Tilt indicator

Abstract

To provide an inclination indicator capable of supporting determination work of an inclination of a mast by a worker without spending cost.SOLUTION: The tilt indicator includes a rotating member that rotates in the front-rear direction about a fixed shaft disposed in a direction perpendicular to a side surface of the mast, a first weight provided on a lower side of the rotating member in a vertical direction, a second weight provided on a front side of the rotating member in a horizontal direction along the front-rear direction, and a needle member provided on a rear side of the rotating member in the horizontal direction. And a fixing member for fixing the index member to a side surface of the mast.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tilt indicators. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when using a forklift to handle and transport cargo, the tilt of the mast supporting the forks (also known as the degree of tilt or tilt angle) has been determined by the driver or guide (hereinafter referred to as the worker), but it has been difficult for the human eye or senses to grasp subtle tilts.

[0003] As a means for solving such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a computer controls the tilt angle successively detected by a tilt angle sensor provided on the mast so that it is the same as a preset tilt angle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-23940 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] While the invention of Patent Document 1 can reduce the burden on workers, it has the problem of high costs for manufacturing and installing sensors, computers, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to support workers in determining the inclination of a mast without incurring additional costs.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an inclination indicator that can assist an operator in determining the inclination of a mast without incurring any cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A tilt indicator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a tilt indicator mounted on a forklift truck having forks on which cargo is placed and a mast that tilts in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body together with the forks, and includes a rotating member that rotates in the fore-and-aft direction around a fixed axis that is arranged perpendicular to the side of the mast, a first weight mounted vertically below the rotating member, a second weight mounted on the front side of the vehicle body in the horizontal direction of the rotating member along the fore-and-aft direction, a pointer member mounted on the rear side of the vehicle body in the horizontal direction, an indicator member that indicates the tilt of the mast depending on the position of the pointer member, and a fixing member for fixing to the side of the mast. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist workers in determining the inclination of a mast without incurring any costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a left side view of a forklift truck according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the tilt indicator of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] Enlarged view of the dotted line area in Figure 1 [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pointer member and an index member according to the present embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a housing and a guide portion according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the housing of the present embodiment is attached to a mast. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that common components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] First, a forklift 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the left side of the forklift 1. In Fig. 1, arrow X indicates the vehicle length direction (an example of the horizontal direction), and arrow Y indicates the vehicle height direction (vertical direction).

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the forklift 1 has a body 2 including a main frame, front and rear wheels 3 and 4 as drive wheels, a driver's seat 5 where a driver (not shown) sits, a steering wheel 6 that the driver uses to operate the forklift 1, forks 7 on which cargo (not shown) is placed, a mast 8 that tilts together with the forks 7 in the fore-and-aft direction of the body 2 (see arrow A, which may also be called the pitch direction), and a tilt indicator 9 that shows the tilt of the mast 8. Known components other than these may be applied, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0013] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the forks 7 tilt in conjunction with the tilting of the mast 8. Specifically, when the driver tilts the mast 8 forward (counterclockwise of the two directions indicated by arrow A), the forks also tilt forward. When the driver tilts the mast 8 rearward (clockwise of the two directions indicated by arrow A), the forks also tilt rearward. The forks 7 can be raised and lowered in the height direction of the mast 8.

[0014] Furthermore, this embodiment is characterized in that a tilt indicator 9 that shows the driver the tilt of the mast 8 is attached to the mast 8 (specifically, to the side of the mast 8). The tilt indicator 9 is attached in the height direction of the mast 8 (the same direction as the arrow Y) near the extension of the line of sight of the driver sitting in the driver's seat 5. Details of the tilt indicator 9 will be described later.

[0015] Although the forklift 1 of this embodiment has been described above, the forklift applicable to the present disclosure is not limited to the one shown in Fig. 1, and may be any type of forklift in which the forks supported by the mast tilt in accordance with the tilt of the mast. In addition, any type of mast may be used as long as it has enough space to attach the tilt indicator 9.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the tilt indicator 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the tilt indicator 9. In Fig. 2, arrow Z is a direction perpendicular to the directions of arrows X and Y, and indicates the vehicle width direction (an example of the horizontal direction).

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the device includes a rotating member 10, a fixed shaft 11, a bearing 12, a vertical shaft 13, a first weight 14, a horizontal shaft 15, a second weight 16, a pointer member 17, an index member 18, and a housing 19.

[0018] The rotating member 10 is a member that rotates around a fixed shaft 11 in the direction of arrow B. The direction of arrow B is the same as the direction of arrow A shown in FIG.

