U.S. patent number RE34,292 [Application Number 07/791,078] was granted by the patent office on 1993-06-22 for refuse collection and loading system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sunbelt Automated Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Bingman, Armand G. Mezey.
United States Patent |
RE34,292 |
Bingman , et al. |
June 22, 1993 |
Refuse collection and loading system
Abstract
An automated vehicle-mounted refuse collection system having a
loader with a boom assembly having inner and outer pairs of arms
attached to the vehicle at spaced-apart locations. A lift assembly
is pivotally connected to the upper end of the boom so outward
movements of the boom arm will cause the upper and lower ends of
the lift to reach or extend away from the vehicle toward a refuse
container. Gripping arms are mounted on a carriage reciprocal along
the lift assembly. A hydraulic system maintains the gripping arm
level during extension and retraction of the boom arms.
Inventors: |
Bingman; John (Mesa, AZ),
Mezey; Armand G. (Phoenix, AZ) |
Assignee: |
Sunbelt Automated Systems, Inc.
(Phoenix, AZ)
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Family
ID: |
27046724 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/791,078 |
Filed: |
November 12, 1991 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
480815 |
Feb 16, 1990 |
05049026 |
Sep 17, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/408;
294/86.4; 294/902; 414/409; 414/700; 414/733; 414/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F
3/08 (20130101); B65F 2003/023 (20130101); B65F
2003/0276 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65F
3/02 (20060101); B65F 3/08 (20060101); B65F
003/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;414/406,408,409,540,541,629,631,632,700,733 ;294/86.4,902 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bucci; David A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nelson; Gregory J.
Claims
I claim:
1. An improved loader for a refuse vehicle for lifting a refuse
container from a surface and emptying the contents thereof into a
vehicle refuse compartment having an access area, said improved
loader comprising:
(a) a boom having an upper and lower end, said boom being pivotally
secured at one exterior side of the vehicle;
(b) means for pivotally moving said boom between a first position
generally adjacent said vehicle and a second position with the
upper end of said boom extended from said vehicle;
(c) lift means having an upper and lower end, said lift means being
pivotally connected to said boom at the upper end thereof whereby
the lower end of said lift means moves rectilinearly horizontally
away from said vehicle a rate greater than a rate of movement of
said lift upper end as said boom is pivoted to said second position
and whereby said lower end of said lift means retracts
rectilinearly horizontally toward said vehicle as said boom is
moved from said .[.first.]. .Iadd.second .Iaddend.position to said
.[.second.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.position;
(d) carriage means reciprocal along said lift means between the
lower end and upper end thereof, said carriage means having a dump
position into said access area when said carriage means is at the
upper end of said lift means; and
(e) gripping means carried by said carriage means for selectively
gripping and releasing said refuse container at said second
position.
2. An improved loader for a refuse vehicle for engaging and lifting
a refuse container from an on-site location to a dumping position
into a vehicle refuse compartment and returning the empty container
to the on-site location, said improved loader comprising:
(a) a boom assembly including a first boom member pivotally secured
to said vehicle at a first location and a second boom member
pivotally secured to said vehicle at a second location, said first
and second boom members being generally parallel and being secured
to a cross member at third and fourth pivot locations;
(b) boom actuator means for moving said boom assembly between a
first retracted position with the boom assembly generally adjacent
said vehicle and a second extended position;
(c) a lift assembly having an upper and lower end, said upper end
being secured to said cross member whereby the upper and lower ends
of said lift assembly moves away from said vehicle as said boom is
pivoted outwardly on a reach and said upper and lower ends of said
lift assembly retract toward the vehicle as the boom is retracted
with said lower end extending a rate greater than the upper end of
said lift assembly;
(d) said lift assembly including a rail guide assembly and a drive
chain track containing a drive chain, said rail guide having a
lower section and a curved upper end having its distal end located
adjacent said access area at least when the boom and lift
assemblies are retracted;
(e) carriage means including a carriage support having roller means
engaged in said rail guide assembly and operatively connected to
said drive chain and further including means for operatively
driving said chain bi-directionally in said drive chain track;
(f) container engaging means carried on said carriage and further
including actuator means operatively connected to engage or release
said engaging means; and
(g) leveling actuator means for selectively positioning said
container engaging means, said leveling actuator means and said
extension actuator means being cooperative to maintain said
container engaging means in a predetermined position as said boom
and lift assemblies extend and retract.
3. An improved loader for a refuse vehicle for lifting a refuse
container from a surface and emptying the contents thereof into a
vehicle refuse compartment having an access opening, said improved
loader comprising:
(a) a boom having an upper end including a cross member and a lower
end, said boom being pivotally secured at one exterior side of the
vehicle;
(b) means for pivotally moving said boom between a first position
generally adjacent said vehicle and a second position with the
upper end of said boom extended from said vehicle;
(c) lift means having an upper and lower end, said lift means being
pivotally connected to said boom at the upper end thereof whereby
the lower end of said lift means moves away from said vehicle as
said boom is pivoted to said second position and said lower end of
said lift means retracts toward said vehicle as said boom is moved
from said first position to said second position, said lift means
comprising a guide rail including means defining roller tracks and
means defining a drive chain track, said guide rail being secured
to said cross member and having a lower portion and an arcuate
upper portion having its distal end terminating downwardly in the
direction of said access opening when said boom and lift means are
retracted;
(d) carriage means reciprocal along said lift means between the
lower end and upper end thereof, said carriage means having a dump
position into said access opening when said carriage means is
positioned at the upper end of said lift means; and
(e) gripping means carried by said carriage means for selectively
gripping and releasing said refuse container.
