A central integrated control panel for forklift and forklift

Abstract

This invention provides a central integrated control panel for forklifts and forklifts, including a panel, an operating handle, and a bracket. The integrated control panel provided by this invention has a high degree of integration, integrating function keys such as thumb rollers, function buttons, and compound buttons onto the operating handle. During use, there is no need to free up hands to operate the buttons separately; the function keys can be conveniently pressed with just the fingertips, enabling simple, fast, and efficient control of the forklift. Furthermore, the newly added thumb roller can replace the movement of the handle, effectively improving work efficiency and driving safety. Moreover, since the function keys do not need to be separately located on the control panel, the overall size of the control panel is relatively small, providing more picking space for the operator and improving work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of forklift technology, specifically to a forklift central integrated control panel and forklift. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the warehousing and logistics industry and the increasingly expensive urban land prices, the forklift market is seeing a growing demand for narrow aisle forklifts, especially a multi-functional forklift where the driver can ride on the vehicle and perform picking operations from the cab. This maximizes space utilization, simplifies the processes of handling, stacking, and picking goods, and improves worker efficiency. Due to the size limitations of narrow aisles, drivers need to be able to easily and quickly perform flexible fork operations, including lateral movement, 180° rotation, and forklift lifting. This has led to the development of this central integrated control console solution.

[0003] The existing central integrated operation mainly consists of left and right control handles, a steering wheel, and function switching buttons. The linkage between the forklift's movement and the fork pair is relatively poor. Function switching needs to be achieved through function switching buttons, which increases the complexity of operation and affects work efficiency. Moreover, in the existing technology, the left and right control handles are mainly used to control the up, down, left, and right movement of the forks, so the forklift's function buttons need to be placed on them. When switching functions, one hand needs to be freed to operate the function buttons, which affects driving. In addition, the function buttons occupy part of the space on the control panel, resulting in a large control panel size. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a central integrated control panel for forklifts and forklifts to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A forklift central integrated control panel, comprising:

[0007] The panel includes a panel housing and connecting housings fixed on both sides of the panel housing, and an operating handle is fixed on the connecting housing;

[0008] An operating handle is horizontally positioned and includes a left handle and a right handle, which are symmetrically fixed to the connecting housings on both sides of the panel housing.

[0009] A bracket, which is fixed to the lower end of the panel housing;

[0010] The upper surfaces of the left and right handles are symmetrically equipped with thumb rollers, function buttons, and compound buttons. A vehicle display screen is installed in the center of the upper surface of the panel housing. The upper surface of the panel housing is also equipped with a steering wheel and an emergency stop button.

[0011] In one embodiment, a microcomputer device is provided inside the panel. The microcomputer device includes a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. Two sets of pressure sensors are provided, which are respectively fixed to the surfaces of the left and right handles and are used to measure the pressure on the surfaces of the left and right handles. The microcontroller is electrically connected to a first relay group. The microcontroller controls the operation of the first relay group according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. The contacts of the first relay group are connected in series in the signal output circuit of the thumb roller, function button and compound button.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first relay group is provided in two sets, with contacts connected in series in the signal output circuits of the thumb roller, function button and compound button on the left and right handles, respectively. The microcontroller controls the action of the two sets of the first relay groups separately according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensors on the left and right handles.

[0013] In one embodiment, the signal output ends of the thumbwheel, function button, and compound button on the left and right handles are electrically connected to a terminal block, which is fixed to the panel housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, an ignition switch is fixed on the bracket, and a keypad is fixed on the upper surface of the panel housing. The keypad and the steering wheel are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the vehicle display screen. The keypad is electrically connected to a microcontroller, and the microcontroller is electrically connected to a second relay group. The microcontroller controls the operation of the second relay group through the input signal of the keypad, and the contacts of the second relay group are connected in series in the signal output circuit of the ignition switch.

