Illumination fitting for material handling vehicle

Abstract

A lighting accessory for a material handling vehicle may be provided. The lighting accessory may include a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, a window in the housing configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate a working area proximate the material handling vehicle, and a controller configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by the sensor. Light emitted from the light source may be projected substantially parallel to the ground plane. The housing may be configured to couple to a body or rotatable arm of the material handling vehicle within or around an operator compartment of the material handling vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 571,712, filed on March 29, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] Material handling vehicles can be found in warehouses, factories, shipping yards, and anywhere else where pallets, large packages, or stacks of goods are transported from one location to another. Material handling vehicles may be designed to include one or more lighting sources to assist in loading and unloading packages or pallets, but traditional lighting may not be effective in all applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lighting accessory for a material handling vehicle that may include one or more integrated sensors and / or cameras.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting accessory for a materials handling vehicle may be provided. The lighting accessory may include a housing. A light source may be disposed within the housing. A window in the housing may be configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate a work area near the materials handling vehicle. A controller may be configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by a sensor. Light emitted from the light source may be projected substantially parallel to a ground plane. The housing may be configured to couple to a main body or a rotatable arm of the materials handling vehicle within or around an operator's compartment of the materials handling vehicle.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a materials handling vehicle may be provided. The materials handling vehicle may include a main body. The vehicle may include an operator compartment. A rotatable arm may extend at least partially around the operator compartment. A lighting accessory may be coupled to the main body or the rotatable arm. The lighting accessory may include a light source configured to emit light substantially parallel to a ground plane. The vehicle may include a sensor. A controller may be configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by the sensor.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a light accessory for a materials handling vehicle may be provided. The method may include providing a materials handling vehicle including a rotatable arm, the light accessory coupled to the rotatable arm. The method may include determining a position of the rotatable arm of the materials handling vehicle using a sensor. The method may include selectively activating a light source of the light accessory based on the determined position of the rotatable arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will be better understood, and features, aspects, and advantages other than those described above will become apparent when considering the following detailed description of the invention, which refers to the following drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a materials handling vehicle (MHV) according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the MHV.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the MHV is shown, including a lighting accessory of the MHV in a first position.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the MHV is shown, including a lighting accessory of the MHV in a second position.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A front view of the MHV including the lighting accessory in a first position.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of the MHV including a lighting accessory of the MHV in a second position.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the MHV's lighting accessories.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the MHV's lighting accessories.

[0016] Figure 9 A method of using a lighting accessory for a materials handling vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0017] Figure 10 A method of using a lighting accessory for a materials handling vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0018] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a materials handling vehicle including a lighting assembly for a materials handling vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a materials handling vehicle including a lighting assembly for a materials handling vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before any embodiments of the present invention are described in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and are not to be considered as limiting. As used herein, "includes," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used in a broad sense and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0021] Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, directional terms are presented only with respect to the specific embodiments and stereograms being described. For example, references to features or directions such as "horizontal," "vertical," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are generally made with reference to a specific figure or example and do not necessarily represent absolute orientations or directions. However, relative directional terms for a particular embodiment may generally apply to alternative orientations of that embodiment. For example, the directions or features of "front" and "back" (or the directions or features of "right" and "left," etc.) may generally be understood to represent relatively opposite directions or features.

[0022] Unless otherwise limited or defined, "substantially parallel" means a direction within plus or minus 12 degrees (e.g., within plus or minus 6 degrees or plus or minus 3 degrees) of a reference direction, including endpoints. Correspondingly, "substantially vertical" means a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction, as defined relative to gravity, and has a similar meaning to "substantially horizontal" (relative to the horizontal direction). Similarly, unless otherwise limited or defined, "substantially perpendicular" means a direction within plus or minus 12 degrees (e.g., within plus or minus 6 degrees or plus or minus 3 degrees) of a vertical reference direction, including endpoints.

[0023] It should also be understood that material handling vehicles (MHVs) are designed in a variety of categories and configurations to perform a variety of tasks. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular MHV, and that various other types of MHV categories and configurations may also be provided, including, for example, lift trucks, forklifts, reach trucks, SWING trucks, and other similar MHVs. Vehicles, turret trucks, side loaders, counterbalanced forklifts, pallet stacking trucks, material pickers, transtackers, tractors, and manned trucks are typically found in warehouses, factories, freight yards, and generally where pallets, large packages, or stacks of goods 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 autonomously-controlled material handling vehicles. In addition, 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, and the like.

