Work assistance system for industrial vehicle

Abstract

A work assist system for an industrial vehicle (10) is provided. The work assist system includes a support structure (80, 82, 84) having a portion (210) that includes a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The work assist system further includes a clamp member (250) having a coupling structure (262, 264) for removably coupling the clamp member to the support structure portion and a mounting structure that removably supports a work assist article (130) that is usable by an operator located in an operator compartment (16) of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A work assistance system for a material handling vehicle includes a clamping member with a coupling structure for removably connecting the clamping member to vehicle components and a mounting structure for removably supporting work assistance items. Background Technology

[0002] Known material handling vehicles include a power unit, a mast assembly, and an operator's cabin. The mast assembly may include multiple mast welds, wherein a first mast weld may be fixed to the power unit, and one or more other mast welds may be supported for telescopic movement. The operator sits or stands in the operator's cabin to operate the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a work assistance system for an industrial vehicle is provided. The work assistance system includes a first support structure and a clamping member, the first support structure including a first portion having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The clamping member includes: a coupling structure for removably coupling the clamping member to the first support structure at the first portion; and a mounting structure for removably supporting a work assistance item usable by an operator located in an operator's compartment of the vehicle.

[0004] The first support structure may be a vertical column that supports the vehicle's overhead protective components. The vehicle defines an operator's working position from which the operator operates the vehicle, and the first support structure is visually aligned with the vertical first beam of the vehicle's mast assembly from this position. The operator's working position may be generally centered laterally between the first beam and the vertical second beam of the mast assembly, defined between opposing left and right sides of the vehicle. The support structure may include a first portion adjacent to the operator's working position and removably connected to a clamping member, and a rear portion away from the operator's working position. The rear portion may include a laterally inward-facing side having a tapered portion that tapers laterally outward as it extends away from the operator's working position. The tapered portion may be generally parallel to a plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion.

[0005] The predetermined cross-sectional shape may be defined by a first portion of the support structure near the operator's working position from which the operator operates the vehicle, wherein the clamping member is removably coupled to the first portion.

[0006] The work assistance system may also include a second support structure comprising a second portion having the same predetermined cross-sectional shape as the first support structure, wherein the clamping member can be removably coupled to either the first portion of the first support structure or the second portion of the second support structure. The first and second support structures may be different types of structures; for example, the first support structure may include a vertical column, and the second support structure may include a horizontal beam. Alternatively, the first and second support structures may be a first and a second vertical column capable of supporting an elevated protective structure for the vehicle.

[0007] The vehicle defines an operator working position from which the operator operates the vehicle, wherein a first vertical column can be visually aligned from the operator working position with a first vertical beam of the vehicle's mast assembly, and a second vertical column can be visually aligned from the operator working position with a second vertical beam of the mast assembly. The operator working position can be generally centered laterally between the first and second vertical beams of the mast assembly, defined between opposing left and right sides of the vehicle. A predetermined cross-sectional shape for each of the first and second portions of the corresponding first and second vertical columns may include a first portion near the operator working position, wherein a clamping member can be selectively and removably coupled to either the first or second vertical column at its first portion. The first and second vertical columns may each further include a rear portion away from the operator working position, the rear portion including a laterally inwardly facing side having a tapered portion that tapers laterally outwardly when away from the operator working position. The tapered portion of the first vertical column is approximately parallel to the plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion of the first vertical column, and the tapered portion of the second vertical column is approximately parallel to the plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion of the second vertical column.

[0008] The first support structure can be a horizontal beam located in the vehicle's overhead protective structure.

[0009] The clamping member may also include one or more anti-slip surfaces located on the surface of the clamping member, which engage with the first support structure when the clamping member is attached to the first support structure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an industrial vehicle including a work assistance system according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle's upright components and overhead guardrails;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vehicle;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the support structure and clamping components of the working auxiliary system;

[0014] Figures 5A-5F are perspective views illustrating several exemplary work aids according to embodiments;

[0015] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the support structure, and shows the clamping member according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an industrial vehicle including a work assistance system according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8 and 9 This is a perspective view of the clamping member according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 10 It is a sectional view of the supporting structure, and shows... Figure 8 and 9 The clamping components are installed onto the supporting structure;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the clamping member according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the clamping components, showing the support structure attached to the industrial vehicle;

[0021] Figure 13 and 14 This is a perspective view of a side restraint assembly for an industrial vehicle according to an embodiment; and

