Motion control system and method for material handling vehicle

Abstract

A control arm locking assembly for a material handling vehicle includes an inner sleeve defining a central opening; an actuator; a rod selectively actuated via an actuator, the rod being disposed within the opening; a bushing disposed within the central opening between the rod and the inner surface of the inner sleeve; and a resilient locking member disposed within the central opening. In one example, a resilient locking member is axially constrained between the head of the rod and the bushing. In one example, a resilient locking member is compressed between the head and the bushing via actuation of a rod of an actuator. In one example, compression of the resilient locking member causes the resilient locking member to engage an inner surface of the inner sleeve to lock the rod to the inner sleeve.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 622,427, filed on January 18, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] To facilitate an orderly pick - up, some material handling vehicles (MHVs) can include a coasting system that can be selectively activated by an operator to allow the MHV to coast forward, even when the operator is not in direct contact with the MHV (e.g., not touching the control arm of the MHV). For example, when activated, the coasting system can lock a control arm (e.g., a tiller arm) into a predetermined position (e.g., at a predetermined angle) to prevent an undesired activation of the automatic braking. However, the general - purpose locking position of the control arm is not ergonomic or is an uncomfortable position for some operators, which may reduce the operator's efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a control arm locking assembly for a material handling vehicle. The control arm locking assembly includes: an inner sleeve that defines a central opening; an actuator; a rod that is selectively actuated via the actuator and is disposed within the opening; a bushing that is disposed within the central opening between the rod and the inner surface of the inner sleeve; and an elastic locking member that is disposed within the central opening. In one example, the elastic locking member is axially constrained between the head of the rod and the bushing. In one example, actuation of the rod via the actuator compresses the elastic locking member between the head and the bushing. In one example, compression of the elastic locking member causes the elastic locking member to engage the inner surface of the inner sleeve to lock the rod to the inner sleeve.

[0004] Some aspects of the present disclosure can provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the elastic locking member is an elastic O - ring.

[0005] Some aspects of the present disclosure can provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the elastic locking member is an elastic washer.

[0006] Some aspects of the present disclosure can provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the head of the rod defines a disc - shaped profile, forming a recess between the head and the bushing, and the recess is configured to receive the elastic locking member.

[0007] Some aspects of the present disclosure can provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the head of the rod defines a conical profile that includes an angled surface, and wherein actuation of the rod causes the elastic locking member to be pushed away from the rod via the angled surface of the head and contact the inner surface of the inner sleeve.

[0008] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the inner surface of the inner sleeve defines a smooth and continuous surface profile.

[0009] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the inner sleeve includes a notch, and wherein the notch receives a collar that is positioned between the inner surface of the inner sleeve and the elastic locking member.

[0010] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, the control arm locking assembly further comprising: an outer sleeve circumferentially disposed around the inner sleeve; a flange extending from the inner sleeve toward the outer sleeve; a gap formed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve via the flange; and a biasing element disposed within the gap.

[0011] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein when the inner sleeve is locked to the rod, the biasing element opposes the braking force of the automatic braking system such that the control arm of the material handling vehicle is locked into a position set by an operator of the material handling vehicle.

[0012] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein actuation of the outer sleeve will compress the biasing element within the gap via actuation of the control arm of the vehicle.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of locking a control arm of a material handling vehicle. The method includes: actuating a rod of a control arm locking assembly in a first direction via actuation of an actuator; compressing an elastic locking member between a head of the rod and a bushing that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the rod; and frictionally locking the movement of the rod to an inner sleeve of the control arm locking assembly via frictional engagement between the elastic locking member and the inner surface of the inner sleeve.

[0014] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a method of any previous aspect, wherein the elastic locking member is an elastic O-ring.

[0015] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a method of any previous aspect, wherein the elastic locking member is an elastic washer.

[0016] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a method of any previous aspect, wherein the inner surface of the inner sleeve defines a smooth and continuous surface profile.

