US 5,969,594 AGranted

Device for indicating the level of the axle of a vehicle

AssigneeMannesmann VDO AG

InventorsLothar Gier, Werner Wallrafen

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Abstract

A device for indicating the level of the axle of a vehicle having a reference mark indicator which follows the level of the vehicle axle is arranged fixedly connected on the axle of the vehicle and changes its position as a result of the change in level. An electric signal which corresponds to the level of the axle is obtained from a resistance network which is firmly attached to the body of the vehicle. In a level indicator which operates with little wear, is economical to manufacture, and nevertheless is of high accuracy, the resistance network has, associated with it, a contact structure which, under the action of a magnet device which is movable by the change in position of the reference mark indicator, can be deflected in the manner that an electrical connection which is dependent on the level of the axle is produced.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An indicating device for indicating the level of the axle of a vehicle, the axle having a reference mark indicator which follows a level of the axle of the vehicle, the indicating device being fixedly secured to the axle for changing a sensed position as a result of a change in the level of the axle, the indicating device serving to produce an electric signal which corresponds to the level of the axle, the indicating device comprising:

a resistance network for producing the electric signal, the resistance network being immovably attached to a body of the vehicle;
a magnet device, and a contact structure located alongside of and spaced apart from the resistance network, the contact structure being deflectable under the action of the magnet device for making electrical contact with the resistance network, the magnet device being movable in response to a change in position of the reference mark indicator to produce an electrical connection with the resistance network, the connection being dependent on the level of the axle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.