[0022] Figure 15 and 16 This is a perspective view of the clamping member according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following text sets forth a broad description of many different embodiments of this disclosure. This description is to be interpreted as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as it would be impractical, if not impossible, to describe every possible embodiment. It should be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or method described herein may be removed, combined, or substituted, in whole or in part, for any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step, or method described herein. It should be understood that multiple combinations of the described and illustrated embodiments are contemplated, and particular attention to one embodiment does not preclude its inclusion in combinations of other described embodiments. Many alternative embodiments may also be implemented using current art or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which will still fall within the scope of the claims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 An industrial vehicle 10 constructed according to an embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 10 includes a picking machine, but it could also be another type of industrial vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a power unit 12 and a load-carrying assembly 18. The power unit 12 includes a power source, such as a battery unit 20. The vehicle 10 includes a plurality of wheels 22 on which it travels (one or more additional wheels are located below the power unit 12 but not on top of it). Figure 1 (As shown in the figure). The load handling assembly 18 includes: a platform assembly 14, which includes an operator's cabin 16; a mast assembly 30, which is coupled to a power unit 12, on which the platform assembly 14 moves vertically; and a fork structure 32 having a pair of forks 32A, 32B. The mast assembly 30 includes one or more mast sections, each mast section including a pair of spaced-apart vertical beams. Figure 1 The exemplary mast assembly 30 shown is a three-stage mast assembly, in which the primary mast section attached to the platform assembly 14 rises until it contacts the top of the third-stage mast section. This causes a change in hydraulic pressure within the mast assembly 30, thereby initiating the rise of the second-stage mast section. The second-stage mast section is connected to the first-stage and third-stage mast sections by chains. The first-stage mast section is fixed to the power unit 12 and a pair of outriggers 34, each outrigger supporting one or more wheels 22. As the second-stage mast section rises, the third-stage mast section will rise twice the distance.

[0025] The operator compartment 16 includes a floor surface 40 on which the operator stands when operating the vehicle 10 from the operator's workstation 42 located within the operator compartment 16. An operator presence sensor 44, in the form of a pressure switch, is disposed in the floor surface 40, sensing the operator's feet. According to an embodiment, one or more functions of the vehicle, such as travel movement, raising / lowering the load-carrying assembly 18, etc., can be disabled unless the operator presence sensor 44 indicates the operator's presence in the operator compartment 16. Alternative devices, such as sensors, switches, etc., may be used as needed to detect the operator's presence in the operator compartment 16.

[0026] The first and second side restraint devices 46 and 48 are located at the operator's compartment 16 at opposite left-side LS and right-side RS positions on the vehicle 10, with the left-side LS and left-side RS spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction LD perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the vehicle 10. The first and second side restraint devices 46 and 48 respectively include support structures in the form of horizontal guard bars 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B and vertical guard bars 46C, 48C. Any number of horizontal and vertical guard bars can be used to form the first and second side restraint devices 46 and 48.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the operator compartment 16 further includes a first support column 52 and a second support column 54 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction LD. The first support column 52 and the second support column 54 are separated by a recess 56 of the vehicle 10, which defines an opening area extending downward from the upper surfaces 52A, 54A of the first support column and the second support column 52, 54 toward the floor surface 40.

[0028] An operator control system 60 is provided in the operator's workstation 42, wherein the operator uses the operator control system 60 to drive the vehicle 10 and control additional vehicle functions. Figure 1 The exemplary operator control system 60 shown includes a first operator control component 62 supported on a first support column 52 and a second operator control component 64 supported on a second support column 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the first operator control component 62 is used to control the steering of the vehicle 10 and one or more additional vehicle functions, and the second operator control component 64 is used to control the lifting and lowering functions of the load handling component and other vehicle functions.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The vehicle 10 further includes an upright assembly 80, which includes a first support structure in the form of a first vertical column 82 and a second support structure in the form of a second vertical column 84. The first and second vertical columns 82, 84 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction LD and are located on opposite left and right sides LS, RS of the vehicle 10. The upright assembly 80 further includes a panel 86 that spans between the first and second vertical columns 82, 84. The panel 86 may include a visibility opening 88 in a recessed portion 56. A window or mesh structure (not shown) may be provided in the visibility opening 88.

