GB2485225A - Fork lift with alternative hand control - Google Patents

Fork lift with alternative hand control Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2485225A
GB2485225A GB201018804A GB201018804A GB2485225A GB 2485225 A GB2485225 A GB 2485225A GB 201018804 A GB201018804 A GB 201018804A GB 201018804 A GB201018804 A GB 201018804A GB 2485225 A GB2485225 A GB 2485225A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
switch
fork lift
vehicle body
speed
movement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB201018804A
Other versions
GB201018804D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Derby Green
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB201018804A priority Critical patent/GB2485225A/en
Publication of GB201018804D0 publication Critical patent/GB201018804D0/en
Publication of GB2485225A publication Critical patent/GB2485225A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/20—Means for actuating or controlling masts, platforms, or forks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/20—Means for actuating or controlling masts, platforms, or forks
    • B66F9/24—Electrical devices or systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
    • B60K26/02—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles of initiating means or elements
    • B60K2026/025—Input devices for controlling electric drive motors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
    • B60K26/02—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles of initiating means or elements
    • B60K2026/029—Joystick type control devices for acceleration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
    • B60K26/02—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles of initiating means or elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
    • B60Y2200/60—Industrial applications, e.g. pipe inspection vehicles
    • B60Y2200/62—Conveyors, floor conveyors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
    • F16H59/02—Selector apparatus
    • F16H2059/0256—Levers for forward-reverse selection only, e.g. for working machines having a separate lever for switching between forward and reverse mode

Abstract

A fork lift truck 1 has a vehicle body 2 with wheels 3A,3B,3C,3D driven by a motor, a fork lift 5 controlled by levers 6 and a manual speed control switch 10 to control speed of movement of the vehicle by the motor. Switch 10 may be a joystick controlling forward and reverse speed located adjacent levers 6. A dead manâ s switch 12 that only allows movement of the vehicle when the switch 12 is depressed may be provided adjacent the switch 10. Foot pedal switches 7A, 7B may be provided in addition to switch 10 as an alternative means to control the speed of movement of the vehicle. A selector switch 11 may be provided to select between operation using speed control switch 10 or foot pedals 7A, 7B. A removable armrest 15 may seal an access opening in the vehicle body. A seat switch 13 may be provided allowing movement of the vehicle only when the switch is depressed by someone sitting in seat 9. Hand controlled switch 10 allows the truck to be used by persons with limited or no mobility of their lower limbs.

Description

V
Title: Fork Lift Truck The present invention relates to a fork lift truck, especially for use by persons with no or limited use of lower limbs.
Most fork lift trucks have at least two pedals to operate the throttle and brakes. For persons with no or limited use of lower limbs, it is not possible to train to operate a fork lift truck, although the vocation of being a fork lift truck driver would suit many such persons.
The invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem.
According to the present invention there is provided a fork lift truck comprising: a) a vehicle body having wheels driven by a motor, b) a fork lift to lift goods controlled by levers, and c) a manual speed control switch to control speed of movement of the vehicle by the motor.
Preferably the speed control switch is a manually-operated joystick switch controlling speed of forward and reverse movement of the vehicle body.
Preferably a depressible "dead-man" switch is provided adjacent the manual speed control switch which allows movement of the vehicle body only when the "dead man" switch is depressed. Preferably the speed control switch is adjacent the levers.
Preferably the vehicle body has a foot pedal switch to control speed of movement of the vehicle by the motor as an alternative to the speed control switch. Preferably a selector switch is provided to select either the foot pedal switch or the speed control switch to control speed of movement of the vehicle body by the motor.
Preferably the vehicle body has a drivers seat and opening to enter the vehicle body and sit in the seat, and a removable armrest is provided to seal the vehicle body opening when the truck is in use.
Preferably the vehicle body has a seat and a seat switch is provided which allows movement of the vehicle body only when a person is sitting in the seat.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of part of a fork lift truck, and Figure 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram.
Referring to the drawings there is shown a side view of a fork lift truck 1.
Fork lift truck 1 has a vehicle body 2 with four wheels 3A,3B,3C,3D driven by a motor such as an electric motor. Wheels 3A,3B are steered using steering wheel 4. Truck 1 has a fork lift 5 to lift goods controlled by levers 6. Pedals 7A,7B control speed of forward and reverse movement of the vehicle body 2 by controlling the motor through a vehicle control module 2A. An emergency break pedal 8 is also provided. A seat 9 is also provided for the driver. A Fork lift truck with these features is known.
In accordance with the invention, a manual speed control switch in the form of ajoystick 10 is provided to control speed of movement of the vehicle body by the motor instead of pedals 7A,7B. Joystick 10 is provided adjacent levers 6. A selector switch 11 can be used to select whether the motor is controlled by the pedals 7A,7B or by the joystick 10. A depressible "dead-man" switch 12 is provided adjacent the manual speed control switch which allows movement of the vehicle body only when the "dead man" switch is depressed. A seat switch 13 (known in the art) is provided which allows movement of the vehicle body only when a person is sitting in the seat 9, and a master "on/off' switch 14 is also provided (known in the art).
In use a person with full mobility of their legs can operate the fork lift truck 1 like any ordinary fork lift truck using levers 6 to control the fork lift 5, and the pedals 7A,7B to move the vehicle body 2.
If a person with no or reduced mobility wishes to operate fork lift truck I the joystick 10 can be selected (instead of pedals 7A,7B) to control the motor using switch 11. They can sit in seat 9 and operate the fork lift truck using levers 6 to control the fork lift 5, and using the joystick 10 operated by the hand to move the vehicle body 2 whilst simultaneously depressing "dead-man" switch 12 with the forearm or wrist.
Normal breaking of the vehicle body is achieved using the forward and rear drive of the motor as controlled by the joystick 10. In the event of needing to stop in an emergency, the arm or wrist can be taken off the "dead-man" switch 12.
The vehicle body 2 has an opening "A" to enter the vehicle and sit in the seat 9. A removable armrest 15 (e.g. pivoted to the vehicle body 2) is provided to seal the vehicle opening "A" when the truck is in use to prevent a person from falling out of the vehicle. Alternatively a seat belt may be used.
A standard fork lift truck can be converted into a truck according to the invention by severing the wires from the pedals 7A,7B to the controller 2A and inserting selector switch 6, joystick 10, and dead man switch 12.
The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above.
Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