[0024] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. It should be noted that the following examples provided herein are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the specific forms disclosed.

[0025] It should also be noted that various government agencies, laws, rules, and regulations impose training requirements on certain types of vehicles. For example, OSHA imposes an obligation on employers to train and supervise operators of various types of material handling vehicles. Recertification is also required every three years. In some cases, operators should be provided with refresher training on relevant topics when necessary. In all cases, the operator maintains control of the material handling vehicle during the performance of any action. In addition, the warehouse manager maintains control of a fleet of material handling vehicles within the warehouse environment. The operator training and supervision provided by the warehouse manager primarily requires appropriate operating time, mainly including the operator maintaining control of the material handling vehicle, paying attention to the operating environment, and always keeping a lock on the direction of travel.

[0026] Operators who retrieve orders using material handling vehicles (MHVs) often face challenges related to visibility and low lighting within their work areas. Conventional material handling vehicles typically include overhead lights; however, these overhead lights may not fully illuminate the work areas on either side of the MHV (e.g., beyond the operator compartment of the MHV). As a result, operators attempting to pick items from a pickup location often operate under low-visibility conditions, which can cause operators to spend additional time identifying specific items to be picked, ultimately reducing efficiency and leading to slower order fulfillment speeds and increased labor costs. Therefore, it may be beneficial to provide different lighting sources to increase visibility of the operator's work area.

[0027] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide lighting accessories that can enhance visibility in an order picker's work area by projecting light from the sides of the MHV, reducing shadows and providing more uniform lighting across the shelves and storage areas. Examples of the present invention can therefore save time and costs by providing clearer lighting at the pick location, which allows order pickers to more easily identify and retrieve items and improves the speed and accuracy of order picking tasks. Some examples of lighting accessories can be beneficially used with order picking MHVs; however, all MHVs can benefit from incorporating a lighting accessory that projects light to illuminate the work area on either side of the MHV.

[0028] Generally, embodiments of the present invention include a lighting accessory coupled to a mobile health vehicle (MHV). Specifically, the lighting accessory can be secured to or integral with the main body or rotatable arm of the MHV. The lighting accessory can include a housing including an at least partially transparent window. The window can allow light emitted from a light source within the housing to be transmitted from the housing to the surrounding environment of the MHV. The light source can illuminate the MHV operator's work area on the left and right sides of the MHV.

[0029] In some embodiments, a lighting accessory may include a controller that manages the operation of the light source based on data collected by one or more sensors. The controller can activate, deactivate, or adjust the light source in response to various environmental and operational factors. For example, the controller can selectively control the light source based on the position of a rotatable arm detected by a position sensor. The controller can also adjust the settings of the light source based on the speed of the material handling vehicle, the location of the material handling vehicle, the level of ambient light, and the movement of the operator of the material handling vehicle or objects in the material handling vehicle's environment.

[0030] By integrating these sensor inputs, the controller can optimize the functionality of lighting accessories, provide appropriate lighting for various operating scenarios, and improve the efficiency of material handling tasks. The adaptive nature of the system can allow for more nuanced and context-aware lighting solutions in different warehouse and industrial environments.

[0031] In some cases, the material handling vehicle 100 (MHV) may include various components designed for order picking operations. Figure 1 As shown, the MHV 100 can include a pair of forks that allow the MHV 100 to pick up and transport cargo around a warehouse. Additionally, as described below, the MHV 100 can be designed to lift the operator to pick up locations that are out of reach of the operator.

[0032] The MHV 100 may include an operator compartment 104. The operator compartment 104 may accommodate an operator during operation of the MHV 100. For example, the operator may stand on a platform 108 located within the operator compartment 104, or in other cases, sit on a chair or other device located on the platform 108. The operator may control functions of the MHV 100 from within the operator compartment 104 by interacting with the MHV user interface 112.

