(NOT APPLICABLE)
The invention relates to control box design and operator interface architecture applicable for industrial vehicles such as aerial work platforms (AWP), especially boom lifts.
The invention addresses several problems related to the traditional box layout. Existing layouts are prone to inadvertent operation of the controllers by an operator leaning against a controller or a controller getting caught in an operator's coat or the like. Existing layouts have poor ergonomics. Additionally, it is common for operators to use the joystick to try to stabilize himself/herself, which negatively affects the quality of operation. Still further, decals explaining details of machine operation have typically been placed at angles that make it difficult to read, etc. Customers/users of AWPs may also want improved, proportional controls of the secondary functions (like telescope, jib, lower boom (tower)). With current designs, these controls require additional large joysticks and unique layouts of the controls.
With reference to the drawings, the described embodiments provide the various advantages over traditional designs. Exemplary advantages include guarded location of the main control joysticks, grab handles integrated with enabling mechanisms and joysticks, open center design for improved visibility for various height operators, integrated display surface for graphical information, integrated tool storage, guarded, ergonomic placement of secondary joysticks, ability to integrate displays of various sizes and functionality, and more. The proposed concept provides new placement of mini-joysticks for secondary functions and allows the use of switches (on-off operation) or proportional mini-joysticks while maintaining a familiar layout. Drive and steer control may be realized by a single thumb joystick with the joystick and thus wheels returning to center after the joystick is released. The described embodiments provide new features and improvements but retain the traditional grouping of controls known from existing machines, thus allowing for easy transition to the improved designs.
In an exemplary embodiment, a control box and operator interface for an industrial vehicle includes a left thumb joystick controller, a right thumb joystick controller, and integrated handles positioned adjacent the left thumb joystick controller and the right thumb joystick controller, respectively. The integrated handles are ergonomically positioned relative to the left and right thumb joystick controllers such that when an operator grasps the handles, the operator's thumbs are naturally positioned adjacent the left and right thumb joystick controllers, respectively. An enabling mechanism is associated with each of the integrated handles and includes a switch that serves to activate operational functionality of the left and right thumb joystick controllers and/or other control box functions. Enabling mechanisms may replace a footswitch and may or may not be associated directly with their respective thumb joysticks.
The control box may include an outer periphery surrounding a center opening, where the left and right thumb joystick controllers are positioned in upper left and upper right portions of the outer periphery, respectively. Secondary function switches may be disposed in the outer periphery. In some embodiments, the secondary function switches are guarded on an operator side of the secondary function switches. A left hand-grip joystick controller and a right hand-grip joystick controller may extend from a lower portion of the outer periphery into the center opening. A display screen may be positioned in the center opening.
In some embodiments, the industrial vehicle is an aerial work platform, where the left thumb joystick controller is associated with one of (1) lift and swing, and (2) drive and steer, and where the right thumb joystick controller is associated with the other of (1) lift and swing, and (2) drive and steer.
Ranging sensors may be provided that detect at least one of operator and object proximity to the control box.
In another exemplary embodiment, a work platform for an industrial vehicle includes a platform railing including a control box area, and a control box and operator interface secured to the platform railing in the control box area. The control box and operator interface includes a left thumb joystick controller, a right thumb joystick controller, and integrated handles positioned adjacent the left thumb joystick controller and the right thumb joystick controller, respectively. The integrated handles are ergonomically positioned relative to the left and right thumb joystick controllers such that when an operator grasps the handles, the operator's thumbs are naturally positioned adjacent the left and right thumb joystick controllers, respectively. An enabling mechanism is associated with each of the integrated handles and includes a switch that serves to activate operational functionality of the left and right thumb joystick controllers and/or other control box functions. Enabling mechanisms may replace a footswitch and may or may not be associated directly with their respective thumb joysticks.
