Multi-function user interface for a forklift
AssigneeToyota Material Handling, Inc.
InventorsCaleb Burton, Blake Davis, Britt Nathaniel Minks, Paul Malcomb, Kevin Shaw, Dennis P. Huffer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A forklift includes a multi-function user interface. The multi-function user interface comprises a body, a manipulator assembly supported on the body, and an implement. The manipulator assembly includes a grip configured to be gripped by a user. The implement has a plurality of functions, the plurality of functions being controlled by inputs from the manipulator assembly.
Claims27
A forklift including a multi-function user interface, the multi-function user interface comprising:
- a housing extending from an underside of an armrest;
- a manipulator assembly supported by the housing, the manipulator assembly including
- a grip configured to be gripped by a user's hand,
- a first user input device configured to be actuated by a finger of the user's hand,
- a second user input device configured to be actuated by the finger
- a third user input device configured to be actuated by the finger,
- a fourth user input device configure to be actuated by the finger, and
- a sensor configured to detect the presence of the user's hand, the sensor being positioned on the grip;
- and
- an implement having a plurality of functions, the plurality of functions being controlled by inputs from the manipulator assembly,
- wherein
- the user interface includes logic that detects the presence of the user's hand on the grip and gripping the grip via the sensor before any input to control the implement is transmitted,
- the first user input device is a first rocker switch configured to vertically move the implement,
- the second user input device is a second rocker switch configured to horizontally spread and narrow a set of forks of the implement relative to one another,
- the third user input device is a momentary push button located between the first user input device and the second user input device, the third user input device being configured to return the set of forks to a level position when pressed, and
- the fourth user input device is a toggle switch located between the first user input device and the second user input device and configured to control a travel direction of the forklift.
A manipulator assembly for controlling operating functions of an implement positioned on a front of a forklift, the manipulator assembly comprising:
- a grip configured to be gripped by a user's hand, a first user input device and a second user input device that are both positioned on the manipulator assembly and configured to be actuated by a finger of the user's hand, and a sensor positioned on the grip and configured to detect the user's hand, wherein a pair of forks of the implement is tilted when the grip is moved about a pitch axis, the first user input device controls a height of the pair of forks, the second user input device is a momentary input device operable to return the pair of forks to a level position relative to a ground surface with a single, predetermined, momentary actuation, and wherein the manipulator assembly detects the presence of the user's hand on the grip and gripping the grip via the sensor before any input to control a function of the implement is transmitted from the manipulator assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.