Operation device

Abstract

To provide an operation device that is able to operate at least one of a traveling device and a load handling device with a hand operating a steering wheel even in a case where, for example, an operator has to perform an operation with one hand.SOLUTION: An operation device 100 for operating a load handling vehicle 1, includes: a knob 20 provided on a steering wheel of the load handling vehicle 1; operation input units 21 to 23 provided on the knob 20 and configured to receive an input of an operation of at least one of a traveling device and a load handling device; and transmission units 40, 50 provided between the steering wheel and the knob 20 and configured to transmit operation signals from the operation input units 21 to 23 to a vehicle controller 12 of the load handling vehicle 1. The transmission units 40, 50 have first electrodes 41, 51 provided on the knob 20, and second electrodes 42, 52 fixed to the steering wheel and electrically connected to the first electrodes 41, 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a reach forklift, a technology has been known that allows travel operation and loading / unloading operation to be performed with a single operating lever, eliminating the need for arm movements that go over the operating lever or changing hands on the lever (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-220196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the operating levers for travel and cargo handling are separate from the steering wheel. Here, for example, if an operator needs to operate the vehicle with one hand, there is room for improvement so that at least one of the travel device and the cargo handling device can be operated with the hand that operates the steering wheel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an operating device for operating a loading vehicle, comprising: a knob provided on the steering wheel of the loading vehicle and rotatable relative to the steering wheel; an operation input unit provided on the knob and accepting input for operation of at least one of a traveling device and a loading device; and a transmission unit provided between the steering wheel and the knob and transmitting an operation signal from the operation input unit to a controller of the loading vehicle, wherein the transmission unit has a first electrode provided on the knob and a second electrode fixed to the steering wheel and electrically connected to the first electrode.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, an operation input unit, which is a knob provided on a steering wheel, receives input for operation of at least one of a traveling device and a cargo handling device. An operation signal from the operation input unit is transmitted to a controller of the cargo handling vehicle via a first electrode and a second electrode of the transmission unit. With this configuration, the operator can operate the steering wheel and input the operation to the operation input unit with the hand holding the knob. Therefore, even if the operator needs to operate the vehicle with one hand, the operator can operate at least one of the traveling device and the cargo handling device with the hand operating the steering wheel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the knob may be rotatable relative to the steering wheel, and the first electrode may be electrically connected to the second electrode and rotatable together with the knob relative to the second electrode. In this case, the operator can operate at least one of the traveling device and the cargo handling device using the operation input unit while gripping the knob and rotating the steering wheel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the transmission unit may have a ring member fixed to the steering wheel and an elastic member fixed to the knob, the second electrode may be an annular electrode extending along the circumferential direction of the ring member, and the first electrode may be pressed against the annular electrode by the elastic member. In this case, by pressing the first electrode against the annular electrode by the elastic member, the first electrode can be rotated together with the knob relatively to the second electrode while being electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the transmission unit may include a CAN signal generation unit that generates a CAN signal based on an operation signal from the operation input unit. In this case, the CAN signal can be transmitted to the controller of the cargo handling vehicle as the operation signal from the operation input unit via the first electrode and the second electrode of the transmission unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cargo handling vehicle is a forklift, and the operation of the travel device is an operation to select the direction of travel (forward or backward), and the operation of the cargo handling device may be an operation of the lift device and an operation of the tilt device. In this case, even if an operator needs to operate the forklift with only one hand, it is possible to configure a forklift that allows the operator to operate at least one of the travel device and the cargo handling device with the hand that operates the steering wheel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the knob includes a grip detection unit that detects that the knob is gripped, and the transmission unit does not need to transmit the operation signal to the controller when the grip detection unit does not detect that the knob is gripped. In this case, for example, if the operation input unit is erroneously operated when the operator is not gripping the knob, it is possible to prevent the controller from malfunctioning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, even when an operator needs to operate the vehicle with one hand, the operator can operate at least one of the traveling device and the cargo handling device with the hand that operates the steering wheel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a cargo handling vehicle equipped with an operating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an operating device and a steering wheel of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the operating device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic block diagram of a cargo handling vehicle equipped with the operating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the path of an operation signal of the operation device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a path of an operation signal in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the first electrode and the second electrode of FIG. 6. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a cargo handling vehicle equipped with an operating device according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the cargo handling vehicle 1 is, for example, a forklift. The cargo handling vehicle 1 is equipped with a traveling device 1A for traveling the cargo handling vehicle 1, and a cargo handling device 1B for cargo handling work. As an example, the traveling device 1A is a device that drives the front wheels using a motor or an engine as a drive source. The cargo handling device 1B is a device for handling cargo with forks 6, and includes a hydraulic drive device controlled by a solenoid valve. A known configuration can be used as the hydraulic drive device.

