Forklift usage status safety warning system

Abstract

A forklift usage status safety warning system, comprising a forklift ECU assembly (1), a red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp (2) and a lamplight signal controller (3), wherein the forklift ECU assembly (1) at least comprises a handbrake identification module (11), a vehicle key identification module (12), a safety belt identification module (13), a ramp identification module (14) and an ECU main control unit (15); the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp (2) is mounted on a handbrake handle (4) of a forklift and is connected to the lamplight signal controller (3); and the lamplight signal controller (3) is connected to the ECU main control unit (15).

Description

A forklift usage status safety warning system Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of forklift control, and in particular to a forklift use status safety warning system. Background Art

[0002] A forklift is a specialized piece of equipment, and there are safety regulations in place for normal operation, parking, and recharging. Otherwise, accidents can easily occur. Prior art warning measures for forklifts are relatively rudimentary. For example, some forklifts have warning signs, some have sirens and / or warning lights, and some have reflective strips. These measures only serve as a simple warning, but are unable to provide corresponding warnings based on the different usage states of the forklift, such as whether the handbrake is up or down, or whether the seat belt is worn or not. This makes it difficult for people around to confirm the safety status of the forklift, and therefore requires improvement.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, a first object of the present invention is to provide a forklift use status safety warning system.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A forklift usage status safety warning system includes a forklift ECU assembly, the forklift ECU assembly including at least a handbrake recognition module, a vehicle key recognition module, a seat belt recognition module, a ramp recognition module, and an ECU main control unit, wherein the handbrake recognition module, the vehicle key recognition module, the seat belt recognition module, and the ramp recognition module are all connected to the ECU main control unit;

[0006] It is characterized in that it also includes a red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light and a light signal controller; the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light is installed on the handbrake handle of the forklift, the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light is connected to the light signal controller, and the light signal controller is connected to the ECU main control unit;

[0007] The forklift usage status safety warning system includes at least the following usage status:

[0008] (1) When the handbrake recognition module detects that the handbrake is tightened and the car key recognition module detects that the car key is pulled out, the red light of the red, yellow and green signal light is always on;

[0009] (2) When the parking brake recognition module detects that the parking brake is released, the red, yellow and green tri-color signal light turns off;

[0010] (3) When the forklift is moving and the seat belt recognition module detects that the seat belt is not worn, the yellow light of the red, yellow and green signal light flashes;

[0011] (4) When the ramp recognition module recognizes that the forklift ramp is higher than the safety design ramp, the red light of the red, yellow and green signal light flashes;

[0012] (5) When the forklift stops normally, the red light of the red, yellow and green signal lights is always on.

[0013] Furthermore, the forklift ECU assembly also includes a forklift lithium battery management module, which is connected to the ECU main control unit. When the forklift stops normally and starts charging, the yellow light in the red, yellow, and green signal lights starts flashing. When the forklift's power exceeds 90%, the green light in the red, yellow, and green signal lights starts flashing. When the forklift is fully charged, the green light in the red, yellow, and green signal lights stays on until the charging power is cut off.

[0014] Furthermore, a wireless communication module is integrated on the light signal controller.

[0015] Furthermore, the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

[0016] Furthermore, a light intensity adjustment module is integrated into the light signal controller.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This system can realize the synchronous combination of the operating actions of the forklift's safe operation mechanical parts and the transmission of the forklift's safe operation information, so that the forklift can achieve timely and complete visual safety information interaction with other surrounding workers during use, making it convenient for forklift users to confirm their working status, deepen their impression of the forklift's safe operation steps, avoid omissions, and reduce the probability of accidents. It can also serve as an important visual basis for forklift accident analysis.

[0019] In addition, this system can be used as a standard part for the safe use of forklifts, used in forklift training vehicles, and can also improve the safety of forklift trainees' operating procedures. It can also be used as a basis for the assessment standards of forklift trainees' actual forklift operations, and it can be easily visualized simultaneously.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive work.