[0033] The MHV user interface 112 may include various controls and displays that allow an operator to control the MHV 100 and perform order picking tasks. Specifically, the operator may control functions such as the speed and direction of the MHV 100 via the MHV user interface 112. The MHV user interface 112 may also allow the operator to control the extension and retraction of the main mast 116 of the MHV 100. The main mast 116 enables vertical movement of the operator compartment 104. Specifically, extending the main mast 116 may raise the operator compartment 104 and the operator therein to a picking position, allowing the operator to retrieve the goods from the picking location, such as a shelf or other suitable storage location in a warehouse or elsewhere.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the MHV 100 can include a pick arm 120. The pick arm 120 can extend at least partially around the operator compartment 104 and can help stabilize the operator during movement (e.g., forward, upward, or other). Specifically, the pick arm 120 can be coupled to a main body 124 (e.g., a vehicle body) of the MHV 100 and can rotate relative to the main body 124. As further described below, the pick arm 120 can include a lighting accessory that can be configured to illuminate the pick location and increase the operator's visibility within racks and other storage areas.

[0035] In some examples, the material handling vehicle 100 may include a lighting accessory 200. The lighting accessory 200 may be configured to enhance visibility of an operator's work area by projecting light laterally from the material handling vehicle 100 onto the operator's work area. Figure 1 As shown, the lighting assembly 200 may be secured to the pick arm 120 , however, as further described below, the lighting assembly may alternatively be integral with the pick arm 120 , or otherwise integral with or secured to another portion of the MHV 100 , such as the body 124 .

[0036] The lighting accessory 200 may include a housing 204. The housing 204 may include a plurality of side walls. Specifically, the housing 204 may include at least a first side wall 208 and a second side wall 212 disposed opposite to the first side wall 208. Figure 1As shown, the first sidewall 208 can contact the pick arm 120, while the second sidewall 212 can face away from the pick arm 120. As further described below, the second sidewall 212 can be angled relative to the first sidewall 208 to optimize light distribution through a window provided in the second sidewall 212. The housing 204 can be designed to protect internal components of the lighting accessory 200, such as the light source 216, from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, or impact. The housing 204 can be constructed of a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, composite materials, or other suitable materials.

[0037] A light source 216 within the housing can be configured to provide illumination to the operator's work area. In some cases, the light source 216 can include an LED light, a halogen bulb, or other suitable lighting technology. As further described below, the light source 216 can be turned on and off or otherwise adjusted based on the position of the pickup arm 120, the position of the MHV 100, or other applicable factors.

[0038] In some cases, the housing 204 can include one or more windows 220. The windows 220 can be at least partially translucent or transparent to allow the light source 216 within the housing 204 to transmit light through the windows 220. Figure 1 As shown, the window 220 can be disposed in the second side wall 212 such that the window 220 faces away from the pick arm 120. The window 220 can be trapezoidal in shape and can extend across most of the second side wall 212. However, in other examples, the shape, size, location, and number of the windows 220 can vary depending on the desired light output and coverage area. The window 220 can be made of a durable, light-transmitting material such as tempered glass, polycarbonate, plastic, or other durable, light-transmitting material.

