Weight changing system

Abstract

To change the weight of pedal operation and / or lever operation of a fork lift, for the change of such an atmospheric pressure to lower concentration.SOLUTION: A weight changing system used in a forklift includes a weight changing part 21, and a change command part 308. The weight changing part 21 changes the weight of a pedal 14 and / or a lever 15 of a forklift. The change command part 308 controls the weight changing part 21, and changes the weight of the pedal 14 and / or the lever 15, when a predetermined atmospheric pressure changes, or on the basis of prediction of the change of the predetermined atmospheric pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a weight change system for changing the weight of a pedal and a lever of a forklift or the weight of any one of them.

Background Art

[0002] Forklifts include types such as reach forklifts and counterbalanced forklifts. Forklifts are equipped with pedals and levers, and the number and functions thereof differ depending on the type of forklift.

[0003] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a reach forklift is equipped with a brake pedal and a presence pedal. The presence pedal is configured to be able to stop running and cargo handling, and the driver cannot run or handle cargo unless the presence pedal is depressed. Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a counterbalanced forklift is equipped with an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, and an engine-type counterbalanced forklift further includes a clutch pedal. Among battery-powered forklifts, an automatic forklift further includes an inching pedal instead of a clutch pedal. By depressing the inching pedal, the driver can put the forklift in a semi-clutch state and cut off the driving power.

[0004] Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, a reach-type forklift includes a lift lever for raising and lowering the forks, a tilt lever for changing the vertical angle of the forks, a reach lever for moving the lifting device forward and backward, and an accelerator lever for driving the forklift. Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 4, a counterbalanced forklift includes a tilt lever and an accelerator lever. Generally, as disclosed in Patent Document 5, a lever is configured to swing forward or backward from a neutral position and automatically return to the neutral position by a spring when not in operation. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 5 assists lever operation by an actuator when the operation amount of the operation lever exceeds a predetermined value in order to reduce the fatigue of the operator. In addition, for example, Patent Document 6 discloses a technique for assisting the lever operation of a vehicle.

[0005] By the way, when one wants to quickly perform pedal operation or lever operation, it is preferable that they are lighter in weight. However, the lighter the weight, the easier it is to lead to a large operation error unless the operation is performed more carefully. If careful operation could always be performed, that would be fine, but a person's concentration has fluctuations and one cannot always exert maximum concentration. Also, a person's concentration is related to the autonomic nervous system, and the balance between the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve is important. However, it is known that the autonomic nervous system may be disrupted by changes in atmospheric pressure due to changes in the weather. Various discomfort caused by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and climate is also called so-called meteoropathy, and in severe cases, it may cause weather pain.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a weight change system that can change the pedal operation and lever operation of a forklift or the weight of either of them in response to a change in atmospheric pressure that causes a decrease in concentration. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the weight change system according to the present invention is a weight change system used for a forklift, comprising a weight change unit that changes the weight of the pedal and lever of the forklift or either of them, and a change command unit that controls the weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when there is a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure or based on a prediction of a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

[0009] Preferably, the weight change system has the change command unit change the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when the change in atmospheric pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined atmospheric pressure variation amount, or when the prediction of the change in atmospheric pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined atmospheric pressure variation amount.

[0010] Preferably, the weight change system has the change command unit change the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when the atmospheric pressure drops below a predetermined atmospheric pressure due to a change in atmospheric pressure, or when the prediction of the atmospheric pressure is below a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

[0011] Preferably, the weight change system A question section for asking questions regarding the resistance to changes in atmospheric pressure, further comprising a resistance determination unit that determines the resistance to changes in atmospheric pressure based on the driver's answer to the question, The change instruction unit further changes the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them based on the determined resistance of the driver.

[0012] The above weight change system preferably, further comprises a driver identification unit for identifying the driver, The change instruction unit further changes the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them based on the resistance of the identified driver to atmospheric pressure.

[0013] The above weight change system preferably, further comprises a change notice unit for notifying the driver that the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them is to be changed.

[0014] To solve the above problems, the forklift according to the present invention comprises any of the above weight change systems.

[0015] To solve the above problems, the weight change program according to the present invention is, a program used in a weight change system comprising a weight change unit for changing the weight of the pedal and lever of a forklift or either of them and a computer, when there is a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure or based on the prediction of a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure, the computer controls the weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] The weight change system according to the present invention can change the pedal operation and lever operation of the forklift or the weight of either of them in response to a change in atmospheric pressure that causes a decrease in concentration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the weight change system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The weight change system S according to this embodiment is configured to change the weights of both the pedal and the lever, but this is merely an example, and the weight change system S according to the present invention may be configured to change the weight of either the pedal or the lever.

