EP2599742B1 - Mechanical safety assembly for a industrial vehicle - Google Patents

Description

In the case of fork-lift trucks and other commercial vehicles, safety precautions have been taken to protect the driver or the operating personnel as well as the service technician against dangers, for reasons of principle and also for the fulfillment of corresponding legal requirements. So there are precautions that realize an emergency stop function. Especially arrangements are also known that allow a tool-free disconnecting a starter battery from the electrical system and, for example, need a battery quick release on at least one battery terminal.

It is also known to tie a protective function on opening a hood. According to a known solution, a separate switch is installed for detecting the position of the hood. If the bonnet is opened, the vehicle engine, in particular internal combustion engine, is switched off via this switch and downstream further components and the vehicle is brought to a safe state. To the engine z. B. to start and operate for service work with open hood, a corresponding bridging mechanism is required, which must be self-resetting to ensure safe performance of the protection function. Due to the large number of components required results in a comparatively large amount of material and installation and adjustment. The required reliability is rather detrimental to the large number of different components.

The US 2005/092536 A1 shows an electrically operated work vehicle with a behind the driver's seat arranged battery box, which can only be pulled laterally out of the vehicle when a locking element of the driver's seat accessible battery holding mechanism has been folded up. According to a second embodiment of FIG. 6 may be associated with the battery holding mechanism, an electrical switch, which interrupts the power supply to the traction motor of the vehicle when releasing the locking lever. If the locking element is raised so that the battery can be pulled out, the battery switch is switched off.

The US Pat. No. 6,494,279 B1 shows a battery-powered electric vehicle, the battery and an associated fuse box are covered with a protective cover. The protective cover is lockable with a double locking flap. Opening the first door opens a switch that cuts off power to the vehicle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a safety arrangement for a commercial vehicle, in particular an industrial truck or a forklift, which is relatively easy to implement and while offering a high level of operational reliability.

To solve this problem, the invention provides, in a general aspect, a safety arrangement for a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or a forklift, which is designed to open a shield, such as a hood, only after prior deactivation of at least one safety-related component is possible, or that the opening of the shield necessarily has the deactivation of the at least one safety-relevant component result by an access to an openable to open the shield NC element by a battery Tennschalter associated or associated actuator is lockable and / or by the Shield and a battery disconnector associated or associated actuator directly or indirectly mechanically operatively connected.

Advantageously, can provide for the safety arrangement according to the invention that the opening of the shield is possible only after prior deactivation of at least one safety-relevant component by the battery disconnector associated or associated actuator in the state of activation of at least one safety-relevant component access to the Opening the shield to be actuated NC element locks or / and by the shield and the battery disconnector associated or associated actuator are directly or indirectly mechanically operatively connected in such a way that the actuator in the state of activation of at least one safety-related component blocks the opening of the shield.

Another expedient possibility is that the opening of the shield necessarily has the deactivation of the at least one safety-relevant component result, by the shield and the battery disconnect switch associated or associated actuating element are directly or indirectly mechanically operatively connected in such a way that the battery disconnect switch by means of the actuating element and the shield when opening the shield in the sense of deactivating the at least one safety-relevant component is actuated.

According to the invention proposal and the specified advantageous embodiments, a secure fulfillment of the required protection function can be ensured without a great apparatus or mechanical effort is required. It should also not be ruled out that one envisages the various embodiments mentioned in combination in order to achieve a particularly high level of security through redundancy.

To achieve the object mentioned, the invention according to a first more specific aspect, a safety arrangement for a commercial vehicle, in particular an industrial truck or a forklift, according to claim 1 ready.

• A) eine wenigstens eine sicherheitsrelevante Komponente eines Fahrzeugsantriebs nach außen abschirmende, zwischen einer geöffneten Stellung und einer geschlossenen Stellung bewegbare Abschirmung, vorzugsweise in Form einer Haube, einer Klappe oder eines Verschlussdeckels; und
• B) einen Batterie-Trennschalter, über den ein Stromkreis zur Stromversorgung wenigstens einer durch die Abschirmung nach außen abschirmbaren sicherheitsrelevanten Komponente von einer Fahrzeugbatterie schließbar und mit dem der Stromkreis unterbrechbar ist,
  wobei mittels eines Betätigungselements der Batterie-Trennschalter umschaltbar ist zwischen einem ersten Zustand, in dem der Stromkreis geschlossen oder schließbar ist, und einem zweiten Zustand, in dem der Stromkreis unterbrochen ist;
• C1)
  1. (a) wobei das Betätigungselement dem Batterie-Trennschalter zugehörig ist und zumindest zwischen einer den ersten Zustand auslösenden ersten Stellung und einer den zweiten Zustand auslösenden zweiten Stellung relativ zu einem Körper des Batterie-Trennschalters bewegbar ist, oder
  2. (b) wobei das Betätigungselement gegenüber dem Batterie-Trennschalter gesondert ausgeführt ist und mit einem Eingriffsabschnitt des Batterie-Trennschalters in Eingriff bringbar und aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt entfernbar ist, wobei das mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt in Eingriff stehende Betätigungselement zumindest zwischen einer den zweiten Zustand auslösenden und die Entfernung des Betätigungselement aus dem Eingriff zulassenden zweiten Stellung und einer den ersten Zustand auslösenden und die Entfernung des Betätigungselements aus dem Eingriff nicht zulassenden ersten Stellung relativ zu einem Körper des Batterie-Trennschalters bewegbar ist;
• D1)
  1. (a) wobei im geschlossenen Zustand der Abschirmung das Betätigungselement in seiner ersten Stellung ein Öffnerelement gegen eine Betätigung zum Öffnen der Abschirmung abschirmt und ein Zugang zu dem Öffnerelement für dessen Betätigung durch Verstellung des Betätigungselements in seine zweite Stellung oder/und - im Falle des gegenüber dem Batterie-Trennschalter gesonderten Betätigungselements - durch Entfernung des Betätigungselements aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt freigebbar ist,
     oder
  2. (b) wobei das Betätigungselement und die Abschirmung derart direkt oder indirekt mechanisch in Wirkverbindung stehen oder bringbar sind, dass das in der ersten Stellung befindliche Betätigungselement eine Bewegung der Abschirmung aus der geschlossenen Stellung in die geöffnete Stellung blockiert und die Abschirmung aus der geschlossenen Stellung in die geöffnete Stellung bewegbar ist, wenn das Betätigungselement sich in der zweiten Stellung befindet oder/und - im Falle des gegenüber dem Batterie-Trennschalter gesonderten Betätigungselements - aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt entfernt ist,
     oder
  3. (c) wobei das Betätigungselement und die Abschirmung derart direkt oder indirekt mechanisch in Wirkverbindung stehen oder bringbar sind, dass eine Bewegung der Abschirmung aus der geschlossenen Stellung in die geöffnete Stellung das Betätigungselement aus der ersten Stellung in die zweite Stellung bewegt.