[0022] FIG1 is a component connection diagram of the present invention; [0022.1][Corrected 27.12.2023 according to Rule 26] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the handbrake handle of the present invention.

[0023] Figure numerals: 1. Forklift ECU assembly; 11. Handbrake recognition module; 12. Vehicle key recognition module; 13. Seatbelt recognition module; 14. Ramp recognition module; 15. ECU main control unit; 16. Forklift lithium battery management module; 2. Red, yellow, and green signal lights; 3. Light signal controller; 31. Wireless communication module; 32. Light intensity adjustment module; 4. Handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will need to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, a forklift operating status safety warning system includes a forklift ECU assembly 1, which is used to control the forklift's driving status and implement its various functions. It primarily utilizes various sensors, intelligent modules, and bus data collection and exchange to determine the vehicle's status and the driver's intentions, and controls the forklift through actuators.

[0028] For this solution, the modules used in the forklift ECU assembly 1 include at least a handbrake recognition module 11, a vehicle key recognition module 12, a seat belt recognition module 13, a ramp recognition module 14 and an ECU main control unit 15. The handbrake recognition module 11, the vehicle key recognition module 12, the seat belt recognition module 13, and the ramp recognition module 14 are all connected to the ECU main control unit 15.

[0029] The parking brake recognition module 11 is primarily used to identify the parking brake status, such as whether it is engaged or disengaged; the vehicle key recognition module 12 is primarily used to identify whether the vehicle key is inserted or removed; the seat belt recognition module 13 is primarily used to identify whether the seat belt is properly worn; and the ramp recognition module 14 is used to identify whether the forklift is on a ramp at the designed safe ramp gradient. Since the structure and operating principles of these modules are well known to those skilled in the art and constitute prior art, this solution does not involve any improvements to these modules and will not be further described.

[0030] This solution mainly adds a red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light 2 and a light signal controller 3 to the existing forklift; the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light 2 is installed on the handbrake handle 4 of the forklift, the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light 2 is connected to the light signal controller 3, and the light signal controller 3 is connected to the ECU main control unit 15.

[0031] Specifically, the light signal controller 3 needs to be connected to the ECU assembly of the forklift, and then obtain the identification signal of the corresponding module for the forklift status through the ECU main control unit 15, and then control the red, yellow and green three-color signal lights 2 to flash according to this identification signal. This makes it easy to directly observe and confirm the working status of the forklift to avoid safety accidents.

[0032] In this way, the common safety performance of the forklift can be improved without destroying the original safety design and the original design aesthetics of the forklift. By adding a light safety prompt on the handbrake handle 4, it is more convenient for the forklift user to confirm its working status, deepen the impression of the forklift's safe operating steps, avoid omissions, and reduce the probability of accidents. At the same time, it can also serve as an important visual basis for forklift accident analysis.

[0033] The red, yellow, and green tri-color signal light 2 can display red, yellow, and green, and has multiple operating states, including steady on and flashing. In practice, the upper area of ​​the handbrake handle 4 is provided with a groove, into which the tri-color signal light 2 is fixedly mounted. The tri-color signal light 2 uses a durable, wear-resistant, and non-slip transparent plastic shade, which is shaped to fit the handle 4 for a comfortable grip. The tri-color signal light's electrical wiring runs down the main stem of the handle 4, near the steering wheel, and then along the inside of the forklift's front fender to connect to the light signal controller 3, which is then connected to the forklift's ECU. A wire sheath may be provided over the wires.

[0034] In addition, the light signal controller 3 is integrated with a light intensity adjustment module 32 for adjusting the light intensity of the red, yellow, and green signal lights 2. The light signal controller 3 may also be integrated with a wireless communication module 31, such as a Bluetooth module, so that it can establish communication with a terminal such as a mobile phone, and then relevant personnel can perform corresponding interactive operations through an app on the mobile phone.

