U.S. patent application number 15/587017 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for refuse collection vehicle body with pendulum packer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wayne Industrial Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Douglas A. Halbur, Curtis J. Lellig, Dean S. Steege.
Application Number | 20170233186 15/587017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58103713 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170233186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steege; Dean S. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE BODY WITH PENDULUM PACKER
Abstract
A refuse collection vehicle body having a receiving hopper with
a pendulum packer device mounted for arcuate movement therewithin,
a tapered storage compartment for receiving refuse material from
the receiving hopper, a tailgate assembly having a pneumatic
mechanism for controlling the tailgate latch mechanism, and an
ejection system for dumping the refuse material collected within
the storage compartment, the storage compartment having a trough or
channel associated with its top portion for housing the hydraulic
cylinders associated with the pendulum packer device and the
tailgate assembly, The hydraulic cylinder associated with the
ejection system as well as the hydraulic tank and hydraulic fluid
cooler associated with the vehicle body are all positioned over
hazmat containment devices to contain any leakage from these
components during normal operation. The tapered storage compartment
is formed by joining two rectangular sheets of material to a pair
of wedge shaped members.
Inventors: |
Steege; Dean S.; (Cedar
Falls, IA) ; Lellig; Curtis J.; (Independence,
IA) ; Halbur; Douglas A.; (Glidden, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wayne Industrial Holdings, LLC |
Cedar Falls |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58103713 |
Appl. No.: |
15/587017 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14834611 |
Aug 25, 2015 |
|
|
|
15587017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/08 20130101;
B65F 2003/006 20130101; B65F 3/208 20130101; B62D 33/037 20130101;
B60Y 2200/144 20130101; B65F 3/205 20130101; B65F 3/00 20130101;
B65F 3/26 20130101; B62D 33/0273 20130101; B62D 33/042
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65F 3/20 20060101
B65F003/20; B62D 33/04 20060101 B62D033/04; B65F 3/26 20060101
B65F003/26 |
Claims
1. In a refuse collection vehicle having a vehicle body, structural
members associated with the vehicle body, a receiving hopper for
receiving refuse material, a storage compartment positioned
adjacent the receiving hopper, a pendulum packer device pivotally
mounted for arcuate movement within the receiving hopper for
transferring the refuse material in the receiving hopper to the
storage compartment, a tailgate assembly pivotally mounted to one
end portion of the storage compartment, a first hydraulic cylinder
for pivotally moving the pendulum packer device within the
receiving hopper, a second hydraulic cylinder for pivotally moving
the tailgate assembly between its open and closed positions, a
third hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the storage
compartment for dumping the refuse material collected within the
storage compartment, a hydraulic tank for supplying hydraulic fluid
to the first, second and third hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic lines
coupled between the hydraulic tank and the first, second and third
hydraulic cylinders for operation thereof, and a hydraulic fluid
cooler for cooling the hydraulic fluid supplied to the first,
second and third hydraulic cylinders, the improvement comprising:
at least one of the structural members associated with said refuse
collection vehicle being hollow, at least a portion of at least one
of said hydraulic lines being routed through the at least one
hollow structural member.
2. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said at least one
hollow structural member includes at least one access panel for
providing access to the hydraulic line routed therethrough.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Utility application
Ser. No. 14/834,611, tiled Aug. 25, 2015, all of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a refuse
collection vehicle body and, more particularly, to a refuse
collection vehicle body having hazmat containment means associated
therewith as well as an improved tailgate locking mechanism, a
flared storage compartment body design and an electrical monitoring
system for the monitoring of hoses associated with the hydraulic
cylinders incorporated into the refuse collection vehicle body.
[0003] Various types of refuse collection systems in vehicles are
well-known in the industry. Such refuse collection vehicles
typically include a refuse collection vehicle body positioned on a
vehicle chassis where the vehicle chassis includes a cab or
operator compartment for housing the vehicle operator, a frame
structure for holding the refuse collection vehicle body including
an appropriate number of wheels for carrying the designed load, and
an engine for powering the vehicle and the hydraulic and/or
pneumatic systems associated therewith.
[0004] The refuse collection vehicle body typically includes a
receiving hopper, a storage compartment and a mechanism for
emptying the refuse material collected within the storage
compartment. The receiving hopper is typically located forward of
the storage compartment and is designed to receive the refuse
material when loaded within the vehicle body. A wall or partition
member typically separates the receiving hopper from the storage
compartment. The storage compartment typically includes a
rectangular straight body design and a rear access door for
allowing egress of the stored refuse or waste material. The
partition or wall member separating the receiving hopper from the
storage compartment typically includes a passageway for allowing
the refuse material from the receiving hopper to be transferred to
the storage compartment.
[0005] Transfer of the refuse material from the receiving hopper to
the storage compartment can be accomplished in several different
ways. One mechanism includes a longitudinal sliding packer device
which moves the refuse from a front portion of the receiving hopper
through the opening associated with the divider wall member into
the storage compartment. Another mechanism typically used is a
pendulum style packer mechanism wherein the packer device is
pivotally mounted within the receiving hopper and swings in an
arcuate fashion from a raised position to a position adjacent the
opening in the divider wall so as to again transfer the refuse
material from the receiving hopper through the divider wall opening
into the storage compartment. In this type of mechanism, the
receiving hopper floor is typically arcuate in shape to correspond
to the arc of the pendulum style packer device. The pendulum style
packer is typically operated through the use of a pair of hydraulic
cylinders which typically extend into either the receiving hopper
or the storage compartment. In either case, these hydraulic
cylinders are exposed to the refuse material being collected.
[0006] To empty waste from the storage compartment, a typical
refuse collection vehicle body will include a pivotally mounted
tailgate associated with the rear portion of the storage
compartment which is moved to an open position to permit transfer
of the stored refuse material from the storage compartment to a
landfill site or other location. Typically, the tailgate is
activated by a pair of hydraulic lift cylinders to open and close
the tailgate. The refuse material can be egressed from the storage
compartment through conventional ejection systems such as through
the use of a vehicle body tilting mechanism, or through the use of
a sliding packer device which engages the divider wall or partition
member between the receiving hopper and the storage compartment and
longitudinally slides that divider wall towards the rear of the
vehicle.
[0007] All of the known refuse collection vehicles utilize
hydraulic cylinders for many operations associated with the refuse
collection vehicle including opening and closing of the tailgate,
movement of the respective packing devices, raising and lowering
the vehicle body when a tilting ejection mechanism is utilized and,
moving the divider wall when a sliding packer ejection mechanism is
utilized, and other operations associated with a typical refuse
collection vehicle. Such vehicles likewise utilize hydraulic fluid
coolers, hydraulic tanks and a plurality of hydraulic lines to
likewise operate the various hydraulic cylinders and other
mechanisms associated with a typical refuse collection vehicle,
These hydraulic cylinders and other components are typically
exposed to the environment such that if a leak occurs in any of the
hydraulic lines and hoses associated with these mechanisms, such
hydraulic fluid, or other hazardous material will be exposed to the
environment. In other words, such fluid would leak onto roads,
driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces external to the refuse
collection vehicle. A mechanism for containing these fluids if a
leak or other malfunction should occur as well as a mechanism for
monitoring these systems for possible degradation of the hoses and
lines associated therewith or failure of such systems is greatly
needed. In addition, the vehicle body configuration which removes
the pendulum style packing cylinders or the sliding packer ejection
system cylinders from inside the receiving hopper or storage
compartment would greatly improve the longevity and wear and tear
on these cylinders.