The security arrangement comprises:

• A) a shielding at least one safety-relevant component of a vehicle drive to the outside, movable between an open position and a closed position shield, preferably in the form of a hood, a flap or a closure cap; and
• B) a battery disconnect switch, via which a circuit for powering at least one shieldable by the shield to the outside safety-relevant component of a vehicle battery can be closed and with which the circuit is interrupted,
  wherein by means of an actuating element of the battery disconnect switch is switchable between a first state in which the circuit is closed or closable, and a second state in which the circuit is interrupted;
• C1)
  1. (a) wherein the actuator is associated with the battery disconnect switch and is movable relative to a body of the battery disconnect switch at least between a first condition triggering the first state and a second state triggering second position, or
  2. (b) wherein the actuator is separate from the battery disconnect switch and engageable with an engagement portion of the battery disconnect switch and removable from engagement with the engagement portion, wherein the engagement member engaging the actuator at least between a second state triggering and the removal of the actuating element from the engagement permitting the second position and a first state triggering and the removal of the actuating element from disallowing disallowing the first position relative to a body of the battery disconnector is movable;
• D1)
  1. (A) wherein in the closed state of the shield, the actuator in its first position a Öffnerelement shields against an operation to open the shield and access to the Öffnerelement for its operation by adjusting the actuating element in its second position and / or - in the case of the battery disconnect switch separate actuator - is releasable by removing the actuator from the engagement with the engagement portion,
     or
  2. (B) wherein the actuating element and the shield are such or directly engageable directly or indirectly mechanically, that the actuating element located in the first position, a movement of the Shield blocked from the closed position to the open position and the shield is movable from the closed position to the open position when the actuating element is in the second position and / or - in the case of the opposite the battery disconnector separate actuator - from the Removed engagement with the engaging portion,
     or
  3. (C) wherein the actuating element and the shield are such or directly engageable directly or indirectly mechanically, that a movement of the shield from the closed position to the open position moves the actuating element from the first position to the second position.

To solve this object, the invention further provides, according to a second more specific aspect, a safety arrangement for a commercial vehicle, in particular an industrial truck or a forklift, according to claim 4 and 6 ready.

• A) eine wenigstens eine sicherheitsrelevante Komponente eines Fahrzeugsantriebs nach außen abschirmende, zwischen einer geöffneten Stellung und einer geschlossenen Stellung bewegbare Abschirmung, vorzugsweise in Form einer Haube, einer Klappe oder eines Verschlussdeckels;
  und
• B) einen Batterie-Trennschalter, über den ein Stromkreis zur Stromversorgung wenigstens einer durch die Abschirmung nach außen abschirmbaren sicherheitsrelevanten Komponente von einer Fahrzeugbatterie schließbar und mit dem der Stromkreis unterbrechbar ist,
  wobei mittels eines Betätigungselements der Batterie-Trennschalter umschaltbar ist zwischen einem ersten Zustand, in dem der Stromkreis geschlossen oder schließbar ist, und einem zweiten Zustand, in dem der Stromkreis unterbrochen ist;
• C2) wobei das Betätigungselement gegenüber dem Batterie-Trennschalter gesondert ausgeführt ist und mit einem Eingriffsabschnitt des Batterie-Trennschalters in Eingriff bringbar und aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt entfernbar ist, wobei die Herstellung des Eingriffs den ersten Zustand auslöst und die Entfernung des Betätigungselements aus dem Eingriff den zweiten Zustand auslöst;
• D2)
  1. (a) wobei im geschlossenen Zustand der Abschirmung das Betätigungselement im Zustand des Eingriffs mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt ein Öffnerelement gegen eine Betätigung zum Öffnen der Abschirmung abschirmt und ein Zugang zu dem Öffnerelement für dessen Betätigung durch Entfernung des Betätigungselements aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt freigebbar ist,
     oder
  2. (b) wobei das Betätigungselement und die Abschirmung derart direkt oder indirekt mechanisch in Wirkverbindung stehen oder bringbar sind, dass das im Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt stehende Betätigungselement eine Bewegung der Abschirmung aus der geschlossenen Stellung in die geöffnete Stellung blockiert und die Abschirmung aus der geschlossenen Stellung in die geöffnete Stellung bewegbar ist, wenn das Betätigungselement aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt entfernt ist,
     oder
  3. (c) wobei das Betätigungselement und die Abschirmung derart direkt oder indirekt mechanisch in Wirkverbindung stehen oder bringbar sind, dass eine Bewegung der Abschirmung aus der geschlossenen Stellung in die geöffnete Stellung das Betätigungselement aus dem Eingriff mit dem Eingriffsabschnitt entfernt.

