Height and tilt indicator for forklift truck

A tilt and height indicator for a forklift truck including a tape reel connected to the forks of the forklift to sense their relative height. An indicator panel includes plural sets of indicators, with each set indicating when the forks are in a proper pre-programmed position, just above, or just below this position, or well above or well below this position. The plural indicators may each be programmed to independent heights which are within the range of indicated heights for another indicator, such that infinitesimal differences in shelf heights may be accounted for. All indicators may be active at the same time, or the operator may change to a separate mode in which only a chosen indicator set is active. The present invention also includes a tilt sensor in the form of a rod connected to the piston of the tilt cylinder and adjustably mounting a magnet. A sensor box is mounted on the cylinder and includes a plurality of spaced Hall-effect transistors. The location of the magnet with respect to the transistors is dependant upon the relative position of the mast and chassis, such that the magnet on the rod will be in proximity to various ones of the transistors, thus activating those transistors. The indicator panel may include a tilt display having a plurality of indicators corresponding to the transistors to provide an accurate indication of the tilt condition of the mast.

Abstract

A tilt and height indicator for a forklift truck including a tape reel connected to the forks of the forklift to sense their relative height. An indicator panel includes plural sets of indicators, with each set indicating when the forks are in a proper pre-programmed position, just above, or just below this position, or well above or well below this position. The plural indicators may each be programmed to independent heights which are within the range of indicated heights for another indicator, such that infinitesimal differences in shelf heights may be accounted for. All indicators may be active at the same time, or the operator may change to a separate mode in which only a chosen indicator set is active. The present invention also includes a tilt sensor in the form of a rod connected to the piston of the tilt cylinder and adjustably mounting a magnet. A sensor box is mounted on the cylinder and includes a plurality of spaced Hall-effect transistors. The location of the magnet with respect to the transistors is dependant upon the relative position of the mast and chassis, such that the magnet on the rod will be in proximity to various ones of the transistors, thus activating those transistors. The indicator panel may include a tilt display having a plurality of indicators corresponding to the transistors to provide an accurate indication of the tilt condition of the mast.

1. Drawings

[0001]Sheet 1.

[0002]Sheet 2.