Device for remotely controlling a materials handling vehicle

Abstract

A remote control device worn by an operator in combination with a materials handling vehicle includes a wireless transmitter and control structure in communication with the wireless transmitter. The control structure is actuated by the operator to cause the wireless transmitter to generate a travel request signal. The vehicle includes a traction control system, a receiver for receiving travel request signals from the wireless transmitter, at least one sensor, and a controller. The sensor(s) is configured to detect objects near the vehicle or to detect a person on a vehicle operating platform. The controller is configured to decide not to cause the traction control system to advance the vehicle in response to a travel request signal from the receiver if the status from one or more of the at least one sensor is indicative of the presence of either: an object near the vehicle; or a person on the platform.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 011,366, filed Jan. 21, 2011 entitled “WRIST / ARM / HAND MOUNTED DEVICE FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE,” which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 855,310, filed Sep. 14, 2007 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 825,688, filed Sep. 14, 2006 entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE”, the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 825,688 through U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 855,310, which is currently pending in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This application is also related to U.S. patent a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a remote control device in combination with a materials handling vehicle. This combination allows an operator to remotely control the vehicle using a wireless transmitter and control structure. The control structure is actuated by the operator and can cause the vehicle to move or stop based on the operator's actions and the status of sensors on the vehicle. The wireless transmitter is designed to be worn by the operator and can generate travel requests or stop signals based on the operator's actions and the presence of objects or people in the vehicle's path of travel. The vehicle's traction control system and brake control system work together with the remote control device to safely and efficiently move the vehicle. The invention provides improved operational control and safety for materials handling vehicles.

Problems solved by technology

However, for such actions, the operator is required to interrupt picking while the order picking truck is relocated to the next location.

As such, the operator may be required to spend a considerable amount of time relocating and repositioning the order picking truck, which reduces the time available for the operator to spend picking stock.

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