DE10015009A1 - Display, control and monitoring system for an industrial truck - Google Patents

Abstract

Display, control and monitoring system for an industrial truck, which has a drive device, a steering device, a lifting device, a braking device, etc., and control, operating and display devices therefor, the communication between the operating devices and the control devices taking place via an in-vehicle bus system and the display devices are connected to individual sensors on the vehicle, a central computer being connected to the bus system, which has a multitasking operating system and a vibration-free data memory and whose user interface and screen are arranged within the driver's reach or visibility in the truck cabin are, the sensors are connected to the bus system via appropriate interfaces and the signal processing and storage of all operating data for operating the industrial truck is carried out in the central computer and operating and display functions in one central control and display unit are summarized, the control and display functions are divided into appropriate groups, such as for driving, lifting and lowering, etc. and are called up in the control and display unit as needed.

Description

The invention relates to a display, control and monitoring system for an industrial truck according to claim 1.

Industrial trucks are known to serve the Mate in a wide variety of designs rial flow of palletized piece goods. You are using a battery electric or provide internal combustion engine drive. To operate the industrial trucks on the one hand devices for operating the functions and on the other hand Certain functions must be displayed. Sometimes additional elements such as Voice or data radio used. Depending on the type of vehicle and If necessary, the number of these elements varies. For ergonomic operation they must be arranged within the driver's range or visibility. Because the driver  in addition to the actual vehicle operation, the environment (route, obstacle nisse, oncoming traffic, load pick-up, load delivery, etc.), the Control elements arranged clearly and within easy reach and as far as possible without "outline" fen "can be operated. The display devices should, if possible, be in the viewing angle be arranged by the driver when executing the associated function takes. In addition to the display and control elements for the actual vehicle radio Special functions are often added to the driver or a fleet make it easier for operators to work with the vehicle.

The additional devices that are more oriented towards the application are conventional additively added to the vehicle-specific devices. These are included game height measurement and display units, terminals for communication between the industrial trucks and stationary stations, camera monitor systems for ease load lifting and delivery, weighing devices to determine the Load weight, operating data acquisition devices etc. The units mentioned usually have separate sensors for data acquisition, separate, intelligent Data processing and storage units and separate units for Display and transfer of data. For optimal operation, the sepa advise display units all arranged in the user's point of view. This will reduced the driver's field of vision. This also leads to a significant increase wall, since many components are duplicated. It will also be higher Complexity and increased space requirements.

The invention has for its object a display, control and over to create a surveillance system for industrial trucks with which the usability of the corridor improved funding and at the same time the effort is reduced. Furthermore, the The space required for the operating and display devices is reduced and the communication cation between the environment, e.g. B. warehouse management or customer service and Drivers can be improved to optimize logistics and logistics Service.

This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

The system according to the invention provides a central on-board computer. He is with that vehicle's own bus system connected, which is part of the vehicle's internal information mation system is. For example, a CAN bus system such as this is provided for this is known per se. The signal processing and storage of all data takes place in the On-board computer itself and not in separate individual so-called "stand alone" - Units. This also includes the connection of the individual sensors of the vehicle with the bus system. This happens either because the sensors themselves bus capable and can thus be directly connected to the bus system or by processing signals from the sensors using suitable signal processing and be made bus-compatible.  

The central on-board computer is equipped with a multitasking operating system. This can be a commercially available operating system, e.g. B. Windows CE, Linux, Java OS or similar. It allows the simultaneous use of different functions the associated software modules. The driver operates and uses only a few Functions at the respective time, while all other functions for the Operator run invisibly in the background.

A graphics-capable screen is preferably provided for the display, and the Operation can preferably be carried out via a touch-sensitive screen gen (touch screen) or optionally via buttons, the function of which depends on the the respective menus can be varied (soft keys). The display above the graphics-capable image screen, which can also be done in color, with the respective display symbols, e.g. B. Bar graphs, round instruments etc. are freely programmable and can be used desired display can be adjusted. For clear storage of Operating and operational data come from the operating system managed file systems for use in conjunction with robust, vibration-proof storage media, that have no moving parts, e.g. B. semiconductor memory can be used.

