Alert System

Abstract

To provide an alert system that enables an operator to easily determine dangerous actions. [Solution] An alert system including an industrial vehicle, a sensor unit, and an audio alert unit 30, wherein the industrial vehicle is equipped with an input unit 18A to which an information signal is input, a memory unit 18B storing multiple dangerous act data linking dangerous acts, information signals, and dangerous act IDs, a processing unit 18C that identifies the dangerous act data from the information signal, and an output unit 18D that outputs a first signal related to the dangerous act ID, and the audio alert unit 30 is equipped with an audio data memory unit 30A storing multiple audio data linking the dangerous act ID with warning audio data, an audio data playback unit 30B that identifies audio data from the first signal and plays the warning audio data, and a speaker 30C that outputs the audio of the warning audio data, and is characterized in that the warning audio data includes first information related to the dangerous act of the linked dangerous act ID.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alert system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a forklift operation management system for managing the operation status of a forklift. The forklift operation management system is, for example, configured with a forklift equipped with a data logger unit (hereinafter, referred to as DLU), a server communicatively connected to the DLU, and a management device communicatively connected to the server.

[0003] The DLU can store not only the operation status of the forklift but also dangerous actions taken by the forklift on the server, so that the administrator of the forklift operation management system can access the server from the management device and check the operation status and dangerous actions of the forklift.

[0004] On the other hand, when a dangerous act occurs, the forklift warns the operator with a buzzer or a warning light. For example, when there is a step on the road surface, the forklift described in Patent Document 1 lights up a warning light on the instrument panel of the driver's seat or sounds a buzzer to notify the operator that a step is nearby. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-272700 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Dangerous acts of a forklift include not only driving on a road surface with steps, but also various other acts (for example, colliding with an obstacle above or with a person). However, as in the forklift described in Patent Document 1, when the warning means are only a buzzer and a warning light, the operator may not be able to immediately determine what kind of dangerous act has been detected.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an alert system that enables an operator to easily determine dangerous actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the alert system according to the present invention comprises: An industrial vehicle that performs a cargo handling traveling operation in a predetermined work area; A sensor unit provided in the work area and / or the industrial vehicle for detecting dangerous actions of the industrial vehicle; a voice alert unit provided in the industrial vehicle and configured to give a voice warning to an operator of the industrial vehicle; An alert system comprising: The industrial vehicle is An operation control unit that controls the cargo handling traveling operation; an input unit to which an information signal regarding detection information of the sensor unit and / or control information of the operation control unit is input; a storage unit that stores a plurality of risky behavior data in which the risky behavior, a determination condition for the risky behavior, and a unique risky behavior ID are linked; a processing unit that identifies risky behavior data that satisfies the judgment condition based on the information signal input to the input unit; an output unit that outputs a first signal related to the dangerous action ID of the dangerous action data identified by the processing unit, The audio alert unit is a voice data storage unit that stores a plurality of voice data in which the risky behavior ID is associated with warning voice data; a voice data reproducing unit which receives the first signal and reproduces the warning voice data linked to the dangerous act ID of the first signal; a speaker that outputs the sound of the warning sound data being reproduced by the sound data reproduction unit, The warning audio data is characterized in that it includes first information regarding the dangerous action of the linked dangerous action ID.

[0009] In the alert system, The storage unit associates the dangerous action ID with a restricted action of the cargo handling traveling operation, The output unit outputs a second signal related to the restricted action linked to the risky action ID to the action control unit; The operation control unit executes the restriction action based on the second signal, The warning audio data may be configured to include second information regarding the cargo handling traveling operation for avoiding the dangerous act of the associated dangerous act ID.

[0010] In the alert system, the storage unit associates the risky behavior ID with an output timing for outputting the second signal, the output unit outputs the second signal in accordance with the output timing; The output timing can be configured to be simultaneous with the timing of outputting the first signal, or a predetermined time after the timing of outputting the first signal.

[0011] The alert system comprises: a light alert unit that issues a first warning to the operator by light; The optical alert unit may be configured to issue the first warning during playback of the warning audio data.

[0012] The alert system comprises: a sound alert unit that issues a second warning to the operator using a sound other than voice; The audio data replay unit may be configured to replay the warning audio data after the second warning by the sound alert unit has ended.

[0013] In the alert system, The voice data storage unit includes: The warning sound data may be rewritable in a memory card.