The security arrangement comprises:

• A) a shielding at least one safety-relevant component of a vehicle drive to the outside, movable between an open position and a closed position shield, preferably in the form of a hood, a flap or a closure cap;
  and
• B) a battery disconnect switch, via which a circuit for powering at least one shieldable by the shield to the outside safety-relevant component of a vehicle battery can be closed and with which the circuit is interrupted,
  wherein by means of an actuating element of the battery disconnect switch is switchable between a first state in which the circuit is closed or closable is and a second state in which the circuit is interrupted;
• C2) wherein the actuating element is designed separately from the battery disconnect switch and engageable with an engagement portion of the battery disconnect switch and removable from engagement with the engagement portion, wherein the preparation of the engagement triggers the first state and the removal of the actuating element from the Intervention triggers the second state;
• D2)
  1. (a) wherein in the closed state of the shield, the operating member in the state of engagement with the engaging portion shields a Öffnerelement against a operation for opening the shield and an access to the Öffnerelement for its operation by removing the actuating element from the engagement with the engagement portion is releasable
     or
  2. (b) wherein the actuator and the shield are mechanically or directly operable, directly or indirectly, such that the actuator engaged with the engagement portion blocks movement of the shield from the closed position to the open position and the shield from the closed position is movable to the open position when the actuator is removed from engagement with the engagement portion,
     or
  3. (C) wherein the actuating element and the shield are so directly or indirectly mechanically operable or can be brought, that a movement of the shield from the closed position to the open position, the actuating element out of engagement with the Engaging section removed.

The solution according to the first more specific aspect and the solution according to the second more specific aspect are to be regarded as alternative solutions for a certain task, which can hardly be defined as a single solution proposal comprising both alternative solutions.

According to the first more specific aspect, the actuator is movable between a first position triggering a first state of a battery disconnect switch and a second position triggering a second state of the battery disconnect switch relative to a body of the battery disconnect switch, wherein a circuit is closed in the first state is closed and in a second state of the circuit is interrupted. The actuator may be a fixed member associated with the battery disconnect switch or, alternatively, an actuator that is separate from the battery disconnect switch and which is removable from engagement with an engagement portion of the battery disconnect switch in the second position.

According to the second more specific aspect, the actuator is separate from the battery disconnect switch and insertable into an engagement portion of the battery disconnect switch for triggering the first state and removable from the engagement portion to initiate the second state. Closing of the circuit thus requires that the actuating element engages with the engagement portion of the battery disconnector, and the removal of the actuating element from the engagement leads to the interruption of the circuit. An adjustability of engaging with the engaging portion actuator between multiple positions is not excluded, but not mandatory.

For the implementation of the safety function according to the invention, the partial feature groups D1) (a), D1) (b) and D1) (c) of the feature group D1) relating to the safety arrangement according to the first more specific aspect and the sub-feature groups D2) (a), D2) (b) and D2) (c) of the feature group D2) relating to the safety arrangement according to the second more specific aspect respectively provide alternative solutions for ensuring the safety function according to the invention, which emanate from the respective design of the actuating element (feature group C1) with the alternative partial feature groups C1) (a) and C1) (b) concerning the safety arrangement according to the first more specific aspect or feature group C2) concerning the safety arrangement according to the second more specific aspect).

The invention in its various alternative forms is based on the concept that the opening of the shield, for example a hood, is possible only when the safety-relevant component is deactivated or (or "and" in the case of a redundant "multiple backup") that the shield is opened (For example, the hood) necessarily has the deactivation of the safety-related component result. This results in a high reliability of the safety function and high security for working with or on the vehicle personnel. The solutions according to the invention are such that the functions of conventional emergency stop concepts and conventional battery limit switches are realized or at least in a simple manner can be realized with, since the emergency stop and the battery separator easy and reliable by appropriate actuation of the actuator for Switching to the second state can be done. It makes sense, the actuator accordingly easy to handle and well visible by appropriate color (for example with a signal color) run.

According to the invention, the opening of the shield, in particular the hood, so not without manual or automatic operation of an "emergency stop switch" or "battery disconnect switch" possible, so that the separation of the battery, especially starter battery, from the mains of the vehicle compelling the Opening the shield precedes or automatically results from the opening of the shield, so that, for example, an internal combustion engine runs out.

Preferably, it is provided for all alternative solutions that the battery disconnect switch is switchable in the open position shielding by means of the actuating element in the first state. By manual actuation by means of the actuating element, an operation of the safety-relevant component (for example an internal combustion engine) is thus possible when the shield is open (in particular when the bonnet is open). In this state, a foreign start of the engine is possible.

The solutions according to the invention can be realized with a comparatively small number of comparatively simple components. All requirements to switch off an internal combustion engine when opening the bonnet or / and to enable a tool-free disconnection of the starter battery are met.

Conventional concepts with a discrete position detection of the hood or an actuator of the hood and corresponding processing detected position detection signals such as evaluation by an electronic control as well as conventional concepts for tool-free electrical disconnection (for about purely mechanical solutions with a separable Batteriepol-Schnellverschuss or mechanical battery breaker or electrical / electronic solutions based on relays and contactors) are basically dispensable in implementing one of the proposed solutions according to the invention, but may well be additionally implemented in order to provide redundancy of the important safety functions and, if necessary, to implement other requirements.

