System and method for positioning counterweight on material handling vehicle

Abstract

A material handling vehicle is provided that includes a frame having an aperture directed through the frame and configured to receive a battery pack, and a counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a counterweight having a first opening and an opposite second opening, and a first locating lever having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is directed through the first opening. The first nut is in threaded fit with the second end of the first positioning rod. The first nut rotates in a first direction to advance the first end of the first positioning rod farther through the first opening to contact the frame to adjust the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202010258976.4 and name “System and method for positioning counterweight on a material handling vehicle”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 830,102, entitled “Systems and Methods for a Positioning a Counterweight”, filed on April 5, 2019. The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0005] not applicable. Background Art

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to material handling vehicle components and, more particularly, to self-positioning counterweights.

[0007] Material handling vehicles (e.g., forklifts, cranes, etc.) often include a counterweight located rearwardly relative to the forks or other load engaging structure. The counterweight on the material handling vehicle helps provide stability. For example, when the material handling vehicle engages the load, the counterweight offsets at least a portion of the weight of the load (e.g., due to opposing moments). This can be helpful when the material handling vehicle is traveling with a load.

[0008] The counterweight can be made from many different materials, which are usually dense, to provide a relatively heavy but small footprint for the material handling vehicle. The counterweight is then mounted to the rear of the material handling vehicle frame via fasteners. However, the coupling of the counterweight to the fasteners prevents the position of the counterweight from being adjusted.

[0009] Therefore, it would be desirable to have improved systems and methods for positioning counterweights on material handling vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0010] As described herein, the present disclosure provides for positioning of counterweights. In some embodiments, a counterweight positioning system according to some embodiments may include a rod, pin, wedge, plate, etc. to cooperate with a body (eg, frame) of a material handling vehicle.

[0011] Systems and methods for positioning a counterweight are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a material handling vehicle, the material handling vehicle comprising: a frame having a hole guided through the frame and configured to receive a battery pack; and a counterweight assembly, the counterweight assembly comprising: a counterweight having a first opening and an opposing second opening; a first positioning rod having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being guided through the first opening; and a first nut threadedly engaged with the second end of the first positioning rod, and wherein the first nut is rotated in a first direction to advance the first end of the first positioning rod further through the first opening to contact the frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first nut is an adjusting shaft having a hole guided therethrough, a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion, the first portion having a first thread and the second portion having a second thread, the first thread being in opposite directions to the second thread, and wherein the first portion thread is engaged with the second end of the first positioning rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the frame includes a first slot guided into the frame and a second slot guided into the frame opposite the first slot, wherein the counterweight assembly includes a second positioning rod having a third end and an opposite fourth end, the third end being guided to pass through the second opening, and the fourth end being threadedly engaged with the second portion of the adjustment shaft, wherein the adjustment shaft is rotated in a first direction to advance the first end of the first positioning rod through the first opening and into the first slot of the vehicle frame by a first amount, and to retract the fourth end of the second positioning rod from the second opening by a second amount to adjust the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first amount and the second amount are the same, such that rotation of the adjustment shaft causes the first positioning rod to advance and the second positioning rod to retract by the same amount.

[0015] In some embodiments, the counterweight has a cavity guided therethrough, and wherein the adjustment shaft is positioned within the cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first slot, the second slot, the first opening, and the second opening are all collinear.

[0017] In some embodiments, the weight assembly further includes a first washer positioned in the cavity between the first portion of the adjustment shaft and the first positioning rod and a second washer positioned in the cavity between the second portion of the adjustment shaft and the second positioning rod.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first slot of the counterweight, the first end of the first positioning rod, and the first slot of the frame all have the same shape. In some embodiments, the shape is a rectangular prism.

[0019] In some embodiments, the materials handling vehicle includes a mounting structure coupled to the counterweight and configured to mate with and secure the battery pack, and wherein adjustment of the position of the counterweight relative to the frame adjusts the position of the mounting structure relative to the hole of the frame.

[0020] In some embodiments, a materials handling vehicle includes a cover pivotally coupled to the frame, the cover configured to interface with a counterweight.

[0021] In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly further comprises: a second positioning rod having a third end and an opposite fourth end, the fourth end being guided to pass through the second opening; and a second nut threadedly engaged with the third end of the second positioning rod, and wherein rotation of the second nut in the first direction advances the fourth end of the second positioning rod further through the second opening and into the second slot of the vehicle frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

[0022] In some embodiments, the counterweight includes a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first nut is positioned in the first cavity, and wherein the second nut is positioned in the second cavity.

[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly for a material handling vehicle, the material handling vehicle including a frame having a first slot guided into the vehicle frame, a second slot opposite to the first slot guided into the vehicle frame, and a hole guided through the frame, the hole being configured to receive a battery pack, the counterweight assembly comprising: a counterweight having a first opening and an opposite second opening; a first positioning rod having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being guided through the first opening; and a first nut threadedly engaged with the second end of the first positioning rod, and wherein the first nut is rotated in a first direction to advance the first end of the first positioning rod further through the first opening and into the first slot of the frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

[0024] In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly further comprises a mounting structure coupled to the counterweight and configured to mate with and secure the battery pack, and wherein adjustment of the position of the counterweight relative to the frame adjusts the position of the mounting structure relative to the aperture of the frame.

[0025] In some embodiments, the counterweight is configured to cooperate with a cover pivotally coupled to a frame of a materials handling vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first nut is an adjusting shaft having a hole guided through it, a first part and a second part opposite to the first part, the first part having a first thread, the second part having a second thread, the first thread and the second thread being in opposite directions, the first part of the adjusting shaft being threadedly engaged with the second end of the positioning rod, and the counterweight assembly further comprises a second positioning rod having a third end and an opposite fourth end, the fourth end being guided to pass through the second opening, and the fourth end of the second positioning rod being threadedly engaged with the second part of the adjusting shaft.

[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for installing a counterweight on a material handling vehicle, the method comprising: providing a counterweight assembly, the counterweight assembly comprising: a counterweight; and a counterweight positioning system, the counterweight positioning system having a first positioning member and a second positioning member; placing the counterweight on a frame of the material handling vehicle; advancing the first positioning member until the first positioning member contacts the frame; advancing the second positioning member until the second positioning member contacts the frame.

[0028] In some embodiments, the frame has a first side and an opposing second side, and the method further includes: retracting the first retaining member toward the counterweight and away from the first side of the frame; moving the counterweight toward the first side of the frame; and advancing the second retaining member to extend further away from the counterweight until the second retaining member contacts the second side of the frame.

[0029] In some embodiments, the frame has a first side and an opposing second side, and the method further includes: retracting the second retaining member toward the counterweight and away from the second side of the frame; moving the counterweight toward the second side of the frame; and advancing the first retaining member to extend further away from the counterweight until the first retaining member contacts the first side of the frame.

[0030] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly, which includes a counterweight, a positioning rod and a nut. The positioning rod and the counterweight are slidably matched and rotationally fixed. The nut is threadedly matched with the positioning rod and slidably matched with the counterweight.

[0031] In some embodiments, the positioning rod is a first positioning rod, and the nut is a first nut; and the counterweight assembly also includes: a second positioning rod, which is slidably engaged with the counterweight and rotationally fixed; and a second nut, which is threadedly engaged with the positioning rod and slidably engaged with the counterweight.

[0032] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly, which includes a counterweight, a position adjustment wedge, a positioning rod, and an adjusting screw. The position adjustment wedge is slidably configured in the counterweight. The positioning rod is slidably matched with the position adjustment wedge. The adjusting screw is threadedly matched with the position adjustment wedge.

[0033] In some embodiments, the position adjustment wedge is a first position adjustment wedge, the positioning rod is a first positioning rod, and the adjustment screw is a first adjustment screw; and the counterweight assembly also includes: a second position adjustment wedge, which is slidably configured in the counterweight; a second positioning rod, which is slidably engaged with the second position adjustment wedge; and a second adjustment screw, which is threadably engaged with the second position adjustment wedge.

[0034] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly, which includes a counterweight, a position link assembly and an adjustment screw. The position link assembly is configured in the counterweight and includes a position adjustment block, a connecting rod and a positioning rod. The connecting rod is pivotally engaged with the position adjustment block. The positioning rod is pivotally engaged with the connecting rod. The adjustment screw is threadedly engaged with the position adjustment block.

[0035] In some embodiments, the position link assembly is a first position link assembly, the position adjustment block is a first position adjustment block, the link is a first link, the positioning rod is a first positioning rod, and the adjustment screw is a first adjustment screw; and the counterweight assembly also includes: a second position link assembly, which is configured in the counterweight and includes: a second position adjustment block, a second link pivotally engaged with the second position adjustment block, and a second positioning rod pivotally engaged with the second link; and a second adjustment screw, which is threadedly engaged with the second position adjustment block.

[0036] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly, which includes a counterweight, a position adjustment wedge, and an adjustment screw. The position adjustment wedge is slidably configured in the counterweight. The adjustment screw is slidably matched with the position adjustment wedge and matched with the counterweight thread.