4. The loader of claim 3 including means for maintaining said
gripping means in a predetermined position relative to said surface
as said boom and lift means extend and retract.
5. The loader of claim 3 in which said carriage means includes a
carriage support including roller means for movement along said
roller tracks of said lift means and drive chain means housed in
said drive chain track for movement therein and further including
means for driving said drive chain in said track and means for
operatively controlling the speed, acceleration and deceleration
thereof.
6. The loader of claim 5 further wherein said gripping means
includes a pair of opposed first and second gripping arms
operatively mounted on said carriage means and further including
hydraulic actuator means for opening and closing said first and
second gripping arms with respect to each other in order to
releasably retain and release said refuse container.
7. The loader of claim 6 wherein said gripping arms are pivotally
connected to said carriage means and further including linear
actuator means for angularly adjusting the position of said
gripping arms with respect to said carriage means.
8. The loader of claim 7 wherein said means for extending said boom
comprises at least one extension actuator and wherein said boom
extension actuator and said gripping arm actuator means are
hydraulically interconnected and cooperatively sized to maintain
said gripping arms in a substantially horizontal position as said
boom and lift means extend and retract.
9. The loader of claim 3 including a control circuit having limit
switches operatively engaged by said carriage means at
predetermined locations to control the movement of said carriage
means.
10. The loader of claim 6 further including detachable arms
extending from each of said gripping arms adapted to engage
non-containerized refuse. .Iadd.
11. An improved loader for a refuse vehicle for lifting a refuse
container from a surface and emptying contents thereof into a
vehicle refuse compartment having an access area, said improved
loader comprising:
(a) a boom assembly including:
(i) a boom having first and second ends, said boom being secured
for pivotal movement toward and away from an exterior of the
vehicle;
(ii) a lift arm having an upper and lower end, said lift arm being
connected to said boom;
(iii) power means for pivotally moving said boom assembly from a
first retracted position and to a second extended position with
said boom extended from said vehicle with the upper and lower ends
of the lift arm moving away from said vehicle as said boom assembly
moves to said second position and with the lower end of said lift
arm moving generally rectilinearly horizontally away from said
vehicle at a rate greater than a rate of movement of said lift arm
upper end as said boom assembly moves to said second position and
whereby said lower end of said lift arm retracts generally
rectilinearly horizontally toward said vehicle as said boom
assembly is moved from said second position to said first
position;
(b) carriage means reciprocal along said lift arm between the lower
end and upper end thereof, said carriage means having a dump
position into said access area when said carriage means is at the
upper end of said lift arm; and
(c) gripping means carried by said carriage means for selectively
gripping and releasing said refuse container. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
12. The loader of claim 11 further including leveling means for
maintaining said gripping means in a predetermined position
relative to said surface at least at predetermined locations as
said boom assembly extends and retracts. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. The
loader of claim 11 wherein said power means comprises at least one
hydraulic extension and retraction actuator and wherein said
gripping assembly includes at least one gripping hydraulic actuator
leveling means, said hydraulic extension and retraction actuator
and said gripping hydraulic actuator leveling means being
hydraulically interconnected and cooperatively sized to maintain
said gripping arm assembly in a substantially horizontal position
as said boom assembly extends and retracts. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. The
loader of claim 11 wherein said power means includes at least a
first actuator and said gripping assembly includes at least a
second actuator, said first and second actuators being operatively
interconnected to maintain said gripping assembly in said
substantially horizontal position. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. An improved
loader for mounting on a collection vehicle for lifting a refuse
container from a surface and emptying contents of the container
into a vehicle refuse compartment, said loader comprising:
(a) a boom assembly secured for pivotal movement at one side of the
vehicle, said boom assembly having a lift arm having an upper and
lower end, said lift arm extensible from a first position adjacent
the vehicle to a second position with the lower end of the lift arm
extended from the vehicle;
(b) power means operatively connected to said boom assembly to
cause said lift arm to extend to said second position with both the
upper and lower ends thereof moving away from the vehicle and with
the lower end moving generally rectilinearly horizontally and at a
rate greater than a rate of movement of the upper end of the lift
arm and whereby said lower end of said lift arm retracts generally
rectilinearly horizontally toward said vehicle as said lift arm is
moved from said second position to said first position;
(c) carriage means reciprocal along said lift arm from the lower
end to an elevated dump position in which the container contents
are caused to fall by gravity into the vehicle refuse compartment;
and
(d) gripping means associated with said carriage means for
selectively
gripping and releasing said refuse container. .Iaddend. .Iadd.16. A
method of loading refuse in a container into a vehicle having a
refuse compartment with an access area, said method comprising:
(a) providing a boom assembly associated with said vehicle, said
boom assembly being secured for pivotal movement and having a lift
arm with an upper and lower end;
(b) extending said boom assembly causing said lift arm to move from
said vehicle with the upper and lower ends of the lift arm moving
in an outward direction with the lower end moving at a rate greater
than the upper end from a first retracted position to a second
position with the lower end of the lift arm adjacent the container,
said lower end of said lift arm moving from said first position to
said second position along a generally rectilinearly horizontal
path to a position adjacent the container;
(c) gripping said container;
(d) elevating said container from the lower end of the lift arm to
an elevated and dump position in which the container is positioned
to cause the contents thereof to fall by gravity into the access
area and refuse compartment; and
(e) returning the emptied container to a predetermined position and
releasing same. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an improved refuse
loader and more particularly to a mobile refuse or trash collection
loader for engaging, lifting, tilting and emptying on-site trash
containers into a compartment of a mobile collection vehicle.
