GB1589451A

GB1589451A - Lifting-tipping apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB1589451A
Application number: GB5010077A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Zoeller Kipper GmbH
Current assignee: Zoeller Kipper GmbH
Priority date: 1976-12-02
Filing date: 1977-12-01
Publication date: 1981-05-13
Also published as: IT1192210B; FR2372749B1; AT356005B; CS207488B1; YU283477A; DE2654542B2; DE2654542A1; DE2654542C3; NL174637C; NL7712860A; YU41303B; NL174637B; DD132730A5; ATA818077A; ES464705A1; FR2372749A1

Description

(54) LIFTING-TIPPING APPARATUS (71) We, ZöLLER-KIPPER G.m.b.H., a German limited liability company, of Hans Zöller-Strasse 50 60, 6501 Mainz-Laubenheim, Federal Republic of Germany, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to a lifting-tipping apparatus for a container, particularly for emptying a refuse container into a refuse collecting container, for example a refuse truck.Known such apparatus has at least one pivoting arm with, mounted thereon and actuated by hydraulic ram, a four-link guide system, the bottom part of the pivoting arm and the carrier of a lifting and tipping frame which holds the container to be lifted forming two opposite members of the four-link guide system, being connected by top and bottom links.

In such known apparatus the hydraulic ram which actuates the four-link guide system is used solely for this function. The pivoting movement of the pivot arm is carried out separately, generally involving the use of a second hydraulic ram (see German Specifications Nos. 1,201,756 and 1,240,776). The provision of two hydraulic rams not only requires greater expenditure on valves to control the pressurised medium, but requires also the need for a reliable time control of the two rams, so that lifting and tipping and also tipping back and lowering of the container always take place in the right sequence and also so that the sequence is properly timed.

It is also already known for the sequence and timing of the lifting and tipping to be controlled in that the apparatus initially engages the pivoting arm with such low efficiency that it first requires the lifting operation and, at the end of the lifting operation, a preliminary tipping operation, before the tipping apparatus can take effect (German Specification No. 1,282,547). In such known apparatus, however, it is necessary to provide a lifting-tipping truck which runs on guide rails and which is subject to considerably more wear and tear than the successful lifting-tipping apparatus which involve the use of a pivoting arm.

It is also known for a tipping movement produced on a pivoting arm by a hydraulic ram to be converted by guide elements into a lifting movement of a lifting carriage which is mounted on the tipping arm, so that it slides or runs by means of rollers (German Specification No. 1,021,786). Apart from the fact that the guides which derive the lifting movement from the tipping movement are subject to increased wear and tear, it is possible with such apparatus only to carry out the lifting movement and tipping movement at the same time. For more reliable operation however it is desirable first to lift the container and only then to tip it.

An object of the invention is to provide a lifting-tipping apparatus actuated by a single hydraulic motor or ram, and which has simple control means, simple construction, and reduced susceptibility to wear and tear. The apparatus should also provide for satisfactory separation between lifting and tipping.

According to this invention, a lifting tipping apparatus comprises:- a collecting container; one or more than one generally upright pivoting arm pivotally mounted on the collecting container; a lifting and tipping frame adapted to support a container to be lifted; a four-link system by which the frame is mounted on the arm and by which it is movable between lower and upper positions with respect to the arm; and a cylinder and piston device to move both arm and frame; wherein the arm and the frame constitute two opposite links of the system, and another link of the system extends beyond its axis of connection with the arm to form an actuating lever, the cylinder and piston device i) being mounted at its upper end at a fixed pivoting axis on the collecting container and at its lower end at a pivoting axis on the actuating lever and ii) being disposed at that side of the arm remote from a container being lifted.

The apparatus of the invention may achieve good ground clearance in comparison with known apparatus. In the known apparatus one hydraulic device is always used as a cylinder-piston device which applies upwards pressure from below, whether as a lifting cylinder or as a tipping cylinder. As a result, separate mounting of such a device on the bottom part of a refuse collecting vehicle chassis or pivoting arm is necessary. This separate mounting projects so far downwardly that ground clearance is substantially reduced. The loss of ground clearance becomes the greater the more lifting height is needed.

In contrast, in the present apparatus the point of articulation of the cylinder and piston device is independent of the required lifting height, which can be readily compensated for by the choice of actuating lever ratios.

In the prcsent apparatus, both points of articulation, namcly those of the pivoting arm and of the cylinder and piston device are close to each other. As a result, it is possible to diminish the force required and particularly to achieve a particularly favourable line of force between the point of articulation of the pivoting arm and that of the cylinder and piston devicc.