[0014] In the alert system, the storage unit and / or the voice data storage unit associates the risk level of the risky behavior with the risky behavior ID, The audio data reproducing unit may be configured to reproduce the warning audio data a number of times when the danger level exceeds a predetermined threshold level, and to increase the number of times the warning audio data is reproduced as the danger level increases.

[0015] In the alert system, a first obstacle is present in the working area at a position equal to or higher than a predetermined height; The sensor unit includes: a first sensor unit provided in the working area and configured to detect when the industrial vehicle reaches the predetermined height; a second sensor unit provided in the industrial vehicle and configured to detect a second obstacle located at a position lower than the predetermined height, The audio data reproducing unit When the first sensor unit detects the industrial vehicle, first warning sound data is reproduced, which is the warning sound data; When the second sensor unit detects the second obstacle, second warning sound data is reproduced, which is the warning sound data; the first warning sound data includes first obstacle information regarding a collision with the first obstacle, The second warning audio data may be configured to include second obstacle information regarding the second obstacle.

[0016] In the alert system, the first warning voice data includes first obstacle avoidance information regarding the cargo handling traveling operation for avoiding a collision with the first obstacle, The second warning audio data may be configured to include second obstacle avoidance information regarding the cargo handling traveling operation for avoiding a collision with the second obstacle.

[0017] The alert system comprises: A server communicatively connected to the industrial vehicle; a management device communicatively connected to the server; The industrial vehicle is a photographing unit that photographs the surroundings to generate video data during at least the reproduction of the warning audio data, and uploads the video data to the server; The management device includes: The video data can be acquired from the server. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an alert system that enables an operator to easily determine dangerous actions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an alert system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first controller, a second controller, and a voice alert unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an alert system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between a forklift, a server, and a management device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an alert system according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [First embodiment] 1 shows an alert system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The alert system 1A includes at least one forklift 10 that performs cargo handling traveling operations in a predetermined work area, a sensor unit, and a voice alert unit 30. The sensor unit includes a first sensor unit 21 provided in the work area and a second sensor unit 22 provided on the forklift 10.

[0022] The work area is an area within any building, such as a factory or a warehouse. Above the work area, there are obstacles (not shown) such as a ceiling, a gate, or a protrusion (hereinafter, "upper obstacles"). The upper obstacles correspond to the "first obstacle" of the present invention. In addition, the work area is provided with a plurality of shelves (not shown), on which cargo W and the like are stored.

[0023] The first sensor unit 21 is provided at a predetermined height of the working area, for example, at a position slightly lower than an upper obstacle that may collide with the forklift 10 (including the load W lifted by the forklift 10). When the first sensor unit 21 detects the forklift 10 at that position, it transmits a first detection signal to the forklift 10 via any wireless communication means (for example, a beacon). The first sensor unit 21 includes at least one area sensor attached, for example, to an inner wall of a building. The area sensor is, for example, a 2D-LiDAR.

[0024] The forklift 10 is, for example, a counterbalance type forklift, and corresponds to the "industrial vehicle" of the present invention. The forklift 10 includes a vehicle body 11. The vehicle body 11 includes front and rear wheels at its lower portion, and an operator's seat at its upper portion. An accelerator and a brake are provided at the front lower portion of the seat.

[0025] The accelerator is an accelerator pedal configured to be operable by an operator in the driver's seat stepping on it with his / her foot. When the accelerator is in an on state (pedal is stepped on), it accelerates the vehicle body 11 according to the amount of pedal depression (accelerator opening), while when it is switched from the on state to an off state (pedal is not stepped on), it generates weak regenerative braking to decelerate the vehicle body 11. The brake is a brake pedal configured to be operable by an operator in the driver's seat stepping on it with his / her foot. When the brake is in an on state (pedal is stepped on), it generates regenerative braking stronger than the accelerator regenerative braking to decelerate the vehicle body 11, while when it is in an off state, it does not generate regenerative braking. The operator can cause the vehicle body 11 to perform running operations such as acceleration and deceleration by operating the accelerator and / or brake.

[0026] Load handling levers (tilt lever and lift lever) are provided in front of the driver's seat. The load handling levers are connected to the load handling device 12 via a load handling mechanism including a load handling motor provided in the vehicle body 11. The operator can cause the load handling device 12 to perform a load handling operation by operating the load handling lever. The load handling operation and the above-mentioned traveling operation are included in the "load handling traveling operation" of the present invention.

