EP4230569A1 - Drawbar head for an industrial truck - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tiller head (29) for an industrial truck (1), the tiller head (29) having a tiller horn (37) extending along a longitudinal axis (35), the tiller head (29) having two handles (39, 39-1 , 39-2) for gripping the tiller head (29) by an operator (17), the two handles (39, 39-1, 39-2) being arranged on opposite sides of the tiller horn (37) and being attached to the tiller horn ( 37). 29) faces away from the roadway (13), a rotary switch (49) for controlling at least one operating function of the industrial truck (1) being arranged on the upper side (45) of the tiller horn (37), the rotary switch (49) being a horizontal axis of rotation (51) is rotatable, the horizontal axis of rotation (51) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (35) of the tiller head (29).

Description

The invention relates to a tiller head for an industrial truck, in particular for a pedestrian-controlled or passenger-guided stacker truck, and an industrial truck, in particular a pedestrian-controlled or passenger-controlled stacker truck, with a tiller head.

Industrial trucks designed as pedestrian-controlled lift trucks, for example high-lift trucks, are operated in pedestrian mode by an operator standing in front of or next to the truck or walking with them using a steering tiller that includes a tiller head, with the operator grasping the tiller head of the steering tiller with his left and/or right hand in particular. Industrial trucks designed as passenger-guided lift trucks, for example high-lift trucks, are operated in passenger mode by an operator standing on a foldable or fixed operator platform using a handlebar that includes a tiller head, with the operator gripping the tiller head of the handlebar with his left and/or right hand in particular.

Industrial trucks of this type designed as pedestrian-guided or passenger-guided lift trucks, in particular high-lift trucks, are used for the internal transport of goods and goods over mostly short distances, and for this purpose have a load handling device arranged on a mast and which can be raised and lowered by a lifting drive for picking up loads. A drive wheel of the industrial truck driven by an electric traction drive is connected directly or indirectly to the steering drawbar, so that the lift truck, for example a stacker truck, can be steered by the operator by pivoting the steering drawbar or the handlebars about a vertical pivot axis.

In order to enable effective control of the electric traction drive and the lifting drive of the industrial truck, operating elements, such as switches, are arranged on the tiller head of the steering tiller or on the tiller head of the handlebar. which are actuated by the operator to control the corresponding functions.

Due to the large number of operating elements that are used in a tiller head of a conventional steering tiller or handlebar, an operator often has to grasp different operating elements to operate them, which means that the effectiveness of operating the industrial truck can be limited under certain circumstances.

In the pamphlet DE 10 2012 103 931 A1 discloses a pedestrian-controlled stacker truck with a steering drawbar.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a tiller head of an industrial truck, with ergonomically advantageous operation of the tiller head by an operator being made possible.

According to a first aspect, this object is achieved by a tiller head for an industrial truck, the tiller head having a tiller horn extending along a longitudinal axis, the tiller head having two handles for an operator to grip the tiller head, the two handles being on opposite sides of the are arranged on the tiller horn and fastened to the tiller horn, with the tiller horn having a horn underside, which faces the roadway when the tiller head is in a horizontal operating position, and an upper side of the horn, which faces away from the roadway in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head, with the top side of the horn having A rotary switch for controlling at least one operating function of the industrial truck is arranged on the tiller horn, the rotary switch being rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, the horizontal axis of rotation extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tiller head.

This achieves the technical advantage that an operator, when he/she grasps at least one of the two handles of the tiller head with at least one hand, effectively and ergonomically presses the rotary switch arranged on the upper side of the tiller horn with at least one finger, in particular the index finger and/or middle finger pleasant way to use.

The horizontal orientation of the horizontal operating position of the tiller head is considered here relative to the horizontally oriented roadway, so that the horizontal axis of rotation of the rotary switch also extends parallel to the roadway when the tiller head is in the horizontal operating position.

In particular, the two handles and the longitudinal axis of the tiller horn are arranged in a reference plane, with the horizontal axis of rotation of the rotary switch extending parallel to the reference plane.

In particular, the horizontal axis of rotation extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tiller head and transversely to a vertical axis of the tiller head, the vertical axis extending orthogonally to the horizontally oriented roadway in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head.

It is thus possible for the operator in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head to turn the rotary switch, for example with the index finger and/or with the middle finger of a hand gripping the handle, about the horizontal axis of rotation in opposite directions of rotation towards or from the operator Operator to turn away to control operating functions, especially a lifting drive, the truck.

In particular, the rotary switch is designed symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the tiller horn.

In particular, the rotary switch is located on the upper side of the tiller horn, in the middle between the two handles of the tiller head. This allows the operator to operate the rotary switch both with the left hand and with the right hand, so that only a single rotary switch is required for different handle positions.

The rotary switch arranged on the upper side of the tiller horn in the middle between the two handles of the tiller head can be actuated in particular by an index finger and/or middle finger of the operator's hand gripping the handle, so that the operator does not have to grip the handle of the tiller head has to be released, so that the operator can use the thumb of the same hand to actuate another switch on the tiller head, for example to control the traction drive. As a result, an advantageous simultaneous control of different operating functions of the industrial truck can be achieved with just one hand.

Furthermore, the rotary switch can be formed with an ergonomically advantageous rotary switch surface in order to enable ergonomically comfortable operation of the rotary switch with different hand anatomy, in particular different finger lengths, by different hands by different operators.

