A forklift with automatic leveling function
By integrating lifting, leveling, and fork components onto the forklift, the width, length, and angle of the forks can be adjusted, solving the problem of goods tipping over in complex terrain and significantly improving operational safety and adaptability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN NANHAI AOMI METAL PROD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing forklifts have difficulty automatically adjusting the fork angle in complex terrain, resulting in unstable placement of goods, posing a risk of tipping over, and affecting operational safety and efficiency.
A forklift with automatic leveling function was designed, which integrates lifting components, leveling components and fork components. The width, length and angle of the forks are automatically adjusted by hydraulic cylinders to ensure that the forks remain level in complex terrain.
It effectively prevents goods from tipping over, improves the safety and efficiency of forklift operations in complex terrain, and enhances adaptability and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN224279658U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of forklift technology, and in particular to a forklift with automatic leveling function. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of logistics and handling, forklifts are widely used loading and unloading equipment. With the rapid development of the modern logistics industry, the types and specifications of goods are becoming increasingly diversified, which puts forward higher requirements for the functions of forklifts.
[0003] In real-world operating scenarios, the terrain of the work site is often complex, with slopes and uneven ground. When forklifts operate on sloping surfaces, such as the ramps in warehouse loading and unloading areas or uneven ground at construction sites, existing forklifts cannot automatically adjust the fork angle. The fork angle changes as the forklift tilts during the climb, leading to unstable loading and unsteady goods that are prone to tipping over. This not only risks damaging the goods but also poses a serious threat to the safety of operators and those nearby, significantly limiting the forklift's operational capabilities and safety in complex terrain environments. Therefore, existing technologies urgently need improvement to address these issues. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a forklift with an automatic leveling function.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a forklift with automatic leveling function, including a forklift body, and further comprising:
[0006] The lifting component includes a vertical frame fixedly connected to the front end of the forklift body, a first hydraulic cylinder installed on the inner wall of the vertical frame, a fixed block fixedly connected to the end of the telescopic shaft of the first hydraulic cylinder, a lifting plate fixedly connected to the side wall of the fixed block, and a sliding connection between the lifting plate and the vertical frame.
[0007] The leveling component includes a leveling plate, which is rotatably connected to the front wall of a lifting plate via a rotating shaft. A fourth hydraulic cylinder is symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the lifting plate. The extension and retraction end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the side wall of the leveling plate. The extension and retraction end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder drives the leveling plate to rotate along the rotating shaft.
[0008] The fork assembly is mounted on the adjusting plate. The fork assembly includes a cross slide bar fixedly connected to the adjusting plate. Two sliding sleeves are slidably connected to the surface of the cross slide bar. A main fork is fixedly connected to the side wall of each of the two sliding sleeves. Second hydraulic cylinders are symmetrically fixedly mounted on the side wall of the adjusting plate. The piston ends of the two second hydraulic cylinders are fixedly connected to the two main forks respectively through connecting blocks.
[0009] Each of the main forks is also equipped with an extension component, which is used to assist the main forks in meeting the needs of picking up goods of different lengths.
[0010] Furthermore, the lifting plate is connected to the vertical frame via a slide rail.
[0011] Furthermore, the extension component includes a receiving groove formed at the bottom of the main fork, a third hydraulic cylinder is fixedly installed inside the receiving groove, a mounting block is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the third hydraulic cylinder, an extension fork is provided on the top of the mounting block, and sliding grooves are symmetrically formed on both sides of the main fork, and the extension fork is slidably connected to the sliding grooves.
[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the extended fork is provided with a connecting part that is fixedly connected to the mounting block.
[0013] Preferably, the grooves on both sides of the main fork are grooves extending along the length of the main fork.
[0014] Furthermore, the adjustment plate is a flat plate structure with a mounting port.
[0015] Preferably, the mounting port is used for mounting the crossbar.
[0016] Furthermore, the cylinder body of the fourth hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the side wall of the lifting plate.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0018] By incorporating lifting, leveling, fork, and extension components, this forklift effectively solves the technical problem of cargo tipping over when operating on slopes. Specifically, the lifting component enables fork lifting; the width adjustment mechanism, consisting of a crossbar, sliding sleeve, second hydraulic cylinder, and connecting block in the fork component, allows for convenient adjustment of fork width, accommodating cargo handling needs of varying widths; the length adjustment mechanism, consisting of extended forks, mounting block, third hydraulic cylinder, receiving groove, and sliding channel in the extension component, allows for flexible adjustment of fork length, handling extra-long cargo; and importantly, the automatic leveling mechanism, consisting of an adjusting plate, fourth hydraulic cylinder, and rotating shaft in the leveling component, drives the adjusting plate to rotate around the rotating shaft when the forklift is operating on slopes or uneven terrain. This causes the fork component and extension component to rotate synchronously, keeping the main forks and extension forks level and effectively preventing cargo from tipping over due to changes in fork angle during uphill operations. This significantly improves the forklift's operational capability and safety in complex terrain environments. This technical solution integrates width adjustment, length adjustment, and automatic leveling functions, significantly improving the adaptability, operating efficiency, and safety of forklifts, and has good practical value. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjusting plate of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the extended fork of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main fork of this utility model.