[0015] In one embodiment, a horn button is fixed to the lower end of the left and right handles.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bracket includes an upper bracket and a lower bracket. The upper bracket is sleeved on the outside of the lower bracket, and the lower bracket passes through the upper bracket. The lower bracket has a sliding groove on its side, and the upper bracket has a fixing pin on its side. The fixing pin is slidably engaged in the sliding groove. The upper bracket has an adjusting screw on its side. The adjusting screw and the upper bracket are connected by threaded engagement, and the head of the adjusting screw passes through the upper bracket and abuts against the side of the lower bracket.

[0017] The present invention also provides a forklift, wherein the forklift includes a forklift body and a control console, the control console adopts the above-mentioned forklift central integrated control panel, and the forklift central integrated control panel is fixed to the forklift body by a bracket.

[0018] In one embodiment, the signal output terminal of the thumb roller on the left handle is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the lowering and raising of the cab, the signal output terminal of the function button is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks, the signal output terminal of the thumb roller on the right handle is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the forward and backward movement of the forklift, and the signal output terminal of the function button is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] The integrated control panel provided by this invention has a high degree of integration, integrating function keys such as thumb rollers, function buttons, and compound buttons onto the operating handle. During use, there is no need to free up hands to operate the buttons separately; the function keys can be conveniently pressed with just the fingertips, enabling simple, fast, and efficient control of the forklift. Furthermore, the newly added thumb roller can replace the movement of the handle, effectively improving work efficiency and driving safety. Moreover, since the function keys do not need to be separately located on the control panel, the overall size of the control panel is relatively small, providing operators with more picking space and improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left handle in this invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the right handle in this invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in this invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working system structure of the pressure sensor in this invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure in which the pressure sensors of the left and right handles operate independently in this invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 100 Panel, 110 Panel housing, 120 Connecting housing, 130 Vehicle display screen, 140 Steering wheel, 150 Emergency stop button, 160 Keypad, 170 Ignition switch, 200 Operating handle, 210 Left handle, 220 Right handle, 230 Thumb roller, 240 Function button, 250 Compound button, 260 Microcomputer device, 261 Pressure sensor, 262 Microcontroller, 263 First relay group, 264 Second relay group, 270 Terminal block, 300 Bracket, 310 Upper bracket, 320 Lower bracket, 330 Sliding groove, 340 Fixing pin, 350 Adjusting screw. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Example:

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 7 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0032] A forklift central integrated control panel includes a panel 100, an operating handle 200, and a bracket 300, wherein:

[0033] The panel 100 includes a panel housing 110 and a connecting housing 120 fixed on both sides of the panel housing 110. An operating handle 200 is fixed on the connecting housing 120. The operating handle 200 is horizontally arranged and includes a left handle 210 and a right handle 220. The left handle 210 and the right handle 220 are symmetrically fixed on the connecting housing 120 on both sides of the panel housing 110.

[0034] The left handle 210 and the right handle 220 cannot be moved. Thumb rollers 230 are symmetrically arranged on the upper surface of both the left handle 210 and the right handle 220. The thumb roller 230 on the left handle 210 is located at its upper right corner, which is convenient for the left thumb to roll. The thumb roller 230 on the right handle 220 is located at its upper left corner, which is convenient for the right thumb to roll. The addition of thumb rollers 230 can replace the original handles that need to be moved. The operation that originally required shaking the handle can be achieved by moving the thumb rollers 230. The range of operation is reduced, which can effectively improve the work efficiency.

[0035] The upper surfaces of the left handle 210 and the right handle 220 are symmetrically equipped with function buttons 240 and compound buttons 250, which are arranged around the thumb roller 230. The function buttons 240 and compound buttons 250 are equivalent to the function keys in the prior art. By integrating the thumb roller 230, function buttons 240, and compound buttons 250, etc., into the operating handle 200, it is not necessary to free up one's hands to operate the buttons separately. The function keys can be easily pressed with the fingertips of both hands, which can control the forklift simply, quickly, and efficiently, effectively improving work efficiency and driving safety. Moreover, since the function keys do not need to be set separately on the operating table, the overall size of the operating table is smaller, the operator has more picking space, and the work efficiency is improved.