In addition, a correspondingly proportional control of the operating function, in particular of the lifting drive, of the industrial truck can be achieved by the extent of the rotation of the rotary switch, which is exerted on the rotary switch by a finger of the operator.

In one embodiment, the rotary switch can be rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation and in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, with the first direction of rotation extending in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head in particular away from an end of the tiller head that can be connected to a tiller shaft, and wherein the second direction of rotation in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head extends in particular to the end of the tiller head that can be connected to the tiller shaft.

This achieves the technical advantage that the operator, who grasps a handle of the tiller head in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head, can advantageously turn the rotary switch towards the operator along the first direction of rotation with a finger, in particular an index finger and/or middle finger, or Advantageously, the rotary switch can be rotated away from the operator along the second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation, in order to control the industrial truck.

In one embodiment, the horn top has a trough in which the rotary switch is arranged, with the trough in a with a Drawbar shaft connectable end of the tiller head facing area of Hornoberseite connects an increase, in particular the trough and the increase in cross-section have an S-shape.

This achieves the technical advantage that an ergonomically particularly comfortable position of the rotary switch in the tiller horn is achieved by the trough, which is in particular S-shaped in cross section, and the subsequent elevation.

In one embodiment, the rotary switch has a top side of the rotary switch which faces away from the roadway when the tiller head is in the horizontal operating position, with at least one gripping contour, in particular a depression, being formed in the top side of the rotary switch for gripping a finger of an operator of the tiller head, and with the at least an engagement contour is delimited at least in sections by an actuating bar.

This achieves the technical advantage that the at least one engagement contour, in particular the indentation, enables an effective engagement point for a finger of the operator to exert sufficient pressure on the rotary switch, which enables the rotary switch to be rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation.

In particular, the at least one engagement contour comprises a single engagement contour or a plurality of engagement contours. In this case, the actuating web delimits the corresponding at least one engagement contour, at least in sections. In particular, the actuating web separates different engagement contours from one another. In particular, a finger of the operator can rest against the actuating bar in order to enable the rotary switch to be rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation.

The actuating bar is designed in particular as an actuating bar which is curved at least in sections and which in particular has a first curved area and a second curved area.

In particular, the top side of the rotary switch is designed as a top side of the rotary switch that is curved at least in sections.

In one embodiment, a first engagement contour and a second engagement contour are formed in the top side of the rotary switch, with the first engagement contour facing away from an end of the tiller head that can be connected to a tiller shaft when the tiller head is in the horizontal operating position, with the second engagement contour corresponding to the end with the tiller head in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head Connectable end of the tiller head is facing the drawbar shaft, and wherein the actuating bar delimits the first engagement contour and the second engagement contour from one another.

This achieves the technical advantage that fingers of different lengths from different operators can engage either in the first or second engagement contour in order to turn the rotary switch, so that different operators can operate the rotary switch in an ergonomically comfortable manner.

In particular, the first and second engagement contours are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction of the tiller horn on the top side of the rotary switch or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tiller horn next to one another on the top side of the rotary switch.

In this case, the actuating web has in particular a first curved web area which delimits a first contour area of the first engagement contour from a second contour area of the first engagement contour and from the second engagement contour.

In this case, the actuating web has in particular a second curved web area which delimits a second contour area of the first engagement contour from the first contour area of the first engagement contour and from the second engagement contour.

In one embodiment, the rotary switch has a neutral position in an unactuated state, in which a neutral axis of the rotary switch, which extends from the underside of the horn to the top of the horn through an actuating bar of the Rotary switch extends, is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis and to the horizontal axis of rotation.

This achieves the technical advantage that the operator can effectively grip the rotary switch in the neutral position.

In one embodiment, the rotary switch can be rotated between a first deflection position and a second deflection position about the horizontal axis of rotation, wherein in the first deflection position a first deflection axis of the rotary switch delimits a first deflection angle with the neutral axis of the rotary switch, which angle is in particular a range between -10° and - 25°, and wherein in the second deflection position a second deflection axis of the rotary switch delimits a second deflection angle with the neutral axis of the rotary switch, which in particular comprises a range between +10° and +25°.

This achieves the technical advantage that the first and second deflection positions of the rotary switch enable effective end positions for the rotation of the rotary switch about the horizontal axis of rotation. Furthermore, the technical advantage is achieved that the rotary switch has a large range of rotation and thus a large actuation path, which enables ergonomic control of the operating function of the industrial truck controlled by the rotary switch.

In particular, the first and second deflection angles have an identical magnitude. In particular, the first deflection angle is between -10° and -20°, in particular between -15° and -18°. In particular, the second deflection angle is between +10° and +20°, in particular between +15° and +18°.

In one embodiment, the rotary switch can be continuously rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation between the first deflection position and the second deflection position.

This achieves the technical advantage that the infinitely variable rotation of the rotary switch enables particularly effective control of the operating function of the Industrial truck, in particular proportional to the rotary position of the rotary switch, is possible.

In one embodiment, the industrial truck has a mast with a load-carrying device and a lifting drive for raising and lowering the load-carrying device, with the industrial truck having a controller which is connected to the control system with the lifting drive and with the rotary switch, with the controller being designed to operate the lifting drive for To activate lifting or lowering of the load handling device depending on a direction of rotation of the rotary switch.

This achieves the technical advantage that, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary switch, the lifting drive either raises or lowers the load handling attachment.