With regard to the first aspect of the invention, it is proposed in further development that the shielding be in the first position befindlichem actuator is movable from the open position to the closed position, preferably without switching the battery disconnect switch in the second state.

With regard to the second aspect of the invention, it is further proposed that the shield is movable from the open position to the closed position when the actuating element is in engagement with the engagement portion, preferably without switching the battery disconnector to the second state.

These functions are important if, for example, the external starting of an internal combustion engine is to be enabled. By the way, these functions are useful, such as in connection with maintenance and service work, since then an unnecessary going out of the engine is avoided if, after closing the hood or the like, perhaps immediately a test drive should be taken.

According to a first development approach, which aims at the opening of the shield only after the previous transition of the battery disconnector in the second state, it is proposed that the actuating element or the standing in engagement with the engagement portion actuating element with a handling portion of an opening or recess of the shield located in the closed position and is manually movable by means of the handling portion between the first and second position and removable from engagement with the engagement portion. According to a preferred, particularly expedient and feasible with very little effort Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeit is provided that the actuating element has a shielding, which in the first position of the actuating element or in engagement with the engaging portion actuator access to the Öffnerelement through the opening or recess the shield located in the closed position locks. The opening element, which is used to open the Abschirmung must be actuated, can not be actuated from the outside when the battery disconnect switch occupies the first state, the circuit is therefore closed or closable because the actuator is in the first position (solution according to the first aspect) or with the Engaging section engages (solution according to the second aspect).

In a further development, it is proposed that, when the actuating element is in the second position or is removed from engagement with the engagement section, the opener element can be actuated through the opening or recess in order to open the shield which is in the closed position. It is possible to arrange the cam element in such a way that it can then be actuated, for example, by means of a finger of an operator inserted into the opening or the recess. Another possibility is that an actuating instrument is used to actuate the Öffnerelements. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating element and the Öffnerelement are designed such that the actuating element through the opening or recess towards the Öffnerelement insertable and the Öffnerelement is actuated by means of the inserted actuating element for opening the shield.

The shield can be locked in the closed state by means of a locking device against an opening, wherein the locking device can be unlocked by means of the addressed Öffnerelements. This opener element can be designed, for example, as a pivoting element or lever element. An electrical actuation of the locking device for opening should not be ruled out, so that it may be in the Öffnerelement for example, a Öffnerknopf or normally closed switch for electrical unlocking.

As already mentioned, the actuating element or the engaging in engagement with the engaging portion actuator can project with a handling portion of an opening or recess of the closed position shield and movable by means of the handling portion between the first and second position and out of engagement with be removable from the engagement portion. According to a likewise very expedient, alternative embodiment, it is provided that a movement of the shield from the closed position to the open position by abutment of the engaging in engagement with the engaging portion actuator at a portion of the shield (approximately at an edge of the opening) or on a first side of the recess in one direction limiting, arranged on the shield stop element is blockable. Advantageously, it may be provided that the preferably designed as a pivot element stop element relative to the shield at least between a normal position in which it limits the recess, and a deflecting position in which it does not limit the recess is movable, wherein when moving the shield from the open position in the closed position, the stop element by abutment with a side opposite to the first side of the engaged engagement member in the actuating element in which the further closing of the shield enabling Ausweichstellung is movable, preferably against the action of a biasing element in the direction of the normal position biasing spring arrangement.

According to a second development approach, which aims at automatically transferring the battery toggle switch to the second state when the shield is opened, it is proposed that the shield move from the closed position to the open position by striking a portion of the shield or a first one Side of a arranged on the shield stop member at a stop portion of the actuating element or the standing in engagement with the engaging portion actuating element, the actuating element moved from the first position to the second position or removed from engagement with the engagement portion. However, it is nevertheless not precluded that the actuating element or the standing in engagement with the engaging portion actuating element with a handling portion of an opening or recess of the shield located in the closed position and manually movable by means of the handling portion between the first and second position and is removable from engagement with the engagement portion.

It is preferably provided that the stop portion of the actuating element is shielded by the shield located in the closed position to the outside and / or that the stopper portion serves as a handling portion, with the shield located in the open position, the actuating element manually movable between the first and second positions or is removable from engagement with the engagement portion. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the preferably designed as a pivot element stop element is movable relative to the shield so that when moving the shield from the open position to the closed position by striking with a side opposite to the first side of the stop portion of a Normal position is moved into a further closing of the shield enabling Ausweichstellung, preferably against the action of a biasing element in the direction of the normal position biasing spring arrangement.

The invention further provides a commercial vehicle (in particular an industrial truck or a forklift), which is designed with a safety arrangement according to the invention. The security arrangement preferably realizes one or more or all of the above inventive and further development proposals.

It is primarily thought that the at least one safety-relevant component comprises an electric motor or an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

Fig. 1

zeigt schematisch eine Ansicht auf eine geschlossene Motorhaube eines Gabelstaplers mit eingestecktem, durch eine Aussparung der Motorhaube nach außen vorstehendem Betätigungsschlüssel und einem in diesem Zustand das Öffnen der Haube verhindernden Anschlagelement.

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 1 mit abgezogenem Betätigungsschlüssel, so dass die Haube geöffnet werden kann.

Fig. 3

veranschaulicht das Schließen der Motorhaube trotz gestecktem Betätigungsschlüssel aufgrund einer Bewegbarkeit des Anschlagelements in eine Ausweichstellung.