[0024] In the diagram: 1. Forklift body; 2. Lifting assembly; 201. Vertical frame; 202. Lifting plate; 203. Fixing block; 204. First hydraulic cylinder; 3. Fork assembly; 301. Cross slide bar; 302. Main fork; 303. Sliding sleeve; 304. Second hydraulic cylinder; 305. Connecting block; 4. Extension assembly; 401. Extension fork; 402. Mounting block; 403. Third hydraulic cylinder; 404. Receiving groove; 405. Slide groove; 5. Leveling assembly; 501. Adjusting plate; 502. Fourth hydraulic cylinder; 503. Rotary shaft. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art.
[0026] In the field of modern logistics handling, forklifts, as core equipment, face increasingly demanding functional requirements due to the diversification of goods and the complexity of operating environments. Traditional forklifts often lack the flexibility and convenience to adjust the width and length of their forks when handling goods of different sizes, making it difficult to quickly adapt to changing needs. More significantly, when operating on complex terrain such as slopes or uneven ground, the fork angle of existing forklifts changes with the tilt of the vehicle, leading to unstable cargo placement and a significant risk of tipping over, seriously threatening operational safety. To overcome these limitations of existing technologies, this invention proposes a forklift with an automatic leveling function. This forklift significantly improves its adaptability to different goods and complex terrain by integrating an adjustable-width fork component, an extension component for auxiliary length adjustment, and a leveling component that automatically adjusts the fork angle. Especially when operating on slopes, it effectively maintains fork level, greatly improving operational safety and efficiency.
[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 The forklift shown includes a forklift body 1, and further includes:
[0028] The lifting component 2 includes a vertical frame 201 fixedly connected to the front end of the forklift body 1. A first hydraulic cylinder 204 is installed on the inner wall of the vertical frame 201. A fixed block 203 is fixedly connected to the end of the telescopic shaft of the first hydraulic cylinder 204. A lifting plate 202 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the fixed block 203. The lifting plate 202 is slidably connected to the vertical frame 201.
[0029] The leveling component 5 includes an adjusting plate 501, which is rotatably connected to the front wall of the lifting plate 202 via a rotating shaft 503. A fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 is symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the lifting plate 202. The telescopic end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 is hinged to the side wall of the adjusting plate 501. The telescopic end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 drives the adjusting plate 501 to rotate along the rotating shaft 503.
[0030] The fork assembly 3 is mounted on the adjusting plate 501. The fork assembly 3 includes a horizontal slide bar 301 fixedly connected to the adjusting plate 501. Two sliding sleeves 303 are slidably connected to the surface of the horizontal slide bar 301. A main fork 302 is fixedly connected to the side wall of each of the two sliding sleeves 303. Second hydraulic cylinders 304 are symmetrically fixedly mounted on the side wall of the adjusting plate 501. The piston ends of the two second hydraulic cylinders 304 are fixedly connected to the two main forks 302 respectively through connecting blocks 305.
[0031] Each main fork 302 is also equipped with an extension component 4, which is used to assist the main fork 302 in meeting the needs of picking up goods of different lengths.
[0032] Compared to existing forklifts, the advantages of this invention lie in its integrated multi-functional adjustment capabilities and automatic leveling function. Existing forklifts typically only have basic lifting functions, with difficulty or lack of adjustment capabilities for fork width and length. Furthermore, the fork angle cannot be automatically adjusted when operating on slopes, posing a safety hazard of cargo tipping. This invention achieves convenient and rapid fork width adjustment by setting a hydraulically driven fork width adjustment mechanism; it provides auxiliary adjustment capability for fork length by setting an extension component; and most importantly, by setting a leveling component consisting of an adjusting plate, a rotating shaft, and a fourth hydraulic cylinder, it can control the fourth hydraulic cylinder to drive the adjusting plate to rotate when the forklift body is tilted, thereby adjusting the angle of the entire fork assembly to keep the forks in a near-level state. This automatic leveling function directly solves the technical problem of cargo tipping when existing forklifts operate on slopes, significantly improving operational safety and expanding the applicability of the forklift.
