Weight change system

Abstract

To change heaviness of a pedal operation and a lever operation of a forklift truck or either of them in accordance with operation fatigue such as decrease in concentration.SOLUTION: A heaviness changing system S comprises a heaviness changing part 21, and an operation time storage part 303, and a change command part 309. The heaviness changing part 21 changes heaviness of a pedal 14 and a lever 15 of a forklift truck or either of them. The operation time storage part 303 stores continuous operation time. When the predetermined continuous operation time is reached, the change command part 309 controls the heaviness changing part 21 so as to change the heaviness of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 or either of them to second heaviness greater than first heaviness that is normal heaviness.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of forklifts, such as reach-type forklifts and counter-type forklifts. A forklift includes pedals and levers, and the number and functions thereof differ depending on the type of forklift.

[0003] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a reach-type forklift includes a brake pedal and a presence pedal. The presence pedal is configured to be capable of stopping traveling and cargo handling, and a driver cannot perform traveling or cargo handling unless the driver depresses the presence pedal. Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a counter-type forklift includes an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, and an engine-type counter-type forklift further includes a clutch pedal. Among battery-powered forklifts, an automatic transmission forklift further includes an inching pedal instead of a clutch pedal. A driver can put the forklift in a half-clutch state and cut off traveling power by depressing the inching pedal.

[0004] Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, a reach forklift is equipped with a lift lever for raising and lowering the forks, a tilt lever for changing the vertical angle of the forks, a reach lever for moving the lifting device forward and backward, and an accelerator lever for driving the forklift. Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 4, a counterbalanced forklift is equipped with a tilt lever and an accelerator lever. As disclosed in Patent Document 5, levers are generally configured to swing forward or backward from a neutral position and automatically return to the neutral position by a spring when not in operation. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 5 assists lever operation by an actuator when the amount of operation of the operating lever exceeds a predetermined value, in order to reduce operator fatigue. Another document that discloses technology for assisting the operation of vehicle levers is, for example, Patent Document 6.

[0005] By the way, when you want to operate pedals or levers quickly, it's preferable if they are lighter. However, the lighter they are, the more carefully you need to operate them to avoid making a major mistake. Ideally, you should always be able to operate them carefully, but it is known that fatigue from driving reduces a person's concentration, so it's not always possible to maintain maximum concentration. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-047759 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-166663 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-47745 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-88390 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-370898 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-301942 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a weight changing system that can change the weight of the pedal operation and / or lever operation of a forklift in response to driver fatigue that reduces concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the weight changing system according to the present invention, used in forklifts, A weight adjustment unit for changing the weight of the pedals and levers or either of them of a forklift, An operating time storage unit that stores the continuous operating time, The system includes a weight change command unit that controls a weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and / or lever, or either of them, to a second weight that is heavier than the first weight, which is the normal weight, once a predetermined continuous operating time has been reached.

[0009] The above weight changing system is preferably, It is further equipped with a driver identification unit to identify the driver, The driving time memory unit resets the continuous driving time when the driver is replaced by another driver.

[0010] The above weight changing system is preferably, It further includes an interruption time memory unit that stores the duration of the operation interruption, The change command unit reduces the weight of the pedal and / or lever, or either of them, once a predetermined operating interruption period has elapsed.

[0011] The above weight changing system is preferably, It is further equipped with a cumulative time memory unit that stores the total operating time for the day, When the change command unit reaches a predetermined continuous operating time and a predetermined total operating time, it changes the weight of the pedal and / or lever, or either of them, to a third weight that is heavier than the second weight.

[0012] Preferably, the weight change system described above further comprises a change notification unit that notifies a driver in advance that the weight of a pedal and / or a lever is to be changed.

[0013] Preferably, the weight change system described above further comprises a response receiving unit that receives a driver's response to the notification from the change notification unit, wherein the change command unit changes the weight of the pedal and / or the lever after the response receiving unit receives the response from the driver.