[0027] A loading device 12 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 11. The loading device 12 includes a mast 13, a backrest 14, a fork 15, a tilt cylinder, and a lift cylinder, and performs loading and unloading operations.

[0028] The mast 13 is provided at the front of the vehicle body 11 and raises and lowers the fork 15. The mast 13 includes an outer mast 13a and an inner mast 13b. The outer mast 13a includes a pair of left and right guide rails that extend vertically, and a cross beam that connects the upper ends of the guide rails. The inner mast 13b is provided inside the guide rail of the outer mast 13a and rises and lowers along the guide rail of the outer mast 13a.

[0029] The backrest 14 is a frame for preventing the cargo W loaded on the forks 15 from tipping backward, and has a lift bracket provided at its lower part. The lift bracket supports the forks 15 and moves up and down along the mast 13. In other words, when the mast 13 (inner mast 13b) moves up and down, the backrest 14 (including the lift bracket) and the forks 15 move up and down. The forks 15 are a pair of L-shaped arms on the left and right, and are provided on the front surface of the backrest 14.

[0030] The tilt cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder for tilting the mast 13 in the forward and backward directions. For example, when the tilt lever is tilted forward, the tilt cylinder extends and the mast 13 tilts forward, and when the tilt lever is tilted backward, the tilt cylinder contracts and the mast 13 tilts backward. When the tilt lever is returned to the neutral position (a position that does not tilt the mast 13 forward or backward), the tilting of the mast 13 stops.

[0031] The lift cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the mast 13. For example, when the lift lever is tilted forward, the lift cylinder contracts and the inner mast 13b descends, and when the lift lever is tilted backward, the lift cylinder expands and the inner mast 13b rises. When the lift lever is returned to the neutral position (a position where the mast is neither tilted forward nor backward), the raising and lowering of the inner mast 13b stops.

[0032] A head guard 16 consisting of a roof and pillars is provided on the upper part of the vehicle body 11. The head guard 16 is a protective frame for protecting an operator in the driver's seat from falling objects. A second sensor unit 22 and a voice alert unit 30 are provided on the lower part of the roof of the head guard 16. In addition, a first control unit 17 and a second control unit 18 are provided on the vehicle body 11.

[0033] The second sensor unit 22 detects an obstacle that exists at a position lower than a predetermined height at which the first sensor unit 21 is provided. In this embodiment, the obstacle is a person, which corresponds to the "second obstacle" of the present invention.

[0034] The second sensor unit 22 includes an imaging unit that captures images of the periphery of the vehicle body 11 to generate video data, and a video processing unit that transmits a second detection signal to the first control unit 17 when a person is included in the video data. The video processing unit can extract a person from the video data by any known image processing, and can also calculate the distance from the vehicle body 11 to the person. That is, the second sensor unit 22 can detect a person who is relatively far away from the vehicle body 11 and a person who is relatively close to the vehicle body 11. The second sensor unit 22 includes, for example, at least one drive recorder.

[0035] The first control unit 17 includes the "operation control unit" of the present invention, controls the cargo handling traveling operation, and communicates with the second control unit 18. The first control unit 17 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and is provided inside the vehicle body 11. The first control unit 17 may include various sensors (for example, a lift sensor, an obstacle sensor, a cargo presence sensor, a pressure sensor, a seating sensor, etc.) used to control the cargo handling traveling operation. Alternatively, the sensor unit may include various sensors.

[0036] 2, the second control unit 18 includes an input unit 18A, a storage unit 18B, a processing unit 18C, and an output unit 18D. The second control unit 18 includes, for example, a data logger unit (DLU), and is provided on a pillar of the head guard 16.

[0037] The input unit 18A acquires information signals related to detection information of the sensor units (first sensor unit 21 and second sensor unit 22) and / or control information of the first control unit 17. The information signals include, for example, a first detection signal of the first sensor unit 21, a second detection signal of the second sensor unit 22, detection signals of various sensor units, and a control signal for the cargo handling traveling operation by the first control unit 17.

[0038] The storage unit 18B stores a plurality of dangerous action data items that are linked to a unique dangerous action ID (hereinafter, ID), a predefined dangerous action, an information signal (detection information and / or control information), and a restrictive action for a cargo handling traveling operation. In this embodiment, the ID is a number, but the ID may be a letter or a symbol, or a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers.

[0039] The operator or the administrator of the system can change the contents of the dangerous behavior data stored in the memory unit 18B and can also add new dangerous behavior data. For example, the multiple dangerous behavior data can include the four dangerous behavior data shown in Table 1 below.