Mobile trash or refuse collection systems are widely known and have
been utilized in response to the need for systems for the efficient
collection of large volumes of trash such as residential garbage.
These systems generally utilize on-site trash collection containers
of various sizes usually from approximately 50 to 300 gallons. The
on-site containers are filled by the user and periodically the
contents of the container are transferred to a mobile collection
vehicle and the refuse is taken to a dump, land fill or recycling
center.
In order to provide a mechanism for efficiently emptying the
on-site containers into the collection vehicle, various apparatus
can be found in the prior art. These apparatus generally
incorporate a lifting mechanism which raise the trash container to
an elevated position and thereafter tilt the container to empty the
contents of the container into the collection vehicle.
One particular problem with mobile collection systems of the type
generally described above is the provision of an effective lift and
loading mechanism for engaging, lifting and lowering the trash
container. The on-site trash container may be positioned at various
distances from the collection vehicle and the lift and loading
mechanism accordingly must be capable of accomodating various size
and shape containers positioned at various distances from the
collection vehicle. In response to this need, the following are
representative of prior art systems.
2. Description of Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,707 issued Feb. 2, 1982 to John W. Bingman,
discloses a trash collection apparatus that mounts in a fixed
position on the side of the trash collection vehicle. A frame
member is extendably secured to the vehicle for movement away from
and toward the truck body or bed. A pair of vertically extending
guide rails are secured to the frame. A carriage is mounted for
movement along the guide rails and has a pair of gripping arms
which are pivoted for movement in a horizontal plane to grasp the
trash container. The gripping arms are also pivoted for movement in
vertical planes for movement to a stowed position. Hydraulic
actuators are provided to raise the carriage and tilt the top
section of the rails when the carriage is positioned on the top
sections to empty the contents of the trash container into the
vehicle. The frame is laterally extendable from the truck through
the use of hydraulic components so that the carriage and gripping
arms may be extended to the location of the container laterally
adjacent the truck and withdrawn toward the truck during lifting
operations and for storage.
Another arrangement is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,726
issued Feb. 23, 1988. This patent shows a device for lifting,
tilting and discharging the contents of garbage containers into
collection vehicles. The device has a transverse, mobile slider
with a head which can be retracted within the truck's dimensions or
extended on one side. The head is carried on an arm and is
extendable by means of a hydraulic cylinder to bring the head into
engagement with the container. Thereafter, the cylinder may be
actuated to lift the garbage container and tilt the container to
discharge the contents. The reverse operation returns the empty
container to its initial position while releasing the coupling
head.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,434 shows a driver-operated, vertical mast
arrangement which mechanically engages and elevates containers to
the top of a vehicle body, discharge the material into the vehicle
and returns the container to a location spaced from the vehicle and
then telescopically retracts the container pick-up mechanism.
A particularly effective automated side-loading recycling
collection system is sold under the name "Flexi-Dump" which system
is the subject of co-pending application Ser. No. 07/281,558 in the
name of the present inventor, John W. Bingman. The Flexi-Dump
system has a carriage assembly on vertical tracks on the side of
the collection vehicle. The carriage assembly is movable to between
a vertical upper "dump" position and a vertical down or "home"
position. In the home position, the carriage assembly is positioned
at the side of the collection vehicle and may be laterally or
horizontally extended a pre-determined distance to retainably
receive or engage a refuse container. The extension of the
carriage-mounted gripping arms is accomplished by means of a
scissors assembly. In the home position, the carriage assembly is
positioned at the side of the collection vehicle and may be
laterally or horizontally extended a pre-determined distance to
receivably retain or engage a refuse container. Once engaged, the
refuse container is retracted to the home position and the moved
upwardly along the tracks on the carriage until the contents of the
refuse container are emptied or dumped into one of the compartments
of the vehicle. The empty carriage is then returned to the home
position. The collection vehicle is then ready to proceed to
another location site where the procedure may be repeated.
The systems described above represent improvements in refuse
container lift systems as they allow the container gripping means
to be laterally extended from the collection vehicle. These
systems, particularly the Flexi-Dump system, work well in many
applications. However, some applications, particularly those which
involve larger volume containers, require a system having the
ability to efficiently and quickly extend or reach out and pick up
a refuse container, retract the container toward the side of the
truck and raise the container to a "dump" position and thereafter
lower and return the empty container to the position on the
ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a refuse collection
apparatus which is automated and which involves components which
are simple and require low maintenance minimizing break-down and
delays in the refuse collection routine.
Accordingly, it is a broad object of the present invention to
provide an improved refuse collection system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide improved
side-loading refuse container pick-up and loading system for a
refuse collection truck which may be retrofit on existing
collection vehicles.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a loader
assembly that minimizes the time required to pick up a refuse
container to be emptied, raise the container and dump its contents
into the refuse collection vehicle and thereafter lower the empty
refuse container and reposition it on the ground.
