expected. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific form of the illustrated area and include, for example, variations in form resulting from manufacturing.

[0022] Hereinafter, a steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] The steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle is a steering wheel device installed in an industrial vehicle and operated by a driver to steer the industrial vehicle.

[0024] A steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a steering wheel (100, 300), an operating part (200), and a guide part (400).

[0025] The steering wheel (100, 300) is a part operated by the driver, and the steering device is operated by rotation so that the direction of travel of the industrial vehicle can be controlled.

[0026] The control unit (200) is supported on the steering wheel (100, 300) and can be operated by an operator. Specifically, the operator can rotate the control unit (200) by gripping the control unit (200) supported on the steering wheel (100, 300) to rotate the steering wheel (100, 300). That is, the driver can rotate the steering wheel (100, 300) by gripping the control unit (200).

[0027] The guide member (400) can guide the operating member (200) to move between the rotation center of the steering wheel (100,300) and the outer circumference of the steering wheel (100,300). Specifically, the operating member (200) can be moved within the radius of the steering wheel (100,300) by the guide member (400), so that the driver can move the operating member (200) without operating the steering wheel (100,300) while holding the outer circumference of the steering wheel (100,300), thereby allowing the driver to stably rotate the steering wheel (100,300).

[0028] Accordingly, the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention allows the driver to rotate the steering wheel (100, 300) by moving the operating part (200) to a desired position for the convenience of the driver's physical characteristics or for the rotation of the steering wheel (100, 300).

[0029] In addition, the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention can be freely installed in the model of the industrial vehicle or the layout inside the cabin, and the steering wheel (100, 300) can be effectively rotated by moving the operating part (200) to suit the driver.

[0030] In addition, the steering wheel (100, 300) of the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cover (100) and a support member (300).

[0031] The cover (100) may have a cover hole (110) formed therein to guide at least a portion of the operating part (200) to be inserted and positioned. The cover (100) may form a portion of the exterior of the steering wheel (100, 300). Additionally, the cover hole (110) may have an open portion formed on the cover (100), so that at least a portion of the operating part (200) may be inserted and positioned inside the cover hole (110). A portion of the operating part (200) that can be grasped by the driver may be protruded and positioned outside the cover hole (110).

[0032] Specifically, the cover hole (110) may be formed as an opening in a portion of the cover (100) between the rotation center of the steering wheel (100, 300) and the outer circumference of the steering wheel (100, 300). For example, the cover hole (110) may be formed as an elongated hole in the radial direction of the steering wheel (100, 300).

[0033] The support member (300) can be combined with the cover (100). Additionally, the support member (300) can support the guide member (400). Specifically, the cover (100) can be positioned to cover the support member (300) and the guide member (400) supported therein.

[0034] For example, a cover coupling portion (130) may be formed on the cover (100). Specifically, the cover coupling portion (130) may be formed by protruding a portion inside the cover (100). A support coupling portion (320) may be formed on the support member (300). Specifically, the cover coupling portion (130) may be inserted into the support coupling portion (320) to connect the cover (100) and the support member (300).

[0035] That is, the cover (100) and the support member (300) can be detachably connected by the cover connecting part (130) and the support connecting part (320).

[0036] Additionally, the cover coupling portions (130) may be formed in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other, and the support coupling portions (320) may be formed in a number corresponding to the number of cover coupling portions (130).

[0037] In addition, the guide portion (400) of the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a guide member (410) and a fastening member (420).

[0038] The guide member (410) can be supported by the support member (300). Additionally, at least a portion of the operating unit (200) is inserted and disposed in the guide member (410), and the guide member (410) can guide the movement of the operating unit (200). Specifically, the guide member (410) can provide a path for the movement of the operating unit (200).

[0039] That is, at least a portion of the operating part (200) is inserted and disposed in the guide member (410), so that the guide member (410) can guide the operating part (200) to slide along the guide member (410).

[0040] For example, the guide member (410) can provide a movement path for the operating part (200) in the form of a rail.

[0041] Specifically, the guide member (410) includes a guide area (411) into which a part of the operating part (200) can be inserted. That is, the path of the operating part (200) can be determined according to the shape of the guide area (411).