In one embodiment, the tiller head has a rotary switch sensor, which is designed to detect a rotational position of the rotary switch that can be actuated by the operator, with the controller being designed to determine the speed of the lifting or lowering of the load handling device as a function of the rotational position of the rotary switch detected by the rotary switch sensor to control.

This achieves the technical advantage that the speed at which the lifting device is raised or lowered can be controlled proportionally as a function of the actuating travel of the rotary switch. In particular, an increase in the lifting speed or the lowering speed of the lifting drive can be achieved with increasing rotation of the rotary switch and thus with increasing actuation path of the rotary switch. The large actuation path of the rotary switch enables the operator to control the lifting speed or the lowering speed of the lifting drive sensitively and to adjust it according to the work to be carried out at the moment in order to carry out fast load handling of a load with a high lifting speed or a high lowering speed of the lifting drive or with a low lifting speed or a low lowering speed of the lifting drive to adjust the load handling device exactly to a lifting height to be approached. The rotary position-dependent control of the speed of lifting or lowering the load handling device thus gives the operator the opportunity to significantly increase the effectiveness of moving loads with the load handling device.

In one embodiment, at least one additional switch, in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the top of the horn, with the additional switch being configured in particular to control an initial lifting device of the industrial truck by actuation, and/or at least one additional switch, in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the underside of the horn is, wherein the additional switch is designed in particular to control the lifting drive of the load handling device of the industrial truck by actuation.

This achieves the technical advantage that an initial lifting device that may be present on the industrial truck can be controlled with the additional switch arranged on the upper side of the horn. Furthermore, the technical advantage is achieved that the lifting drive can be controlled with the additional switch arranged on the underside of the horn when the steering drawbar is in a vertical position.

In one embodiment, a touch display for displaying operating parameters and for controlling the operating function of the industrial truck is arranged on the top of the horn, with the touch display being arranged on the top of the horn, in particular between the rotary switch and an end of the tiller head that can be connected to a tiller shaft.

This achieves the technical advantage that the position of the touch display on the upper side of the horn enables advantageous operation by the operator, in particular in conjunction with the actuation of the rotary switch.

In one embodiment, the upper side of the horn has an elevation, the elevation having an elevation front side which, in the operating position of the tiller head, faces away from an end of the tiller head that can be connected to a tiller shaft, the elevation front side being inclined relative to the upper side of the horn, and the touch display on the inclined elevation front is arranged.

This achieves the technical advantage that the touch display arranged on the sloping front side of the elevation can advantageously be viewed and operated by the operator.

In one embodiment, the elevation front side extends along an elevation axis, which encloses an angular range with the longitudinal axis of the tiller horn, which is in particular between 140° and 165°.

This achieves the technical advantage that the angular range between the elevation axis and the longitudinal axis ensures an ergonomically particularly optimized position of the touch display.

According to a second aspect, this object is achieved by an industrial truck with a tiller head according to the first aspect, the tiller head being connected to the industrial truck by a tiller shaft or a steering column.

This achieves the technical advantage that an advantageous industrial truck is obtained, which is designed in particular as a pedestrian-guided high-lift truck with a steering handle that encompasses the tiller head or as a passenger-guided high-lift truck with a handlebar that encompasses the tiller head.

The advantageous embodiments described for the tiller head according to the first aspect are also advantageous embodiments for the industrial truck according to the second aspect.

• Figur 1A und Figur 1B ein Flurförderzeug, insbesondere mitgängergeführten Hochhubwagen, gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Figur 2 einen Deichselkopf einer Lenkdeichsel des in Figur 1A und Figur 1B dargestellten Flurförderzeugs gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Figur 3A und Figur 3B seitliche Ansichten des in Figur 2 dargestellten Deichselkopfs;
• Figur 4A und Figur 4B seitliche Ansichten des in Figur 2 dargestellten Deichselkopfs; und
• Figur 5A und Figur 5B einen Deichselkopf der Lenkdeichsel des in Figur 1A und Figur 1B dargestellten Flurförderzeugs gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures. Here show or shows

• Figure 1A and Figure 1B an industrial truck, in particular a pedestrian-controlled stacker truck, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• figure 2 a tiller head of a steering tiller of the in Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrated industrial truck according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 3A and Figure 3B lateral views of the in figure 2 illustrated tiller head;
• Figure 4A and Figure 4B lateral views of the in figure 2 illustrated tiller head; and
• Figure 5A and Figure 5B a tiller head of the steering tiller of the in Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrated industrial truck according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

The Figures 1A and Figure 1B show an industrial truck 1, in particular a pedestrian-controlled stacker truck, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The in the Figures 1A and 1B Each stacker truck shown in side view is designed in particular as a pedestrian-controlled and tiller-controlled stacker truck.

In the Figure 1A the truck 1 is shown during operation with a recorded load 3, whereas the Figure 1B the industrial truck 1 without a loaded load 3 shows.

The industrial truck 1 has a drive part 5 and a load part, the load part having two load arms 9 laterally spaced apart in the vehicle transverse direction. The industrial truck 1 is supported on a track 13 in the area of the load part by means of load rollers 11 arranged at the tips of the load arms 9 . The industrial truck 1 has a battery-electric drive system. A steerable drive wheel 15 is arranged in the drive part 5 and can be driven by an electric traction drive motor of the battery-electric traction drive.

