Industrial Flurförderzeug

Abstract

Industrial industrial truck with a rechargeable energy source (2) and an integrated on-board charger (3) configured to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and supply direct current (DC) to the energy source (2); A socket (4) which is electrically connected to the integrated on-board charger (3) is configured to accommodate an AC power supply unit (5) located outside the industrial truck (1); the integrated on-board charger (3) is connected to the power source (2) via a data transmission network (13); The socket (4) is housed in a special chamber (6); characterized by a button (9), the actuation of which causes a corresponding activation or deactivation of a function of the integrated on-board charger (3); the integrated on-board charger (3) controls the power source (2) depending on the activation of the button (9) via the data transmission network (13); The button (9) is located near the socket (4) and has an actuation surface (10) with a light source (11) that indicates a certain operating state of the integrated on-board charger (3) and / or the power source (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an industrial industrial truck.

[0002] The term "industrial truck" refers to a forklift, preferably a counterbalance forklift, a self-propelled forklift for manual transport (so-called pallet truck), a tow truck, or an AGV for industrial transport. In particular, the forklift that is the subject of this invention is equipped with an energy source in the form of a rechargeable battery.

[0003] The battery can be charged at a charging station with an external charger that contains a special transformer for converting external alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), to which the forklift's battery is connected.

[0004] The charger has a display that shows the charger's status, so you can see when the battery is fully charged and disconnect the charger.

[0005] In recent years, the option has been introduced to equip the forklift with an on-board charger (so-called OBC) that is connected directly to the wall socket, as the on-board charger itself converts the external alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).

[0006] The charging process usually starts directly and automatically when the external power adapter is plugged in.

[0007] Once the battery is fully charged, the charger is disconnected from the power outlet and the forklift can be put back into operation.

[0008] To signal to the operator that the loading process is complete, some forklifts may be equipped with a control panel that has the appropriate display.

[0009] More often, this function is delegated to external portable chargers with a corresponding indicator light.

[0010] However, it should be noted that not all external portable chargers can be equipped with such a display.

[0011] The indicator indicating the completion of the charging process is important to ensure the plug can be unplugged safely and to avoid electrical accidents.

[0012] Precisely because it is important to make the completion of the charging process visible to the driver, there is a need to provide indicator lights that allow for quick checks even near the vehicle, without necessarily having to enter the driver's cabin to check the control panel, and / or in case the external portable charger is not equipped with a battery charge level indicator.

[0013] To increase safety, a device must also be provided for forklifts with an integrated on-board charger, allowing the driver to control the battery charging process.

[0014] These requirements are met by a forklift truck according to independent claim 1.

[0015] Further features of the invention are listed in the attached dependent claims.

[0016] The advantages of the present invention become clearer from the exemplary and therefore non-limiting description of a forklift truck, as shown for illustrative purposes only, wherein: - Fig. a schematic perspective view of a forklift truck according to the present invention, wherein some parts have been removed to better highlight others; - Fig. a schematic view of a detail from Fig. is; - Fig. a schematic block view of some components of the forklift Fig. is; - Fig. an enlarged view of a component made of Fig. is; - Fig. a detail of a schematic perspective view of an alternative design of the forklift truck; - Fig. This is a detail of a schematic perspective view of an alternative design of the forklift.

[0017] Reference 1 designates a forklift truck according to the present invention.

[0018] The forklift 1 has a rechargeable energy source 2. The term rechargeable energy source 2 refers, for example, to a lithium traction battery or a fuel cell battery.

[0019] The term rechargeable energy source 2 refers to a battery that is equipped with a corresponding control or monitoring system.

[0020] The forklift 1 has an integrated on-board charger 3 configured to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and supply direct current (DC) to the power source.

[0021] The integrated on-board charger 3 is electrically connected to the power source 2.

[0022] The integrated on-board charger 3 is connected to the power source 2 via a data transmission network 13 called CAN.

[0023] The forklift 1 has a socket 4 which is electrically connected to the integrated on-board charger 3 and is configured to accommodate an AC power supply 5 located outside the forklift.

[0024] The power supply unit 5 can be in the form of a power cable with a plug designed for connection to the socket 4 of the forklift 1.

[0025] The power supply unit is directly connected to the mains power supply (380-400 V AC), which has the required safety precautions (e.g. fuse and manual mains switch).

[0026] In a first embodiment, the socket 4 is preferably located in a chamber 6, which is accessible via a flap 7 that can be opened.

[0027] In particular, chamber 6 is designed as a recess in the outer profile of the forklift frame.

[0028] According to this first embodiment, it is concealed by the aforementioned flap 7 which is to be opened.

[0029] According to a second alternative embodiment, chamber 6 does not have flap 7.

[0030] In other words, Chamber 6 is directly accessible and not concealed.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the flap 7 covers the chamber 6 in the closed position, while in the open position it allows access to it.