[0019] <Configuration of Forklift> FIG. 1 is a front view of a forklift 1 equipped with a weight change system S. First, the configuration of the forklift 1 will be described. The forklift 1 is a battery-powered counterbalanced forklift. As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift 1 includes a plurality of wheels 10, a vehicle body 11, a driver's seat 12, a head guard 13, a pedal 14 (see FIG. 2), a lever 15, left and right masts 16, left and right forks 17, a speaker 19 (see FIG. 2), a microphone 20 (see FIG. 2), a weight change unit 21 (see FIG. 2), a pressure gauge 22 (see FIG. 2), and a control unit 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0020] The plurality of wheels 10 are provided on the four sides of the vehicle body 11. The driver's seat 12 is provided on the vehicle body 11, and the head guard 13 is provided above the driver's seat 12.

[0021] The pedal 14 has an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a tilting pedal, and is provided below the driver's seat 12. The "pedal" in the present invention only needs to have at least one pedal such as an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a tilting pedal, and does not necessarily need to have all of these pedals.

[0022] The lever 15 has a lift lever and a tilt lever, and is provided in front of the driver's seat 12. The lever 15 may have a slide lever for sliding the fork 17 left and right. The "lever" in the present invention only needs to have at least one lever such as a lift lever and a tilt lever, and does not necessarily need to have all of these levers.

[0023] The left and right forks 17 are configured to be able to move up and down via the left and right masts 16, and the driver H operates the lift lever to move the fork 17 up and down to perform a loading and unloading operation.

[0024] The microphone 20 collects the speech voice of the driver H, converts the collected voice into a voice signal, and transmits it to the control unit 30.

[0025] The speaker 19 emits a warning voice for notifying the driver H of a weight change to be described later. The warning voice may be, for example, "The weights of the pedal and the lever will be increased. Is that okay?" when the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are increased, or "The weights of the pedal and the lever will be decreased. Is that okay?" when the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are decreased.

[0026] The weight change unit 21 changes the weights of the lever 15 and the pedal 14 during operation based on the command of a change command unit 308 (see FIG. 2) described later. The weight change unit 21 includes a pedal weight change unit that changes the weight of the pedal 14 and a lever weight change unit that operates the weight of the lever 15. Note that when the weight change unit 21 is configured to change the weight of either one of the pedal 14 and the lever 15, it will have either one of the pedal weight change unit and the lever weight change unit.

[0027] The pedal weight change unit changes the weight of the pedal 14 when the driver H steps on it based on the command of the change command unit 308. The pedal weight change unit is configured by, for example, a device that can adjust the weight by hydraulic pressure or a device that can adjust the weight by a spring.

[0028] Also, for example, the pedal weight change unit may be an assist device that assists the stepping force of the pedal 14. In this case, the pedal weight change unit may adjust the assist force based on the command of the change command unit 308 and substantially change the weight of the pedal 14 when the driver H steps on it.

[0029] Alternatively, the pedal weight change unit may be configured to change the magnitude of the driving force or braking force of each device that responds to the stepping amount of the pedal 14 based on the command of the change command unit 308, for example. Thereby, the pedal weight change unit substantially changes the weight of the pedal 14.

[0030] The lever weight change unit is configured by, for example, a device that can adjust the weight of the lever 15 by hydraulic pressure or a device that can adjust the weight of the lever 15 by a spring.

[0031] Also, for example, the lever weight change unit may be an assist device that assists the operation of the weight of the lever 15. In this case, the lever weight change unit may adjust the assist force based on the command of the change command unit 308 and substantially change the weight of the lever 15 when the driver H operates it.

[0032] Alternatively, the lever weight changing unit may be configured to change the magnitude of the power of each device that responds to the operation amount of the lever 15 based on, for example, the command of the change command unit 308. Thereby, the lever weight changing unit substantially changes the weight of the lever 15.

[0033] The barometer 22 measures the atmospheric pressure around the driver's seat 12 and transmits the measured atmospheric pressure to the control unit 30. In the present embodiment, the barometer 22 is provided in the forklift 1, but this is merely an example, and it is not necessary to be provided in the forklift 1. As long as the atmospheric pressure that is not particularly different from the atmospheric pressure around the driver's seat 12 can be measured, for example, the barometer 22 may be installed inside a facility or at any outdoor location. In this case, the barometer 22 may be configured to be capable of wireless communication.

[0034] The control unit 30 is configured by a computer disposed inside the vehicle body 11 and includes an arithmetic unit, a storage device, and a memory. The storage device stores a weight change program to be executed as a question unit 302, an air pressure resistance determination unit 303, an air pressure determination unit 304, an air pressure reading unit 305, a change notice unit 306, an answer receiving unit 307, and a change command unit 308, which will be described later for the computer.