[0008] The present invention seeks to overcome the shortcomings and
disadvantages associated with the known refuse collection vehicles
by relocating and reducing the number of hydraulic cylinders
associated with the operation of a refuse collection vehicle and by
providing a hazmat containment system for all such hydraulic
cylinders, hydraulic tank, hydraulic fluid cooler and associated
hydraulic lines and hoses. The present invention also provides an
electrical monitoring system for monitoring the hoses associated
with the various hydraulic cylinders so as to give the vehicle
operator advance notice of a pending failure of any of such hoses
before a hazmat situation occurs.
[0009] Other improvements include several embodiments of an
improved tailgate locking mechanism which incorporates a pneumatic
system for applying air pressure to the tailgate latch mechanism
when in its closed and lock position to further eliminate a
potential hydraulic leak in this area if hydraulic cylinders were
used to operate the latching mechanism. In addition, a flared
storage compartment body design is utilized to simplify the
manufacturing and assembly of the storage compartment and further
facilitate and improve the egress of the waste material from within
the storage compartment during the ejection or dumping process.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a refuse collection vehicle body having a receiving
hopper, a storage compartment, and a pendulum type packer device
mounted within the receiving hopper for transferring the refuse
material from the receiving hopper to the storage compartment m a
conventional manner. The pendulum style packer device is pivotally
mounted for arcuate movement within the receiving hopper and is
controlled by a single packing hydraulic cylinder mounted above the
storage compartment for easy access. The packing cylinder is
positioned and located within a trough associated with the top
portion of the storage compartment so as to contain any oil or
hydraulic leakage associated with the packing cylinder. All
hydraulic lines and control box activation units for operating the
packing cylinder are likewise positioned and located within this
center trough or are routed through hollow structural members for
hazmat containment purposes.
[0011] The pendulum style packer device operates in a conventional
manner in that it is operable to arcuately swing from a first
elevated position to a second lower position adjacent an opening
associated with a divider wall or partition which separates the
receiving hopper from the storage compartment. The packing device
has a head portion which will engage the refuse material deposited
within the receiving hopper and move such material through the
opening associated with the divider wall and into the storage
compartment. When in its second position, the pendulum packer head
portion lies adjacent to or within the opening associated with the
divider wall.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, all of
the hydraulic cylinders associated with the present refuse
collection vehicle body including the hydraulic tank, the hydraulic
fluid cooler, and all hydraulic lines associated with the vehicle
are either located in a trough, positioned above a drip pan,
positioned within a hollow structural member, or are encased in an
impermeable sleeve or other hazmat containment device so as to
contain any leakage from any of these cylinders, tanks, coolers,
hydraulic lines or other components housing hydraulic fluid or
other hazardous materials. These hazmat containment devices are
strategically located such that if an leakage occurs, all such
leakage will be contained within the associated hazmat containment
device and such hazardous fluid material will not be directly
exposed to the environment.
[0013] Still further, according to another aspect of the present
invention, an electrical monitoring system is associated with at
least some of the hydraulic hoses utilized in the present refuse
collection vehicle body. In this regard, each of the hydraulic
hoses utilized in the present system utilizing the monitoring
system have electrical connections which allow such hoses to be
connected to a computer or system controller for monitoring the
degradation and pending failure of all such hoses. This monitoring
information is displayed to the vehicle operator in the cab of the
vehicle and functions as a preventive maintenance alert to avoid
failure or rupture of any hose and the associated leakage of the
hazardous fluid that would occur.
[0014] Still further, according to another aspect of the present
invention, a single hydraulic cylinder operates the tailgate
assembly associated with the present refuse collection vehicle
body. This single hydraulic cylinder likewise lies in the center
trough located above the storage compartment and all of the
associated hydraulic lines are likewise located within this center
trough or hollow structural members with access holes or panels for
easy access. Again, any leakage associated with this single
hydraulic cylinder and its associated hydraulic lines are contained
within the center trough or within a hollow structural member
associated with the vehicle body and are not exposed to the
environment. Several embodiments of an improved air lock latch
mechanism are also disclosed in association with the tailgate
assembly to prevent any accidental spillage of the refuse material
housed within the storage compartment and to likewise reduce the
number of hydraulic cylinders associated with the present vehicle
since typically a hydraulic cylinder would be associated with the
tailgate latching mechanisms. These air lock latch mechanisms
include a pin and hook arrangement wherein the hook engages the pin
when the tailgate is in its closed position or a double sliding
latch pin arrangement where a pair of sliding pins engage a pair of
latch locking flanges when the tailgate is in its closed position,
and a pair of pneumatic air bags control the air pressure for
moving the hook and latch pins into and out of engagement with its
associated latch locking member.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
the storage compartment is formed in a flared or tapered
configuration, the back portion of the storage compartment adjacent
the tailgate being wider than the front portion of the compartment
adjacent the divider wall that separates the receiving hopper from
the storage compartment. This flared configuration is made by
joining two rectangular sheets of material forming the respective
side, top and bottom portions of the storage compartment to a pair
of wedge shaped members, one wedge shaped member being associated
with the bottom portion of the storage compartment and the other
wedge shaped member being associated with the top of the storage
compartment. These wedge shaped members impart the flared or
tapered configuration to the storage compartment and the top wedge
shaped member forms the center trough for holding and containing
the pendulum packing cylinder and the tailgate lift cylinder and at
least some of their respective associated hydraulic lines and
control box units. This flared configuration improves the dumping
efficiency of the present refuse collection vehicle body and
likewise improves and simplifies the manufacturing and construction
of the storage compartment.
[0016] A single vehicle body lift cylinder is centrally located
forward of the receiving hopper for raising and lowering the entire
vehicle body and for tilting the same to empty the refuse material
contained therewithin. Use of a single vehicle body lift cylinder
as compared to the conventional usage of two such lift cylinders
likewise reduces the total number of hydraulic cylinders associated
with the present refuse collection vehicle body thereby again
reducing possible hazmat exposure. In addition, all cylinders
associated with the present refuse collection vehicle body and
their associated hydraulic lines are contained such that if any
leakage does occur, such hazardous fluid material will be contained
within the refuse collection vehicle body in appropriate drip pans,
troughs, hollow structural members, sleeves or other hazmat
containment devices such that the hazardous fluid material will not
be exposed to the environment.
[0017] Additional features of the present invention will be
described in the course of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse collection vehicle
utilizing the refuse collection vehicle body of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present refuse
collection vehicle body constructed in, accordance with the
teachings of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage compartment of
the present refuse collection vehicle body constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the storage
compartment of FIG. 3 looking in the opposite direction of FIG.
3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan form view of the storage compartment of
FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan form view of the storage compartment
of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side elevational partial cutaway view of the
storage compartment and receiving hopper of the present refuse
collection vehicle body showing the pendulum packer device in its
second lowered position.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the top portion of
the storage compartment showing a portion of the packing hydraulic
cylinder and its associated hydraulic lines and control box unit
positioned within the trough formed by the upper wedge shaped
member and also showing a partial cut-away view of a hollow
structural member associated with the top portion of the storage
compartment housing additional hydraulic lines.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 8
showing the tailgate hydraulic cylinder positioned within the
trough formed by the upper wedge shaped member,
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view similar to FIGS. 8 and
9 showing a cover plate positioned over the trough formed by the
upper wedge shaped member,
[0028] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing the hydraulic
fluid cooler and a portion of the vehicle body lift cylinder and
their respective drip pans constructed according to the teachings
of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the hydraulic tank
and its associated drip pan constructed in accordance with the
teaching of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing the tailgate
assembly and its associated linkage assembly in its fully open
position,
[0031] FIG. 14 is a partial side elevational view of the storage
compartment and tailgate assembly showing the tailgate hydraulic
cylinder and its associated linkage assembly in its fully closed
position.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a partial side elevational view similar to FIG.