[0019] The fixed shaft 11 is a rod-shaped member (for example, a bolt) that is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the mast 8 shown in FIG. 1 (the direction of the arrow Z).

[0020] A magnet 21 (an example of a fixing member) that can be attached to and detached from the side surface of the mast 8 is provided at the end of the fixed shaft 11 (specifically, the end facing the side surface of the mast 8). The side surface of the mast 8 is made of a metal (for example, iron) that is attracted to a magnet. Therefore, by bringing the magnet 21 provided at the end of the fixed shaft 11 into contact with the side surface of the mast 8, the fixed shaft 11 can be fixed to the side surface of the mast 8.

[0021] A through-hole (not shown) large enough to allow the fixed shaft 11 to pass through is provided in the side surface of the housing 19 (specifically, the surface facing the side surface of the mast 8), and a part of the fixed shaft 11, including the end where the magnet 21 is provided, protrudes through the through-hole to the outside of the housing 19. The fixed shaft 11 is fixed to the side surface of the housing 19 at the through-hole.

[0022] A bearing 12 is provided around the fixed shaft 11. As the bearing 12, a known bearing can be used.

[0023] With the above-described configuration, only the rotating member 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow B without the fixed shaft 11 itself rotating.

[0024] The first weight 14 is a heavy object made of, for example, a metal block. As shown in Fig. 2, the first weight 14 is provided below the rotating member 10 in the vertical direction (the direction of arrow Y) via a vertical shaft 13.

[0025] The vertical shaft 13 is a rod-shaped member provided along the direction of the arrow Y. The rotating member 10 is connected to one end of the vertical shaft 13, and the first weight 14 is connected to the other end of the vertical shaft 13. Note that the vertical shaft 13 may be formed integrally with both the rotating member 10 and the first weight 14.

[0026] The second weight 16 is a heavy object made of, for example, a metal block. As shown in Fig. 2, the second weight 16 is provided via a horizontal shaft 15 on the front side (left side in Fig. 2) of the vehicle body 2 relative to the rotating member 10 in the horizontal direction (direction of arrow X) of the rotating member 10 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 2.

[0027] The horizontal shaft 15 is a rod-shaped member provided along the direction of the arrow X. The rotating member 10 is connected to one end of the horizontal shaft 15, and the second weight 16 is connected to the other end of the horizontal shaft 15. Note that the horizontal shaft 15 may be formed integrally with both the rotating member 10 and the second weight 16.

[0028] The weights of the first weight 14 and the second weight 16 are designed taking into consideration the weights of the vertical axis 13, the horizontal axis 15, and the pointer member 17, respectively, so that the pointer member 17 and the horizontal axis 15 are always kept horizontal, and the vertical axis 13 is always kept vertical.

[0029] The pointer member 17 is a rod-shaped member having one end connected to the rotating member 10 and the other end disposed on the indicator member 18. As shown in Fig. 2, the pointer member 17 is bent midway. Hereinafter, the bent portion (the dotted line portion in Fig. 2) is used as a reference, and the portion on the rotating member 10 side is referred to as the "rear end portion," and the portion on the indicator member 18 side is referred to as the "front end portion."

[0030] The rear end portion of the pointer member 17 is provided on the rear side of the vehicle body 2 (to the right in FIG. 2) with respect to the rotating member 10 in the horizontal direction (direction of arrow X) of the rotating member 10 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 2. Similarly to the horizontal shaft 15, the rear end portion of the pointer member 17 is provided along the direction of arrow X.

[0031] 2, most of the rear end portion of pointer member 17 is provided inside housing 19, which will be described later, and the portion near the bent portion is exposed to the outside of housing 19. Although not shown, an opening is provided on the side of housing 19 so that pointer member 17 can be exposed to the outside of housing 19 (so that pointer member 17 can protrude to the outside from the side of housing 19), and the opening is designed to be large enough to allow pointer member 17 to move in the direction of arrow C.

[0032] The tip of pointer member 17 is provided along the direction of arrow Z. A gap is provided between the tip of pointer member 17 and index member 18, and the tip of pointer member 17 is arranged to be movable on index member 18 in the direction of arrow C.

[0033] Here, the effect obtained by bending the pointer 17 will be described. If the pointer 17 were provided only in the direction of the arrow X without being bent, the driver would look at the radial portion of the tip of the pointer 17, but because the area of ​​this portion is very small, it would be difficult for the driver to visually recognize the movement of the pointer 17. In contrast, in this embodiment, the driver would look at the axial portion of the tip of the pointer 17, and because the area of ​​this portion is large, the driver would be able to easily visually recognize the movement of the pointer 17.

