A starting device for a front-end forklift truck and a front-end forklift truck

Abstract

The application provides a starting device for a front forklift and the front forklift. The starting device comprises a control device, a first control module and a second control module, a starting input end of the first control module is connected with an output end of the face recognition module, a starting output end is used for generating a starting control instruction or a prohibited starting control instruction according to the verification signal, the second control module is connected with the starting output end of the first control module, and an execution device is connected in series in a starting control loop of the first control module, and a control end thereof is connected with the starting output end of the first control module. The execution device is only connected in series in the starting control loop where the original key switch is located, and the original vehicle circuit is not damaged. The mechanical key can be cancelled, downtime caused by key loss, copying and handover is avoided, and the high-frequency personnel replacement and safety requirements of the front forklift are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of forklift starting devices, and more particularly to a starting device for a front-mounted forklift and a front-mounted forklift. Background Technology

[0002] Front-mounted forklifts are primarily designed for narrow aisles and high-bay racking operations. The mast can extend forward / retract, and the center of gravity dynamically changes as the forks move outward. Starting, driving, lifting, tilting, side-shifting, and forward-moving actions are all performed continuously by the same operator, resulting in a fast work cycle and requiring high precision in human-machine interface matching.

[0003] In related technologies, the starting control of front-mounted forklifts generally uses mechanical key switches. Keys are easily lost, copied, or obtained by unauthorized personnel, and passwords are also at risk of being leaked. This fails to truly restrict specific personnel from operating the vehicle, posing security risks. Furthermore, keys or passwords require physical distribution and management; changes in personnel necessitate key retrieval or password changes, resulting in a cumbersome and inefficient process. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a starting device for front-mounted forklifts and a suitable front-mounted forklift forklift operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a starting device for a front-mounted forklift and a front-mounted forklift, thereby solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] The objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: This application provides a starting device for a front-mounted forklift, the front-mounted forklift including a face capture and recognition device, the face capture and recognition device being used to capture the facial information of the operator in the driver's seat of the front-mounted forklift and output a verification signal; the starting device includes: The control device includes a first control module and a second control module. The start input terminal of the first control module is connected to the output terminal of the face recognition module, and the start output terminal is used to generate a start control command or a stop control command based on the verification signal. The second control module is connected to the start output terminal of the first control module, and the I / O terminals of the second control module are connected to the lifting switch input terminal, the tilt switch input terminal, the side shift switch input terminal, and the attachment switch input terminal. An actuator is connected in series in the start control loop of the first control module. Its control terminal is connected to the start output terminal of the first control module. It is used to receive start control commands or disable start control commands and control the on / off state of the start control loop.

[0006] In some optional embodiments, a human-machine interaction prompting device connected to the start output terminal of the first control module is also included, the human-machine interaction prompting device including at least one of an indicator light, a display screen and a buzzer.

[0007] In some optional embodiments, a power management device is also included, the input of which is connected to the battery of the front forklift, and the output of which is connected to the power supply of the face acquisition and recognition device, the control device, and the human-machine interaction prompting device, for providing working power.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the power management device, the control device, and the actuator are housed in the same control box of the front-mounted forklift.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the actuator includes a relay, the start output terminal of the first control module is connected to the control coil of the relay, and the normally open contact of the relay is connected in series in the start control circuit of the front forklift, for driving the normally open contact of the relay to close or open by energizing or de-energizing the control coil, thereby connecting or disconnecting the start control circuit of the front forklift.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the I / O terminals of the first control module are connected to the handbrake switch input terminal, the forward switch input terminal, the reverse switch input terminal, the brake switch input terminal, and the seat switch output terminal.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the I / O terminal of the first control module is also connected to a traction motor; the I / O terminal of the second control module is also connected to a pump motor.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the control device further includes a data logging module for recording an operation log including the identification time, operator identity, and identification result.

[0013] This application also provides a front-mounted forklift, including a face capture and recognition device and the starting device described in any of the above claims.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the face acquisition and recognition device includes a face recognition camera, which is installed in the dashboard or overhead guard of the forklift cab.

[0015] Based on the above technical solutions and the technical problems they solve, the technical solution to be protected in this application is... The starting device is used for front-mounted forklifts. When the forklift is in standby mode, the starting control circuit is forcibly disconnected by the actuator. After the driver enters the driver's seat, the face capture and recognition device immediately collects facial information and compares it with a pre-stored authorized template. In specific applications, if the comparison is successful, a high-level signal (verification signal) is output to the first control module; if the comparison fails, a low-level signal (verification signal) is maintained, and the vehicle remains in a prohibited starting state. After receiving the successful verification signal, the first control module outputs a start control command at its start output terminal, driving the actuator to connect the starting control circuit. In this case, the forklift's travel pump motor can run. If the verification fails, the actuator remains disconnected, the starting control circuit still has no current, the vehicle cannot be powered on, and unauthorized starting is prevented.