[0039] In some embodiments, housing 204 may be opaque except for window 220. For example, portions of first sidewall 208 and second sidewall 212 may be opaque. In some examples, the opaque portions of housing 204 can help focus and direct light emitted by light source 216 through window 220. Furthermore, the interior surfaces of housing 204 may include reflective materials or coatings. These reflective surfaces can redirect light that would otherwise be absorbed or scattered within housing 204, thereby concentrating more light output toward window 220. In some embodiments, reflective material can be applied to strategic areas of the interior walls to shape the light distribution pattern emitted from window 220. This approach can allow for customized lighting patterns to suit different work environments or specific lighting requirements. The combination of opaque portions of housing 204 and reflective interior surfaces can produce a more controllable and directional light output, thereby reducing light spillage in unwanted directions and maximizing the amount of useful illumination provided to the operator's work area.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the lighting accessory 200 can be coupled to one of the pick arms 120 using a fastener 224. In some examples, the fastener 224 can extend from the first side wall 208. However, the fastener 224 can alternatively extend from a side wall of the housing 204 connecting the first side wall 208 and the second side wall 212. In some examples, the fastener 224 can allow an operator to remove the lighting accessory 200 from the pick arm 120. For example, the fastener 224 can include a strap 226. The strap 226 can be looped around the pick arm 120 and tightened around the pick arm 120 (see also FIG. Figure 8 ). The strap 226 is adjustable to allow the fastener 224 to secure the lighting accessory to pick arms 120 of various sizes and configurations. The fastener 224 utilizing the strap 226 can also be quickly removed. For example, the strap 226 can include hook and loop fasteners, snap-fit ​​fasteners, buckles, magnets, clamps, hook and eye fasteners, or other suitable openable closure mechanisms. In some examples, the fastener 224 can include one or more universal joints to allow an operator to rotate the lighting accessory 200 to focus light from the light source 216 at a specific location on its work area. In other examples, the fastener 224 can be otherwise coupled to the pick arm 120 using bolts, brackets, screws, an interlocking rail system, adhesives, collars, or other suitable fastening mechanisms.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 , the lighting accessory 200 may also include a power source 228 that provides power to the light source 216. The power source 228 may be a power source of the MHV 100 (e.g., a battery, an engine, or an AC generator). Specifically, the power source 228 may be electrically coupled to the MHV 100 to receive power therefrom. In other examples, the lighting accessory 200 may be powered independently of the MHV 100. For example, the lighting accessory 200 may include a discrete power source, such as a battery, that is independent of the MHV 100. In another example, the lighting accessory 200 may include a discrete power source and may be electrically coupled to the MHV 100. In such an example, the discrete power source may be charged by the power source of the MHV 100.

[0042] Still refer to Figure 2 , the operation of the light source 216 can be controlled by a controller 232. Specifically, the controller 232 can be configured to selectively turn the light source 216 on and off and adjust the settings of the light source by selectively providing power to the light source 216. In some examples, the controller 232 can be connected to one or more sensors 236. As described further below, the sensors 236 can provide data to the controller 232. The controller 232 can obtain the data provided by the sensors 236 to determine when to turn the light source 216 on and off or otherwise determine when and how to adjust the settings of the light source 216.

[0043] In some examples, lighting accessory 200 may include a user interface 240. User interface 240 may be connected to controller 232. User interface 240 may allow an operator to directly control the operation of light source 216. For example, operator interaction with user interface 240 may cause controller 232 to turn the light source on and off or otherwise adjust the settings of light source 216. User interface 240 may include various input mechanisms, such as buttons, switches, or a touch screen, that allow the operator to switch lighting accessory 200 between various modes, such as on, off, strobe, and auto. User interface 240 may also include a display that provides information about the current status of lighting accessory 200, such as whether it is powered on, the current brightness level, or any error conditions. In some cases, the display may be an LCD screen or an LED indicator that visually conveys the operating status of lighting accessory 200 to the operator.

[0044] Additionally, the user interface 240 can incorporate other control elements, such as dials, sliders, or digital input devices, that allow the operator to adjust various parameters of the lighting accessory 200. These parameters can include light intensity, color temperature, or beam angle. In some embodiments, the user interface 240 can be integrated with the MHV user interface 112 to provide the operator with a seamless operating experience. This integration can allow the operator to control the lighting accessory 200 without removing their hands from the MHV user interface 112, thereby increasing efficiency during operation.

[0045] As described above, controller 232 can control light source 216 based on data provided by one or more sensors 236. For example, when lighting accessory 200 is in "automatic" mode, controller 232 can control light source 216 without operator input. In "automatic" mode, controller 232 can adjust various settings of light source 216, including color, brightness, flashing frequency, beam angle, and other applicable settings of light source 216.

[0046] In some examples, the sensor 236 can include a position sensor that detects the position of the pick arm 120. For example, as described further below, the sensor 236 can determine the rotational position of the pick arm 120. As described below, the controller 232 can adjust the settings of the light source 216 based on the position of the pick arm 120.

[0047] In some examples, the sensor 236 may include a position sensor that detects the position of the operator compartment 104 or the main rod 116. For example, the sensor 236 can determine the extension or retraction of the main rod 116. The controller 232 can use this data to determine when the operator compartment 104 is extended to the pickup position. In such an example, the controller 232 can adjust the setting of the light source 216 when the main rod 116 extends the operator compartment 104 upward or otherwise toward the pickup position.