[0017] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide a method of any previous aspect, wherein the inner sleeve includes a notch, and wherein the notch receives a collar that is positioned between the inner surface of the inner sleeve and the elastic locking member.

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a control arm locking assembly for a material handling vehicle. The control arm locking assembly may include: an inner sleeve defining a central opening; a rod disposed within the central opening, the rod having a head portion and a reduced-diameter body portion extending from the body portion; a bushing circumferentially surrounding the rod to form a cavity between the bushing and the head of the rod; an elastic locking member disposed within the cavity; and an actuator operatively connected to the rod to move the rod between a first position and a second position, at the first position, the sleeve is capable of moving relative to the rod, at the second position, the movement of the inner sleeve relative to the rod is locked.

[0019] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein, in the second position, the rod compresses the elastic locking member such that the elastic locking member engages the inner surface of the inner sleeve to lock the rod to the inner sleeve.

[0020] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein, in the second position, the elastic locking member is compressed between the head of the rod and the end of the bushing.

[0021] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the inner surface of the inner sleeve defines a smooth and continuous surface profile.

[0022] Some aspects of the present disclosure may provide the control arm locking assembly of any previous aspect, wherein the inner sleeve includes a notch, and wherein the notch receives a collar positioned between the inner surface of the inner sleeve and the elastic locking member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawings are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention:

[0024] Figure 1 Is a perspective view of a material handling vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 Is according to an aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of the skid system of the material handling vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 Is according to an aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the control arm locking assembly of the skid system.

[0027] Figure 4 Is according to an aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system.

[0028] Figure 5 For aspects in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system.

[0029] Figure 6 For aspects in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system.

[0030] Figure 7 For aspects in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system.

[0031] Figure 8 For aspects in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system.

[0032] Figure 9 For aspects in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system.

[0033] Figure 10 For aspects in accordance with the present disclosure Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of another example of the control arm locking assembly of the sliding system. Detailed Description

[0034] The following discussion is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present invention. In light of the benefits of the present disclosure, various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, but rather to comply with the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0035] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, illustrate selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Before detailing any embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following specification or shown in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it should be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, "comprising," "including," or "having" and variations thereof mean including the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and include both direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0037] It should also be understood that material handling vehicles ("MHVs") are designed in various classes and configurations to perform various tasks. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular MHV, and various other types of MHV classes and configurations can be provided, including, for example, lift trucks (reach trucks), forklifts, reach trucks, SWING vehicles, turret trucks, side loaders, counterbalance forklifts, pallet stacker trucks, order pickers, transtackers, tractors, and man-up trucks, which are commonly found in warehouses, factories, freight yards, and generally any place where pallets, large packages, or loads need to be transported from one location to another. The various systems and methods disclosed herein are suitable for any operator-controlled, pedestrian-controlled, remotely controlled, and autonomous-controlled material handling vehicles. Additionally, the present disclosure is not limited to the application of material handling vehicles. Instead, the present disclosure can be provided for other types of vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, trains, tractor-trailers, farm vehicles, factory vehicles, etc.

[0038] It should be noted that the various material handling vehicles (MHVs) listed above can perform a variety of load handling operations. For example, an MHV can operate the MHV and / or the load handling portion of the MHV (e.g., forks, mast, and / or fork carriage, etc.) to traverse (e.g., move the forks upward to full load depth), tilt, reach (e.g., move the forks upward to partial load depth), rotate, drive (e.g., move the MHV), travel (e.g., move the MHV), and / or any combination thereof to complete a load handling operation.

[0039] It should also be noted that for certain types of vehicles, various government agencies, laws, rules, and regulations prescribe training requirements. For example, OSHA requires employers to train and supervise operators of various types of material handling vehicles. Recertification every three years is also required. In some cases, refresher training on relevant topics should be provided to operators when needed. In all cases, the operator maintains control of the material handling vehicle during the execution of any movement. Additionally, a warehouse manager maintains control of a fleet of material handling vehicles within a warehouse environment. The training and supervision provided by the warehouse manager to the operator mainly require appropriate operating hours, mainly including the operator maintaining control of the material handling vehicle, paying attention to the operating environment, and always being locked in the direction of travel.