[0037] In some embodiments, the position adjustment wedge is a first position adjustment wedge, and the adjustment screw is a first adjustment screw; and the counterweight assembly also includes: a second position adjustment wedge, which is slidably configured in the counterweight; and a second adjustment screw, which is slidably engaged with the second position adjustment wedge and engaged with the counterweight thread.

[0038] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly, which includes a counterweight, a pivot screw, a positioning screw, and a positioning plate. The counterweight defines a recess. The pivot screw cooperates with the counterweight thread. The positioning screw cooperates with the counterweight thread. The positioning plate is slidably disposed in the recess, rotatably cooperates with the pivot screw, and slidably cooperates with the positioning screw.

[0039] In some embodiments, the recess is a first recess, the counterweight is defined by a second recess, the pivot screw is a first pivot screw, the positioning screw is a first positioning screw, and the positioning plate is a first positioning plate; and the counterweight assembly also includes: a second pivot screw, which cooperates with the counterweight thread; a second positioning screw, which cooperates with the counterweight thread; a second positioning plate, which is slidably configured in the second recess, rotatably cooperates with the second pivot screw, and slidably cooperates with the second positioning screw.

[0040] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be reflected in the following description. In the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification, in which preferred configurations of the present disclosure are shown by way of example. This configuration does not necessarily reflect the entire scope of the present disclosure, but therefore reference is made to the claims and is used here to interpret the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when considering the following detailed description thereof.This detailed description refers to the following drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A diagram of a material handling vehicle is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Illustration of a material handling vehicle with a spacer positioned between the counterweight and the vehicle frame.

[0044] Figure 3 An illustration of another material handling vehicle having a pivotally attached cover and counterweight is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Illustration of a material handling vehicle with a spacer positioned between the counterweight and the vehicle frame.

[0046] Figure 5 A diagram of another material handling vehicle having a counterweight is shown.

[0047] Figure 6 shows the weight after the movement Figure 5 Illustration of a material handling vehicle.

[0048] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 6 The line 7-7 is cut Figure 5 A top cutaway view of a material handling vehicle.

[0049] Figure 8 An example of a counterweight positioning system for a counterweight of a material handling vehicle is shown.

[0050] Fig. 9 A top perspective view of a counterweight assembly is shown.

[0051] Fig.10 Shown along Fig. 9 The line 10-10 is cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a counterweight assembly.

[0052] Fig.11 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0053] Fig.12 Shown along Fig.11 The line 12-12 is cut Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a counterweight assembly.

[0054] Fig.13 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0055] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 Exploded view of the counterweight assembly.

[0056] Fig.15 Shows Fig.13 A top view of the counterweight assembly with the cover removed.

[0057] Fig.16 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0058] Fig.17 Shows Fig.16 Exploded view of the counterweight assembly.

[0059] Fig.18 Shows Fig.16 A top view of the counterweight assembly of the fourth example with the cover removed.

[0060] Fig.19 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0061] Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 Exploded view of the counterweight assembly.

[0062] Fig.21 Shows Fig. 20 A top view of the counterweight assembly with the cover removed.

[0063] Fig. 22 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0064] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 22 Exploded view of the counterweight assembly.

[0065] Fig.24 Shows Fig.23 A top view of the counterweight assembly with the cover removed.

[0066] Fig.25 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0067] Fig.26 A perspective view of another counterweight assembly is shown.

[0068] Fig. 27 A flow chart showing a process for installing a counterweight on a materials handling vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Before any embodiment of the present invention is described in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limitations. "Including", "including" or "having" and their variations used herein are meant to cover the objects listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional objects. Unless specifically stated or otherwise limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "support" and "connection" and their variations are used in a broad sense and cover direct and indirect installation, connection, support and connection. Further, "connection" and "connection" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or connections.

[0070] Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. In addition, the "right", "left", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "top" or "bottom" and their variations used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. "Including", "including" or "having" and their variations used herein are meant to cover the objects listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional objects. Unless specifically stated or otherwise limited, the terms "mount", "connect", "support" and "couple" and their variations are used in a broad sense and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support and connection. Further, "connect" and "couple" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified or limited, phrases like "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and the like are intended to mean A or B or C, or any combination of A, B, and / or C, including combinations with multiple or single instances of A, B, and / or C.

[0072] Certain operations of the methods of the present invention or systems for performing those methods may be schematically represented in the accompanying drawings or discussed in other ways herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the representation of specific operations in a specific spatial order in the accompanying drawings may not necessarily require that those operations be performed in a specific order corresponding to the specific spatial order. Correspondingly, certain operations represented in the accompanying drawings or disclosed in other ways herein can be performed in an order different from the order explicitly shown or described to suit a specific embodiment of the present invention. Further, in some embodiments, certain operations may be performed in parallel, including by dedicated parallel processing devices or separate computing devices configured to interoperate as part of a larger system.

[0073] The following discussion is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use various aspects of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the described construction will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other constructions and applications without departing from various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, various aspects of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but to conform to the widest range consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements in different pictures have the same reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, illustrate selected constructions and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the non-limiting examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0074] There are typically two broad categories of material handling vehicles: (1) fuel-powered vehicles and (2) electric (e.g., battery) vehicles. Fuel-powered material handling vehicles typically have no other heavy components because the fuel (e.g., liquid gasoline or fuel gas such as propane) required to drive such material handling vehicles in light conditions is energy intensive. Therefore, the counterweights that interface with such material handling vehicles are typically made of heavy cast metal and mounted to the frame with fasteners. Electric material handling vehicles typically require a heavy power source such as batteries to power the material handling vehicle. Typically, these heavy batteries are implemented as lead-acid batteries and are generally positioned within the vehicle housing (e.g., within the lower portion of the vehicle frame). Therefore, similar to fuel-powered material handling vehicles, electric material handling vehicles with lead-acid batteries also have similar counterweights (e.g., heavy cast metal counterweights).

[0075] Recently, electric material handling vehicles have expanded the range of battery options, mainly including lithium-ion batteries and the like. The use of lithium-ion batteries can reduce the total footprint (or size) of the batteries required to power the vehicle. Therefore, because lead-acid batteries may not need to be installed in the lower part of the frame, other (or alternative) installation positions for lithium-ion batteries can be envisioned. One such position that has recently been envisioned is to store the battery in the internal volume of the counterweight. This position is particularly advantageous, at least because it allows batteries with a greater density than the counterweight material to increase the overall weight of the counterweight, or in some cases prevents the need to form the counterweight from a dense material. In other words, when the battery is stored in a counterweight of a less dense material (e.g., a frame and sheet metal), the desired load offset (e.g., opposite torque) can be provided for the load that cooperates with the vehicle (e.g., by a fork). The movement away from the relatively dense counterweight structure allows other structures to be coupled to or positioned in the counterweight or in the counterweight. For example, some mounting structures, such as those that easily fit and fix a battery pack of closed batteries, have been envisioned to be installed in the internal volume of the counterweight. As another example, to quickly access the battery pack, a cover that covers and encloses the batteries typically interfaces with the frame of a materials handling vehicle.

[0076] The batteries are typically configured as a battery pack, allowing the batteries to be conventionally installed (or removed) from the counterweight. In some configurations, the battery pack is placed through a hole (or window) in the frame and then slidably engaged to a mounting structure that is coupled (or secured) to the counterweight. In some cases, the positioning of the mounting structure relative to the hole (or window) in the frame prevents the battery pack from properly interfacing with the mounting structure and being received in the hole in the frame. In other words, with the counterweight installed (e.g., using fasteners), the spatial relationship between the mounting structure and the hole in the frame is substantially fixed. Therefore, if the mounting structure is not properly aligned with the hole in the frame, the battery pack will be close to the frame and the battery pack cannot be received in the counterweight (e.g., via engagement with the mounting structure).

[0077] As another example, a cover pivotally connected to the frame may interface with the counterweight. The cover may allow a user to quickly access the contents of the counterweight, such as a battery pack (e.g., power is supplied to the battery pack via a cable). Additionally, the cover may be formed of other materials (e.g., plastic) so that the shape, color, etc. may be more aesthetically pleasing. In some cases, there may be differences in the manufacture of the cover, frame, or counterweight, and the cover may not be disposed on the counterweight.

[0078] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide counterweight systems and embodiments for positioning and centering a counterweight. For example, some systems and methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a counterweight assembly configured to adjust the position of the counterweight relative to a vehicle frame. In this manner, a mounting structure that receives a battery (e.g., a battery pack) and is connected to the counterweight can be adjusted accordingly to allow alignment between the mounting structure and the hole in the vehicle frame. Similarly, moving the counterweight allows for cooperation between the cover and the counterweight.

[0079] Figure 1 A diagram of a material handling vehicle is shown having a vehicle frame with holes, a mounting structure connected to a counterweight, and a battery pack that is slidably engaged with the mounting structure. As shown, the counterweight is secured to the frame using fasteners (e.g., bolts).