[0035] <Functional configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the weight change system S will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 includes a storage unit 301, a question unit 302, an air pressure resistance determination unit 303, an air pressure determination unit 304, an air pressure reading unit 305, a change notice unit 306, an answer receiving unit 307, and a change command unit 308.

[0036] The storage unit 301 stores a reference atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount RPV [hPa / h] and a reference atmospheric pressure RP [hPa]. The reference atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount RPV may be, for example, between 3 and 15 hPa / h. Also, the reference atmospheric pressure RP may be between 980 and 1000 hPa.

[0037] The question section 302 asks the driver H questions regarding the tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure via the speaker 19. For example, questions regarding the tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure may be "Do you feel unwell physically or mentally when the weather changes?", "Can you somehow predict before it rains?", "Do you often stay in an environment where the air conditioner works throughout the year?", etc. Note that this is merely an example, and the questions asked by the question section 302 are not limited to this.

[0038] The atmospheric pressure tolerance determination section 303 receives the driver H's answer to the question from the question section 302 via the microphone 20, and determines the driver H's tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure according to the driver H's answer to the question. For example, when the atmospheric pressure tolerance determination section 303 receives an answer such as "I feel unwell physically or mentally when the weather changes", it determines that the driver H is not good at dealing with changes in atmospheric pressure. Also, the question section 302 may ask a plurality of questions regarding the tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure, and the atmospheric pressure tolerance determination section 303 may comprehensively judge the plurality of answers to the questions to determine the degree of the driver H's tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure. The determined result is transmitted to the atmospheric pressure determination section 304.

[0039] The atmospheric pressure determination section 304 determines the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV and the atmospheric pressure P by which the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 or either of them should be changed based on the atmospheric pressure tolerance of the driver H determined by the atmospheric pressure tolerance determination section 303, the reference atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount RPV, and the reference atmospheric pressure RP. The "predetermined change in atmospheric pressure" in the present invention corresponds to the fluctuation amount of the atmospheric pressure (hereinafter referred to as "atmospheric pressure DP") around the driver's seat that is equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV, and the change in the atmospheric pressure DP that becomes less than the atmospheric pressure P.

[0040] When it is determined that the driver H has low resistance to changes in atmospheric pressure, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 makes the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV less than the reference atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount RPV. Further, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may set the atmospheric pressure P higher than the reference atmospheric pressure RP for the driver H determined to have low resistance to changes in atmospheric pressure. Also, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may make the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV greater than the reference atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount RPV or set the atmospheric pressure P lower than the reference atmospheric pressure RP for the driver H determined to have high resistance to changes in atmospheric pressure.

[0041] The atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV may be set separately as the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount when the atmospheric pressure DP decreases and the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount when the atmospheric pressure DP increases. Therefore, for example, when the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount when the atmospheric pressure DP decreases is 5 hPa / h or more (variation of the atmospheric pressure DP on the negative side), the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 determines that the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are increased, but when the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount when the atmospheric pressure DP increases is 5 hPa / h or more (variation of the atmospheric pressure DP on the positive side), it may be determined that the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are not changed. However, for a larger atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount (for example, 10 hPa / h), the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may determine that the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are increased even for the variation of the atmospheric pressure DP on the positive side.

[0042] Also, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may set the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 in multiple steps (for example, 1, 2, 3 from the lighter side) and set multiple atmospheric pressure fluctuation amounts PV as atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV1, atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV2,.... In this case, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may set the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 corresponding to each atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PVn. More specifically, when the variation amount of the atmospheric pressure DV is equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV1, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may set the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 to 2, and when the variation amount of the atmospheric pressure DV is equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV2, set the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 to 3.

[0043] Further, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may set a plurality of atmospheric pressures P as atmospheric pressure P1 and atmospheric pressure P2. In this case, the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may set the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 corresponding to each atmospheric pressure Pn.

[0044] The weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 in these cases are changed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3. For example, when the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are 1 or 2 (see S (step) 31 in FIG. 3), and when the fluctuation amount of the atmospheric pressure DV is greater than or equal to the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PVn (Yes in S32 of FIG. 3), the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are changed to 2 or 3 (see S33 in FIG. 3). Also, even when the fluctuation amount of the atmospheric pressure DV is less than the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PVn (No in S32 of FIG. 3), when the atmospheric pressure DV is less than the atmospheric pressure Pn (Yes in S34 of FIG. 3), the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are changed to 2 or 3 (see S33 in FIG. 3).