[0040] In one example, a material handling vehicle (MHV) can include a coasting system configured to allow an operator to allow the MHV to coast (e.g., due to the continued unpowered movement of the MHV's momentum), even when the operator is not in direct contact with the MHV. In one example, the MHV also includes an automatic braking system configured to automatically stop or brake the MHV when the operator releases the control arm of the MHV. In one example, the coasting system is configured to override the automatic braking system. For example, the coasting system can lock the position of the control arm of the MHV at the position desired by the operator. Thus, the operator can position the control arm at the desired position and then engage the coasting system to lock the control arm in position and prevent the automatic braking or stopping of the MHV via the automatic braking system.

[0041] In one example, the coasting system can include a control arm locking assembly configured to lock the position of the control arm of the MHV. In one example, the control arm locking assembly can also include a stem that can be selectively actuated via an actuator. In one example, the stem can include a head positioned at one end of the stem. The head can be configured to compress or deform an elastic locking member positioned between the head and a bushing. In one example, the compression of the locking member radially expands the locking member such that the locking member engages the inner surface of an inner sleeve. In one example, the engagement between the locking member and the inner sleeve locks the stem to the inner sleeve. Thus, by locking the stem and the inner sleeve together, the control arm is held in a selected position by a biasing member disposed between the inner sleeve and an outer sleeve of the control arm locking assembly. In one example, the force applied by the biasing member on the outer sleeve is configured to oppose the force of the automatic braking system to lock the control arm in the selected position.

[0042] Figure 1An example of a material handling vehicle 100 is shown. The material handling vehicle 100 may include a main body 105 and a platform 115. The main body 105 has one or more forks 110 extending away from a first end of the main body 105 (adjacent to the battery 140), and the platform 115 extends away from a second, opposite end of the main body 105. In one example, the forks 110 may be configured to carry or support a load (e.g., a pallet, a drum, etc.). Correspondingly, the platform 115 may be configured to carry or support an operator during operation of the material handling vehicle 100. However, in other examples, the material handling vehicle 100 may not include the platform 115, and instead the operator may stand on the floor or ground during operation of the material handling vehicle 100.

[0043] To allow an operator to operate (e.g., steer, accelerate, decelerate, stop, etc.) the material handling vehicle 100, the material handling vehicle 100 may include a control arm 120. The control arm 120 may be rotatable or pivotable through a predetermined range (e.g., an angle 125) to control the steering (i.e., the direction of movement) or braking of the material handling vehicle 100. For example, the operator may move the control arm 120 vertically (e.g., up and down) to control braking or to allow the movement operation of the material handling vehicle 100. Correspondingly, the operator may move the control arm 120 laterally (e.g., from side to side) to control the steering direction of the steering wheels of the material handling vehicle 100. In a particular example, as the control arm 120 approaches the horizontal position, the material handling vehicle 100 may release the brake and allow operation, but when the control arm 120 reaches the substantially horizontal position, it may stop or brake. Correspondingly, as the control arm 120 approaches the vertical position, the material handling vehicle 100 may release the brake and allow operation, but when the control arm 120 reaches the substantially vertical position, it may stop or brake. In one example, when the operator releases the control arm 120, an automatic braking system may automatically position the control arm 120 into the substantially horizontal position, and the automatic braking system stops or brakes the material handling vehicle 100.