The industrial truck 1 is operated by an operator 17 by means of a steering shaft 19 which is arranged on a side of the drive part 5 which faces away from the load part. The steering drawbar 19 is about a vertical pivot axis 21 pivotally arranged, wherein the drive wheel 15 can be steered by pivoting the steering arm 19 about the vertical pivot axis 21 . The vertical orientation of the vertical pivot axis 21 is considered relative to the horizontally oriented roadway 13 .

The steering drawbar 19 is also about a horizontal pivot axis 23 between an in Figure 1B illustrated superscript vertical position and an in Figure 1A swung down horizontal position, in order to enable pedestrian operation of the industrial truck 1 by the operator 17 running in front of or next to the industrial truck 1 . The horizontal orientation of the horizontal pivot axis 23 is considered relative to the horizontally oriented roadway 13 .

The industrial truck 1 also has a mast 25 which is arranged on a side of the drive part 5 facing the load part and is arranged in particular between the drive part 5 and the load part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The mast 25 has vertically arranged rails on which a load handling device 7, for example a load fork with two forks, can be raised and lowered. To raise and lower the load handling device 7 is used in the Figure 1A and 1B not shown electric lifting drive, such as an electric lifting hydraulics.

The steering tiller 19 is used in addition to steering the drive wheel 15 in pedestrian mode of the truck 1 to actuate the traction drive of the drive wheel 15 and the lifting drive of the load handling device 7 and is this with in the Figures 1A and 1B provided controls not shown for controlling the traction drive and controls for controlling the lifting drive.

In the industrial truck 1, the load arms 9 can be designed as load arms 9 that can be raised and lowered by means of an initial lifting device, as indicated by the arrow 27 in Figure 1A is clarified. The length of the load arms 9 is dimensioned such that the load 3 can be lowered and raised by the load arms 9 .

Even if this is explained in detail in the following figures, the Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrated steering tongue 19 by the operator 17 tangible tiller head 29, which is connected by a tiller shaft 31 of the steering tiller 19 to a connection area 33 of the steering tiller 19 that is attached to the industrial truck 1.

As is also explained in detail in the following figures, during the in Figure 1A illustrated operation of the industrial truck 1 for moving the load 3, the tiller head 29 is arranged in a horizontal operating position in which a Figure 1A not shown horn underside of a tiller horn 37 of the tiller head 29 faces the roadway 13 . The horizontal orientation of the horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 is thus considered relative to the horizontally oriented roadway 13, as is shown in Figure 1A is shown.

In the Figure 1B the steering tongue 19 is shown in a pivoted-up vertical position.

figure 2 shows a tiller head 29 of the steering tiller 19 in Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrated industrial truck 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

the inside figure 2 illustrated tiller head 29 of the steering tiller 19 is in Figure 1A shown horizontal operating position, which is described in detail below. the inside figure 2 The tiller head 29 shown is connected by a tiller shaft 31 and an in figure 2 Connection area 33, not shown, of the steering drawbar 19 with the figure 2 not shown truck 1 connected.

The tiller head 29 has a tiller horn 37 extending along a longitudinal axis 35 . The tiller head 29 has two handles 39, in particular a left, first handle 39-1 and a right, second handle 39-2, for gripping the tiller head 29 by the operator 17, with the two handles 39 on opposite sides of the tiller horn 37 are arranged and attached to the drawbar horn 37. Like in the figure 2 is shown schematically, the two handles 39 and the longitudinal axis 35 of the tiller horn 37 are arranged in a reference plane 41 .

The central drawbar horn 37 extends along the longitudinal axis 35 from a first end 38 designed for connection to the drawbar shaft 31 to a second, free end 40 opposite the first end 38 on the longitudinal axis 35. From the central drawbar horn 37 extend in the region of the first End 38 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 35 has two support sections 42. The support sections 42 are adjoined by outer leg sections 44 running essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 35. The leg sections 44 each merge into one of the handles 39-1, 39-2. The handles 39 - 1 , 39 - 2 point towards the longitudinal axis 35 and are preferably connected to the tiller horn 37 in the area of the second end 40 . The support sections 42, the leg sections 44 and the handles 39-1, 39-2, in cooperation with the tiller horn 37, each define handle openings.

The tiller horn 37 has a horn underside 43, which in figure 2 illustrated horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 in figure 2 facing roadway 13, not shown. The tiller horn 37 has a horn upper side 45 facing away from the underside 43 of the horn, which faces away from the roadway 13 in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 . A vertical axis 47 of the tiller head 29 extending orthogonally to the horizontally oriented roadway 13 in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 is in FIG figure 2 shown schematically.

A rotary switch 49 for controlling the lifting drive of the industrial truck 1 is arranged on the upper side 45 of the tiller horn 37 . The rotary switch 49 can be rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation 51 , the horizontal axis of rotation 51 extending transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 35 of the tiller horn 37 . In particular, the horizontal axis of rotation 51 continues to extend transversely or perpendicularly to the vertical axis 47 of the tiller horn 37. The horizontal axis of rotation 51 of the rotary switch 49 thus extends parallel to the reference plane 41.

