Weight change system

Abstract

To prevent accidents caused by decreased concentration due to heat. [Solution] The weight change system S is a weight change system S used in a forklift 1 and comprises a weight change unit 21, a score output unit 303, a weight determination unit 305, and a change command unit 307. The weight change unit 21 changes the weight of both or one of the pedals 14 and levers 15 of the forklift 1, and the score output unit 303 outputs a heatstroke score, which is the heatstroke risk score of the driver H. The weight determination unit 305 decides to increase the weight of both or one of the pedals 14 and levers 15 according to the heatstroke score, and the change command unit 307 controls the weight change unit 21 in accordance with the decision of the weight determination unit 305 to change the weight of both or one of the pedals 14 and levers 15.

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] In recent years, the risk of heat stroke due to the influence of global warming has been increasing. Logistics warehouses where forklifts perform cargo handling work tend to be hot and humid, and in midsummer, it is not uncommon for the indoor temperature to exceed 40°C. In addition, forklifts generally do not have air conditioning equipment, and since the driver wears a helmet, heat tends to build up in the head. Furthermore, the operation of forklifts often lasts for a long time. Therefore, forklift drivers are at risk of heat stroke. Therefore, measures against heat stroke are required for forklift drivers.

[0003] However, even if the temperature of the logistics warehouse is lowered, the forklift often moves from the logistics warehouse to the outdoors, and it is not possible to stop wearing the helmet. Therefore, it is important to reduce the operation time as much as possible and appropriately replenish water and minerals. On the other hand, even if it does not reach heat stroke, due to the heat, concentration may decline without being noticed. When concentration declines, mistakes may occur in the work that is normally done, and the risk of accidents increases. Therefore, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a forklift that switches between manned operation and unmanned operation in consideration of the physical condition of the operator. However, since this forklift is a forklift that can be used for both manned and unmanned operations, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to a forklift dedicated to manned operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a system that can prevent accidents caused by decreased concentration due to heat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the weight changing system according to the present invention is A weight change system used in forklifts, A weight adjustment unit for changing the weight of both or one of the pedals and levers of a forklift, A score output unit that outputs a heatstroke score, which is a score indicating the driver's risk of heatstroke, A weight determination unit that determines whether to increase the weight of both or one of the pedals and / or levers according to the heatstroke score, The system includes a weight change command unit that controls a weight change unit according to the determination of a weight determination unit to change the weight of both or one of the pedals and levers.

[0007] The above weight changing system is preferably, A camera that photographs the driver and generates an image of the driver, The system further includes a replenishment detection unit that detects when the driver has replenished their fluids based on the driver's image, The score output unit outputs a heatstroke score based on the interval between the driver's hydration breaks.

[0008] The above weight changing system is preferably, The replenishment detection unit has a pre-trained model that learns the arm-raising and lowering movements during hydration in a series of consecutive driver images, and outputs that the driver has hydrated when a series of consecutive driver images of the driver hydrating are input.

[0009] The above weight changing system is preferably, The score output unit outputs the driver's heatstroke score based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace.

[0010] The above weight changing system is preferably, The score output unit outputs the driver's heatstroke score based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace and the interval between the driver's hydration breaks.

[0011] The above weight changing system is preferably, It also includes a hydration sensor that detects whether or not the driver is hydrating, The score output unit outputs a heatstroke score based on the interval between the driver's hydration breaks.

[0012] The above weight changing system is preferably, A replenishment memory unit that stores a notification that hydration has been replenished, which was made by a person other than the driver. The system further includes a replenishment detection unit that detects when the driver has replenished fluids based on the memory in the replenishment memory unit, The score output unit outputs a heatstroke score based on the interval between the driver's hydration breaks.

[0013] The above weight changing system is preferably, It also includes a camera that photographs the driver and generates an image of the driver, The score output unit has a pre-trained model that is designed to output a heatstroke score when a driver's image is input.

[0014] To solve the above problems, the forklift according to the present invention is equipped with a weight changing system as described in any of the above.

