Linkage system for a forklift truck

US9309097B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Terberg Kinglifter B.V. · NL

Inventor

• Eric O'Keeffe · Monaghan, IE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 2010
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 15, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66F9/146
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Forklift truck (100) includes a linkage system (300) which comprises first link arm (1) pivotally connected at one end to roller (1.4) at point (1.1) which is vertically movable within channel (6.1) of mounting carriage/member (6), and to forks (4) at the opposite end via fork carriage (5) at pivot point (1.3). Second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to first link arm (1) at pivot point (1.2). The opposite end of second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to mounting carriage/member (6) at pivot point (2.1). Pivot points (1.1) and (2.1) are positioned on or near the center line of channel (6.1). The tilt angle of forks (4) and fork carriage (5) is restricted by link arm (3) which is pivotally connected at one end to second link arm (2) at pivot point (3.2) and pivotally connected at the opposite end to fork carriage (5) at pivot point (3.1). During operation link arm (3) forces fork carriage (5) to rotate about pivot point (1.3) to compensate for the continuously changing angle of first link arm (1) while maintaining a generally fixed angle to channel (6.1) thus ensuring forks (4) remain substantially horizontal throughout the movement of the linkage system.