[0016] The cargo handling vehicle 1 comprises a body frame 2 and a mast 3 arranged at the front of the body frame 2. The mast 3 comprises a pair of left and right outer masts 3a tiltably supported on the body frame 2, and an inner mast 3b arranged inside the outer masts 3a and capable of moving up and down relative to the outer masts 3a. A lift cylinder 4 serving as a hydraulic cylinder for lifting is arranged at the rear of the mast 3. The tip of a piston rod 4p of the lift cylinder (lift device) 4 is connected to the top of the inner mast 3b.

[0017] A lift bracket 5 is supported on the inner mast 3b so that it can be raised and lowered. Forks 6 for carrying cargo are attached to the lift bracket 5. A chain wheel 7 is provided on the upper part of the inner mast 3b, and a chain 8 is hung on the chain wheel 7. One end of the chain 8 is connected to the lift cylinder 4, and the other end of the chain 8 is connected to the lift bracket 5. When the lift cylinder 4 is extended or retracted, the forks 6 are raised and lowered together with the lift bracket 5 via the chain 8.

[0018] Tilt cylinders (tilt devices) 9, which serve as tilting hydraulic cylinders, are supported on both the left and right sides of the body frame 2. The tip of a piston rod 9p of the tilt cylinder 9 is rotatably connected to approximately the center in the height direction of the outer mast 3a. When the tilt cylinder 9 is extended or retracted, the mast 3 tilts.

[0019] A driver's cab 10 is provided on the upper part of the body frame 2. A steering wheel 11 for steering is provided in the front part of the driver's cab 10. An operating device 100 for operating the cargo handling vehicle 1 is provided on the steering wheel 11.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operating device and steering wheel of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 100 includes a knob 20 provided on the steering wheel 11 of the cargo handling vehicle 1. The steering wheel 11 has an annular rim 11a, a plurality of spokes 11b (three in this example) provided inside the rim 11a, and a boss portion 11c that connects the annular rim 11a to a steering shaft (not shown) via each spoke 11b. The knob 20 is provided, for example, in a portion of the rim 11a (near the 9 o'clock position) where the operator can easily place his or her left hand when the steering wheel 11 is oriented in a straight-ahead state. The knob 20 may be attached so as to be rotatable relative to the steering wheel 11.

[0021] The operation device 100 also has an operation input unit provided on the knob 20. The operation input unit is configured to receive input for operation of at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B. The operation input unit here has a direction switch 21, a lift operation lever 22, and a tilt operation lever 23, and receives input for operation of both the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B.

[0022] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the operating device of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, knob 20 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical or dome-shaped outer shape. Top surface 25 of knob 20 is the portion that comes into contact with the palm of the operator's hand and can be a flat or rounded, smooth surface that is higher in the center. Top surface 25 of knob 20 may be provided with a grip detection unit 24 for detecting that knob 20 is gripped by the operator's hand.

[0023] The side surface 26 of the knob 20 may be a substantially cylindrical surface or a cylindrical curved surface whose diameter tapers toward the top surface 25. The diameter of the side surface 26 of the knob 20 may be, for example, about 10 cm, taking into consideration the average size of an operator's hand and the operability of each switch. The height of the side surface 26 of the knob 20 may be, for example, about 2 to 10 cm, taking into consideration the average size of an operator's fingers and the operating stroke of the lift operation lever 22 and the tilt operation lever 23.