[0015] To solve the above problems, the weight changing program according to the present invention is: A weight adjustment unit for changing the weight of the pedals and levers or either of them of a forklift, A program used in a weight changing system equipped with a computer, On the computer, A score output unit that outputs a heatstroke score, which is a score of the risk of heatstroke for a driver, A weight determination unit that determines to increase the weight of both or one of the pedal and the lever according to the heatstroke score, A change command unit that controls a weight change unit to change the weight of both or one of the pedal and the lever according to the determination of the weight determination unit, and causes it to be executed.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] The weight change system according to the present invention can prevent accidents caused by a decrease in concentration due to heat by changing the weight of both or one of the pedal and the lever according to the heatstroke score.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a side view of a forklift according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a weight change system. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the operation of a learned model. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the flow of a weight change system.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a weight change system according to the present invention and a forklift equipped with the system 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 according to the present invention may be configured to change the weight of either one of the pedal and the lever.

[0019] <Configuration of Forklift> Figure 1 is a side view of a forklift 1 according to this embodiment. Forklift 1 is a battery-powered counterbalanced forklift, but this is merely an example, and the forklift according to the present invention is not limited to this. Forklift 1 includes a plurality of wheels 10, a body 11, a driver's seat 12, a head guard 13, pedals 14, levers 15, left and right masts 16, left and right forks 17, a speaker 19, a camera 22, a weight changing unit 21 (see Figure 2), an environment detection unit 24 (see Figure 2), and a control unit 30 (see Figure 2). The system comprising this camera 22, speaker 19, environment detection unit 24, weight changing unit 21, and control unit 30 is the weight changing system S according to this embodiment.

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

[0021] Pedal 14 has an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and an inching pedal, and is located below the driver's seat 12. In this invention, "pedal" only needs to have at least one pedal such as an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and an inching pedal, and does not need to have all of these pedals.

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

[0023] The left and right forks 17 are configured to be able to be raised and lowered via the left and right masts 16, and the driver H operates the lift lever to raise and lower the forks 17 to perform cargo handling operations.

[0024] In this embodiment, speaker 19 is located on the head guard 13. Speaker 19 emits a warning sound to inform driver H of a weight change, which will be described later. The warning sound may be, for example, "The weight of the pedals and levers will be increased" if the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 is to be increased.

[0025] The weight adjustment unit 21 changes the operating weight of the lever 15 and pedal 14 based on commands from the adjustment command unit 307 (see Figure 2), which will be explained later. The weight adjustment unit 21 includes a pedal weight adjustment unit that adjusts the weight of the pedal 14 and a lever weight adjustment unit that adjusts the weight of the lever 15. If the weight adjustment unit 21 is configured to adjust the weight of either the pedal 14 or the lever 15, it will have either the pedal weight adjustment unit or the lever weight adjustment unit.

[0026] The pedal weight adjustment unit changes the weight of the pedal 14 when the driver H presses it, based on a command from the adjustment command unit 307. The pedal weight adjustment unit is composed of, for example, a device that can adjust the weight by hydraulics, or a device that can adjust the weight by a spring.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the pedal weight adjustment unit may also function as an assist device that assists the force applied to the pedal 14. In this case, the pedal weight adjustment unit may adjust the assist force based on a command from the adjustment command unit 307, thereby substantially changing the weight of the pedal 14 when pressed by the driver H.

[0028] Alternatively, the pedal weight adjustment unit may be configured, for example, to change the magnitude of the power or braking force of each device in response to the amount of force applied to the pedal 14, based on a command from the adjustment command unit 307. In this way, the pedal weight adjustment unit substantially changes the weight of the pedal 14.

[0029] The lever weight adjustment section is comprised of, 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.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the lever weight adjustment unit may also function as an assist device that assists in the operation of the lever 15 in relation to its weight. In this case, the lever weight adjustment unit may adjust the assist force based on a command from the adjustment command unit 307, thereby substantially changing the weight of the lever 15 when operated by the driver H.

