Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6336784
-
Patent Number
6,336,784
-
Date Filed
Thursday, September 3, 199825 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, January 8, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 414 680
- 414 685
- 280 6154
- 280 5501
- 180 271
- 180 272
- 298 22 C
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A vehicle, such as an extendible forklift, includes a chassis or frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a boom assembly pivotably mounted to the frame. A leveling cylinder is interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame when the vehicle is on uneven terrain and prior to raising the boom assembly to elevate a load. A switch mechanism is interposed between the frame and the boom assembly, for detecting when the boom assembly reaches or exceeds a predetermined angle relative to the frame. Actuation of the switch mechanism results in a restriction in the flow of fluid to the leveling cylinder, to reduce the speed at which the frame leveling cylinder can be operated. Simultaneously, the switch mechanism is operable to actuate the parking brake of the forklift, to prevent movement when the boom is raised above the predetermined angle. In this manner, frame leveling can only be accomplished at a slow speed when the boom assembly is at or above a predetermined angle relative to the frame.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to boom-type vehicles, and more particularly to a frame leveling speed control arrangement for a boom-type vehicle.
A boom-type vehicle such as an extendible boom forklift typically includes a boom pivotably mounted to a frame. Hydraulic cylinders are interposed between the boom and the frame for moving the boom between its raised and lowered positions. The frame carries a set of wheels, and one or more frame leveling cylinders are interposed between the frame the wheels for leveling the frame when it is desired to raise the boom.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for insuring that a brake is applied when the boom reaches a predetermined angle relative to the frame. It is a further object of the invention to provide relatively slow movement of the frame leveling cylinder when the boom reaches a predetermined position relative to the frame. A still further object of the invention is to provide a system for preventing movement of the vehicle and for providing controlled movement of the frame leveling cylinder when the boom attains a predetermined angle relative to the frame.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a boom-type vehicle includes a frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground. A boom is pivotably mounted to the frame, and a position sensing arrangement is interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame. The frame leveling arrangement includes a leveling speed control responsive to the position sensing arrangement for enabling the leveling arrangement to operate at a first speed of operation when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below a predetermined threshold, and to operate at a second speed of operation less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold. A hydraulic cylinder arrangement is preferably interconnected between the boom and the frame for providing pivoting movement of the boom relative to the frame. The position sensing arrangement may be in the form of a movable member interconnected with the boom and movable in response to the movement of the boom relative to the frame, and a sensing member mounted to a portion of the cylinder arrangement interconnected with the frame, such that the position of the movable member relative to the sensing member changes according to the angle of the boom relative to the frame. The movable member may be in the form of a rod having a first end pivotably interconnected with the boom and a second end spaced therefrom. The sensing member may be in the form of a proximity switch operable to detect the second end of the rod when the angle of the boom relative to the frame reaches the predetermined threshold. The frame leveling arrangement may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder arrangement interconnected between the frame and the wheels. The leveling speed control features a shiftable flow restricting arrangement interconnected with the hydraulic cylinder arrangement. The shiftable flow restricting arrangement may be in the form of a flow restrictor in the flow path of the hydraulic frame leveling cylinder arrangement and a check valve which is shiftable in response to actuation of the proximity switch to direct fluid flow through the flow restrictor when the angle of the boom relative to the frame reaches the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a boom-type vehicle includes a frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a brake mechanism interconnected with the wheels for selectively preventing rotation of the wheels relative to the frame. A frame leveling arrangement is interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground. A boom is pivotably mounted to the frame, and a position sensing arrangement is interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame. A brake actuator is responsive to the position sensing arrangement for automatically applying the brake mechanism when the angle of the boom relative to the frame exceeds a predetermined threshold. The position sensing arrangement is preferably as summarized above, and the brake actuator is responsive to actuation of the proximity switch for automatically applying the brake mechanism.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the position sensing arrangement is interconnected with both the brake actuator and the leveling speed control arrangement. In this manner, the brake mechanism is automatically applied when the boom attains a predetermined angle relative to the frame and, simultaneously, the leveling speed control arrangement is operable to restrict fluid flow to and from the frame leveling cylinder arrangement for reducing the speed of operation of the frame leveling cylinder arrangement. This combination of automatic brake actuation and leveling speed control insures that the vehicle remains stationary and the frame can only be leveled at a relatively slow speed when the boom is at or above a certain angle relative to the frame.
The invention also contemplates a method of operating a boom-type vehicle, substantially in accordance with the foregoing summary.
Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1
is an isometric view of a boom-type vehicle, in the form of an extendible boom forklift, incorporating the subject matter of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a partial isometric view showing the upper rear end of the boom-type vehicle of
FIG. 1
, with the boom in a lowered position relative to the frame;
FIG. 3
is a view similar to
FIG. 2
, showing the boom in a raised position relative to the frame;
FIG. 4
is a schematic view illustrating the brake actuator in accordance with the present invention, as incorporated into the extendible boom vehicle of
FIG. 1
; and
FIG. 5
is a hydraulic circuit diagram illustrating the leveling speed control mechanism in accordance with the present invention, incorporated into the extendible boom vehicle of FIG.
1
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to
FIG. 1
, a vehicle in the form of an extendible boom forklift
10
generally includes a frame or chassis
12
and a boom assembly
14
mounted to chassis
12
. Chassis
12
includes a central frame member
15
extending in a longitudinal front-rear direction. A pair of front ground-engaging wheels are carried by a front axle assembly mounted toward the forward end of central frame member
15
, and a pair of rear ground-engaging wheels
20
are mounted toward the rearward end of central frame member
15
. A cab
22
is mounted between front wheels
18
and rear wheels
20
on one side of central frame member
15
, and a drive train is mounted on the side of central frame member
15
opposite cab
22
.
A pair of uprights
24
are mounted to central frame member
15
toward its rearward end, rearwardly of cab
22
and wheels
20
. A pair of lift cylinders
26
are located one on either side of frame
16
, and each lift cylinder
26
is connected to chassis
12
via a pivot connection which pivotably secures the cylinder end of the lift cylinder
26
to chassis
12
for movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. A pair of slave cylinders
30
are also located one on either side of chassis
12
, and the cylinder end of each slave cylinder
30
is connected to chassis
12
via a pivot connection which provides pivoting movement of the slave cylinder
30
about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.
Boom assembly
14
generally includes an outer boom member
32
and an intermediate boom member
34
which is received within an internal passage defined by outer boom member
32
for telescoping inward and outward movement relative to outer boom member
32
. Boom assembly
14
further includes an inner boom member received within an internal passage defined by intermediate boom member
34
and mounted for axial inward and ouward telescoping movement relative to intermediate boom member
34
. A nose section
36
is mounted to the forward end of the inner boom member, and is located forwardly of the forward end of chassis
12
. A drive arrangement provides inward and outward movement of intermediate boom member
34
and the inner boom member to which nose section
36
is mounted, in a manner as is known.
A tool mounting assembly
38
is pivotably mounted to the lower end of nose section
36
, and a tilt cylinder (not shown) is interposed between nose section
36
and tool mounting assembly
38
. Tool mounting assembly
38
includes an arrangement for releasably engaging a tool with boom assembly
14
through nose section
36
. As shown in the drawings, the tool is in the form of a fork assembly
42
, although it is understood that any other tool as desired can be mounted to tool mounting assembly
38
.
Boom assembly
14
includes a mounting structure
44
toward its rearward end. Lift cylinder
26
is engaged with mounting structure
44
via a pivot connection
46
, and slave cylinder
30
is connected to mounting structure
44
via a pivot connection
48
. A pivot shaft
50
is operable to pivotably mount boom assembly
14
to uprights
24
through mounting structure
44
. Boom assembly
14
is pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the longitudinal axis of pivot shaft
50
.
With the arrangement as described above, boom assembly
14
is operable to lift a load located forwardly of chassis
12
utilizing the tool, such as fork assembly
42
, mounted to the forward end of boom assembly
14
forwardly of front wheels
18
. Extension of lift cylinders
26
functions to pivot boom assembly
14
upwardly about pivot shaft
50
to lift the load carried by the tool, such as fork assembly
42
, and likewise retraction of cylinders
26
functions to lower the load by allowing boom assembly
14
to pivot downwardly about pivot shaft
50
.
In a manner as is known, the rear axle assembly, to which rear wheels
20
are mounted, is pivotable relative to central frame member
15
to provide oscillating movement of wheels
20
relative to chassis
12
as forklift
10
travels over uneven terrain. A stabilizing cylinder assembly
52
is interposed between central frame member
15
and the rear axle assembly, to cushion shocks which would otherwise be experienced by central frame member
15
and the components mounted thereto, such as cab
22
and boom assembly
14
, during such oscillating movement of wheels
20
relative to central frame member
15
. In
FIG. 1
, stabilizing cylinder
52
is shown as being located at the left side of forklift
10
.