[0024] An opening 21a exposing the direction switch 21, an opening 22a exposing the lift operation lever 22, and an opening (not shown) exposing the tilt operation lever 23 may be formed on a side surface 26 of the knob 20. Each of the switches 21 to 24 may be attached to the inside of the side surface 26 of the knob 20 via, for example, a rubber member or the like for dustproofing and waterproofing.

[0025] The direction switch 21 is a switch for switching the traveling direction (forward / reverse / neutral) of the cargo handling vehicle 1. The direction switch 21 is disposed relative to the lift operation lever 22 and the tilt operation lever 23 so that the operator can operate it with the thumb of the hand holding the knob 20.

[0026] An ON-OFF-ON rocker switch, for example, can be used as the direction switch 21. The state of the direction switch 21 in FIG. 3 is "neutral," and when the right side of the figure is pressed with the thumb from the state of FIG. 3, it becomes "forward," and when the left side of the figure is pressed with the thumb from the state of FIG. 3, it becomes "reverse." In this case, "forward" corresponds to the operation of pressing the front side of the cargo handling vehicle 1 on the direction switch 21, and "reverse" corresponds to the operation of pressing the rear side of the cargo handling vehicle 1 on the direction switch 21, and the intuitive front-to-reverse directions match.

[0027] The lift operation lever 22 is an operation lever for actuating the lift cylinder 4 to raise and lower the forks 6. The lift operation lever 22 is disposed relative to the direction switch 21 and the tilt operation lever 23 so that the operator can operate it with the index finger of the hand holding the knob 20.

[0028] The lift operation lever 22 can be a lever switch connected to a potentiometer and having an appropriate operating feel with a weight that allows smooth, continuous operation with a finger. The operation of the lift operation lever 22 may be such that when the lever is pressed (pushed down) with the index finger, the forks 6 descend together with the lift bracket 5, and when the lever is pulled (pulled up) with the index finger, the forks 6 ascend together with the lift bracket 5. In this case, the up and down movement of the lift intuitively coincides with the up and down movement of the lift operation lever 22.

[0029] The tilt operation lever 23 is an operation lever for actuating the tilt cylinder 9 to tilt the mast 3. The tilt operation lever 23 is disposed relative to the direction switch 21 and the lift operation lever 22 so that the operator can operate it with the middle finger of the hand holding the knob 20.

[0030] The tilt control lever 23 may be a lever switch connected to a potentiometer and having an appropriate operational feel of weight to allow smooth, continuous operation with a finger. The operation of the tilt control lever 23 may be such that pressing (pushing down) with the middle finger "tilts the mast 3 forward," and pulling (pulling up) with the middle finger "tilts the mast 3 backward." In this case, the forward and backward tilting of the tilt control lever 23 intuitively coincides with the up and down movement of the tilt control lever 23.

[0031] The grip detection unit 24 is a switch that prevents erroneous operation when the operator is not gripping the knob 20 with their hand. The grip detection unit 24 can be a momentary switch that is in the ON state only while it is pressed. The grip detection unit 24 is not essential.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a cargo handling vehicle equipped with the operating device of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the cargo handling vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle controller (controller) 12. The vehicle controller 12 is an electronic control unit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication circuit, etc. The vehicle controller 12, for example, realizes various functions by loading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program loaded into the RAM by the CPU.

[0033] The vehicle controller 12 controls the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B of the cargo handling vehicle 1 in an overall manner based on operation signals from the operation device 100.

[0034] The vehicle controller 12 controls the drive train 13 of the traveling device 1A to switch the traveling direction (forward / reverse / neutral) of the cargo handling vehicle 1 in response to the operation of the direction switch 21. The control of the drive train 13 may be to switch the rotation direction of the motor. The control of the drive train 13 may be to switch the rotation direction of a transmission interposed between the engine and the drive wheels.

[0035] The vehicle controller 12 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 14 of the cargo handling device 1B in response to operation of the lift operation lever 22 to operate the lift cylinder 4 of the cargo handling vehicle 1 and raise or lower the forks 6. The electromagnetic proportional valve 14 is an electromagnetic proportional valve for operating the lift cylinder 4 in the hydraulic drive system of the cargo handling device 1B. The vehicle controller 12 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 14 in response to pulling (pulling up) the lift operation lever 22 to supply hydraulic oil to the lift cylinder 4. This causes hydraulic oil to be supplied from the hydraulic pump, and the lift cylinder 4 extends, thereby lifting the forks 6 together with the lift bracket 5. The vehicle controller 12 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 14 in response to pushing (pulling down) the lift operation lever 22 to return the hydraulic oil in the lift cylinder 4 to the hydraulic oil tank. This causes the lift cylinder 4 to contract due to the weight of the forks 6, thereby lowering the forks 6 together with the lift bracket 5.