[0042] Additionally, the guide area (411) and the cover hole (110) can be arranged so that at least one area is connected to the other.

[0043] For example, the guide member (410) may have a plurality of bent plates spaced apart from each other on the support member (300) with a guide area (411) in between.

[0044] The fastening member (420) can fix the position of the operating part (200) inserted into the guide member (410). Specifically, the fastening member (420) can fix the current position of the operating part (200) located on the guide member (410).

[0045] For example, the fastening member (420) can be spirally coupled with the area penetrating the guide area (411) of the guide member (410). The fastening member (420) may be a nut.

[0046] In addition, a fastening member (420) is disposed within a plurality of bent plates, so that the plurality of bent plate regions can provide an installation space for the fastening member (420).

[0047] In addition, a support member (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fastening area (310).

[0048] A fastening area (310) may be formed with an open portion on the support member (300). Additionally, the fastening area (310) may be formed with an open portion facing at least one portion of the guide member (410). Specifically, the fastening area (310), the guide portion (411), and the cover hole (110) may be arranged so that at least one portion is in communication with each other.

[0049] A driver or operator can access the fastening member (420) to fasten or unfasten it. That is, the driver or operator can access the fastening member (420) through the fastening member (420), unfasten the fastening member (420), move the operating unit (200), and then fix the operating unit (200) to the fastening member (420) at the moved position.

[0050] For example, the fastening area (310) may be formed with an area accessible to a work tool for fastening or unfastening the fastening member (420).

[0051] In addition, the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (450).

[0052] The control unit (450) can adjust the distance between the center of rotation of the steering wheel (100, 300) and the control unit (200).

[0053] The control unit (450) supports the operating unit (200) between the center of rotation of the steering wheel (100,300) and the outer circumference of the steering wheel (100,300), and can adjust the distance between the center of rotation of the steering wheel (100,300) and the operating unit (200).

[0054] Specifically, the control unit (450) can move and restrict the position of the control unit (200) within the radius of the steering wheel (100, 300).

[0055] When the position of the operating part (200) is limited only in the direction of the central axis by the fastening member (420), the control part (450) can prevent the position of the operating part (200) from changing due to the force applied to the operating part (200) when the steering wheel (100, 300) is rotated by the operating part (200).

[0056] The control unit (450) can restrict and change the radial movement of the control unit (200) of the steering wheel (100, 300).

[0057] For example, the adjustment unit (450) may include a pin with a screw thread and a tab that engages with the screw thread formed on the pin. That is, the position of the operation unit (200) can be varied by adjusting the distance between the tab and the operation unit (200) by allowing the pin to rotate. Additionally, one side of the pin may be connected to the tab and the other side may be connected to the operation unit (200).

[0058] Alternatively, the adjustment part (450) may be formed on the guide member (410) and formed in the shape of a locking groove so as to be engaged with at least a portion of the outer surface of the operating part (200) inserted into the guide member (410).

[0059] That is, a part of the control unit (200) may be engaged with a locking groove-shaped adjustment unit (450) formed on a guide member (410) so that the radial movement of the steering wheel (100, 300) may be restricted.

[0060] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, a steering wheel device (102) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a driving unit (500). Specifically, the steering wheel device (102) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a steering wheel (100, 300), an operating unit (200), and a guide unit (400) identical to the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0061] The drive unit (500) provides power for the movement of the control unit (200). Additionally, the drive unit (500) may provide a reaction force to limit the movement of the control unit (200) toward the center of rotation of the steering wheel (100, 300).

[0062] In addition, the driving unit (500) of the steering wheel device (102) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a gas cylinder (510), a rod (520), and a switch (540), as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0063] Gas can be filled inside the gas cylinder (510). Additionally, a spring can be placed inside the gas cylinder (510). For example, the gas cylinder (510) can be a gas spring.

[0064] The gas cylinder (510) may be positioned inside the steering wheel (100, 300). Specifically, the gas cylinder (510) may be positioned between the cover (100) and the support member (300). The gas cylinder (510) may be supported on the support member (300) by a plurality of brackets (610).