[0032] Preferably, the movement of the flap from the closed to the open state and vice versa is achieved by means of a special hinge.

[0033] In one embodiment, the chamber 6 for receiving the socket 4 is arranged in a part of the rear area 15 of the forklift 1, see Fig. .

[0034] The rear 15 of the forklift refers to the area in relation to a driver's cab 8.

[0035] In another embodiment, the chamber 6 for receiving the socket 4 is located in part of a side wall 14 of the forklift 1, see Fig. .

[0036] In another embodiment, the chamber 6 for receiving the socket 4 is located in a section of a control panel 16 of the forklift 1, see Fig. .

[0037] A button (9), the actuation of which activates or deactivates a corresponding function of the integrated on-board charger (3). Actuation is preferably by pressure, but actuation by simple contact ("touch") is also possible.

[0038] Since the integrated on-board charger 3 is connected to the power source 2 via the data transmission network 13, it controls the power source 2 depending on the activation of button 9.

[0039] Button 9 is located near socket 4.

[0040] This means that button 9 is either located in chamber 6, where socket 4 is located, or outside of this chamber 6 (outside of it).

[0041] If button 9 is located in housing chamber 6, it is accessible when cap 7, if present, is open, e.g. when charging power source 2.

[0042] The button 9 is located on the back 15 or on a side wall 14 or on the control panel 16, depending on the position of the chamber 6 for accommodating the socket 4, as it is located near it.

[0043] The button 9 has an actuation surface 10 with a light source 11, which serves to indicate a certain status of the integrated on-board charger 3 and / or the power source 2.

[0044] The integrated on-board charger 3 is configured to transmit an activation signal 12 for a specific state of the integrated on-board charger 3 and / or the power source 2 to the light source 11.

[0045] The integrated on-board charger 3 receives information on the status of the power source 2 via the data transmission network 13.

[0046] Button 9 is accessible when flap 7, if present, is in the open position.

[0047] Preferably, button 9 is located near socket 4. The presence of button 9 near socket 4 allows the operator to quickly control one or more functions of the integrated on-board charger 3, such as starting or stopping the charging process.

[0048] Furthermore, it is advantageous to equip button 9 with a light source 11 to indicate a specific status of the integrated on-board charger 3 and / or the power source 2. In this way, the operator can see the signal from the light source 11 from the ground near the forklift 1 during the charging process of the power source 2, without having to enter the driver's cab 8.

[0049] The light source 11 in the described version is an LED light source.

[0050] The following commands can be activated using the 9 key: - Stop of a charging and balancing phase of energy source 2; - Standby during a charging and balancing phase of energy source 2; - Restart of a charging and balancing phase of energy source 2; - Restart the integrated on-board charger 3.

[0051] Specifically, a single press of button 9 controls the stop or restart of the charging and balancing phase of energy source 2.

[0052] Pressing button 9 twice controls the standby function of a charging and balancing phase of energy source 2.

[0053] Pressing button 9 for at least 4 seconds triggers the restart function of the integrated on-board charger 3.

[0054] The light source 11 is configured to receive an activation signal 12 generated by the integrated on-board charger 3 and, depending on the type of this signal 12, illuminates in one or more colors in combination and is activated continuously or intermittently. In a descriptive variant, the light source 11 is configured to illuminate red, green, or blue.

[0055] This does not preclude the use of other colors, such as yellow.

[0056] The light source 11 is configured so that it does not turn on when the AC power supply 5 is disconnected from the socket 4 or when the power source 2 is disconnected from the integrated on-board charger 3.

[0057] The light source 11 is configured to signal at least one of the following operating states of the power source 2 or the integrated on-board charger 3: - Charging of energy source 2 in progress; - Charging of energy source 2 stopped; - Charging power source 2 in standby mode; - Equalization phase of energy source 2; - Charging of energy source 2 completed; - general alarm; - High temperature alarm of the integrated on-board charger 3, i.e., temperature above a threshold; - Timeout alarm 13 for the data transmission network, i.e., no data transmission after a certain period of time; - Error message from an integrated voltage / current regulator of the integrated on-board charger 3.

[0058] Below you will find an overview table showing an example of the lighting types of light source 11, both according to color and activation frequency.

[0059] The table below is an example of the activation of light source 11, but it is not exhaustive.

[0060] The color yellow can be used, for example, to indicate other operating states of energy source 2 and / or alarm states.