[0036] Furthermore, the signal output ends of the thumb roller 230, function button 240 and compound button 250 on the left handle 210 and right handle 220 are electrically connected to the terminal block 270, which is fixed to the panel housing 110. The terminal block 270 facilitates the connection of the control panel to the control system of the forklift.

[0037] Furthermore, a horn button is fixed to the lower end of the left handle 210 and the right handle 220, integrating the horn button onto the operating handle 200. This eliminates the need for both hands to be on the operating handle 200 when pressing the horn, making operation more convenient. In specific emergency situations, the driver can directly press the horn button with their finger to alert other workers to give way to the forklift, avoiding the situation where the driver needs to free up one hand to press the horn button in an emergency while the forklift is in motion. This improves safety, reduces the driver's workload, and increases work efficiency.

[0038] A vehicle display screen 130 is installed in the center of the upper surface of the panel housing 110. A steering wheel 140 and an emergency stop button 150 are also provided on the upper surface of the panel housing 110. The vehicle display screen 130, steering wheel 140 and emergency stop button 150 are the same as the solutions and effects in the prior art.

[0039] Furthermore, a microcomputer device 260 is provided inside the panel 100. The microcomputer device 260 includes a pressure sensor 261 and a microcontroller 262. The pressure sensor 261 is provided in two sets, which are respectively fixed to the surfaces of the left handle 210 and the right handle 220, and are used to measure the pressure on the surfaces of the left handle 210 and the right handle 220. The microcontroller 262 is electrically connected to the first relay group 263. The microcontroller 262 controls the first relay group 263 to operate according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 261. The contacts of the first relay group 263 are connected in series in the signal output circuit of the thumb roller 230, the function button 240 and the compound button 250.

[0040] When the operator normally grips the left handle 210 and the right handle 220, pressure is applied to the pressure sensor 261. The pressure sensor 261 generates a pressure signal and sends it to the microcontroller 262. The microcontroller 262 compares the measured pressure signal with an internally set threshold. If the signal is greater than the set threshold, it determines that the operator is gripping the handle normally and controls the contacts of the first relay group 263 to close. At this time, the signals of the thumb roller 230, function button 240, and compound button 250 can be output normally. If the signal is less than the set threshold, it determines that the operator is not gripping the handle and controls the contacts of the first relay group 263 to open. At this time, the signals of the thumb roller 230, function button 240, and compound button 250 cannot be output, thus avoiding operator misoperation and improving the overall vehicle operation safety.

[0041] Optionally, the pressure sensor 261 is a digital pressure sensor of model SPL06-001, and the microcontroller 262 is based on an STM32 chip.

[0042] Furthermore, the first relay group 263 is provided in two sets, with contacts connected in series in the signal output circuits of the thumb roller 230, function button 240 and compound button 250 on the left handle 210 and the right handle 220, respectively. The microcontroller 262 controls the operation of the two sets of first relay groups 263 individually according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 261 on the left handle 210 and the right handle 220.

[0043] The misoperation devices and systems of the left handle 210 and the right handle 220 are independent of each other, and are controlled by two sets of first relay groups 263 respectively. They will not affect each other. When one handle is in the anti-misoperation state, the other handle can work normally.

[0044] Furthermore, an ignition switch 170 is fixed on the bracket 300, and a keypad 160 is fixed on the upper surface of the panel housing 110. The keypad 160 and the steering wheel 140 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the vehicle display screen 130. The keypad 160 is electrically connected to a microcontroller 262, and the microcontroller 262 is electrically connected to a second relay group 264. The microcontroller 262 controls the operation of the second relay group 264 through the input signal of the keypad 160. The contacts of the second relay group 264 are connected in series in the signal output circuit of the ignition switch 170.