[0030] The first and second vertical columns 82 and 84 support the elevated guardrail 100 of the vehicle 10. The elevated guardrail 100 includes multiple support structures, which take the form of multiple first beams 102 defining an outer frame 104 of the elevated guardrail 100 and multiple second beams 106 spanning between the first beams 102 in an open space 108 of the outer frame 104, as shown in [reference needed]. Figure 2 The elevated guardrail 100 may include any number of second beams 106, which may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the vehicle 10, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The second beam 106 can extend in any direction as needed, including the lateral direction LD (e.g., see...). Figure 2 The transverse beam 110 in the vehicle 10, or one or more directions between the transverse direction LD and the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the vehicle 10, such as a crisscross or mesh pattern.

[0031] One or more additional supporting structures in the form of beams, such as horizontal or vertical beams, may be located within or around the operator's compartment 16. Figure 1 and 2 In an exemplary embodiment, a first horizontal beam 120 is attached to the panel 86 and spans between the first and second vertical columns 82, 84. A second horizontal beam 124 is included between the first and second support columns 52, 54, and a third horizontal beam 126 spans between the first and second vertical columns 82, 84, near the elevated guardrail 100, see [link to example]. Figure 2 Additional support structures in the form of additional beams may be located in or around the operator's compartment 16 as needed.

[0032] According to embodiments, various support structures of the vehicle 10 described herein, such as the horizontal and vertical guardrails 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B, 46C, 48C of the first and second side restraint devices 46, 48, the first and second vertical columns 82, 84, the first and second beams 102, 106 of the overpass guard 100, the horizontal beams 120, 124, 126, and additional support structures to be discussed below, may at least have a common geometry so that one of a plurality of work aids 130 (see Figures 5A-5F) can be supported thereon by clamping members 250, which will be discussed in more detail below. These support structures, clamping members 250, and work aids 130 are components of the work assistance system 150 according to embodiments.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 and 4 The first exemplary illustration, with reference to the first horizontal beam 120, shows a common geometry of at least a portion of the support structure. The support structure includes a main body portion 200. The main body portion 200 includes a generally flat front portion 202 that faces away from the panel 86 of the upright assembly 80 and towards the operator's workstation 42. Figure 3 The back portion 204 of the main body 200 of the first horizontal beam 120 (see...) Figure 4 The support structure can have any suitable shape and is attached to panel 86, for example, by bolting. For other support structures disclosed herein, such as horizontal guardrails 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B, vertical guardrails 46C, 48C, first and second vertical columns 82, 84, and / or first and second beams 102, 106 of the overhead guard 100, the back portion 204 of the main body portion 200 may include a generally flat back portion having a geometry similar to the front portion 202, such that the work aid 130 (discussed below) can be supported on either side of the support structure.

[0034] The main body portion 200 further includes a first edge portion 206 and a second edge portion 208 opposite to the first edge portion 206. In the case of a horizontal support structure such as a first horizontal beam 120, the first edge portion 206 may define an upper edge of the main body portion 200, and the second edge portion 208 may define a lower edge of the main body portion 200. If the support structure is a vertical support structure, such as one of a vertical guardrail 46C or 48C, or a first or second vertical column 82 or 84, then the first edge portion 206 may define a first side edge of the main body portion 200, and the second edge portion 208 may define a second side edge of the main body portion 200. The first and second edge portions 206, 208 may have curved, rounded, or angled shapes extending from the front portion 202 of the main body portion 200 to the back portion 204.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The front portion 202 and the first and second edge portions 206, 208 define a first portion 210 of the support structure near the operator's working position (discussed below), wherein the first portion 210 defines a first predetermined cross-sectional shape. According to an embodiment, the work assistance system 150 further includes at least one clamping member 250, wherein each clamping member 250 is capable of removably supporting one of a plurality of work aids 130 that can be used by an operator in the operator's compartment 16 of the vehicle 10 and is removably coupled to the support structure at the first portion 210 via the clamping member 250.

[0036] Figure 3 and 4 The illustrated exemplary clamping member 250 includes a coupling structure for removably coupling the clamping member 250 to a support structure at a first portion 210. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the coupling structure includes a pair of opposing jaw members 262, 264, which are movable relative to each other and can be coupled together to clamp the first portion 210 of the support structure between the pair of jaw members. Each jaw member 262, 264 includes inner surfaces 266, 268 configured to engage around a corresponding one of the first and second edge portions 206, 208 of the support structure, such as... Figure 4 The first and second jaw members 262, 264 are most clearly shown. They are removably connected together, for example, using one or more fixing structures (e.g., bolts 270, inserted into corresponding holes (not shown in this embodiment) formed in the first and second jaw members 262, 264) to capture the support structure between the first and second jaw members, thereby removably coupling the jaw member 250 to the first portion 210 of the support structure.