[0080] Figure 2 shows the use of spacers Figure 1 Illustration of a material handling vehicle. Figure 2 As shown, the spacer has been received between the counterweight and the frame to shift the position of the counterweight rearwardly (eg, the thickness of the moving spacer).

[0081] Figure 3 An illustration of a materials handling vehicle having a vehicle frame with apertures, a counterweight having mounting structure, and a cover pivotally attached to the frame is shown. Figure 3 As shown, when the counterweight is mounted to the vehicle frame (eg, using fasteners), interference may occur between the counterweight and the cover.

[0082] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 . As shown, the spacer has been positioned between the counterweight and the frame to move the position of the counterweight rearward (eg, the thickness of the motion spacer).

[0083] Figure 5An illustration of a material handling vehicle 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The material handling vehicle 10 includes a frame 12, a fork 14, a mast 16, a cover 18 pivotally coupled to the frame 12, a battery enclosure 20, a hole 22 passing through the frame 12, a counterweight assembly 24, and slots 26, 28 directed into the frame 12. The pivotal connection between the cover 18 and the frame 12 can be implemented to include hinges, pins, etc. typically used in the art. As shown, the cover 18 includes a recess 30 that is aligned with the hole 22 passing through the frame 12. In some cases, the cover 18 can include a peripheral lip (or slot) that can be aligned with an opposing peripheral slot (or lip) of the frame 12 to provide a connection between the cover 18 and the frame 12. In some configurations, the cover 18 can include a peripheral gasket to provide a seal between the cover 18 and the frame 12.

[0084] The battery enclosure 20 may include a plurality of batteries 32, which may be implemented in many different forms (e.g., lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc.). In some embodiments, the batteries 32 are implemented as lithium-ion batteries or other batteries with a reduced footprint. The battery enclosure 20 may include electrical contacts to provide power to the material handling vehicle 10, and may include a charging port to receive an electrical plug to provide external power to charge the batteries.

[0085] The aperture 22 is sized or dimensioned to receive a battery enclosure 20 (or other battery pack) containing a plurality of batteries 32, which (or in some cases a single large cell battery) provide power to a material handling vehicle. In some cases, the aperture 22 may be considered a window, and as described above, it interfaces with the cover 18, and in particular, with the recess 30 of the cover 18.

[0086] The counterweight assembly 24 may include a counterweight 34, a mounting structure 36, and a counterweight positioning system 38 having a first positioning member 40, a second positioning member 42, and a position adjustment member 44. The counterweight 34 may be implemented in many different forms. For example, the counterweight 34 may be configured as a housing containing an internal volume that receives the battery enclosure 20, while in other cases, the counterweight 34 may be formed of a rigid material (e.g., a cast metal), which may also have a recess (or cavity) that receives the battery enclosure 20. Therefore, the counterweight 34 may be configured to have various sizes, dimensions, shapes, and weights (or masses), but generally includes an internal volume having a mounting structure 36. In some embodiments, the mounting structure 36 is coupled to the counterweight, such as by fasteners, adhesives, magnetic couplings, etc., and the battery enclosure 20 is received and retained in the counterweight 34, and received and retained in the counterweight 34. The mounting structure 36 may be implemented in many different forms. For example, the mounting structure 36 can be implemented as a raised strip (or slot), and the battery enclosure 20 can include a slot (or a raised strip) so that the battery enclosure 20 slides with the mounting structure 36. The mounting structure 36 can also include a plurality of fastening locations such as threaded holes, which allow the battery enclosure 20 to be coupled to the mounting structure 36 by fasteners (e.g., bolts) that threadably engage with the threaded holes. In some configurations, the mounting structure 36 can be implemented as a weight assembly (e.g., weight assembly 108, 208, 408, etc.) described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0047630, also owned by Raymond Corporation, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Correspondingly, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0047630, the battery enclosure 20 can also be implemented as a battery assembly (e.g., battery assembly 102, 202, 302, 402, etc.). Therefore, in some configurations, the mounting structure 36 or the battery enclosure 20 may include roller bearings that allow the sliding engagement between these components. In addition, retaining structures such as fasteners, plates, etc. may be installed to retain the battery enclosure 20 on the mounting structure 36.

[0087] In some configurations, the mounting structure 36 need not be a separate component to the counterweight 34. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting structure 36 is integrally formed with the counterweight 34, such as a slot or raised strip that is guided into or protrudes from the counterweight 34.

[0088] like Figure 5As shown, the counterweight positioning system 38 can be located within the interior volume of the counterweight 34. More specifically, the counterweight positioning system 38 can include a first positioning member 40 extending through and movably passing through the counterweight 34, a second positioning member 42 extending through and movably passing through the counterweight 34, and a position adjustment member 44 located within the lower recess of the counterweight 34. However, in alternative embodiments, the counterweight positioning system 38 can be located in different areas of the counterweight 34. In this configuration, however, the slots 26, 28 can still be incorporated to receive the first positioning member 40 and the second positioning member 42, respectively. Therefore, in some cases, to achieve this, the slots 26, 28 can be co-linear with the positioning members 40, 42 and co-linear with each other.

[0089] In some embodiments, the counterweight positioning system 38 allows translational movement of the counterweight 34. More specifically, the counterweight positioning system 38 and the positions of the slots 26, 28 in the frame 12 determine the translational direction in which the counterweight 34 moves. Figure 5 As shown, the slots 26, 28 are directed into the frame 12 in a rearward and forward direction relative to the direction of the material handling vehicle 10. Specifically, the slots 26 are directed into the frame 12 toward the forks 14, while the slots 28 are directed into the frame 12 away from the forks 14. As described below, this allows the counterweight 34 to move backward or forward, or toward or away from the forks 14. In order to adjust the position of the counterweight 34, the position adjustment member 44 advances or retracts the first positioning member 40, or the second positioning member 42, or both of them. This changes the distance (or distance) at which each (or one of) the positioning members 40, 42 is exposed from the counterweight 34, thereby determining how the counterweight 34 is positioned. For example, if the counterweight 34 is expected to move in a rearward direction, the second positioning member 42 will be retracted by the position adjustment member 44, and the first positioning member 40 will be extended by the position adjustment member 44. Similarly, if it is desired to move the counterweight 34 in the forward direction, the first positioning member 40 will be retracted by the position adjustment 44 and the second positioning member 42 will be extended by the position adjustment 44. Generally, because the mounting structure 36 is coupled to the counterweight 34, movement of the counterweight 34 also moves the mounting structure 36.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, the locating members 40, 42 can be received in the entirety of the corresponding slot (e.g., slots 26, 28) regardless of the length of the locating members 40, 42 (up to a certain point). In this way, the mating surface between the locating members and the corresponding slots is maximized, and even if the counterweight is to be moved, the mating surface does not have to be reduced and the locating members retracted. In other words, the mating between the slot and the locating member is not affected by (or is independent of) the position of the counterweight 34. This allows the counterweight 34 to remain stationary relative to the frame 12 even if the counterweight 34 needs to be adjusted.

[0091] The slots 26, 28 and the corresponding positioning members 40, 42 share the same shape. However, the shape can be embodied in many different forms, such as a prism (e.g., a rectangular prism, a triangular prism, an octagonal prism, etc.), a cylinder, etc. In some cases, the slots 26, 28 and the positioning members 40, 42 are implemented as rectangular prisms, which in some cases can prevent the positioning members 40, 42 from rotating when the positioning members 40, 42 are received in their respective slots.

[0092] In some embodiments, the position adjustment member 44 can be implemented using a hydraulic or electric actuator (e.g., a linear actuator) to advance and retract the positioning members 40, 42. In other embodiments, the position adjustment member 44 can be implemented by a mechanical component intended to cause the positioning members 40, 42 to advance or retract. In one example, the positioning members 40, 42 can have threads, and the position adjustment member 44 can include a first nut that is threaded with the positioning member 40 and a second nut that is threaded with the positioning member 42. In this way, depending on how the first nut and the second nut rotate (e.g., the direction of rotation and the degree of rotation of the thread), the positioning members 40, 42 can be retracted and advanced accordingly. In another example, the positioning member 40 can be threaded (e.g., right-handed), and the positioning member 42 can be a thread opposite to the positioning member 40 (e.g., left-handed). The adjusting shaft can have a hole that is guided and passed therethrough, the first portion of the adjusting shaft having a right-handed thread, the second portion having a left-handed thread, and each portion of the adjusting shaft is respectively matched with the corresponding threaded portion of the positioning members 40, 42. In this manner, when the adjustment shaft is rotated in a first direction, the positioning member 40 is retracted while the positioning member 42 is advanced (and vice versa).

