AU2010101528A4

AU2010101528A4 - Vehicle Control Safety System

Info

Publication number: AU2010101528A4
Application number: AU2010101528A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ron Baihelfer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-23
Filing date: 2010-04-22
Publication date: 2015-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-22
Also published as: AU2010201626A1

Abstract

A vehicle safety control system comprising at least one proximity sensor 12; a vehicle brake actuator 28 and a processing means 26, wherein the or each proximity sensor 12 is arranged to detect one or more objects within a predetermined distance of the sensor 14 and the processing means 26 is arranged to activate the vehicle brake actuator 28 when the or each proximity sensor 12 detects the or each object. Fig. 2 Person De10cfea Sertsor AC*OW03 oLc seors messog" Ak I,st,,'vd Cirfiltdor P.OS SMnAa TR.463~e Cc.rpIVSod Cylindor On For, Sol PeriodJ Ak To Alf Gyfinde, FromT~ ~S3 The Soleno~d VoAre.Tv RIs3 -' ,\ ~ -~J\ ,r- ~ ,J2 ,1 4LQ 12 LL J~ % L Monitored Zo~ne Ultrasonic Logic Air Storage Pnieumrati Broke Proximity Sensor Controller Tank Cylinder Applied Fig. 3

Description

Pol1 Reg 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: Vehicle Control Safety System The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing known to me: 1 VEHICLE SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM The present invention relates to a vehicle safety control system and particularly, but not exclusively, to a heavy machinery vehicle, such as a forklift, having a vehicle safety control system. 5 Heavy machinery vehicles are essential in many industrial work places and one of the most common of those vehicles is a forklift truck. Forklift trucks, which are also known as forklifts, lift trucks, high/lows, stacker-trucks, or sideloaders, come in many different configurations. Due to the requirements of usage, they are often fast moving and, in some cases, such as when electrically powered, 10 extremely quiet. They are, generally, required to be very heavy pieces of equipment and, when loaded, commonly weigh up to five tonnes, making them extremely dangerous for both operators and pedestrians. Forklift-related incidents result in many deaths within work places with more than half of these being pedestrians. Even when travelling at low speeds, 15 forklifts present significant risks of crushing pedestrians. Pedestrians are at particular risk in areas in which the operator's visibility is restricted in some manner. Prior art systems concentrate on warning the pedestrian of the presence of the vehicle by, for example, playing an audio message or series of loud beeps. An object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate the dangers 20 associated with moving heavy machinery vehicles. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle safety control system comprising: at least one proximity sensor; a vehicle brake actuator; and 25 a processing means, wherein the or each proximity sensor is arranged to detect one or more objects within a predetermined distance of the sensor and the processing means is arranged to activate the vehicle brake actuator when the or each proximity sensor detects the or each object. 30 The or each proximity sensor may comprise one or more of the following sensors: an ultrasonic proximity sensor, an electromagnetic beam sensor, such as an optical proximity sensor, infrared proximity sensor, laser proximity sensor or 2 microwave proximity sensor; or an electromagnetic field sensor, such as a capacitive proximity sensor. Preferably, the vehicle brake actuator comprises a pneumatic piston attachable to the vehicle's braking system and, further preferably, to the vehicle's 5 brake pedal. Preferably, the vehicle brake actuator further comprises a solenoid valve capable of operating the pneumatic piston, wherein the processing means activates the vehicle brake actuator by activating the solenoid valve. Preferably, the pre-determined distance is proportionate to the velocity and 10 size of the vehicle. Preferably, the system further comprises at least one override switch, wherein operation of the or each override switch renders the control system inoperative for a predetermined duration. Further preferably, the control system is rendered inoperative by rendering the or each proximity sensor inoperative or by 15 ignoring any objects detected by the or each proximity sensor. Preferably, there are two override switches which must be pressed simultaneously in order to render the control system inoperative. Preferably, the processing means is arranged to continue to activate the vehicle brake actuator after detection of the or each object until a reset switch is 20 operated. Alternatively, the processing means is arranged to continue to activate the vehicle brake actuator after detection of the or each object for a predetermined period of time. Preferably, the or each proximity sensor is optimised to detect particular 25 types of objects. Further preferably, the or each proximity sensor is optimised to detect humans. Preferably, the processing means is a logic controller. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a vehicle safety control system according to the first aspect of 30 the present invention. Preferably, the proximity sensors are mounted on the rear and on the sides towards the rear of the vehicle. This area covers a typical "blind spot" of an 3 operator of a vehicle, where the view out of the rear is limited by the ability of the operator to turn in their seat or by the structure of the vehicle itself. Preferably, the vehicle is a forklift. Preferably, the predetermined distance is between one and two meters. 5 Alternatively, the vehicle is selected from one of the following vehicles: a cherry picker (also known as a boom lift, man lift, basket crane or hydraladder); a scissor lift; a dump truck; a loader; a telehandler; or a tractor. