×

Multiple zone sensing for materials handling vehicles

  • US 9,645,968 B2
  • Filed: 12/04/2009
  • Issued: 05/09/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A materials handling vehicle having detection zone control comprising:

  • a power unit for driving the vehicle;

    a load handling assembly that extends from the power unit;

    at least one contactless obstacle sensor on the vehicle operable to define at least three detection zones, each detection zone defining an area at least partially in front of a forward traveling direction of the vehicle; and

    a controller that is configured to control at least one aspect of the vehicle, the controller further configured to receive information obtained from the at least one obstacle sensor to;

    perform a stop action if the vehicle is traveling and an obstacle is detected in a first one of the detection zones comprising a stop zone;

    perform a first speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the first predetermined speed and an obstacle is detected in a second one of the detection zones comprising a first speed zone; and

    perform a second speed reduction action to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a second predetermined speed different from the first predetermined speed if the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the second predetermined speed and an obstacle is detected in a third one of the detection zones comprising a second speed zone.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×