[0031] Alternatively, the lever weight adjustment unit may be configured, for example, to change the magnitude of the power of each device in response to the amount of operation of the lever 15, based on a command from the adjustment command unit 307. In this way, the lever weight adjustment unit substantially changes the weight of the lever 15.

[0032] Camera 22 is positioned on the pillar 23 to photograph the driver H and generate a driver image DG. The placement of camera 22 is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0033] The environmental detection unit 24 has a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor capable of detecting the temperature and humidity of the area where cargo handling operations are performed. The environmental detection unit 24 may be installed on the forklift 1, but the location where the environmental detection unit 24 is installed is not particularly limited. For example, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be installed in the facility, and the environmental detection unit 24 may further have an acquisition unit that acquires temperature and humidity by wirelessly communicating with these sensors. This acquisition unit may also be installed on the forklift 1.

[0034] The control unit 30 is comprised of a computer located within the vehicle body 11 and includes a calculation unit, a storage device, and memory. The storage device stores a weight change program that causes the computer to execute as a replenishment detection unit 301, a score output unit 303, a weight determination unit 305, a change notification unit 306, and a change command unit 307, which will be described later.

[0035] <Functional configuration of the weight change system> Next, the functional configuration of the weight change system S will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 30 includes a supply detection unit 301, a score output unit 303, a weight determination unit 305, a change notification unit 306, and a change command unit 307.

[0036] The replenishment detection unit 301 is configured to detect when driver H has replenished fluids based on driver images DG, and has a pre-trained model. The pre-trained model has been pre-machine-trained using training data that takes consecutive driver images DG as input data and outputs whether or not hydration was replenished. The consecutive driver images DG include images taken when hydration is replenished, and the pre-trained model learns the movements of driver H when hydrating, for example, by learning the movement of raising and lowering the arm when bringing a beverage bottle (such as a plastic bottle) to the mouth. As a result, when the pre-trained model is input with multiple consecutive driver images DG taken when driver H has hydrated, it can output that driver H has hydrated.

[0037] A trained model may consist of multiple trained models. As shown in Figure 3, for example, a trained model may have a first trained model and a second trained model. The first trained model may be machine-trained to output skeletal information (information on the orientation and shape of the skeleton) when a driver image DG is input, and the second trained model may be machine-trained to output whether or not the driver H has hydrated based on the skeletal information.

[0038] In this embodiment, the score output unit 303 outputs a heatstroke risk score for driver H (hereinafter referred to as the "heatstroke score") based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace and the interval between water intakes for driver H output by the hydration detection unit 301. For example, the score output unit 303 may be configured to calculate the heatstroke score based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace, maintain the heatstroke score if the water intake intervals in the calculated heatstroke score are appropriate, and increase the heatstroke score if the water intake intervals in the calculated heatstroke score are not appropriate. Thus, for example, the score output unit 303 may output a moderate heatstroke score if water intake is made within 30 minutes when the workplace temperature is 29°C and the humidity is 50%, a slightly high heatstroke score if water intake is not made for 30 minutes or more, and a high heatstroke score if water intake is not made for 1 hour or more. Furthermore, the score output unit 303 outputs a high heatstroke score if the temperature in the workplace is above a predetermined temperature, even if the worker is frequently rehydrating.

[0039] The weight determination unit 305 determines to increase the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 according to the outputted heatstroke score. Therefore, the higher the heatstroke score, the heavier the pedal 14 and lever 15 will be. This allows the weight determination unit 305 to ensure that cargo handling operations are performed carefully when the risk of heatstroke is high and the driver H's concentration is reduced. Alternatively, the weight determination unit 305 may decide to increase the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 when the heatstroke score is above a predetermined level, and decide not to change the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 (not to increase the weight) when the heatstroke score is below a predetermined level.