[0045] By entering a password on the keypad 160, the password signal is sent to the microcontroller 262. The microcontroller 262 compares the password signal with the internally preset password. If the password is correct, it controls the contacts of the second relay group 264 to close, and the ignition signal of the ignition switch 170 is output normally. If the password is incorrect, it controls the contacts of the second relay group 264 to open, and the ignition signal of the ignition switch 170 cannot be output normally. Even if the ignition switch is turned on, the forklift cannot be started, thus preventing unauthorized personnel from maliciously starting the forklift and ensuring safety.

[0046] The bracket 300 is fixed to the lower end of the panel housing 110, and the bracket 300 is used to fix the entire operating platform on the forklift.

[0047] Furthermore, the bracket 300 includes an upper bracket 310 and a lower bracket 320. The upper bracket 310 is sleeved on the outside of the lower bracket 320, and the lower bracket 320 passes through the upper bracket 310. The panel housing 110 is fixed to the upper end of the upper bracket 310, and the lower end of the lower bracket 320 is fixed to the forklift.

[0048] The lower support 320 has a sliding groove 330 on its side, and the upper support 310 has a fixing pin 340 on its side. The fixing pin 340 slides into the sliding groove 330, allowing the upper support 310 to slide along the sliding groove 330, thereby adjusting the height of the entire support 300. This allows for adjustment of the height of the entire operating platform to accommodate operators of different heights, improving the overall operating comfort of the vehicle. Furthermore, the fixing pin 340 can rotate within the sliding groove 330, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the upper support 310, allowing for adjustment of the operating platform angle to suit both standing and seated operation modes.

[0049] An adjusting screw 350 is provided on the side of the upper bracket 310. The adjusting screw 350 and the upper bracket 310 are connected by threaded engagement, and the head of the adjusting screw 350 passes through the upper bracket 310 and abuts against the side of the lower bracket 320. The upper bracket 310 has an internal thread on the inner side wall at the point where the adjusting screw 350 passes through, which matches the external thread of the adjusting screw 350. When the adjusting screw 350 is tightened, the head of the adjusting screw 350 is firmly abutted against the side of the lower bracket 320. Under the action of frictional resistance, the upper bracket 310 can be fixed and will not move.

[0050] The present invention also provides a forklift, wherein the forklift includes a forklift body and a control console, the control console adopts the above-mentioned forklift central integrated control panel, and the forklift central integrated control panel is fixed to the forklift body by a bracket 300.

[0051] Furthermore, the signal output terminal of the thumb roller 230 of the left handle 210 is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the lowering and raising of the cab, the signal output terminal of the function button 240 is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks, the signal output terminal of the thumb roller 230 of the right handle 220 is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the forward and backward movement of the forklift, and the signal output terminal of the function button 240 is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks.

[0052] The thumb roller 230 of the left handle 210 can control the raising and lowering of the cab, the function button 240 controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks, the thumb roller 230 of the right handle 220 controls the forward and backward movement of the forklift, and the steering wheel 140 can be operated to control the direction of the forklift during operation. The operator can perform various actions of the forklift by operating the left handle 210, the right handle 220 and the steering wheel, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0053] Furthermore, the left handle 210 has additional function buttons 240 and compound buttons 250 for controlling the one-touch linkage of the forks, including the lateral movement, lifting and lowering of the fork carriage.

[0054] Furthermore, the function button 240 and the compound button 250 of the right handle 220 are used to control the rotation of the forklift's forks and the raising and lowering of the sub-mast.

[0055] The operating principle of this invention is as follows: After the control panel is fixed on the forklift, the terminal block 270 is electrically connected to the control system inside the forklift. The vehicle display screen 130, steering wheel 140, emergency stop button 150 and ignition switch 170 are also electrically connected to the corresponding electrical control system of the forklift.

[0056] Loosen the adjusting screw 350 to allow the upper bracket 310 to be raised, lowered and rotated, adjust the height of the entire operating platform to suit operators of different heights, and adjust the angle of the operating platform to suit standing or seated operation. After the height and angle are adjusted, tighten the adjusting screw 350 to fix the upper bracket.