[0048] In some examples, the sensors 236 may include location sensors that detect the location of the MHV 100 within the warehouse. The sensors 236 may utilize technologies such as GPS, indoor positioning systems, or RFID readers to determine the location of the MHV 100. The controller 232 may use this location data to adjust the settings of the light sources 216 when the MHV 100 enters a specific area of ​​the warehouse that requires additional lighting. For example, when the MHV 100 exits or enters an aisle, the controller 232 may activate the light sources 216 to flash or strobe to signal the location of the MHV 100 to other workers in the warehouse. In other examples, the controller 232 may use the location data to adjust the settings of the light sources 216 when the MHV 100 approaches or is near a pickup location for a desired item.

[0049] In some examples, the sensor 236 may include a speed sensor. The sensor 236 may measure the speed of the MHV 100 or the rate of movement of the pick arm 120. The controller 232 may adjust the settings of the light source 216 based on the detected speed, thereby potentially reducing the lighting intensity during faster movement and increasing the lighting intensity when the MHV 100 is moving slowly or stationary (or vice versa). The controller 232 may further adjust the settings of the light source 216 by strobing the light source 216 (e.g., changing the flashing frequency) as the MHV 100 moves through the warehouse.

[0050] In some examples, sensor 236 may include an ambient light sensor. Sensor 236 may be configured to measure ambient light levels. Using data from sensor 236, controller 232 may adjust the settings of light source 216 based on existing lighting conditions in the warehouse, thereby optimizing visibility while conserving energy. For example, controller 232 may increase the intensity of light source 216 in darker areas and decrease the intensity of light source 216 in brighter areas.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sensor 236 may include a camera. The sensor 236 may capture images or video of the surrounding area. Furthermore, the controller 232 may analyze the images or video to identify the pickup location, operator, obstacles, or other relevant features. The controller 232 may adjust the settings of the light source 216 based on the visual data collected by the camera.

[0052] In some examples, sensor 236 may include a motion sensor. Sensor 236 may detect operator movement. Sensor 236 may utilize infrared or ultrasonic detection (or other suitable detection technology) to sense when the operator reaches for an item or moves within operator compartment 104. Controller 232 may use this data to adjust the settings of light source 216 in response to specific operator movements.

[0053] Other types of sensors 236 that may be incorporated include proximity sensors for detecting nearby objects or shelves, tilt sensors for measuring the tilt of the MHV 100 or pick arm 120, and load sensors for detecting when items are placed on or removed from the MHV 100. The controller 232 may obtain data from the sensors 236 to adjust the settings of the light assembly 200 accordingly.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 and 4 As described above, the controller 232 can adjust the settings of the light source 216 based on the position of the pick arm 120. Figure 3 As shown, when the pick arm 120 is in a first position (e.g., a horizontal position relative to the ground plane), the controller 232 can activate the light source 216. Figure 4 As shown, the controller 232 can deactivate the light source 216 when the pick arm 120 is in the second position (eg, a vertical position relative to the ground plane).

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 232 can gradually adjust the intensity or brightness of the light source 216 as the pick arm 120 moves between the first position and the second position. For example, as the pick arm 120 approaches the first position, the controller 232 can increase the brightness of the light source 216, and as the pick arm 120 moves toward the second position, the controller 232 can decrease the brightness of the light source 216. This gradual adjustment can provide a smooth transition in lighting conditions for the operator. In other examples, the controller 232 can deactivate the light source 216 once the pick arm 120 begins to rotate away from the first position.

[0056] In some examples, the controller 232 may also consider other factors, as well as the position of the pick arm 120, when determining whether to activate or deactivate the light source 216. For example, the controller 232 may consider the ambient light level, the speed of the MHV 100, or the position of the MHV 100 within the warehouse. In some cases, the controller 232 may override the default behavior of the lighting assembly 200 (e.g., the controller 232 and the light source 216) based on these additional factors, such as keeping the light source 216 activated even when the pick arm 120 is in the second position if the ambient light level is particularly low, or deactivating the light source 216 when the pick arm 120 is in the first position and the MHV 100 is moving at a predetermined speed. In other examples, the controller 232 may override the default behavior based solely on the additional factors when the pick arm 120 is in the first position.

