AU2016101029A4

AU2016101029A4 - Truck unloader

Info

Publication number: AU2016101029A4
Application number: AU2016101029A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Graeme Cooney
Original assignee: Tba Ind Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Tba Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-17
Filing date: 2016-07-07
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-07
Also published as: AU2016101029B4

Abstract

A truck unloader comprising: a chassis having at least one ground engageable wheel assembly that enables manoeuvrability and relocation of the truck unloader; a conveyor extending along at least a portion of the chassis; at least two vehicle bays at a loading end of the conveyor; and an outlet at an unloading end of the conveyor. '1) C)) C -Y) 4: m

Description

TRUCK UNLOADER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to a truck unloader. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a dual bay truck unloader with integrated vehicle ramps.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] In many material processing industries, notably mining, it is necessary to convey materials. These materials are often conveyed by different types of equipment. For example, in mining, ore may be collected by a bucket, transferred to a truck, carried to another location, transferred to a belt conveyor, and then loaded onto a transport vessel, or the like.

[0004] While fixed infrastructure can efficiently handle the transfer and conveyance of materials in many cases, they are inherently less flexible. In some cases it is therefore desirable to have a temporary conveyor, or for a conveyor to be able to be relocated. In such circumstances a manoeuvrable truck unloader may be used to receive materials from loaded trucks and to convey those materials as desired.

[0005] Truck unloaders typically have a truck or vehicle bay that includes a raised platform with a chute to direct unloaded materials onto a conveyor belt that runs below the raised platform. The unloaded materials are then conveyed away from the vehicle and unloaded where desired, e.g. to a ship loading conveyor. To enable trucks to get onto the raised platform ramps, often earthen ramps or separate steel ramps, are normally located on either side of the truck unloader.

[0006] While truck unloaders provide flexibility, they are inherently less efficient. There is notable downtime while a truck drives on to and from the truck unloader platform. Furthermore, additional infrastructure typically needs to be prepared for the truck unloader such as, for example, earthen or separate ramps that enable the truck to reach the raised platform of the truck unloader, which requires further planning, creates inflexibility, increases costs, and generally reduces efficiency.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an aim of this invention to provide a truck unloader which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0008] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, there is provided a truck unloader comprising: a chassis having at least one ground engageable wheel assembly that enables manoeuvrability and relocation of the truck unloader; a conveyor extending along at least a portion of the chassis; at least two vehicle bays at a loading end of the conveyor; and an outlet at an unloading end of the conveyor.

[0010] Preferably the vehicle bays are adjacent to each other. Preferably the vehicle bays enable one vehicle to unload while another vehicle drives on to or off from the vehicle bay. Preferably the vehicle bays allow two vehicles to unload simultaneously. Preferably the vehicle bays are substantially linear and have a vehicle drive axis that is substantially perpendicular to the conveyor. Preferably the vehicle drive axis of the vehicle bays is parallel. Preferably the vehicle bays comprise a bridge portion. Preferably the bridge portion is located above the conveyor. Preferably the bridge portion comprises a grating that enables material to pass therethrough.

[0011 ] Preferably the truck unloader further comprises at least one ramp per vehicle bay. Preferably the truck unloader further comprises two ramps per vehicle bay. Preferably the ramps extend transversely, even more preferably substantially perpendicularly, to the conveyor. Preferably a first ramp is located on a first side of the conveyor and a second ramp is located on a second side of the conveyor. Preferably the bridge portion of each vehicle bay is located between a pair of ramps. Preferably the ramps and bridge portion collectively form a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0012] Preferably the ramps are hingedly connected to the chassis. Preferably the ramps are foldable from a generally horizontal unloading position that enables a vehicle to drive onto the truck unloader to a generally vertical transport position. Preferably the ramps are configured to bi-fold between at least the unloading position and the transport position. Preferably the ramps bifold approximately in half. Preferably the ramps are moved between the unloading and transport positions by an actuator. Preferably the actuator comprises a linear actuator, preferably a hydraulic cylinder. The actuator may also, or instead, comprise an electric motor.