[0037] The clamping member 250 further includes a mounting member 278, which includes a mounting structure 280 that removably supports the work aid 130 onto a support structure. The mounting member 278 may be integrally formed with one of the first and second jaw members 262, 264, or may be separately formed and attached to one or both of the first and second jaw members 262, 264. The mounting structure 280 includes mounting hardware for removably supporting the work aid. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting hardware includes a series of openings 282, see... Figure 3 These openings are for releasably receiving corresponding protrusions 284 provided on the work aid 130 (see...). Figure 5E For example, fasteners 285, such as screws or bolts (see Figure 5A), can be inserted into one of the openings 282 of the mounting structure 280 and into a corresponding opening 286 formed in the work aid 130 to removably secure the work aid 130 to the clamping member 250. Other suitable types of mounting hardware capable of removably supporting the work aid 130 on the clamping member 250 can also be used. It should be noted that, although in Figure 5E The diagram shows that only one of the work aids 130 has a protrusion 284 and an opening 286, but each work aid 130 may include the same or similar openings 286 and protrusions 284 that can be inserted into openings 282 of the mounting structure 280.

[0038] Figures 5A-5F illustrate several exemplary work aids 130 that can be selectively and removably mounted to various support structures of the vehicle 10 via corresponding clamping members 250. Other types of work aids may also be used. Each exemplary work aid 130 includes a connecting element 290 that includes protrusions 284 and openings 286 that receive into openings 282 of mounting members 278 to removably support the work aid 130 on the support structure via clamping members 250.

[0039] According to the embodiment, since each support structure described herein includes a portion having the same first predetermined cross-sectional shape, the clamping member 250 can be removably coupled to these support structures as needed at the corresponding portion of any support structure having the first predetermined cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the work aid 130 can be selectively mounted on different types of support structures at numerous locations throughout the operator compartment 16 using the clamping member 250 having a common geometry, to avoid the need to produce multiple clamping members of different shapes, each with a specific geometry for coupling to specific, different-shaped components on the vehicle 10. Figure 2Multiple exemplary locations for removably attaching the clamping member 250 to various support structures of the vehicle 10 are shown, wherein a first support structure includes a first portion having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape, a second support structure includes a second portion having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape, a third support structure includes a third portion having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape, and so on, and wherein each of these portions is capable of removably supporting the work aid 130.

[0040] The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to those having Figure 1-4 The support structure shown has a specific first predetermined cross-sectional shape. For example, refer to... Figure 6 The support structure including the second vertical column 84' according to this exemplary embodiment has the same characteristics as... Figure 1-4 The predetermined cross-sectional shape shown is different from the first predetermined cross-sectional shape. The remaining structure of the vehicle 10 and the work assistance system 150 according to this exemplary embodiment can be... Figure 1 The vehicle 10 and the work assistance system 150 shown have the same or similar structures.

[0041] according to Figure 6 The second vertical column 84' includes a bulbous first portion 300, which includes a front portion 302 facing the operator's workstation 42, wherein the first portion 300 is positioned close to the operator's workstation OW defined within the vehicle 10, see Figure 7 The operator's working position OW is defined as a position within vehicle 10, in which the operator stands (or sits in a seated vehicle) when operating vehicle 10 from operator's station 42. Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the operator's working position OW is generally located in the middle position between the vertical first beam 30A and the vertical second beam 30B of the mast assembly 30 in the lateral direction LD.

[0042] The first part 300 further includes an inclined portion 304 extending laterally inward from the front part 302 toward the mast assembly 30. See also Figure 7 The first portion 300 further includes: a first side portion 306 extending from the inclined portion 304 and laterally inward toward the first vertical column 82'; a rear portion 308 extending from the first side portion 306 and toward the vertical second beam 30B of the mast assembly 30; and a second side portion 310 extending from the front portion 302 and laterally outward away from the first vertical column 82'. According to this embodiment, the first portion 300 of the second vertical column 84' defines a second predetermined cross-sectional shape.