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

[0015] To solve the above problem, a weight change program according to the present invention is a program used in a weight change system including: a weight changing unit configured to change the weight of a pedal and / or a lever of a forklift; and a computer, the program causing the computer to execute: storing a continuous operation time; and when a predetermined continuous operation time is reached, controlling the weight changing unit to change the weight of the pedal and / or the lever from a first weight that is a normal weight to a second weight that is heavier than the first weight. Effects of the Invention

[0016] The weight change system according to the present invention can change the operating weight of the pedal and / or lever of a forklift according to driving fatigue that causes decreased concentration. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a front view of a forklift provided with a weight change system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the weight change system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the weight change system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0019] <Forklift Configuration> Figure 1 is a front view of a forklift 1 equipped with a weight change system S. First, the configuration of the forklift 1 will be described. The forklift 1 is a battery-powered counterbalanced forklift. As shown in Figure 1, the forklift 1 is equipped with multiple wheels 10, a body 11, a driver's seat 12, a head guard 13, pedals 14 (see Figure 2), levers 15, left and right masts 16, left and right forks 17, a camera 18, a speaker 19 (see Figure 2), a microphone 20 (see Figure 2), a weight change unit 21 (see Figure 2), and a control unit 30 (see Figure 2).

[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] Camera 18 is fixed to the head guard 13 and is configured to capture the face of driver H as he gets into the forklift 1 and generate a facial image. The facial image generated by camera 18 is transmitted to the control unit 30.

[0025] Speaker 19 emits a warning voice to inform driver H of a weight change, which will be explained later. The warning voice may be, for example, "The weight of the pedals and levers will be increased. Is that alright?" if the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 is increased, or "The weight of the pedals and levers will be reduced. Is that alright?" if the weight of the pedals and levers is reduced.

[0026] The microphone 20 collects the voice of driver H, converts the collected voice into an audio signal, and transmits it to the control unit 30.

[0027] The weight adjustment unit 21 changes the weight of the lever 15 and pedal 14 when operated, based on commands from the adjustment command unit 309 (see Figure 2), which will be explained later. The weight adjustment unit 21 includes a pedal weight adjustment unit that changes the weight of the pedal 14 and a lever weight adjustment unit that operates the weight of the lever 15. If the weight adjustment unit 21 is configured to change 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.

[0028] 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 309. 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.

[0029] 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 309, thereby substantially changing the weight of the pedal 14 when pressed by the driver H.

[0030] 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 309. In this way, the pedal weight adjustment unit substantially changes the weight of the pedal 14.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 309, thereby substantially changing the weight of the lever 15 when operated by the driver H.

[0033] 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 309. In this way, the lever weight adjustment unit substantially changes the weight of the lever 15.

[0034] The control unit 30 is comprised of a computer located inside 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 driver identification unit 302, a driving time storage unit 303, a break time storage unit 304, a total time storage unit 305, a weight determination unit 306, a change notification unit 307, a response receiving unit 308, and a change command unit 309, 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 storage unit 301, a driver identification unit 302, a driving time storage unit 303, a break time storage unit 304, a total time storage unit 305, a weight determination unit 306, a change notification unit 307, a response receiving unit 308, and a change command unit 309.

[0036] The memory unit 301 stores facial images of multiple drivers H.

[0037] The driver identification unit 302 refers to the facial image generated by the camera 18 and the facial image stored in the memory unit 301 to identify the driver H who will be boarding the vehicle from among the multiple drivers H stored in the memory unit 301.

[0038] The driving time storage unit 303 stores the continuous driving time of a specified driver H. This continuous driving time may include, for example, periods of driving stoppage of less than 5 minutes. This allows for the inclusion of periods different from actual breaks, such as toilet breaks, within the continuous driving time.

[0039] Furthermore, the driving time memory unit 303 resets the continuous driving time when driver H is replaced by another driver. Driver H of the forklift 1 may be replaced for breaks. Therefore, if the continuous driving time is continuously stored in this case, it will differ from the actual continuous driving time, which is undesirable. For this reason, the driving time memory unit 303 prevents this with the above configuration.

[0040] The interruption time storage unit 304 stores operation interruption times of 5 minutes or more. This interruption time is set to include, for example, meal breaks, breaks before starting overtime work after regular hours, and breaks between tasks.

[0041] The cumulative time storage unit 305 stores the total driving time from the start of work for the day. For example, if driver H starts work in the morning, takes a lunch break, and then starts work in the afternoon, the cumulative time storage unit 305 stores the morning work time (excluding the lunch break) and the afternoon work time as the total driving time.

[0042] Furthermore, the cumulative time storage unit 305 stores the cumulative driving time for each driver H. This allows the system to store the actual cumulative driving time even if the driver H changes.

[0043] The weight determination unit 306 determines that when the driver H's continuous driving time reaches a predetermined continuous driving time, the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 should be set to a second weight, which is heavier than the first weight, which is the normal weight. The predetermined continuous driving time may be, for example, one hour. However, this predetermined continuous driving time is merely an example, and the predetermined continuous driving time in this invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined continuous driving time may be set differently for each driver H. In this case, the younger the driver, the longer the predetermined continuous driving time may be set.