[0036] The vehicle controller 12 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 15 of the cargo handling device 1B in response to operation of the tilt operation lever 23 to operate the tilt cylinder 9 of the cargo handling vehicle 1 and tilt the mast 3. The electromagnetic proportional valve 15 is an electromagnetic proportional valve for operating the tilt cylinder 9 in the hydraulic drive device of the cargo handling device 1B. The vehicle controller 12 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 15 in response to operation of pushing (pushing down) the tilt operation lever 23 to send hydraulic oil to the tilt cylinder 9. As a result, hydraulic oil is supplied from the hydraulic pump to the bottom chamber 9b of the tilt cylinder 9, causing the tilt cylinder 9 to extend and, consequently, tilt the mast 3 forward. The vehicle controller 12 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 15 in response to operation of pulling (pulling up) the tilt operation lever 23 to return the hydraulic oil in the tilt cylinder 9 to the hydraulic oil tank. As a result, hydraulic oil is supplied from the hydraulic pump to the rod chamber 9a of the tilt cylinder 9, causing the tilt cylinder 9 to contract, and the mast 3 to tilt backward.

[0037] The operation device 100 includes, for example, a knob controller (transmission unit, CAN signal generation unit) 30. The knob controller 30 is an electronic control unit having a CPU, ROM, RAM, a CAN communication circuit, etc. In the knob controller 30, for example, a program stored in the ROM is loaded into the RAM, and the program loaded into the RAM is executed by the CPU, thereby realizing various functions.

[0038] The knob controller 30 is electrically connected to the direction switch 21, lift operation lever 22, tilt operation lever 23, and grip detection unit 24. The direction switch 21 inputs a signal corresponding to the switch state (forward / reverse / neutral) to the knob controller 30. The lift operation lever 22 inputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of operation of the lift operation lever 22 to the knob controller 30 via a potentiometer. The tilt operation lever 23 inputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of operation of the tilt operation lever 23 to the knob controller 30 via a potentiometer. The grip detection unit 24 inputs a signal indicating an ON state (when pressed) or an OFF state (when not pressed) to the knob controller 30.

[0039] The knob controller 30 generates a CAN signal based on the input signal and voltage. The CAN signal here refers to a CAN signal that is pre-converted from an operation signal from an operation input unit to be input to the vehicle controller 12. In this case, the knob controller (CAN signal generation unit) 30 constitutes a part of the transmission units 40 and 50.

[0040] The knob controller 30 and the vehicle controller 12 are communicatively connected by, for example, a transmission unit 40 and a transmission unit 50. The transmission units 40 and 50 are provided between the steering wheel 11 and the knob 20. The transmission units 40 and 50 transmit operation signals from the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23 (operation input unit) to the vehicle controller 12 of the cargo handling vehicle 1.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the path of an operation signal of the operating device of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, a knob controller 30 is disposed in the internal space of the knob 20 defined by the top surface 25 and side surface 26 of the knob 20. The knob controller 30 is electrically connected to the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, the tilt operation lever 23, and the grip detection unit 24. The knob controller 30 receives operation signals from the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23, and a signal from the grip detection unit 24 indicating an ON or OFF state.

[0042] For example, the transmission unit 40 transmits a CAN-High signal and the transmission unit 50 transmits a CAN-Low signal from the knob controller 30 to the vehicle controller 12. The division of the CAN-High and CAN-Low signals between the transmission units 40 and 50 may be reversed.

[0043] For example, when the grip detection unit 24 does not detect that the knob 20 is gripped, the knob controller 30 does not transmit the generated CAN signal (operation signal) to the vehicle controller 12. When the knob controller 30 receives an OFF state signal from the grip detection unit 24, it does not have to transmit the generated CAN signal to the vehicle controller 12. When the knob controller 30 receives an ON state signal from the grip detection unit 24, it may transmit the generated CAN signal to the vehicle controller 12.