It is another object of this invention to provide a system for
maximizing the dumping efficiency of refuse loader systems.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
refuse container pick-up and loading system for a refuse collection
vehicle in which the pick-up, emptying, re-positioning operations
are substantially automated.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
improved container loader system for a refuse collection vehicle
which will efficiently accomodate large volume containers.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
improved refuse container pick-up and loading system having boom
and lift assemblies extendable and retractable from the vehicle
which lift assembly carries container engaging and lifting
means.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
removable attachment for a container gripping device which is
adapted to pick up loose, uncontained refuse such as tree branches
and discarded Christmas trees.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
refuse container loader system which is extendable and retractable
from a collection vehicle having gripping means which maintain the
container in a level position as retraction and extension
occurs.
Briefly, the present invention relates to an improved loader for
refuse collection vehicles. The loader of the present invention is
mobile and is adapted to be mounted on a refuse vehicle which
proceeds along a route until the vehicle comes to a pick-up station
where a refuse container is located. The collection vehicle
normally stops adjacent and spaced a distance from the refuse
container with the loader generally aligned with the container. The
loader includes a boom assembly having a pair of inner arms
attached to the frame of the collection vehicle at first pivot
locations. A second pair of outer boom arms are pivotally attached
to the vehicle frame or chassis at second locations spaced from the
first pivot locations. A lift assembly is pivotally connected at
the upper end of the boom assembly at pivot points which along with
the lower pivot points establish an unequal parallelogram
relationship, forming a knuckle joint mechanism. The inner boom
arms are operably attached at a hydraulic actuator so that upon
extension of the actuator rod, the boom arms are outwardly pivoted
away from the vehicle. The outward pivotal movement of the boom
arms will cause displacement of the relative location of the pivot
points on the upper end of the inner and outer boom arms causing
the upper and lower ends of the lift assembly to reach or extend
horizontally away from the boom arm pair as the boom arms
pivot.
In the home position, both boom arm pairs and the lift assembly are
disposed in a vertical position adjacent the vehicle.
Pressurization of the extension actuator will cause the boom
assembly to pivot outwardly causing the lower end of the lift arm
to move laterally a predetermined distance to engage a refuse
container at an extended pick-up position. Engagement means which
in the preferred embodiment are in the form of gripping arms, are
positioned at the lower end of the lift arm are selectively
closable by gripping actuators to engage the exterior of the refuse
container. Leveling of the container is accomplished by a pair of
hydraulic actuators which interconnect the engagement means to the
lower end of the lift assembly. A hydraulic circuit controls the
hydraulic actuators to maintain the gripping arms in a generally
horizontal position as the boom and lift assemblies are extended
and retracted.
The leveling actuators and the gripping arms are part of a carriage
which traverses the lift arm on a set of guide wheels within guide
tracks. In the preferred embodiment, a length of drive chain
operates to move the loader assembly along the guide track through
a drive motor and sprocket. As the boom assembly is retracted from
the extended or reach pick-up position, the engaged refuse
container is moved to a position adjacent the vehicle with the boom
retracted and the boom and lift arms generally vertical. The lift
mechanism is operated to move the carriage and engaged container
upwardly along the track to a position where the container is at
least partially inverted causing the contents of the refuse
container to be dumped into the receiving area of the refuse
collection vehicle. After dumping, the carriage, along with the
empty container, returns down the lift to the home position. The
boom is extended returning the empty refuse container to its
original location at which location the gripping members are
released. The boom and lift assemblies are retracted and the truck
is ready to move to the next location adjacent a refuse container
and the collection cycle is repeated. A removable attachment is
cooperable with the gripping arms to pick up loose, uncontained
refuse such as tree limbs or discarded Christmas trees.
Preferably, the cycle of operation is automated with limit switches
controlling the raising and lowering of the loading carriage. The
hydraulic components are sized and interconnected so that the
container gripping arms are maintained at a predetermined position
during extension and retraction of the boom to maintain the
container in a substantially level position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention
will be more fully understood from the following detailed
description of the invention taken along with the claims and
drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse collection vehicle with
the container collection and loading system shown therein;
FIG. 2 is a side view, partly in section, showing the loader
apparatus in the retracted position;
FIG. 3 is a side view, partly in section, showing the loader
apparatus in the extended reach position;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the loading system;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 and 7 are partial sectional views of the lift assembly
showing, respectively, the lift assembly in an elevated and lowered
position;
FIG. 8 is a shcematic diagram of the hydraulic system of the
loading system;
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical system for the
loading system of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a top view of the gripping arms with a removable
attachment for collection of contained refuse;
FIG. 11 is a view along line 11--11 of FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is a front view of the attachment shown in FIGS. 10 and
11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a refuse
truck 11 equipped with the improved loader assembly of the present
invention which is designated by the numeral 10. The refuse truck
is conventional having a mobile frame or chassis 12 which support
upstanding side walls 14, front wall 15 and rear wall 16 which
define a compartment 18 for reception of trash. As is conventional,
refuse and trash is dumped into compartment 18 and is periodically
compressed by a hydraulically actuated pusher plate, not shown. The
refuse truck also includes a cab 20 which houses the operator and
the controls. Details of the vehicle are conventional and
well-known.