[0016] Meanwhile, for front-mounted forklifts, the first control module outputs a start control command and simultaneously sends the command to the second control module. After receiving the start control command, the second control module can scan for input requests from operating switches such as lifting, tilting, side shifting, and attachments.

[0017] Its advantages and positive effects are as follows: the actuator is only connected in series with the original key switch in the starting control circuit, without damaging the original vehicle wiring. It eliminates the need for a mechanical key, avoiding downtime caused by lost, copied, or transferred keys, and meets the high-frequency driver change and safety requirements of front-mounted forklifts. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a front-mounted forklift provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first control module provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second control module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] The diagram shows: 100, face acquisition and recognition device; 200, control device; 210, first control module; 220, second control module; 230, data recording module; 300, execution device; 400, human-computer interaction prompting device; 500, power management device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present application will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0022] This application provides a starting device for a front-mounted forklift, the front-mounted forklift including a face capture and recognition device, the face capture and recognition device being used to capture the facial information of the operator in the driver's seat of the front-mounted forklift and output a verification signal; the starting device includes: The control device includes a first control module and a second control module. The start input terminal of the first control module is connected to the output terminal of the face recognition module, and the start output terminal is used to generate a start control command or a stop control command based on the verification signal. The second control module is connected to the start output terminal of the first control module, and the I / O terminals of the second control module are connected to the lifting switch input terminal, the tilt switch input terminal, the side shift switch input terminal, and the attachment switch input terminal. An actuator is connected in series in the start control loop of the first control module. Its control terminal is connected to the start output terminal of the first control module. It is used to receive start control commands or disable start control commands and control the on / off state of the start control loop.

[0023] The cab of a front-mounted forklift is fixed to the vehicle body, and the driver moves forward along with the forks. Its mast can extend / retract as a whole, allowing the forks to extend beyond the vehicle body to pick up and place goods while the wheels remain stationary, thus reducing aisle width requirements. When the starting device of this structure is used on a front-mounted forklift, the starting control circuit is forcibly disconnected by the actuator when the forklift is in standby mode. After the driver enters the driver's seat, the facial recognition device immediately collects facial information and compares it with a pre-stored authorized template. In specific applications, if the comparison is successful, a high-level signal (verification signal) is output to the first control module; if the comparison fails, a low-level signal (verification signal) is maintained, and the vehicle remains in a prohibited starting state. After receiving the successful verification signal, the first control module outputs a start control command at its start output terminal, driving the actuator to connect the start control circuit. In this case, the forklift's travel pump motor can run. If the verification fails, the actuator remains disconnected, the start control circuit still has no current, the vehicle cannot be powered on, and unauthorized starting is prevented.

[0024] Meanwhile, for front-mounted forklifts, the first control module outputs a start control command and simultaneously sends the command to the second control module. After receiving the start control command, the second control module can scan for input requests from operating switches such as lifting, tilting, side shifting, and attachments.

[0025] Its beneficial effects include that the actuator is only connected in series with the original key switch's starting control circuit, without damaging the original vehicle wiring. It eliminates the need for mechanical keys, avoiding downtime caused by lost, copied, or transferred keys, and meeting the high-frequency driver change and safety requirements of front-mounted forklifts.

[0026] In practical applications, the lifting switch input is used to detect whether the lifting lever or button is operated; when the signal is valid, the second control module outputs PWM to drive the pump motor, causing the forks to rise. The tilt switch input is used to detect the direction of the mast tilt / reverse lever; the module controls the on / off state and flow rate of the tilt solenoid valve accordingly to adjust the mast angle. The side shift switch input is used to detect the position of the left and right side shift levers of the forks; when the signal is valid, it drives the side shift solenoid valve, allowing the forks to move laterally. The attachment switch input is used to detect the operation buttons of attachments (such as clamps or rotators); the module outputs the corresponding solenoid valve voltage according to a preset curve to complete the clamping, releasing, or rotating actions.

[0027] In some embodiments, a human-machine interaction prompting device connected to the start output terminal of the first control module is also included, the human-machine interaction prompting device including at least one of an indicator light, a display screen and a buzzer.

[0028] In practical applications, the start-up output of the first control module serves as both a logic and drive interface, providing multiple physical signals. One signal can be directly connected to an LED indicator / backlit display via a current-limiting resistor; another signal can drive a buzzer via a transistor or relay coil. The human-machine interface prompting device can be placed in a prominent position at the front or rear of the forklift.