[0044] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of a portion of the body 105 of a material handling vehicle 100 is shown, the material handling vehicle 100 including a coasting system 200. The coasting system 200 can selectively disable the automatic stop or braking of the material handling vehicle 100 by locking the position of the control arm 120 via an automatic brake. For example, as shown previously, the control arm 120 can rotate or pivot vertically about a pivot point 205 to enable the operation of the material handling vehicle 100 by releasing the brake. However, under normal operation, the automatic braking system 210 applies a force in the direction indicated by arrow 275 to rotate the control arm 120 about the pivot point 205 in the direction indicated by arrow 230, which moves the control arm 120 into a vertical or substantially vertical position and automatically stops or brakes the material handling vehicle 100 when the operator releases the control arm 120. To facilitate this, the automatic braking system 210 can include a shaft 215 and a biasing element 225 (e.g., a spring), the shaft being fixed between the control arm 120 and the body 105 via one or more fasteners 220, the biasing element 225 being circumferentially disposed around the shaft 215. During the operation or movement of the control arm 120 from the vertical or substantially vertical position, the biasing element 225 can be compressed, which generates an increased force in the biasing element 225. Thus, after the operator releases the control arm 120, the force stored within the biasing element 225 is released, which expands the biasing element 225 in the direction indicated by arrow 175 and can automatically return the control arm 120 to the vertical or substantially vertical position in the direction indicated by arrow 230 via pivoting about the pivot point 205, which stops or brakes the material handling vehicle 100.

[0045] To selectively override the automatic braking system 210 (e.g., to enable coasting or nudging operations of the material handling vehicle 100), the material handling vehicle 100 can include a control arm locking assembly 235. The control arm locking assembly 235 can be connected between the control arm 120 and the body 105 of the material handling vehicle 100 at a connection point 265, the control arm locking assembly 235 being positioned below the pivot point 205 of the control arm 120 such that the force applied via the control arm locking assembly 235 is opposite to the force applied via the automatic braking system 210 and locks the position of the control arm 120 (e.g., selectively prevents the automatic stop or braking of the material handling vehicle 100 via the automatic braking system 210).

[0046] In one example, the control arm locking assembly 235 can be connected to the control arm 120 via a pull rod 260 that extends away from the connection point 265. The pull rod 260 can extend into an outer sleeve 255 that is configured to hold a biasing element 250 (e.g., a spring) that can deflect a force from the biasing element 225 in the automatic braking system 210. In a particular example, when the rod 245 is actuated in the direction shown by arrow 280 via an actuator 240 (e.g., a solenoid) and locked to the inner sleeve 325, the biasing element 250 can selectively oppose the biasing force of the automatic braking system 210 to lock the position of the control arm 120.

[0047] Figure 3 An example of the control arm locking assembly 235 of the coasting system 200 is shown. As previously shown, the control arm locking assembly 235 can include a rod 245 that can be selectively actuated via an actuator 240 (e.g., as Figure 2 shown). In one example, the rod 245 can include a head 305 positioned at one end of the shaft 355 of the rod 245. In one example, the head 305 can be disc-shaped (e.g., having a T-shaped cross-section). The shaft 355 can extend from the head 305 to the actuator 240, and the shaft 355 extends through a bushing 310, which can be a component of the actuator 240 and can be fixed to the vehicle 100. In one example, the bushing 310 can be positioned within an opening 315 of the control arm locking assembly 235 such that the bushing 310 is positioned between the shaft 355 and the inner surface 320 of the inner sleeve 325. Thus, the outer sleeve 255 can circumferentially surround the inner sleeve 325, which can circumferentially surround the bushing 310, which in turn can circumferentially surround the shaft 355. The opening 315 is generally centrally located, i.e., defining a central opening 315.

[0048] In one example, the inner sleeve 325 can include a flange 330 that extends toward the outer sleeve 255, while the outer sleeve 255 can include a spacer 335 that extends toward the inner sleeve 325 and is fixed by a snap ring 375. The flange 330 of the inner sleeve 325 and the spacer 335 of the outer sleeve 225 can together define a gap 340. The gap 340 can be configured to receive the biasing element 250 (e.g., a spring) as previously shown. In another example, the inner surface of the inner sleeve 325 can include a smooth, continuous surface profile (i.e., opposite sides of the inner surface can be parallel).