[0034] The indicator member 18 is a planar member that indicates the inclination of the mast 8 according to the position of the pointer member 17. The inclination of the mast 8 here refers to the inclination of the mast 8 with respect to the running surface of the forklift 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the running surface). The inclination of the mast 8 can also be referred to as the inclination of the forks 7 (specifically, the portion that extends forward and on which cargo is placed).

[0035] The indicator member 18 is provided at a position facing the driver sitting in the driver's seat 5 (in other words, at a position that the driver can see in front of him). For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the indicator member 18 may be provided on the surface of the mast 8 facing the driver.

[0036] Furthermore, the indicator member 18 may be provided integrally with the housing 19, which will be described later, or may be provided separately from the housing 19. Furthermore, the indicator member 18 may be disposed at a position away from the mast 8 (for example, at a position closer to the driver) by being supported by a predetermined support member.

[0037] A specific example of the inclination of the mast 8 indicated by the pointer member 17 in the indicator member 18 will be described later.

[0038] 2, the housing 19 accommodates the rotating member 10, a portion of the fixed shaft 11, the bearing 12, the vertical shaft 13, the first weight 14, the horizontal shaft 15, the second weight 16, and a portion of the rear end portion of the pointer member 17.

[0039] When the tilt indicator 9 shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the mast 8, the positional relationship between the housing 19, its contents (rotating member 10, vertical shaft 13, first weight 14, horizontal shaft 15, second weight 16, etc.), pointer member 17 outside the housing 19, and indicator member 18 is as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion in FIG. 1. Arrow D shown in FIG. 3 indicates the line of sight of the driver sitting in the driver's seat 5.

[0040] The configuration of the tilt indicator 9 has been described above.

[0041] Next, a specific example of the inclination of the mast 8 indicated by the pointer member 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a front view showing the pointer member 17 and the indicator member 18.

[0042] 4 corresponds to the "tip portion of the pointer member 17" described above, but in the following description it will be simply referred to as the "pointer member 17." In the following description, the front in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2 (counterclockwise in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1) will be simply referred to as the "front," and the rear in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2 (clockwise in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1) will be simply referred to as the "rear."

[0043] 4, linear scales a to e are marked on the indicator member 18. The number and shape of the scales on the indicator member 18 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[0044] Scale mark c means that the mast 8 is not tilted in either the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 2 (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1). In other words, scale mark c means that the forks 7 are parallel to the traveling surface of the forklift 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the pointer member 17 points to scale mark c, the driver can see that the mast 8 is not tilted (the forks 7 are parallel to the traveling surface).

[0045] Both scales a and b indicate that the mast 8 is tilted backward. Scale a indicates a greater backward tilt than scale b. Therefore, although not shown, when the pointer 17 points to scale a or scale b, the driver can see that the mast 8 is tilted backward, and can then tilt the mast 8 forward so that the pointer 17 returns to scale c.

[0046] Both scales d and e indicate that the mast 8 is tilted forward. Scale e indicates a greater forward tilt than scale d. Therefore, although not shown, when the pointer 17 points to scale e or scale d, the driver can see that the mast 8 is tilted forward, and can then tilt the mast 8 backward so that the pointer 17 returns to scale c.

[0047] As described above, the indicator member 18 can be said to indicate the inclination of the mast 8 with respect to the traveling surface of the forklift 1 in different directions and in stages.

[0048] A specific example of the inclination of the mast 8 indicated by the pointer member 17 has been described above.

[0049] The main configuration and effects of the tilt indicator 9 of this embodiment described above will be summarized below.

[0050] The tilt indicator 9 of this embodiment is a tilt indicator 9 provided on a forklift 1 that has forks 7 on which cargo is placed and a mast 8 that tilts together with the forks 7 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2 (in the direction of arrow A), and is characterized by having a rotating member 10 that rotates in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2 around a fixed axis 11 that is arranged vertically (in the direction of arrow Z) to the side of the mast 8, a first weight 14 provided below the rotating member 10 in the vertical direction (in the direction of arrow Y), a second weight 16 provided on the front side of the vehicle body 2 in the horizontal direction (in the direction of arrow X) of the rotating member 10 along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2, a pointer member 17 provided on the rear side of the vehicle body 2 in the above horizontal direction, an indicator member 18 that indicates the tilt of the mast 8 depending on the position of the pointer member 17, and a fixing member (magnet 21) for fixing to the side of the mast 8.