In a similar manner, the front axle assembly, to which front wheels
18
are mounted, is pivotable relative to central frame member
15
to provide oscillating movement of wheels
18
as forklift
10
travels over uneven terrain. A frame leveling cylinder (not shown) in
FIG. 1
is located at the right side of forklift
10
and is interconnected between central frame member
15
and the front axle assembly. In a manner as is known, the frame leveling cylinder is utilized to level chassis
12
relative to wheels
18
and
20
when forklift
10
is parked on uneven terrain and boom assembly
14
is to be raised and extended to place a load carried by fork assembly
42
onto an elevated surface. In accordance with a conventional operation, stabilizing cylinder
52
is automatically locked in position upon actuation of the frame leveling cylinder to fix the position of rear wheels
20
relative to central frame member
15
, and operation of the leveling cylinder, located between the front axle assembly and central frame member
15
, is operable to move chassis
12
to a level position.
FIGS. 2 and 3
illustrate a position sensing arrangement interposed between boom assembly
14
and central frame member
15
for detecting when the angle of boom assembly
14
relative to chassis
12
reaches a predetermined threshold. Referring to
FIG. 2
, the position sensing arrangement includes a rod
54
mounted to a plate
56
through a pivotable mounting arrangement
58
. Plate
56
is one of a pair of such plates mounted to the underside of boom assembly
14
, and the rod of one of slave cylinders
30
is pivotably mounted to and between the plates such as
56
. Rod
54
extends through a guide member
60
mounted to the cylinder end of slave cylinder
30
. A proximity switch
62
is also mounted to the cylinder end of slave cylinder
30
, below guide member
60
.
FIG. 3
illustrates boom assembly
14
raised relative to central frame member
15
by operation of lift cylinders
26
. Such movement of boom assembly
14
results in extension of slave cylinders
30
, which causes rod
54
to be moved within guide member
60
along with the rod of slave cylinder
30
. That is, rod
54
moves along with the rod of slave cylinder
30
, and guide member
60
functions to maintain the longitudinal axis of rod
54
parallel to the longitudinal axis of slave cylinder
30
. When boom assembly
14
attains a predetermined angle relative to central frame member
15
, the end of rod
54
reaches proximity switch
62
, which is then actuated to in turn initiate the brake actuator mechanism and the frame leveling speed control of the present invention. In a representative embodiment, the predetermined angle of boom assembly
14
relative to central frame member
15
may be 60°, although it is understood that any angle as desired could be selected.
FIG. 4
is a partial schematic diagram of the electrical system of forklift
10
interconnected with proximity switch
62
. As shown in
FIG. 4
, the electrical system includes a parking brake switch
64
and a relay
66
. In turn, relay
66
is interconnected with a level speed control solenoid
68
, a parking brake actuator solenoid
70
, and a pair of stabilizing cylinder solenoids
72
. In operation, when proximity switch
62
is opened by movement of the end of rod
54
over proximity switch
62
, proximity switch
62
functions to actuate relay
66
and to simultaneously actuate parking brake switch
64
to engage the parking brake of forklift
10
. Alternatively, manual actuation of parking brake switch
64
by the operator functions to actuate relay
66
. When this occurs, power is supplied to level speed control solenoid
68
and power is cut off to parking brake solenoid
70
and stabilizing cylinder solenoids
72
.
FIG. 5
illustrates a portion of the hydraulic circuit of forklift
10
containing level speed control solenoid
68
and stabilizing cylinder solenoids
72
. Level speed control solenoid
68
is interconnected in a frame leveling valve, shown schematically at
74
, and controls the position of a level speed control valve
75
. Level speed control valve
75
is connected in a line
76
, which in turn is connected to a three-position four-way leveling frame control valve
78
through a line
80
. A flow restrictor
82
is positioned in branch line
80
.
Level speed control valve
75
is spring-biased toward a normal flow position, as shown in FIG.
5
. Upon actuation of level speed control solenoid
68
as described above, level speed control valve
75
is forced to a check position, in which the flow of fluid in line
76
is cut off and fluid is supplied to frame leveling valve
78
through line
80
and flow restrictor
82
. When this occurs, a reduced flow of fluid is supplied to the frame leveling cylinder, shown in
FIG. 5
at
84
, thereby slowing the speed of leveling of forklift
10
when boom assembly
14
is above the predetermined angle relative to central frame member
15
. Illustratively, flow restrictor
82
may provide approximately a 90% reduction in fluid flow to frame leveling cylinder
84
.
As noted previously, power to stabilizing cylinder solenoids
72
is cut off when boom assembly
14
is above the predetermined angle relative to central frame member
15
. When this occurs, a pair of stabilizing cylinder control valves
86
, (FIG.