[0044] Next, a detailed configuration example of the transmission units 40, 50 will be described. As an example, the transmission unit 40 has a first electrode 41, a second electrode 42, and vehicle body side wiring 43. As an example, the transmission unit 50 has a first electrode 51, a second electrode 52, and vehicle body side wiring 53. Since the transmission units 40, 50 have a common configuration, the description will first focus on the transmission unit 40.

[0045] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the operation signal path in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of the first electrode and second electrode in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the first electrode 41 is an electrode provided on the knob 20. The first electrode 41 includes, for example, an elastic member 28 and a sliding electrode 29.

[0046] The elastic member 28 is an elastic member having, for example, an L-shape. The upper end of the elastic member 28 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the knob 20 so that one side of the L-shape is along the central axis of the knob 20. The elastic member 28 is bent at the lower end of one side of the L-shape so that the other side of the L-shape is approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the knob 20, and the lower tip of the elastic member 28 faces radially outward from the knob 20. A sliding electrode 29 is fixed to the tip of the elastic member 28.

[0047] The elastic member 28 may be conductive so as to be electrically connected to the sliding contact electrode 29. In this case, the upper end of the elastic member 28 is electrically connected to the output part of the knob controller 30 for the CAN-High signal. Alternatively, the elastic member 28 may not be conductive. In this case, a wire may be laid along the elastic member 28 to electrically connect the output part of the knob controller 30 for the CAN-High signal and the sliding contact electrode 29.

[0048] The sliding electrode 29 is an electrode that transmits an operation signal by coming into contact with the annular electrode 62. The sliding electrode 29 is, for example, a member made of a conductive metal, and has a shape that allows easy sliding contact with the annular electrode 62. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the sliding electrode 29, as viewed in the axial direction of the annular electrode 62, may be, for example, an arcuate surface with a smaller diameter than the annular electrode 62.

[0049] The second electrode 42 is an electrode that is fixed to the steering wheel 11 and is electrically connected to the first electrode 41. As a specific example, the transmission unit 40 may have a ring member 60 that is fixed to the steering wheel 11, and the second electrode 42 may be an annular electrode 62 that extends along the circumferential direction of the ring member 60. The method for fixing the ring member 60 to the steering wheel 11 is not particularly limited, and for example, the outer circumferential portion of the ring member 60 may be fixed using a separate clamp-shaped member.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the ring member 60 may have a main body 64, a side wall 65, and a side wall 66. FIG. 7 corresponds to a cross-sectional view within the dashed line frame in FIG. 6, and the right side of the paper in FIG. 7 corresponds to the inner peripheral side of the ring member 60. The main body 64 is a ring main body portion including an inner peripheral surface 61 of the circumferential portion of the ring member 60. The main body 64 is made of, for example, a conductive metal and has a rectangular cross section. In this case, the main body 64 of the ring member 60 itself constitutes the annular electrode 62, and the inner peripheral surface 61 of the ring member 60 functions as a slidable electrode. In other words, the annular electrode 62 extends along the circumferential direction of the ring member 60.

[0051] The side wall 65 is a wall portion extending radially inward from an upper end of the main body portion 64 that is closer to the top surface 25 of the knob 20 as a base end. The side wall 66 is a wall portion extending radially inward from a lower end of the main body portion 64 that is farther from the top surface 25 of the knob 20 as a base end. The material of the side walls 65, 66 may be, for example, a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). The side walls 65, 66 may be fixed to both side surfaces of the main body portion 64 by adhesive. Since the side walls 65, 66 protrude radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface 61 of the main body portion 64, the inner circumferential surface 61 of the main body portion 64 becomes the bottom surface of the portion sandwiched between the side walls 65, 66, and the inner periphery of the ring member 60 exhibits a rail shape.