[0043] According to this embodiment, one or more clamping members 250 of the work assistance system 150 ( Figure 6 A clamping member 250 is shown that can be removably attached to the support structure at the first portion 300. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the clamping member 250 may have the same characteristics as the reference described above. Figure 3 and 4 The described clamping members 250 have the same geometry, wherein the jaw members 262 and 264 of the clamping members 250 engage around the rear portion 308 and the second side portion 310 of the first portion 300 of the second vertical column 84', respectively. According to an embodiment, the same clamping member 250 can be removably coupled to a support structure having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape or a second predetermined cross-sectional shape.

[0044] The central portion 320 of the second vertical column 84' may include a first side portion 322 extending from the rear portion 308 of the first portion 300 and facing the first vertical column 82'. The central portion 320 further includes an inclined portion 324 extending laterally outward from the second side portion 310 of the first portion 300, see also... Figure 7 The second side portion 326 of the central portion 320 extends from the inclined portion 324 of the central portion 320 and is away from the first vertical column 82'.

[0045] The rear portion 340 of the second vertical column 84′ is opposite to the first portion 300, and is located away from the operator's working position OW and close to the vertical second beam 30B of the mast assembly 30, see Figure 7 The rear portion 340 includes a back portion 342 facing away from the operator's working position OW and towards the vertical second beam 30B. The rear portion 340 further includes a laterally inwardly facing side portion 344 having a tapered portion 346, which is tapered or tapered in the laterally outward direction as it extends away from the operator's working position OW, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 .

[0046] Figure 7 The structure of the first vertical column 82′ shown can be mirrored with the structure of the second vertical column 84′, so for the sake of simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 7From the operator's working position OW, the first vertical column 82' is visually aligned with the first vertical beam 30A of the mast assembly 30. That is, when the operator is in the operator's working position OW and looks along the direction of the first vertical column 82', the first vertical beam 30A is directly aligned with the first vertical column 82'. Therefore, the total lateral distance visually obstructed by these two structures is reduced compared to a configuration where these structures are not visually aligned from the operator's working position. Similarly, from the operator's working position OW, the second vertical column 84' is visually aligned with the second vertical beam 30B of the mast assembly 30, providing the same advantage as the visual alignment of the first vertical column 82' with the first vertical beam 30A.

[0048] Furthermore, the tapered portion 346 of each of the first and second vertical columns 82' and 84' is substantially parallel to the first and second planes P1 and P2 extending from the operator's working position OW to the corresponding tapered portion 346, respectively, see Figure 7 This feature also reduces the total lateral distance visually obstructed by the first and second vertical columns 82′, 84′. This can be particularly advantageous when the platform assembly 14 of the vehicle 10 is raised above the top of the mast assembly 30, because no mast section will be in the operator's line of sight when looking forward at the first and second vertical columns 82′, 84′, i.e., because the operator's line of sight when looking forward at the first and second vertical columns 82′, 84′ will be above the top of all mast sections.

[0049] This embodiment is not intended to be limited to the clamping member having Figure 2-4 The shape of the clamping member 250 shown in Figure 6. For example, Figure 8-10 A clamping member 400 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the clamping member 400 includes a mounting member 402 located between a pair of jaw members 404, 406, which define a connection structure for the clamping member 400. The mounting member 402 includes a mounting structure, which may be identical to the mounting structure 280 of the clamping member 250 described above. The clamping member 400 is removably coupled to a portion of a support structure using one or more fixing structures (e.g., bolts 408), for example, coupled to... Figure 10 The first part 300 of the first vertical column 82' shown, or connected to, as Figure 3 and 4 The first portion 210 of the support structure is shown. According to this embodiment, the jaw members 404 and 406 of the clamping member 400 are shown respectively mounted around the rear portion 308 and the second side portion 310 of the first portion 300 of the first vertical column 82' to capture the first portion 300 therebetween, thereby removably attaching the clamping member 400 to the support structure. See Figure 10 .

[0051] Figure 11 and 12 A clamping member 500 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. According to this embodiment, the clamping member 500 includes a mounting member 502 located between a pair of jaw members 504, 506, which define a connection structure for the clamping member 500. The clamping member 500 is removably coupled to a portion of a support structure using one or more fixing structures (e.g., bolts 508), for example, coupled to... Figure 12 The first part 300 of the second vertical column 84' shown, or connected to, as Figure 3 and 4 The first portion 210 of the support structure is shown. According to this embodiment, the jaw members 504 and 506 of the clamping member 500 are shown mounted, respectively, around the rear portion 308 and the second side portion 310 of the first portion 300 of the second vertical column 84', to capture the first portion 300 therebetween, thereby removably attaching the clamping member 500 to the support structure. See Figure 12 .