By locating the cylinder and piston device between an upper stationary point of articulation and the end of the actuating lever, assembly and maintainance of the present apparatus is made easier compared with known apparatus. The cylinder and piston device is prefcrably disposed to apply downwards pressure. In consequence, the connections required for the cylinder are close to the upper point of articulation so that during operation they have no further movements to perform, so that the supply of pressurised medium is relative simple and can be located at a protectcd point.

The invention may provide for separate lifting movement and tipping movement, performed by a single hydraulic cylinder and piston device, so that the control system of the apparatus can be simple and can for practical purposcs be carried out with a single valve to control the pressurised medium The cylinder and piston device disposed at the rear of the pivoting arm and the upper end of which is articulated at a fixed point, can be located favourably, so that the lifting-tipping apparatus need have no laterally projecting parts; in particular, it has no pivoting motors.

Control means can likewise be disposed at a favourable location protected from damage.

By elimination of projecting parts and location of the control means at a favourable point, operation reliability of the apparatus is enhanced and risk of accident reduced. Since the cylinder and piston device has to develop its force during extension of the piston rod and since the return movemcnts can take place without any special supply of force, the invention affords an opportunity of using a cylinder and piston device which is operated from one side only, the operating force being applied to the whole of the piston surface, which means that the efficiency of the device is good.

Preferably the cylinder and piston device is constructed with telescopic cylinders, the piston being articulated on the actuating lever. Telescopic cylinders have the advan tage that they can be considerably extended from a relatively short length. In particular a telescoping cylinder arrangement has the advantage that maximum force development occurs in the first part of the extension movement of such arrangement and is thus adapted to the maximum power requirement during the lifting movement and the first part of the pivoting movement, while when the arrangement is substantially extended, with corresponding smaller development of force, the pivoting arm with the lifted container is already moved into an upper pivoting range in which the force requirement is less.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a first embodiment of lifting-tipping apparatus in the bottom start position and with, in front of it a refuse container to be emptied; Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 with the refuse container lifted; Figure 3 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 with the refuse container tipped inwards; Figure 4 is a rear elevation of a modified form of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 shows a second embodiment with two lifting-tipping apparatuses according to Figures 1 to 4 which can be used jointly or separately, as required; and Figure 6 shows a third embodiment for emptying large containers.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 is a lifting-tipping apparatus 12 for emptying a refuse container 10 into a chute 11 mounted on a collecting container which forms part of the apparatus. The apparatus 12 includes a pivoting arm 13 pivotally mounted on the collecting container. Mounted on the pivoting arm 13 by means of a four-link guide system, namely a pair of upper links 14 and a pair of lower links 15, is a lifting and tipping frame 16. This tipping frame 16 is, according to the kind of container 10 to be emptied, equipped at its upper end with a carrier plate or strip 17 which engages under the rim of the container 10, and at its lower end with a steadying mcmber 18 which rests against the wall of the container 10. With the four-link system 14, 15, the tipping frame 16 can be lifted on the pivoting arm 13 from the bottom start position shown in Figure 1 into the raised position shown in Figure 2 in which it rests against an abutment 19 on the pivoting arm 13.

As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, at least one link of the pair of bottom links 15 is extended rearwardly of the arm 13 beyond its point of articulation 20 thereon, to form an actuating lever 21. Pivotally mounted at 24 on the free end of the lever 21 is a piston rod 22 of a ram 23. The top end of the ram 23 is articulated at 25 in stationary fashion to a lug 26 on the collecting container.

The ram 23 is a hydraulic telescopic cylinder and piston device and has its pressurised medium connection (not shown) at its rigidly articulated end 25. In consequence, a simple control valve (not shown) for the hydraulic medium is sufficient to actuate the ram and can be fixed on the chute 11 at the side of the apparatus 12.

As Figure 2 shows, upon operation of the ram 23, first an outer cylinder 27 is extended so that the ram can initially generate its maximum force and push the actuating lever 21 downwardly, so that the tipping frame 16 is pushed upwards via the bottom link 15 (which is integral with the actuating lever 21), the four-link system moving it to its raised position against the abutment 10. At its upper end, the pivoting arm 13 carries a presser plate 28 against which the top edge of the container 10 will be almost applied from below. From this Figure 2 position onwards, the pivoting arm 13 and the tipping frame 16, with the container 10 mounted on it, constitute a unit which, in relation to its load, counteracts the force of the ram as a torque about the pivoting axis 29 of the pivoting arm 13.