[0057] The lighting assembly 200 is configured to illuminate shelves and other storage areas to the left and right of the MHV 100 (e.g., perpendicular to the normal forward movement of the MHV 100). Figure 3 , the lighting accessory 200 can provide illumination across a horizontal beam angle 244. The horizontal beam angle 244 can be centered along a first plane 248 extending from the center of the window 220 and perpendicular to the ground plane. Additionally, the first plane 248 can extend perpendicular to the first or second sidewall 212 of the housing 204, or from a surface of the pick arm 120 contacted by the housing 204. The horizontal beam angle 244 can range from about 180 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 120 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 90 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 60 degrees to about 15 degrees. The horizontal beam angle 244 can be determined by the shape of the window 220, or by a focusing mechanism within the housing 204, which can be designed to direct light over a desired horizontal range.

[0058] See also Figure 5 In some examples, the lighting accessory 200 can provide lighting across a vertical beam angle 252. The vertical beam angle 252 can be centered along a second plane 256 extending from the center of the window 220 and parallel to the ground plane. Additionally, the second plane 256 can extend perpendicular to the first sidewall 208 or the second sidewall 212 of the housing 204, or from a surface of the pickup arm 120 contacted by the housing 204. In some examples, the vertical beam angle 252 can extend perpendicular to the horizontal beam angle 244. The vertical beam angle 252 can range from about 180 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 120 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 90 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 60 degrees to about 15 degrees.

[0059] In other examples, the vertical beam angle 252 may not be centered about the second plane 256. Instead, the vertical beam angle 252 may define an upper light emission limit 260 and a lower light emission limit 264. The upper light emission limit 260 may extend substantially parallel to the ground plane (e.g., from the top of the window 220) or may extend obliquely relative to the ground plane. For example, the upper light emission limit 260 may extend from parallel to the ground plane by between about zero degrees and about 15 degrees, between about zero degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about zero degrees and about 45 degrees. Additionally, the lower light emission limit 264 may extend substantially perpendicular to the ground plane or may extend obliquely relative to the ground plane. For example, the lower light emission limit 264 may extend from perpendicular to the ground plane by between about zero degrees and about 15 degrees, between about zero degrees and about 30 degrees, or between about zero degrees and about 45 degrees. In some examples, the third beam angle 268 between the upper light emission limit 260 and the lower light emission limit 264 can range from about 120 degrees to about 15 degrees, or about 90 degrees to about 15 degrees, or about 60 degrees to about 15 degrees, or about 45 degrees to about 15 degrees.

[0060] The vertical beam angle 252 can be determined by the shape of the window 220 or by a focusing mechanism within the housing 204 that can be designed to direct light across a desired vertical range. Emitting light along the vertical beam angle 252 allows the lighting accessory 200 to emit light substantially parallel to the ground plane, which can better penetrate shelves and other storage spaces in the operator's work area. The ability to project light horizontally (e.g., parallel to the ground plane) can enhance visibility into deep shelf units or stacked storage areas, potentially improving an operator's ability to locate and retrieve items.

[0061] In some examples, the horizontal beam angle 244 and the vertical beam angle 252 can be independently adjusted to allow the lighting accessory 200 to be customized for different warehouse layouts and storage configurations. By customizing the light distribution of the horizontal beam angle 244 and the vertical beam angle 252, the lighting accessory 200 can provide optimal lighting for various picking tasks and environments.

[0062] refer to Figure 7 and 8 As described above, the shape of the window 220 can affect the characteristics of the lighting accessory 200, including the horizontal beam angle 244 and the vertical beam angle 252. Figure 7As shown, when the lighting assembly 200 is mounted on the pick arm 120, the first sidewall 208 of the housing 204 can extend substantially parallel to the surface of the pick arm 120 that the first sidewall 208 contacts. In some examples, the window 220 and a portion of the second sidewall 212 can be angled obliquely relative to the first sidewall 208. Furthermore, the window 220 can be angled obliquely relative to a ground plane. Angling the window 220 obliquely relative to the first sidewall 208 or the ground plane can affect the vertical beam angle 252 by focusing light emitted through the window 220 in a particular direction.

