EP1303434A1

EP1303434A1 - Side tipping wagon with improved tip mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP1303434A1
Application number: EP01923288A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christopher Anderson; Robert M. Kmak; Peter L. Jones
Original assignee: Thrall Car Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Thrall Car Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 2000-07-21
Filing date: 2001-02-21
Publication date: 2003-04-23
Also published as: AU2001249998A1; PL364025A1; WO2002008041A1

Abstract

A side tipping wagon (20) includes a single cylinder (32) related to a structure (36) at a mid point in the wagon. The structure encloses the cylinder, preferably by dividing the wagon into separate portions. The structures aids in the overall rigidity of the wagon during tipping.

Description

SIDE TIPPING WAGON WITH IMPROVED TIP MECHANISM

This patent application claims priority to United States Serial No. 60/219,829, filed July 21, 2000.

Background of the Invention The invention relates generally to a side tipping wagon, and more particularly to a side tipping wagon having an improved tip mechanism.

The prior art includes side tipping wagons that include two boxes arranged end to end, with the boxes being mounted so that may be tipped independently of one another. To tip the boxes, such wagons have employed two cylinders per box, with one cylinder being located at each end of each box. To raise and lower the box, the cylinders are operated together. A problem with this arrangement is that the box is subjected to high torsional loads when the cylinder operation is not synchronized, due, for example, to a malfunction of one of the cylinders. Such torsional loads may fatigue or otherwise damage the box structure.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a side tipping wagon wherein a single cylinder or other actuator is associated with each box. Each box preferably includes an intermediate structure extending upward of the bottom wall, and the actuator is disposed within the intermediate structure and acts thereon to tip the box. In the illustrated embodiment, the box is divided by a pair of parallel, spaced transverse intermediate walls, and a cover plate connects the upper ends of the. intermediate walls. The actuator is disposed between the intermediate walls. Each wagon preferably includes a pair of boxes disposed end to end that may be tipped independently of each other. Each of the boxes includes releasable hinges extending along opposite sides of the bottom, and a mechanism for selectively releasing one of the hinges while the other remains engaged to enable the box to tip to either side.

Each of the side walls of the boxes preferably includes an upper panel pivotable about its upper edge, and a lower panel pivotable about its lower edge. Each of the panels is pivotable between open and closed positions. A hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or other mechanism is preferably provided to control the position of the lower side wall panel.

The wagon also preferably includes a frame supported by a pair of bogies, with buffers and drawhooks disposed at standard heights at the end of the frame. The boxes are supported on the frame. The frame includes a pair of side sills supporting the sides of the boxes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a side tipping wagon in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view thereof, shown partly broken away.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 but showing the box in a tipped position; Fig. 6 is a top plan view thereof.

Fig. 7 is a side view thereof.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one of the boxes in a tipped position.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

The invention is preferably embodied in a side tipping wagon 20 that includes a frame 22 supported by pair of bogies 24 (see Fig. 7) , with buffers 26 and drawhooks 28 disposed at standard heights at the end of the frame, and one or more boxes 34 supported on the frame. The frame 22 includes a pair of side sills supporting the sides of the boxes.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the boxes 34 is divided or partitioned by intermediate walls 38 so as to isolate the box actuator from pay load carried within the box, thus allowing the box to accommodate bulk, unpackaged commodities. Although virtually any number of boxes can be provided on the side tipping wagon, it is generally preferred that two boxes be provided, longitudinally spaced in line with one another and with the intermediate walls within the boxes being disposed in a transverse position. Preferably, each of the boxes is capable of tipping to either side, independently of the other.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a single actuator 32 is located within each one of the boxes. The actuator preferably comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, but other conventional actuators could be employed, as well. According to one aspect of the invention, the actuator applies lifting force to the box, at a point adjacent the top of the box. This allows the actuator to be designed with a substantially greater stroke than actuators which apply force at the bottom of a tipping box. If desired, transverse structure, such as transverse beams spanning the sides of the boxes, could be provided for attachment to the piston rod of the actuator. This arrangement would allow the box interior to remain substantially undivided. However, as shown in the drawings, it is generally preferred that at least one, and preferably two spaced intermediate walls be provided to partition the box interior, forming a shielded or enclosed cavity for receiving the actuator. In addition, the intermediate partition adds strength and rigidity to the central portion of the box, the preferred point of applied lifting force.

