초록 ▼

An apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle which enables or disables a vehicle\s suspension system. Pilot-to-open check valves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders secured between the axle and frame of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, a pneumatically actuated check valve is opened or

An apparatus for stabilizing a material handling vehicle which enables or disables a vehicle\s suspension system. Pilot-to-open check valves are mounted on hydraulic cylinders secured between the axle and frame of the vehicle. In a first embodiment, a pneumatically actuated check valve is opened or closed to permit or prevent fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinders. The absence of pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic circuit causes the check valves to close, thereby locking the axle to the frame for stability. The presence of pneumatic pressure in the circuit opens the check valves to permit fluid communication between the cylinders. In an alternative embodiment, a second electro-hydraulic circuit is provided in place of the pneumatic circuit for opening and closing pilot-to-close check valves mounted on the hydraulic cylinders.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for stabilizing a vehicle having a supporting frame and an axle suspended from said frame, comprising: two hydraulic cylinders positioned on laterally opposite sides of said vehicle for connecting said supporting frame to said axle; a first hydraulic supply line extending from said cyli

An apparatus for stabilizing a vehicle having a supporting frame and an axle suspended from said frame, comprising: two hydraulic cylinders positioned on laterally opposite sides of said vehicle for connecting said supporting frame to said axle; a first hydraulic supply line extending from said cylinders to a first pressurized reservoir of hydraulic fluid; a pilot-to-close check valve positioned in said supply line to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of said cylinders; a second hydraulic supply line extending from said pilot-to-close check valve to a hydraulic control pressure source; a solenoid control valve positioned in said second hydraulic line and being configured to open said pilot-to-close check valve by venting said second hydraulic line to a hydraulic reservoir and to close said pilot-to-close check valve by connecting said second hydraulic line to said hydraulic control pressure source; and control means for electrically actuating and deactuating said solenoid control valve, said control means being positioned on an ancillary structure that is supported by said supporting frame and is free to rotate with respect to said supporting frame, said control means comprising an electrical circuit connected to said solenoid valve and including a switch for selectively opening and closing said circuit, wherein when said switch is closed, an electrical signal is sent to said solenoid valve to cause said solenoid valve to vent said second hydraulic supply line to said hydraulic reservoir, and wherein when said switch is open, the absence of an electrical signal to said solenoid valve causes said solenoid valve to connect said second hydraulic supply line to said hydraulic control pressure source.