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling a vehicle comprising: 10 detecting whether one or more objects is within a predetermined distance of at least one proximity sensor; automatically activating a vehicle brake actuator when one or more objects is detected within the predetermined distance. Aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent 15 upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a top view of a vehicle incorporating a vehicle safety control system according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a vehicle incorporating a vehicle safety 20 control system according to the present invention; and Figure 3 shows a process flow of a method of controlling a vehicle according to the present invention. In the following example the present invention is described with particular reference to forklift trucks as an example only and should not be taken to mean 25 that this is the only type of vehicle that this control system can used with. For example, other relevant heavy machinery includes: a cherry picker (also known as a boom lift, man lift, basket crane or hydraladder); a dump truck; a loader; a telehandler; or a tractor (or other farm machinery). The forklift is described, in particular, because of the relevance of the 30 control system to this vehicle. Forklifts are extremely common on a wide range of industrial sites including, for example, warehouses, farms, building sites and manufacturing plants. Many of these environments are noisy which negate other safety measures, such as playing loud beeps to indicate that a vehicle is 4 reversing. Furthermore, typically, forklifts are fast and highly manoeuvrable and, when an operator is busy and not expecting to have any objects or persons near by, can be reversed at high speed without the operator looking in the direction they are going. 5 Referring to Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 is shown, which in this example is a forklift truck, comprising a vehicle safety control system. The forklift truck is equipped with proximity sensors 12. In this example, the proximity sensors 12 are located on the rear and each side, towards the rear, of the vehicle 10. By positioning the proximity sensors 12 in these locations, a monitored zone 14 is created. For the 10 forklift 10, an operator 16 in normal operation faces towards forks 18 so that they can properly manoeuvre the forks 18 to lift objects. Accordingly, the operator 16 has a normal field of vision, as indicated by the dotted lines. Whilst facing forward, the operator 16 also has periphery vision which provides two areas of a limited field of vision 22. This leaves a section behind the forklift 10 into which the 15 operator 16 cannot normally see within a "blind spot" or area 24. The proximity sensors 12 are, in a preferred embodiment, ultrasonic proximity sensors. Other proximity sensors may also be used either instead of or in addition to ultrasonic proximity sensors. For example, an electromagnetic beam sensor, such as an optical proximity sensor, infrared proximity sensor, laser 20 proximity sensor or microwave proximity sensor or an electromagnetic field sensor, such as a capacitive proximity sensor, could be used. Ideally, the type of proximity sensor selected should be optimised to detecting particular objects of interest. For example, where safety of pedestrians is of greatest concern, then proximity sensors which can easily detect human beings should be selected, such 25 as ultrasonic proximity sensors. Where the safety of the operator is of greatest concern, due to, for example, high shelves which may easily be knocked over, the proximity sensors may require different characteristics. The sensors may be selected and positioned to detect objects at selected heights or a range of heights, for example to detect a pedestrian's foot or leg, or 30 to detect an overhanging obstruction. It is possible for the operator 16 to turn their head or body around to achieve a better view when reversing but this does not guarantee that all areas behind the forklift 10 can be seen of that, when operating the vehicle quickly, that 5 the operator will turn round to look behind them. As such, it is common for pedestrians or objects to be crushed by vehicles such as the forklift 10, especially when operated in noisy environments. Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 2 having identical reference numerals 5 for identical features, the forklift 10 includes processing means 26, which in this case is an electronic logic controller, a brake actuator 28, in the form of a pneumatic piston, supplied by pressurised air from an air storage tank 30, operable to move a brake pedal 32. As shown in the process diagram of Fig. 3, if a pedestrian 34 enters the 10 monitored zone 14, the proximity sensors 12 indicate that an object has been detected in the monitored zone 14 to the logic controller 26. The logic controller 26 then activates a solenoid valve (not shown) so that pressurised air from the air storage tank 30 is fed to the pneumatic piston 28 such that the brake pedal 32 is depressed and the brakes of the forklift 10 are applied. Reliance on the driver 15 detecting the object, and the delay of human reaction time are both eliminated. The monitored zone is a predetermined distance from the proximity sensors within which any objects may be detected. The relevant predetermined distance may be dependent on the velocity and weight of the vehicle, thereby taking into account the ability of the vehicle to stop before contacting the object. 20 The logic controller 26 can be programmed or arranged to operate the brake actuator 28 indefinitely until a reset switch or switches are operated or for a predetermined length of time. For example, five or ten seconds may be appropriate to allow the operator 16 to visually identify the object which was detected by the proximity sensors 12. 25 In this manner, the vehicle safety control system automatically prevents a vehicle from colliding with an object or person without depending on an operator's reactions or awareness. A vehicle, such as a forklift, may be fitted with the vehicle safety control system of the invention. However, importantly, a vehicle safety control system of this type can easily be retrofitted to existing vehicles which 30 currently do not have this capability. The vehicle safety control system may also comprise one or more override switches. If the operator 16 is aware of an object which may be detected by the proximity sensors 12, such as a narrow doorway, they can operate an override 6 switch or switches. Multiple override switches, which must be operated at substantially the same time, are preferred, as this reduces the likelihood of accidental operation of the override function and also prevents drivers from driving with the override switch continuously engaged. Preferably, the multiple 5 switches are located remote from each other such that they cannot be engaged at the same time using only one hand. When an override has been initiated, the logic controller 26 does not operate the brake actuator 28 in response to detection of objects by the proximity sensors or, alternatively, turns off the proximity sensors. Preferably, the override may only be operated for a 10 predetermined period of time, such as, for example, ten seconds, before the override must be initiated again, if required. Further modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention. 15