[0040] More specifically, the weight determination unit 305 determines that the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 will not be changed (they will remain at the first weight) when the heatstroke score is less than the first predetermined score. The weight determination unit 305 also determines that the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 will be increased (to the second weight) when the heatstroke score is moderate. Furthermore, the weight determination unit 305 determines that the weight will be increased further (to the third weight) when the heatstroke score is equal to or greater than the second predetermined score.

[0041] When the weight determination unit 305 determines that the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 should be increased, the change notification unit 306 notifies the driver H of the change in weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 by voice through the speaker 19. In this way, the change notification unit 306 makes the driver H aware of the change in weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15. At this time, the change notification unit 306 may also inform the driver H by voice through the speaker 19 that the risk of heatstroke is increasing. In this way, the change notification unit 306 can encourage the driver H to drive more carefully and help them avoid heatstroke.

[0042] The weight change command unit 307 controls the weight change unit 21 according to the determination of the weight determination unit 305 to change the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15. As a result, the weight change system S allows the driver H to perform loading and unloading operations carefully when the risk of heatstroke is high.

[0043] <Flowchart of the weight change system> Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4, the operation of the weight changing system S according to this embodiment will be explained again.

[0044] (1) First, the weight change system S measures the temperature and humidity in the workplace (see S1 in Figure 4) and takes a picture of the driver H to generate a driver image DG (see S2 in Figure 4).

[0045] (2) The weight change system S also detects that the driver H has replenished his fluids using the replenishment detection unit 301 (see S3 in Figure 4).

[0046] (3) Next, the weight change system S outputs a heatstroke score based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace and the interval between driver H's hydration changes (see S4 in Figure 4).

[0047] (4) Next, the weight adjustment system S determines the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 based on the heatstroke score (see S5 in Figure 4).

[0048] (5) Next, when the weight change system S decides to increase the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15, it notifies the driver H that the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 will be increased (see S6 in Figure 4), and then increases the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 (see S7 in Figure 4).

[0049] In this way, the weight adjustment system S can prevent sudden braking, sudden acceleration, sudden ascents and descents, and major operating errors by increasing the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 when the risk of heatstroke is high, thereby encouraging careful operation by the driver H. Conversely, when the risk of heatstroke is low, the weight adjustment system S can allow for quick operation of the pedals 14 and levers 15 by not increasing their weight.

[0050] Although one embodiment of the weight changing system and forklift according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The weight changing system and forklift according to the present invention may be implemented, for example, by each of the following modifications or by combining each of the modifications.

[0051] <Variation> The forklift 1 may be a reach forklift. In this case, pedal 14 may include a presence pedal. The forklift 1 may also be an engine-powered forklift. In this case, pedal 14 may include a clutch pedal. Furthermore, if the forklift 1 is a reach forklift, lever 15 may include an accelerator lever. As described above, the "pedal" in the present invention includes at least one of the above pedals, and the "lever" includes at least one of the above levers. The weight changing system S according to the present invention changes the weight of at least one of the above levers and pedals.

[0052] The score output unit 303 may output the heatstroke score for driver H based solely on the temperature and humidity in the workplace.

[0053] The weight change system S may further include a replenishment sensor that detects whether or not the driver H is hydrating. The replenishment sensor may be placed, for example, where the beverage bottle is placed, and detect when the beverage bottle is lifted, thereby detecting that the driver H has hydrated.

[0054] The system may further include a hydration memory unit that notifies a person other than driver H that hydration has been taken and stores the notification, and the score output unit 303 may output a heatstroke score based on the storage in the hydration memory unit. In this case, for example, a person other than driver H is driver H's administrator, and the administrator notifies a designated place each time driver H hydrates at a hydration location, and the notification is stored in a hydration memory unit provided on the cloud. The score output unit 303 then outputs a heatstroke score based on the storage in the hydration memory unit. This allows the administrator to manage driver H's hydration and to have driver H operate cautiously based on the timing of hydration.