[0063] Figure 9 An exemplary method utilizing the lighting assembly 200 is shown in FIG. Method S100 may include step S104 of providing a material handling vehicle including a rotatable arm and a lighting assembly coupled to the rotatable arm. Method S100 may include step S108 of determining a position of the rotatable arm of the material handling vehicle using a sensor. Method S100 may include step S112 of selectively activating a light source of the lighting assembly based on the sensed position of the rotatable arm. In some embodiments, activating the light source may include activating the light source when the rotatable arm is in a substantially horizontal position and deactivating the light source when the rotatable arm is in a substantially vertical position. Method S100 may include step S116 of determining one or more additional parameters using a second sensor, including the speed of the material handling vehicle, the location of the material handling vehicle within a facility, ambient light levels in a surrounding environment, or movement of an operator of the material handling vehicle or objects near the material handling vehicle. Method S100 may include step S120 of activating or adjusting the light source of the lighting assembly based on the additional parameters determined by the second sensor. This may allow for dynamic control of the lighting assembly in response to various environmental and operational factors, thereby improving visibility and efficiency during material handling operations.

[0064] Figure 10 An exemplary method for utilizing the lighting accessory 200 is also shown in . Method S200 may include step S204 of providing a material handling vehicle including a lighting accessory. The lighting accessory may be coupled to a body of the material handling vehicle, or may be coupled to a rotatable arm of the material handling vehicle. Method S200 may include step S208 of determining one or more additional parameters using a sensor, including a position of the rotatable arm, a speed of the material handling vehicle, a position of the material handling vehicle within a facility, an ambient light level in a surrounding environment, or movement of an operator of the material handling vehicle or an object near the material handling vehicle. Method S200 may include step S212 of activating or adjusting a light source of the lighting accessory by adjusting one or more of the brightness, beam angle, color, flashing frequency, or other applicable settings of the lighting accessory based on the sensor's determination of the parameters.

[0065] Figure 11Another embodiment of a lighting assembly 300 is shown. Figure 11 The lighting accessory 300 may generally include Figure 1-8 300 , including but not limited to housing 304 , window 320 , light source, controller, user interface, horizontal beam angle, and vertical beam angle. Therefore, the above discussion of lighting accessory 200 generally also applies to similar components of lighting accessory 300 (and vice versa).

[0066] like Figure 11 As shown, the housing 304 of the lighting accessory 300 can be coupled to the pick arm 120. Specifically, the housing 304 of the lighting accessory 300 can be integrally formed with the pick arm 120. In such an example, the housing 304 of the lighting accessory 300 can be the pick arm 120. Figure 8 As shown, the window 320 may also be integrally formed with the pick arm 120. The integral design may provide the lighting assembly 300 with a more streamlined and compact profile.

[0067] Figure 12 Another embodiment of a lighting accessory 400 is shown. Figure 12 The lighting accessory 400 may generally include Figure 1-8 Lighting accessories 200 and Figure 11 4. The lighting accessory 300 of FIG. 400 has similar features to those of the lighting accessory 300, including, but not limited to, the housing 404, the window 420, the light source, the controller, the user interface, the horizontal beam angle, and the vertical beam angle. Therefore, the above discussion of the lighting accessories 200 and 300 is generally applicable to similar components of the lighting accessory 400 (and vice versa).

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, the housing 404 of the lighting accessory 400 can be coupled to the body 124 of the MHV 100. Specifically, the housing 404 and the lighting accessory 400 can be integral with the body 124 of the MHV 100 within the operator compartment 104. Figure 12 As shown, the window 420 may also be integral with the body of the MHV 100. The integral design may provide the light assembly 400 with a more streamlined and compact profile.

[0069] In other examples, the housing 404 and the lighting accessory may instead be coupled to the body 124 using fasteners.