[0029] In some embodiments, a power management device is also included, the input of which is connected to the battery of the front forklift, and the output of which is connected to the power supply of the face acquisition and recognition device, the control device, and the human-machine interaction prompting device, for providing working power.

[0030] In practical applications, the input of the power management device is directly connected in parallel across the existing battery of the front-end forklift. An internal common-mode choke and TVS diode perform primary filtering / transient suppression, clamping the voltage spikes generated during forklift startup and motor commutation to a safe range, preventing subsequent circuits from being reset or damaged by surges. Then, a DC-DC step-down module converts the voltage to the level required by the subsequent power-consuming devices.

[0031] In some embodiments, the power management device, the control device, and the actuator are housed in the same control box of the front-mounted forklift.

[0032] In practical applications, the power management device, control device, and execution device are fixed in the same metal control box by partitioning, forming a centralized power supply, control, and execution closed loop within a single box. The internal wiring is extremely short, reducing line resistance and thus lowering the relay malfunction rate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the actuator includes a relay, the start output terminal of the first control module is connected to the control coil of the relay, and the normally open contact of the relay is connected in series to the start control circuit of the front forklift, for driving the normally open contact of the relay to close or open by energizing or de-energizing the control coil, thereby connecting or disconnecting the start control circuit of the front forklift.

[0034] The start-up output of the first control module provides a high / low level drive signal, which is directly applied to the two ends of the relay control coil. When the coil is energized, the normally open contact closes, connecting the original start-up control circuit (key circuit) of the front forklift. Similarly, when the coil is de-energized, the normally open contact opens, and the start-up circuit is disconnected.

[0035] The relay contacts are connected in series only in the low-voltage control circuit, without altering the forklift's high-voltage power line, forming an isolated switch. Its advantages include: the normally open contacts are open by default, ensuring the forklift will not be powered on in the event of a coil de-energization or malfunction, thus preventing accidental self-starting.

[0036] In some implementations, the I / O terminals of the first control module are connected to the handbrake switch input terminal, the forward switch input terminal, the reverse switch input terminal, the brake switch input terminal, and the seat switch output terminal.

[0037] The handbrake switch input detects whether the mechanical handbrake is engaged; the traction motor is only allowed to output power after the handbrake is released, preventing starting with the handbrake on. The forward switch input detects whether the forward gear is engaged; the first control module only drives the traction motor forward when the signal is valid. The reverse switch input detects whether the reverse gear is engaged; the first control module only drives the traction motor backward when the signal is valid. The brake switch input detects whether the foot brake or micro pedal is depressed; once valid, the traction PWM is immediately shut off, achieving brake priority. The seat switch output provides 12V detection power to the seat pressure switch and reads back the status; the vehicle is only powered on after confirming the driver is seated, preventing accidental starting when unattended.

[0038] In some implementations, the I / O terminal of the first control module is also connected to a traction motor; the I / O terminal of the second control module is also connected to a pump motor.

[0039] As an example, the first control module outputs a PWM (or direction / enable) signal from its I / O port, which is directly connected to the traction motor controller; the second control module outputs a PWM (or start / stop) signal from its I / O port, which is directly connected to the hydraulic pump motor controller. After facial recognition is successful, the first control module first closes the start relay, then presses the accelerator pedal to output the corresponding duty cycle analog signal, driving the traction motor forward / backward; simultaneously, the second control module outputs a PWM signal based on the lifting lever signal to control the pump motor speed, thus raising and lowering the forks. The two PWM signals are generated independently by different modules, and traction and hydraulic control do not affect each other; if either module detects a fault (overcurrent, overheating), it can immediately shut down its output, while the other module can still complete the safe stopping action. Traction and pump control are managed in separate modules, with fault domain isolation, avoiding single-point failures that could lead to loss of vehicle control.

[0040] In some embodiments, the control device further includes a data logging module for recording operation logs, including identification time, operator identity, and identification result. The operation logs are stored locally, allowing for the tracing of the driver's identity at the time of the accident without the need for an external server, thus meeting storage requirements.

[0041] This application also provides a front-mounted forklift, including a face collection and recognition device and a starting device as described in any of the above embodiments, and the similarities with the above embodiments will not be repeated.

[0042] In some embodiments, the face acquisition and recognition device includes a face recognition camera, which is installed on the dashboard or overhead guard in the forklift cab.

[0043] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As an example, a front-mounted forklift is provided, comprising: Face capture and recognition device 100: includes a high-definition camera, an image processing unit, and a storage unit (for storing authorized facial feature information). Control device 200 includes a first control module 210, a second control module 220, and a data recording module 230. The data recording module 230 includes a storage medium for recording an operation log, including identification time, operator identity, and identification result. Actuator 300: includes a relay for direct connection in series in the original start control circuit of the forklift to control the on / off state of the circuit. Human-computer interaction prompt device 400: includes indicator lights (such as green light / red light), display screen and / or buzzer, used to display recognition status (such as "recognition successful", "recognition failed"), operation prompts and system status. Power management device 500: Connects to the forklift battery and provides a stable and reliable power supply for each device and module.