14 showing the tailgate assembly, the tailgate hydraulic cylinder
and its associated linkage assembly in a partially opened
position.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a partial side elevational view similar to FIG.
15 showing the tailgate assembly, the tailgate hydraulic cylinder
and its associated linkage assembly in its fully opened
position.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view showing a hydraulic
line and its associated end fitting covered with a typical hose
sleeve.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view showing one embodiment
of a tailgate locking mechanism illustrating the tailgate latch
hook member and its associated air bags as well as the latch pin
member constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the
air lock mechanism for latching and unlatching the tailgate hook
member and its associated components illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view showing another
embodiment of a tailgate locking mechanism illustrating a pair of
sliding latch pins engaged with their respective locking flange
members as well as their associated air bags constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 20
showing the pair of sliding latch pins disengaged from their
respective locking flange members.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the
air lock mechanism for latching and unlatching the tailgate sliding
latch pins illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the
present electrical monitoring system associated with at least
certain hydraulic lines utilized in the present vehicle for
monitoring the degradation and/or pending failure of such hydraulic
lines.
[0041] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment of the
present invention is shown by way of example in the present
drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the present drawings and detailed
description presented herein are not intended to limit the
disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference
numbers where in like numerals refer to like parts, numeral 10 in
FIG. 1 illustrates a refuse collection vehicle incorporating the
improved refuse collection vehicle body 20 of the present
application. The refuse collection vehicle 10 includes a chassis
frame structure 12 for holding the present refuse collection
vehicle body 20, a front set of wheels 14, an appropriate number of
sets of rear wheels 16 for carrying the designed load of the
vehicle, a cab or operator compartment 18 for housing the vehicle
operator and other appropriate control panels for operating the
various systems associated with the present vehicle including a
system controller and other operational controls, and an engine
(not shown) for powering the vehicle and the hydraulic and/or
pneumatic systems associated therewith, The present refuse
collection vehicle body 20 is mounted to the top of the chassis
frame structure 12 in a conventional manner as illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 identify one embodiment of the present refuse
collection vehicle body 20 constructed according to the teachings
of the present invention. In this regard, the refuse collection
vehicle body 20 can be constructed so to be compatible for
attachment to any suitable chassis frame structure associated with
any particular type of refuse collection vehicle such as the frame
structure 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. Although a specific refuse
collection vehicle body structure 20 will be identified and
discussed herein, it is recognized and anticipated that many of the
components and systems associated with the present body structure
20 can be fashioned into a variety of different sizes and shapes
other than those illustrated herein and that other components
associated with the various systems and assemblies of the present
body structure 20 may likewise be correspondingly shaped to conform
to the chassis structure of any particular refuse collection
vehicle without departing from the teachings and practice of the
present invention.
[0044] According to one aspect of the present invention, the refuse
collection vehicle body 20 includes a receiving hopper 22 for
initially receiving refuse material, a storage compartment 24, a
pendulum type packer device 58, as best illustrated in FIG. 7,
mounted within the receiving hopper 22 for transferring the refuse
material from the receiving hopper 22 to the storage compartment 24
in a conventional manner, and a pivotally mounted tailgate assembly
26 associated with the rear portion of the storage compartment 24
for both containing the refuse material within the storage
compartment 24 when the tailgate assembly 26 is in its closed,
position and for allowing egress of the refuse material stored
within the storage compartment 24 when the tailgate assembly is in
its open position. The receiving hopper 22, the storage compartment
24, and associated systems 28 (FIGS. 1 & 2) as will be
hereinafter further explained are positioned and located on a
subframe assembly 30 as best illustrated in FIG. 2, the subframe
assembly 30 being easily attachable to the vehicle chassis frame
structure 12 in a conventional manner such as through the use of
attachment brackets 32 and other joinder means. Once all of the
components of the present refuse collection vehicle body 20 are
assembled on subframe structure 30, the entire refuse collection
vehicle body 20 is then attachable to any particular refuse
collection vehicle chassis frame structure such as the frame
structure 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0045] The receiving hopper 22 includes an open top portion 34
through which refuse material may be deposited by an automated
container loading mechanism 36 illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2, The
automated container loader mechanism 36 is well-known in the art
and includes arm members 38 for grasping and holding a trash
container. When activated, the container loader mechanism 36 will
lift a trash container and pivot the same for dumping into the open
top portion 34 of receiving hopper 22. The container holding
mechanism 36 may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated and may
include appropriate hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic activating
cylinders for lifting, dumping and returning a trash container to
its curbside position. The receiving hopper 22 may also include one
or more side openings (not shown) associated with the side wall
structure of the receiving hopper 22 for allowing manual loading of
refuse material into the receiving hopper. The receiving hopper 22
may also include a selectively movable lid or cover member 40 for
opening and closing access to the receiving hopper 22. The movable
lid or cover member 40 may be manually movable between an open and
closed position, or it can be movable through the use of hydraulic
or pneumatic actuators. The cover 40 can also serve as a pre-crush
panel to preliminarily compact the refuse material within the
receiving hopper 22 when the cover 40 is in its closed
position.
[0046] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate one embodiment of the present storage
compartment 24 constructed according to the teachings of the
present invention. More particularly, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate
perspective views of the storage compartment 24 detailing the
construction and assembly of compartment 24 looking both from the
receiving hopper 22 into storage compartment 24 (FIG. 3) and
looking from the tailgate assembly 26 into storage compartment 24
(FIG. 4). The storage compartment 24 is formed in a flared or
tapered configuration as best seen in Fig, 3, the rear portion of
the storage compartment 24 adjacent the tailgate assembly 26 being
wider than the forward portion of the compartment adjacent a
divider wall 42 (FIGS. 2 & 7) that separates the receiving
hopper 22 from the storage compartment 24. This flared
configuration is achieved by joining two rectangular sheets of
material 44 and 46 to a pair of wedge shaped members 48 and 50 as
best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, wedge shaped member 48 being
associated with the top portion of the storage compartment 24 and
the wedge shaped member 50 being associated with the bottom portion
of the storage compartment 24.
[0047] The wedge shaped members 48 and 50 impart the flared or
tapered configuration to the overall storage compartment as will be
hereinafter explained. The rectangular sheets of material 44 and 46
form the respective opposed side wall portions as well as the top
and bottom portions of the storage compartment when such members
are attached to the wedge shaped members 48 and 50. This is
accomplished by initially folding the sheet members 44 and 46 to
the side wall portions associated with the wedge shaped members 48
and 50, which process allows for precise alignment of the four
members which comprise the totality of the storage compartment 24.
Once this is accomplished, the interface between the sheet members
44 and 46 and the wedge shaped members 48 and 50 are welded
together to complete the overall assembly. This design is very
easily made and takes much less welding as compared to other
methods for generating a flared or tapered body design. Typically a
conventional flared body is constructed of two or three or even
four consecutively larger panels that must be formed with a roller
mechanism and thereafter welded together at all of the adjoining
seams. In this conventional construction, it is problematic to
fixture this type of arrangement as there are wide tolerances of
manufacturing associated with such construction. Use of the present
design which includes only four members as described above greatly
simplifies both the construction of the four individual members as
well as the assembly of such members in order to achieve the flared
body configuration of storage compartment 24.