The horizontal orientation of the horizontal axis of rotation 51 thus relates to the figure 2 non-illustrated horizontal orientation of the roadway 13, with further details on this on the representation of Figure 1A is referenced.

in the in figure 2 In the schematically illustrated horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29, in which the underside of the horn 43 faces the roadway 13, an operator 17 of the industrial truck 1 can grip the tiller head 29 with one or both hands on the handles 39, and can turn the rotary switch 49 with his index finger, for example and/or rotate it about the axis of rotation 51 with the middle finger of a hand gripping the handle 39 for actuation.

in the in figure 2 In the horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 shown schematically, it is possible for the operator 17 to turn the rotary switch 49, for example with the index finger and/or with the middle finger of a hand gripping the handle 39, in accordance with the figure 2 first direction of rotation 53 shown, about the horizontal axis of rotation 51 towards the operator 17 or away from the end 38 of the tiller head 29 that can be connected to the tiller shaft 31, in order to control the lifting drive of the industrial truck 1, for example in order to lift the load handling device 7.

in the in figure 2 In the horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 shown schematically, it is possible for the operator 17 to turn the rotary switch 49, for example with the index finger and/or with the middle finger of a hand gripping the handle 39, in accordance with the figure 2 shown second direction of rotation 55, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation 53, in order to rotate the horizontal axis of rotation 51 away from the operator 17, or towards the end 38 of the tiller head 29 that can be connected to the tiller shaft 31, in order to turn the lifting drive of the industrial truck 1 control, for example, to lower the load handling device 7.

In particular, the operator 17 of the industrial truck 1 can use a lifting drive of the industrial truck 1 to raise or lower a load handling device 7 of the industrial truck 1 along the in Figure 1A shown lifting or lowering direction 27 depending on the first or second direction of rotation 53, 55 of the rotary switch 49 control.

For example, it is possible for the operator 17 to control the lifting drive for lifting the load handling device 7 by turning the rotary switch 49 in the first direction of rotation 53, and by turning the rotary switch 49 in the second direction of rotation 55 to control the lifting drive for lowering the load handling device 7 .

The rotary switch 49 also has a rotary switch top 57 which is arranged on a side of the rotary switch 49 facing away from the roadway 13 . A first engagement contour 59 and a second engagement contour 61 are formed in the top side 57 of the rotary switch.

The first engagement contour 59 is in figure 2 illustrated horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 is arranged on a side of the rotary switch 49 facing away from the tiller shaft 31 . The second engagement contour 61 is in figure 2 shown horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 on a side of the rotary switch 29 facing the tiller shaft 31 .

In this case, the first engagement contour 59 and the second engagement contour 61 are delimited from one another by an actuating web 63 . the inside figure 2 The actuating bar 63 shown has, in particular, a curved profile, which enables the fingers of the operator 17 to rest against the actuating bar 63 in a particularly advantageous manner.

The actuating web 63 has in particular a first curved web area 65 which delimits a first contour area 67 of the first engagement contour 59 from a second contour area 69 of the first engagement contour 59 and from the second engagement contour 61 .

Similarly, the actuating web 63 has in particular a second curved web area 71 which delimits the second contour area 69 of the first engagement contour 59 from the first contour area 67 of the first engagement contour 59 and from the second engagement contour 61 .

If the operator 17 grips the left, first handle 39-1, for example, the operator 17 can, for example, use the index finger and/or middle finger of the left hand to reach into the first contour area 67 of the first engagement contour 59 in order to turn the rotary switch 49.

If the operator 17 grips the right, second handle 39-2, for example, the operator 17 can, for example, use the index finger and/or middle finger of the right hand to reach into the second contour area 69 of the first engagement contour 59 in order to turn the rotary switch 49.

Depending on the length of the fingers, in particular the length of the index finger and/or middle finger, the fingers of the operator 17 can be inserted either in the first gripping contour 59, in particular in the first and/or second contour regions 67, 69 of the first gripping contour 59, or engage in the second engagement contour 61 in order to turn the rotary switch 49, so that an ergonomically adapted operation of the rotary switch 49 is possible depending on the length of the fingers of the operator 17.

This means in particular that an operator 17 with particularly long fingers, e.g. with the end of the index finger and/or middle finger, engages the second engagement contour 61 via the fastening web 63 in order to turn the rotary switch 49, while an operator 17 with shorter fingers first engagement contour 59 engages to rotate the rotary switch 49.

The first gripping contour 59 and the second gripping contour 61 thus provide two alternative gripping areas for the fingers of the operator 17, depending on how long the fingers of the operator 17 are, in order to ensure ergonomically particularly comfortable operation of the rotary switch 49 for different finger anatomies of different operators 17 to allow.

For further details regarding the rotary switch 49, reference is made to the following figures.

The tiller head 29 also has two driving switches 72, in particular a first, left driving switch 72-1 and a second, right driving switch 72-2, which are arranged on opposite sides of the tiller horn 37, in particular as an extension of the handles 39. The two driving switches 72 are designed in particular as toggle switches and enable the operator 17 to control the electric drive of the industrial truck 1.

In particular, at least one further switch 97, in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the top side 45 of the horn, the further switch 97 being designed in particular to control an initial lifting device, if present, of the industrial truck 1 by actuation.

The tiller head 29 also has a horn switch 73 for actuating a vehicle horn of the industrial truck 1 and an emergency stop switch 75 arranged at the free end 40 for actuating an emergency stop function of the industrial truck 1 .

The tiller head 29 also has a touch display 77 for displaying operating parameters and/or for controlling operating functions of the industrial truck 1 . The touch display 77 is arranged on the horn top 45 of the tiller horn 37, in particular in a region of the horn top 45 facing the tiller shaft 31, in particular between the rotary switch 49 and the tiller shaft 31.