External communication is preferably carried out by coupling via standard dated interfaces using commercially available building blocks that provide access z. B. to the public mobile network, to local data transmission networks, etc.  allow. On the other hand, standardized PC communication protocols, e.g. B. Internet use.

The menus of the software of the on-board computer are obviously certain operations Associated states of the truck, for example, the driving operation, the Lifting and lowering operation, etc. According to an embodiment of the invention, it is possible Lich, individual menus can also be called up automatically when the driver is driving operated tool functions. For example, the driving menu can be activated automatically if the driver operates the accelerator pedal for a long time. The same applies to that Lift and lower menu when operating the lift and lower function etc.

The system according to the invention has a number of advantages. So the driver can concentrate on a single display and user interface. Thereby the visibility is also improved, because the various displays and operating units can be omitted. If necessary, they are implemented on the on-board computer. The Manufacturing and development effort is due to synergy effects in the hardware and the use of commercially available hardware and software modules. By the integration of the on-board computer in the vehicle's internal information system (CAN Bus) and external systems (intranet, internet) are available to the on-board computer and thus all information is available to the operator. Compatible data formats allow easy data exchange with standard applications. Generally The system according to the invention enables communication between the vehicle's interior  Bus system and external participants via contactless data transfer supply, for example radio, IR routes or the like and an associated Data processing, storage and display.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with the aid of drawings are explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram for the arrangement of an on-board computer with a fork-lift truck.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the assignment of different hardware to the on-board computer according to FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the user interface of the on-board computer before commissioning.

Fig. 4 shows the user interface in the driving mode menu.

Fig. 5 shows the user interface in the menu lifting and lowering mode.

Fig. 6 shows the user interface in the menu Computer / Service.

Fig. 7 shows the user interface in the Data / Cellular menu with submenus.

In Fig. 1, a forklift 10 is shown with a drive part 12 and a load part 14th A cab 16 can be rotated on the drive part 12 about a vertical axis in order to allow the driver different viewing directions. The cab can also be swiveled through 180 ° so that the driver looks "behind". On the roof of the cabin, an antenna 18 is indicated, which is connected to a transmitting and receiving device in the vehicle for the transmission of data between the vehicle and an external station 36 by radio.

The drive part 12 has a battery or internal combustion engine drive (not shown), and the steering acts on at least one rear wheel 20 . The load part 14 has a lifting frame 22 on which a lifting fork 24 is guided so as to be vertically movable. The drive for the scaffold 12 , whose inclination can be changed, and for the fork 24 is also not shown. In principle, these are parts that are known per se in forklift trucks.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, an on-board computer 26 is arranged in the cabin 16 , the user interface of which is arranged in the driver's line of sight and is within reach of the driver's hand, which will be discussed further below. To the in-vehicle communication includes a CAN bus system 28 , which for example establishes communication between control levers in the cabin 16 and drive controls in the drive part 12 .

The on-board computer 26 also has an interface for external communication with, for example, warehouse management and customer service via the Internet or mobile radio, as indicated at 30. Warehouse management and customer service each have a PC 32 or 34 , the PC 32 being able to receive direct contactless signal transmission, as indicated by an antenna 36 , while the PC 34 has an interface to a mobile telephone 38 with which the on-board computer 26 can communicate , The PCs 32 , 34 can also, for. B. communicate with each other over the Internet.

All sensors or other peripheral devices are connected to the on-board computer 26 , with which a forklift, for example a forklift 10 according to FIG. 1, can be equipped. These include, for example, sensors 40 for the height display, sensors 42 for displaying the different operating states of the vehicle, possibly including a so-called shock sensor and sensors 44 for measuring the weight of a load on the fork 24 , etc. This list is only exemplary and in none Complete, as the following explanations make clear. With the on-board computer 26 is also a transmitting and receiving device 46 for data radio and a camera 48 for monitoring z. B. the stacking process. The on-board computer 26 contains, for example, the operating system Windows-CE and enables a series of displays and monitoring, as can be seen from the framed illustration 50 in FIG. 2. The term LISA denotes a diagnostic system. Via the CAN bus 28 , the on-board computer 26 is able to record, save and process all operating data of the vehicle and to evaluate it in the diagnosis mode. This is also discussed below.