[0052] The mounting member 502 according to this embodiment includes a mounting structure 510, which includes mounting hardware that removably supports the work aid 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting hardware includes a series of openings 512, see Figure 12 One or more of these openings are for releasably receiving a corresponding protrusion 284 disposed on the work aid 130 (see...) Figure 5E The work aid 130 is removably supported on the support structure by the clamping member 500. One or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, can be inserted through one or more openings 512 and through corresponding openings 286 in the work aid 130 to removably secure the work aid 130 to the clamping member 500. Other suitable types of mounting hardware capable of removably supporting the work aid 130 can also be used.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the clamping member 500 further includes a pair of hook members 520 located on the outward-facing opposing surfaces 504A, 506A of the respective jaw members 504, 506. Figure 12 As shown, the hook component 520 can removably support the work aid 130, which in... Figure 12 It is shown as a mesh structure.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 13 The side constraint component 600 according to the embodiment can replace the above-mentioned one for... Figure 1The second side restraint device 48 of the vehicle 10 is described. Similar side restraint components can also replace those described above. Figure 1 The first side restraint device 46 of the vehicle 10 described.

[0055] Figure 13 An exemplary side restraint assembly 600 includes a side restraint device 602 comprising a support structure in the form of a pair of horizontal guard bars 604, 606 and a vertical guard bar 608. Any number of horizontal and vertical guards can be used to form the side restraint device 602. One or more of these guard bars 604, 606, 608 may have a first portion defining a predetermined cross-sectional shape for removably securing a clamping member thereto for removably supporting a work aid, as disclosed herein.

[0056] Figure 13 The side restraint assembly 600 further includes a panel 610. One or more support structures in the form of horizontal or vertical beams may be provided on or around the panel 610. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, four horizontal beams 612, 614, 616, 618 are provided, wherein one or more of these horizontal beams 612, 614, 616, 618 may have a first portion defining a predetermined cross-sectional shape for removably securing a clamping member to the first portion for removably supporting a work aid, as disclosed herein.

[0057] Figure 14 Another side constraint component 700 is described, which can replace the one described above. Figure 1 The second side restraint device 48 of the vehicle 10 is described. Similar side restraint components can also replace those described above. Figure 1 The first side restraint device 46 of the vehicle 10 described.

[0058] Figure 14 The side restraint assembly 700 includes a side restraint device 702. Figure 14 The side restraint device 702 is immovable relative to the panel 704 of the side restraint assembly 700. Therefore, Figure 14 The side restraint device 702 provides a fixed workstation and includes structures such as shelves, racks, boxes, etc., for example, to support items such as printers, box storage, tape, tape guns, transport supplies, etc.

[0059] One or more support structures in the form of horizontal or vertical beams may be provided on or around panel 704. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, two horizontal beams 706, 708 are provided, wherein one or more of these horizontal beams 706, 708 may have a first portion defining a predetermined cross-sectional shape for removably securing a clamping member to the first portion, the clamping member being used to removably support a work aid, as disclosed herein, thereon. The rod defining the frame of the side restraint device 702 according to this embodiment may also, as needed, define a support structure for removably securing the clamping member to the rod.

[0060] Now for reference Figure 15 and 16 The image illustrates a clamping member 800 according to another exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the clamping member 800 includes a mounting member 802 located between a pair of jaw members 804, 806, which define a connection structure for the clamping member 800. The mounting member 802 includes a mounting structure that may be identical to the mounting structure 280 of the clamping member 250 described above. The clamping member 800 is removably coupled to a portion of a support structure using one or more fixing structures (e.g., bolts 808), for example, coupled to... Figure 10 The first part 300 of the first vertical column 82' shown, or connected to, as Figure 3 and 4 The first part 210 of the support structure shown is... Figure 16 According to this embodiment, the jaw members 804 and 806 of the clamping member 800 can respectively surround the first vertical post 82' (see...). Figure 10 The rear portion 308 and the second side portion 310 of the first portion 300 are installed therebetween to capture the first portion 300, thereby removably attaching the clamping member 800 to the support structure.