[0049] In use, the control arm locking assembly 235 can be configured to oppose the force of the automatic braking system 210 via the biasing element 250. For example, when the operator activates a switch or button 135 (see Figure 1) The actuator 240 can actuate the rod 245 in the direction indicated by arrow 350. In one example, actuation of the rod 245 compresses or deforms a locking member 345 positioned within a recess 365 formed between a head 305 of the rod 245 and an end 360 of a bushing 310. The locking member 345 is preferably elastic. In one example, the locking member 345 can be in the form of an elastic O-ring (e.g., an O-ring made of rubber or any known elastic material having a circular cross-section). Thus, compression of the locking member 345 causes the locking member 345 to expand radially and engage an inner surface 320 of an inner sleeve 325, locking the inner sleeve 325 to the rod 245.

[0050] In one example, when the control arm 120 is unlocked (e.g., the control arm locking assembly is not activated via the button 135), movement of the control arm 120 relative to the fixed bushing 310 produces corresponding movement in the outer sleeve 255 and the inner sleeve 325. However, when the control arm 120 is locked (e.g., the control arm locking assembly is activated via the button 135), the locking member 345 locks the inner sleeve 325 to the rod 245, locking the control arm 120 in a selected position. In another example, an operator can override the control arm to brake the vehicle 100 via actuation of the control arm 120, which moves the outer sleeve 255 relative to the fixed inner sleeve 325 and reduces the dimension 370 (e.g., length) of the gap 340 such that the biasing element 250 is compressed between a flange 330 of the inner sleeve 325 and a spacer 335 of the outer sleeve 255.

[0051] In one example, when the inner sleeve 325 is locked to the rod 245, the biasing element 250 is configured to deflect a force of the automatic braking system 210. For example, a force is applied to the spacer 335 and thus to the outer sleeve 255 via the biasing element 250 to prevent compression of the biasing element 250 (e.g., via movement of the control arm 120). In other words, at the connection point 265, a force is applied to the control arm 120 via a pull rod 260, and this force applies a reaction force to the control arm 120 in the direction indicated by arrow 270 (e.g., opposite to the force from the automatic braking system 210, see for example, Figure 2 ) to prevent automatic braking or stopping of the material handling vehicle 100. Thus, the control arm locking assembly 235 enables an operator to lock the position of the control arm 120 such that the material handling vehicle 100 can coast or be nudged without automatically stopping or braking due to the automatic braking system 210.

[0052] Since the control arm locking assembly 235 operates based on a friction locking mechanism and does not utilize a fixed detent, the operator can lock the control arm 120 in any desired position. For example, in use, the operator can position the control arm 120 at any angle or height to facilitate access or operation by the operator. In accordance therewith, the operator can press a button, switch, etc. to activate the actuator 240, which locks the position of the control arm 120 as previously discussed. In a particular example, the actuator can be a solenoid actuator that has a movable armature. Thus, when the operator presses the button, the solenoid can be energized and the armature can be actuated to move the rod 245.

[0053] Figure 4 Another example of a control arm locking assembly 400 is shown, which can be used with Figure 2 the sliding system 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration to the control arm locking assembly 235). As will be appreciated, the control arm locking assembly 400 shares a number of common components with the previously shown and described examples and operates in a manner similar to the previously shown and described examples. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described in detail below. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, the previous discussion of features with common names or numbers also applies to the exemplary configuration of the control arm locking assembly 400.

[0054] In one example, the control arm locking assembly 400 can include a locking member 405, replacing the locking member 345 discussed previously. The locking member 405 can be in the form of an elastic washer (e.g., having a rectangular cross-section) that is configured to surround the shaft 355 between the head 305 and the bushing 310. Similar to the locking member 345, the locking member 405 can be compressed by actuation of the rod 245 via the actuator 240, which locks the rod 245 to the inner sleeve 325 and locks the position of the control arm 120.

