CA2107549A1 - Self-tipping vehicle dumper - Google Patents

Self-tipping vehicle dumper

Info

Publication number
CA2107549A1
CA2107549A1 CA002107549A CA2107549A CA2107549A1 CA 2107549 A1 CA2107549 A1 CA 2107549A1 CA 002107549 A CA002107549 A CA 002107549A CA 2107549 A CA2107549 A CA 2107549A CA 2107549 A1 CA2107549 A1 CA 2107549A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
platform
tipping
vehicle
curved
balance point
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002107549A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert M. Newnham
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002107549A priority Critical patent/CA2107549A1/en
Publication of CA2107549A1 publication Critical patent/CA2107549A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65GTRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G67/00Loading or unloading vehicles
    • B65G67/02Loading or unloading land vehicles
    • B65G67/24Unloading land vehicles
    • B65G67/32Unloading land vehicles using fixed tipping installations
    • B65G67/48Vehicle tipplers
    • B65G67/50Rotary vehicle tipplers, i.e. rotating through 360 degrees

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Methods And Devices For Loading And Unloading (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A vehicle dumping apparatus suitable for dumping material from a tractor-trailer combination, utilizing a tipping platform that is supported near its balance point. The apparatus includes a curved supporting structure for the vehicle platform configured to provide shifting of the pivot point upon tipping. The combination of the shifting of the pivot point upon tipping, and the shifting ofthe center of gravity or balance point as the result of dumping the vehicle loadallows the apparatus to be self-tipping. A low power motor or hydraulic cylindercan be utilized to control the tipping rate.

Description

2 1 ~ 7 ~ ~ ~

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Sel~- ripping Vehicle I)umper S FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a ~ehicle dumping apparatus, and particularly to an improved vehicle dumping apparatus suitable for dumping material from a tractor-trailer combination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pulp mills in Canada currently receive approxinlately 50~, of their wood fiber supply in the form of chips produced as a byproduct of thc lulllber alld allied products industry. Iu solile regiolls of the coulltly, this plOpOltiOil is expected to rise as the forest indust~y converts its ha~esting methods to include chipping in the forest and transpolting of the chips to the mill by road.
Various types of chip dumyers are employed at pulp mills which gener~lly consist of a horizontal platform onto which the tractor-trailer is driven and then secured. The platform pivots about one end and is raised by hydraulically operated cylinders and pistons. ~xamples of prior systems are shown in U.S.
Patent No. 3,301,415 to Kmlzler, et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,118,550 to Hanse.1, U.S. Patent No. 2,761,550 to Fulper, and Canadian Patent No. 919,117 to Wetzel.
A loaded wood-chip tractor-trailer, such as the B-Train C',hip Van, can exceed 60 tonnes and 20 metres in length, and needs to be raised to an angle in excess of 60 degrees to the horizontal for satisfac~o7y discharge of the load. Such dun~pers require large capacity hydraulic pumps and cylinders for tipping and are subjectto high stresses.

.~

--` 21~75~

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle dumping apparatus tha~ requires little or no energy to tip the platform, for dumping, and return it to the horizontal position.
It has been found that vehicle self-tipping~ or tipping with little energy, can be achieved by a vehicle platform supporting structure configuration that provides for shifting of the pi~ot point and the center of gravity or balance point as the result of tipping and unloading.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a vehicle dumping apparatus comprising: an elongated tipping platform having an upper vehicle supporting surface, and a lower surface, the platform having a front endand rear end, in which the rear end corresponds with the rear dumping end of the vehicle; platform supporting means comprising a base member having a curved platform engaging surface portion for supporting the platform at a pivot point near the balance point of the platform carlying a vehicle~ for pivoting about an axis substantially parallel with the whee] axles of the vehicle; the lower surface of the platform having a base member engaging surface portion for rocking over the culved platform engaging surface portion; the platform with vehicle being positioned relative to the base member such that the pivot point is disposed ahead of the balance point, and remains ahead of the balance point as the balance point shifts upon tipping, to facilitate tipping, and whereby upon dumping the load from the vehicle the balance point shif~s ahead of the pivot point, to facilitate return to the horizontal position.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform supporting means further includes a curved restraining member and the platform includes a cooperating bearing surface for slidably engaging the curved restraining member,and wherein the curvature of the support member corresponds with the path of 2~7~f~
the bearing surface of the platform upon tipping such that the support nmember confines the motion of the platform relative to the base msmber to a rocking motion.