[0013] Preferably the conveyor has a substantially horizontal portion and an inclined portion. Preferably at least a portion of the substantially horizontal portion is located underneath the vehicle bays. Preferably the inclined portion extends upwards at an obtuse angle relative to the substantially horizontal portion. Preferably the outlet is located at a raised end of the inclined portion of the conveyor.

[0014] Preferably the truck unloader further comprises a guide configured to direct materials towards the conveyor. Preferably the guide is movable between a first and second position. Preferably the guide is substantially planar. Preferably in the first position the guide is adjacent the ramps. Preferably in the first position the guide is substantially parallel or in-line with the ramps. In the first position the guide may even form part of the ramps. Preferably in the second position the guide is angled relative to the ramps. Preferably in the second position the guide extends generally vertically.

[0015] Preferably the guide is configured such that in the first position it does not obstruct the ramps or vehicle bay. Preferably the guide is configured such that in the second position second position it directs material onto the conveyor. Preferably the guide is moved between the first and second positions by an actuator. Preferably the actuator comprises a linear actuator, preferably a hydraulic cylinder. The actuator may also, or instead, comprise an electric motor.

[0016] In another form, the invention resides in a method of unloading and conveying materials from a plurality of vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: manoeuvring and configuring a truck unloader on a site, using a ground engageable wheel assembly of the truck unloader, such that a plurality of vehicle bays of the truck unloader are accessible and an outlet of the truck unloader is positioned to expel materials from a conveyor of the truck unloader to a desired outlet location; driving a first vehicle loaded with materials into a first vehicle bay of the truck unloader; unloading materials from the first vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader; driving a second vehicle loaded with materials into a second vehicle bay of the truck unloader; unloading materials from the second vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader; and conveying materials from the first vehicle bay and second vehicle bay to the outlet; wherein the steps of driving a second vehicle loaded with materials into a second vehicle bay of the truck unloader and/or unloading materials from the second vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader occur simultaneously to the steps of driving a first vehicle loaded with materials into a first vehicle bay of the truck unloader and/or unloading materials from the first vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader.

[0017] Preferably the step of manoeuvring and configuring a truck unloader on a site comprises towing the truck unloader on a wheel assembly of the truck unloader. Preferably the step of manoeuvring and configuring a truck unloader on a site comprises lowering ramps of the truck unloader. Preferably the ramps are moved from a storage position to an unloading position.

[0018] Preferably before unloading materials from the vehicles the method further comprises the step of raising a guide of the respective vehicle bay. Preferably after unloading materials from the vehicles the method further comprises the step of lowering the guide of the respective vehicle bay.

[0019] Preferably material is conveyed along a belt conveyor from the vehicle bays to the outlet. Preferably material is continuously conveyed from the vehicle bays to the outlet. Preferably the outlet is at an elevated position.

[0020] Preferably the truck unloader is a truck unloader as described herein.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: [0023] Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of a truck unloader; [0024] Figure 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the truck unloader of figure 1; [0025] Figure 3 illustrates an end view of the truck unloader of figure 1; and [0026] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of unloading a plurality of vehicles using a truck unloader such as that illustrated in figures 1 to 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a truck unloader 10 having a chassis 100, a conveyor in the form of a conveyor belt 120 having an inlet end 122 and an outlet end 124, and two vehicle bays 150. Although only two vehicle bays 150 are illustrated, and preferred, it will be appreciated that further vehicles bays could be added if needed. Furthermore, although the conveyor is illustrated in the form of a conveyor belt 120, it will be appreciated that other forms of conveyors, such as an auger or the like, may be utilised as well as or instead of a belt conveyor.

[0028] The chassis 100 has a ground engageable wheel assembly 102 positioned and configured to allow the truck unloader 10 to be manoeuvred and relocated as desired. The wheel assembly 102 may be permanently or optionally engaged with the ground. The chassis 100 also includes the necessary framework 104 to support the conveyor belt 120 and vehicle bays 150.

[0029] Each vehicle bay 150 has a bridge portion 152. The bridge portion 152 is located above the conveyor belt 120. The bridge portion 152 is also located between two ramps 160. The bridge portion 152 comprises a grating which enables materials to pass through the bridge portion 152 onto the conveyor belt 120.