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are 2 or 3 (see S41 in FIG. 4), and when the fluctuation amount of the atmospheric pressure DV is less than the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PVn (Yes in S42), and when the atmospheric pressure DV is greater than or equal to the atmospheric pressure Pn (Yes in S43), the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 may be set to change the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 to 1 or 2 (see S44 in FIG. 4).

[0046] FIG. 5 shows the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 changed based on the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV and the atmospheric pressure P determined by the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304 as described above. Also in this example, the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are changed in three steps (1, 2, 3). However, this is merely an example, and the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 may be changed in two steps or four or more steps.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5, when changing from sunny to rainy, the amount of change in the atmospheric pressure DP increases, so the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are changed to be the heaviest. Also, even if the amount of change in the atmospheric pressure DP decreases, if the atmospheric pressure DP is lower than the atmospheric pressure P, the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are made slightly heavier. Further, even if the amount of change in the atmospheric pressure DP is relatively large, if it is a positive-side change, the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are made lighter.

[0048] The atmospheric pressure reading unit 305 calculates the amount of change in the atmospheric pressure DP while reading the atmospheric pressure of the barometer 22, and transmits the calculated amount of change in the atmospheric pressure DP and the real-time data of the atmospheric pressure DP to the change notice unit 306.

[0049] When the change notice unit 306 determines that the amount of change in the atmospheric pressure DP becomes equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure change amount PV, or the atmospheric pressure DV becomes less than the atmospheric pressure P, it notifies the driver H of the change in the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 by voice from the speaker 19. However, it is not preferable that the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 are changed frequently. Therefore, the change notice unit 306 is configured to set an arbitrary interval until the next notice after giving a notice. This interval may be set, for example, between 5 minutes and 30 minutes.

[0050] The response receiving unit 307 receives a predetermined response from the driver H notified by the change notice unit 306 via the microphone 20. For example, the predetermined response may be words such as "Yes", "I understand", "Got it". When the response receiving unit 307 receives a predetermined response from the driver H, it transmits a response signal to the change command unit 308.

[0051] When receiving the response signal, the change command unit 308 controls the weight change unit 21 to change the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 to the weights determined by the atmospheric pressure determination unit 304. Thereby, even if the concentration of the driver H fluctuates due to the change in the atmospheric pressure DV, the weight change system S can change the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 accordingly.

[0052] As a result, when the driver H has a high concentration, the weight change system S can make the driver H quickly operate the pedal 14 and the lever 15 by reducing the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15. Also, when the driver H has a low concentration, the weight change system S can prevent major operation mistakes by increasing the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15.

[0053] <Flow of the weight change system> Next, with reference to the flowchart in the figure, the operation of the weight change system S will be described again.

[0054] (1) First, the weight change system S asks the driver H (see S (step) 61 in FIG. 6), and determines the driver H's air pressure tolerance according to the driver H's answer to the question (see S62 in FIG. 6).

[0055] (2) Next, based on the driver H's air pressure tolerance, the weight change system S determines the atmospheric pressure variation amount PV and the atmospheric pressure P by which the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 should be changed (see S63 in FIG. 6).

[0056] (3) Next, the weight change system S reads the atmospheric pressure DV (see S64 in FIG. 6). When the variation amount of the atmospheric pressure DV becomes greater than or equal to the atmospheric pressure variation amount PV, or when the atmospheric pressure DV becomes less than the atmospheric pressure P (Yes in S65 in FIG. 6), the weight change system S notifies the driver H of the change in the weight of the lever 15 (see S66 in FIG. 6).

[0057] (4) Next, when the weight change system S receives permission for the change from the driver H (Yes in S67 of FIG. 6), the change command unit 308 changes the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 (see S68 of FIG. 6). Further, until the weight change system S receives permission for the change from the driver H (No in S67 of FIG. 6), the weight change of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 is suspended, and the driver H is notified in advance of the weight change of the lever 15 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, the weight change system S can prevent frequently changing the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 and suddenly changing the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 during the cargo handling work of the driver H.

[0058] In this way, the weight change system S changes the weights of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 based on the air pressure fluctuations that affect the level of the driver H's concentration. As a result, when the driver H has a high level of concentration, the operations of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 can be performed quickly, and when the driver H has a low level of concentration, major operation mistakes can be prevented.

[0059] As described above, one embodiment of the weight change system S according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The weight change system S according to the present invention may be implemented, for example, according to each of the following modification examples or in combination of each modification example.