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041] The dangerous action data of ID "001" is obtained by linking the dangerous action "colliding with an obstacle above while traveling", the information signal "first detection signal and traveling operation", and the restricted action "loading operation and traveling operation" to ID "001". The dangerous action "colliding with an obstacle above while traveling" defines the dangerous action of the loading device 12 of the forklift 10 or the load W colliding with an obstacle above while traveling. The information signal "first detection signal and traveling operation" defines the determination condition of the dangerous action as the input unit 18A acquiring the first detection signal and a control signal for the traveling operation (for example, a signal related to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal). The restricted action "loading operation and traveling operation" defines that the first control unit 17 prohibits the loading operation (except the lowering operation of the mast 13) and the traveling operation when the dangerous action occurs.

[0042] The dangerous act data of ID "002" is obtained by linking the dangerous act "colliding with an obstacle above during loading and unloading", the information signal "first detection signal and loading and unloading operation", and the restricted act "loading and unloading operation" to ID "002". The dangerous act "colliding with an obstacle above during loading and unloading" defines the dangerous act of the loading device 12 or the load W of the forklift 10 colliding with an obstacle above while the forklift 10 is stopped and performing a loading and unloading operation. The information signal "first detection signal and loading and unloading operation" defines the dangerous act as being determined by the input unit 18A receiving the first detection signal and a control signal for the loading and unloading operation (e.g., a signal related to the operation of the lift lever). The restricted act "loading and unloading operation" defines the first control unit 17 prohibiting the loading and unloading operation (except for the lowering operation of the mast 13) when the dangerous act occurs.

[0043] The dangerous action data of ID "003" is obtained by linking the dangerous action "collision with a person in close range", the information signal "second detection signal (close range) and traveling action", and the restricted action "traveling action (stop)" to ID "003". The dangerous action "collision with a person in close range" defines the dangerous action of the forklift 10 colliding with a person present within a preset distance. The information signal "second detection signal (close range) and traveling action" defines the determination condition of the dangerous action as the input unit 18A acquiring the second detection signal (including information that the distance from the person is less than a predetermined threshold) and a control signal for the traveling action. The restricted action "traveling action (stop)" defines the first control unit 17 prohibiting the traveling action when the dangerous action occurs. That is, the forklift 10 automatically decelerates and finally comes to a stop state.

[0044] The dangerous action data of ID "004" is obtained by linking the dangerous action "collision with a person at a long distance", the information signal "second detection signal (long distance) and traveling action", and the restricted action "traveling action (speed limit)" to ID "004". The dangerous action "collision with a person at a long distance" defines a dangerous action in which the forklift 10 collides with a person who is at a distance greater than a preset distance. The information signal "second detection signal (long distance) and traveling action" defines the determination condition of the dangerous action as the input unit 18A acquiring the second detection signal (including information that the distance from the person is equal to or greater than the threshold value) and the control signal for the traveling action. The restricted action "traveling action (speed limit)" defines that the first control unit 17 imposes a speed limit (for example, an upper limit speed of 4 [km / h]) when the dangerous action occurs. That is, the forklift 10 is prohibited from traveling at a speed exceeding 4 [km / h].

[0045] The storage unit 18B may store dangerous behavior data in which the ID, the dangerous behavior, and the information signal are linked (without linking the restricted behavior of the loading and unloading traveling operation). The dangerous behavior corresponds to, for example, not wearing a seat belt, low battery level, forgetting to apply the parking brake, etc.

[0046] The processing unit 18C identifies the risky action data linked to the information signal acquired by the input unit 18A from the multiple risky action data stored in the memory unit 18B. For example, when the input unit 18A acquires the first detection signal and the control signal of the driving motion, the processing unit 18C refers to the memory unit 18B and identifies the risky action data of ID "001".

[0047] The output unit 18D transmits a first signal related to the ID of the dangerous action data identified by the processing unit 18C to the audio alert unit 30. If a restricted action of a loading / unloading traveling operation is linked to the ID, the output unit 18D transmits a second signal related to the restricted action to the first control unit 17. For example, if the processing unit 18C identifies dangerous action data with ID "001", the output unit 18D transmits a first signal related to the ID "001" to the audio alert unit 30 and transmits a second signal related to the restricted action "loading / unloading operation and traveling operation" to the first control unit 17. The first control unit 17 that receives the second signal prohibits loading / unloading operation (excluding lowering operation of the mast 13) and traveling operation.