[0055] The score output unit 303 may have a pre-trained model that has been pre-machine-trained to output a heatstroke score when a driver image DG is input. This pre-trained model is pre-machine-trained using training data that takes multiple driver image DGs with different degrees of sweating as input data and heatstroke scores as output data, and is configured to recognize the degree of sweating when a driver image DG is input and output a heatstroke score based on the degree of sweating. In this case, the weight change system S does not need to include a replenishment detection unit 301 and an environment detection unit 24.

[0056] Camera 22 may be, for example, a thermal imaging camera. In this case, the score output unit 303 is configured to detect the driver's body temperature based on the driver image DG and output a heatstroke score based on that body temperature. In this case, the weight change system S does not need to include the replenishment detection unit 301 and the environment detection unit 24.

[0057] • Any of the components of the control unit 30 may be configured, for example, by a server computer located on the cloud. In this case, the weight changing system S changes the weight of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 or either of them by communicating with this server computer.

[0058] The forklift 1 may be equipped with a monitor instead of a speaker 19, and the change notification unit 306 may notify the user via this monitor that the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 or either of them will be changed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] S Weight change system DG driver image 1 Forklift 10 wheels 11 Car body 12 Driver's seat 13 Headguard 14 pedals 15 Lever 16 Mast 17 Forks 19 speakers 21 Weight change section 22 cameras 23 Pillar 24 Environmental detection unit 30 Control Unit 301 Resupply detection unit 303 Score Output Section 305 Weight determination unit 306 Notice of Changes 307 Change Command Unit

Claims

1. A weight change system used in forklifts, A weight changing unit that changes the weight of both or one of the pedals and levers of the forklift, A score output unit that outputs a heatstroke score, which is a score indicating the driver's risk of heatstroke, A weight determination unit that determines to increase the weight of both or one of the pedals and the lever according to the heatstroke score, A weight changing system comprising: a weight changing command unit that controls the weight changing unit according to the determination of the weight determining unit to change the weight of both or one of the pedal and the lever.

2. A camera that photographs the driver and generates a driver image, The system further includes a replenishment detection unit that detects when the driver has replenished fluids based on the driver image, The weight changing system according to claim 1, wherein the score output unit outputs the heatstroke score based on the interval between the driver's hydration doses.

3. The weight change system according to claim 2, wherein the replenishment detection unit has a trained model that has previously learned the arm raising and lowering movements when the driver replenishes water in a plurality of consecutive images of the driver, and when a plurality of consecutive images of the driver when the driver replenishes water are input, it outputs that the driver has replenished water.

4. The weight changing system according to claim 1, wherein the score output unit outputs the heatstroke score of the driver based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace.

5. The weight changing system according to claim 2, wherein the score output unit outputs the heatstroke score of the driver based on the temperature and humidity in the workplace and the interval between the driver's water intakes.

6. The system further includes a replenishment sensor that detects whether or not the driver is hydrating, The weight changing system according to claim 1, wherein the score output unit outputs the heatstroke score based on the interval between the driver's hydration doses.

7. A replenishment storage unit that stores a notification, which is made by a person other than the driver, that hydration has been provided. The system further includes a replenishment detection unit that detects that the driver has replenished fluids based on the memory stored in the replenishment memory unit, The weight changing system according to claim 1, wherein the score output unit outputs the heatstroke score based on the interval between the driver's hydration doses.

8. The system further includes a camera that photographs the driver and generates an image of the driver. The weight changing system according to claim 1, wherein the score output unit has a pre-trained model that has been machine-learned to output the heatstroke score when the driver image is input.

9. A forklift comprising a weight changing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A program used in a weight change system comprising a weight change unit that changes the weight of the pedals and / or levers of a forklift, and a computer, To the aforementioned computer, A score output unit that outputs a heatstroke score, which is a score indicating the driver's risk of heatstroke, A weight determination unit that determines to increase the weight of both or one of the pedals and the lever according to the heatstroke score, A weight change command unit controls the weight change unit to change the weight of both or one of the pedals and the lever, according to the determination of the weight determination unit, and a weight change program is executed by the command unit.

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