[0052] In the transmission unit 40 configured as described above, first, as shown in FIG. 6 , for example, the shaft 27 may be fixed to the rim 11a of the steering wheel 11, and the top surface 25 or the side surface 26 may be rotatably supported on the shaft 27, thereby allowing the knob 20 to rotate about the shaft 27. This allows the knob 20 to rotate relatively to the steering wheel 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 7( a), before the sliding electrode 29 fixed to the tip of the elastic member 28 is attached to the ring member 60, the outer circumferential surface of the sliding electrode 29 is located radially outward of the inner circumferential surface 61 of the main body 64. As shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 7( a), the elastic member 28 is pressed radially inward, thereby elastically deforming the elastic member 28 so that the outer circumferential surface of the sliding electrode 29 is located inside the inner edge of the side wall 65. In this state, when the sliding electrode 29 is fitted between the side walls 65 and 66, the state shown in FIG. 7( b) is obtained. As a result, the sliding electrode 29 of the first electrode 41 is pressed against the annular electrode 62 by the elastic member 28. The elastic member 28 and the sliding electrode 29 of the first electrode 41 are fixed to the knob 20 side, and the knob 20 is rotatable around the axis 27. Therefore, when the knob 20 is rotated relative to the steering wheel 11, the sliding electrode 29 can slide against the annular electrode 62 while being guided by the side walls 65, 66.

[0053] The transmission unit 50 is basically configured in the same manner as the transmission unit 40. The ring member 60A of the transmission unit 50 is fixed to the rim 11a of the steering wheel 11 so as to be substantially coaxial with the ring member 60 of the transmission unit 40 and the knob 20. The ring member 60A of the transmission unit 50 is configured in the same manner as the ring member 60 of the transmission unit 40. An insulating ring 63 made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic) may be sandwiched between the ring member 60 and the ring member 60A.

[0054] The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 of the transmission unit 50 can be configured similarly to the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 of the transmission unit 40. In this case, the first electrode 51 includes, for example, an elastic member 28A and a sliding electrode 29A, similar to the first electrode 41. The first electrode 51 may be fixed to the knob 20 at a different position from the first electrode 41 so as not to interfere with the first electrode 41. The first electrode 51 may have one side of its L-shape longer than the first electrode 41, to match the position of the ring member 60A. As in the state shown in FIG. 7(b), the sliding electrode 29A of the first electrode 51 is pressed against the annular electrode 62A on the inner circumferential surface 61A of the ring member 60A by the elastic member 28A. The first electrodes 41, 51 are electrically connected to the second electrodes 42, 52, enabling the transmission of operation signals. Further, in order to transmit the power for operating the knob controller 30 from the body frame 2 side of the cargo handling vehicle 1 to the knob controller 30, a transmission unit similar to the transmission units 40, 50 may be additionally provided.

[0055] 6 and 7, the first electrodes 41, 51 are electrically connected to the second electrodes 42, 52 and are rotatable relative to the second electrodes 42, 52 together with the knob 20. That is, when the operator operates any of the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23 with the hand holding the knob 20, the operation signal is transmitted to the vehicle controller 12 of the cargo handling vehicle 1 via the first electrodes 41, 51 and the second electrodes 42, 52. Here, because the first electrodes 41, 51 and the second electrodes 42, 52 are electrically connected and rotatable relative to each other, even if the operator operates any of the above while holding the knob 20 and rotating the steering wheel 11, the operation signal can be transmitted to the vehicle controller 12 of the cargo handling vehicle 1. In other words, even if the operator needs to operate with one hand, for example, such as when he has only one arm, it becomes possible to operate at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B with the hand that operates the steering wheel 11, and furthermore, it becomes possible to operate at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B with only one hand while operating the steering wheel 11. Note that "operation with one hand" only means operating at least one of the traveling device and the cargo handling device and the steering wheel 11 with one of both arms, and pedal operation (accelerator operation and brake operation for the drive source) may be performed separately with the feet.

[0056] As described above, in the operation device 100, the direction switch 21, lift operation lever 22, and tilt operation lever 23 (operation input unit) of the knob 20 provided on the steering wheel 11 accept input of operations for at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B. Operation signals from the direction switch 21, lift operation lever 22, and tilt operation lever 23 are transmitted to the vehicle controller 12 of the cargo handling vehicle 1 via the first electrodes 41, 51 and the second electrodes 42, 52 of the transmission units 40, 50. With this configuration, the operator can operate both the steering wheel 11 and input operations to the direction switch 21, lift operation lever 22, and tilt operation lever 23 with the hand holding the knob 20. Therefore, even if the operator needs to operate the device with one hand, for example, he or she can operate at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B with the hand that operates the steering wheel 11.