[0057] Enter the corresponding start password on keypad 160. Once the password is correct, start the forklift via ignition switch 170. Then, hold the left handle 210 with your left hand and the right handle 220 with your right hand to operate the forklift.

[0058] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A central integrated control panel for forklifts, characterized in that, include: The panel (100) includes a panel housing (110) and a connecting housing (120) fixed on both sides of the panel housing (110). An operating handle (200) is fixed on the connecting housing (120). An operating handle (200) is horizontally positioned and includes a left handle (210) and a right handle (220). The left handle (210) and the right handle (220) are symmetrically fixed on the connecting housings (120) on both sides of the panel housing (110). A bracket (300) is fixed to the lower end of the panel housing (110); The upper surfaces of the left handle (210) and the right handle (220) are symmetrically provided with a thumb roller (230), a function button (240) and a compound button (250). A vehicle display screen (130) is installed in the center of the upper surface of the panel housing (110). The upper surface of the panel housing (110) is also provided with a steering wheel (140) and an emergency stop button (150). The panel (100) is equipped with a microcomputer device (260), which includes a pressure sensor (261) and a microcontroller (262). The pressure sensor (261) is provided in two sets, which are respectively fixed on the surfaces of the left handle (210) and the right handle (220) and are used to measure the pressure on the surfaces of the left handle (210) and the right handle (220). The microcontroller (262) is electrically connected to the first relay group (263). The microcontroller (262) controls the first relay group (263) to operate according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (261). The contacts of the first relay group (263) are connected in series in the signal output circuit of the thumb roller (230), the function button (240) and the compound button (250). The first relay group (263) is provided in two sets, with contacts connected in series in the signal output circuits of the thumb roller (230), function button (240) and compound button (250) on the left handle (210) and right handle (220), respectively. The microcontroller (262) controls the operation of the two sets of the first relay group (263) separately according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (261) on the left handle (210) and right handle (220); An ignition switch (170) is fixed on the bracket (300). A keypad (160) is fixed on the upper surface of the panel housing (110). The keypad (160) and the steering wheel (140) are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the vehicle display screen (130). The keypad (160) is electrically connected to the microcontroller (262). The microcontroller (262) is electrically connected to the second relay group (264). The microcontroller (262) controls the action of the second relay group (264) through the input signal of the keypad (160). The contacts of the second relay group (264) are connected in series in the signal output circuit of the ignition switch (170).

2. The forklift central integrated control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal output ends of the thumb roller (230), function button (240) and compound button (250) on the left handle (210) and right handle (220) are electrically connected to the terminal block (270), which is fixed to the panel housing (110).

3. The forklift central integrated control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: Horn buttons are fixed to the lower ends of the left handle (210) and the right handle (220).

4. A forklift central integrated control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (300) includes an upper bracket (310) and a lower bracket (320). The upper bracket (310) is sleeved on the outside of the lower bracket (320), and the lower bracket (320) passes through the upper bracket (310). A sliding groove (330) is provided on the side of the lower bracket (320), and a fixing pin (340) is provided on the side of the upper bracket (310). The fixing pin (340) slides and is locked in the sliding groove (330). An adjusting screw (350) is provided on the side of the upper bracket (310). The adjusting screw (350) and the upper bracket (310) are connected by thread engagement, and the head passes through the upper bracket (310) and abuts against the side of the lower bracket (320).

5. A forklift, characterized in that: The forklift includes a forklift body and a control console. The control console is a forklift central integrated operating console as described in any one of claims 1-4. The forklift central integrated operating console is fixed to the forklift body by a bracket (300).

6. A forklift according to claim 5, characterized in that: The signal output terminal of the thumb roller (230) of the left handle (210) is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the lowering and raising of the cab. The signal output terminal of the function button (240) is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks. The signal output terminal of the thumb roller (230) of the right handle (220) is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the forward and backward movement of the forklift. The signal output terminal of the function button (240) is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the forklift body that controls the left and right lateral movement of the forks.

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