[0093] As another example, the positioning members 40, 42 may include a wedge-shaped (or inclined) area connected to the wedge or corresponding wedges. The position of the wedge can be adjusted (for example, using fasteners and nuts) so that the wedge area of ​​the positioning members 40, 42 slides relative to the corresponding (one or more) wedges, thereby adjusting the retraction or advancement of the positioning members 40, 42. In another example, the positioning members 40, 42 can be connected to a connecting rod assembly (or several connecting rod assemblies) having multiple pivoting links. The position of a connecting rod assembly (or several connecting rod assemblies) can be adjusted by advancing or retracting the connecting rod assembly (for example, using fasteners and nuts), so that the corresponding positioning members 40, 42 can also be adjusted or retracted (for example, the connecting rod assembly pulls or pushes the positioning members 40, 42). In another example, the positioning members 40, 42 can have channels that allow different fastening positions, wherein different fastening positions allow the positioning members 40, 42 to extend different amounts from the counterweight 34, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight 34.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, the counterweight 34 is positioned so that the mounting structure 36 is not yet aligned with the hole 22 (or window) of the frame 12 (e.g., preventing the battery enclosure 20 from being inserted), and the cover 18 is in contact with the counterweight 34 (e.g., the counterweight 34 prevents the cover 18 from closing). In order to close the cover 18 and move the mounting structure 36, the counterweight 34 should be moved rearward by retracting the second positioning member 42 and advancing the first positioning member 40 (e.g., via the position adjustment member 44).

[0095] Figure 6 Another view of the material handling vehicle 10 is shown after the counterweight 34 has been moved rearwardly by adjustment of the counterweight positioning system 38. Figure 6 As shown, after the counterweight 34 has been moved rearwardly, the mounting structure 36 is now aligned with the aperture 22 (or window) of the frame 12 and the counterweight 34 has been moved to allow the cover 18 to close.

[0096] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 6 7 is a cross-sectional view of the material handling vehicle 10 taken along line 7-7 with the battery enclosure 20 removed for visual clarity. Figure 7 The top cross-sectional view of 10 shows the lateral positioning of the counterweight positioning system 38, wherein the counterweight positioning system 38 is stacked along the longitudinal axis of the material handling vehicle 10. In addition, the mounting structure 36 is positioned above at least a portion of the counterweight 34. Although only one counterweight positioning system 38 is shown in the illustrated embodiment, in alternative embodiments, each counterweight assembly 24 may include multiple counterweight positioning systems 38 (e.g., two, three, etc.), and corresponding slots are guided into the frame. In this way, with multiple counterweight positioning systems, the counterweight 34 can be adjusted relative to the frame 12 in more than one manner.

[0097] Figure 8An alternative embodiment of a counterweight positioning system 46 is shown, which can replace any counterweight positioning system (e.g., counterweight positioning system 38). The counterweight positioning system 46 includes a first positioning member 48 and a second positioning member 50, each of which has a corresponding recess 52, 54. In addition, the frame 12 has projections 56, 58 extending from the frame 12 instead of having slots 26, 28, and these projections 56, 58 are substantially aligned (e.g., co-linear) with the recesses 52, 54. The position adjustment member 44 advances or retracts the first positioning member 48 and the second positioning member 50 (as described in detail above) to adjust the position of the counterweight 34 (not shown as being connected to the counterweight positioning system 46). To provide stability, the projection 56 is guided into and nested in the recess 52 of the first positioning member 48. Similarly, the projection 58 is guided into and nested in the recess 54 of the second positioning member 50. As previously described with respect to the shapes of the slots 26, 28 and the locating members 40, 42, the corresponding recesses and protrusions also have the same shapes, but can be embodied in many different forms, such as prisms (e.g., rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, octagonal prisms, etc.), cylinders, etc. The structure of the counterweight locating system 46 can replace components of other counterweight locating systems. For example, the frame can include protrusions instead of slots that are guided into the frame, and the locating members (or other similar components) can include recesses.

[0098] Reference Figure 5-8 Although the counterweight positioning systems 38, 46 are shown as interfacing with a slot directed into the frame of the material handling vehicle and a protrusion protruding from the frame (respectively), in alternative embodiments, the slot or protrusion may be omitted as these are optional steps to move the counterweight. For example, without the slot and protrusion, the counterweight positioning system 38 may advance the positioning members 40, 42 until they contact the frame 12 to fix the position of the counterweight 34 (relative to the frame 12). Similarly, the counterweight positioning system 46 may advance the positioning members 48, 50 until they contact the frame 12 to fix the position of the counterweight 34 (relative to the frame 12).

[0099] Fig. 9A top perspective view of an example of a counterweight assembly 100 is shown. As shown, the counterweight assembly 100 includes a counterweight 102 and a counterweight positioning system 104, which has a first positioning rod 112, a second positioning rod 114, a first nut 118, a second nut 120, a first washer 122, and a second washer 124. The first positioning rod 112 and the second positioning rod 114 are substantially identical, the first nut 118 and the second nut 120 are substantially identical, and the first washer 122 and the second washer 124 are substantially identical, but in alternative embodiments, different dimensions (e.g., length, radius, etc.) are appropriately contemplated. As shown, the first positioning rod 112 includes a first end 128 and a second end 130, and the second positioning rod 114 includes a third end 132 and a fourth end 134. In some cases, such as shown, the second end 130 is narrower (e.g., has a smaller cross-sectional area) than the first end 128. The cross-section of first end 128 is non-circular (e.g., square, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, oval, etc.), while the cross-section of second end 130 is generally circular and threaded. In some cases, fourth end 134 is narrower than third end 132. The cross-section of third end 132 is non-circular (e.g., shown as being substantially square), while the cross-section of fourth end 134 is generally circular and threaded. Fig. 9 As shown, the edges of the first end 128 and the third end 132 are slightly rounded (eg, beveled, chamfered, etc.).

[0100] In some embodiments, the counterweight 102 includes a first cavity 142, a second cavity 144, a first opening 152, a second opening 154, a first well 164, and a second well 166. The first opening 152 and the first well 164 are generally transverse and communicate with the first cavity 142. The first opening 152 is non-circular and corresponds in shape to the first end 128, although in alternative embodiments, the shapes of the first opening 152 and the first end 128 may be circular. The first well 164 is circular and corresponds in shape to the shape of the second end 130. The second opening 154 and the second well 166 are generally transverse and communicate with the second cavity 144. The second opening 154 is non-circular and corresponds to the third end 132, although in alternative embodiments, the shapes of the second opening 154 and the first end 128 may be circular. The second well 166 is also circular and corresponds in shape to the shape of the fourth end 134. The first opening 152, the first cavity 142, and the first well 164 are mirror images of the second opening 154, the second cavity 144, and the second well 166. Thus, the openings 152, 154 are substantially similar, the cavities 142, 144 are substantially similar, and the wells 164, 166 are substantially similar.

[0101] Fig.10 Shown along Fig. 9A side cross-sectional view of the weight assembly 100 taken along line 10-10. Fig.10 14, the second opening 154 and the second well 166 are generally co-linear. The second positioning rod 114 is slidably engaged with the counterweight 102, and the fourth end 134 of the second positioning rod 114 is positioned in the second well 166, while the third end 132 is positioned in the second opening 154 and extends through the second opening 154 and through the counterweight 102. The second washer 124 and the second nut 120 are positioned in the second cavity 144, wherein the second nut 120 is threadedly engaged with the fourth end 134 of the second positioning rod 114. It should be understood that the first positioning rod 112, the first nut 118, and the first washer 122 are engaged with each other and the counterweight 102 via the first opening 152, the first cavity 142, and the first well 164 in the same manner as the second positioning rod 114, the second nut 120, and the second washer 124 are engaged with each other and the counterweight 102 via the second opening 154, the second cavity 144, and the second well 166.

[0102] When the position of the counterweight 102 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 104, the first nut 118 is rotated in either of the directions 172, 174, depending on the hand direction of the threads, to slide the first positioning rod 112 outwardly and past the counterweight 102. Similarly, when the first nut 118 is rotated in the opposite direction, the first positioning rod 112 can be slidably retracted inwardly into the counterweight 102. The same operation is performed for the second nut 120 and the second positioning rod 114. For example, depending on the hand direction of the threads, the second nut 120 is rotated in either of the directions 172, 174, to slide the second positioning rod 114 outwardly and extend past the counterweight 102. Similarly, when the second nut 120 is rotated in the opposite direction, the second positioning rod 114 can be slidably retracted inwardly into the counterweight 102.

[0103] Fig.11A top perspective view of an example of a counterweight assembly 200 is shown. As shown, the counterweight assembly 200 includes a counterweight 202 and a counterweight positioning system 204, which has a first positioning rod 212, a second positioning rod 214, an adjustment shaft 220, a first washer 122, and a second washer 124. In some embodiments, the first positioning rod 212 includes a first end 228 and a second end 230, and the second positioning rod 214 includes a third end 232 and a fourth end 234. The second end 230 is narrower (e.g., has a smaller cross-sectional area) than the first end 228. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first end 228 is non-circular (e.g., square, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, oval, etc.), while the cross-section of the second end 230 is generally circular and threaded. The fourth end 234 is narrower than the third end 232. In some cases, the cross-section of the third end 232 is non-circular, while the cross-section of the fourth end 234 is generally circular and threaded. Importantly, the second end 230 and the fourth end 234 have opposite external threads (e.g., the second end 230 has left-hand threads and the fourth end 234 has right-hand threads). In some embodiments, the weight 202 includes a cavity 242, a first opening 252, and a second opening 254, wherein the first opening 252 and the second opening 254 are in communication with the cavity 242.