[0048] In addition, it is well known that when the refuse material
has been compressed within the storage compartment and you are
thereafter attempting to excavate the refuse material by gravity
dumping the same, the refuse material tends to stay in the body.
This flared configuration allows the trash to decompress as it
exits the storage compartment as the refuse material is moving from
a narrower space into a larger space as it moves from the divider
wall 42 towards the tailgate assembly 26 during a dumping operation
as will be hereinafter further explained.
[0049] The wedge shaped member 48 located at the top of storage
compartment 24 is substantially U-shaped in configuration as best
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 forming a channel or trough 52 which
is used for holding and containing the pendulum packing hydraulic
cylinder 60, the tailgate hydraulic cylinder 76 and most of the
associated hydraulic lines and control block units associated
therewith as will be hereinafter further explained. The trough 52
is dimensioned to receive the above-referenced hydraulic cylinders
and associated plumbing and likewise forms a containment trough for
such cylinders and associated hydraulic lines in the event of any
leakage as will be hereinafter further explained. The wedge shaped
member 48 includes appropriate support structure 54 for holding and
fixing the respective hydraulic cylinders and the associated
hydraulic lines and control box units necessary for operation of
such cylinders. In addition, the rear portion of the storage
compartment 24 includes support frame structure 56 for pivotally
mounting and supporting the tailgate mechanism 26. Once assembled,
the entire storage compartment 24 is fixedly mounted to the
subframe assembly 30 as best illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a top plan form view of the storage compartment 24
showing the trough or channel 52 formed by the upper wedge shaped
member 48 as well as the channel support structure 54 and the top
view of the tailgate frame structure 56. The flared configuration
of storage member 24 is likewise clearly discernible from viewing
FIG. 5, the storage compartment 24 being wider at tailgate frame
structure 56 as compared to its opposite end portion.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan form view of storage compartment 24
showing the bottom wedge shaped member 50 and attachment of the
subframe assembly 30 to the bottom portion of storage compartment
24. As will be hereinafter further explained, the flared or tapered
configuration of storage compartment 24 improves the dumping
efficiency of the present refuse collection vehicle body 20.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the receiving hopper 22
attached to the storage compartment 24. A pendulum type packer
device 58 is mounted within the receiving hopper for transferring
the refuse material from the receiving hopper 22 to the storage
compartment 24 in a conventional manner. The pendulum packer device
58 is pivotally mounted for arcuate movement within the receiving
hopper 22 and is controlled by a single packing hydraulic cylinder
60 which is mounted above the storage compartment 24 within the
trough 52 formed by the upper wedge shaped member 48. The hydraulic
cylinder 60 has, one end portion attached to bracket structure 62
as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 and has its opposite end
portion attached to linkage member 64 (FIG. 7) which is likewise
attached to packing device 58 for arcuately swinging packer device
58 in a conventional manner between a first elevated position (not
shown) and a second lower position adjacent an opening 66
associated with divider wall 42 which separates the receiving
hopper 22 from the storage compartment 24. The packing device 58
includes a head portion 68 which will engage the refuse material
deposited within the receiving hopper 22 and moves such material
through the opening 66 and into the storage compartment 24, When in
its second lower position as illustrated in FIG. 7, the pendulum
packer head portion 68 lies adjacent to or within the opening 66
associated with divider wall 42. The pendulum style packer device
58 operates in a conventional manner and arcuately swings from its
first elevated position to its second lower position adjacent
opening 66. Because of the arcuate swing of packer device 58, the
floor portion 70 of receiving hopper 22 is typically arcuate in
shape to correspond to the arc of the pendulum style packer device
58. Importantly, since the hydraulic cylinder 60 which operates the
packer device 58 is located above storage compartment 24, cylinder
60 is not exposed to any refuse material collected within receiving
hopper 22, which is typically the case in the known refuse
collection vehicles. By positioning cylinder 60 outside of
receiving hopper 22, there is less wear and tear and potential
damage to cylinder 60 as no refuse material is dumped onto cylinder
60 nor is cylinder 60 exposed to and/or does it travel through the
refuse material during operation.
[0053] This greatly extends the longevity of the packing cylinder
60 as compared to the known conventional packing hydraulic cylinder
arrangements. The pendulum style packer device 58 is pivotally
attached to the vehicle body 20 as illustrated in FIG. 7 in a
conventional manner. To operate the packing device 58, the
hydraulic cylinder 60 is extended causing the packer device 58 to
arcuately swing downwardly towards divider wall 42 and opening 66
in a conventional manner thereby transferring the refuse material
resting on the hopper floor 70 into storage compartment 24 through
the opening 66. Retraction of the cylinder 60 causes the pendulum
packer device 58 to swing in the opposite direction towards its
first elevated position (not shown) thereby allowing the receiving
hopper 22 to receive its next deposit of refuse material. The
arcuate floor 70 of receiving hopper 22 is positioned and oriented
so as to form a direct path for pushing the refuse material to the
opening 66. The pendulum packer device 58 is mounted for movement
about a pivot axis 72 which extends generally horizontally as shown
in FIG. 7. In addition, mounting the packing cylinder 60 above the
storage compartment 24 likewise provides easy access to the
cylinder for routine maintenance and repairs.
[0054] It is recognized that divider wall 42 may be a separate
member thrilled between the receiving hopper 22 and the storage
compartment 24, or divider member 42 may be associated with one end
portion of the receiving hopper 22 or with one end portion of the
storage compartment 24,
[0055] As best illustrated in FIG. 13, tailgate assembly 26 is
pivotally mounted to the tailgate frame structure 56 in a
conventional manner as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 13. This
pivotal connection can be accomplished through the use of flange
members 74 associated with frame structure 56 as best illustrated
in FIG. 13. According to another aspect of the present invention, a
single hydraulic cylinder 76 is utilized to operate the tailgate
assembly 26. As best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 14-16, this single
hydraulic cylinder 76 is likewise positioned and located in the
trough 52 of the upper wedge shaped member 48 located above the
storage compartment 24 in, a manner similar to the pendulum packing
cylinder 60. One end portion of hydraulic cylinder 76 is attached
to bracket structure 62 in a conventional manner as best
illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 and the opposite end portion of cylinder
76 is attached to the linkage assembly 78 as best illustrated in
FIGS. 13-16 for pivotally moving the tailgate assembly 26 between
its fully open position as illustrated in Figs, 13 and 16 and a
fully closed and locked position as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
14. Operation of the tailgate assembly between its fully closed
position and its fully open position is best illustrated in FIGS.
14-16 as will be hereinafter explained. When cylinder 76 is fully
extended as illustrated in Figs, 13 and 16, the tailgate assembly
26 is pivotally moved upwardly to its fully open position such that
refuse material collected within the storage compartment can be
ejected therefrom during a dumping operation as will be likewise
hereinafter further explained. Retraction of the cylinder 76 causes
the tailgate assembly 26 to pivotally move in the opposite
direction thereby pivotally moving the tailgate assembly 26
adjacent the tailgate frame structure 56 for closing and locking
the tailgate assembly in its closed position, as illustrated in
FIG. 14.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows the respective cylinders 60 and 76 positioned
within the channel or trough 52 without any of the associated
hydraulic lines and activation units necessary for deploying the
cylinders in their operational mode. FIG. 8, on the other hand,
shows all of the hydraulic lines such as hydraulic lines 79 and 81
as well as control box unit 80 necessary for operating both the
packing cylinder 60 as well as the tailgate cylinder 76 (FIGS.