[0055] Figure 5 Another example of a control arm locking assembly 500 is shown, which is used with Figure 2 the sliding system 200 (e.g., as an alternative configuration to the control arm locking assembly 235). As will be appreciated, the control arm locking assembly 500 shares a number of common components with the previously shown and described examples and operates in a manner similar to the previously shown and described examples. For the sake of brevity, these common features will not be described in detail below. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, the previous discussion of features with common names or numbers also applies to the exemplary configuration of the control arm locking assembly 500.

[0056] In one example, the rod 245 may include a head 510 that defines a conical shape or a frustoconical shape. For example, the head 510 may include an angled surface 515 that is configured to engage a locking member 520 disposed between the angled surface 515 of the head 510 and the inner surface 320 of the inner sleeve 325. In use, as the rod 245 is actuated in the direction shown by arrow 350, the angled surface of the head 510 drives the locking member 520 outwardly (e.g., in the direction shown by arrow 525) such that the locking member 520 contacts the inner surface 320 to lock the rod 245 to the inner sleeve 325 and, correspondingly, lock the position of the locking control arm 120. In one example, the locking member 520 may be in the form of an elastomeric (e.g., rubber or any other elastomeric material) insert that is configured to be mounted within a recess 530 formed between the angled surface 515 of the head 510 and the inner surface 320. In another example, the elastomeric insert may include congruent angled surfaces 535 that are configured to engage the angled surface 515 of the head 510 to radially expand the elastomeric insert during actuation of the rod 245.

[0057] Figure 6 Another example of a control arm locking assembly 600 is shown that is used with Figure 2 a glide system (e.g., as an alternative configuration to the control arm locking assembly 235). As will be appreciated, the control arm locking assembly 600 shares a number of common components with the previously shown and described examples and operates in a manner similar to the previously shown and described examples. For the sake of brevity, these common features are not described in detail below. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, the previous discussion of features with common names or numbers also applies to the exemplary configuration of the control arm locking assembly 600.

[0058] In one example, the rod 245 may include a head 610 in the form of a wedge (e.g., having a trapezoidal cross-section). The head 610 may include an angled surface 620 configured to engage a congruent angled surface 625 of the bushing 615. The bushing 615 may be similar to the previously described bushing 310, with the addition of the angled surface 625. Thus, as the rod 245 is actuated in the direction indicated by arrow 350, the angled surface 620 of the head 610 engages the angled surface 625 of the bushing 615, which drives the head 610 into contact with the inner surface 320 of the inner sleeve 325 to lock the rod 245 to the inner sleeve 325 and, correspondingly, lock the position of the control arm 120. For example, during actuation of the rod 245, the engagement between the angled surface 620 and the angled surface 625 may drive the head 610 in the direction indicated by arrow 630. Thus, the head 610 may contact or grip the inner surface 320 of the inner sleeve 325 to lock the rod 245 to the inner sleeve 325. In one example, the head 610 may include a surface having a high friction or rubberized coating configured to increase the friction between the head 610 and the inner surface 320.

[0059] According to one aspect, a control arm locking assembly 600 for a material handling vehicle 100 is provided, the control arm locking assembly 600 including: an inner sleeve 325 defining a central opening 315; an actuator 240; a rod 245 disposed within the central opening 315, the rod having a head at one end with an angled surface 620 and being selectively actuated via the actuator 240; a bushing 310 having an angled surface 625 at one end, the bushing disposed within the central opening 315 between the rod 245 and the inner surface 320 of the inner sleeve 325; and wherein actuation of the rod 245 drives the angled surface 620 of the rod against the angled surface 625 of the bushing via the actuator 240 to lock the rod 245 to the inner sleeve 325.

[0060] The control arm locking assembly 325 according to any of the above aspects, wherein the inner surface 320 of the inner sleeve 325 defines a smooth, continuous surface profile.

[0061] The control arm locking assembly 1000 according to any of the above aspects, wherein the inner sleeve 705 includes a notch 730, and wherein the notch 730 receives a collar 715 positioned between the inner surface 725 of the inner sleeve and an elastic locking member.