Fig. 4

zeigt eine detailliertere Ans icht auf eine zu der in den Fig. 1 bis 3 veranschaulichten Sicherheitsanordnung ähnliche Sicherheitsanordnung entsprechend einer Sicht aus dem von der Motorhaube abgeschirmten Innenraum in Richtung zur Innenseite der Motorhaube.

Fig. 5

zeigt in einer Ansicht im Wesentlichen entsprechend Fig. 4 eine alternative Ausgestaltung einer Sicherheitsanordnung.

Fig. 6 bis 8

zeigen Ansichten auf bzw. einer geschlossenen Motorhaube eines Gabelstaplers mit eingestecktem, durch eine Aussparung der Motorhaube nach außen vorstehendem Betätigungsschlüssel in einer Aktivierungsstellung, in der der Betätigungsschlüssel nicht abgezogen und die Motorhaube nicht geöffnet werden kann.

Fig. 9

zeigt eine Ansicht auf die geschlossene Motorhaube, bei der der Betätigungsschlüssel eine Deaktivierungsstellung einnimmt, in der der Betätigungsschlüssel abgezogen und die Motorhaube geöffnet werden kann.

Fig. 10,11

zeigen Ansichten der Motorhaube nach Abziehen des Betätigungsschlüssels mit noch geschlossener Motorhaube.

Fig. 12

zeigt eine Ansicht der Motorhaube in einer Situation, bei der ein im Inneren der Motorhaube angeordnetes Öffnerelement zum Öffnen der Motorhaube mittels des Betätigungsschlüssels betätigt wird.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the figures.

Fig. 1

schematically shows a view of a closed hood of a forklift with inserted, projecting through a recess of the hood outwardly actuation key and in this state, the opening of the hood preventing stop element.

Fig. 2

shows a view accordingly Fig. 1 with removed actuating key, so that the hood can be opened.

Fig. 3

illustrates the closing of the hood despite plugged actuating key due to a mobility of the stop element in an evasive position.

Fig. 4

shows a more detailed approach to the one in the Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated safety arrangement similar security arrangement according to a view from the shielded from the hood inner space towards the inside of the hood.

Fig. 5

shows in a view substantially corresponding Fig. 4 an alternative embodiment of a security arrangement.

Fig. 6 to 8

show views of or a closed hood of a forklift with inserted, projecting through a recess of the hood outwardly actuating key in an activation position in which the actuating key not pulled off and the hood can not be opened.

Fig. 9

shows a view of the closed bonnet, in which the actuating key occupies a deactivation position in which the actuating key can be removed and the hood can be opened.

Fig. 10,11

show views of the hood after removing the operating key with the hood still closed.

Fig. 12

shows a view of the hood in a situation in which a arranged inside the hood opening element for opening the bonnet is actuated by means of the operating key.

One with a small front section in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown engine cover or hood is designated 10. To see is a forward facing for example in relation to the forklift, located in a driver's compartment of the forklift front wall portion of the engine cover, which is pivoted for access to about the screened by the engine cover motor upwards. This front wall portion of the engine cover has a slot-shaped recess 12, but is closed by a pivotally mounted on the inside stop member 14 so that the pivot member 14 and the inner periphery of the recess 12 defining the edge of the motor cover define a circumferentially enclosed opening. Through this opening is after Fig. 1 an actuating key 16, which is inserted into a key receptacle of a battery disconnector 18. By inserting the key 16 in the key opening of the battery disconnector 18, the battery disconnector is switched to a first state in which a vehicle battery or starter battery is electrically connected by the battery disconnector with a vehicle power grid and thus with an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. By Pulling off the operating key 16, the battery is disconnected from the vehicle network and thus from the internal combustion engine, due to a transition of the battery separator in a second state.

The stop element 14 is thus arranged on the inside of the engine cover and limited for example by a bent portion of the vehicle cover in its mobility, so that it is out of the position of Fig. 1 only in the upward direction is pivotable, as in Fig. 3 shown. So if you tried with the engine cover closed to open them, the stop element 14 would strike with its upper edge to the inserted actuating key 16 and block the further opening of the engine cover.

The bonnet 10 can thus be opened only after removal of the operating key 16. The latter is in Fig. 2 shown. The keyhole, in accordance with Fig. 1 the actuating key 16 is inserted is designated 20.

Thus, if the actuating key 16 is removed, the engine cover 10 can be opened and closed as desired.

When the engine cover is open, the actuating key 16 can be plugged in again in order to reconnect the battery to the vehicle network, for example to start the internal combustion engine during maintenance work.

The shooting of the engine cover 10 is possible even when plugged and thus possibly while the engine is running, as in Fig. 3 illustrated. When closing the engine cover 10 despite plugged actuating key strikes the stop element 14 on the key and is pivoted into an evasive position, so that the engine cover easily back to the position accordingly Fig. 1 can take. Advantageously, the stop element 14 by a spring arrangement in Direction of the Fig. 1 and 2 be shown biased normal position, so that the stop element after closing the hood automatically and reliably back to the blocking position according to Fig. 1 and 2 occupies.

In the above embodiments, it has been assumed that the battery disconnect switch 18 is switched to the current conducting first state by inserting the operation key 16 and the second state being interrupted by disconnecting the operation key. This is an expedient embodiment. In contrast, but can advantageously provide alternatively that the battery disconnect switch 18 is not brought alone by the insertion of the operating key 16 in the current conducting state, but that after plugging the operating key this still from the position of Fig. 1 must be rotated in an example rotated by 90 ° position. In this twisted position, the battery disconnect switch is conductive. A removal of the actuating key 16 but only after reverse rotation of the operating key in the position according to Fig. 1 possible. The closing of the engine cover is preferably possible in both rotational positions of the operating key. It can also be provided without further further, also other functions instructing rotational positions for the actuating key.