In operation, the refuse truck 11 moves along a designated route
until it reaches a pick-up station having one or more trash or
refuse containers 25. The truck stops adjacent the refuse container
25 and by means of the loader assembly 10 engages the container and
lifts the container 25 from the ground position to an elevated
position where it is tilted so the contents are dumped into the
refuse compartment 18. The loader then returns the container to the
ground position. A primary advantage of the loader of the present
invention is that it has a compact boom assembly 32 and a lift
assembly 40, extendable from the side wall of the refuse truck to
reach and return the container.
The loader assembly 10 includes a carriage 35 mounted on
container-grasping mechanism 30 which may be extended and retracted
relative to the vehicle in a horizontal position. Carriage 35
travels along parallel guide rails 38 which form part of the lift
assembly 40 to elevate the container 25 to the dump position and
return the container to a position on the ground after dumping.
FIGS. 2 to 6 illustrate the loader assembly 10 in greater detail.
As shown in these figures, the refuse barrel or container 25 may
have a generally cylindrical body or may have slightly tapered side
walls with a cover or lid 26 hingedly secured to the container
body. While conventional refuse containers are generally configured
as shown, the present invention may be used with containers of
various other sizes and shapes such as rectangular containers
because the loader assembly grasps the exterior of the container
not requiring any special mechanical locks.
The loader assembly 10 is shown mounted at one of the side walls 14
of the refuse vehicle although other mounting locations are
acceptable. The loader assembly 10 has a pair of generally
horizontally extending spaced-apart frame members 50 supported from
vehicle chassis 12 by vertically-extending structural beam members
52. A tie member 54 is connected to intersection of the vertical
and horizontal members 50, 52 and extends beneath the vehicle being
secured to the opposite chassis member 12. The members are suitably
secured as a weldment. A pair of gusset plates 58 are welded at the
intersection of vertical and horizontal members 50 and 52 and each
support a stub shaft 62. A box-like structural member 64 extends
transversely between the spaced apart plates 58 for additional
support.
The boom assembly 32 includes a pair of parallel outer boom arms 60
and 61. Spaced-apart shafts 62 pivotally support outer boom arms 60
and 61 at their lower ends. The boom arms 60 and 61 are similarly
constructed, each shown as an elongate tubular member having a pair
of plates 65 welded on opposite sides at the lower end of the
member which plates have journal members 66 which receive the
opposite ends of stub shafts 62.
Each of the boom arms 60 and 61 has a lower arm section 70 which in
the normal, retracted position as shown in FIG. 2, extends
outwardly from the pivot point at an angle of approximately
45.degree. with respect to the vertical. An upper arm section 72
forms an angle of approximately 135.degree. with respect to the
lower arm section 70 and in the normal, retracted position assumes
a general vertical orientation. As best seen in FIG. 4, a pair of
gusset plates 75 are attached as by welding to the upper end of
each of the arm sections 72. The plates 75 are provided on opposite
sides of each of the arms 60, 61 and receive journal bearing
members 78 which are rotative about shaft 80 at a location rearward
of the upper boom arm section. Transversely extending cross member
85 is shown as a box-like structural member which forms a part of a
knuckle connection at the upper end of the boom members. Box member
85 is rotatively connected to shaft 80 at opposite ends at a
location intermediate plates 75 by rearwardly extending plate
86.
A pair of parallel inner boom arms 90 and 91 are spaced-apart
between the outer boom arms. The lower ends of each of the inner
boom arms 90 and 91 are pivotally attached to the distal end of
support members 50 at pivot shafts 92. Note that the pivot shafts
92 are located outward and vertically spaced below the location of
pivot shafts 62 about which the outer boom arms rotate. A clevis 95
is centrally attached to cross member 98 extending between the
inner boom arms. Hydraulic extension actuator 100 is mounted in a
horizontal position having its head end attached at clevis 102 to
cross members 99 extending between vertical frame members 52. The
rod end 105 of the cylinder is connected to clevis members 95
secured between the inner boom arms. The actuator 100 operates to
extend and retract the boom and lift.
The upper end of each of the inner boom arms carries a shaft 108
extending between plates 110 disposed on the opposite upper sides
of the arms 90, 91. Cross member 85 is rotatively connected to each
of the inner boom arms by a plate 115 which is secured to the cross
member and pivotal about shaft 108. When the extension cylinder 100
is actuated extending rod 105, the inner and outer boom arms assume
the extended or reach position shown in FIG. 3. In this position,
due to the geometric relationship of pivot shafts 62, 92, 80 and
108 which establish an irregular parallelogram, the cross member 85
will rotate to the position shown. As the inner and outer boom arms
are pivoted outwardly to the reach position, pivot shafts 80 and
108 move through different radii and accordingly change relative
position causing the cross member 85 to rotate about its
longitudinal axis. This arrangement is generally designated as a
knuckle connection and is used to outwardly pivot the lift assembly
40 as will be explained hereafter. The precise location of the
pivot points and the configuration of the boom arms may vary due to
physical requirements of the vehicle.
It is noted that both the upper and lower ends of the loader
assembly 10 move outward and inward upon actuation. With the
arrangement shown, the lower carriage-carrying end of the loader
assembly moves at twice the rate of the upper end of the loader
assembly. Also, as will be apparent, the carriage may be
reciprocably operated during movement of the loader assembly.