5
,) are spring-biased from a flow position, which provides normal operation of stabilizing cylinder
52
, to a check position, as shown in
FIG. 5
, which combines with check valves
88
to prevent fluid from flowing into or out of stabilizing cylinder
52
. This functions to lock stabilizing cylinder
52
in position so as to prevent movement of stabilizing cylinder
52
when leveling cylinder
84
is being operated in response to leveling control valve
78
.
With this system, movement of boom assembly
14
to a predetermined angle relative to central frame member
15
automatically results in application of the parking brake of forklift
10
, locking of stabilizing cylinder
52
and actuation of level speed control valve
75
to restrict the flow of fluid to frame leveling cylinder
84
, to prevent movement of fork lift
10
and to provide slow frame leveling when boom assembly
14
is raised above the predetermined angle. In addition, stabilizing cylinder
52
is locked and level speed control valve
75
is actuated upon manual engagement of the vehicle's parking brake, regardless of the position of boom assembly
14
relative to central frame member
15
.
Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.
Claims
- 1. A boom-type vehicle, comprising:a frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels; a stabilizing cylinder interposed between the frame and the wheels for cushioning shocks caused by movement of the wheels relative to the frame; a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground; a boom pivotably mounted to the frame; and a position sensing arrangement interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame; wherein the frame leveling arrangement includes a leveling speed control responsive to the position sensing arrangement for enabling the frame leveling arrangement to operate at a first speed of operation when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below a predetermined threshold, and to operate at a second speed of operation less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 2. The boom-type vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a parking brake for selectively preventing rotation of the wheels relative to the frame, and a parking brake actuator responsive to the position sensing arrangement for applying the parking brake when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 3. The boom-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein a cylinder arrangement is interconnected between the boom and the frame for providing pivoting movement of the boom relative to the frame.
- 4. The boom-type vehicle of claim 3, wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a movable member interconnected with the boom and movable in response to movement of the boom relative to the frame, and a sensing member mounted to a portion of the cylinder arrangement interconnected with the frame, wherein the position of the movable member relative to the sensing member changes according to the angle of the boom relative to the frame.
- 5. A boom-type vehicle, comprising:a frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels; a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground; a boom pivotably mounted to the frame and a cylinder arrangement interconnected between the boom and the frame for providing pivoting movement of the boom relative to the frame; and a position sensing arrangement interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame, wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a rod member interconnected with the boom and movable in response to movement of the boom relative to the frame, wherein the rod member has a first end pivotably interconnected with the boom and a second end spaced therefrom, and a proximity switch mounted to a portion of the cylinder arrangement interconnected with the frame, wherein the position of the rod member relative to the proximity switch changes according to the angle of the boom relative to the frame, wherein the proximity switch is operable to detect the second end of the rod member when the angle of the boom relative to the frame reaches a predetermined threshold; wherein the frame leveling arrangement includes a leveling speed control responsive to the position sensing arrangement for enabling the frame leveling arrangement to operate at a first speed of operation when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below the predetermined threshold, and to operate at a second speed of operation less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 6. The boom-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame leveling arrangement comprises a hydraulic cylinder arrangement interconnected between the frame and the wheels, and wherein the leveling speed control comprises a shiftable member interconnected with the hydraulic cylinder arrangement, wherein the shiftable member is operable to direct fluid to the hydraulic cylinder arrangement through a flow restrictor when the position sensing arrangement senses that the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 7. The boom-type vehicle of claim 6, wherein the shiftable member comprises a valve and wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a switch mechanism interconnected with the valve for shifting the valve to direct fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder arrangement through the flow restrictor in response to movement of the boom past a predetermined boom angle relative to the frame.
- 8. A boom-type vehicle, comprising:a frame; a set of ground-engaging wheels interconnected with the frame; a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground; a brake interconnected with the wheels; a boom pivotably mounted to the frame; a position sensing arrangement interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame; and a control arrangement responsive to the position sensing arrangement, wherein the control arrangement is operable to enable operation of the frame leveling arrangement at a first speed of operation when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below a predetermined threshold, and wherein the control arrangement is operable to apply the brake to prevent movement of the vehicle and to restrict the speed of operation of the leveling arrangement to a second speed of operation less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 9. The boom-type vehicle of claim 8, wherein the frame leveling arrangement comprises at least one extendible and retractable frame leveling cylinder assembly interposed between the wheels and the frame, and wherein the control arrangement comprises a flow restricting arrangement adapted for selective placement in a fluid flow path including the frame leveling cylinder in response to the position sensing arrangement.
