Industrial truck fleet with access control

Abstract

A fleet of at least two industrial trucks (3), each having a usage control device, wherein the usage control device is equipped with a receiving device for wireless signal transmission and a user key device (B) for transmitting a coded access signal, and functions of the industrial truck (3) can be enabled or disabled depending on the coded access signal of the user key device (B), characterized in that a service key device (S) is provided for a group of at least two industrial trucks (3), in particular for all industrial trucks (3), which can cancel the assignment of a coded access signal for enabling or disabling the functions of the industrial truck (3) and / or can enable or disable all functions of the industrial truck (3), and that a master key device (M) is provided for each industrial truck (3),which can be used to define the assignment of a coded access signal to enable or disable the functions of the industrial truck (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an industrial truck fleet with access control. In particular, the invention relates to a fleet of at least two industrial trucks, each having a user control device. The user control device is equipped with a receiving device for wireless signal transmission and a user key device for transmitting a coded access signal. Functions of the industrial truck can be enabled or disabled depending on the coded access signal of the user key device.

[0002] It is common practice to use a mechanical key switch to start up an industrial truck. This switch is operated by a key that is inserted into a lock and turned. This switch can be set to various positions, including an inoperative and an inoperative position. Only a person authorized to use the key can operate the truck.

[0003] A disadvantage of this state-of-the-art technology is that operating the key when leaving the truck is often perceived as cumbersome, and it can lead to drivers not locking the truck when leaving for a short time. It also results in a relatively large amount of effort if locks have to be replaced in the event of a lost key.

[0004] There is a particular need for protection against unauthorized use for industrial trucks used in areas where third parties, such as non-company personnel, are present. For example, pallet trucks are used extensively in hardware stores and other retail outlets while customers are present.

[0005] There is a need for secure protection against unauthorized commissioning.

[0006] It is also known to use wireless radio systems with radio keys that transmit a coded signal to control access authorization. This can be done either by a driver pressing a corresponding button, similar to a radio remote control, or automatically as soon as the vehicle enters the reception range of a transmitting and receiving antenna of the industrial truck.

[0007] The disadvantage of this state of the art is that within a fleet of industrial trucks, if a radio key fails, the associated industrial truck can also fail and the operation of the entire fleet can be affected if one industrial truck cannot be moved.

[0008] From DE 197 53 401 A1 a motor vehicle fleet is known in which each motor vehicle has an electronic lock and an associated electronic key which exchanges a coded output signal with the lock, wherein a coded release signal can be transmitted from an external central station to the vehicle and / or key, wherein a limit value can be changed with the release signal which blocks the release of the vehicle.

[0009] DE 10 2011 107 052 A1 discloses a method for managing industrial truck fleets.

[0010] DE 10 2008 033 386 A1 discloses an operating unit of an industrial truck, wherein the operating unit has the function of an ignition lock and allows the operation of the industrial truck.

[0011] DE 10 2006 010 290 A1 discloses an industrial truck with a communication-capable vehicle key designed as a transponder card.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a fleet of industrial trucks with access control that operates wirelessly, can be adapted to the operational needs of the fleet and offers operational reliability in the event of a failure.

[0013] This object is achieved by a fleet of industrial trucks having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0014] The object is achieved according to the invention in that, in a fleet of at least two industrial trucks, each having a usage control device, wherein the usage control device is equipped with a receiving device for wireless signal transmission and a user key device for transmitting a coded access signal, and functions of the industrial truck can be enabled or disabled depending on the coded access signal of the user key device, a service key device is provided for a group of at least two industrial trucks, in particular for all industrial trucks, which can cancel the assignment of a coded access signal for enabling or disabling the functions of the industrial truck and / or can enable or disable all functions of the industrial truck, and that a master key device is provided for each industrial truck,which can be used to specify the assignment of a coded access signal to enable or disable the functions of the industrial truck.

[0015] This advantageously allows the industrial truck to be unlocked for use, or any blocked functions to be enabled, even if a user key device fails, is lost, or cannot be used for any other reason. In an alternative embodiment, the service key device can cancel the assignment of the coded access signal of a user key device to a specific permitted blocking or enabling of functions. In particular, the service key device can be used to reset programmed coded access authorizations or programmed and stored coded access signals in the usage control device of the industrial truck to a default state.The enabled or disabled functions of the industrial truck can affect the entire operation of the truck, but can also affect only individual functions, such as a speed limit or, for example, a travel area lock for certain areas of a warehouse. This allows the use and access authorizations for industrial trucks to be individually adapted to the tasks and abilities of individual drivers. In particular, a plurality of user key devices can be provided, with a single user key device remaining permanently with a driver. If the user key device is lost, it is sufficient to delete the assignment of the coded access signal. Communication between the service key device and the user control device can also take place via a coded access signal.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the service key device is connected to the user control device or the industrial truck in another way, for example via a data cable.