[0104] Fig.12 Shown along Fig.11 12-12 of the weight assembly 200. As shown, the first opening 252 and the second opening are mirror images of each other. The first opening 252 has a first non-circular portion 260 and a first circular portion 262, while the second opening 254 has a second non-circular portion 264 and a second circular portion 266. The shape of the first non-circular portion 260 corresponds to the shape of the first end 228, and the shape of the second non-circular portion 264 corresponds to the shape of the third end 232. The shape of the first circular portion 262 corresponds to the second end 230, and the shape of the second circular portion corresponds to the fourth end 234. Although the openings 252, 254 and the corresponding rods 212, 214 are described and shown as having specific shapes (e.g., circular and square in cross-section), different shapes are contemplated in alternative embodiments.

[0105] like Fig.12 As shown, the first positioning rod 212 is slidably disposed in the first opening 252, the first end 228 is slidably disposed in the first non-circular portion 260, and the second end 230 is slidably disposed in the first circular portion 262. Similarly, the third end 232 is slidably disposed in the second non-circular portion 264, and the fourth end 234 is slidably disposed in the second circular portion 266.

[0106] Reference Fig.11 and12 , the adjustment shaft 220 is generally tubular with a hole therethrough. The adjustment shaft 220 is internally threaded with different threaded areas, and the outer shape of the adjustment shaft 220 is non-circular (e.g., hexagonal to cooperate with tools such as wrenches). As shown, the adjustment shaft 220 has a first portion 270 having a first direction of thread (e.g., a left-hand thread), and the adjustment shaft 270 has a second portion 274 having a second direction of thread opposite to the first direction (e.g., a right-hand thread). Therefore, the threads of the first portion 270 and the second portion 274 are opposite threads and are configured to threadably cooperate with the second end 230 and the fourth end 234, respectively. In some embodiments, and as shown, the adjustment shaft 220 is configured in the cavity 242, and the first washer 122 is configured in the cavity 242 between the adjustment shaft 220 and the counterweight 202. Similarly, the second washer 124 is disposed in the cavity 242 between the adjustment shaft 220 and the counterweight 202 .

[0107] When the position of the counterweight 202 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 204, the adjustment shaft 220 rotates in the first direction 172, which retracts the second positioning rod 214 and extends the first positioning rod 212, ultimately moving the counterweight 202 relative to the Fig.12 Similarly, the adjustment shaft 220 can be rotated in the second direction 174, which advances the second positioning rod 214 and retracts the first positioning rod 212, ultimately causing the counterweight 202 to move relative to the Fig.12 Importantly, the opposite hand direction of the threads makes it easier to position the counterweight 202. For example, the adjustment shaft 220 only needs to be rotated in one direction to adjust the position of the counterweight 202, while the two nuts 118, 120 must be rotated separately to adjust the position of the counterweight 102.

[0108] Fig.13 A top perspective view of a counterweight assembly 300 is shown. The counterweight assembly 300 includes a counterweight 302, a counterweight positioning system 303 having a cover 304, a fastener 306, a first adjustment screw 308, a second adjustment screw 310, a first positioning rod 312, a second positioning rod 314, a third washer 316, a fourth washer 318, a first position adjustment wedge 322, and a second position adjustment wedge 324. In some embodiments, the first positioning rod 312 includes a first shaft portion 328 and a first wedge portion 330. The second positioning rod 314 includes a second shaft portion 332 and a second wedge portion 334.

[0109] The counterweight 302 includes a first cavity 342, a second cavity 344, a first opening 348, a second opening 350, a third opening 352, a fourth opening 354, a fifth opening 356, a sixth opening 358, a first chamber 362, a second chamber 364, a first passage 368, a second passage 370, and a recess 374. The first position adjustment wedge 322 includes a seventh opening 378 having threads that threadably mate with the first adjustment screw 308. Similarly, the second position adjustment wedge 324 includes an eighth opening 380 having threads that threadably mate with the second adjustment screw 310. As shown, the first cavity 342 is in communication with the first opening 348, the third opening 352, the fifth opening 356, the first passage 368, the first chamber 362, the seventh opening 378, and the recess 374. The second cavity 344 is in communication with the second opening 350, the fourth opening 354, the sixth opening 358, the second chamber 364, the second passage 370, and the recess 374. In some embodiments, the weight has a first top surface 384. The cover 304 has a second top surface 386.

[0110] Reference Figure 13-15 , the first positioning rod 312 is slidably disposed in the first cavity 342, the first passage 368 and the first opening 348. The first shaft portion 328 can extend through the first opening 348. The first wedge portion 330 is partially disposed in the first cavity 342. The first position adjustment wedge 322 is slidably disposed in the first cavity 342. The first position adjustment wedge 322 is slidably engaged with the first wedge portion 330 of the first positioning rod 312. The first position adjustment wedge 322 is threadedly engaged with the first adjustment screw 308. The third washer 316 is disposed in the third opening 352. The first adjustment screw 308 extends through the third opening 352 and the fifth opening 356. The first nut 118 and the first washer 122 are disposed in the first chamber 362. The first nut 118 is threadedly engaged with the first adjustment screw 308.

[0111] The second positioning rod 314 is slidably disposed in the second cavity 344, the second passage 370, and the second opening 350. The second shaft portion 332 can extend through the second opening 350. The second wedge portion 334 is partially disposed in the second cavity 344. The second position adjustment wedge 324 is slidably disposed in the second cavity 344. The second position adjustment wedge 324 is slidably engaged with the second wedge portion 334 of the second positioning rod 314. The second position adjustment wedge 324 is threadedly engaged with the second adjustment screw 310. The fourth washer 318 is disposed in the fourth opening 354. The second adjustment screw 310 extends through the fourth opening 354 and the sixth opening 358. The second nut 120 and the second washer 124 are disposed in the second chamber 364. The second nut 120 is threadedly engaged with the second adjustment screw 310.

[0112] When the position of the counterweight 302 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 303, with the first position adjustment wedge 322 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the adjustment wedge 322 contacting the cover 304), the first adjustment screw 308 can be rotated in the direction 175 (e.g., loosened) to advance the first position adjustment wedge 322 toward the first nut 118 (and the fifth opening 356). As the first position adjustment wedge 322 moves toward the fifth opening 356, the first position adjustment wedge 322 slides off the first wedge portion 330. As a result, the first shaft portion 328 is free to be pushed inwardly back into the counterweight through the first opening 348 (e.g., by an external force). With the first position adjustment wedge 322 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the first position adjustment wedge 322 contacting the counterweight 302), the first adjustment screw 308 can also be rotated (e.g., tightened) in the direction 173, thereby retracting the first position adjustment wedge 322 away from the first nut 118 (and the fifth opening 356) and toward the third opening 352. As the first position adjustment wedge 322 moves toward the third opening 352, the first position adjustment wedge 322 slides against the first wedge portion 330. As a result, the first shaft portion 328 extends outwardly from the counterweight through the first opening 348. The second adjustment screw 310 and the second nut 120 function in a similar manner to the first adjustment screw 308 and the first nut 118. Therefore, the previous description of the operation of the first adjustment screw 308 also applies to the operation of the second adjustment screw 310.

[0113] In some embodiments, the fastener 306 can be threadedly engaged with the counterweight 302 to attach the cover 304 to the counterweight 302. The cover 304 can be configured in the recess 374 so that the first top surface 384 is substantially flush with the second top surface 386. The cover 304, when installed, can allow the position adjustment wedges 322, 324 to be rotationally fixed so that when the corresponding adjustment screw is rotated, the wedges 322, 324 can appropriately translate (e.g., rotation is blocked to allow translation).

[0114] Fig.16A top perspective view of a counterweight assembly 400 is shown. The counterweight assembly 400 includes a counterweight 402 and a counterweight positioning system 403, which has a cover 404, a fastener 306, a first adjustment screw 308, a second adjustment screw 310, a first positioning link assembly 412, a second positioning link assembly 414, a first nut 118, a second nut 120, a first washer 122, a second washer 124, a third washer 316, and a fourth washer 318. The first positioning link assembly 412 includes a first position adjustment block 418, a first connecting rod 420, and a first positioning rod 422. The second positioning link assembly 414 similarly includes a second position adjustment block 424, a second connecting rod 426, and a second positioning rod 428.

[0115] As shown, the counterweight 402 includes a first cavity 432 , a second cavity 434 , a first opening 436 , a second opening 438 , a third opening 440 , a fourth opening 442 , a fifth opening 444 , and a sixth opening 446 .

[0116] The first cavity 432 includes a first guide channel 452, a first wedge portion 454, and a first drive portion 456. The second cavity includes a second guide channel 462, a second wedge portion 464, and a second drive portion 466. The counterweight 402 also includes a first chamber 470, a second chamber 472, and a recess 474. In some embodiments, the first position adjustment block 418 includes a seventh opening 478 having threads that threadably mate with the first adjustment screw 308. Similarly, the second position adjustment block 424 includes an eighth opening 480 having threads that threadably mate with the second adjustment screw 310. The counterweight 402 has a first top surface 484, and the cover 406 has a second top surface 486.