[0033] When using the forklift with automatic leveling function of this invention for cargo handling, the operator first drives the forklift body 1 to the vicinity of the cargo to be picked up. Based on the width of the cargo, by controlling the extension and retraction of the second hydraulic cylinder 304, the connecting block 305 is driven to slide the main forks 302 along the crossbar 301, thereby adjusting the distance between the two main forks 302 to match the width of the cargo. For longer cargo, the extension component 4 can be used to assist the main forks 302 by driving the extension forks 401 to extend relative to the main forks 302, increasing the effective length of the forks. Subsequently, by controlling the first hydraulic cylinder 204 to drive the lifting plate 202 to rise or fall along the vertical frame 201, the height of the forks is adjusted so that the forks can be inserted under the cargo. When the forklift is traveling or operating on sloping ground, the leveling component 5 comes into play. By controlling the extension and retraction of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502, the leveling plate 501 is driven to rotate around the pivot 503. Since both the fork component 3 and the extension component 4 are mounted on the leveling plate 501, their angles are adjusted synchronously with the leveling plate 501. By detecting the tilt angle of the forklift body (not shown in the figure, but necessary for automatic leveling) using sensors, the control system can automatically adjust the extension and retraction of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 to keep the leveling plate 501 and its forks horizontal, thus ensuring the stability of the goods during handling and effectively preventing them from tipping over. After picking up the goods, the lifting component 2 is used to raise the goods, and then the forklift is driven to the target position, where the lifting component 2 is used to lower the goods, completing the handling operation. During this process, the lifting component 2 provides height adjustment, the fork component 3 provides width adjustment, the extension component 4 provides length assistance, and the leveling component 5 provides crucial automatic angle adjustment, ensuring operational safety and efficiency in complex terrain.
[0034] In one embodiment of this utility model, the lifting plate 202 and the vertical frame 201 are connected by a slide rail.
[0035] As one embodiment of this utility model, the extension component 4 includes a receiving groove 404 opened at the bottom of the main fork 302. A third hydraulic cylinder 403 is fixedly installed inside the receiving groove 404. An mounting block 402 is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the third hydraulic cylinder 403. An extension fork 401 is provided on the top of the mounting block 402. Sliding grooves 405 are symmetrically opened on both sides of the main fork 302. The extension fork 401 is slidably connected to the sliding grooves 405.
[0036] As one embodiment of this utility model, the bottom of the extended fork 401 is provided with a connecting part that is fixedly connected to the mounting block 402.
[0037] As one embodiment of this utility model, the sliding grooves 405 on both sides of the main fork 302 are grooves extending along the length direction of the main fork 302.
[0038] During operation, the extension component 4 is an additional structure mounted on the main forks 302 for adjusting the fork length. Specifically, a receiving groove 404 is provided at the bottom of each main fork 302. A third hydraulic cylinder 403 is fixedly mounted inside the receiving groove 404. A mounting block 402 is fixedly connected to the end of the piston rod of the third hydraulic cylinder 403. An extension fork 401 is provided on the top of the mounting block 402. In addition, sliding grooves 405 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the main forks 302, and the extension fork 401 is slidably connected to the sliding grooves 405.
[0039] Therefore, by controlling the extension and retraction of the third hydraulic cylinder 403, the mounting block 402 can be driven to cause the extension fork 401 to slide along the grooves 405 on both sides of the main fork 302. When the third hydraulic cylinder 403 extends, the extension fork 401 extends away from the main fork 302, increasing the effective length of the fork; when the third hydraulic cylinder 403 retracts, the extension fork 401 retracts into or near the main fork 302, reducing the fork length.
[0040] As one embodiment of this utility model, the adjustment plate 501 is a plate structure with an installation port.
[0041] As one embodiment of this utility model, the mounting port is used for mounting the horizontal sliding rod 301.
[0042] The adjustment plate 501 serves as a key structure supporting the fork assembly 3 and the extension assembly 4, and enabling angle adjustment. Its plate structure provides a stable and flat mounting surface. The mounting openings on the plate are reserved connection points for fixing or connecting other components, such as the crossbar 301 in the fork assembly 3, to the adjustment plate 501.
[0043] In one embodiment of this utility model, the cylinder body of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 is hinged to the side wall of the lifting plate 202.
[0044] During operation, the cylinder body of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 is hinged to the side wall of the lifting plate 202, providing an effective driving force transmission path for the leveling component 5. This specific hinge position and method allows the extension and retraction of the fourth hydraulic cylinder 502 to drive the rotation of the leveling plate 501 through lever action, thereby realizing the adjustment of the fork angle.
[0045] Working principle of this utility model:
[0046] In use, the operator drives the forklift body 1 to control the movement of the forklift. The vertical frame 201 in the lifting component 2 is fixedly connected to the front end of the forklift body 1. The second hydraulic cylinder 304 in the fork component 3 is activated. The telescopic end of the second hydraulic cylinder 304 extends and retracts, causing the connecting block 305 to move. The connecting block 305 causes the main fork 302, which is fixedly connected to it, to move. The main fork 302 causes the sliding sleeve 303 to slide on the horizontal sliding rod 301, thereby adjusting the distance between the two main forks 302 to meet the needs of picking up goods of different widths.