[0030] The two ramps 160 of each vehicle bay 150 are aligned such that a vehicle can drive onto and off the vehicle bay 150 by travelling in a single direction along a vehicle drive axis 162 which is substantially perpendicular to the conveyor axis 126. The vehicle bays 150 are located adjacent each with parallel vehicle drive axes 162 such that use of one vehicle bay 150 does not prevent access or use of the other vehicle bay 150.

[0031 ] The ramps 160 are illustrated in an unloading position whereby they are generally horizontal. The illustrated ramps 160 are bi-fold ramps which are hinged to the chassis 100 and can fold thereto, and are also hinged approximately half way along their length 164 so they can fold approximately in half. As illustrated most clearly in figure 3 the ramps 160 are inclined and provide a transition between a ground level and the height of the vehicle bay 150. When in the transport position (not shown) the ramps fold and extend generally vertically which reduces the overall width of the truck unloader for relocation and/or storage.

[0032] Each vehicle bay 150 has guides 154 located on either side of the bridge portion 152 adjacent the ramps 160. The guides 154 are in the form of planar plates which can move from a first position adjacent the ramps 160 (as illustrated) to a second position which is angled relative to the ramps 160 (not illustrated). The guides 154 pivot along a substantially horizontal axis adjacent the bridge portion 152 of the vehicle bays 150 at a generally upward angle to the conveyor belt 120 to direct any material that hits the guide towards the conveyor belt 120.

[0033] The conveyor belt 120 extends centrally and longitudinally along the truck unloader 10. It has a substantially horizontal portion around the inlet end 122 and an inclined portion around the outlet end 124 such that the outlet 128 is higher than the inlet end 122. The angle of inclination of the inclined portion of the conveyor belt 120 is adjustable which, in turn, allows the height of the outlet 128 to be varied.

[0034] The truck unloader 10 has powered actuators, which are preferably hydraulic cylinders, which can be used to configure and deploy the truck unloader 10 at a site. The ramps 160 are connected to hydraulic cylinders which can be actuated to lower, raise, and fold the ramps 160. The guides 154 are also connected to hydraulic cylinders which can be actuated to raise and lower the guides 158 when desired.

[0035] In use the truck unloader 10 is used to unload and convey materials from a plurality of vehicles (not shown). With reference to figure 4, the truck unloader 10 is first manoeuvred to a site (step 400) where it is to be used. The truck unloader 10 can be towed on its wheel assembly 120 by a tow vehicle. The truck unloader 10 is then configured on the site (step 410) such that the vehicle bays 150 are accessible and the outlet 128 is positioned to expel materials from the conveyor 120 where desired. The ramps 160 are lowered and unfolded from the transport position to the loading position (as illustrated in figures 1 to 3).

[0036] A first vehicle is driven into a first vehicle bay (150) when desired (step 420a) by driving up a ramp 160, over a guide 154, and over at least a portion of the bridge 152 such that an unloading region of the vehicle is positioned above the conveyor belt 120. The guide 154 behind the vehicle is raised and the vehicle unloads materials onto the conveyor belt 120 of the truck unloader 10 (step 422a). The majority of the materials will pass through the bridge 152 onto the conveyor belt 120. Any materials with a trajectory that extends over the bridge 152 will be deflected by the guide 154 back towards the bridge 154 and into the conveyor belt 120.

[0037] A second vehicle is driven onto a second vehicle bay (150) when desired (step 420b) by driving up a ramp 160, over a guide 154, and over at least a portion of the bridge 152 such that an unloading region of the vehicle is positioned above the conveyor belt 120. The guide 154 behind the vehicle is raised and the vehicle unloads materials onto the conveyor 120 of the truck unloader 10 (step 422b). The majority of the materials will pass through the bridge 152 onto the conveyor belt 120. Any materials with a trajectory that extends over the bridge 152 will be deflected by the guide 154 back towards the bridge 154 and into the conveyor belt 120.

[0038] Materials unloaded from the vehicles at the first and/or second vehicle bays are then conveyed along the conveyor 120 to the outlet 128 (step 430) where the materials are expelled to the desired location (e.g. a material collection site, a further conveyor, a larger transport vehicle or vessel, or the like).