[0065] The rod (520) can be retractably disposed in the gas cylinder (510). Specifically, one side of the rod (520) is inserted into the inside of the gas cylinder (510), and the other side of the rod (520) can be coupled to the operating part (200) by a connecting part (530). That is, the rod (520) can be retracted from the gas cylinder (510) according to the pressure inside the gas cylinder (510) or the expansion state of the spring, so that its length can be variably adjusted.

[0066] The switch (540) may be supported on the steering wheel (100, 300). Additionally, the switch (540) may control the extension of the rod (520). Specifically, the switch (540) may control the extension of the rod (520) by controlling the pressure inside the gas cylinder (510). When the switch (540) is pressed by the driver or operator, the gas inside the gas cylinder (510) expands and the rod (520) may move in the direction of extension. Thus, the driver or operator may release the pressure of the switch (540) to maintain the position of the rod (520) in its current position.

[0067] Specifically, the connecting line (550) can connect the switch (540) and the gas cylinder (510). The connecting line (550) can allow the pressure inside the gas cylinder (510) to be varied according to the operation of the switch (540).

[0068] Alternatively, when the switch (540) is pressed by the operator or worker, the gas inside the gas cylinder (510) expands, so the operator or worker can pressurize the operating part (200) to move in the direction in which the rod (520) contracts. Accordingly, the operator or worker can release the pressurization of the switch (540) so that the position of the rod (520) is maintained in its current position.

[0069] That is, during the extension process of the rod (520), the operating part (200) moves along the guide part (400) and can be moved stably.

[0070] In other words, the switch (540) can be operated by a driver or operator to control the extension of the load (520).

[0071] Accordingly, the steering wheel device (102) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention allows a driver or operator to easily control the movement and restriction of the operating part (200) by means of a driving part (500) including a gas cylinder (510), a rod (520), and a switch (540).

[0072] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, another industrial vehicle steering wheel device (103) of the present invention includes a driving unit (500) and an input unit (700). Specifically, the industrial vehicle steering wheel device (103) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the same steering wheel (100, 300), operating unit (200), and driving unit (500) as the industrial vehicle steering wheel device (102) according to another embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0073] At this time, the driving unit (500) of the steering wheel device (103) of another industrial vehicle of the present invention may be an electric actuator comprising an electric motor, a ball screw, and a movable slider (nut).

[0074] The operating part (200) is coupled and supported to a slider (nut) and can be moved along the ball screw in the longitudinal direction of the ball screw.

[0075] The input unit (700) can receive movement information for operating the drive unit (500). Specifically, the driver can input the movement position of the control unit (200) to the input unit (700) so that the control unit (200) moves to a desired position. The control unit (600) receives the information input to the input unit (700) and transmits a command to the drive unit (500) to cause the control unit (200) to move.

[0076] That is, based on information such as the distance, direction of movement, and step of movement of the operating unit (200) input by the driver, the control unit (600) can control the driving unit (500) to move the operating unit (200) so that it corresponds to the information input by the driver.

[0077] For example, the input unit (700) may be an input and displayable device located within the cabin of an industrial vehicle.

[0078] Accordingly, the steering wheel device (103) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention allows the driver to easily move the control unit (200) to a desired position.

[0079] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the movement of the operating part (200) of the steering wheel device (101) of an industrial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0080] When a driver wants to move the control unit (200) to a desired position regardless of the outer diameter of the steering wheel (100, 300), the driver can approach the fastening area (310) and release the fastening member (420).

[0081] Additionally, the driver can adjust the control unit (450) and cause the control unit (200) to move along the guide member (410).

[0082] When the control unit (200) is moved to a desired distance from the center of rotation of the steering wheel (100, 300), the driver can fix the control unit (200) with a fastening member (420) to fix the current position of the control unit (200).

[0083] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the movement of the operating part (200) of the steering wheel device (102) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0084] When a driver wants to move the control unit (200) to a desired position regardless of the outer diameter of the steering wheel (100, 300), the driver can approach the fastening area (310) and release the fastening member (420).

[0085] The driver can press the switch (540) and move the operating part (200) along the guide member (410) to move it to a desired position. Specifically, the position of the operating part (200) can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the rod (520) as the restraint of the rod (520) connected to the operating part (200) is released by the pressed switch (540).