[0048] Here, when a restricted act is linked to a dangerous act ID, an output timing for outputting a second signal may be further linked to the dangerous act ID. The output timing is, for example, "simultaneous with the timing for outputting the first signal" or "a predetermined time after the timing for outputting the first signal." The predetermined time can be set appropriately according to the dangerous act. When an output timing is linked to a dangerous act ID, the output unit 18D outputs the second signal at the linked output timing.

[0049] The audio alert unit 30 includes an audio data storage unit 30A, an audio data playback unit 30B, and a speaker 30C. The audio alert unit 30 issues an audio warning (alert) to the operator of the forklift 10.

[0050] The voice of the present invention includes a linguistic voice capable of conveying information to an operator. The voice of the present invention does not include a sound effect alone such as a buzzer sound, but may include a sound effect before or after the linguistic voice.

[0051] The voice data storage unit 30A stores a plurality of pieces of voice data, each of which is associated with an ID and has a warning voice data (hereinafter, warning voice data). The plurality of pieces of voice data includes, for example, the four voice data shown in Table 2 below.

[0052] [Table 2]

[0053] The voice data of ID "001" is obtained by linking the warning voice data "Please step on the brakes. There is going to be a collision" to ID "001". The warning voice data of ID "001" corresponds to the "first warning voice data" of the present invention. The warning voice data of ID "001" includes information (words) regarding the loading and unloading traveling operation for avoiding the dangerous act of "colliding with an obstacle above while traveling", "Please step on the brakes". This information corresponds to the "second information" and "first obstacle avoidance information" of the present invention. Moreover, the warning voice data of ID "001" includes information (words) that the operator associates with an obstacle, "There is going to be a collision". This information corresponds to the "first information" and "first obstacle information" of the present invention.

[0054] The voice data of ID "002" is obtained by linking the warning voice data "Stop the lift operation. There is a possibility of a collision" to ID "002". The warning voice data of ID "002" corresponds to the "first warning voice data" of the present invention. The warning voice data of ID "002" includes information (words) regarding the loading and unloading traveling operation for avoiding the dangerous act of "colliding with an obstacle above during loading and unloading", "Stop the lift operation". This information corresponds to the "second information" and "first obstacle avoidance information" of the present invention. Moreover, the warning voice data of ID "002" includes information (words) that the operator associates with an obstacle, "There is a possibility of a collision". This information corresponds to the "first information" and "first obstacle information" of the present invention.

[0055] The voice data of ID "003" is obtained by linking the warning voice data "Please step on the brakes. There is a person nearby" to ID "003". The warning voice data of ID "003" corresponds to the "second warning voice data" of the present invention. The warning voice data of ID "003" includes information (words) regarding the loading and unloading operation for avoiding the dangerous act "collision with a person nearby", such as "Please step on the brakes". This information corresponds to the "second information" and "second obstacle avoidance information" of the present invention. Furthermore, the warning voice data of ID "003" includes information (words) that the operator associates with a person, such as "There is a person nearby". This information corresponds to the "first information" and "second obstacle information" of the present invention. Furthermore, the warning voice data of ID "003" includes information (words) that indicate the distance (close distance), such as "close", so that the operator can immediately recognize that a person is nearby.

[0056] The voice data of ID "004" is obtained by linking the warning voice data "There is a person" to ID "004". The warning voice data of ID "004" corresponds to the "second warning voice data" of the present invention. The warning voice data of ID "004" includes information (words) that the operator associates with a person, "There is a person". This information corresponds to the "first information" and "second obstacle information" of the present invention. Furthermore, since the warning voice data of ID "004" does not include information related to the loading and unloading traveling operation or information indicating the distance, the operator can clearly distinguish between the warning by the warning voice data of ID "004" and the warning by the warning voice data of ID "003".

[0057] An operator or a manager of the system can change the warning voice data stored in the voice data storage unit 30A and can also add new voice data. For example, a memory card capable of rewriting warning voice data can be used as the voice data storage unit 30A. The memory card is, for example, an SD card or a USB memory. For example, the operator or manager can generate warning voice data in a file format such as WAV format and store it in the voice data storage unit 30A.

[0058] The voice data reproducing unit 30B obtains a first signal related to the ID output from the output unit 18D, and reproduces warning voice data of the voice data linked to the ID of the first signal in the voice data storage unit 30A. For example, when the first signal related to the ID "001" is received from the output unit 18D, the voice data reproducing unit 30B reproduces the warning voice data of the voice data of the ID "001" "Please apply the brakes. There is about to be a collision." The voice data reproducing unit 30B includes, for example, a voice player module.