  1. CLAIMSI. A fork lift truck comprising: a) a vehicle body having wheels driven by a motor, b) a fork lift to lift goods controlled by levers, and c) a manual speed control switch to control speed of movement of the vehicle by the motor.
  2. 2. A fork lift truck according to claim 1, wherein the speed control switch is a manually-operated joystick switch controlling speed of forward and reverse movement of the vehicle body.
  3. 3. A fork lift truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a depressible "dead-man" switch is provided adjacent the manual speed control switch which allows movement of the vehicle body only when the "dead man" switch is depressed.
  4. 4. A fork lift truck according to any preceding claim, wherein the speed control switch is adjacent the levers.
  5. 5. A fork lift truck according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle body has a foot pedal switch to control speed of movement of the vehicle by the motor as an alternative to the speed control switch.
  6. 6. A fork lift truck according to claim 5, wherein a selector switch is provided to select either the foot pedal switch or the speed control switch to control speed of movement of the vehicle body by the motor.
  7. 7. A fork lift truck according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle body has a driver's seat and opening to enter the vehicle body and sit in the seat, and a removable armrest is provided to seal the vehicle body opening when the truck is in use.
  8. 8. A fork lift truck according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle body has a seat and a seat switch is provided which allows movement of the vehicle body only when a person is sitting in the seat.
  9. 9. A fork lift truck substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
GB201018804A 2010-11-08 2010-11-08 Fork lift with alternative hand control Pending GB2485225A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201018804A GB2485225A (en) 2010-11-08 2010-11-08 Fork lift with alternative hand control

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201018804A GB2485225A (en) 2010-11-08 2010-11-08 Fork lift with alternative hand control

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201018804D0 GB201018804D0 (en) 2010-12-22
GB2485225A true GB2485225A (en) 2012-05-09

Family

ID=43414497

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB201018804A Pending GB2485225A (en) 2010-11-08 2010-11-08 Fork lift with alternative hand control

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2485225A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104500720A (en) * 2014-11-24 2015-04-08 重庆丙丁机电有限公司 Rocker gearshift for electric forklifts
EP3971127A1 (en) * 2020-09-17 2022-03-23 STILL GmbH Mobile working machine and vehicle guidance method for a mobile working machine

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2539405A1 (en) * 1983-01-14 1984-07-20 Fenwick Manutention Ste Indle Materials handling car for a driver with a leg handicap
JPH03141414A (en) * 1989-10-26 1991-06-17 Toyota Autom Loom Works Ltd Cargo work operating device for skid steer loader
JP2001089099A (en) * 1999-09-22 2001-04-03 Nippon Yusoki Co Ltd Forklift
DE20107719U1 (en) * 2001-05-07 2002-09-26 Hubtex Maschb Gmbh & Co Kg Reusable transport vehicle, in particular reusable forklift

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2539405A1 (en) * 1983-01-14 1984-07-20 Fenwick Manutention Ste Indle Materials handling car for a driver with a leg handicap
JPH03141414A (en) * 1989-10-26 1991-06-17 Toyota Autom Loom Works Ltd Cargo work operating device for skid steer loader
JP2001089099A (en) * 1999-09-22 2001-04-03 Nippon Yusoki Co Ltd Forklift
DE20107719U1 (en) * 2001-05-07 2002-09-26 Hubtex Maschb Gmbh & Co Kg Reusable transport vehicle, in particular reusable forklift

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104500720A (en) * 2014-11-24 2015-04-08 重庆丙丁机电有限公司 Rocker gearshift for electric forklifts
EP3971127A1 (en) * 2020-09-17 2022-03-23 STILL GmbH Mobile working machine and vehicle guidance method for a mobile working machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201018804D0 (en) 2010-12-22

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S20A Reinstatement of application (sect. 20a/patents act 1977)

Free format text: REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT FILED

Effective date: 20130212

WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)
S20A Reinstatement of application (sect. 20a/patents act 1977)

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Effective date: 20130719