In the illustrated embodiment, the box is substantially equally divided by an intermediate structure 36 comprising a pair of parallel, spaced transverse intermediate walls 38, and a cover plate 40 (shown broken away) connecting the upper ends of the intermediate walls. The actuator is disposed between the intermediate walls, and the upper end of its piston rod portion is attached to upper portions of the intermediate walls 38 in a manner to be described below with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The intermediate walls 38 preferably extend the full width and height of the box, so that the box is divided into two separate compartments.

Preferably, the boxes are mounted so as to be tipped to either side, as desired, without altering the actuator system. In transport, both sides of the box are held in place by respective sets of releasable hinge arrays 42 extending along opposite sides of the bottom 44 of the box. A mechanism (not shown) is provided for selectively releasing the hinges on one side of the box, while hinges on the other side remain engaged to enable the box to tip to either side. Each hinge array 42 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a series of hinge members 56.

Preferably, each of the boxes is of a generally rectangular parallelepiped configuration, although other shapes could be employed, if desired. The boxes include a generally rectangular bottom wall 44, a pair of generally rectangular side walls 52 extending upward therefrom, and a pair of generally rectangular end walls 54. Each of the side walls of the boxes are preferably divided and include an upper side panel 48 pivotable about its upper edge, and a lower side panel 50 pivotable about its lower edge. Each of the side panels is pivotable between open and closed positions. An optional hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 58 or other conventional mechanism is preferably provided to control the position of the lower side panel.

As schematically indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, actuator 32 has its bottom end secured to frame 22 and has a piston rod 33 with an upper free end 35 secured very near the top of the box to which it is connected.

As indicated in Fig. 4, actuator 32 can be constructed to have a length nearly corresponding to the height of box 34 and this allows the actuator to be economically constructed. As schematically indicated in Fig. 4, the upper free end 35 of the actuator piston rod is connected at or near the vertical center line of box 34, that is, mid-way between the box sides. As mentioned above, it is generally preferred that the actuator be located at the longitudinal center of the box, mid-way between its end walls 54. Thus, the actuator 32 is centrally located with respect to the box which it lifts (as can be seen in Fig. 2) when viewed in plan. Symmetry in the positioning of the actuator does not, however, extend to the elevation of the free end 35 of its piston rod, which is positioned a substantial amount above the vertical mid- height of the box. Indeed, as mentioned, it is generally preferred that the free end 35 of the actuator be located at a near extreme position very near the top of the box. This alignment with respect to the box allows for effective, reliable tipping of the box, even when carrying relatively heavy pay loads, and further allows for tipping to either side in a reliable, smooth manner. Enhanced stability has been observed as the center of pay load mass shifts during discharge. With reference to Fig. 5, stability is achieved by locating the bottom of actuator 32, the bottom corners of the wagon (i.e., either the left or right bottom corner of the wagon) and the top or free end 35 of the actuator piston rod. As can be seen, for example in Fig. 7, the actuators, contained within enclosures 36 are aligned close to the bogies 24 to further increase overall stability of the wagon 20. These connection points cooperate to achieve smooth, reliable motion of the wagon box and overcomes difficulties encountered, as where two slightly out of sync actuators push on opposite ends of the same box, causing a torsion or a twisting of the box structure. Turning now to Fig.10, the floor 44 of box 34 is supported by an array of transverse support members 90, preferably aligned with transverse frame members 92 carried on frame 20. As indicated in Fig. 10, the bottom end of actuator 32 extends between adjacent transverse frame members 92 and is secured to the frame 20 in a conventional manner. A longitudinal support member 94. spans the length of the box and is interrupted by the intermediate walls 3 of enclosure 36. With reference to Fig. 8, the bottom edge 38a of intermediate wall 38 preferably extends below floor 44, although this is not necessary, and wall 38 can be terminated at floor 44 so as to maintain a continuous enclosure for bulk pay load within the box half-portion.