Here, the horn top 45 has an elevation 79 with an elevation front 81, which in figure 2 illustrated horizontal operating position of the tiller head 29 facing away from the end 38 of the tiller head 29 that can be connected to the tiller shaft 31, or towards the operator 17. The elevation front side 81 is inclined relative to the horn top 45 of the tiller horn 37 in order to form an inclined elevation front side 81, with the touch display 77 being arranged in particular on the inclined elevation front side 81 in order to enable the operator 17 to operate the touch display in an ergonomically particularly advantageous manner 77 to allow.

In particular, the inclined elevation front side 81 extends along an elevation axis 83, which encloses an angular range 85 with the longitudinal axis 35 of the drawbar horn 37, which is in particular between 140° and 165°.

The Figures 3A and Figures 3B show lateral views of the in figure 2 illustrated tiller head 29. In the following, only the rotary switch 49 arranged on the horn top 45 of the tiller horn 37 will be discussed, which can be rotated about the axis of rotation 51 in a first direction of rotation 53 and in a second direction of rotation 55.

Here, the top side 57 of the rotary switch 49 has a first engagement contour 59 and a second engagement contour 61 which are separated from one another by an actuating web 63 .

In the Figure 3A are shown by the markings A and B engagement points of the fingers of an operator 17 on the rotary switch 49 for turning the rotary switch 49 in the second direction of rotation 55, for example for lowering the load handling attachment 7.

The marking A here shows an engagement point of a shorter finger of an operator 17 which engages in the first engagement contour 59 or which bears against the actuating web 63 .

The marking B here shows an engagement point of a longer finger of another operator 17, which engages in the second engagement contour 61, or which rests against an edge of the second engagement contour 61 facing away from the operator 17.

In the Figure 3B are shown by the markings A and B engagement points of the fingers of an operator 17 on the rotary switch 49 for turning the rotary switch 49 in the first direction of rotation 53, for example for lifting the load handling attachment 7.

The marking A here shows an engagement point of a shorter finger of an operator 17 which engages in the first engagement contour 59 or which rests against an edge of the first engagement contour 59 facing the operator 17 .

The marking B here shows an engagement point of a longer finger of another operator 17, which engages in the second engagement contour 61 or which rests against the actuating web 63.

The Figure 4A and Figure 4B show lateral views of the in figure 2 illustrated tiller head 29. In the following, only the rotary switch 49 arranged on the horn top 45 of the tiller horn 37 will be discussed, which can be rotated about the axis of rotation 51 in a first direction of rotation 53 and in a second direction of rotation 55.

Both in the Figure 4A as well as in the Figure 4B a neutral position of the rotary switch 49, in which the rotary switch 49 is in a non-actuated state, and a first and second deflection position of the rotary switch 49 are shown. In the neutral position of rotary switch 49, a neutral axis 87 of rotary switch 49, which extends from the underside of the horn 43 to the top of the horn 45 through an actuating web 63 of the rotary switch 49, extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 35 and to the axis of rotation 51.

If the operator 17 now turns the rotary switch 49 in the first direction of rotation 53 about the axis of rotation 51, the rotary switch 49 also reaches the Figure 4A illustrated first deflection position, in which a first deflection axis 89 of the rotary switch 49 encloses a first deflection angle 91 with the neutral axis 87, which is in particular between -10° and -25°. The first deflection axis 89 extends from the bottom side 43 of the horn to the top side 45 of the horn through the actuating web 63 of the rotary switch 49.

In the first deflection position of the rotary switch 49, in particular, a maximum lifting speed of the lifting drive is reached.

If the operator 17 now turns the rotary switch 49 in the second direction of rotation 55 about the axis of rotation 51, the rotary switch 49 also reaches the Figure 4B illustrated second deflection position, in which a second deflection axis 93 of the rotary switch 49 encloses a second deflection angle 95 with the neutral axis 87, which is in particular between +10° and +25°. The second deflection axis 93 extends from the bottom side 43 of the horn to the top side 45 of the horn through the actuating web 63 of the rotary switch 49.

In the second deflection position of the rotary switch 49, a maximum lowering speed of the lifting drive is achieved in particular.

In particular, the rotary switch 49 is infinitely variable between the in Figure 4A shown first deflection position and in Figure 4B illustrated second deflection position about the axis of rotation 51, whereby an ergonomically particularly comfortable control of the lifting drive is achieved.

In particular, the tiller head 29 has a rotary switch sensor, which is designed to detect a rotary position of the rotary switch 49, wherein a control of the industrial truck 1 is designed to determine a speed of lifting or lowering the load handling device 7 depending on the rotary position of the rotary switch detected by the rotary switch sensor 49 to change.

In this way, a proportional control of the lifting or lowering speed of the load handling device 7 can be achieved, in particular with increasing actuation of the rotary switch 49 from the neutral axis 87 in the first direction of rotation 53, an increase in the lifting speed of the lifting drive or with increasing actuation of the rotary switch 49 from the Neutral axis 87 can be achieved in the second direction of rotation 55 an increase in the lowering speed of the lifting drive.