[0070] Although various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper portion becomes a lower portion and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0071] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable one skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0072] It is expressly contemplated that any of the processes or steps described herein may be combined, eliminated, or reordered. In other embodiments, instructions may reside on a computer-readable medium, wherein these instructions are executed by a processor to perform one or more of the processes or steps described herein. Thus, it is expressly contemplated that any of the processes or steps described herein may be implemented as hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof, including program instructions executed on a computer. Therefore, this description is provided by way of example only and does not otherwise limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lighting accessory for a material handling vehicle, comprising: case; a light source, the light source being disposed in the housing; a window in the housing, the window configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate a work area adjacent to the materials handling vehicle; as well as a controller configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by the sensor, wherein light emitted from the light source is projected substantially parallel to a ground plane, Wherein, the housing is configured to be coupled to a body or rotatable arm of the materials handling vehicle within or about an operator's compartment of the materials handling vehicle.

2. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is fastened to the rotatable arm of the materials handling vehicle by fasteners.

3. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is configured to detect a position of the rotatable arm.

4. The lighting accessory according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is configured to activate the light source when the rotatable arm is in a first position and deactivate the light source when the rotatable arm is in a second position.

5. The lighting accessory according to claim 4, wherein: The first position is a horizontal position, and the second position is a vertical position.

6. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is integral with or attached to the main body of the materials handling vehicle.

7. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein: Light emitted through the window is directed at a horizontal beam angle in a range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees, wherein the horizontal beam angle is centered along a plane extending from a center of the window perpendicular to a ground plane.

8. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein: Light emitted through the window is directed at a vertical beam angle in a range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees, wherein the vertical beam angle is centered along a plane extending from a center of the window parallel to a ground plane.

9. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein: Light emitted through the window is directed at a vertical beam angle defined by an upper light emission limit and a lower light emission limit, wherein the upper light emission limit extends between approximately zero degrees and approximately 45 degrees from a direction parallel to the ground plane, and the lower light emission limit extends between approximately zero degrees and approximately 45 degrees from a direction perpendicular to the ground plane.

10. The lighting accessory according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by a second sensor, and wherein the second sensor is one of a speed sensor, a sensor configured to determine a position of a materials handling vehicle, an ambient light sensor, a camera, and a motion sensor.

11. A material handling vehicle comprising: main body; operator compartment; a rotatable arm extending at least partially around the operator compartment; as well as a lighting accessory coupled to the main body or the rotatable arm, the lighting accessory comprising: a light source configured to emit light substantially parallel to a ground plane; Sensors; and A controller is configured to selectively activate the light source based on data collected by the sensor.

12. The material handling vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The lighting accessory is integrally formed with the rotatable arm of the materials handling vehicle.

13. The material handling vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The controller is configured to activate the light source when the rotatable arm is in a substantially horizontal position and to deactivate the light source when the rotatable arm is in a substantially vertical position.

14. The material handling vehicle of claim 11, wherein: Also included is a sensor configured to detect one or more of the position of the rotatable arm, the speed of the materials handling vehicle, the location of the materials handling vehicle, the level of ambient light, and movement of an operator of the materials handling vehicle or objects in the environment of the materials handling vehicle.

15. The material handling vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The lighting accessory is configured to direct light from the light source at a vertical beam angle defined by an upper light emission limit and a lower light emission limit, wherein the upper light emission limit extends from a direction parallel to the ground plane between approximately zero degrees and approximately 45 degrees, and the lower light emission limit extends from a direction perpendicular to the ground plane between approximately zero degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

16. The material handling vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The light fitting is configured to direct light from the light source at a horizontal beam angle in a range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees, wherein the horizontal beam angle is centered along a plane extending from a center of the light fitting perpendicular to a ground plane.

17. A method of operating a lighting accessory for a materials handling vehicle, comprising: providing a material handling vehicle including a rotatable arm, the lighting accessory being coupled to the rotatable arm; determining a position of the rotatable arm of the material handling vehicle using a sensor; as well as A light source of the light fitting is selectively activated based on the determined position of the rotatable arm.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein Activating the light source includes activating the light source when the rotatable arm is in a substantially horizontal position and deactivating the light source when the rotatable arm is in a substantially vertical position.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein Light emitted from the light source is projected substantially parallel to the ground plane.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: Also included is determining, using a second sensor, one or more of a speed of the materials handling vehicle, a position of the materials handling vehicle, a level of ambient light, and movement of an operator of the materials handling vehicle or an object in an environment of the materials handling vehicle; and A light source of the lighting accessory is selectively activated based on the determination of the second sensor.

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