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 best show the carriage 35 including a moveable
carriage support 132 which along with the grasping mechanism 30 is
reciprocally carried on the lift arm 40 assembly. The lift arm
assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart members 150 and 151 which
are parallel and which are secured at their upper end to the cross
member 85 intermediate the inner boom arms. Each of the members 150
and 151 define a generally rectangular interior channel 152 which
receives a sliding block or roller 155 which is pivotally attached
to carriage support 132 by post 174 so that reciprocal traverse of
the carriage support 132 is guided within the channels.
As best seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the carriage is reciprocated by
means of a length of roller chain 160 moveable within the centrally
positioned track guide 145. Track guide 145 has two generally
square cross-sectional channels 162 and 164 separated by wall 165.
The track channels 162 and 164 are positioned adjacent one another
extending from the lower end of the lift to approximately the
elevation of the cross member. At this point, the channels curve to
the rear and diverge extending around opposite sides of sprocket
170. The upper ends of the channels 162 and 164 curve in generally
semi-circular fashion to bring the carriage 35 to a dump position
when the carriage is at the upper end of the track, as seen in FIG.
6. Similarly, the upper ends of lift arm members 150, 151 are also
curved.
The carriage support 132 and attached container-grasping mechanism
30 which comprise the carriage 35 are moved along channels 162 and
164 by means of chain 160 having rollers 182 that guide the chain
for movement within the track sections 162, 164. The carriage 35 is
attached to one or more selected links of chain by arm 185. Track
162 has an axially extending slot in one side wall to accomodate
attachment of the support arm 185. The drive chain comprises a
section of chain of finite length. FIG. 7 shows the carriage
assembly and chain in the generally raised or dump position. In
this position, a portion of the chain 160 extends around the lower
half of the drive sprocket 170 and is guided into channel 164. In
the lower or home position, the chain 160 and carriage assume the
position as generally shown in FIG. 6 with the end of the chain
still in engagement with the sprocket wheel. The rotational
direction of the sprocket wheel is controlled by drive motor 175
mounted on the upper end of the lift. Limit switches located on the
lift along with operator controls serve to control the direction
and speed of the raise and lower cycles as will be more fully
described hereafter with reference to the electrical and hydraulic
operational systems.
The container gripping mechanism 30 is best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and
5 and is pivotally secured to the carriage 35 at pivot 235 by post
174. Gripping assembly 30 includes a pair of oppositely disposed
gripping arms 190 and 192 each having an inner surface which is
complementarily engageable with the exterior surface of the
container 25. Obviously, the configuration of the gripping arms
will vary with the shape and size of the container used and for
cylindrical containers an arcuate shape is desirable. In the
preferred embodiment for use with generally cylindrical refuse
containers, the arms are curved and a space or opening is provided
between the distal end of the arms. The inner ends of each of the
gripping arms 190 and 192 each terminate at a generally L-shaped
bracket 195 which brackets are bolted or otherwise secured to the
arms having an extension 198 which is pivotally secured at an
intermediate location between a pair of plates 202 and 204
projecting generally horizontally from support 173 carried on post
174. A pivot pin 200 extends through the arm 198 and is oppositely
secured to the plates.
Actuators 210 and 212 control the opening and closing of gripping
arms 190 and 192, respectively. The head ends of the hydraulic
cylinders 210 and 212 are commonly connected to vertical pivot pin
215 secured to support 173. Support 173 is pivotally attached to
the lower end of carriage 130 at horizontal pivot shaft 235 through
post 174.
Rod 240 of gripping arm cylinder 210 is pivotally attached to the
end of arm 198 extending from gripping arm 190. Similarly, the end
of rod 242 of gripping arm cylinder 212 is connected to arm 199
extending from gripping assembly 192 at a pivotal connection 201.
It will be apparent that retraction of hydraulic cylinder rods 240,
242, will cause the gripping arms 190, 191 to open to the position
shown in dotted in FIG. 5 to accept the container. Actuation of the
cylinders to extend the respective rods 240 and 242 will cause the
gripping arms 190, 192 to close engaging the exterior of the
container. The full open position also allows the gripping arms to
assume a compact position close to the vehicle to avoid
interference with adjacent objects when moving between pick-up
location along a route.
Leveling cylinders 250 and 252 operate to maintain the gripping
arms in a generally level or horizontal position as the lift
assembly 40 extends on a reach and as the lift assembly retracts.
Leveling cylinder 250 has its head end pivotally connected to the
carriage at connection 254. The rod end of cylinder 250 is attached
at clevis 256 to the gripping arm assembly. Similarly, leveling
cylinder 252 has its head end connected to the carriage at pivotal
connection 258 with the opposite rod end being attached to the
gripping arm assembly at clevis connection 260. It will be apparent
that retraction and extension of leveling cylinders 250 and 252
will vary the angular position of the gripping mechanism 30 with
respect to the carriage support 132. For example, with the loader
assembly in the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 2, the
gripping mechanism is positioned generally at right angle with
respect to the carriage. As the boom assembly is extended outwardly
to position the gripping mechanism 30 adjacent the container 25,
the angle between the gripping assembly and the carriage changes to
maintain the gripping mechanism in a generally horizontal position
throughout its movement.