14-16) which lies underneath control box 80. As is clearly shown in
FIG. 8, all of the hydraulic lines 79 and 81 as well as control box
unit 80 for operating cylinders 60 and 76 are fully contained
within the trough or channel 52 associated with wedge shaped member
48 or the hollow structural members 83 and 85 (shown in a partial
cut-away view) such that if any leakage of hydraulic fluid or other
hazardous material from such cylinders or from such hydraulic lines
occurs, all such leakage will be contained within channel or trough
52, or within structural members 83 and 85. In this regard,
structural members 83 and 85 may also include any number of access
openings or access plates for providing easy access to hydraulic
line 81 for repair, maintenance and/or replacement. Still further,
hydraulic lines other than hydraulic line 81 may also be routed
through other hollow structural members associated with the present
vehicle body 20 so as to further contain those lines in the event
of leakage or rupture. This provides a further hazmat containment
system since any fluid leakage will be trapped and collected within
the hollow structural member. These hazmat containment arrangements
prevent any hazardous fluid material from being directly exposed to
the environment.
[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the top of
storage compartment 24 showing a cover member 82 which is
positioned over the trough or channel 52, the cylinders 60 and 76,
and all of the associated hydraulic lines 79 and control box unit
80 so as to protect the same during normal operation of the refuse
collection vehicle 10. Cover 82 can be attached to the top portion
of storage compartment 24 in any conventional manner and is easily
removed so as to provide access to the components housed within the
trough 52 of wedge shaped member 48.
[0058] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the accessory
components 28 (FIGS. 1 and 2) associated with the present refuse
collection vehicle body 20 showing a hydraulic fluid cooler 84
mounted to the subframe assembly 30 of the vehicle body 22. The
cooler 84 is positioned and located so as to sit within or over a
cooler drip pan 86. Drip pan 86 is self-contained such that if any
fluid leakage occurs from hydraulic fluid cooler 84, all such
leakage will be contained within drip pan 86.
[0059] In similar fashion, FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of
still another accessory component, namely, hydraulic tank 88,
associated with the present refuse collection vehicle body 20. Here
again, hydraulic tank 88 is mounted on subframe assembly 30 and is
positioned and located within or above drip pan 90 such that if any
leakage from hydraulic tank 88 occurs, all such leakage of
hydraulic fluid will be contained within drip pan 90. As with fluid
cooler 84 and drip pan 86, any leakage associated with hydraulic
tank 88 will be captured and contained within drip pan 90 and will
not be exposed to the environment.
[0060] In addition, the present hydraulic tank 88 likewise includes
a low level sensor 89 positioned within the tank for sensing a low
fluid level within tank 88. The sensor 89 is positioned and located
so as to sense a pre-determined level of fluid within tank 88 and
can likewise be either hardwired via a conductive path (not shown)
to a system controller 124 (FIGS. 19 and 20), or such sensor 89 can
wirelessly communicate with system controller 124 for signaling
when a pre-determined fluid level is reached in tank 88. In turn,
system controller 124 can be connected to an in cab control panel
128 (FIGS. 19, 22 and 23) to turn on a warning light associated
with the control panel 128, and/or display a message on a screen
associated with the control panel 128 thereby communicating to the
operator that the hydraulic fluid level in hydraulic tank 88 is
low. In addition, it is also recognized and anticipated that the
system controller 124 can likewise turn off the hydraulic fluid
pump (not shown) when the hydraulic fluid level in tank 88 reaches
either a first pre-determined fluid level which activates the
warning/message display to the operator, or when the hydraulic
fluid level in tank 88 reaches a second pre-determined fluid level
below the first pre-determined fluid level. Other sensor
arrangements and activation systems are likewise anticipated and
envisioned.
[0061] Still further, according to another aspect of the present
invention, a single vehicle body lift cylinder 91 is centrally
located forward of the receiving hopper 22 as best illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 11 for raising and lowering the entire vehicle body
20 and for tilting the same to empty the refuse material contained
within storage compartment 24. The hydraulic cylinder 91 has one
end portion attached to the subframe assembly 30 as best
illustrated in FIG. 11 and has its opposite end portion attached to
flange member 92 associated with the outside portion of receiving
hopper 22 as best illustrated in FIG. 2. Extending cylinder 91
causes the entire refuse collection vehicle body 20 to pivotally
rotate from its first substantially horizontal position as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to its dumping position (not shown) so
that the refuse material collected within storage compartment 24
can be egressed from compartment 24 by gravity. Cylinder 91 will
pivotally rotate storage compartment 24 to a predetermined elevated
position suitable for gravity feeding the refuse material stored
therewithin to a position outside of storage compartment 24. This
vehicle body tiling mechanism operates in a conventional manner
similar to other conventional refuse collection ejection systems
known in the industry. Importantly, however, the present ejection
system uses a single vehicle body left cylinder as compared to the
conventional usage of two or more such lift cylinders thereby not
only reducing the total number of hydraulic cylinders associated
with the present refuse collection vehicle body 20, which in turn
reduces possible hazmat exposure, but also making the overall
system less complicated, more efficient and more economical.
[0062] Also, importantly, the lift cylinder 91 likewise is
positioned and located over drip pan 94 as best illustrated in FIG.
11. Here again, any fluid leakage from cylinder 91 will be captured
and contained within drip pan 94 thereby preventing any hazardous
fluid leakage from being exposed to the environment. Also,
importantly, since the storage compartment 24 is tapered or flared
as previously explained, refuse material contained within
compartment 24 will more easily flow under gravity during a dumping
operation since the storage compartment 24 is wider at its exit
point adjacent tailgate frame structure 56 as compared to its
opposite end portion. As a result, refuse material will
continuously flow into a larger area of compartment 24 during the
dumping operation.
[0063] Still further, those hydraulic lines which cannot be
positioned and located within or above a trough, drip pan, or
within a hollow structural member associated with the present
vehicle body, or any additional exposed hydraulic lines, such as
hydraulic line 136 illustrated in FIG. 17, can be covered and/or
encased within an impermeable sock or hose sleeve such as hose
sleeve 138. The sleeve 138 is installed over the hydraulic line 436
and is secured at its end fitting 140 in a conventional manner. The
opposite end of hose sleeve 138 is likewise secured in the same
manner, or in another conventional manner, as illustrated in FIG.
17 adjacent its opposite end fitting (not shown). Should a
hydraulic line develop a leak with the sleeve 138 in place as just
explained, any such fluid leak will be contained within the sock or
sleeve 138. The sleeve 138 likewise prevents corrosion of the
hydraulic line during normal operation of the refuse collection
vehicle. Since the sleeve 138 is made of an impermeable material,
any such leakage will remain within the sock or sleeve 138 and will
not contaminate the environment. The sleeve 138 provides still
another hazmat containment system on the present refuse collection
vehicle body 20 for hydraulic lines and hoses that are not
otherwise contained within the present vehicle body.