[0051] Therefore, the tilt indicator 9 of this embodiment can assist the worker in determining the tilt of the mast without incurring any cost. In particular, when going up and down a slope with a load on the forks, it is necessary to adjust the tilt of the mast according to the slope of the slope and keep the forks level with the traveling surface to prevent the load from falling. In such cases, the tilt indicator 9 of this embodiment allows the operator to easily visually check the tilt of the mast, greatly reducing the burden of the above operation.

[0052] Furthermore, the tilt indicator 9 of this embodiment is highly versatile because it can be widely applied to existing forklifts.

[0053] Furthermore, the tilt indicator 9 of this embodiment has a simple structure, which has the advantage of being less prone to breakdowns.

[0054] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Modifications will be described below.

[0055] [Variation 1] The tilt indicator 9 may further have a guide portion for fixing the tilt indicator 9 to the side surface of the mast 8 by aligning the vertical direction of the mast 8 with the vertical direction of the rotating member 10. A specific example of this will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the housing 19 and guide portion 20 of the tilt indicator 9. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the housing 19 shown in Figure 5 attached to the mast 8. Note that in Figures 5 and 6, the pointer member 17 exposed outside the housing 19 is not shown.

[0056] 5 and 6, the surface E of the housing 19 is provided with the opening described above (a through hole of a size that allows the rear end portion of the pointer member 17 to pass through and enables the pointer member 17 to move in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2).

[0057] The guide portion 20 is a planar member that is provided integrally with the housing 19. As shown in Fig. 5, the guide portion 20 is provided so as to form the same plane as the surface E and to extend in the direction of the arrow Z.

[0058] When attaching the tilt indicator 9 to the mast 8, the worker makes sure that the guide part 20 abuts against the surface F of the mast 8 (the surface facing the operator) as shown in Figure 6. This makes it easy to align the vertical direction of the tilt indicator 9 with the vertical direction of the mast 8.

[0059] [Variation 2] In the embodiment, the tilt indicator 9 is described as being fixed to the mast 8 by a magnet 21 provided at the end of the fixed shaft 11 exposed outside the housing 19, but this is not limited to this.

[0060] For example, the entire fixed shaft 11 may be housed in the housing 19, and at least one end of the fixed shaft 11 may be fixed to the inner wall of the housing 19. Also, a magnet may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 19 (the surface facing the side surface of the mast 8).

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a magnet has been used as an example of a fixing member for fixing the tilt indicator 9 to the mast 8, but other members may also be used.

[0062] Furthermore, the shape, size, and position of each component described in the embodiments and variant examples are not limited to the above description and the illustrations in the figures, and can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The tilt indicator of the present disclosure is useful for operators to visually determine the tilt of a forklift mast. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 forklift 2. Body 3 Front wheels 4 rear wheels 5 Driver's seat 6 Steering wheel 7. Fork 8 Mast 9 Tilt indicator 10 Rotating member 11 Fixed axis 12 bearings 13 Vertical Axis 14 First Weight 15 horizontal axis 16 Second Weight 17 Pointer member 18 Indicator member 19. Cabinet 20 Guide section 21 Magnet

Claims

1. A tilt indicator provided on a forklift truck having forks on which loads are placed and a mast that tilts in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body together with the forks, a rotating member that rotates in the forward and rearward direction around a fixed shaft that is disposed perpendicular to a side surface of the mast; a first weight provided vertically below the rotating member; a second weight provided on a front side of the vehicle body in a horizontal direction of the rotating member along the front-rear direction; a pointer member provided on the rear side of the vehicle body in the horizontal direction; an indicator member that indicates the inclination of the mast according to the position of the pointer member; a fixing member for fixing to a side surface of the mast, Tilt indicator.

2. The tilt indicator further includes a guide portion for fixing the tilt indicator to a side surface of the mast by aligning the vertical direction of the mast with the vertical direction of the rotating member.

2. The tilt indicator of claim 1.

3. The indicator member is provided at a position facing a driver seated in a driver's seat behind the mast, the pointer member is bent in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and is arranged to be movable on the indicator member; 2. The tilt indicator of claim 1.

4. the fixing member is a magnet that is detachable from the side surface of the mast, The magnet is provided at an end of the fixed shaft.

2. The tilt indicator of claim 1.

5. The indicator member indicates the inclination of the mast relative to the running surface of the forklift in different directions and in stages.

2. The tilt indicator of claim 1.

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