[0062] According to the control arm locking assembly 235 in any of the above aspects, the control arm locking assembly 235 further includes: an outer sleeve 255 that is circumferentially arranged around an inner sleeve 325; a flange 330 that extends from the inner sleeve 325 toward the outer sleeve 255; a gap 340 that is formed between the inner sleeve 325 and the outer sleeve 255 via the flange 330; and a biasing element 250 that is arranged within the gap 340.

[0063] According to the control arm locking assembly 235 in any of the above aspects, when the inner sleeve 325 is locked to the rod 245, the biasing element 250 opposes the braking force of the automatic braking system, such that the control arm 120 of the material handling vehicle 100 is locked in a position set by an operator of the material handling vehicle 100.

[0064] According to the control arm locking assembly 235 in any of the above aspects, via actuation of the control arm 120 of the material handling vehicle 100, actuation of the outer sleeve 255 compresses the biasing element 250 within the gap 340.

[0065] Figures 7 to 10 Examples of a control arm locking assembly 700, a control arm locking assembly 800, a control arm locking assembly 900, and a control arm locking assembly 1000 are shown, and the control arm locking assembly 700, the control arm locking assembly 800, the control arm locking assembly 900, and the control arm locking assembly 1000 can be used with Figure 2 (e.g., as an alternative configuration to the control arm locking assembly 235) the skid system 200. As will be appreciated, the control arm locking assembly 700, the control arm locking assembly 800, the control arm locking assembly 900, and the control arm locking assembly 1000 share multiple components with the previously shown and described examples and operate in a similar manner. For the sake of brevity, these common features are not described in detail below. Instead, unless otherwise stated, the previous discussion of features that are commonly named or numbered also applies to the exemplary configurations of the control arm locking assembly 700, the control arm locking assembly 800, the control arm locking assembly 900, and the control arm locking assembly 1000.

[0066] In one example, the control arm locking assembly 700, the control arm locking assembly 800, the control arm locking assembly 900, and the control arm locking assembly 1000 can include an inner sleeve 705 that has a notch 730 defined by a wall 720. The notch and the wall 720 can form a reduced thickness portion 710 of the inner sleeve 705. In one example, the notch can receive a collar 715 that is configured to abut the wall 720 of the notch. In one example, the collar 715 can be configured to add additional friction or clamping to the control arm locking assembly, which can increase the overall functionality of the system. For example, the collar 715 can be made of a friction material that is higher than the inner sleeve 705. In another example, the collar 715 can include a surface treatment that is configured to increase the friction between the locking member 345, the collar 715, and the inner surface 725 of the inner sleeve 705.

[0067] In some embodiments, methods embodying aspects of the present invention can be used to utilize, manufacture, or install the devices or systems disclosed herein. Correspondingly, any description herein of a particular feature, capability, or intended purpose of a device or system is generally intended to include methods of using such a device to achieve the intended purpose, as well as other methods of achieving such a capability, methods of manufacturing such a device or system (or components thereof as a whole), and methods of installing the disclosed (or other known) components to support such a purpose or capability. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, any discussion herein of a method of manufacturing or using a particular device or system (including installing the device or system) is intended to inherently include, as an example of the present disclosure, the features utilized and the capabilities implemented by such a device or system.

[0068] Moreover, as used herein, unless otherwise restricted or qualified, "or" refers to a list of non-exclusive components or operations, which may represent any kind of combination, rather than only an exclusive list of components that can be substituted for each other. For example, the list of "A, B, or C" refers to the following options: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term "or" as used herein is only intended to represent exclusive alternatives when preceded by an exclusive term, such as "either", "one of", "only one of", or "exactly one of". For example, the list of "A, B, or C" represents the following options: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; C, but not A and B. A list preceded by "one or more" (and variations thereof) and including "or" to separate the listed elements represents any one or all of the one or more options of the listed elements. For example, the phrases "one or more of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" represent the following options: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list preceded by "multiple" (and variations thereof) and including "or" to separate the listed elements represents the option of any or all of the multiple instances of the listed elements. For example, the phrases "multiple A, B, or C" and "two or more A, B, C" represent the following options: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0069] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or restricted, directional terms are used for the convenience of discussing a particular drawing or example. For example, a reference to a downward (or other) direction or a top (or other) position may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but does not necessarily require a similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations.