S BRIEF DESCRIPIION OF THE l)RAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the invention with the vehicle in the horizontal position in preparation for tipping and dumping.
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in the fully tipped position for dumping.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing portions of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of another embodirnent of the invention.

DESCRIPIION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the vehicle dumping apparatus of the present invention shown supporting a vehicle 1 in position for dumping into a hopper 2.
The vehicle dumping apparatus comprises an elongated tipping platform 3 having an upper vehicle supporting surface 4, and a lower surface 5. The platform 3 is supported by a base member 6 having a curved portion 7 for engaging the lower surface 5 of the platform 3 near its balance point at pivot point 9a, ~r pivoting about an axis substantiall~f parallel with the wheel axles of the vehicle 1.
2~ The lower surface 3 of the platform has a base engaging surface 8 for rocking over the curved portion 7 of the base member 6.
The curved platform engaging portion 7 of the base member defines a shape that includes an upper portion 7a with a substantially horizontal surface -`~ 2~774~
and a lower portion 7b that has a surface at an angle substantially equal tG thedesired tipping angle.
The platform 3 with vehicle 1 is positioned relative to the base member 6 such that the pivot point, initially at position 9a, is disposed ahead of the balance point, initially at position 10a. Tipping of the platform 3 over the cuJved surface 7 shifts the balance point from the initial position 10a to position 10b, when tipped, as shown in Fig. 2. The pivot point, the point of contact of the base engaging surface 8 of platform 3 with the curved portion 7 of the base member 6, also shifts, upon tipping, from position 9a to position 9b. The geometry and positioning of components are configured to provide that the pivot point shifts to remain ahead of the balance point as the balance point shifts upon tipping, to facilitate self-tipping.
When the load has been dumped, the balance point shifts to position 10c ahead of the pivot point 9b, to facilitate return to the horizontal pOsitioll.
It should be noted that the present im,elltion takes advantage of the shifting of both the pivot point and balance point llpon tipping of the platforr.
and unloading of the vehicle, to provide self-tipping. The balance point shifts upon tipping because the center of gravity of the platform wi~h vehicle is vertically spaced above the initial balauce point. Once the load is dumyed from the vehicle, the center of gravity of the platfolm with ~ehicle shifts folward ~ ich results in the balance point shifting folward. The pivot point skifrs due to rocking action of the lower platform surface 8 over the cun,-ed supprr~ g surface 7. The components are arranged such that as the loaded vehicle tips, thepivot point is ahead of the balallce pOillt, to facilitate tipping, and then, a~,er the vehicle is dumped, tbe balance point is ahead of the pivot point to facilitate return to the initial horizontal position.
The base member 6 includes a curved restraining member 12 and the platform includes a cooperating bearing member 13, best seen in Fig. 3, for slidably engaging the curved restraining member 12. The culvature of the 21 ~7~9 restraining member 12 corresponds to the path of the bearing member 13 of the platform upon tipping such that the support member limits the motion of the platform, relative to the base member 6, to a rocking motion. The bearing member 13 may be provided with friction reducing means, such as rollers.
Although the arrangement as described above can be self-tipping, it is preferable to provide means for controlling the tipping rate. Figs. 1 to 3 show hydraulic cylinders 15 which can be used to control the tipping rate with the use of a valve, or a low power hydraulic motor. The use of an electric or hydraulic motor provides the advantage of ensuring proper tipping in the event of improper positioning of the vehicle or variations in the vehicle load.
With reference to Fig. 3, the apparatus includes bridge members 16 connected with the curved restraining members 12. The bridge members 16 provide support for hydraulic cylinders 15 and 17. The hydraulic cylinders 17 actuate the pivoting locking member 18 which is used for locking and unlocking ~he platform in the horizontal position while the vehicle is being driven onto the platform 6.
Fig. 4 shows tipping control means in the form of a mechanism that includes a pinion gear 31 and a rack 32 mounted on the face of the curved restraining member 33. The pinion 31 is driven by a suitable electric or hydraulic motor 34.
Fig. 4 shows a counterweight 35 attached to the underside of the rear end of the platform 36, which shifts the balance point towards the rear to reduce the depth of the rear end of the platform, below the horizontal position, when fullytipped, and thereby reduces the depth of excavation or platform elevating structure required, for a given tipping angle. Otherwise, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is similar to that of Figs. 1 to 3, with platform 36 supported by curved supporting base member 37.
In operation~ with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, a vehicle 1 is driven onto the platform 3 which will be locked in the horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1.