[0117] As shown, the first position adjustment block 418 is pivotally coupled to the first link 420, and the first link 420 is pivotally coupled to the first positioning rod 422. The first adjustment screw 308 extends through the third opening 440, passes through the first position adjustment block 418 and is threadedly engaged with the first position adjustment block 418, and passes through the fifth opening 444. The first nut 118 and the first washer 122 are disposed in the first chamber 470, and the first adjustment screw 308 is threadedly engaged with the first nut 118. The first positioning link assembly 412 is slidably disposed in the first cavity 432, while the first position adjustment block 418 is disposed in the first driving portion 456, the first link 420 is disposed in the first wedge portion 454, and the first positioning rod 422 is disposed in the first guide channel 452 and can extend through the first opening 436. The third washer 316 is disposed in the third opening 440.

[0118] As shown, the second position adjustment block 424 is pivotally coupled to the second link 426, and the second link 426 is pivotally coupled to the second positioning rod 428. The second adjustment screw 310 extends through the fourth opening 442, passes through the second position adjustment block 424 and is threadedly engaged with the second position adjustment block 418, and passes through the sixth opening 446. The second nut 120 and the second washer 124 are disposed in the second chamber 472, and the second adjustment screw 310 is threadedly engaged with the second nut 120. The second positioning link assembly 414 is slidably disposed in the second cavity 434, and the second position adjustment block 424 is disposed in the second driving portion 466, and wherein the second link 426 is disposed in the second wedge portion 464. The second positioning rod 428 is disposed in the second guide channel 462 and can extend through the second opening 438. The fourth washer 318 is disposed in the fourth opening 442.

[0119] When the position of the counterweight 402 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 403, with the first position adjustment block 418 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the first position adjustment block 418 contacting the cover 404), the first adjustment screw 308 can be rotated (e.g., loosened) in the direction 175, thereby advancing the first position adjustment block 418 toward the fifth opening 444 (and the nut 118). When the first position adjustment block 418 moves toward the fifth opening 444, the first position adjustment block 418 pulls the first link 420, thereby pulling and retracting the first positioning rod 422 through the first opening 436. In other words, when the first adjustment screw 308 is rotated in the first direction 173, the first positioning link assembly 412 is hinged inwardly, so that the first positioning rod 422 is retracted inwardly into the counterweight 402 through the first opening 436. With the first position adjustment block 418 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the first position adjustment block 418 contacting the counterweight 402), the first adjustment screw 308 can also be rotated (e.g., tightened) in the direction 173, thereby retracting the first position adjustment block 418 toward the third opening 440 (and away from the first nut 118). When the first position adjustment block 418 moves toward the third opening 440, the first position adjustment block 418 pushes the first link 420, and the first link 420 pushes the first positioning rod 422. In other words, when the first adjustment screw 308 is rotated in the second direction 175, the first positioning link assembly 412 is hinged outwardly, so that the first positioning rod 422 extends outwardly from the counterweight 402 through the first opening 436. The second adjustment screw 310 and the second nut 120 function in a similar manner to the first adjustment screw 308 and the first nut 118. Therefore, the previous description of the operation of the first adjustment screw 308 relative to the counterweight assembly 400 also applies to the operation of the second adjustment screw 310 relative to the counterweight assembly 400.

[0120] In some embodiments, the fastener 306 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 402 to attach the cover 404 to the counterweight 402. The cover 404 is disposed in the recess 474 such that the first top surface 484 is substantially flush with the second top surface 486. When installed, the cover 404 can allow the position blocks 418, 424 to be rotationally fixed so that the blocks 418, 424 can translate appropriately (e.g., rotation is blocked to allow translation) when the corresponding adjustment screws are rotated.

[0121] Fig.19 A top perspective view of a counterweight assembly 500 is shown. The counterweight assembly 500 includes a counterweight 502 and a counterweight positioning system 503 having a cover 304, a fastener 306, a first adjustment screw 308, a first nut 118, a first washer 122, a second washer 124, a first positioning rod 512, a second positioning rod 514, and a position adjustment wedge 518. The first positioning rod 512 includes a first shaft portion 522 and a first wedge portion 524. The second positioning rod 514 includes a second shaft portion 528 and a second wedge portion 530. The position adjustment wedge 518 includes a first inclined side 534 and a second inclined side 536.

[0122] In some embodiments, the counterweight 502 includes a cavity 542, a first opening 544, a second opening 546, a third opening 548, and a fourth opening 550. The position adjustment wedge 518 defines a fifth opening 552 having threads that threadably engage with the first adjustment screw 308. The cavity 542 includes a drive portion 556, a first channel 558, and a second channel 560. The counterweight 502 also defines a chamber 564 and a recess 574.

[0123] like Fig. 20 As shown, the position adjustment wedge 518 is slidably disposed in the driving portion 556. The first adjustment screw 308 is threadedly engaged with the position adjustment wedge 518. The first adjustment screw 308 extends through the third opening 548, through the position adjustment wedge 518, and into the fourth opening 550. The first adjustment screw 308 is threadedly engaged with the first nut 118. The first nut 118 and the first washer 122 are disposed in the chamber 564. The second washer 124 is disposed in the third opening 548. The first wedge portion 524 is slidably disposed in the first passage 558. The first shaft portion 522 can extend (and retract) through the first opening 544. The first wedge portion 524 is slidably engaged with the first inclined side 534. The second wedge portion 530 is slidably disposed in the second passage 560. The second shaft portion 528 can extend (and retract) through the second opening 546. The second wedge portion 530 is slidably engaged with the second inclined side 536.

[0124] When the position of the counterweight 502 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 503, with the position adjustment wedge 518 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the position adjustment wedge 518 contacting the counterweight 502), the first adjustment screw 308 can be rotated (e.g., tightened) in the direction 173 to advance the position adjustment wedge 518 toward the third opening 548. When the position adjustment wedge 518 moves toward the third opening 548, the first inclined side 534 pushes the first wedge portion 524 to further advance the first shaft portion 522 further through the first opening 544, while the second inclined side 536 pushes the second wedge portion 530 to further advance the second shaft 528 further through the second opening 546. In other words, when the first adjustment screw 308 is rotated in the direction 173, the first positioning rod 512 and the second positioning rod 514 extend outward. With the position adjustment wedge 518 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the position adjustment wedge 518 contacting the cover 304), the first adjustment screw 308 can also be rotated in the direction 175 (e.g., loosened) to advance the position adjustment wedge 518 toward the fourth opening 550. When the position adjustment wedge 518 moves toward the fourth opening 550, the position adjustment wedge 518 moves away from the first positioning rod 512 and the second positioning rod 514. In other words, when the first adjustment screw 308 is rotated in the direction 175, the position adjustment wedge 518 releases the first positioning rod 512 and the second positioning rod 514. As a result, the first positioning rod 512 and the second positioning rod 514 are free to be pushed inwardly back into the counterweight 502 (e.g., by an external force) through the first opening 544 and the second opening 546, respectively.

[0125] In some embodiments, the fastener 306 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 502 to attach the cover 304 to the counterweight 502. The cover 304 is disposed in the recess 574 such that the first top surface 584 is substantially flush with the second top surface 386. The cover 304, when installed, can allow the wedge 518 to be rotationally fixed so that the wedge 518 can translate appropriately (e.g., rotation is prevented to allow translation) when the corresponding adjustment screw is rotated.

[0126] Fig. 22 A front perspective view of a counterweight assembly 600 is shown. The counterweight assembly 600 includes a counterweight 602 and a counterweight positioning system 603, the counterweight positioning system 503 having a cover 304, a fastener 306, a first adjustment screw 308, a positioning link assembly 612, a first nut 118, a first washer 122, and a second washer 124. The positioning link assembly 612 includes a position adjustment block 618, a first link 620, a second link 622, a first positioning rod 422, and a second positioning rod 428.

[0127] like Fig.23As shown, the counterweight 602 includes a cavity 642, a first opening 644, a second opening 646, a third opening 648, and a fourth opening 650. The position adjustment block 618 is defined with a fifth opening 652, which has threads that are threadedly engaged with the first adjustment screw 308. The cavity 642 includes a drive portion 656, a first wedge portion 658, a second wedge portion 660, a first guide channel 662, and a second guide channel 664. The counterweight 602 is also defined with a chamber 668 and a recess 674. In some embodiments, the position adjustment block 618 is slidably configured in the drive portion 656. The first adjustment screw 308 is threadedly engaged with the position adjustment block 618. The first adjustment screw 308 extends through the third opening 648, passes through the position adjustment block 618 and is threadedly engaged with the position adjustment block 418, and passes through the fourth opening 650. The first adjustment screw 308 is threadedly engaged with the first nut 118. The first nut 118 and the first washer 122 are disposed in the chamber 668. The second washer 124 is disposed in the third opening 648. The first link 620 is slidably disposed in the first wedge portion 658. The second link 622 is slidably disposed in the second wedge portion 660. The first positioning rod 422 is slidably disposed in the first guide channel 662 and can extend through the first opening 644. The second positioning rod 428 is slidably disposed in the second guide channel 664 and can extend through the second opening 646. The position adjustment block 618 is pivotally coupled to the first link 620 and the second link 622. The first link 620 is pivotally coupled to the first positioning rod 422. The second link 622 is pivotally coupled to the second positioning rod 428.

