OPERATING DEVICE FOR WORKING VEHICLE

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present relates to a manual operating device for working vehicles. The device comprises an operating part which is movable in one direction and adapted, when used, to be held by the user's hand, the direction of motion when used essentially coinciding with the user's forearm.

Background Art :

[0002] Such a manual operating device is known from GB-A-1343078.

[0003] In working vehicles of different types there are often a plurality of operating devices for controlling different functions of the vehicle. The design of these devices is most important for how comfortably and efficiently the work with the vehicle can be carried out. In the following particularly trucks will be discussed, but it will be appreciated that corresponding problems arise also in other types of working vehicle, and that corresponding operating means can be used also for such vehicles.

[0004] For trucks, use is traditionally made of a plurality of different levers for operating the fork. These levers are in most cases movable in one direction only and have a similar design. A drawback of this traditional solution is the great risk of mixing up the levers, which may have fatal consequences since the loads that are handled can be very large. Further it may be difficult to make small and well-controlled motions when operating with merely the handle of the lever as support and, thus, not having anything to which the motion can be related. There is also a risk that the user, if his hand rests on these operating means while performing other operations, by mistake performs operations that were not intended.

[0005] These prior art operating devices are used especially for mechanical control systems, in which a relatively large motion and force are required.

[0006] In modern working vehicles, however, the control system is often electronic, thus allowing greater liberty as to the design and placing of the operating devices. In these devices, a plurality of operating means can also be combined. In this manner, the risk of mixing up the operating means decreases. Examples of such prior art operating devices are Applicant's own control "Tergo" and Jungheinrich's control "Multipilot".

[0007] Also this type of control suffers, however, from the drawback that it is difficult to make small and controlled motions since it is difficult to relate the motion to something. Furthermore there is also the problem that it is easily to touch the controls by mistake, for example when driving across an uneven base, and thus perform operations that were not intended and that may cause great damage. In fact, this problem is greater in these devices than in the mechanical ones since a much smaller motion and force are required.

Object of the Invention

[0008] Therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for working vehicles which wholly, or at least partly, obviates these drawbacks of the prior art constructions.

[0009] This object is achieved by an operating device according to the appended claims.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] The invention relates to a manual operating device for working vehicles comprising an operating part which is movable in one direction and which is intended, when in use, to be held by the user's hand. The inventive device is characterised in that it further comprises a stationary support and reference part arranged adjacent to the movable part and, at a side of the same, facing perpendicular to the direction of motion of the movable part. As a result, a support and a reference are provided for the user, when his hand is placed on the operating device, thus increasing safety. Moreover, the operation will be both easier and more comfortable.

[0011] Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are stated in the subclaims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] In the accompanying drawings

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an operating device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view, obliquely from above and from the side, of the operating device in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is a side view of the operating device in Fig. 1.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0013] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] The operating device according to the invention comprises a movable part 1 and a stationary part 2. The movable part is movable in one direction, which preferably essentially coincides with the direction of the user's forearm in operation. In this manner, the movable part can be moved forwards and backwards, and preferably springs or the like are provided to strive to return the movable part to a normal position, which, for example, is in the centre of the space of motion. The direction of motion is illustrated by arrow R in Fig. 3. The movable part can advantageously be designed as a lever, in which case the motion will be arcuate.

[0015] The stationary part is arranged adjacent to the movable part, and beside the same in such manner that the motion of the movable part is not impeded. Consequently, the stationary part extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion of the movable part. In this way, the user's hand, when in operation placed on the movable part, will at least to a certain extent be in contact with the stationary part. As a result, a continuous reference to the motion of the movable part is obtained. Moreover, the user can easily move his hand between the movable part and the stationary part and, in this way, easily move his hand to the stationary part when the truck is to be driven or the like. This drastically reduces the risk of unintentionally performing motions by means of the operating device.

[0016] The movable part 1 has an upper part which is designed for the user's hand, when operating, to be able to rest on the same. The upper part is preferably ergonomically designed and rounded for comfortable use. Since there are no projecting parts of the operating device, also the risk of getting stuck with one's clothes or the like is reduced. The upper part preferably has an extent which is essentially the same as an intended user's palm. The upper part thus is the size of a clenched fist and is comfortable to hold and grasp.