An "inside view" of one with certain variations substantially the safety arrangement of Fig. 1 to 3 corresponding safety arrangement is in Fig. 4 shown. The battery disconnect switch 18 is held by a stationary holding plate 30. A horizontal blocking position of the stop element 14 is defined by a bent edge 34 of the engine cover 10. For pivotal mounting of the stop element is a bearing pin 36 on the inside of the cover 10, around which a return spring could be arranged.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative Ausgestatung, similar in an interior view FIG. 4 , Here, the actuating key or a firmly the battery-disconnector 18 'associated actuator 16' is completely in the interior and thus covered by the closed engine cover 10 'arranged. The actuator 16 'has a bent abutment portion 17' and is adjustable by rotation between an activation position in which the battery disconnect switch 18 'connects the battery to the vehicle network, and a deactivation position in which the battery disconnect switch 18 breaks the circuit , Fig. 5 shows the actuating element 16 'in the activation position. If now the vehicle cover 10 'is opened, that is pivoted upwards, the stop element 14' on the inside of the engine cover 10 'strikes against the stop section 17' of the actuating element 16 'and twists it into the activation position. Opening the engine cover 10 'while the engine is running thus inevitably leads to the interruption of the circuit and thus to shutdown of the engine.

When desired, for example, for maintenance work, with the cover 10 'open, the actuating element 16' can be rotated back into the activation position, for example for starting the engine. If then the engine cover 10 'closed again, the actuator 16' remains in this activation position, since the stop member 14 'when closing the cover 10' when striking the stop portion 17 'can escape. A biasing spring, the stop member 14 'in the normal position according to Fig. 5 Pretension.

According to one in the 6 to 12 For example, there may be only an indirect, very indirect mechanical operative connection between the engine hood (shield) and the actuator associated with the battery disconnect switch to achieve a fuse function, as will be explained below. There are for the explanation of this further embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the Fig. 1 to 4 used for analog or equivalent components, each increased by 100.

According to the Fig. 6 to 8 the actuating key 116 inserted through the recess 112 of the engine cover or hood 110 into a key receptacle of the battery separator 118 is arranged in its activation position, so that the battery disconnector assumes its first state in which the vehicle battery or starter battery through the battery disconnector with the vehicle power grid and electrically connected to the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The engine cover is closed and secured against opening by means of a locking mechanism 150. To open the engine cover or bonnet 110, an opener element 152 must be actuated, which has an actuating portion 154 in the region immediately behind the recess 112. However, a handling portion 156 of the operating key 116 is designed as a shielding, which shields the actuating portion 154 of the Öffnerelements 152 in the activation position to the outside so that it can not be operated from the outside. Thus, the engine cover or bonnet is secured in the activation position of the operating key 116 and thus in the first state of the battery disconnector 118 against opening.

To open the engine cover or bonnet 110, the actuating key 116 must be in its in Fig. 9 shown deactivation position and - if so provided - are deducted from the battery disconnector. As in Fig. 9 can be seen, the actuating portion 154 of the Öffnerelements 152 in the deactivation position of the operating key 116, in which the battery disconnector separates the battery from the vehicle network and thus from the internal combustion engine, accessible through the recess 112 from the outside, so that the Öffnerelement 152 for opening the engine cover or hood 110 can be actuated. The arrangement may be such that the actuating knob 156 of the actuating key 116 serving as the shielding element permits opening of the hood 110. Alternatively, one can also provide that the actuating knob 156 an opening pivoting movement or the like the engine cover or hood 110 is in the way, so that according to Fig. 9 Although the opener element by actuation of the actuating portion 154 is actuated, the opening of the bonnet in addition but still requires the removal of the actuating key 116 from the key opening of the battery separator 118, which is preferably only in the deactivation state Fig. 9 can be done.

The Fig. 10 and 11 show the state of the arrangement after removal of the operating key 116 from the key opening of the battery disconnector 118. After actuation of the Öffnerelements 152 then the engine cover or hood 110 can be opened freely. Fig. 12 shows how the Öffnerelement 152, which can be embodied as shown in the figure, for example, as a pivoting lever element can be actuated by means of the actuating key 116 by serving as the shielding actuating knob 156 inserted through the recess 112 in the region of the interior behind the recess and is pressed against the operating portion 154 of the Öffnerelements 252. This leads to the unlocking of the locking mechanism 150, so that the engine cover or hood 110 can then be opened easily.

If the bonnet is opened, the actuating key 116 can be inserted again into the key opening of the battery disconnector 118 in order to be able to start, for example, the internal combustion engine by adjusting the actuating key 116 into the activating position. The design of the serving as a shielding actuating knob 156 with respect to the recess 112 is such that the hood can be closed in the activation position arranged actuating key 116 and locked by the locking mechanism 150 in the closed state. It is thus possible that the running internal combustion engine can continue to run despite the bonnet closing. The closing of the hood does not have the consequence that the circuit interrupted by the closing of the engine cover 110 and thus the engine is switched off.

If the hood can be opened when the activation key is in the deactivation position, ie still inserted into the key opening of the battery disconnector 118, it is of course also possible to close the motor cover in this position of the actuation key (or generally the actuation element) 116.