[0039] Notably, by having a plurality of vehicle bays 150 the steps of driving the vehicles into the vehicle bays (420a, 420b) and the steps of unloading materials from the vehicles onto the conveyor from the vehicle bays (422a, 422b) can be performed independently of each other and, more importantly, simultaneously. Preferably the timing of the vehicles entering and leaving each vehicle bay 150 is staggered to enable the conveyor belt 120 to continuously receive materials from at least one of the vehicles bays 150 and convey them to the outlet 128 without downtime as a vehicle enters or leaves its vehicle bay 150.

[0040] If desired, the truck unloader 10 can be used to unload four vehicles simultaneously, by positioning a vehicle on each side of each vehicle bay 150. Each vehicle may reverse up to their respective ramp 160 or, alternatively, a first vehicle may drive over the ramps 160 in the normal manner and then a second vehicle can reverse behind it, such that the vehicles are facing away from each other, and both vehicles can unload into the single vehicle bay 150. With two vehicle bays 150 in the illustrated embodiment this allows a total four vehicles to unload simultaneously if desired to boost throughput.

[0041 ] When all materials desired to be conveyed by the truck unloader 10 have been unloaded onto, and conveyed from, the truck unloader 10, the ramps 160 can be folded and raised to the generally vertical transport position to reduce the footprint of the truck unloader 10 for transport and relocation.

[0042] Advantageously, the truck unloader 10, and method of use thereof, provides a relocatable truck unloading and conveyor system that requires minimal additional infrastructure and allows a plurality of vehicles to drive onto, unload to, and/or drive off of the truck unloader 10 simultaneously. This enables continuous conveying with no, or minimal, downtime as vehicles drive onto or off of the truck unloader 10. Conveying efficiency is therefore greatly improved reducing delays and associated operational costs.

[0043] The integrated ramps 160 also allow the truck unloader 10 to be ready for use by simply lowering the ramps 160 at the desired site with no requirement for earthen ramps or separate ramps to be delivered. Because the ramps 160 are bi-foldable they are capable of collapsing in to a compact transport configuration for storage and/or relocation when needed.

[0044] A primary application for the truck unloader 10 and method of use is in relation to mining, shipping, and construction applications. References to ‘materials’ typically generally refers to mining materials such ores (e.g. iron, coal, coke, etc.). However, where context permits, no limitation is made thereby and the truck unloader 10 and method of use could be used for any suitable materials capable of being unloaded thereto and conveyed by the truck unloader 10.

[0045] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0046] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0047] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A truck unloader comprising: a chassis having at least one ground engageable wheel assembly that enables manoeuvrability and relocation of the truck unloader; a conveyor extending along at least a portion of the chassis; at least two vehicle bays at a loading end of the conveyor; and an outlet at an unloading end of the conveyor.
2. The truck unloader of claim 1, wherein the vehicle bays comprise a bridge portion located above the conveyor, wherein the bridge portion comprises a grating that enables material to pass therethrough.
3. The truck unloader of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one ramp per vehicle bay that is hingedly connected to the chassis.
4. The truck unloader of claim 3, wherein the ramps extend substantially perpendicularly to the conveyor and are bi-foldable from a generally horizontal unloading position that enables a vehicle to drive onto the truck unloader to a generally vertical transport position.
5. A method of unloading and conveying materials from a plurality of vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: manoeuvring and configuring a truck unloader on a site, including towing the truck unloader on a wheel assembly of the truck unloader and lowering ramps of the truck unloader, such that a plurality of vehicle bays of the truck unloader are accessible and an outlet of the truck unloader is positioned to expel materials from a conveyor of the truck unloader to a desired outlet location; driving a first vehicle loaded with materials into a first vehicle bay of the truck unloader; unloading materials from the first vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader; driving a second vehicle loaded with materials into a second vehicle bay of the truck unloader; unloading materials from the second vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader; and conveying materials from the first vehicle bay and second vehicle bay to the outlet; wherein the steps of driving a second vehicle loaded with materials into a second vehicle bay of the truck unloader and/or unloading materials from the second vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader occur simultaneously to the steps of driving a first vehicle loaded with materials into a first vehicle bay of the truck unloader and/or unloading materials from the first vehicle onto the conveyor of the truck unloader