[0086] When it is determined that the length adjustment of the rod (520) has reached the desired position, the driver can release the pressure of the switch (540) and fix the operating part (200) with the fastening member (420) to fix the current position of the operating part (200).

[0087] That is, the position of the operating part (200) can be variably adjusted by the length of the rod (520) drawn out from the gas cylinder (510).

[0088] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the movement of the operating part (200) of the steering wheel device (103) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0089] The driver inputs input information to the input unit (700) so that the operating unit (200) moves to a desired position. The control unit (600) receives the information from the input unit (700) and controls the driving unit (500) to move the operating unit (200). Specifically, the control unit (600) can control the driving unit (500), which is an electric actuator, so that the operating unit (200) connected thereto moves.

[0090] At this time, if the steering wheel device (103) of the industrial vehicle includes a guide member (400), the driver may release the fastening member (420) before operating the input member (700). Alternatively, the driver may fix the position of the operating member (200) on the guide member (410) by connecting the fastening member (420) after the movement of the operating member (200) is completed.

[0091] In addition, the driving unit (500) of the steering wheel device (103) of an industrial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a gear (580), a shaft (560), and a motor (570), as shown in FIG. 7.

[0092] The shaft (560) can be supported by the bracket (610) and the connecting part (530). Specifically, a spiral can be formed on the shaft (560). And one side of the shaft (560) can be inserted and supported inside the connecting part (530).

[0093] The gear (580) provides power. The gear (580) is positioned between the shaft (560) and the motor (570) to transmit the power provided by the gear (580) to the shaft (560), so that the shaft (560) rotates and the operating part (200) moves.

[0094] For example, the gear (580) may include a plurality of gears. It may include a driving gear directly connected to the motor (570), a moving gear supported by the shaft (560), and a dependent gear positioned between the driving gear and the moving gear.

[0095] For example, the motor (570) can be operated by information received from the input unit (700) to move the control unit (200) on the steering wheel (300).

[0096] With such a configuration, the steering wheel device (101, 102, 103) of an industrial vehicle according to the embodiments of the present invention allows the driver to move the operating part (200) to a desired position and stably rotate the steering wheel (100, 300) even when the outer diameter of the steering wheel (100, 300) is large.

[0097] Therefore, various drivers operating industrial vehicles can move the control unit (200) according to their respective body structures to stably rotate the steering wheel (100, 300) and perform work with the industrial vehicle.

[0098] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features.

[0099] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims set forth below, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0100] 100: Cover 101, 102, 103: Steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle 110: Cover hole 200: Control panel 300: Support member 310: Fastening area 400: Information Department 410: Information Absence 420: Fastening member 450: Adjustment unit 500: Drive unit 510: Gas cylinder 520: Load 540: Switch 700: Input section 100,300: Steering wheel

Claims

Claim 1 A steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle comprising: a steering wheel; an operating part supported by the steering wheel and operable by an operator; and a guide part that guides the operating part to move between the rotation center of the steering wheel and the outer circumference of the steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel guides at least a portion of the operating part to be inserted and positioned, and the steering wheel comprises a cover hole formed with an opening in one area so that the operating part can slide within the radius of the steering wheel. Claim 2 A steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel is coupled to the cover and further comprises a support member that supports the guide portion. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle comprises: a guide member supported by the support member and having at least a portion of the operating part inserted therein and guiding the movement of the operating part; and a fastening member that fixes the position of the operating part inserted in the guide member. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the steering wheel device of an industrial vehicle, wherein the support member comprises a fastening area formed open to face at least one area of ​​the guide member so as to allow access to the fastening member. Claim 5 A steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment part capable of adjusting the distance between the center of rotation of the steering wheel and the operating part. Claim 6 A steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a driving unit that provides power for the movement of the operating unit. Claim 7 In claim 6, the driving unit comprises: a gas cylinder filled with gas and disposed inside the steering wheel; a rod disposed extendably in the gas cylinder and coupled to the operating unit; and a switch supported on the steering wheel and controlling the extension of the rod, in a steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle. Claim 8 A steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle according to claim 6, further comprising an input unit for inputting information for the movement of the above-mentioned control unit. Claim 9 A steering wheel device for an industrial vehicle, characterized in that, in claim 8, the driving unit is operated by information input into the input unit.

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