[0061] according to Figure 15 and 16The clamping member 800 includes one or more anti-slip surfaces 820, shown in this exemplary embodiment as two spaced-apart anti-slip surfaces 820. The anti-slip surfaces 820 may be, for example, rubber pads, hook and loop straps, abrasive pads, etc., and are located on the inner surface 800A of the clamping member 800, which engages with the support structure when the clamping member 800 is coupled to the support structure. The anti-slip surfaces 820 have a different coefficient of friction than the inner surface 800A of the clamping member 800 and can prevent the clamping member 800 from sliding on the support structure, and / or can reduce vibrations transmitted from the support structure to the clamping member 800 and then to the work aid supported by the clamping member 800. It should be noted that one or more anti-slip surfaces 820 may be located elsewhere on the inner surface 800A and / or on the jaw members 804, 806 of the clamping member 800 as needed. It should also be noted that... Figure 15 and 16 One or more anti-slip surfaces 820 shown herein may be used for other clamping members disclosed herein, such as clamping members 250, 400, 500.

[0062] The representative embodiments of this disclosure described above can be described as follows:

[0063] A. A work assistance system for industrial vehicles, comprising:

[0064] A first support structure, the first support structure including a first portion having a predetermined cross-sectional shape; and

[0065] The clamping member includes:

[0066] A connecting structure for removably connecting the clamping member to the first support structure at the first portion; and

[0067] The mounting structure removably supports working aids that can be used by an operator in the operator's compartment of the vehicle.

[0068] B. The work support system described in paragraph A, wherein the first support structure is a vertical column.

[0069] C. The work assistance system according to paragraph B, wherein the vertical column supports the vehicle's overhead protective components.

[0070] D. A work assistance system according to any one of paragraphs A, C, and D, wherein the vehicle defines an operator working position from which the operator operates the vehicle, and wherein the first support structure is visually aligned from the operator working position with the vertical first beam of the vehicle's mast assembly.

[0071] E. The work assistance system according to paragraph D, wherein the operator's working position is generally centered in the lateral direction between the first beam of the mast assembly and the vertical second beam of the mast assembly, the lateral direction being defined between the opposite left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0072] F. The work assistance system according to paragraph D or E, wherein the support structure comprises: a first portion adjacent to the operator's work position, and the clamping member is removably coupled to the first portion; and a rear portion away from the operator's work position, the rear portion including a laterally inwardly facing side having a tapered portion that tapers in a laterally outward direction when away from the operator's work position.

[0073] G. The work assistance system according to paragraph F, wherein the conical portion is generally parallel to the plane extending from the operator's work position to the conical portion.

[0074] H. A work assistance system according to any one of paragraphs AG, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional shape is defined by a first portion of the support structure near the operator's work position from which the operator operates the vehicle, wherein the clamping member is removably coupled to the first portion.

[0075] I. The work assistance system according to any one of paragraphs A and H further includes a second support structure, the second support structure including a second portion having the same predetermined cross-sectional shape as the first support structure, wherein the clamping member can be removably coupled to the first portion of the first support structure or the second portion of the second support structure.

[0076] J. According to the work assistance system described in paragraph I, the first support structure and the second support structure are different types of structures.

[0077] K. The work support system according to paragraph J, wherein the first support structure includes a vertical column and the second support structure includes a horizontal beam.

[0078] L. The work support system according to paragraph I or J, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are a first vertical column and a second vertical column.

[0079] M. The work assistance system according to paragraph L, wherein the first vertical column and the second vertical column support the elevated protective components of the vehicle.

[0080] N. The work assistance system described in paragraph L or M, wherein:

[0081] The vehicle defines the operator's working position, from which the operator operates the vehicle;

[0082] From the operator's working position, the first vertical column is visually aligned with the first vertical beam of the vehicle's mast assembly; and

[0083] From the operator's working position, the second vertical column is visually aligned with the second vertical beam of the mast assembly.

[0084] O. According to the work assistance system described in paragraph N, wherein the operator's working position is generally centered in the lateral direction between the vertical first beam and the vertical second beam of the mast assembly, the lateral direction being defined between the opposite left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0085] P. The work assistance system according to paragraph N or O, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional shape of each of the first and second portions of the corresponding first and second vertical columns includes:

[0086] The first portion is located near the operator's working position, wherein the clamping member is selectively and removably coupled to the first vertical post or the second vertical post at its first portion.