[0064] As can be readily seen from the above disclosure, all of the
hydraulic cylinders associated with the present refuse collection
vehicle body 20 including the pendulum packing hydraulic cylinder
60, the tailgate hydraulic cylinder 76, the vehicle body
lift/tilting refuse ejection hydraulic cylinder 91 as well as the
hydraulic cooler 84 and the hydraulic tank 88 and their associated
hydraulic lines are either located in a trough or channel such as
trough 52 associated with wedge shaped member 48 or are positioned
within or above a drip pan such as drip pans 86, 90 and 94 so as to
fully contain any leakage from any of these cylinders, tanks,
coolers or other components housing hydraulic fluid or other
hazardous materials. Other hydraulic lines are housed within hollow
structural members associated with the present vehicle body 20 such
as structured members 83 and 85 (FIG. 8), or they are encased or
covered with an impermeable hose sleeve such and hose sleeve 138
(FIG. 17). These hazmat containment devices are strategically
located such that if any leakage occurs from any of these various
components, all such leakage will be contained within the
associated drip pans 86, 90 and 94, trough 52, structural, members
83 or 85, or hose sleeves 138 and all such hazardous fluid material
will remain within the present refuse collection vehicle body 20
and will not be directly exposed to the environment.
[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention, FIGS.
14-16 illustrate, in detail, the linkage assembly 78 associated
with the tailgate hydraulic cylinder 76 and the tailgate assembly
26. For a tip-to-dump operation for tilting the storage compartment
24 via the lift cylinder 91 for emptying the refuse material
contained within the storage compartment, it is necessary to swing
or pivot the tailgate assembly 26 at least 135.degree. to its fully
opened position so that when the vehicle body 20 is in its raised
position, the tailgate assembly 26 will clear the pile of unloaded
refuse material as the refuse collection vehicle 10 pulls forward.
This is typically done in a conventional refuse collection vehicle
with at least two hydraulic cylinders located adjacent to or within
the storage compartment. In, the present embodiment, the present
invention utilizes a single tailgate hydraulic cylinder 76 located
in the trough 52 above the storage compartment 24 for accomplishing
this task. This can be done with a single cylinder connected
directly to the tailgate assembly without any linkage members
positioned therebetween, but to do so the geometry involved
requires the cylinder to be fairly long. Trying to accommodate a
directly connected tailgate lift cylinder 76 within the trough or
channel 52 in this matter would require the trough 52 to be much
deeper than desired thereby extending into the storage space within
the storage compartment 24, or it would have added to the overall
height of the vehicle body 20. By using the linkage assembly 78,
the hydraulic cylinder 76 can be much shorter in length and it can
be easily housed within the trough or channel 52 without intruding
into the load space of storage compartment 24, or adding to the
overall height of the vehicle body 20.
[0066] The linkage assembly 78 includes at least one set of linkage
members 142 and 144 pivotally attached to the actuating arm 146 of
hydraulic cylinder 76 at pivot point 148 as best illustrated in
FIGS. 14-16. As best illustrated in FIG. 14, the tailgate assembly
26 is in its fully closed position and the respective linkage
members 142 and 144 are each respectively pivotally attached at
their respective opposite end portions to pivot points 150 and 152.
In addition, the opposite end portion of linkage member 144 is
likewise pivotally connected to linkage member 154 which is
likewise pivotally connected to member 156 at pivot point 158. As
the actuating member 146 of hydraulic cylinder 76 is extended as
illustrated in FIG. 15, linkage members 142, 144 and 154 pivot
around their respective pivot points 148, 150, 152 and 158 wherein
the tailgate assembly 26 is pivoted to a partially open position
and has been rotated approximately 90.degree.. Further extension of
actuating arm 146 of cylinder 76 continues to rotate the linkage
members 142, 144 and 154 about their respective pivot points until
the tailgate assembly 26 reaches its fully opened position which is
located at a position of at least about 135.degree. of swing or
rotation relative to its fully closed position illustrated in FIG.
14. Retraction of the actuating arm 146 of hydraulic cylinder 76
will move linkage member 142, 144, 154 and 156 in an opposite
direction so as to fully close tailgate assembly 26.
[0067] The linkage members 142 and 144 are arcuate in shape whereas
linkage member 154 is substantially straight and linkage member 156
is L-shaped in configuration. It is the combination of the pivotal
attachment of arcuate members 142 and 144 with straight member 154
and L-shaped member 156 as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16 which
produce the necessary rotation of tailgate assembly 26 so as to
achieve its fully opened position with a swing of at least about
135.degree. while still keeping the actuating arm 146 of hydraulic
cylinder 76 within reason and at a shorter length so that it can be
packaged and housed within trough 52 as previously explained.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment as best illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9
and 13, two sets of linkage assemblies 78 can be utilized to move
the tailgate assembly 26 between its fully closed position as
illustrated in FIG. 14 and its fully opened position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 16, In this embodiment, the actuating
arm 146 of hydraulic cylinder 76 can be attached to one of the
linkage assemblies 78 with corresponding connection members to the
other set of linkage assembly 78, or the actuating arm 146 can be
attached to a connecting member (not shown) which engages the
respective pivot points 148 for moving the tailgate assembly 26
between its fully closed and fully opened positions. Other
arrangements for attaching the hydraulic cylinder 76 to the linkage
assemblies 78 can likewise be utilized and are envisioned.
[0069] According to another aspect of the present invention, one
embodiment of an improved air lock latch mechanism is associated
with the tailgate assembly 26 to prevent any accidental spillage of
the refuse material housed within storage compartment 24. The
operation of this air lock mechanism is best illustrated in FIGS.
18 and 19 and includes a pin and hook arrangement wherein a
tailgate latch hook member 96 engages pin member 98 when the
tailgate assembly 26 is in its closed position. A pair of pneumatic
airbags 100 and 102 are positioned and located so as to control air
pressure to the tailgate latch hook member 96 for moving hook
member 96 into and out of engagement with pin member 98.
[0070] Operation of the air lock system of FIG. 18 is best
described with reference to FIG. 19. Air from a chassis air tank
104 is used to operate the tailgate latch mechanism. Air tank 104
can be incorporated into the refuse collection vehicle body 20 at
any convenient location and is operatively connected to both a
solenoid operated air valve 106 via air line 108 and to the latch
close air bag 100 via air lines 110, 112 and 114. In similar
fashion, solenoid operated air valve 106 is operatively connected
to both the latch open air bag 102 via air lines 116, 118 and 120
and to a pilot operated valve 122 via air line 116. The solenoid
operated valve 106 is also operatively connected to a system
controller 124 via conductive path 126 and the system controller
124 is operatively connected to a control panel 128 located in the
vehicle cab 18 via conductive pathway 130. System controller 124
can likewise be located in any convenient location, preferably
within the vehicle cab 18. In its normal state, the tailgate
assembly 26 is closed and latched and air pressure from air tank
104 is maintained in the latch close airbag 100 via air lines 108,
110, 112 and 114, thereby holding the tailgate hook member 96 in
its latched position engaged with pin member 98. When the vehicle
operator wants to unload the refuse material in storage compartment
24, the operator activates a switch associated with control panel
128 which sends a signal via conductive path 130 to system
controller 124 to vent the air pressure from latch close airbag 100
via exhaust valve 132 which is located between the latch close
airbag 100 and pilot operated air valve 122 and to direct air from
air tank 104 to the latch open airbag 102 thereby moving hook
member 96 from its latched position to an unlatched position away
horn pin member 98. This is accomplished by system controller 124
sending a signal to the solenoid operated air valve 122 to
accomplish these tasks. This is accomplished by sending air from
air tank 104 through the solenoid operate air valve 106 to pilot
operated air valve 122. Pilot valve 122 then shoots off air from
tank 104 via air line 110 and allows the exhaust valve 132 to vent
air from air bag 100. At the same time, air from air line 116
passes through air lines 118 and 120 to pressurize the latch open
air bag 102. After a predetermined time delay, system controller
124 will send a signal to the tailgate raise hydraulic valve (not
shown) to activate hydraulic cylinder 76 to raise the tailgate
assembly 26. Air pressure is then maintained at the latch open
airbag 102 to keep hook member 96 in its open, unlatched
position.