[0016] According to the invention, a master key device is provided for each industrial truck, with which the assignment of a coded access signal for enabling or disabling the functions of the industrial truck can be determined.

[0017] Such a master key device can be supplied with the industrial truck and is used to authorize individual programming and definition of access authorizations for the user key device. Communication between the master key device and the user control device can also be achieved via a coded access signal. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the master key device to be connected to the user control device or the industrial truck in another way, for example, via a data cable.

[0018] Advantageously, the receiving device is an RFID reader / receiver.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the user key device is an RFID transponder.

[0020] The service key device can be an RFID transponder.

[0021] Advantageously, the master key device is an RFID transponder.

[0022] RFID transponders are available at low cost. Passive transponders, which generally do not require their own power supply, also require no additional maintenance. However, it is also possible to use RFID transponders that have their own power supply, for example, via batteries. The transponders can react when they enter the electrical transmission field of the receiving device for wireless signal transmission. Alternatively, the transponders can also be equipped with a switch and only transmit a coded access signal when the switch is activated. This can also be combined so that, for example, the functions are automatically deactivated when leaving the industrial truck, but reactivation requires the driver to actively press a switch.

[0023] The industrial trucks are advantageous if they are partly or entirely pallet trucks.

[0024] In particular, pallet trucks are very frequently used in public areas or areas with customer access, where increased protection against unauthorized use by third parties is desirable and advantageous when the driver leaves the pallet truck for a short time.

[0025] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the schematic figure.

[0026] The figure shows a fleet 1 according to the invention comprising several pallet trucks 2 as an example of industrial trucks 3. However, the invention is in no way limited to pallet trucks 2, but can generally be used with any type of industrial truck 3.

[0027] In the present example, the schematically illustrated fleet 1 consists of four pallet trucks 2. Each of the pallet trucks 2 has a master key device M, which is designed as an RFID transponder and can transmit a coded access signal to a receiving device (not shown) of the usage control device of the respective pallet truck 2, as indicated by the arrow.

[0028] Each of the pallet trucks 2 has one or more user key devices B, which are used by a driver when operating the respective pallet truck 2 to activate it and deactivate it upon leaving the truck. These devices are also designed as RFID transponders. The user key device B also transmits a coded access signal to the user control device of the respective pallet truck 2, as indicated by the arrow.

[0029] The master key device M, together with an input option, for example a keyboard or a data connection to a computer, but also with the regular input keys of the pallet truck 2, makes it possible to individually program the user key device B. For example, this can be done by linking the coded access signal of each user key device B with specific commands from a control system of the pallet truck 2 in order to enable or disable functions when using the user key device B.

[0030] A service key device S of fleet 1, which is also designed as an RFID transponder, can be used to cancel the association between the user key device B and the enabling or disabling of certain functions of the pallet truck 2. In particular, each pallet truck 2 can be reset to a basic state in an alternative.

[0031] The service key device S also transmits a coded access signal to the usage control device, as shown by the arrows.

[0032] The RFID transponders, in particular the master key device M and / or the service key device S, can be designed such that they only operate when a switch is actuated. This prevents inadvertent changes to the programming of the user key devices B or inadvertent resetting of the pallet truck 2.

[0033] The master key device M and / or the service key device S can also be designed as additional devices for a computer.

[0034] The service key device S can act on at least a plurality of the forklift trucks 2, in the present embodiment on all forklift trucks 2. Advantageously, in the event of a failure or loss of a user key device B, the corresponding forklift truck 2 can be unlocked quickly and easily.

Claims

[1] A fleet of at least two industrial trucks (3), each having a user control device, wherein the user control device is equipped with a receiving device for wireless signal transmission and a user key device (B) for transmitting a coded access signal, and functions of the industrial truck (3) can be enabled or disabled depending on the coded access signal of the user key device (B), characterized bythat a service key device (S) is provided for a group of at least two industrial trucks (3), in particular for all industrial trucks (3), which can cancel an assignment of a coded access signal for enabling or disabling the functions of the industrial truck (3) and / or can enable or disable all functions of the industrial truck (3), and that for each industrial truck (3) there is a master key device (M) with which the assignment of a coded access signal for enabling or disabling the functions of the industrial truck (3) can be determined. [2] Fleet according to claim 1, characterized by that the receiving device is an RFID reader / receiver. [3] Fleet according to claim 2, characterized by that the user key device (B) is an RFID transponder. [4] Fleet according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the service key device (S) is an RFID transponder. [5] Fleet according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the master key device (M) is an RFID transponder. [6] Fleet according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the industrial trucks (3) are partly or entirely pallet trucks (2).

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