[0060] <Modification example> · The forklift 1 may be a reach forklift. In this case, the pedal 14 may include a presence pedal. Further, the forklift 1 may be an engine-type forklift 1. In this case, the pedal 14 may include a clutch pedal. Furthermore, when the forklift 1 is a reach forklift, the lever 15 may include an accelerator lever. Also, as described above, the "pedal" in the present invention includes at least one of the above pedals, the "lever" includes at least one of the above levers, and the weight change system according to the present invention changes the weight of at least one of the above lever and pedal.

[0061] ·Any configuration of the control unit 30 may be configured by, for example, a server computer provided on the cloud. In this case, the weight change system S changes the weight of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 or any of them by communicating with this server computer.

[0062] ·The storage unit 301 may be configured to store the air pressure tolerance of the driver H. In this case, the weight change system S further includes a driver identification unit that identifies the driver H getting on the vehicle, reads the air pressure tolerance of the identified driver H from the storage unit 301, and determines the atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount PV or the atmospheric pressure P based on the air pressure tolerance of the driver H.

[0063] Also, in this case, the method for identifying the driver H by the driver identification unit is not particularly limited. For example, the driver identification unit may identify the driver H by photographing the face of the driver H with a camera, or may identify each driver H by reading a card or the like owned by each driver H.

[0064] ·The forklift 1 is provided with a monitor instead of the speaker 19, and the air pressure determination unit 304 may notify the change of the weight of the lever 15 and the pedal 14 or any of them by this monitor.

[0065] ·The forklift 1 is provided with a button instead of the microphone 20, and the response receiving unit 307 may receive the response from the driver H via the button.

[0066] ·The weight change system S may read the atmospheric pressure data collected by the Meteorological Agency and use this atmospheric pressure data instead of the atmospheric pressure DV around the driver's seat 12 measured by the barometer 22. In this case, the weight change system S may not be provided with the barometer 22. Also, in this case, the weight change system S further includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the forklift 1, and refers to the atmospheric pressure data at the position corresponding to the acquired position information.

[0067] ·The weight change system S may read the atmospheric pressure data predicted by the Japan Meteorological Agency and use this atmospheric pressure data instead of the atmospheric pressure DV around the driver's seat 12 measured by the barometer 22. In this case, the weight change system S may change the weight of the pedal 14 in advance by referring to the predicted data of the atmospheric pressure before the amount of change in the atmospheric pressure around the driver's seat 12 actually becomes equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure change amount PV. Also, in this case as well, the weight change system S may not be provided with the barometer 22, and may further include a position information acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the forklift 1, and refers to the atmospheric pressure data at the position corresponding to the acquired position information. The "prediction of a predetermined change in atmospheric pressure" in the present invention corresponds to such atmospheric pressure data predicted by the Japan Meteorological Agency, but the atmospheric pressure data is not limited to the atmospheric pressure data predicted by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Explanation of Signs

[0068] S Weight change system H Driver 1 Forklift 10 Wheels 11 Vehicle body 12 Driver's seat 13 Head guard 14 Pedal 15 Lever 16 Mast 17 Fork 19 Speaker 20 Microphone 21 Weight change unit 22 Barometer 30 Control unit 301 Storage unit 302 Question unit 303 Atmospheric pressure tolerance determination unit 304 Atmospheric pressure determination unit 305 Atmospheric pressure reading unit 306 Change notice unit 307 Answer receiving unit 308 Change command unit

Claims

1. A weight change system used in a forklift, comprising: a weight change unit that changes the weight of the pedal and lever of the forklift or either of them; a change command unit that controls the weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when there is a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure or based on a prediction of a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

2. The weight change system according to claim 1, wherein the change command unit changes the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when the change in atmospheric pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount, or when the prediction of the change in atmospheric pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined atmospheric pressure fluctuation amount.

3. The weight change system according to claim 1, wherein the change command unit changes the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when the atmospheric pressure drops below a predetermined atmospheric pressure due to a change in atmospheric pressure, or when the predicted atmospheric pressure is below a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

4. a question unit that asks questions regarding the tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure; a tolerance determination unit that determines the tolerance to changes in atmospheric pressure based on the driver's answer to the question, and the change command unit further changes the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them based on the determined tolerance of the driver according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. further comprising a driver identification unit that identifies the driver, and the change command unit further changes the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them based on the tolerance of the identified driver to atmospheric pressure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The weight change system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a change warning unit that warns the driver that the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them is about to be changed.

7. A forklift comprising the weight change system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A program used in a weight change system comprising a weight change unit that changes the weight of the pedal and lever of a forklift or either of them and a computer, the program comprising: a weight change program that controls the computer to control the weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and lever or either of them when there is a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure or based on a prediction of a change in a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

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