초록 ▼

An end loader or forklift vehicles adapted to traverse uneven terrain and work surfaces and to vertically position a load, the vehicle including an automatic leveling device for maintaining the load and vehicle body transversely level regardless of uneven terrain. The leveling device includes means

An end loader or forklift vehicles adapted to traverse uneven terrain and work surfaces and to vertically position a load, the vehicle including an automatic leveling device for maintaining the load and vehicle body transversely level regardless of uneven terrain. The leveling device includes means for operation in two separate angular sensitivity ranges, one adapted to automatically level the load and vehicle body during travel of the vehicle over uneven terrain, and the other range adapted to likewise level during stationary operation of the vehicle. To achieve this function the vehicle is provided with motor means for vertically positioning the vehicle axle and wheel assemblies relative to the vehicle body. The motor means is responsive to signals from the automatic leveling device including mercury switch means to accomplish vehicle body leveling.

대표청구항 ▼

A self-propelled loading vehicle having means for vertically positioning a load with respect to the vehicle body, said means comprising an extensible boom pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis on said body, ground engaging means for supporting the vehicle body for movement over undulating terrai

A self-propelled loading vehicle having means for vertically positioning a load with respect to the vehicle body, said means comprising an extensible boom pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis on said body, ground engaging means for supporting the vehicle body for movement over undulating terrain, power means between the ground engaging means and the vehicle body for tilting the vehicle body in a transverse direction relative to the ground engaging means and thereby maintaining the body in a substantially level transverse position regardless of the attitude of the ground engaging means in respect thereto, and automatic level sensing means for sensing deviation of the body from a transverse level position and for actuating said power means to maintain said body in a substantially level transverse position, said level sensing means including an electric circuit having an electrical power source, a fluid flow control valve, first level sensing switch means operatively responsive to a tilting of the vehicle body in a transverse direction a first predetermined amount, second level sensing switch means operatively responsive to a tilting of the vehicle body in a transverse direction a second predetermined amount, said second amount being significantly smaller than said first amount, a first system control switch for selectively completing and interrupting a circuit including said first level sensing switching means, said electric power source and said valve, a second system control switch independent of said first system control switch for selectively completing and interrupting a circuit including said second level sensing switch meaNs, said electric power source and said valve, circuit means ensuring the operating effectiveness of said second level sensing switch means when both first and second level sensing switch means are in circuit with said electric power source and said valve.