2 1 ~3 7 ~

The vehicle will be secured to the pla~form by suitable means, such as with the use of backstop 11. Tipping of the platform is initiated by releasing the platform lock 18, and actuating the control means 15, if used.
In the preferred method of operation, the apparatus is designed such that S the platforrn with loaded vehicle in position will have its pivot point 9a positioned ahead of the balance point 10a. This operation can be ~acilitated with the use of load sensors which indicate the position of the balance point of the platform with vehicle with respect to the pivot point 9a. Alternatively, the required vehicle position for the desired balance point position can be predetermined for a particular vehicle type and load and a suitable backstop or indicator means utilized for repeated operation. Such positioning of the vehicle with respect tothe balance point allows the vehicle to tilt for unloading with little or no power or energy requirements. When the vehicle load is dumped, the balance point shifts fonvard to a point 10c ahead of the pivot point 9b, which allows the platform to return to the horizonal position with little or no energy required.
Preferably a low power motor will be used to control of the tipping rate, and also to ensure proper tipping in the event of improper positioning of the vehicle or variations in the vehicle load.
It will be understood that the present invention may take different forms from that shown and described by the preferred embodiments. For example. the platform need not be exactly horizontal, in its initial drive-on position. Also the curved platform engaging base member could be raised relative to the vehicle supporting surface which would alter the characteristics of the shifting of the balance point upon tipping. Further, it will be appreciated that the present invention can use a different base or supporting structure, or a different platform locking mechanism from that illustrated and described above, and that the invention can be utilized for various ~pes of vehicles, for example, for transporting ore.

Claims (7)

1. A vehicle dumping apparatus comprising:
- an elongated tipping platform having an upper vehicle supporting surface, and a lower surface, the platform having a front end and rear end, in which the rear end corresponds with the rear dumping end of the vehicle;
- platform supporting means comprising a base member having a curved platform engaging surface portion for supporting the platform at a pivot point near the balance point of the platform carrying a vehicle, for pivoting about anaxis substantially parallel with the wheel axles of the vehicle;
- the lower surface of the platform having a base member engaging surface portion for rocking over the curved platform engaging surface portion;
- the platform with vehicle being positioned relative to the base member such that the pivot point is disposed ahead of the balance point, and remains ahead of the balance point as the balance point shifts upon tipping, to facilitate tipping, and whereby upon dumping the load from the vehicle the balance point shifts ahead of the pivot point, to facilitate return to the horizontal position.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the platform supporting means further includes a curved restraining member and the platform includes a cooperating bearing surface for slidably engaging the curved restraining member, and whereinthe curvature of the support member corresponds with the path of the bearing surface of the platform upon tipping such that the support member confines the motion of the platform relative to the base member to rocking motion.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the curved platform engaging portion defines a shape that includes an upper portion with a substantially horizontal surface and a lower portion that has a surface at an angle substantially equal to the desired tipping angle.
4. The apparatus of Claim 2 further comprising a rack connected with the curved restraining member, and a pinion connected with said bearing surface of the platform, said pinion operatively meshing with said rack.
5. The apparatus of Claim 3 further comprising drive means associated with the pinion for controlling the tipping of the platform.
6. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising drive means for controlling the tipping rate of the platform.
7. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising a counterweight member attached to the rear end of the platform to reduce the depth of the rear end of the platform for a given tipping angle.
CA002107549A 1993-10-01 1993-10-01 Self-tipping vehicle dumper Abandoned CA2107549A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002107549A CA2107549A1 (en) 1993-10-01 1993-10-01 Self-tipping vehicle dumper

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002107549A CA2107549A1 (en) 1993-10-01 1993-10-01 Self-tipping vehicle dumper

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2107549A1 true CA2107549A1 (en) 1995-04-02

Family

ID=4152394

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002107549A Abandoned CA2107549A1 (en) 1993-10-01 1993-10-01 Self-tipping vehicle dumper

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2107549A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113968488A (en) * 2021-10-29 2022-01-25 中国电建集团华东勘测设计研究院有限公司 Intelligent and environment-friendly building aggregate rapid loading method and system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113968488A (en) * 2021-10-29 2022-01-25 中国电建集团华东勘测设计研究院有限公司 Intelligent and environment-friendly building aggregate rapid loading method and system
CN113968488B (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-08-15 中国电建集团华东勘测设计研究院有限公司 Intelligent and environment-friendly quick loading method and system for building aggregate

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