FIGS. 3 to 7 show various display and control display of the on-board computer on a graphics capability screen 52, the z. B. is ausgebil det as a touchscreen. It is therefore within easy reach of the driver of the industrial truck according to FIG. 1.

In Fig. 3, the state is shown, which is displayed when the power supply of the forklift truck 10 is turned on but a start-up is not carried out. The driver is asked to enter his PIN. If the PIN is accepted, a display according to FIG. 4 appears on the right-hand edge of the screen 52 , which has a column with various key fields, which are referred to below as keys and of which the uppermost 54 is assigned to the "driving mode" menu, the key 56 under is assigned to the "Lift and lower" menu, button 58 to the "Diagnostics" menu and button 60 to the "Communication with the warehouse" menu. In the picture screen of FIG. 4 show a round display 64 for the speed, an hour meter 66, a steering angle indicator 68, a time display (digital) 70, a date indicator 72 (digital), a battery status display 74 and a display 76 for discharge or charging current. Regarding the latter, it may be noted that energy recovery is already provided in many forklifts, for example when lowering the load. The flow of a charging current during energy recovery would also be indicated in 76.

At the bottom left, a number of buttons can be seen, of which button 78 actuates the parking brake, button 80 forms a slow speed switch. The keys 82 to 90 enable the cabin 16 to be pivoted into the basic position according to FIG. 1 and into various further positions, as can be seen from the arrows shown in the keys. When the button 82 is pressed, the cabin pivots into the exit and parking positions. When not actuated, the keys 78 to 90 have a first color, e.g. B. green and a second color when pressed, e.g. Loaf. This enables the driver to recognize which key he has pressed. The same applies to keys 54 to 60 .

In the illustration of FIG. 5, the driver has pressed the button 56. As a result, he has activated the "lifting operation" menu, and a large number of displays are made on the screen 52 for this purpose, which will be briefly mentioned below. At 92 on the left of the screen there is an indication of the lifting or lowering speed. The maximum speed is specified here at ± 0.6 m per second. In the field 92 , bars (not shown) appearing up and down, which indicate the speed to the driver. It goes without saying that other display symbols can also be provided in order to indicate to the driver the speed for lifting and lowering appropriately. The same applies to the displays for the "Driving mode" menu.

In addition to the speed indicator 92 for lifting and lowering, a display field is indicated at 94 on a fork 96 , corresponding to the fork 24 according to FIG. 1. With 98 a crosshair is indicated, which shows the position of the center of gravity of the load on the fork in the horizontal direction , The driver can therefore easily recognize the respective center of gravity. The height of the crosshair 98 indicates the lifting height of the load. Below the "fork" 96 there is a numerical display 104 for the load weight and a numerical display 106 for the lifting height. A weighing device is therefore provided which is able to determine both the size of the load and the position of the center of gravity. It goes without saying that other symbols can also be used here to indicate the load weight and center of gravity to the driver. The dark field 100 within the display field 94 means that the load weight moves within permissible limits if the thread remains cross in this field. The field 102 indicates that the size of the load moves in the critical area when the crosshair reaches this area. The area 103 means that the vehicle is overloaded. The fields 100 , 102 and 103 can be provided with clear colors. To the right of the symbolic representation of the load, six buttons 108 are provided with which the lifting height can be selected. Has a load z. B. reaches a predetermined height, e.g. B. to be inserted into a shelf, the driver can specify or save this height by pressing a button 108 , so that he does not have to approach the lifting height manually at the next lifting operation, but rather the lifting operation is automatically interrupted at the selected height. The same naturally applies to the setting of a lower or initial height for load suspension or delivery.