- 10. The boom-type vehicle of claim 9, wherein the flow restricting arrangement comprises a first flow restrictor for restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the frame leveling cylinder.
- 11. The boom-type vehicle of claim 9, wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a switch device which is actuated when the angle of the boom relative to the frame exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the switch device is interconnected with the flow restricting arrangement for placing the flow restricting arrangement in the fluid flow path.
- 12. A boom-type vehicle, comprising:a brake interconnected with the wheels for selectively preventing rotation of the wheels relative to the frame; a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground; a boom pivotably mounted to the frame; a position sensing arrangement interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame; and a brake actuator responsive to the position sensing arrangement for applying the brake when the angle of the boom relative to the frame exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- 13. The boom-type vehicle of claim 12, wherein the frame leveling arrangement includes a leveling speed control responsive to the position sensing arrangement for enabling the leveling arrangement to operate a first speed of operation when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below the predetermined threshold, and to operate at a second speed of operation less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 14. The boom-type vehicle of claim 13, wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a switch device which is actuated when the angle of the boom relative to the frame exceeds the predetermined threshold, wherein the switch device is interconnected with the brake actuator.
- 15. The boom-type vehicle of claim 14, wherein the frame leveling arrangement comprises at least one frame leveling cylinder interposed between the wheels and the frame, and wherein the leveling speed control comprises a flow restricting arrangement shiftable into the fluid flow path of the frame leveling cylinder in response to the switch device for restricting the flow of fluid to and from the frame leveling cylinder when the angle of the boom relative to the frame exceeds the predetermined threshold.
- 16. A method of operating a boom-type vehicle having a frame, a set of ground-engaging wheels mounted to the frame, a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels, a brake interconnected with the wheels, and a boom pivotably mounted to the frame, comprising the steps of:sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame; enabling operation of the frame leveling arrangement at a first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below a predetermined threshold; and automatically applying the brake and enabling operation of the frame leveling arrangement at a second speed less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the frame leveling arrangement comprises at least one fluid-operated frame leveling cylinder, and wherein the step of enabling operation of the frame leveling arrangement at a second speed less than the first speed is carried out by positioning a flow restrictor in the fluid flow path of the frame leveling cylinder when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame is carried out by a switch device which is actuated when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold, and wherein the steps of automatically applying the brake and enabling operation of the frame leveling arrangement at the second speed are carried out in response to actuation of the switch device.
- 19. A boom-type vehicle, comprising:a frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels; a frame leveling arrangement interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame relative to the ground, wherein the frame leveling arrangement is operable to vary the angular position of the frame relative to the wheels when the vehicle is stationary; a boom pivotably mounted to the frame; and a position sensing arrangement interposed between the boom and the frame for sensing the angle of the boom relative to the frame; wherein the frame leveling arrangement includes a leveling speed control responsive to the position sensing arrangement for enabling the frame leveling arrangement to operate at a first speed of operation when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is below a predetermined threshold, and to operate at a second speed of operation less than the first speed when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 20. The boom-type vehicle of claim 19, further comprising a parking brake for selectively preventing rotation of the wheels relative to the frame, and a parking brake actuator responsive to the position sensing arrangement for applying the parking brake when the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 21. The boom-type vehicle of claim 19, wherein a cylinder arrangement is interconnected between the boom and the frame for providing pivoting movement of the boom relative to the frame.
- 22. The boom-type vehicle of claim 21, wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a movable member interconnected with the boom and movable in response to movement of the boom relative to the frame, and a sensing member mounted to a portion of the cylinder arrangement interconnected with the frame, wherein the position of the movable member relative to the sensing member changes according to the angle of the boom relative to the frame.
- 23. The boom-type vehicle of claim 19, wherein the frame leveling arrangement comprises a hydraulic cylinder arrangement interconnected between the frame and the wheels, and wherein the leveling speed control comprises a shiftable member interconnected with the hydraulic cylinder arrangement, wherein the shiftable member is operable to direct fluid to the hydraulic cylinder arrangement through a flow restrictor when the position sensing arrangement senses that the angle of the boom relative to the frame is above the predetermined threshold.
- 24. The boom-type vehicle of claim 23, wherein the shiftable member comprises a valve and wherein the position sensing arrangement comprises a switch mechanism interconnected with the valve for shifting the valve to direct fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder arrangement through the flow restrictor in response to movement of the boom past a predetermined boom angle relative to the frame.
US Referenced Citations (6)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
4-19241 |
Jan 1992 |
JP |