The Figures 5A and 5B show a tiller head 29 of the steering tiller of FIG Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrated industrial truck 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

the inside Figure 5A and Figure 5B Tiller head 29 shown corresponds to that in FIG Figures 2 to 4B illustrated tiller head 29, wherein in the Figure 5A and 5B illustrated tiller head 29 in particular the shape of the rotary switch 49 is designed differently.

The rotary switch 49, which can be rotated about the axis of rotation 51 in the first and second direction of rotation 53, 55, has a first and second engagement contour 59, 61, which are delimited from one another by an actuating web 63. In contrast to the embodiment according to the figure 2 has the actuating web 63 of the rotary switch 49 according to the Figure 5A a V shape.

In particular, at least one further switch 97, in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the top side 45 of the horn, the further switch 97 being designed in particular to control an initial lifting device, if present, of the industrial truck 1 by actuation.

For the design of the touch display 77, the emergency stop switch 75, the horn switch 73, the driving switch 72 and the additional switch 97, reference is made to the previous statements.

In the Figure 5B 12 is an underside view of the tongue head 29 of FIG Figure 5A shown, in which it can be seen that an additional switch 99, in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the underside of the tiller head 29, which faces the roadway 13 when the tiller head 29 is in the horizontal operating position, and which, when actuated, controls the lifting drive of the load-carrying means 7, in particular in the in the Figure 1B shown vertical position of the steering tiller 19. In this respect, the rotary switch 49 arranged on the top of the tiller head 29 and the additional switch 99 arranged on the underside of the tiller head 29 each control the lifting drive of the load handling device 7.

On the underside of the tiller head 29 there is also a creep speed switch 101 which enables the industrial truck 1 to travel at creep speed.

The additional switch 99 and the creep speed switch 101 are also in the embodiment of the tiller head 29 of FIG Figures 1A to 4B present, especially in the Figures 3A and 3B shown.

With the tiller head 29 according to the invention, the rotary switch 49 arranged on the central tiller horn 37 achieves ergonomic control of the lifting drive of the load-carrying means 7 with the index finger or middle finger of a hand gripping the handle 39 . Furthermore, a simultaneous control of several operating functions with only one hand of the operator is possible in a simple manner, for example an actuation, in particular with the index finger of one hand, of the rotary switch 49 for controlling the lifting drive of the load handling device 7, an actuation, in particular with the thumb of the hand, of the drive switch 72 and/or actuation, in particular with the middle finger of the hand, of the additional switch 97 for controlling the initial lifting device.

In particular, with the rotary switch 49 arranged on the central tiller horn 37, a central or symmetrical arrangement of the rotary switch 49 on the Achieved tiller head 29, which allows an operator to operate the rotary switch 49 with the first, left hand grip 39-1 comprehensive left hand and the second, right hand grip 39-2 comprehensive right hand can operate. Only a single rotary switch 49 is therefore required for the optional actuation of the rotary switch 49 with the left hand or the right hand.

The preferably symmetrical engagement contours 59, 61 on rotary switch 49 enable operators with short fingers and operators with long fingers to operate rotary switch 49 with the index finger or middle finger of a left or right hand gripping handle 39-1 or 39-2 operated in an ergonomic way.

The rotary switch 49, due to its large actuating travel in the first direction of rotation 53 and in the second direction of rotation 55, which is in the range of 10 mm in each case, also enables the operator to sensitively and precisely control the lifting and lowering speed of the load handling device 7.

With the additional switch 99 on the underside of the tiller head 29 an ergonomic control of the lifting drive of the load handling device 7 in one in the Figure 1B illustrated vertical position of the steering arm 19 allows.

Reference List

1

industrial truck

3

load

5

drive part

7

load handling equipment

9

load arm

11

load roller

13

roadway

15

drive wheel

17

operator

19

steering drawbar

21

Vertical pivot axis

23

Horizontal pivot axis

25

mast

27

Lifting and lowering direction of the load handling device

29

tiller head

31

drawbar shaft

33

Connection area of the steering drawbar

35

Longitudinal axis of the tiller horn

37

tiller horn

38

First end of the tiller horn

39

handle

39-1

Left first handle

39-2

Right second handle

40

Second end of the tiller horn

41

reference plane

42

carrying section

43

horn underside

44

thigh section

45

horn top

47

Vertical axis of the tiller head

49

rotary switch

51

Axis of rotation of the rotary switch

53

First direction of rotation of the rotary switch

55

Second direction of rotation of the rotary switch

57

rotary switch top

59

First engagement contour

61

Second engagement contour

63

operating bar

65

First curved web area

67

First contour area of the first engagement contour

69

Second contour area of the first engagement contour

71

Second curved web area

72

driving switch

72-1

First, left driving switch

72-2

Second, right driving switch

73

horn switch

75

Emergency switch

77

touch display

79

increase

81

raise front

83

elevation axis

85

angle range

87

neutral axis

89

First deflection axis

91

First deflection angle

93

Second deflection axis

95

Second deflection angle

97

Another switch

99

Additional switch

101

slow speed switch

Claims (15)