[0017] Preferably the movable part may also comprise additional operating means arranged so as to be reached by the user's fingers when his hand is placed on the movable part. As a result, a multifunctional device is provided, in which a plurality of operating functions can be performed with a single manipulation. Thus, an operating means 3, preferably of a tiltable type, can be arranged on a side of the movable part which is directed towards the direction of motion and which, when used, is directed away from the user. Thus this operating means can be operated, for example, by one or all of the user's index finger, middle finger and ring finger. Furthermore an operating means 4, also preferably of a tiltable type, can be arranged on a side of the movable part which is not directed towards the direction of motion and which is directed away from the stationary part. This operating means can thus be operated by the user's thumb.

[0018] Preferably, the movable and the stationary part are similarly designed and are essentially the same size. In this way, the operating means constitutes an aesthetically and ergonomically attractive unit.

[0019] Both the stationary and the movable part can be made of, for example, plasticised polyurethane which is foamed over a steel core.

[0020] The operating device is suited mainly for electric actuation by an electronic control system. In particular the device is suited for operating the fork of a truck. The displacement of the movable part can suitably be used to control the raising and lowering of the fork. Further the front operating means can be used for frame displacement inwards and outwards, or fork rotation clockwise and anticlockwise. The thumb control arranged on the side can be used for e.g. tilting downwards or upwards, or lateral displacement to the left or to the right. In this way, a logical coupling between the operating motions and the actual fork motions is obtained, which results in quick understanding and learning for the users. However, which functions are suitable to control with the aid of the respective means are, however, dependent on what type of working vehicle is intended. Fundamentally it is suitable to control the basic function by the displacement of the movable part, and two of the most important or most frequent other basic functions with the aid of the additional means.

[0021] By means of the inventive operating device, a simple and efficient operating tool is provided, which offers support to the user's hand when required and besides a reference point in operation. The invention has been described with regard to the operation of the fork of a truck. However, it will appreciated that it can also be used in many other types of working vehicles, such as wheel-mounted loaders, hoisting cranes, tractors etc. Furthermore, the design of the stationary and the movable part can be modified, and other types of additional means can be used instead of tiltable switches, such as displaceable switches, pressable buttons and the like. Such and other obvious variants of the invention must be considered to be within the scope of the invention as limited by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A manual operating device for working vehicles, comprising an operating part (1) which is movable in one direction (R) and adapted, when used, to be held by the user's hand, characterised in that it further comprises a stationary support and reference part (2) arranged adjacent to the movable part and, at a side of the same, facing perpendicular to the direction of motion of the movable part.

2. A manual operating device according to claim 1, wherein it is further adapted to be electrically actuated by an electronic control system in the working vehicle.

3. A manual operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it is adapted to a truck for operating the fork.

4. A manual operating device according to claim 3, wherein displacement of the movable part (1) in the direction of motion controls raising and lowering of the fork.

5. A manual operating device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the movable part (1) has an upper part which is designed for the user's hand, in operation, to be able to rest on the same.

6. A manual operating device according to claim 5, wherein the stationary and the movable part are so designed that the user's hand, when in operation placed on the movable part, also abuts against the stationary part.

7. A manual operating device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the upper part of the movable part (1) has an extent which is essentially the same as an intended user's palm.

8. A manual operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable part (1) further comprises additional operating means (3, 4) arranged in such a manner as to be reached by the user's fingers when his hand is placed on the movable part, for performing additional operating functions.

9. A manual operating device according to claim 8, wherein an operating means (3), preferably of a tiltable type, is arranged on a side of the movable part which is directed towards the direction of motion and which, in operation, is directed away from the user.

10. A manual operating device according to claim 8, wherein an operating means (4), preferably of a tiltable type, is arranged on a side of the movable part which is not directed towards the direction of motion and which is directed away from the stationary part.

11. A manual operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable and stationary parts are similarly designed and are essentially the same size.

Ansprüche

1. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung für Arbeitsfahrzeuge, mit einem Bedienteil (1), welches in einer Richtung (R) bewegbar und zum Ergreifen mittels der Hand eines Benutzers während des Betriebs ausgebildet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie ferner einen stationären Träger und ein an das bewegbare Teil (1) an einer Seite desselben angrenzendes Referenzteil (2) aufweist, welches dem bewegbaren Teil (1) senkrecht zu dessen Bewegungsrichtung gegenüberliegend angeordnet ist.

2. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei sie ferner zur elektrischen Betätigung mittels eines elektronischen Steuersystems in dem Arbeitsfahrzeug ausgebildet ist.

3. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei sie an einen Lastwagen zur Betätigung der Gabel angepaßt ist.

4. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Verlagerung des bewegbaren Teiles (1) in seiner Bewegungsrichtung das Anheben und das Absenken der Gabel steuert.

5. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das bewegbare Teil (1) einen oberen Abschnitt aufweist, welcher derart ausgebildet ist, daß er der Hand eines Benutzers ein Ruhen auf demselben während des Betriebs ermöglicht.

6. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei das stationäre und das bewegbare Teil derart ausgebildet sind, daß die Hand eines Benutzers, wenn sie während des Betriebs auf dem bewegbaren Teil (1) angeordnet ist, auch gegen das stationäre Teil anliegt.

7. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei der obere Abschnitt des bewegbaren Teils (1) eine Erstreckung aufweist, welche im wesentlichen der Handbreite eines vorgesehenen Benutzers entspricht.

8. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei das bewegbare Teile (1) ferner zusätzliche Betätigungsmittel (3, 4) aufweist, welche derart angeordnet sind, daß sie von den Fingern eines Benutzers erreichbar sind, wenn dessen Hand auf dem bewegbaren Teil (1) abgeordnet ist, um zusätzliche Betätigungsfunktionen durchführen zu können.

9. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei ein Betätigungsmittel (3), vorzugsweise in Form eines schrägstellbaren Typs, an einer Seite des bewegbaren Teiles (1) angeordnet ist, welche in Richtung der Bewegungsrichtung desselben ausgerichtet ist und welche während des Betriebs dem Benutzer abgewandt ist.

10. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei ein Betätigungsmittel (4), vorzugsweise in Form eines schrägstellbaren Typs, an einer Seite des bewegbaren Teiles (1) angeordnet ist, welche nicht in Bewegungsrichtung desselben ausgerichtet ist und welche von dem stationären Teil abgewandt ist.

11. Manuelle Betätigungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei das bewegbare und das stationäre Teil eine ähnliche Ausgestaltung und im wesentlichen dieselbe Größe aufweisen.

Revendications

1. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel pour des véhicules de chantier, comprenant une partie d'actionnement (1) qui est déplaçable dans une direction (R) et est adaptée, lorsqu'elle est utilisée, pour être tenue par la main de l'utilisateur, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre un support fixe et une partie de référence (2) disposée au voisinage de la partie mobile et, sur un côté de cette dernière, en étant dirigé perpendiculairement à la direction de déplacement de la partie mobile.

2. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 1, qui est adapté pour être actionné électriquement par un système de commande électronique dans le véhicule de travail.

3. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 1 ou 2, qui est adapté pour un chariot pour l'actionnement de la fourche.

4. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le déplacement de la partie mobile (1) dans la direction de déplacement commande le soulèvement et l'abaissement de la fourche.

5. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle la partie mobile (1) possède une partie supérieure qui est conçue de manière qu'en cours de fonctionnement, la main de l'utilisateur puisse être en appui sur cette partie.

6. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la partie fixe et la partie mobile sont conçues de telle sorte qu'en cours de fonctionnement la main de l'utilisateur est placée sur la partie mobile, elle est également en butée contre la partie fixe.

7. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel la partie supérieure de la partie mobile (1) possède une étendue qui est essentiellement la même que celle de la paume d'une main d'un utilisateur prévu.

8. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la partie mobile (1) comprend en outre des moyens d'actionnement additionnels (3, 4) disposés de manière à pouvoir être atteints par les doigts de l'utilisateur lorsque sa main est placée sur la partie mobile, pour l'exécution de fonctions d'actionnement additionnelles.

9. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 8, dans lequel des moyens d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 8, dans lequel des moyens d'actionnement (3), de préférence du type que l'on peut faire basculer, sont disposés d'un côté de la partie mobile, qui est tourné dans la direction de déplacement et qui, en fonctionnement, est dirigé à l'opposé de l'utilisateur.

10. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon la revendication 8, selon lequel des moyens d'actionnement (4), de préférence du type que l'on peut faire basculer, sont disposés d'un côté de la partie mobile, qui est tourné dans la direction de déplacement et qui est dirigé à l'opposé de la partie fixe.

11. Dispositif d'actionnement manuel selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les parties fixes et mobiles sont agencées de façon similaire et possèdent essentiellement la même taille.

Drawing