[0044] The face capture and recognition device 100 is installed in the forklift cab, in a location convenient for capturing the operator's frontal face image, such as the dashboard or overhead guard. The control device 200, the actuator 300, and the power management device 500 can be integrated into a single control box, fixed inside the vehicle body. The human-machine interaction prompt device 400 is installed in a conspicuous location on the exterior of the forklift.

[0045] The output of the face capture and recognition device 100 is connected to the input of the control device 200. The output of the control device 200 is connected to the control coil and prompting unit of the actuator 300 (relay). The contacts of the actuator 300 are connected in series in the starting circuit after the forklift key switch.

[0046] As another example, when using the structure provided in this application, the operator stands in the forklift driver's seat, facing the face acquisition and recognition device 100. The face acquisition and recognition device 100 automatically captures a face image, extracts feature values, and compares them with the authorized personnel feature database pre-stored in the storage unit. A verification signal (success / failure) is sent to the main control unit. If the recognition is successful, the first control module 210 drives the relay in the actuator 300 to engage, connecting the forklift start circuit (equivalent to the ON state of a traditional key switch), and at the same time, the indicator unit's green light illuminates or displays "passed," at which point the operator can start the forklift normally.

[0047] If identification fails, the first control module 210 remains inactive, the start-up circuit remains open, the indicator light on the prompt unit illuminates or displays "Unauthorized," the buzzer sounds an alarm, and the forklift cannot start. In this situation, the second control module 220 also fails to function. In practical applications, the main control unit can record the time, personnel ID (or name), and result of each identification operation in internal or external memory for later retrieval and export.

[0048] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It is worth noting that "at least one" can also be interpreted as "one or more".

[0049] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are configured to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily configured to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0050] This application describes the invention from the perspectives of purpose, performance, progress, and novelty, and it meets the functional enhancement and use requirements emphasized by the Patent Law. The above description and drawings are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Therefore, all structures, devices, features, etc., that are similar to or identical to those of this application, i.e., all equivalent substitutions or modifications made in accordance with the scope of this patent application, shall fall within the scope of protection of this patent application.

Claims

1. A starting device for a front-mounted forklift, the front-mounted forklift including a face acquisition and recognition device, the face acquisition and recognition device being used to acquire facial information of the operator in the driver's seat of the front-mounted forklift and output a verification signal; characterized in that, The starting device includes: The control device includes a first control module and a second control module. The start input terminal of the first control module is connected to the output terminal of the face recognition module, and the start output terminal is used to generate a start control command or a stop control command based on the verification signal. The second control module is connected to the start output terminal of the first control module, and the I / O terminals of the second control module are connected to the lifting switch input terminal, the tilt switch input terminal, the side shift switch input terminal, and the attachment switch input terminal. An actuator is connected in series in the start control loop of the first control module. Its control terminal is connected to the start output terminal of the first control module. It is used to receive start control commands or disable start control commands and control the on / off state of the start control loop.

2. The starting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a human-machine interaction prompting device connected to the start output terminal of the first control module, the human-machine interaction prompting device including at least one of an indicator light, a display screen and a buzzer.

3. The starting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a power management device, the input of which is connected to the battery of the front forklift, and the output of which is connected to the power supply of the face acquisition and recognition device, the control device, and the human-machine interaction prompting device, for providing working power.

4. The starting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power management device, the control device, and the execution device are located in the same control box of the front-mounted forklift.

5. The starting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator includes a relay. The start output terminal of the first control module is connected to the control coil of the relay. The normally open contact of the relay is connected in series to the start control circuit of the front forklift. It is used to drive the normally open contact of the relay to close or open by energizing or de-energizing the control coil, thereby connecting or disconnecting the start control circuit of the front forklift.

6. The starting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The I / O terminals of the first control module are connected to the input terminals of the handbrake switch, forward switch, reverse switch, brake switch, and seat switch.

7. The starting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The I / O terminal of the first control module is also connected to the traction motor; the I / O terminal of the second control module is also connected to the pump motor.

8. The starting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device also includes a data recording module for recording operation logs, including recognition time, operator identity, and recognition results.

9. A front-mounted forklift, characterized in that, It includes a face capture and recognition device and a starting device as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The front-mounted forklift according to claim 9, characterized in that, The face acquisition and recognition device includes a face recognition camera, which is installed on the dashboard or overhead guard in the forklift cab.

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