A position of the control box in the control box area may be adjustable relative to the platform railing. In this context, an outer upper end of the control box may be pivotally secured on a pivot axis to the platform railing. A height adjusting link may be secured between an outer lower end of the control box and a floor of the work platform.
The work platform may additionally include an IR sensor beam kit secured to the platform railing on opposite sides of the control box.
The control box may include an outer periphery surrounding a center opening, where the left and right thumb joystick controllers are positioned in upper left and upper right portions of the outer periphery, respectively. Secondary function switches may be disposed in the outer periphery.
These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The control box 10 is generally provided with an overall outer periphery 12 surrounding a center opening 14. The open design of the center improves visibility for various height operators. The control box 10 is preferably constructed of a lightweight plastic material and may be assembled using molded parts. Alternative lightweight materials may also be used for the control box. For ease of reference, the control box 10 and the outer periphery 12 can be conceptually divided into upper and lower portions (above and below line X in
The control box 10 includes a left thumb joystick controller 16 and a right thumb joystick controller 18. Integrated handles 20 are positioned adjacent the left thumb joystick controller 16 and the right thumb joystick controller 18, respectively. The integrated handles 20 are ergonomically positioned relative to the left and right thumb joystick controllers 16, 18 such that when an operator grasps the handles 20, the operator's thumbs are naturally positioned adjacent the left and right thumb joystick controllers 16, 18, respectively. The operator can use the integrated handles 20 for support during use and operation of the vehicle. In the exemplary application to aerial work platforms, the left thumb joystick controller 16 may be associated with lift and swing functions of the boom, and the right thumb joystick controller 18 may be associated with drive and steer functions of the vehicle. Of course, this functionality could be reversed. With the thumb joystick controllers 16, 18, drive and steer control can be realized with a single joystick controller. In some embodiments, the thumb joystick controllers 16, 18 are biased to return to center when released. As such, when the thumb joystick controller associated with drive and steer control is released, the vehicle is stopped, and the wheels return to center, i.e., a straight orientation.
An enabling mechanism 22 is associated with each of the integrated handles 20. In some embodiments, the enabling mechanism comprises a switch that serves to activate operational functionality of the left and right thumb joystick controllers 16, 18. The switches can be mechanical, membrane, capacitance or the like and may include biometric identification such as fingerprint recognition. The enabling mechanisms 22 help to prevent inadvertent operation of the machinery, e.g., when the operator is not holding the handles.
With continued reference to
The outer periphery 12 may also include an indicator panel 25 showing machine status of several machine operating characteristics. Exemplary indications may include, for example, boom control system indicator, over moment warning, tilt warning, foot switch indicator, machine enabled indicator, creep indicator, glow plug indicator, system distress indicator, broken cable indicator, service rope indicator, platform capacity mode indicator, platform overload indicator, jib locked indicator, soft touch override indicator, SkyGuard™ indicator, fuel level indicator, drive orientation indicator, LSS warning, generator on indicator, axels deployed/locked indicator, crawler drive locked indicator, and the like. The box architecture may also provide an integrated display surface 27 for graphical information and/or integrated tool storage. The integrated display surface is positioned so that the information decals are easy to read by an operator, and the operator can immediately determine meanings of machine status information presented on the indicator panel 25.
With reference to
In
The control box and operator interface of the described embodiments provides cost and weight savings compared to current designs, potentially allowing for a smaller counterweight and/or increased platform capacity. Additionally, the integrated handles provide for operator stabilization during use and enable operation of the main machine functions using thumb joystick controllers. The control box can affect vehicle control and operation without a traditional foot switch as functions are enabled by switches built into the integrated handles. The ergonomic design results in a more comfortable and positive operator experience.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/US2017/026560 filed Apr. 7, 2017 which designated the U.S. and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/319,608 filed Apr. 7, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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PCT/US2017/026560 | 4/7/2017 | WO | 00 |
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WO2017/177113 | 10/12/2017 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20190177140 A1 | Jun 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62319608 | Apr 2016 | US |