[0087] Q. According to the work assistance system described in paragraph P, both the first vertical column and the second vertical column further include:

[0088] The rear portion away from the operator's working position includes a laterally inward-facing side portion having a tapered portion that tapers in a laterally outward direction when away from the operator's working position.

[0089] R. The work assistance system described in paragraph Q, wherein:

[0090] The tapered portion of the first vertical column is generally parallel to the plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion of the first vertical column; and

[0091] The tapered portion of the second vertical column is generally parallel to the plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion of the second vertical column.

[0092] S. The work assistance system according to paragraph A, wherein the first support structure is a horizontal beam located in the vehicle's overhead protective structure.

[0093] T. The work assistance system according to any one of paragraphs A, S, and D, wherein the clamping member further includes one or more anti-slip surfaces located on the surface of the clamping member, the surfaces of the clamping member engaging with the first support structure when the clamping member is coupled to the first support structure.

[0094] Furthermore, the various features, aspects, and embodiments described herein can be used in any combination of each other, or individually.

[0095] Having described the embodiments in such detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A work assistance system for industrial vehicles, comprising: A first support structure, the first support structure including a first portion having a predetermined cross-sectional shape, wherein the first support structure is a vertical column; as well as The clamping member includes: A connecting structure for removably connecting the clamping member to the first support structure at the first portion; and Mounting structure, which removably supports working aids that can be used by an operator in the operator's compartment of the vehicle; The vehicle defines an operator's working position from which the operator operates the vehicle, and from the operator's working position, the first support structure is visually aligned with the vertical first beam of the vehicle's mast assembly. The first support structure includes: a first portion located near the operator's working position, to which the clamping member is removably connected; and a rear portion located away from the operator's working position, the rear portion including a laterally inwardly facing side having a tapered portion that tapers in a laterally outward direction as it extends away from the operator's working position.

2. The work assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical column supports the elevated protective components of the vehicle.

3. The work assistance system of claim 1, wherein the operator's working position is generally centered in the lateral direction between the vertical first beam and the vertical second beam of the mast assembly, the lateral direction being defined between the opposite left and right sides of the vehicle.

4. The work assistance system of claim 1, wherein the tapered portion is generally parallel to a plane extending from the operator's work position to the tapered portion.

5. The work assistance system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional shape is defined by a first portion of the first support structure near the operator's working position from which the operator operates the vehicle, wherein the clamping member is removably coupled to the first portion.

6. The work assistance system of claim 1, further comprising a second support structure, the second support structure including a second portion having the same predetermined cross-sectional shape as the first support structure, wherein the clamping member is removably connected to the first portion of the first support structure or the second portion of the second support structure.

7. The work assistance system according to claim 6, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are different types of structures.

8. The work assistance system according to claim 7, wherein the second support structure comprises a horizontal beam.

9. The work assistance system according to claim 6, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are a first vertical column and a second vertical column.

10. The work assistance system according to claim 9, wherein the first vertical column and the second vertical column support the elevated protective components of the vehicle.

11. The work assistance system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The vehicle defines the operator's working position, from which the operator operates the vehicle; From the operator's working position, the first vertical column is visually aligned with the first vertical beam of the vehicle's mast assembly; and From the operator's working position, the second vertical column is visually aligned with the second vertical beam of the mast assembly.

12. The work assistance system of claim 11, wherein the operator's working position is generally centered in the lateral direction between the vertical first beam and the vertical second beam of the mast assembly, the lateral direction being defined between opposite left and right sides of the vehicle.

13. The work assistance system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional shape of each of the first portion and the second portion of the corresponding first vertical column and second vertical column includes: The first portion is located near the operator's working position, wherein the clamping member is removably coupled to the first vertical post or the second vertical post at its first portion.

14. The work assistance system according to claim 13, wherein both the first vertical column and the second vertical column further include: The rear portion away from the operator's working position includes a laterally inward-facing side portion having a tapered portion that tapers in a laterally outward direction as it extends away from the operator's working position.

15. The work assistance system according to claim 14, wherein: The tapered portion of the first vertical column is generally parallel to the plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion of the first vertical column; and The tapered portion of the second vertical column is generally parallel to the plane extending from the operator's working position to the tapered portion of the second vertical column.

16. The work assistance system of claim 1, wherein the clamping member further comprises one or more anti-slip surfaces located on the surface of the clamping member, the surface of the clamping member engaging with the first support structure when the clamping member is coupled to the first support structure.

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