If desired, _sthe panels 48, 50 could be split at the longitudinal center of the box. However, it is generally preferred that the panels 48,50 be continuous between the ends 54 of box 34. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the sides 38b of intermediate walls 38 comprise a free or unsupported edge. However, the free edges can be enhanced with stiffener members, as desired, and it is generally preferred that the side edges 38b of intermediate walls 38 be bridged by a cover member, similar to cover 40 which spans the tops of the intermediate walls. Turning to Fig. 9, the free end 35 of actuator piston rod 33 is joined to a transverse pin 102. Pin 102 is symmetrical about a vertical center line passing through piston rod 33. As such, pin 102 is double ended with the ends 104 being journaled in central apertures 105 of a socket plate 110. If desired, an optional reinforcing ring 112 can be provided in the manner shown. As can be seen in Fig. 8, socket plate 110 is secured to intermediate walls 38 with a series of conventional fasteners 113. With reference to Fig.9, socket plate 110 contacts the interior surface 38d of interior wall 38.

In the preferred embodiment, as mentioned, a spaced apart pair of intermediate walls 38 are provided to form an enclosure 36. Surfaces 38d of the intermediate walls 38 oppose or face one another within the enclosure. With reference to Fig. 8, a pair of angled struts 120 are secured to the exposed or exterior surface 38e, visible in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8. Angled struts 120 preferably have an L- shaped cross-sectional configuration with a first leg 122 secured to inter- mediate wall 38 with a suitable joining means such as welding indicated at 124. Angled struts 120 further include an upstanding leg 126. A trapezoidal bridging plate 130 has opposed ends which overlie the legs 122 of angled struts 120. As indicated in Fig. 8, the bridging plates 130 are aligned to overlie the socket portions which receive the ends of pin 102. As can be seen in Fig. 9, the bridging plates 130 are spaced from intermediate walls 38 but, if desired, the gap can be filled with plate members having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of legs 122 so as to provide a solid connection between the bridging plates and the intermediate walls. The re-inforcing structure shown in Figs. 8 and 9 effectively transmits lifting forces throughout the intermediate walls to points adjacent the wagon floor and its associated structure. From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the invention provides an improved tip mechanism for a side tipping wagon. The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above or to any particular embodiment, but is described and particularly pointed out in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A side tipping wagon comprising a frame and at least one box supported on said frame, each box being capable of tipping to either side of the wagon, each box comprising a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, characterized in that the wagon further includes a single actuator associated with the box, said single actuator being capable of tipping the box when fully loaded.

2. The wagon of claim 1 further characterized in that said box further comprises an intermediate structure extending upward of said bottom wall, and in that said actuator is disposed within said intermediate structure and acts thereon to tip the box.

3. The wagon of claim 2 further characterized in that said intermediate structure comprises a pair of spaced intermediate transverse walls and a cover plate extending therebetween, and in that said actuator is disposed between said spaced intermediate walls.

4. The wagon of claim 1 further characterized in that said wagon includes a pair of longitudinally spaced boxes .

5. The wagon of claim 1 further characterized in that each of said boxes includes arrays of releasable hinges extending along opposite sides of the bottom, whereby, with one array of said hinges released and the other array of hinges engaged, the box is enabled to tip to either side. ω t t H H o U1 o LΠ o LΠ

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said intermediate walls .

11. The wagon of claim 10 characterized in that said wagon includes mounting plates carried on said intermediate walls and defining sockets for receiving said transverse pin member.

12. The wagon of claim 11 characterized in that angled struts are carried on opposite sides of said intermediate walls extending toward said bottom wall, with a bridging member between said angled struts.

13. The wagon of claim 9 characterized in that the actuator, when viewed in a top plan view, is generally centered with respect to the bottom wall.