The operation of the loader assembly is controlled by a hydraulic
system which includes appropriate manual controls in the vehicle
cab such as an open/close gripping mechanism control unit having a
control stick; an extend/retract boom control unit having a control
stick; and an on/off motor control unit having a control lever, not
shown. These control members operate the hydraulic system
components shown in detail in FIG. 8. The output of the open/close
gripping mechanism control unit is taken from a push-pull cable to
operate the spool of hydraulic valve assembly 472. A cable connects
the extend-retract control unit to the spool of hydraulic control
valve 420 and another cable connects the on/off motor control unit
to the spool of hydraulic valve 422. The hydraulic circuit is best
seen in FIG. 8 and when taken in conjunction with electrical
diagram FIG. 9 will contribute to an overall understanding of the
operation of the present invention.
The hydraulic circuit includes a source of hydraulic fluid pressure
including a variable volume pump 400 connected to a reservoir 402.
The output volume of pump 400 is controlled by on/off mechanism 404
which in the off-position allows hydraulic fluid to re-circulate to
the reservoir and in the on-position directs pressurized fluid
through line 406 to the input of priority speed control valve 408.
Valve 408 has a pair of output ports, CF (control flow) and EF
(excess flow), and serves as a flow divider responsive to control
member 410 which, referring to FIG. 9, is responsive to upper limit
switch L1 on the boom assembly. The upward movement of the carriage
assembly 130 along the lift arm assembly to a predetermined
position in the upward direction will initially engage limit switch
L1 actuating control member 410 to increase the excess flow through
the valve reducing the control flow which has the result of
reducing the speed of drive motor 175. It will be noted that the CF
port of the valve 408 is connected to control valve 420 by
hydraulic line 418. Control valve 420 has a pair of pressure ports
422 and 424 connected by lines 430 and 432, respectively, to the
opposite sides of drive motor 175. Valve 420 is a directional
control valve manually operated by a control stick or operated by
electrical operator 440 responsive to upper and lower limit
switches L1 and L2. For example, when carriage 130 reaches the
upper limit of travel, the upper limit switch L1 is engaged causing
the electrical operator 440 to shift to direct hydraulic fluid
through the port 420 of valve 420 reversing the operation of the
motor. In the other direction of operation, when the carriage
reaches the lower end of its travel, lower limit switch L2 is
actuated causing the electrical valve operator 440 to shift in the
opposite direction directing pressure fluid through port 424.
Fluid flow from reversing valve 420 is directed to either ports V1
or V2 of hydraulic balancing valve 450 and then through either port
C1 or C2 of valve 450 to the motor. The C1 output port of valve 450
is connected to the drive motor 175 via line 430 and the C2 port is
connected to the drive motor 175 via line 432. Valve 450 is a
balancing valve such as the model IEE13 manufactured by Fluid
Control and serves to prevent the hydraulic motor 175 from
overrunning and cavitating.
Hydraulic fluid exits control valve 420 via hydraulic line 425 and
re-joins the fluid discharged from port EF of valve 408 at tee 445
so that full volume hydraulic flow enters priority valve 455 which
is manually pre-set depending on the characteristics of the system.
The controlled flow output CF of valve 455 is directed to hydraulic
control valve 470. The excess flow port EF is connected to valve
472.
Valve 470 is a directional control valve having ports A and B with
the spools being under operator control. Valve 472 has ports C and
D. The A port of valve 470 is connected via hydraulic line 473 to
the head end of extension cylinder 100. The B port of valve 470 is
connected via line 480 to the rod ends of leveling cylinders 250
and 252 across anti-cavitation valve 490. Valve 490 will bypass
fluid across check valve 492 to allow free fluid flow to the rod
end of leveling cylinders 250 and 252. When the cylinder rods are
extending to maintain the gripping arms 191, 192 in a generally
horizontal position, the weight of the load on the gripping arms
will tend to rapidly extend the cylinders faster than the rate of
fluid flow. In this mode of operation, fluid flow will return to
port B of valve 470 across valve 490. The check valve will not
permit bypass flow and the valve 470 maintains a pre-set pressure
differential so as not to create a void in the head end of
cylinders 250 and 252.
The head end of cylinders 250 and 252 are connected via hydraulic
line 500 to port 501 at the rod end of extension cylinder 100.
Check valve 502 in line 504 will allow make-up fluid to flow from
reservoir 402 to the extension and leveling cylinders if necessary
and the check valve will prevent return flow via line 504.
The operation of extension cylinders 100 and leveling cylinders 250
and 252 are functionally coordinated. Upon operation of valve 470
to cause pressurized fluid to be directed via line 472 to the head
end of cylinder 100, the boom arms will extend due to extension of
rod 105 causing the lift arm to extend on a reach. As this occurs,
fluid discharged from the head end of extension cylinder 100 is
directed via line 500 to the rod ends of leveling cylinders 250 and
252 causing them to extend at a controlled rate maintaining the
gripping arms 191, 192 in a horizontal position. This occurs
because the volume of the rod end of extension cylinder 100 is
equal to the combined volume of the rod end chambers of the
leveling cylinders. Thus, the leveling cylinders extend at a
controlled rate to maintain the gripping assembly in a level
condition.