[0059] The speaker 30C is connected to the audio data reproducing unit 30B, and outputs the sound of the warning audio data being reproduced by the audio data reproducing unit 30B. For example, when the audio data reproducing unit 30B is reproducing the warning audio data with ID "001" "Please step on the brakes. You are about to crash", the speaker 30C outputs the sound "Please step on the brakes. You are about to crash".

[0060] As described above, in the alert system 1A according to this embodiment, the audio alert unit 30 issues an audio warning (alert) to the operator of the forklift 10. This allows the operator to easily determine which dangerous behavior has been detected. For example, the operator can immediately determine which of the dangerous behaviors ID "001" to ID "004" has been detected by listening to the information (words) included in the audio from the audio alert unit 30, and can take appropriate action.

[0061] In addition, in the alert system 1A according to this embodiment, the defined dangerous acts are linked to the restricted acts of the cargo handling traveling operation, so even if the operator's response is delayed, the first control unit 17 restricts the cargo handling traveling operation based on the restricted acts. Therefore, the alert system 1A according to this embodiment can prevent the defined dangerous acts from actually occurring.

[0062] (Frequency of warning audio data activation) In the above example, the frequency of the warning audio data is assumed to be once, but the frequency of the warning audio data can be changed as appropriate.

[0063] For example, the ID may be linked to the playback count or playback time in the audio data storage unit 30A. When the playback count is linked, the warning audio data can be played back a specified number of times, and when the playback time is linked, the warning audio data can be played back repeatedly for a specified playback time.

[0064] On the other hand, if the warning voice data is played back multiple times, the operator may feel uncomfortable. In this case, the storage unit 18B or the voice data storage unit 30A may associate the ID with the danger level. When the danger level exceeds a predetermined threshold level, it is preferable that the voice data playback unit 30B plays back the warning voice data multiple times, and the higher the danger level, the more times the data is played back. For example, the danger levels may be classified as danger level 1, danger level 2, and danger level 3, and the danger level and the number of times the data is played back may be associated with the ID in the voice data storage unit 30A, such that danger level 1 is played back once, danger level 2 is played back twice, and danger level 3 is played back three times.

[0065] Furthermore, in the case where the output timing of the second signal is linked to the risky behavior ID in the storage unit 18B, the output timing can be set to "a predetermined time after the timing of outputting the first signal." Here, the predetermined time can be appropriately set according to the risk level.

[0066] When the risk levels are classified as risk level 1, risk level 2, and risk level 3 as described above, the predetermined time may be a first predetermined time for risk level 1, a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time for risk level 2, and a third predetermined time shorter than the second predetermined time for risk level 3 for risk level 3. The third predetermined time may be zero. For example, the risky acts of IDs "001" to "003" may be risk level 3, the risky act of ID "004" may be risk level 2, and the risky act "inattentive driving" may be risk level 1. When the camera included in the sensor unit detects the risky act "inattentive driving", the audio alert unit 30 may issue an audio warning (alert) to the operator, and when "inattentive driving" is still detected after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the first control unit 17 may execute the restricted act "driving operation (speed limit or stop)" based on the second signal.

[0067] By changing the output timing of the second signal according to the danger level of the dangerous behavior as described above, it is possible to minimize the decrease in the work efficiency of the forklift 10, while avoiding the dangerous behavior and ensuring safety.

[0068] (Conditions for activating warning audio data) In the above example, warning audio data is played back for the defined dangerous behavior, but warning audio data can also be played back for behavior that does not fall under the dangerous behavior category. However, as in the above example, it is necessary to store the dangerous behavior data and audio data in advance in the storage unit 18B and audio data storage unit 30A.

[0069] For example, when notifying an abnormal state such as a breakdown of the equipment of the forklift 10, a voice warning (alert) may be issued to the operator of the forklift 10. Alternatively, when enabling the operator to check whether the equipment of the forklift 10 is operating normally, a voice warning may be issued to the operator. In the latter case, the voice data reproducing unit 30B may reproduce warning voice data such as "Alert system start".

[0070] (Installation location) In the above example, the audio alert unit 30 is attached to the lower part of the roof of the head guard 16, but the attachment location of the audio alert unit 30 can be changed as appropriate as long as the audio warning can be heard by the operator.