[0047] The third hydraulic cylinder 403 is installed in the receiving groove 404 at the bottom of the main fork 302. When transferring relatively long goods, the third hydraulic cylinder 403 is activated. The telescopic end of the third hydraulic cylinder 403 extends and pushes the mounting block 402 fixedly connected to the end of its telescopic shaft to move. The mounting block 402 drives the extension fork 401 installed on its top to slide along the sliding grooves 405 on both sides of the main fork 302, thereby moving the extension fork 401 away from the adjusting plate 501 until the extension length of the extension fork 401 meets the length requirement of the goods. Through the joint cooperation of the extension fork 401 and the main fork 302, the extension of the fork is realized, thereby meeting the needs of picking up goods of different lengths.
[0048] The first hydraulic cylinder 204, installed on the inner wall of the vertical frame 201, is activated. The extension shaft of the first hydraulic cylinder 204 extends, pushing the fixed block 203 upward. The fixed block 203 drives the lifting plate 202 to move upward synchronously, causing the lifting plate 202 to slide upward along the vertical frame 201. The lifting plate 202 drives the leveling component 5, causing the fork component 3 and the extension component 4 to move upward synchronously, thereby raising the height of the goods. The leveling plate 501 is rotatably connected to the front wall of the lifting plate 202 via a pivot 503. The fourth hydraulic cylinder 502, hinged to both sides of the lifting plate 202, is activated, pushing the fixed block 203 upward. The extension or retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 502 causes the adjusting plate 501 to rotate along the rotating shaft 503, thereby adjusting the angle of the adjusting plate 501. After the angle of the adjusting plate 501 is adjusted, the angles of the fork assembly 3 and the extension assembly 4 are adjusted synchronously, thereby adjusting the angles of the main fork 302 and the extension fork 401. This allows the main fork 302 and the extension fork 401 to be adjusted to a relatively horizontal state when the forklift is climbing a slope, thus preventing the main fork 302 and the extension fork 401 from being too large at the angle when climbing the slope, which could cause the goods to tip over and improve safety performance.
[0049] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A fork truck with automatic leveling function, comprising a fork truck body (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The lifting component (2) includes a vertical frame (201) fixedly connected to the front end of the forklift body (1). A first hydraulic cylinder (204) is installed on the inner wall of the vertical frame (201). A fixed block (203) is fixedly connected to the end of the telescopic shaft of the first hydraulic cylinder (204). A lifting plate (202) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the fixed block (203). The lifting plate (202) is slidably connected to the vertical frame (201). The leveling component (5) includes a leveling plate (501), which is rotatably connected to the front wall of the lifting plate (202) via a rotating shaft (503). A fourth hydraulic cylinder (502) is symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the lifting plate (202). The telescopic end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (502) is hinged to the side wall of the leveling plate (501). The telescopic end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (502) drives the leveling plate (501) to rotate along the rotating shaft (503). A fork assembly (3) is mounted on an adjusting plate (501). The fork assembly (3) includes a horizontal slide bar (301) fixedly connected to the adjusting plate (501). Two sliding sleeves (303) are slidably connected to the surface of the horizontal slide bar (301). A main fork (302) is fixedly connected to the side wall of each of the two sliding sleeves (303). A second hydraulic cylinder (304) is symmetrically fixedly mounted on the side wall of the adjusting plate (501). The piston ends of the two second hydraulic cylinders (304) are fixedly connected to the two main forks (302) respectively through connecting blocks (305). Each of the main forks (302) is also provided with an extension component (4), which is used to assist the main forks (302) in meeting the needs of picking up goods of different lengths.
2. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting plate (202) and the vertical frame (201) are connected by a slide rail.
3. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension component (4) includes a receiving groove (404) opened at the bottom of the main fork (302). A third hydraulic cylinder (403) is fixedly installed inside the receiving groove (404). An mounting block (402) is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the third hydraulic cylinder (403). An extension fork (401) is provided on the top of the mounting block (402). Sliding grooves (405) are symmetrically opened on both sides of the main fork (302). The extension fork (401) is slidably connected to the sliding groove (405).
4. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the extended fork (401) is provided with a connecting part that is fixedly connected to the mounting block (402).
5. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The grooves (405) on both sides of the main fork (302) are grooves extending along the length of the main fork (302).
6. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment plate (501) is a plate structure with an installation port.
7. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting port is used for mounting the horizontal slide bar (301).
8. The forklift with automatic leveling function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder body of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (502) is hinged to the side wall of the lifting plate (202).