[0035] The forklift usage status safety warning system of this solution includes at least the following usage status when in use:

[0036] (1) When the handbrake recognition module 11 detects that the handbrake is applied, the red light in the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal light 2 is continuously lit. When the key recognition module detects that the vehicle key is removed, the handbrake light remains continuously lit. This serves as a reminder to the surrounding objects of the forklift that the forklift is currently in a safe stop state. If the handbrake is not applied, the red safety warning light on the handbrake handle 4 does not light up, and the forklift driver is strictly prohibited from leaving the forklift driver's seat (serious warning state). This serves as a safety risk reminder.

[0037] (2) When the handbrake recognition module 11 detects that the handbrake is released and the forklift is operating normally, the red light on the handbrake handle 4 and other lights are turned off, and the horn sounds when the forklift starts, reminding the surrounding targets of the forklift that the forklift is currently in operation and there is danger, so please stay away.

[0038] (3) When the forklift starts operating and the vehicle moves, if the seat belt recognition module 13 detects that the forklift driver is not wearing the seat belt as required, a yellow light flashes on the handbrake handle 4 as a reminder. After the driver has worn the seat belt as required, the yellow light flashing state is released;

[0039] (4) When the forklift is in normal use, parked or driving on a slope, if the slope recognition module 14 recognizes that the forklift slope is higher than the safety design slope, the handle 4 indicator light will flash red regardless of whether the handbrake is engaged or not, indicating that there is a risk of the forklift rolling over or sliding on the slope, and the driver must park the vehicle on level ground in accordance with the operating standards. After the vehicle is parked in accordance with the operating standards, the red flashing risk warning will be lifted.

[0040] (5) When the forklift is parked on the spot or in a fixed parking position after the operation is completed, the handbrake is tightened and the key is removed. At this time, the red light on the handbrake handle 4 will be on continuously, both during the day and at night. Especially at night, it will inform and remind you of the parking position of the forklift to prevent pedestrians or pedestrians running when walking or taking refuge in an emergency from colliding with the forklift or tripping over the fork tines, thereby avoiding personal injury and accidents in emergency situations.

[0041] (6) For some rechargeable forklifts, the forklift ECU assembly 1 further includes a forklift lithium battery management module 16 , which is connected to the ECU main control unit 15 .

[0042] Therefore, when the forklift is finished operating and enters the charging area, the forklift is parked and the handbrake is applied, the red light on the handle 4 is solid. When the charging gun is inserted and charging begins, the red light on the forklift handbrake handle 4 turns from solid red to flashing yellow. When the forklift power level is below 90%, the handbrake handle 4 flashes yellow. When the forklift power level is above 90%, the handbrake handle 4 flashes green. When the forklift power level is fully charged, the handbrake handle 4 turns solid green. When the handbrake handle 4 solid green light is on, please disconnect the charging power supply and unplug the forklift charging gun immediately to avoid damage to the forklift electrical appliances and batteries and shortening their service life due to excessive charging, and to avoid fire and other electrical accidents that may be caused by excessive charging time.

[0043] In summary, this system can realize the synchronous combination of the operating actions of the forklift's safe operation mechanical parts and the transmission of the forklift's safe operation information, so that the forklift can realize timely and complete visual safety information interaction with other surrounding workers during use, which is convenient for forklift users to confirm their working status, deepen their impression of the forklift's safe operation steps, avoid omissions, and reduce the probability of accidents. It can also serve as an important visual basis for forklift accident analysis.

[0044] In addition, this system can be used as a standard part for the safe use of forklifts, used in forklift training vehicles, and can also improve the safety of forklift trainees' operating procedures. It can also be used as a basis for the assessment standards of forklift trainees' actual forklift operations, and it can be easily visualized simultaneously.

[0045] Furthermore, the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal lights 2 can also have other installation forms. As shown in Figure 2, the red, yellow, and green tricolor signal lights 2 are installed on the bottom base of the handbrake handle 4. There are two groups of red, yellow, and green tricolor signal lights 2, one on the left and one on the right. The upper shell part of the handbrake handle 4 is snap-connected with the bottom base.