Also shown symbolically on the screen 52 is the mast at 110, the inclination of which towards the cabin should be changeable. The range of inclination is indicated by the segments 112 , 113 . During the tilting process, a distinction is also made on the screen representation into a backward tilting area 112 and a forward tilting area 113 . A numerical display 112 a indicates the degree of inclination. With the help of the button 114 , a preselection of the inclination can take place, e.g. B. in the vertical position, so that when the push button or the lever is actuated to control the drive for the inclination of the mast, the tilting process is automatically stopped when the set value is reached.

By pressing button 58 , the menu "Computer / Service" is called up. Depending on the type of PIN code specified previously, a computer with the basic arithmetic operations appears in this menu for the normal driver. A service employee can call up several submenus here, for example by pressing key 114 "Parameter settings", by pressing key 116 a fault diagnosis with stored maintenance and repair instructions, by pressing key 118 the operating database with e.g. B. shock sensor evaluation and by pressing button 120 an accident diagnosis (black box function). By using an on-board computer, it is possible to set up a so-called black box function in which, for. B. the last few seconds of different operating data are saved. If a malfunction or an accident occurs, the condition of the forklift can be determined on the basis of the data in order to possibly determine the cause of the malfunction or accident.

By pressing key 60 , the menu "data / mobile radio" with submenus is activated. For example, the driving order no. 122 is transmitted from a warehouse to the forklift 10 by data radio and processed by the on-board computer 26 . The order number and the order appear on the monitor as indicated on the screen. By pressing a button, not shown, the driver can acknowledge the job when he has carried it out. This means that another order can now be placed with him. In the display the menu shown in FIG. 7 appears on the left edge of the screen 12 is a column other keys with the reference signs 120 to 126. When you press key 120 , the submenu Travel Order shown is called up. For example, operating or maintenance instructions can be displayed on the screen 12 by pressing the key 122 . By pressing the button 124 , for example, an internal or an external communication system can be called up (mobile radio, data radio, Internet, intranet). By pressing the button 126 , a connection can be made to a logistics company, for example via the Internet, mobile radio, etc.

Claims (9)

1. display, control and monitoring system for an industrial truck, which has a drive device, a steering device, a lifting device, a braking device, etc. and control, operating and display devices therefor, the communication between the operating devices and the control devices via a Vehicle's own bus system and the display devices are connected to individual sensors on the vehicle, characterized in that a central computer ( 26 ) is connected to the bus system ( 28 ), which has a multitasking operating system and a vibration-free data memory and its user interface and screen are within reach or visibility of the driver in the cabin ( 16 ) of the industrial truck ( 10 ), the sensors are connected to the bus system via appropriate interfaces and the signal processing and storage of all operating data for operation in the central computer ( 26 ) of the industrial truck gs ( 10 ) is carried out and operating and display functions are combined in a central operating and display unit, the operating and display functions being divided into meaningful groups, such as for driving, lifting and lowering, etc. and in operation - and display unit can be called up as required. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that a graphics-capable image screen (52) is provided. 3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that operating functions via the touchscreen or softkeys are activated. 4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the Menus for certain vehicle functions by operating associated controls devices are called automatically. 5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the On-board computer at least one standardized interface for an external one has wireless communication. 6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for "Driving mode" menu on the screen a speed display and / or an operating hours counter and / or a steering angle or a driving direction display and / or a time display and / or a date display and / or a Battery status display and / or a display of discharge or charging current and / or a parking brake switch and / or a slow speed switch and / or a Switches for different swivel modes of a rotatable driver's seat module be called.   7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that for the menu "lifting and lowering operation" on the screen ( 52 ) a display for the lifting and lowering speed and / or an overload display and / or a numerical display for the load weight and / or a numerical display for the lifting height and / or controls for a height pre-selection with a numerical display and / or a qualitative display for the mast inclination and / or a numerical display for the lifting mast inclination and / or a button for a specific inclination preselection (e.g. Vertical mast position). 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the menu "computer / service" on the screen ( 52 ) parameter settings and / or error diagnosis with stored maintenance and repair instructions and / or an operating database with z. B. shock sensor evaluation and / or an accident diagnosis (black box function). 9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Menu "data / mobile radio" the submenus drive order and / or vehicle internal Information and / or external communication can be called up.