[0070] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments has been provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the benefits of this disclosure, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A control arm locking assembly for a material handling vehicle, the control arm locking assembly comprising: An inner sleeve defining a central opening; An actuator; A rod disposed within the central opening, the rod being selectively actuated via the actuator; A bushing disposed within the central opening between the rod and an inner surface of the inner sleeve; And An elastic locking member disposed within the central opening, the elastic locking member being axially constrained between a head of the rod and the bushing; Wherein actuation of the rod via the actuator compresses the elastic locking member between the head and the bushing; and Wherein compression of the elastic locking member causes the elastic locking member to engage the inner surface of the inner sleeve to lock the rod to the inner sleeve.

2. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein The elastic locking member is an elastic O-ring.

3. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic locking member is an elastic washer.

4. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The head of the rod defines a disc-shaped profile, forming a cavity between the head and the bushing, the cavity being configured to receive the elastic locking member.

5. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head of the rod defines a conical profile, the conical profile including an angled surface, and wherein actuation of the rod causes the elastic locking member to be pushed away from the rod via the angled surface of the head and contact the inner surface of the inner sleeve.

6. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the inner sleeve defines a smooth, continuous surface profile.

7. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner sleeve includes a notch, and wherein the notch receives a collar positioned between the inner surface of the inner sleeve and the elastic locking member.

8. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: An outer sleeve circumferentially disposed around the inner sleeve; A flange extending from the inner sleeve towards the outer sleeve; A gap formed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve via the flange; And A biasing element disposed within the gap.

9. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the inner sleeve is locked to the rod, the biasing element opposes the braking force of an automatic braking system such that the control arm of the material handling vehicle is locked in a position set by an operator of the material handling vehicle.

10. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 8, wherein, Via actuation of the control arm of the material handling vehicle, actuation of the outer sleeve compresses the biasing element within the gap.

11. A method for locking a control arm of a material handling vehicle, the method comprising: Actuating a rod of a control arm locking assembly in a first direction via actuation of an actuator; Compressing an elastic locking member between a head of the rod and a bushing, the bushing circumferentially surrounding a portion of the rod; And Frictionally locking the rod to an inner sleeve of the control arm locking assembly via frictional engagement between the elastic locking member and an inner surface of the inner sleeve.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The elastic locking member is an elastic O-ring.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein The elastic locking member is an elastic washer.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein The inner surface of the inner sleeve defines a smooth, continuous surface profile.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein The inner sleeve includes a notch, and wherein the notch receives a collar positioned between the inner surface of the inner sleeve and the elastic locking member.

16. A control arm locking assembly for a material handling vehicle, the control arm locking assembly comprising: An inner sleeve defining a central opening; A rod disposed within the central opening, the rod having a head portion and a reduced diameter body portion extending from the body portion; A bushing circumferentially surrounding the rod to form a recess between the bushing and the head of the rod; An elastic locking member disposed within the recess; And An actuator operatively connected to the rod to move the rod between a first position and a second position, wherein at the first position, the sleeve is movable relative to the rod, and at the second position, movement of the inner sleeve relative to the rod is locked.

17. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, In the second position, the rod compresses the elastic locking member such that the elastic locking member engages the inner surface of the inner sleeve to lock the rod to the inner sleeve.

18. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 17, wherein, In the second position, the elastic locking member is compressed between the head portion of the rod and the end of the bushing.

19. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 17, wherein The inner surface of the inner sleeve defines a smooth and continuous surface profile.

20. The control arm locking assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The inner sleeve includes a notch, and wherein the notch receives a collar positioned between the inner surface of the inner sleeve and the elastic locking member.

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