When the loader assembly is retracted, that is the lift arm is
moved towards the collection vehicle, the spool of valve 470 is
shifted to direct pressurized fluid through output port B across
valve 490 to the rod end of cylinders 250 and 252 causing these
cylinders to retract. Fluid will flow through the bypass portion of
valve 490. The retraction of cylinders 250 and 252 will displace
fluid from the head end of the cylinders causing the fluid to
return via line 500 to the rod end of extension cylinder 100
causing it to retract. Check valve 502 will prevent return of fluid
to the reservoir. Fluid displaced from the head end of extension
cylinder 100 will return to the A port of valve 470. Again, the
displacement of the leveling cylinders and the extension cylinder
are selected so that movement of the boom and leveling are
coordinated to maintain the gripping assembly in a generally
horizontal position for all boom positions.
Valve 472 is a directional control valve which serves to operate
the pair of hydraulic cylinders 210 and 212 which, as has been
described above, controls the gripping arms 190, 192 of the
gripping assembly. Port C of valve 472 is connected via hydraulic
line 525 to the head ends of cylinders 210 and 212 across tee 540
which divides the flow and directs flow through lines 546 and 548.
Needle valve 542 is interposed in the hydraulic line 546 connected
to the head end of the cylinder 212 and similarly needle valve 544
is connected in the hydraulic line 548 communicating with the head
end of cylinder 210. The needle valves may be manually adjusted to
control the speed of operation of the cylinders. Return flow from
valve 472 to reservoir 402 is via line 560.
FIGS. 10 to 12 show another embodiment of the present invention in
the form of a detachable attachment which can be secured to the
gripping arms 190, 192 to engage certain types of trash, generally
yard debris, limbs and discarded Christmas trees. These types of
trash items are difficult to collect and often are not placed in
containers but are simply placed curb-side when discarded. Tree
limbs are often stacked in this manner. Yard debris is sometimes
places in plastic trash bags. Christmas trees after the Christmas
season are also often placed along side containers and these items
must be manually collected which requires considerable time. With
the attachment shown in the above-referenced figures, which is
generally identified by the numeral 600, such loose,
non-containerized items may be collected using the mechanism of the
present invention. A particular advantage is that this attachment
is removably secured to the gripping arms and the gripping arms
themselves may be used in normal fashion to engage containers and
the attachment 600 is available to pick up loose trash.
The attachment includes a pair of members 605 and 605A. Member 605
is secured to the distal end of gripping arm 190 and member 605A is
secured to the distal end of gripping arm 192. Member 605 includes
a bracket 615 which is detachably secured to the associated
gripping arm via a fastener 618 extending through the gripping arm.
The bracket 615 supports a vertically extending channel 620 which
terminates a distance above the ground surface. A forwardly
extending tube 625 is welded or otherwise secured to the lower end
of the angle. Similarly, the opposed bracket 605A carries a
vertically depending angle 620A which carries a forwardly extending
support member 625A at its lower end.
A horizontally extending arm 630 is secured to the underside of
support 625 at its forward end positioned so that it defines a
clearance space with the lower horizontal edge of associated member
625A. An angularly depending leg 640 extends from the forward end
of member 625. A second angularly extending leg 642 is secured as
by welding to the underside of support 625 at the rear end thereof.
As best seen in FIG. 11, the lower distal portion of leg 642 is
bent rearwardly.
Support 625A carries a horizontally extending arm 630A positioned
adjacent the rear end of the support spaced inwardly a sufficient
distance to provide clearance with leg 642A. Angularly depending
legs 640A and 642A extend downwardly so that the opposite pairs of
legs in the closed position intersect as shown in FIG. 12. Leg 640A
has its lower end bent rearwardly to provide clearance.
When the gripping arms 190, 192 are open, legs 640, 642 and 640A,
642A will move apart a sufficient distance so that a space exists
between their lower ends. These legs may then be oppositely
positioned about loose debris such as a Christmas tree. When the
gripping arms are actuated to a closed position, the legs move
towards the position shown in FIG. 12 and the debris will be
pinched and retained between the legs and the horizontal arm 630,
630A. The tree or other debris can then be deposited in the vehicle
as described above. When the gripping arms are elevated to the dump
position, they are opened which will release the tree or other
debris into the vehicle.
It will be obvious that the pick up attachment is detachable and
may be easily removed. As pointed out above, the attachment does
not otherwise interfere with the normal operation of the gripping
arms which may be used to pick up containers in the manner
described above with the attachment in place.
The loader assembly of the present invention provides significant
advantages over the prior art. The loader may be provided as an OEM
item or may be easily retrofit to existing vehicles and adapted to
a wide range of container types and sizes. The automatic leveling
of the container-engaging means prevents spills and reduces
operator involvement.
The loader is extremely compact and efficient. Raising and lowering
of the carriage may be initiated as the boom and lift extend and
retract, respectively, to reduce
Another advantage is that the upper end of lift assembly 40 is
adjacent the access opening to the vehicle compartment even when
the lift is not fully retracted. Thus, the operator can by skillful
manipulation of the position of the lift assembly 40 in relation to
the dumping of the container, transversely disperse the refuse in
the vehicle refuse compartment.
It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to make various
changes, alterations and modifications to the refuse collection and
loading system described herein. To the extent such changes,
alterations and modifications do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed
herein.
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