[0071] (Light Alert) The forklift 10 may include an optical alert unit such as a rotating light or stack light that issues a warning (alert) by light. The warning by the optical alert unit corresponds to the "first warning" of the present invention. The warning by the optical alert unit may be issued when the warning audio data is played back, or may be issued at a timing different from when the warning audio data is played back. However, issuing the warning during playback can emphasize the audio warning. The warning by the optical alert unit may be issued regardless of the danger level, or may be issued only when the danger level exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

[0072] [Second embodiment] 3 shows an alert system 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The alert system 1B is obtained by adding a first alert unit 41 and a second alert unit 42 to the alert system 1A of the first embodiment. The first alert unit 41 and the second alert unit 42 correspond to the "sound alert unit" of the present invention.

[0073] The first alert unit 41 is provided near the first sensor unit 21 in the working area, and outputs a sound other than voice (a buzzer sound in this embodiment). The warning by the first alert unit 41 corresponds to the "second warning" of the present invention. The first alert unit 41 is configured to work in conjunction with the first sensor unit 21. For example, the first alert unit 41 outputs a buzzer sound when the first detection signal is received from the first sensor unit 21.

[0074] The second alert unit 42 is provided on the head guard 16 of the forklift 10, and outputs a sound other than voice (in this embodiment, a buzzer sound). The warning by the second alert unit 42 corresponds to the "second warning" of the present invention. The second alert unit 42 is configured to work in conjunction with the second sensor unit 22. For example, the second alert unit 42 outputs a buzzer sound when the second detection signal is received from the second sensor unit 22.

[0075] Meanwhile, the second control unit 18 outputs the first signal to the audio alert unit 30 when a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the first detection signal and / or the second detection signal. The predetermined time includes at least the time during which the first alert unit 41 and / or the second alert unit 42 is outputting the buzzer sound. This enables the audio alert unit 30 to play warning audio data after the buzzer sound ends.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second warning is issued by the first alert unit 41 and the second alert unit 42, but for example, the second alert unit 42 may further have the function of the first alert unit 41. In that case, the second alert unit 42 is configured to receive the first detection signal from the first sensor unit 21, and is configured to output a buzzer sound at the timing of receiving the first detection signal.

[0077] 4, the alert system 1B may include a server 50 and a management device 60. Note that the server 50 and the management device 60 may also be included in the alert system 1A of the first embodiment.

[0078] The server 50 is communicatively connected to the forklift 10. The server 50 may be, for example, a physical server or a virtual server such as a cloud. The forklift 10 can upload (save) to the server 50 video data captured and generated by the second sensor unit 22 during playback of the warning audio data.

[0079] The management device 60 is communicatively connected to the server 50. The management device 60 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The management device 60 can acquire the video data from the server 50. This allows the administrator of the alert system 1B to check, on the management device 60, the video data during playback of the warning audio data.

[0080] [Variations] Although the embodiment of the alert system according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0081] The alert system according to the present invention is an alert system including an industrial vehicle performing a cargo handling traveling operation in a predetermined working area, a sensor unit provided in the working area and / or the industrial vehicle for detecting dangerous acts of the industrial vehicle, and an audio alert unit provided in the industrial vehicle for issuing an audio warning to an operator of the industrial vehicle, wherein the industrial vehicle includes an operation control unit for controlling the cargo handling traveling operation, an input unit to which an information signal relating to the detection information of the sensor unit and / or the control information of the operation control unit is input, a memory unit for storing a plurality of dangerous act data linking dangerous acts, judgment conditions for dangerous acts, and unique dangerous act IDs, and an audio alert unit for detecting dangerous acts input to the input unit. The audio alert unit comprises a processing unit that identifies dangerous activity data based on the information signal, and an output unit that outputs a first signal related to the dangerous activity ID of the dangerous activity data identified by the processing unit, and the audio alert unit comprises an audio data storage unit that stores multiple audio data linked to the dangerous activity ID and warning audio data, an audio data playback unit that receives the first signal and plays the warning audio data linked to the dangerous activity ID of the first signal, and a speaker that outputs the audio of the warning audio data being played by the audio data playback unit, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate so long as the warning audio data includes first information related to the dangerous activity of the linked dangerous activity ID.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the industrial vehicle of the present invention has been described taking a counterbalance type forklift as an example, but it may be a reach type forklift or another type of forklift. Also, the industrial vehicle of the present invention is not limited to a forklift, and may be a vehicle other than a forklift (for example, a transport vehicle) as long as it is equipped with a loading device capable of lifting and lowering operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1A, 1B Alert System 10. Forklift 11 Vehicle body 12 Cargo handling equipment 13 Mast 13a Outer mast 13b Inner mast 14 Backrest 15. Fork 16 Head Guard 17 First Control Section 18 Second Control Section 21 First sensor section 22 Second sensor section 30 Audio alert section 41 First Alert Section 42 Second Alert Section 50 Servers 60 Management device