Tiller head (29) for an industrial truck (1), the tiller head (29) having a tiller horn (37) extending along a longitudinal axis (35), the tiller head (29) having two handles (39, 39-1, 39-2) for an operator to grip the tiller head (29). (17), wherein the two handles (39, 39-1, 39-2) are arranged on opposite sides of the tiller horn (37) and are attached to the tiller horn (37), wherein the tiller horn (37) has a horn underside (43) which faces the roadway (13) when the tiller head (29) is in a horizontal operating position, and an upper side (45) of the horn which faces the roadway (13) when the tiller head (29) is in the horizontal operating position 13) faces away, has, A rotary switch (49) for controlling at least one operating function of the industrial truck (1) is arranged on the upper side (45) of the tiller horn (37), the rotary switch (49) being rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation (51), the horizontal axis of rotation (51) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (35) of the tiller head (29). Tiller head (29) according to claim 1, wherein the rotary switch (49) can be rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation (51) in a first direction of rotation (53) and in a second direction of rotation (55) opposite to the first direction of rotation (53), the first The direction of rotation (53) in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head (29) extends in particular away from an end (38) of the tiller head (29) that can be connected to a tiller shaft (31), and the second direction of rotation (55) extends in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head (29) in particular to the end (38) of the tiller head (29) that can be connected to the tiller shaft (31). Tiller head (29) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper side (45) of the horn has a trough in which the rotary switch (49) is arranged, the trough being attached to an end (38) of the Tiller head (29) facing area of Hornoberseite (45) an increase (79) connects, in particular the trough and the elevation (79) have an S-shape in cross section. Tiller head (29) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary switch (49) has a rotary switch top (57) which faces away from the roadway (13) in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head (29), wherein in the rotary switch top (57) at least one Gripping contour (59, 61), in particular a recess, is shaped for gripping a finger of an operator (17) of the tiller head (29), and in particular the at least one gripping contour (59, 61) is delimited at least in sections by an actuating web (63). Tiller head (29) according to Claim 4, wherein a first engagement contour (59) and a second engagement contour (61) are formed in the top side (57) of the rotary switch, the first engagement contour (59) in the horizontal operating position of the tiller head (29) having a The area facing away from the area facing the drawbar shaft (31) that can be connected to the end (38) of the drawbar head (29), the second engagement contour (61) in the horizontal operating position of the drawbar head (29) being at the end (38) of the drawbar head that can be connected to the drawbar shaft (31). 29), and wherein the actuating web (63) delimits the first engagement contour (59) and the second engagement contour (61) from one another. Tiller head (29) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary switch (49) has a neutral position in a non-actuated state, in which a neutral axis (87) of the rotary switch (49), which extends from the horn bottom (43) to the horn top (45 ) extends through an actuating web (63) of the rotary switch (49), is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (35) and to the horizontal axis of rotation (51). Tiller head (29) according to claim 6, wherein the rotary switch (49) can be rotated between a first deflection position and a second deflection position about the horizontal axis of rotation (51), wherein in the first deflection position a first deflection axis (89) of the rotary switch (49) is aligned with the Neutral axis (87) of the rotary switch (49) limits a first deflection angle (91), which in particular includes a range between -10° and -25°, and wherein in the second deflection position, a second deflection axis (93) of the rotary switch (49) delimits a second deflection angle (95) with the neutral axis (87) of the rotary switch (49), which in particular comprises a range between +10° and +25°. Tiller head (29) according to Claim 7, the rotary switch (49) being continuously rotatable about the horizontal axis of rotation (51) between the first deflection position and the second deflection position. Tiller head (29) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the industrial truck (1) has a lifting frame (25) with a load-carrying means (7) and a lifting drive for raising and lowering the load-carrying means (7), the industrial truck (1) having a controller , which is connected to the lifting drive and to the rotary switch (49) in terms of control technology, the control being designed to activate the lifting drive for raising or lowering the load handling device (7) depending on a direction of rotation (53, 55) of the rotary switch (49). . Tiller head (29) according to Claim 9, wherein the tiller head (29) has a rotary switch sensor which is designed to detect a rotary position of the rotary switch (49) which can be actuated by the operator (17), the controller being designed to determine the speed of the lifting or to control the lowering of the load-carrying means (7) as a function of the rotational position of the rotary switch (49) detected by the rotary switch sensor. Tiller head (29) according to one of the preceding claims, in that at least one further switch (97), in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the upper side (45) of the horn, the further switch (97) being designed in particular to activate an initial lifting device of the industrial truck (1st ) and/or that at least one additional switch (99), in particular a toggle switch, is arranged on the underside (43) of the horn, with the additional switch (99) being designed in particular to activate the lifting drive of the load handling device (7) of the industrial truck (1) to control. Tiller head (29) according to one of the preceding claims, in that a touch display (77) for displaying operating parameters and for controlling the operating function of the industrial truck (1) is arranged on the upper side (45) of the horn, the touch display (77) on the upper side (45) of the horn, in particular between the rotary switch (49) and an end (38) of the tiller head (29) that can be connected to a tiller shaft (31). Tiller head (29) according to claim 12, wherein the horn upper side (45) has an elevation (79), the elevation (79) having an elevation front side (81) which, in the operating position of the tiller head (29), corresponds to one with a tiller shaft (31) connectable end (38) of the tiller head (29) facing away, the elevation front (81) being inclined relative to the horn top (45), and the touch display (77) being arranged on the inclined elevation front (81). Tiller head (29) according to claim 13, wherein the elevation front side (81) extends along an elevation axis (83) which encloses an angular range (85) with the longitudinal axis (35) of the tiller horn (37) which is in particular between 140° and 165° amounts. Industrial truck (1) with a tiller head (29) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tiller head (29) is connected to the industrial truck (100) by a tiller shaft (31) or a steering column.

Images