[0061] Each type of lighting corresponds to a specific operating state of the energy source 2 or the integrated on-board charger 3. RED BLUE GREEN Operating conditions NL NL NL The AC power supply 5 is disconnected from the socket 4 or the power source 2 is disconnected from the integrated on-board charger 3. NL NL F The charging process of energy source 2 is interrupted by pressing button 9. NL L NL Charging of energy source 2 is in progress ("status byte" = 1). NL F NL The balancing of energy source 2 is in progress ("Status byte" = 2). NL NL L Charging of energy source 2 completed ("Status byte" = 3). F NL NL General alarm, all alarms except those listed below. F F NL High temperature alarm of the integrated on-board charger 3, i.e., temperature above a threshold. F F F CAN timeout alarm, no data transmission after a certain period of time. NL FF F F Alarm due to failure of the voltage / current regulator.

[0062] Legend: • NL: Not luminous • L: Permanently luminous • Q: Flashing light

[0063] Each value of the “status byte” listed in the table corresponds to a specific status of the charging process of energy source 2: 1: Main charging in progress 2: Compensation is carried out 3: Charging complete

[0064] The advantage is that the light source 11 not only displays the operating status of the power source 2 during the charging process, but also any messages about certain malfunctions.

[0065] In this way, the operator can be alerted to possible malfunctions while the energy source 2 is charging, without having to enter the forklift 1.

[0066] Another advantage is that the operator can directly press button 9 if he wants to interrupt the charging process of energy source 2.

Claims

[1] Industrial industrial truck with a rechargeable energy source (2) and an integrated on-board charger (3) configured to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and supply direct current (DC) to the energy source (2); A socket (4) which is electrically connected to the integrated on-board charger (3) is configured to accommodate an AC power supply unit (5) located outside the industrial truck (1); the integrated on-board charger (3) is connected to the power source (2) via a data transmission network (13); the electrical outlet (4) is housed in a special chamber (6); characterized by a button (9) whose activation or deactivation causes a corresponding activation or deactivation of a function of the integrated on-board charger (3); the integrated on-board charger (3) controls the power source (2) depending on the activation of the button (9) via the data transmission network (13); The button (9) is located near the socket (4) and has an actuation surface (10) with a light source (11) that indicates a certain operating state of the integrated on-board charger (3) and / or the power source (2). [2] Industrial truck according to the previous claim, wherein the chamber (6) is covered by an opening flap (7) and the chamber (6) is accessible from the outside by opening the flap (7). [3] Industrial truck according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the push button (9) is located in the chamber (6) to accommodate the socket (4) or outside the chamber (6) to accommodate the socket (4). [4] Industrial truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that pressing button (9) controls at least one of the following functions: - Stop a charging and balancing phase of the energy source (2); - Standby of a charging and balancing phase of the energy source (2); - Restart of a charging and balancing phase of the energy source (2); - Restart the integrated on-board charger (3). [5] Industrial truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a single press of the button (9) controls the stop or restart function of the charging and balancing phase of the energy source (2). [6] Industrial truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that pressing the button (9) twice controls the standby function of a charging and balancing phase of the energy source (2). [7] Industrial truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that pressing button (9) for at least 4 seconds triggers the restart function of the integrated on-board charger (3). [8] Industrial truck according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the integrated on-board charger (3) receives information about the status of the power source (2) via the data transmission network (13); the integrated on-board charger (3) is configured to send an activation signal (12) of a specific status of the integrated on-board charger (3) and / or the power source (2) to the light source (11), and based on the nature of this signal (12) the light source (11) is configured to shine in one or more colors in combination with each other and to be activated as a continuous or intermittent light source. [9] Industrial truck according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light source (11) is configured so that it does not turn on when the AC power supply (5) is disconnected from the socket (4) or when the power source (2) is disconnected from the integrated on-board charger (3). [10] Industrial truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the light source (11) is configured to signal at least one of the following operating states of the power source (2) or the integrated on-board charger (3): - Charging of the energy source (2) is in progress; - Charging of the energy source (2) stopped; - Charging the power source (2) in standby mode; - Equalization phase of the energy source (2); - Charging the energy source (2) is ready; - general alarm; - High temperature alarm of the integrated on-board charger (3), i.e., temperature above a threshold; - Timeout alarm of the data transmission network 13 between the integrated on-board charger (3) and the power source (2), i.e. no data transmission after a specified period of time; - Alarm due to failure of an integrated voltage / current regulator of the integrated on-board charger (3). [11] Industrial truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chamber (6) for receiving the socket (4) is arranged in a section of a rear part (15) of the forklift (1) or in a side wall (14) of the forklift (1) or in a section of a control panel (16); the positioning of the button (9) is either in the rear (15) of the forklift (1) or in the side (14) of the forklift (1) or in the control panel (16), depending on the position of the chamber (6) for receiving the socket (4), since it is located near the socket (4). [12] Industrial truck according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light source (11) is an LED light source. [13] Industrial truck according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is a forklift, preferably a counterbalance forklift, a self-propelled forklift for manual transport (pallet truck), a tow truck or an AGV for industrial transport.

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