The configuration of the actuating element 116 or actuating key 116 shown in the figures with the flat operating knob 156 serving as the cover element is also advantageous insofar as the actuating element does not or hardly projects beyond the side of the motor cover 110 having the recess 112. For this purpose, the recess 112 is embodied in an indentation region of the illustrated wall section of the engine cover, which is dimensioned such that the actuating element 116 is freely adjustable between the activation position and the deactivation position (as well as possibly further positions).

Proposed is inter alia a mechanically acting safety arrangement for a commercial vehicle, which is designed so that the opening of a shield, such as a hood, only after previous deactivation of at least one safety-relevant component is possible, or that the opening of the shield mandatory deactivation of at least results in a safety-relevant component. For this purpose, the shield and a battery disconnector associated or associated actuator directly or indirectly mechanically in operative connection.

It is also proposed more generally a safety arrangement for a commercial vehicle, which is designed so that the opening of a shield, such as a hood, only after previous deactivation of at least one safety-relevant component possible is, or that the opening of the shield necessarily has the activation of at least one safety-related component result. For this purpose, it is provided that access to an openable to open the shield NC element by a battery disconnector associated or associated actuator is lockable, and / or that the shield and one / the battery disconnector associated or associated actuator directly or indirectly mechanically in operative connection.

Claims (14)

1. A safety assembly for a commercial vehicle, for example an industrial truck or a forklift truck, which is embodied such that a shield (10; 10'; 110), for example a bonnet, can only be opened after prior deactivation of at least one safety-relevant component, or that opening of the shield necessarily results in deactivation of the at least one safety-relevant component, by access to an opener element (152) which requires actuation to open the shield being blockable by an actuating element (16; 16'; 116) associated with or assigned to an electrical battery isolating switch (18; 18'; 118) and/or by the shield (10; 10'; 110) and an/the actuating element (16; 16'; 116) associated with or assigned to an/the electrical battery isolating switch (18; 18'; 118) being directly or indirectly mechanically in operative connection, characterised in that when the shield (10; 10'; 110) is in the open position the battery isolating switch (18; 18'; 118) may be switched over to its closed state by means of the actuating element (16; 16'; 116).
2. A safety assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the shield (10; 110) can only be opened after prior deactivation of the at least one safety-relevant component, by the actuating element (16; 116) associated with or assigned to the battery isolating switch (18; 118), in the activation state of the at least one safety-relevant component, blocking access to the opener element (152) which requires actuation to open the shield and/or by the shield (10; 110) and the actuating element (16; 116) associated with or assigned to the battery isolating switch (18; 118) being directly or indirectly mechanically in operative connection, in such a way that the actuating element (16; 116), in the activation state of the at least one safety-relevant component, blocks opening of the shield.
3. A safety assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that opening of the shield (10') necessarily results in deactivation of the at least one safety-relevant component, by the shield (10') and the actuating element (16') associated with or assigned to the battery isolating switch being directly or indirectly mechanically in operative connection in such a way that the battery isolating switch is actuatable by means of the actuating element (16') and shield (10') on opening of the shield so as to deactivate the at least one safety-relevant component.
4. A safety assembly, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for a commercial vehicle, in particular an industrial truck or a forklift truck, comprising:

   A) a shield (10; 10'; 110), preferably in the form of a bonnet, a tailboard or a cover, movable between an open position and a closed position and externally shielding at least one safety-relevant component of a vehicle drive;
   and

   B) a battery isolating switch (18; 18'; 118), via which a circuit for supplying power to at least one safety-relevant component externally shieldable by the shield can be closed by a vehicle battery and with which the circuit may be broken,
   wherein the battery isolating switch may be switched by means of an actuating element (16; 16'; 116) between a first state, in which the circuit is closed or closable, and a second state, in which the circuit is broken;

   C1)

   (a) wherein the actuating element (16') is associated with the battery isolating switch (18') and is movable relative to a body of the battery isolating switch at least between a first position triggering the first state and a second position triggering the second state, or

   (b) wherein the actuating element (16; 116) is separate from the battery isolating switch (18; 118) and can be brought into engagement with an engagement portion of the battery isolating switch and moved out of engagement with the engagement portion, wherein the actuating element (16; 116) in engagement with the engagement portion can be moved relative to a body of the battery isolating switch (18; 118) at least between a second position triggering the second state and allowing movement of the actuating element out of engagement and a first position triggering the first state and not allowing movement of the actuating element (16; 116) out of engagement;

   D1)

   (a) wherein, when the shield (110) is in the closed state, the actuating element (116) in its first position shields an opener element (152) from actuation to open the shield and access to the opener element (152) for actuation thereof may be provided by adjustment of the actuating element into its second position and/or - in the case of the actuating element (116) separate from the battery isolating switch - by moving the actuating element (116) out of engagement with the engagement portion, or

   (b) wherein the actuating element and the shield are or can be brought directly or indirectly mechanically into operative connection in such a way that the actuating element (16) in the first position blocks movement of the shield (10) out of the closed position into the open position and the shield may be moved out of the closed position into the open position if the actuating element is in the second position and/or - in the case of the actuating element (16) separate from the battery isolating switch - has been moved out of engagement with the engagement portion, or

   (c) wherein the actuating element (16') and the shield (10') are or may be brought directly or indirectly mechanically into operative connection in such a way that movement of the shield out of the closed position into the open position moves the actuating element (16') out of the first position into the second position,

   wherein in the safety assembly according to features A), B), C1) and D1) the battery isolating switch (18; 18'; 118) may be switched into the first state by means of the actuating element (16; 16'; 116) when the shield (10; 10'; 110) is in the open position.
5. A safety assembly according to claim 1 or claim 4, characterised in that, when the actuating element (16; 16'; 116) is in the first position, the shield (10; 10'; 110) is movable out of the open position into the closed position, preferably without switching the battery isolating switch (18; 18'; 118) into the second state.
6. A safety assembly, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for a commercial vehicle, in particular an industrial truck or a forklift truck, comprising:

   A) a shield (10), preferably in the form of a bonnet, a tailboard or a cover movable between an open position and a closed position and externally shielding at least one safety-relevant component of a vehicle drive; and

   B) a battery isolating switch (18), via which a circuit for supplying power to at least one safety-relevant component externally shieldable by the shield can be closed by a vehicle battery and with which the circuit may be broken,
   wherein the battery isolating switch may be switched by means of an actuating element (16) between a first state, in which the circuit is closed or closable, and a second state, in which the circuit is broken;

   C2) wherein the actuating element (16) is embodied to be separate from the battery isolating switch (18) and may be brought into engagement with an engagement portion of the battery isolating switch and moved out of engagement with the engagement portion, wherein bringing about the engagement triggers the first state and movement of the actuating element (16) out of engagement triggers the second state;

   D2)

   (a) wherein, when the shield is in the closed state, the actuating element in the state of engagement with the engagement portion shields an opener element from actuation to open the shield and access to the opener element for actuation thereof may be provided by moving the actuating element out of engagement with the engagement portion, or

   (b) wherein the actuating element (16) and the shield (10) are or may be brought directly or indirectly mechanically into operative connection in such a way that the actuating element (16) in engagement with the engagement portion blocks movement of the shield out of the closed position into the open position and the shield may be moved out of the closed position into the open position if the actuating element (16) has been moved out of engagement with the engagement portion,
   or

   (c) wherein the actuating element and the shield are or may be brought directly or indirectly mechanically into operative connection in such a way that movement of the shield out of the closed position into the open position moves the actuating element out of engagement with the engagement portion,

   wherein in the safety assembly of features A), B), C2) and D2) the battery isolating switch (18) may be switched into the first state by means of the actuating element (16) when the shield (10) is in the open position.
7. A safety assembly according to claim 6, characterised in that, when the actuating element (16) is in engagement with the engagement portion, the shield (10) is movable out of the open position into the closed position, preferably without switching the battery isolating switch (18) into the second state.
8. A safety assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the actuating element or the actuating element (16; 116) in engagement with the engagement portion projects with a handle portion out of an opening or recess (12; 112) in the shield (10; 110) located in the closed position and may be moved manually by means of the handle portion between the first and second position or may be moved out of engagement with the engagement portion.
9. A safety assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the actuating element (116) comprises a shield portion (156) which, when the actuating element is in the first position or when the actuating element (116) is in engagement with the engagement portion, blocks access to the opener element (152) through the opening or recess (112) in the shield (110) located in the closed position, and preferably characterised in that, when the actuating element (116) is in the second position or moved out of engagement with the engagement portion, the opener element (152) may be actuated through the opening or recess (112) to open the shield (110) located in the closed position, wherein the actuating element and the opener element are preferably embodied such that the actuating element (116) may be introduced through the opening or recess (112) towards the opener element (152) and the opener element (152) may be actuated by means of the introduced actuating element to open the shield.
10. A safety assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the shield (110) can be locked in the closed state against opening by means of a locking means (150), wherein the locking means can be unlocked by means of the opener element (152) preferably embodied as a pivot element or lever element.
11. A safety assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that movement of the shield (10; 110) out of the closed position into the open position may be blocked by the actuating element (16; 116) in engagement with the engagement portion striking against a portion of the shield (10; 110), preferably against an edge of the opening, or against a first side of a limit stop element (14) defining the recess (12) in one direction and arranged on the shield (10), and preferably characterised in that the limit stop element (14) preferably embodied as a pivot element is movable relative to the shield (10) at least between a normal position, in which it defines the recess, and an alternative position, in which it does not define the recess, wherein, on movement of the shield out of the open position into the closed position, the limit stop element may be moved by striking with an opposite side from the first side against an actuating element (16) in engagement with the engagement portion into the alternative position allowing further closure of the shield, preferably contrary to the action of a pretensioning spring assembly pretensioning the limit stop element (14) in the direction of the normal position.
12. A safety assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterised in that movement of the shield (10') out of the closed position into the open position moves the actuating element out of the first position into the second position or moves it out of engagement with the engagement portion by a portion of the shield or of a first side of a limit stop element (14') arranged against the shield striking against a limit stop portion (17') of the actuating element and/or of the actuating element in engagement with the engagement portion, and preferably
    characterised in that the limit stop portion (17') of the actuating element (16') is externally shielded by the shield (10') located in the closed position and/or in that the limit stop portion (17') serves as a handle portion, with which, when the shield is in the open position, the actuating element (16') is movable manually between the first and second position or movable out of engagement with the engagement portion.
13. A safety assembly according to claim 12, characterised in that the limit stop element (14') preferably embodied as a pivot element is movable relative to the shield (10') in such a way that, on movement of the shield out of the open position into the closed position, it is moved from a normal position into an alternative position enabling further closure of the shield by striking with an opposite side from the first side against the limit stop portion (17'), preferably against the action of a pretensioning spring assembly pretensioning the limit stop element (14') in the direction of the normal position.
14. A commercial vehicle, in particular an industrial truck or forklift truck, with a safety assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one safety-relevant component preferably comprises an electromotor or combustion engine of the vehicle.

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