Claims

1. A vehicle safety control system comprising: at least one proximity sensor; a vehicle brake actuator; and 5 a processing means, wherein the or each proximity sensor is arranged to detect one or more objects within a predetermined distance of the sensor and the processing means is arranged to activate the vehicle brake actuator when the or each proximity sensor detects the or each object. 10

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the proximity sensors are one of the following sensors: an ultrasonic proximity sensor, an electromagnetic beam sensor, such as an optical proximity sensor, infrared proximity sensor, laser proximity sensor or microwave proximity sensor; or an electromagnetic field sensor, such as a capacitive proximity sensor. 15

3. A system as. claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vehicle brake actuator comprises a pneumatic piston attachable to the vehicle's braking system and, preferably, to the vehicle's brake pedal.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vehicle brake actuator further comprises a solenoid valve capable of operating the pneumatic piston, wherein 20 the processing means activates the vehicle brake actuator by activating the solenoid valve.

5. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pre-determined distance varies proportionately to the (current) velocity and weight of the vehicle.

6. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined 25 distance is between.zero and three meters. 8

7. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one override switch, wherein operation of the or each override switch renders the control system inoperative for a predetermined duration.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control system is rendered 5 inoperative by rendering the or each proximity sensor inoperative or by ignoring any objects detected by the or each proximity sensor.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein there are two override switches which must be pressed simultaneously in order to render the control system inoperative.

10 10. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing means is arranged to continue to activate the vehicle brake actuator after detection of the or each object until a reset switch is operated.

11. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing means is arranged to continue to activate the vehicle brake actuator after detection of the 15 or each object for a predetermined period of time.

12. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the or each proximity sensor is optimised to detect particular types of objects and, preferably, the or each proximity sensor is optimised to detect humans.

13. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the processing 20 means is a logic controller.

14. A vehicle comprising a vehicle safety control system according to any of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the proximity sensors are mounted on the rear of the vehicle and on the sides of the vehicle towards the 25 rear. 9

16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the vehicle is a forklift.

17. A vehicle as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the vehicle is selected from one of the following vehicles: a cherry picker (also known as a boom lift, man lift, basket crane or hydraladder); a scissor lift; a dump truck; a loader; a telehandler; 5 or a tractor.

18. A method of controlling a vehicle comprising: detecting whether one or more objects is within a predetermined distance of at least one proximity sensor; automatically activating a vehicle brake actuator when one or more objects 10 is detected within the predetermined distance. RON BAIHELFER WATERMARK PATENT & TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS P31458AUP1