[0071] When the operator is ready to close tailgate assembly 26,
the operator activates another switch associated with control panel
128 which, sends a signal to system controller 124 via conductive
path 130 to lower the tailgate assembly 26 to its closed position.
System controller 124 will then send a signal to the tailgate lower
hydraulic valve (not shown) to activate the tailgate hydraulic
cylinder 76 to lower the tailgate assembly 26 to its closed
position. When the operator releases the close tailgate switch, or
after a predetermined time delay, the system controller 124 will
send a signal to solenoid operated air valve 106 to vent the air
pressure in the latch open airbag 102 and will likewise send a
signal to the solenoid operated air valve 106 to supply air from
air tank 104 to the latch close airbag 100 to move the tailgate
hook member 96 into its latched position in engagement with pin
member 98. This is accomplished by shutting off air via air line
116 to pilot operated valve 122 which then allows air from air tank
104 via air lines 108, 110, 112 and 114 to again supply air
pressure to the latch close air bag 100, Since air via air line 116
is now terminated, the air pressure in latch open air bag 102 is
allowed to vent through the quick exhaust valve 134 located between
air bag 102 and the pilot operated air valve 122. Air pressure will
then be maintained on hook member 96 via the latch close airbag 100
until the operator, once again, elects to open the tailgate
assembly 26.
[0072] Use of the present air lock latch mechanism as disclosed in
FIG. 19 likewise reduces the total number of hydraulic cylinders
associated with the present refuse collection vehicle 10 since
typically one or more hydraulic cylinders would be associated with
the tailgate latching mechanism. In addition, use of a pneumatic
system further eliminates a potential hazmat situation. It is also
recognized and anticipated that other system controllers and
pneumatic system arrangements can be utilized to accomplish the
task of supplying and maintaining air pressure to the tailgate hook
member 96 for moving, the hook member 96 into and out of engagement
with pin member 98.
[0073] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
another embodiment 160 of an improved air lock latch mechanism can
likewise be associated with the tailgate assembly 26 to prevent any
accidental spillage of the refuse material housed within storage
compartment 24. The operation of air lock mechanism 160 is best
illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 and includes a double sliding
latch pin arrangement wherein a pair of sliding latch pin members
162 engage a pair of latch locking flange members 164 when tie
tailgate assembly 26 is in its closed position. More particularly,
the sliding latch pin members 162 are each respectively attached to
one end portion of linkage assembly 166 as best illustrated in
FIGS. 20-22. Linkage assembly 166 is pivotally movable by a pair of
pneumatic air bags 100 and 102 which are positioned and located so
as to control air pressure from air tank 104 as was previously
explained with respect to the operation of the system disclosed in
FIG. 19 for pivotally moving the linkage assembly 166 which, in
turn, moves latch pin members 162 into and out of engagement with
the latch locking flange members 164 as will be hereinafter further
explained. The pair of latch locking flange members 164 are
associated with the bottom portion of storage compartment 24 as
best illustrated in FIG. 20 and can be attached thereto in any
conventional manner such as being attached to support frame
structure 56 as illustrated in FIG. 20. Each latch locking flange
member 164 includes an opening or aperture (not shown) for
receiving a respective latch pin member 162. In similar fashion, a
plurality of flange members or bracket members 168 are associated
with each opposite side of the lower portion of tailgate assembly
26 (FIGS. 20 and 21), each bracket member 168 including an opening
or aperture 170 as best illustrated in FIG. 21 for receiving and
holding the respective latch pin members 162. Each of the latch
locking flange members 164 is positioned and located so as to be
received between a pair of bracket members 168 when the tailgate
assembly 26 is moved to its closed position as best illustrated in
FIG. 20. When in its closed position, the openings associated with
latch locking flange members 164 lie n communication and
registration with the openings 170 associated with bracket members
168.
[0074] FIG. 20 shows the air lock system 160 in its closed and
locked position. In this regard, when the tailgate assembly 26 is
in its closed position, the pair of latch locking flange members
164 will be positioned between at least a pair of bracket members
168 such that the sliding latch pin members 162 can slide through
the opening or aperture associated with each flange member 164 and
through the openings 170 associated with the pair of bracket
members 168 flanking each flange member 164 thereby latching the
tailgate assembly 26 to the storage compartment 24. The latch pin
members 162 are held in engagement with the latch locking flange
members 164 via the latch close air bag 100 as will be hereinafter
explained. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the latch close air bag 100
is shown in its inflated condition whereas the latch open air bag
102 is shown in its deflated condition. When air bag 100 is
inflated, it pivotally moves the linkage assembly 166 about pivot
point 172 such that the respective latch pin members 162 are moved
outwardly o as to extend through the respective latch locking
flange members 164. Air pressure from air tank 104 is maintained in
the latch close air bag 100 thereby holding the latch pin members
162 in their fully extended position in engagement with latch
locking flange members 164 thereby holding the pin members 162 in
their latched/engaged position with flange members 164. Although
FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the use of three bracket members 168
associated with each opposite side of tailgate assembly 26, it is
recognized and anticipated that any number of flange members or
bracket members 168 for holding the respective tailgate latch pin
members 162 in both their latched and unlatched positions can be
utilized to accomplish the latching and unlatching of pin members
162 with flange members 164.
[0075] Operation of the air lock system 160 of FIGS. 20 and 21 is
likewise best illustrated with respect to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is
substantially identical to FIG. 19 and operation of the air lock
system for engaging latch pin members 162 with latch locking flange
members 164 is substantially identical to the operation of engaging
hook member 96 with pin member 98 as illustrated and described with
respect to FIGS. 18 and 19. In this regard, air from the air tank
102 is used to operate the tailgate latch mechanism 160. Air tank
104 is operatively connected to both the solenoid operated air
valve 106 via air line 108 and to the latch close air bag 100 via
air lines 110, 112 and 114, In similar fashion, solenoid operated
air valve 106 is operatively connected to both the latch open air
bag 102 via air lines 116, 118 and 120 and to a pilot operated
valve 122 via air line 116. As previously explained, the solenoid
operated valve 106 is also operatively connected to a system
controller 124 via conductive path 126 and the system controller
124 is operatively connected to a control panel 128 located in the
vehicle cab 18 via conductive patch 130.
[0076] In its normal state, the tailgate assembly is closed and
latched and air pressure from air tank 104 is maintained in the
latch close air bag 100 via air lines 108, 110, 112 and 114 thereby
holding the latch pin members 162 in their latched position engaged
with the latch locking flange members 164 as best illustrated in
FIG. 20. When the vehicle operator wants to unload the refuse
material in storage compartment 24, the operator activates a switch
associated with control panel 128 which sends a signal via
conductive path 130 to system controller 124 to vent the air
pressure from latch close air bag 100 via exhaust valve 132 which
is located between the latch close air bag 100 and pilot operated
air valve 122 and to direct air from the air tank 104 to the latch
open air bag 102 thereby pivotally moving the linkage assembly 166
about pivot point 172 so as to retract the latch pin members 162
from their corresponding latch locking flange members 164 as best
illustrated in FIG. 21. This unlatching is accomplished in the same
manner as previously described with respect to the air lock system
of FIGS. 18 and 19. The system controller 124, the solenoid
operated air valve 106, air valve 122 and pressurization of the
latch open air bag 102 is accomplished in the same manner as
described with respect to FIG. 19.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 21, when the latch open air bag 102
is inflated, the latch close air bag is deflated and the air
pressure within air bag 102 pivotally moves the linkage assembly
166 in a direction so as to retract the latch pin members 162 from
the latch locking flange members 164. Air pressure is then
maintained at the latch open air bag 102 to keep the latch pin
members 162 out of engagement with flange members 164 thereby
unlatching the tailgate assembly 26. Air bags 100 and 102 are
connected to linkage assembly 166 through the use of flange members
174 and 176 as best illustrated in FIGS. 20-22. Linkage assembly
166 is a conventional rocker arm mechanism.