[0057] The knob 20 is rotatable relative to the steering wheel 11, and the first electrodes 41, 51 are electrically connected to the second electrodes 42, 52 and are rotatable together with the knob 20 relative to the second electrodes 42, 52. This allows the operator to operate at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B with the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23 while gripping the knob 20 and rotating the steering wheel 11.

[0058] The transmission units 40, 50 have ring members 60, 60A fixed to the steering wheel 11 and elastic members 28, 28A fixed to the knob 20, the second electrodes 42, 52 are annular electrodes 62, 62A extending in the circumferential direction of the ring members 60, 60A, and the first electrodes 41, 51 are pressed against the annular electrodes 62, 62A by the elastic members 28, 28A. As a result, the first electrodes 41, 51 are pressed against the annular electrodes 62, 62A by the elastic members 28, 28A, so that the first electrodes 41, 51 can rotate together with the knob 20 relatively to the second electrodes 42, 52 while being electrically connected to the second electrodes 42, 52.

[0059] The transmission units 40, 50 have a knob controller 30 that generates a CAN signal based on operation signals from the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23. This allows the CAN signal to be transmitted as operation signals from the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23 to the vehicle controller 12 of the cargo handling vehicle 1 via the first electrodes 41, 51 and second electrodes 42, 52 of the transmission units 40, 50.

[0060] The cargo handling vehicle 1 is a forklift, and the operation of the traveling device 1A is an operation to select the direction of travel, forward or backward, and the operation of the cargo handling device 1B is an operation of the lift cylinder 4 and the tilt cylinder 9. As a result, even if an operator needs to operate the forklift with only one hand, for example, it is possible to configure a forklift that allows the operator to operate at least one of the traveling device 1A and the cargo handling device 1B with the hand that operates the steering wheel 11.

[0061] The operation device 100 is provided with a grip detection unit 24 that is provided on the knob 20 and detects that the knob 20 is gripped. The knob controller 30 does not transmit an operation signal to the controller when the grip detection unit 24 does not detect that the knob 20 is gripped. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the vehicle controller 12, for example, when the direction switch 21, lift operation lever 22, or tilt operation lever 23 is erroneously operated while the operator is not gripping the knob 20.

[0062] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the side walls 65, 66 are made of a non-conductive material, but this is not limiting and they may be made of, for example, a conductive metal material that is integral with the main body 64. Also, the main body 64 of the ring member 60 is made of, for example, a conductive metal, but this is not limiting. The material of the main body 64 may be, for example, a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). In this case, a metal ring-shaped electrode may be attached to the inner circumferential surface 61.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the elastic member 28 is an elastic member having, for example, an L-shape, but is not limited to this shape. As long as the sliding electrode 29 is fixed to the tip and the elastic member 28 exerts an elastic force to press the sliding electrode 29 against the annular electrode 62, the elastic member 28 may have a shape other than an L-shape.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, or the tilt operation lever 23 are exemplified as operation input units, but an attachment operation lever for actuating the attachment cylinder to operate the attachment may also be provided. The attachment may be, for example, one that moves the fork 6 left and right, tilts, or rotates.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the transmission units 40 and 50 are illustrated as using the ring members 60 and 60A as the transmission units, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the transmission unit may be configured by a circular metal disk and a rod-shaped electrode that slides against the metal disk.