[0128] When the position of the counterweight 602 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 603, with the position adjustment wedge block 618 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the position adjustment block 618 contacting the counterweight 602), the first adjustment screw 308 can be rotated (e.g., tightened) in the direction 173 to advance the position adjustment block 618 toward the third opening 648. As the position adjustment block 618 moves toward the third opening 648, the position adjustment block 618 pushes the first link 620 and the second link 622. The first link 620 in turn pushes the first positioning rod 422, while the second link 622 in turn pushes the second positioning rod 428. In other words, when the first adjustment screw 308 is rotated in the direction 172, the positioning link assembly 612 is hinged outward. Therefore, the first positioning rod 422 extends outward from the counterweight 602 through the first opening 644, and the second positioning rod 428 extends outward from the counterweight 602 through the second opening 646. With the position adjustment block 618 rotationally fixed (e.g., by the position adjustment block 618 contacting the cover 404), the first adjustment screw 308 can also be rotated in the direction 175 (e.g., loosened) to advance the position adjustment block 618 toward the fourth opening 650. As the position adjustment block 618 moves toward the fourth opening 650, the position adjustment block 618 pulls the first link 620 and the second link 622. The first link 620 in turn pulls the first positioning rod 422. The second link 622 in turn pulls the second positioning rod 428. In other words, when the first adjustment screw 308 is rotated in the second direction 174, the positioning link assembly 612 hinges inwardly. Therefore, the first positioning rod 422 retracts inwardly through the first opening 644 into the counterweight 602, and the second positioning rod 428 retracts inwardly through the second opening 646 into the counterweight 602.

[0129] In some embodiments, fastener 306 is threadedly engaged with counterweight 602 to attach cover 404 to counterweight 602. Cover 404 is disposed in recess 674 such that first top surface 684 is substantially flush with second top surface 486. Cover 404, when installed, can allow block 618 to be rotationally fixed such that block 618 can translate appropriately (e.g., rotation is prevented to allow translation) when adjustment screw 308 is rotated.

[0130] Fig.25 700. The counterweight assembly 700 includes a counterweight 702 and a counterweight positioning system 703 having a first positioning screw 708, a second positioning screw 710, a first positioning wedge 712, a second positioning wedge 714, a first washer 122, and a second washer 124 (e.g., the second washer in the previous figures is Fig.25 710 in the cover).

[0131] As shown, the first positioning wedge 712 includes a first slot 720 having a first portion 722 and a second portion 724. The first portion 722 has a larger cross-section than the second portion 724. Thus, the first portion 722 and the second portion 724 define a first shoulder 726 in the first positioning wedge 712.

[0132] The second positioning wedge 714 includes a second slot 730 having a third portion 732 and a fourth portion 734. The third portion 732 has a larger cross-section than the fourth portion 734. Therefore, the third portion 732 and the fourth portion 734 define a second shoulder 736 in the second positioning wedge 714.

[0133] In some embodiments, the counterweight 702 includes a first cavity 742, a second cavity 744, a first well 748, and a second well 750. The first cavity 742 and the second cavity 744 are inclined. The first well 748 and the second well 750 are internally threaded and are configured to threadably engage with the screws 708 and 710, respectively. The second well 750 is located at a position adjacent to the first well 748 and the second well 750. Fig.25 The screw 710 is blocked and cannot be seen because the screw 710 is threadedly engaged with the second well 750.

[0134] The counterweight 702 has a first inclined surface 752 and a second inclined surface 754. The first inclined surface 752 partially defines the first cavity 742. The second inclined surface 754 partially defines the second cavity 744. In some embodiments, the first positioning wedge 712 is disposed in the first cavity 742 and slidably engages with the first inclined surface 752. The first washer 122 is slidably disposed on the first shoulder 726 in the first portion 722. The first positioning screw 708 extends through the first slot 720 into the first well 748. The first positioning screw 708 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 702. In some embodiments, the second positioning wedge 714 is disposed in the second cavity 744 and slidably engages with the second inclined surface 754. The second washer 124 is slidably disposed on the second shoulder 736 in the third portion 732. The second positioning screw 710 extends through the second slot 730 into the second well. The second positioning screw 710 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 702.

[0135] When the position of the counterweight 702 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 703, the first positioning screw 708 can be rotated in the direction 176 to advance the screw 708 and threadably engage with the well 748. When the screw 708 is further rotated in the direction 176, the first positioning wedge 712 is further pressed against the first inclined surface 752 via the first washer 122, thereby translating the wedge 712 outward. In other words, because the first positioning wedge 712 and the first inclined surface 752 are inclined, the first positioning wedge 712 is urged to translate outward relative to the counterweight 702 (e.g., when the screw 708 is further rotated). When the first positioning wedge 712 slides outward relative to the counterweight 702, the first positioning wedge 712 also slides outward relative to the first positioning screw 708 and the first washer 122 via the first slot 720. In other words, when the first set screw 708 is tightened (e.g., further rotated in direction 176), the first washer 122 slides along the first shoulder 726 to press the first positioning wedge 712 outward against the first ramp 752. Similarly, when the first set screw 708 is rotated in direction 178 (e.g., loosened), the first positioning wedge 712 is released to be pushed inwardly and rearwardly into the first cavity 742 against the first ramp 752 (e.g., by an external force). The second adjustment screw 710, the second position wedge 714, and the second washer 124 operate in a similar manner to the first adjustment screw 708, the first position wedge 712, and the first washer 122. Therefore, the previous description of the operation of the first adjustment screw 708 relative to the counterweight assembly 700 also applies to the operation of the second adjustment screw 710 relative to the counterweight assembly 700.

[0136] Fig.26 An example of a counterweight assembly 800 is shown. As shown, the counterweight assembly 800 includes a counterweight 802 and a counterweight positioning system 803, which has a first pivot screw 804, a second pivot screw 806, a first positioning screw 808, a second positioning screw 810, a first positioning plate 812, and a second positioning plate 814. The first positioning plate 812 defines a first opening 820 and a first slot 822. The second positioning plate 814 defines a second opening 830 and a second slot 832. The first opening is a mirror image of the second opening 830. The first slot 822 is a mirror image of the second slot 832.

[0137] As shown, the counterweight 802 includes a first recess 842, a second recess 844, a first well 846, a second well 848, a third well 852, and a fourth well 854. The first well 846 is a mirror image of the third well 852. The second well 848 is a mirror image of the fourth well 854. The first positioning plate 812 is slidably disposed in the first recess 842. The first pivot screw 804 extends through the first positioning plate 812 via the first opening 820. The first pivot screw 804 extends into the second well 848. The first pivot screw 804 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 802. The first positioning screw 808 extends through the first positioning plate 812 via the first slot 822. The first positioning screw 808 extends into the first well 846. The first positioning screw 808 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 802. The first positioning plate 812 is rotatably engaged with the first pivot screw 804. The first positioning plate 812 is slidably engaged with the first positioning screw 808.

[0138] The second positioning plate 814 is slidably disposed in the second recess 844. The second pivot screw 806 extends through the second positioning plate 814 via the second opening 830. The second pivot screw 806 extends into the fourth well 854. The second pivot screw 806 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 802. The second positioning screw 810 extends through the second positioning plate 814 via the second slot 832. The second positioning screw 810 extends into the second well 850. The second positioning screw 810 is threadedly engaged with the counterweight 802. The second positioning plate 814 is rotatably engaged with the second pivot screw 806. The second positioning plate 814 is slidably engaged with the second positioning screw 810.

[0139] When the position of the counterweight 802 is to be moved via the counterweight positioning system 803, the screws 804, 808 can be inserted through the corresponding openings or slots in the disc 812 and rotated (e.g., tightened) in the direction 173 to cooperate with the corresponding wells 846, 848 so as to also allow the disc 812 to rotate or pivot. The first positioning disc 812 can then be rotated (e.g., outwardly) about the first pivot screw 804 and along the first slot 822 relative to the counterweight 802. When the first positioning disc 812 reaches the desired position (e.g., contacting the slot in the forklift frame), the screws 804, 808 can be rotated in the direction 173 to further tighten the screws 804, 808 against the first positioning disc 812 (and the counterweight 802). Thus, the first positioning disc 812 is maintained in the desired position. In some cases, the screws 804, 808 can be rotated in the direction 175 to loosen the first positioning disc 812 from the counterweight 802. Thus, the first positioning disk 812 can be rotated again about the first pivot screw 804 back into the first recess 842. The screws 806, 810 and disk 814 operate in a similar manner to the screws 804, 808 and disk 812. Therefore, the previous description of the operation of the screws 804, 808 and disk 812 also applies to the operation of the screws 806, 810 and disk 814.