[0078] When the operator is ready to close the tailgate assembly
26, the operator activates another switch associated with control
panel 128 which again sends a signal to system controller 124 via
conductive path 130 to lower the tailgate assembly 26 to its closed
position. Operation of the air lock system 160 to close the
tailgate assembly is again substantially identical to the operation
of the air lock system previously described with respect to FIGS.
18 and 19. Use of the air lock latch mechanism 160 as disclosed in
FIG. 22 likewise reduces the total number of hydraulic cylinders
associated with the present refuse collection vehicle 10 as
previously explained. It is likewise recognized and anticipated
that other system controllers and pneumatic system arrangements can
be utilized to accomplish the task of supplying and maintaining air
pressure to the latch pin members 162 for moving pin members 162
into and out of engagement with the latch locking, flange members
164. Other linkage assemblies other than linkage assembly 166 can
likewise be utilized to accomplish this task. The same air valve
system disclosed and described with respect to FIG. 19 is used to
operate the air lock latch mechanism 160 illustrated in FIGS. 20
and 21. In addition, because the sliding latch pin members 162 are
positioned outboard from the center of the tailgate assembly 26,
this dual latch mechanism provides for a tighter seal between the
storage compartment 24 and the tailgate assembly 26.
[0079] It is also recognized that control panel 128 and system
controller 124 may likewise control the operation of the pendulum
packing cylinder 60 which controls the operation of the packing
device 58 as well as the hydraulic lift cylinder 91 for controlling
the dumping operation of storage container 24. In addition, other
systems and functions associated with the present refuse collection
vehicle body 20 can likewise be controlled through control panel
128 such as raising and lowering the receiving hopper cover 40,
flood lights associated with the vehicle, the electrical hydraulic
line/hose monitoring system which will be hereinafter further
explained, and other system operations.
[0080] It is also recognized and anticipated that the various
hydraulic cylinders associated with the present refuse collection
vehicle body 20 including hydraulic cylinders 60, 76 and 91 could
be positioned and located differently then as discussed above and
as disclosed in FIGS. 1-16 so long as the packing cylinder 60 is
not located within the receiving hopper 22 and so long as all
hydraulic cylinders are positioned and located in a trough or above
or within a drip pan or other hazmat containment device or system.
In addition, the same is likewise true with the hydraulic fluid
cooler 84 and hydraulic tank 88. In addition, it is further
recognized and anticipated that the operation, of the present, air
lock mechanisms associated with the tailgate system 26 can likewise
be configured differently than disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 22 so long
as a pneumatic system is utilized to control the locking and
unlocking of the latch mechanism.
[0081] Still further, according to yet another aspect of the
present invention, FIG. 23 illustrates a schematic diagram showing
the operation of the present electrical hydraulic hose/line
monitoring system 178 associated with at least certain hydraulic
hoses/lines utilized in the present vehicle 10 for monitoring the
degradation and/or pending failure of such hydraulic lines. More
particularly, the present system 178 utilizes a monitoring system
such as the Eaton LifeSense.RTM. Hydraulic Hose Monitoring System
manufactured by Eaton Hydraulics Group USA of Eden Prairie, Minn.
which can be coupled to the present system controller 124 and to
the present in cab control panel 128 for providing advance
notification to the vehicle operator when a pending failure of a
particular hydraulic line is eminent. More particularly, each of
the hydraulic lines/hoses 180 is specially constructed to include a
built-in electronic sensing feature 182 associated with each
respective hydraulic line 180 for monitoring and detecting
failure-related events within a particular hydraulic line/hose such
as a leak, puncture or rupture of a particular hose at a particular
location, wear and tear in a particular hydraulic line, blockage at
a particular location, and other such failure-related conditions
within a particular hydraulic line. Each of the hose assemblies
180/182 is then connected by an electrical cable 184 to a hose
monitoring unit 186. A wireless connection is also available
between the electronic sensing feature 182 and the hose monitoring
unit 186 when it is not practical to use an electrical cable. The
hose monitoring unit 186 uses feedback from the sensors 182
associated with each hydraulic hose 180 to determine if that
particular hydraulic hose is approaching failure. The hose
monitoring unit 186 is then connected to the system controller 124
via conductive path 188 and the system controller is then connected
to the in cab control panel 128 via conductive path 190. In the
event that the hose monitoring unit 186 detects a problem with a
particular hydraulic hose 180, it will signal the system controller
124 via conductive path 188. In turn, the system controller 124
will turn off the hydraulic fluid pump (not shown) associated with
the present vehicle body 20 and will illuminate a warning light on
the cab control panel 128. The system controller 124 will also
display a message on the screen associated with the cab control
panel 128 communicating to the operator that there is a hose
failure.
[0082] System 178 can be associated with all hydraulic lines/hoses
associated with the present vehicle body 20 but, more practically,
due to costs, it can be associated with only the more critical
hydraulic lines associated with the present vehicle body 20 such as
the hydraulic lines extending between the pendulum packing
hydraulic cylinder 60, the tailgate hydraulic cylinder 76, the
vehicle body lift cylinder 91 and the hydraulic fluid cooler 84,
the hydraulic tank 88 and the associated activation/control units.
The present system 178 may likewise be used on those hydraulic
lines/hoses which are not housed within trough 52, or positioned
over a drip pan or other hazmat containment system. It is also
recognized that although the present electrical hydraulic hose
monitoring system 178 is tied to the present system controller 124
and the in cab control panel 128 associated with the present air
lock systems illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22, it is also recognized
and anticipated that the system controller for operating the system
178 could be a separate system controller tied either to the same
in cab control panel 128 or to a different control panel separate
and apart from control panel 128. It is also recognized and
anticipated that other hose monitoring mechanisms and other system
controllers and in cab control panels can likewise be utilized to
accomplish the task of monitoring and detecting failure-related
events associated with any particular hydraulic line/hose used in
the present refuse collection vehicle body 20.
[0083] Still further, it is also recognized that the overall
dimensions of the various components associated with the present
refuse collection vehicle body as well as the specific shape and
configuration of the various members associated therewith are also
subject to wide variations and may be sized and shaped into a wide
variety of different sizes and configurations so as to be
compatible with the size and shape of the overall refuse collection
vehicle as well as the vehicle chassis structure onto which the
present vehicle body 20 will, be mounted, or to conform with any
other space limitations associated therewith without impairing the
teachings and practice of the present invention. Other variations
and modifications to the various components comprising the present
refuse collection vehicle body 20 are likewise envisioned and
contemplated.
[0084] Thus, there has been shown and described an improved refuse
collection vehicle body. As is evident from the foregoing
description, certain aspects of the present invention are not
limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated
herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications
and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those
skilled in the art. The terms "having" and "including" and similar
terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense
of "optional" or "may include" and not "as required". Many changes,
modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the
present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled
in the art after considering the present specification and the
accompany drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and
other uses and applications, which do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the present invention, are deemed to be covered by the
invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
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