[0067] In the above embodiment, specific examples of the knob 20, the direction switch 21, the lift operation lever 22, and the tilt operation lever 23 have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Other configurations such as a trackball and a touch switch can also be used as the operation input unit.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the first electrodes 41, 51 are electrically connected to the second electrodes 42, 52 and are rotatable together with the knob 20 relative to the second electrodes 42, 52, but this configuration is not essential. The knob 20 is rotatable relative to the steering wheel 11, but this configuration is not essential.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the knob controller 30 that generates the CAN signal in advance is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this example. An operation signal from the operation input unit may be input directly to the vehicle controller 12 via the transmission units 40 and 50.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the knob 20 is disposed on the left side of the steering wheel 11 so as to be held with the left hand, and the operation input unit is configured to be operated with the left hand, but it may also be disposed on the right side of the steering wheel 11 so as to be held with the right hand. In this case, the operation input unit may be configured symmetrically to the above embodiment so as to be operated with the right hand.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a forklift is used as an example of the cargo handling vehicle 1, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other cargo handling vehicles such as a road roller, a power shovel, etc.

[0072] Incidentally, in the above embodiment, the transmission units 40, 50 are configured by wires, but they may be configured to transmit operation signals from the operation input unit to the controller of the cargo handling vehicle 1 wirelessly.

[0073] The constituent elements of various aspects of the present invention will be described below. [1] An operating device for operating a cargo handling vehicle, a knob provided on a steering wheel of the cargo handling vehicle; an operation input unit provided on the knob and configured to receive an input for operation of at least one of the traveling device and the cargo handling device; a transmission unit provided between the steering wheel and the knob and configured to transmit an operation signal from the operation input unit to a controller of the cargo handling vehicle, The transmission unit includes a first electrode provided on the knob and a second electrode fixed to the steering wheel and electrically connected to the first electrode. [2] the knob is rotatable relative to the steering wheel; The operating device according to [1], wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode and is rotatable together with the knob relative to the second electrode. [3] the transmission portion includes a ring member fixed to the steering wheel and an elastic member fixed to the knob, the second electrode is an annular electrode extending along the circumferential direction of the ring member, The operating device according to [2], wherein the first electrode is pressed against the annular electrode by the elastic member. [4] The operation device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the transmission unit has a CAN signal generation unit that generates a CAN signal based on an operation signal from the operation input unit. [5] the cargo handling vehicle is a forklift, The operation of the traveling device is an operation to select a traveling direction of forward or backward, The operation device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the operation of the cargo handling device is the operation of a lift device and the operation of a tilt device. [6] a grip detection unit provided on the knob for detecting that the knob is gripped; The operating device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the operation signal to the controller when the grip detection unit does not detect that the knob is gripped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...loading vehicle, 1A...traveling device, 1B...loading device, 4...lift cylinder (lift device), 9...tilt cylinder (tilt device), 11...steering wheel, 12...vehicle controller (controller), 20...knob, 21...direction switch (operation input unit), 22...lift operation lever (operation input unit), 23...tilt operation lever (operation input unit), 24...grip detection unit, 28, 28A...elastic member, 30...knob controller (transmission unit, CAN signal generation unit), 40, 50...transmission unit, 41, 51...first electrode, 42, 52...second electrode, 60, 60A...ring member, 62, 62A...annular electrode, 100...operation device.

Claims

1. An operating device for operating a cargo handling vehicle, a knob provided on a steering wheel of the cargo handling vehicle; an operation input unit provided on the knob and configured to receive an input for operation of at least one of the traveling device and the cargo handling device; a transmission unit provided between the steering wheel and the knob and configured to transmit an operation signal from the operation input unit to a controller of the cargo handling vehicle, The transmission unit includes a first electrode provided on the knob, and a second electrode fixed to the steering wheel and electrically connected to the first electrode.

2. the knob is rotatable relative to the steering wheel; The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode and is rotatable together with the knob relative to the second electrode.

3. the transmission portion includes a ring member fixed to the steering wheel and an elastic member fixed to the knob, the second electrode is an annular electrode extending along the circumferential direction of the ring member, The operating device according to claim 2 , wherein the first electrode is pressed against the annular electrode by the elastic member.

4. The operation device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit includes a CAN signal generation unit that generates a CAN signal based on the operation signal from the operation input unit.

5. the cargo handling vehicle is a forklift, The operation of the traveling device is an operation to select a traveling direction of forward or backward, 3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the cargo handling device is the operation of a lift device and the operation of a tilt device.

6. a grip detection unit provided on the knob for detecting that the knob is gripped; The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the operation signal to the controller when the grip detection unit does not detect that the knob is gripped.

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