[0046] The upper shell part of the handbrake handle 4 is a light-transmitting part, and a light diffuser is provided inside the light-transmitting part, which can increase the scattering and transmission effect of the light in the upper shell part of the handbrake handle 4, so that when the red, yellow and green tricolor signal lights 2 are lit, the upper shell part of the handbrake handle 4 can present a soft and uniform light column effect, making the reminder information more obvious.

[0047] Moreover, the upper shell portion of the handbrake handle 4 can also be provided with a manufacturer's trademark, thereby having a certain publicity effect.

[0048] In addition, considering that forklifts are special equipment commonly used by enterprises, an IoT module can be installed on the forklift handbrake to realize relevant intelligent control.

[0049] For example, wireless communication modules, positioning modules, timing modules, storage modules, etc. can be integrated into the forklift handbrake. The information parameters collected by some modules can be transmitted to the company's management terminal through the wireless communication module, thereby facilitating the company's safety management.

[0050] For example, when a driver starts a forklift, these modules begin operating. The positioning module locates the forklift, allowing the enterprise management terminal to monitor the forklift's location and movement trajectory in real time. The timing module measures the forklift's operating and parking times, and the storage module stores relevant detection data. This way, after a long period of data collection, the following information can be gathered from the operation of a company's forklifts: 1. The nature of the company's products; 2. The company's current production status; 3. The company's logistics needs; 4. The market demand for the company's products; and 5. The company's employee demand, referring to quantity. By tracking the fluctuations in this data, a company's development status can be analyzed, facilitating appropriate management and improvement. For forklift manufacturers, integrating this intelligent safety handbrake into their forklifts can enhance product competitiveness and therefore has broad application prospects. In addition to providing lithium battery charging reminders (energy saving) and preventing corporate fire and explosion hazards caused by lithium battery overcharging, the forklift's lithium battery charging identification module can also collect real-time data on forklift lithium battery usage after being connected to the Internet of Things system. This is conducive to the innovation and improvement of forklift lithium batteries, and provides big data collection and analysis directions for the global large-scale forklift lithium battery resource recovery and recycling system.

[0051] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A safety warning system for the operating state of a forklift, comprising a forklift ECU assembly, where the forklift ECU assembly at least includes a handbrake recognition module, a vehicle key recognition module, a seat belt recognition module, a ramp recognition module, and an ECU main control unit. The handbrake recognition module, the vehicle key recognition module, the seat belt recognition module, and the ramp recognition module are all connected to the ECU main control unit; Characterized in that, it further includes a red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp and a lighting signal controller; the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp is installed on the handbrake grip of the forklift, the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp is connected to the lighting signal controller, and the lighting signal controller is connected to the ECU main control unit; The safety warning system for the operating state of the forklift at least includes the following operating states: (1) When the handbrake recognition module detects that the handbrake is tightened and the vehicle key recognition module detects that the vehicle key is pulled out, the red light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp stays on constantly; (2) When the handbrake recognition module detects that the handbrake is released, the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp turns off; (3) When the forklift is moving and the seat belt recognition module detects that the seat belt is not worn, the yellow light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp flashes; (4) When the ramp recognition module recognizes that the forklift ramp is higher than the safety design ramp, the red light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp flashes; (5) When the forklift stops normally, the red light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp stays on constantly.

2. The safety warning system for the operating state of a forklift according to claim 1, Characterized in that, the forklift ECU assembly further includes a forklift lithium battery management module, and the forklift lithium battery management module is connected to the ECU main control unit. When the forklift stops normally and starts charging, the yellow light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp starts to flash. When the battery level of the forklift exceeds 90%, the green light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp starts to flash. When the forklift battery is fully charged, the green light in the red-yellow-green three-color signal lamp stays on constantly until the charging power supply is cut off.

3. The safety warning system for the operating state of a forklift according to claim 1, Characterized in that, a wireless communication module is integrated on the lighting signal controller.

4. The safety warning system for the operating state of a forklift according to claim 3, Characterized in that, the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

5. The safety warning system for the operating state of a forklift according to claim 1, Characterized in that, a lighting intensity adjustment module is integrated on the lighting signal controller.

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