[0044] Furthermore, when the total driving time of driver H reaches a predetermined total driving time, the weight determination unit 306 determines that the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 should be a third weight, which is heavier than the second weight. The predetermined total driving time may be, for example, 4 hours. However, this predetermined total driving time is merely an example, and the predetermined total driving time in this invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined total driving time may be set differently for each driver H. In this case, the younger the driver, the longer the predetermined total driving time may be set. When the total driving time of driver H reaches a predetermined total driving time, it is considered that driver H has accumulated considerable fatigue, so at this time, the weight determination unit 306 determines that the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 should be a third weight, which is even heavier than the second weight.

[0045] Furthermore, the weight determination unit 306 determines to reduce the weight of the pedal 14 and / or lever 15, or either of them, when the operation is interrupted and the driver H's interruption time has elapsed to a predetermined period of time. The predetermined interruption time may be set to 30 minutes. However, this predetermined interruption time is merely an example, and the predetermined interruption time in this invention is not limited to this.

[0046] In this embodiment, the weight determination unit 306 determines to set the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 to the first weight after a predetermined operating interruption time has elapsed. This is merely one example; the weight determination unit 306 may also determine to set the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 to the second weight after a predetermined operating interruption time has elapsed, if the weight immediately before the interruption was the third weight.

[0047] Furthermore, the weight determination unit 306 may, after a predetermined operating interruption period has elapsed, decide to lighten the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15, and once the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 has been changed accordingly, decide to maintain the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 for a predetermined period of time. This prevents the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 from being immediately changed back to a heavy weight after being lightened. This predetermined period during which the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 is maintained may be between 30 minutes and 1 hour, but is not particularly limited.

[0048] The change notification unit 307 determines that a change in the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 is necessary if the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 determined by the weight determination unit 306 differs from the current weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15. When the change notification unit 307 determines that a change in the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 is necessary, it notifies the driver H of the change in weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 by voice through the speaker 19. However, it is undesirable for the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 to be changed frequently. Therefore, the change notification unit 307 is configured to leave an arbitrary interval between the notification and the next notification. This interval may be set, for example, between 5 and 30 minutes.

[0049] The response receiving unit 308 receives the predetermined response from driver H, which has been announced by the change notification unit 307, via the microphone 20. For example, the predetermined response may be words such as "Yes," "I understand," or "Got it." When the response receiving unit 308 receives the predetermined response from driver H, it transmits a response signal to the change command unit 309.

[0050] When the change command unit 309 receives a response signal, it controls the weight change unit 21 to change the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 so that they match the weight determined by the weight determination unit 306. As a result, the weight change system S can change the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 according to the continuous driving time and total driving time, even if the driver H's concentration fluctuates due to driving fatigue.

[0051] As a result, the weight adjustment system S can make the pedal 14 and lever 15 lighter when the driver H is highly focused, allowing for quicker operation of the pedal 14 and lever 15. Conversely, when the driver H becomes fatigued, the weight adjustment system S can make the pedal 14 and lever 15 heavier, preventing major operational errors.

[0052] <Flowchart of the weight change system> Next, the operation of the weight changing system S according to this embodiment will be explained again with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0053] (1) First, the weight change system S identifies driver H by referring to the driver H's facial image (see S(step)1 in Figure 3).

[0054] (2) Next, the weight change system S stores the continuous operating time, the interrupted operating time, and the total operating time (see S2 in Figure 3).

[0055] (3) Next, the weight change system S decides to set the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 to the second weight when a predetermined continuous operating time has elapsed (Yes in S3 of Figure 3) but a predetermined total operating time has not elapsed (No in S4 of Figure 3) (see S5 of Figure 3). Furthermore, the weight change system S decides to set the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 to the third weight when a predetermined continuous operating time has elapsed (Yes in S3 of Figure 3) and a predetermined total operating time has elapsed (Yes in S4 of Figure 3) (see S6 of Figure 3). In addition, the weight change system S decides to set the weight of the pedal 14 and lever 15 to the first weight when operation is interrupted (No in S3 of Figure 3) and a predetermined interruption time has elapsed (Yes in S7 of Figure 3) (see S8 of Figure 3).