Claims

1. An industrial vehicle that performs a cargo handling traveling operation in a predetermined work area; A sensor unit provided in the work area and / or the industrial vehicle for detecting a dangerous act of the industrial vehicle; a voice alert unit provided in the industrial vehicle and configured to give a voice warning to an operator of the industrial vehicle; An alert system comprising: The industrial vehicle is An operation control unit that controls the cargo handling traveling operation; an input unit to which an information signal regarding detection information of the sensor unit and / or control information of the operation control unit is input; a storage unit that stores a plurality of risky behavior data in which the risky behavior, a determination condition for the risky behavior, and a unique risky behavior ID are associated with each other; a processing unit that identifies risky behavior data that satisfies the judgment condition based on the information signal input to the input unit; an output unit that outputs a first signal related to the dangerous action ID of the dangerous action data identified by the processing unit, The audio alert unit is a voice data storage unit that stores a plurality of voice data in which the risky behavior ID is associated with warning voice data; a voice data reproducing unit which receives the first signal and reproduces the warning voice data associated with the dangerous act ID of the first signal; a speaker that outputs the sound of the warning sound data being reproduced by the sound data reproduction unit, The warning audio data includes first information on the dangerous action of the associated dangerous action ID, a first obstacle is present in the working area at a position equal to or higher than a predetermined height; The sensor unit includes: a first sensor unit provided in the working area and configured to detect when the industrial vehicle reaches the predetermined height; a second sensor unit provided in the industrial vehicle and configured to detect a second obstacle that is present at a position lower than the predetermined height, The audio data reproducing unit When the first sensor unit detects the industrial vehicle, first warning voice data is reproduced, which is the warning voice data; When the second sensor unit detects the second obstacle, second warning sound data is reproduced as the warning sound data; the first warning sound data includes first obstacle information regarding a collision with the first obstacle, The second warning sound data includes second obstacle information regarding the second obstacle. An alert system comprising:

2. The storage unit associates the dangerous action ID with a restricted action of the cargo handling traveling operation, The output unit outputs a second signal related to the restricted action linked to the risky action ID to the action control unit; The operation control unit executes the restricted action based on the second signal, The warning voice data includes second information regarding the cargo handling traveling operation for avoiding the dangerous act of the associated dangerous act ID.

2. The alert system of claim 1.

3. The storage unit associates the risky behavior ID with an output timing for outputting the second signal, the output unit outputs the second signal in accordance with the output timing; The output timing is either simultaneously with the timing of outputting the first signal or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the timing of outputting the first signal.

3. The alert system of claim 2.

4. a light alert unit that issues a first warning to the operator by light, The optical alert unit issues the first warning during reproduction of the warning audio data.

2. The alert system of claim 1.

5. a sound alert unit that issues a second warning to the operator using a sound other than voice, The audio data reproducing unit reproduces the warning audio data after the second warning by the sound alert unit is finished.

5. The alert system of claim 4.

6. The voice data storage unit includes: The warning sound data is rewritable in the memory card.

2. The alert system of claim 1.

7. the storage unit and / or the voice data storage unit associates the risk level of the risky behavior with the risky behavior ID, The audio data reproducing unit reproduces the warning audio data a number of times when the danger level exceeds a predetermined threshold level, and increases the number of times of reproduction as the danger level increases.

2. The alert system of claim 1.

8. the first warning voice data includes first obstacle avoidance information related to the cargo handling traveling operation for avoiding a collision with the first obstacle, The second warning voice data includes second obstacle avoidance information regarding the cargo handling traveling operation for avoiding a collision with the second obstacle.

2. The alert system of claim 1.

9. A server communicatively connected to the industrial vehicle; a management device communicatively connected to the server; The industrial vehicle is a photographing unit that photographs the surroundings to generate video data during at least the reproduction of the warning audio data, and uploads the video data to the server; The management device includes: The video data can be obtained from the server.

2. The alert system of claim 1.

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