[0140] Based on the foregoing, it will be understood that the first counterweight assembly 100, the second counterweight assembly 200, the third counterweight assembly 300, the fourth counterweight assembly 400, the fifth counterweight assembly 500, the sixth counterweight assembly 600, the seventh counterweight assembly 700, and the eighth counterweight assembly 800 described above are adaptable and adjustable to be installed on material handling vehicle bodies having different geometries. It should also be understood that any of the counterweight assemblies can be actuated, for example, hydraulically or electrically. In addition, the examples of counterweight assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and corresponding counterweight locating systems 104, 204, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703, 803 should be understood as replacing the counterweight assembly 24 and the counterweight locating system 38 of the material handling vehicle 10, with appropriate modifications (e.g., such as protrusions or wells in the frame 12, etc.). In other words, the counterweight assembly and the counterweight positioning system of the present invention are replaceable. In fact, the counterweight assembly 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 is a specific embodiment of the counterweight assembly 24, and similarly, the corresponding counterweight positioning system 104, 204, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703, 803 is a specific embodiment of the counterweight assembly 24.

[0141] Fig. 27An example of a flow chart of a process 900 for mounting a counterweight on a material handling vehicle is shown. At 902, the process 900 includes configuring the counterweight on the material handling vehicle. In some cases, a user may select a counterweight and place the counterweight on a frame (e.g., frame 12) of a material handling vehicle (e.g., material handling vehicle 10). In addition, the user may adjust the orientation of the counterweight so that the counterweight is properly oriented. At 904, the process 900 includes determining whether the counterweight needs to be moved or positioned differently. In some cases, the counterweight does not need to be moved because components such as a cover and a mounting structure are aligned. However, in other cases, the counterweight may need to be moved so that the mounting structure is properly aligned and the cover is connected to the counterweight. At 906, the process 900 includes adjusting the position of the counterweight, which may include the operation of the counterweight positioning system described previously. For example, generally speaking, the counterweight positioning system may include a first positioning member, a second positioning member, and a positioning adjustment member that adjusts the position of the first positioning member and the position of the second positioning member. Prior to adjustment, the first positioning member is aligned with the first slot (or first protrusion) in the frame of the material handling vehicle. Similarly, the second positioning member is aligned with the second slot (or first protrusion) in the frame of the material handling vehicle. The counterweight can then be moved (or shifted) accordingly (e.g., backward or forward) to a desired position, which can include aligning a mounting structure coupled to the counterweight relative to a hole (or window) in the frame of the material handling vehicle. Once the counterweight is positioned accordingly, the first positioning member (via the positioning adjustment member) advances past the counterweight and into the first slot, so that the first positioning member (via the slot or protrusion) contacts the frame. Similarly, the first positioning member (via the positioning adjustment member) advances past the counterweight and into the second slot, so that the second positioning member (via the slot or protrusion) contacts the frame. In some cases, the counterweight can be adjusted after the positioning member advances. In this case, depending on the type of adjustment, the first positioning member can be retracted toward the counterweight, which then moves toward the first slot (or protrusion) in the frame. The second positioning member can then extend and advance away from the counterweight. Alternatively, the second positioning member may be retracted toward the counterweight, which then moves toward the second slot (or protrusion) in the frame. The first positioning member may then be extended and moved forward away from the counterweight.

[0142] At 908, process 900 can include installing the battery enclosure and closing a cover (e.g., cover 18), such as after adjusting the counterweight. For example, the battery enclosure can be placed through a hole (or window) in the frame and secured to a mounting structure coupled to the counterweight. Additionally, such as after the counterweight has been positioned, the cover can be closed to engage the counterweight.

[0143] Although various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that upper is lower, vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0144] In this specification, embodiments are described in a manner that enables clear and precise descriptions to be written, but it is intended and will be understood that various combinations or splits of these embodiments can be made without departing from the present invention. For example, it will be understood that all preferred features described herein can be applied to all aspects of the invention described herein.

[0145] Thus, although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and various other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and variations of each embodiment, example and use are included in the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated herein by reference, just as if each patent or publication was individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0146] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A counterweight assembly for a material handling vehicle, the counterweight assembly comprising: Counterweight; Positioning components; as well as A position adjuster is configured to advance or retract the positioning member to adjust the distance the positioning member is exposed from the counterweight, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame of the material handling vehicle.

2. The weight assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position adjustment member is configured to advance the positioning member until the positioning member contacts the vehicle frame to fix the position of the counterweight relative to the vehicle frame.

3. The weight assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning member is a first positioning member and further includes a second positioning member; wherein the position adjustment member is configured to extend the first positioning member; and The position adjustment member is configured to retract the second positioning member.

4. The weight assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counterweight includes a first bore well and a second bore well; wherein the positioning member is a positioning disk, and the positioning disk includes an opening and a slot; The position adjusting member comprises: a first fastener extending through the opening of the positioning plate and into the first well of the counterweight; and a second fastener extending through the slot of the positioning plate and into the second well of the counterweight; and The positioning disk is configured to rotate outwardly about the first fastener to advance the positioning disk.

5. The weight assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning plate is a first positioning plate, and the opening is a first opening; wherein the slot is a first slot; wherein the counterweight includes a third hole well and a fourth hole well; wherein the counterweight assembly includes a second positioning plate, the second positioning plate includes a second opening and a second slot; The position adjusting member comprises: a third fastener extending through the second opening of the second positioning plate and into the third well of the counterweight; and a fourth fastener extending through the second slot of the second positioning plate and into the fourth well of the counterweight; The second positioning plate is configured to rotate inwardly around the third fastener and enter the counterweight.

6. The weight assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first positioning plate is configured to rotate outwardly about the first fastener to advance the first positioning plate into the slot of the frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame; as well as The second positioning plate is configured to rotate inwardly about the third fastener into the counterweight and into the slot of the frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

7. The weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning member is a plate including at least one slot; The position adjusting member comprises: at least one fastener extending through the at least one slot of the plate and into the counterweight; as well as The plates are configured to slide inwardly and outwardly.

8. The weight assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plate includes at least one pair of the plates disposed on the surface of the counterweight; wherein said at least one slot of said plate comprises two slots; wherein the at least one fastener comprises two fasteners extending through one of the two slots; wherein loosening the at least one fastener enables the panels to slide inwardly or outwardly; and wherein tightening the at least one fastener restricts slidable movement of the plate.

9. The weight assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The plates include a first pair of plates disposed on a first surface of the counterweight and a second pair of plates disposed on a second surface of the counterweight opposite to the first surface of the counterweight.

10. The weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The counterweight member is configured to cooperate with a cover member that is pivotally coupled to a frame of the materials handling vehicle.

11. The weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes battery pack.

12. The weight assembly according to claim 11, wherein: Also included is a mounting structure coupled to the counterweight and configured to mate with and be secured to the battery pack.

13. The weight assembly according to claim 12, wherein: Adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame adjusts the position of the mounting structure relative to the aperture of the frame.

14. The weight assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning member includes a positioning rod; The position adjusting member comprises a nut, and the nut is threadably matched with the positioning rod; and The nut is rotated in a first direction to advance the end of the positioning rod further through the counterweight to contact the frame, thereby adjusting the position of the counterweight relative to the frame.

15. A counterweight assembly for a material handling vehicle, the counterweight assembly comprising: Counterweight; a positioning member, the positioning member being at least one plate and comprising at least one slot; as well as A position adjuster, the position adjuster being at least one fastener receivable by the at least one slot, the position adjuster being configured to adjust the position of the counterweight relative to the frame of the material handling vehicle by allowing advancement or retraction of the at least one plate by adjusting the distance the at least one plate slides from the counterweight.

16. The weight assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one plate comprises a first pair of plates and a second pair of plates, the first pair of plates being arranged on a first face of the counterweight, the second pair of plates being arranged on a second face of the counterweight opposite to the first face; wherein the at least one slot is a pair of slots; as well as Wherein the at least one fastener is a pair of fasteners.

17. The weight assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The position adjuster is threadably received by the counterweight.

18. A method of installing a counterweight on a material handling vehicle, the method comprising: A counterweight assembly is provided, the counterweight assembly comprising: Counterweight; and A counterweight positioning system, the counterweight positioning system comprising a first set of positioning members and a second set of positioning members; placing the counterweight on a frame of the materials handling vehicle; advancing the first set of locating members until the first set of locating members contacts the frame; and The second set of locating members is advanced until the second set of locating members contacts the frame.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The frame has a first side and an opposing second side, and the method further comprises: retracting the first set of locating members toward the counterweight and away from the first side of the frame; moving the counterweight toward the first side of the frame; and The second set of retaining members is advanced to extend further from the counterweight until the second set of retaining members contacts the second side of the frame.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein: The frame has a first side and an opposing second side, and the method further comprises: retracting the second set of locating members toward the counterweight and away from the second side of the frame; moving the counterweight toward the second side of the frame; and The first set of retaining members is advanced to extend further from the counterweight until the first set of retaining members contacts the first side of the frame.

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