[0056] (4) Next, the weight change system S determines that if the determined weights of the pedals 14 and levers 15 are different from the weights of the pedals 14 and levers 15 at that time, a change is necessary and notifies the driver H of the change in the weights of the pedals 14 and levers 15 (see S9 in Figure 3).

[0057] (5) Next, when the weight change system S receives permission from the driver H to make a change (Yes in S10 in Figure 3), the change command unit 309 changes the weight of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 (see S11 in Figure 3). The weight change system S also withholds changing the weight of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 until it receives permission from the driver H to make a change (No in S10 in Figure 3), and then notifies the driver H of the change in the weight of the lever 15 after a predetermined time. This prevents the weight change system S from frequently changing the weight of the pedal 14 and the lever 15, and from suddenly changing the weight of the pedal 14 and the lever 15 while the driver H is working on loading and unloading.

[0058] Thus, the weight adjustment system S changes the weight of the pedals 14 and levers 15 based on the driving time of driver H, which affects the level of driver H's concentration. As a result, when driver H is highly concentrated, the system allows for quick operation of the pedals 14 and levers 15, and when driver H is not highly concentrated, it prevents major operating errors.

[0059] Although one embodiment of the weight changing system S according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The weight changing system S according to the present invention may be implemented, for example, by each of the following modifications or by combining each of these modifications.

[0060] <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, and the weight changing system according to the present invention changes the weight of at least one of the above levers and pedals.

[0061] • 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.

[0062] The method by which the driver identification unit 302 identifies driver H is not particularly limited. For example, the driver identification unit 302 may identify each driver H by reading a card or the like held by each driver H.

[0063] The forklift 1 may be equipped with a monitor instead of a speaker 19, and the change notification unit 307 may notify via this monitor that the weight of the lever 15 and the pedal 14 or either of them will be changed.

[0064] The forklift 1 may be equipped with a button instead of a microphone 20, and the response receiving unit 308 may receive a response from the driver H via the button. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] S Weight change system H Driver 1 Forklift 10 wheels 11 Car body 12 Driver's seat 13 Headguard 14 pedals 15 Lever 16 Mast 17 Forks 18 Cameras 19 speakers 20 microphones 21 Weight change section 30 Control Unit 301 Storage section 302 Driver Identification Department 303 Operating time memory unit 304 Suspension time storage section 305 Total Time Memory Unit 306 Weight determination unit 307 Notice of Changes 308 Response Department 309 Change Command Unit

Claims

1. A weight changing system used in a forklift, A weight changing unit for changing the weight of the pedals and levers or either of them of the forklift, An operating time storage unit that stores the continuous operating time, An interruption time storage unit that stores the duration of the operation interruption, A weight changing system comprising: a weight changing unit that controls the weight changing unit to change the weight of the pedal and / or lever, or either of them, to a second weight that is heavier than the first weight which is the normal weight, when a predetermined continuous operating time is reached, and a change command unit that reduces the weight of the pedal and / or lever, or either of them, when a predetermined operating interruption time has elapsed.

2. A weight changing system used in a forklift, A weight changing unit for changing the weight of the pedals and levers or either of them of the forklift, An operating time storage unit that stores the continuous operating time, A total time memory unit that stores the total operating time for the day, A weight changing system comprising: a weight changing command unit that, upon reaching a predetermined continuous operating time, controls the weight changing unit to change the weight of the pedal and / or the lever to a second weight that is heavier than the first weight which is the normal weight; and upon reaching a predetermined continuous operating time and a predetermined total operating time, changes the weight of the pedal and / or the lever to a third weight that is heavier than the second weight.

3. A forklift comprising the weight changing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 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, To remember the continuous operating time, Remember the time of the service interruption, A weight change program that, when a predetermined continuous operating time is reached, controls the weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and / or the lever to a second weight that is heavier than the normal first weight, and when a predetermined operating interruption time has elapsed, reduces the weight of the pedal and / or the lever that was made heavier.

5. A program for use in a weight changing system comprising a weight changing unit for changing the weight of the pedals and levers or either of them of a forklift, and a computer, To the aforementioned computer, To remember the continuous operating time, To remember the total operating time for the day, When a predetermined continuous operating time is reached, the weight changing unit is controlled to change the weight of the pedal and / or the lever, or either of them, to a second weight that is heavier than the first weight, which is the normal weight. A weight change program that, upon reaching a predetermined continuous operating time and a predetermined total operating time, controls the weight change unit to change the weight of the pedal and / or the lever, or either of them, to a third weight that is heavier than the second weight.

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