Correspondingly, further action of the ram 23 causes the arm 13 and carrier 16 to be tipped upwardly about the axis 29. When this happens, first the outer cylinder 27 becomes fully extended, maximum force being developed, and then the arm 13 and the parts mounted on it will be in a position in which a reciprocal position between the bottom point of articulation 24, the top point of articulation 25 and the pivoting axis 29 which is favourable to torque development will already have been achieved. The small amount of force which will also be developed during the subsequent extension of the piston rod 22 from the ram 23 will then be sufficient for reliable tipping of the unit constituted by the arm 13, the frame 16 and the container 10.The apparatus can be equipped with a known pressure relieving valve (not shown) which is actuated by the arm 13 or by the carrier 16 in the extreme upper position of tipping. This valve opens a by-pass which extends through a throttle to the reservoir of pressurised hydraulic medium.

As a result, in the upper tipped position, only as much pressure is maintained on the ram 23 as is needed to hold the said unit in the upper tipped position.

For return to the start position, it is necessary only to reverse the valve so that the hydraulic medium can run from the ram 23.

The dead weight of the arm 13, frame 16 and empty container 10 causes the apparatus to tilt back firstly into the position of the arm 13 defined by an abutment 38. Subsequently, the actuating lever 21, with one or both bottom links 15, is pivoted back to the start position shown in Figure 1, the frame 16 being lowered and the empty container 10 being set down.

To shake the container 10 for complete emptying in the tipped position, the return operation can be initiated for a brief time, followed by movement to the fully tipped position shown in Figure 3; this shaking operation can be repeated as necessary.

All cycles of movement of the apparatus 12 occur in the sequence described without the need for any particular control of the ram 23.

Figure 4 shows a collecting container which, to promote dust-free emptying of the container, has a conventional front plate 30 on which, in contrast to the embodiment described above, the plate 28 is mounted.

Then, when tipped into the chute 11, the container 10 pushes the front plate 30 ahead by means of this plate 28 until the front plate 30 pivots against a buffer at the back. The top edge of the refuse container can be held reliably against the front plate 30 in conventional manner by virtue of a spring for example, which acts constantly in the direction of closure of the front plate, or alternatively a conventional controlled closing means may be used.

Figure 4 also shows that both bottom links 15 can be extended beyond the point 20 so that each is an actuating lever 21.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the chute 31 is sufficiently wide for a large container, for example a container to hold 1 1 to 2-5 cu.m, can be emptied into it.

Disposed one beisde the other on the back of the chute 31 are two of the lifting-tipping apparatus 12 as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Each apparatus 12 has its own (not shown) ram and each as explained above, acts in the same way via the actuating lever 21 of the respective bottom link 15 on the respective tipping frame 16. In addition to this pair of apparatus 12, connecting and carrier bar 32 is also provided which can be rigidly fitted, for example bolted, onto the carrier strips 17.

Arranged along the top of the bar 32 are toothlike retaining projections 33 disposed at intervals to accommodate containers, for example refuse bins, which have top rims of various types. It would also be possible to provide, as shown in broken lines, an intermediate buffer 34 which would be disposed between the two steadying members 18.

When the connecting and carrying bar 32 is used, both apparatus 12 move as one unit.

In order to make this possible also with regard to the pressurised medium control system, each ram is equipped with its own control valve 35. However, associated with the control valve 35 of one ram is a changeover valve 36, the effect of which is to allow both rams to be actuated by one valve 35 through a connecting line 37 which extends along the chute 31.

The valve 36 may be an automatic hydraulic clutch which, independently of the load acting on one ram or the other, causes both rams to be extended simultaneously aPd evenly. If an automatic hydraulic catch is used, the rigid connection of both frames 16 by a bar 32 is unnecessary.

When the bar 32 and, if applicable, the intermediate buffer 34, are used, then the following operations are possible; a) emptying of a larger container; b) simultaneous emptying of two smaller containers; c) emptying of one smaller container (using only half the capacity of the apparatus).

If it is intended to use the apparatus shown in Figure 5 for a prolonged period for emptying only smaller containers, then it can, by removing the bar 32 and the intermediate buffer 34, if used, readily be converted to a twin unit as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a modified embodiment for emptying conventional large refuse containers 40 having a pick-up means 43 at each side.

In this embodiment also, the chute 41 is wide and may be equipped with a lid opening device for the container 40. In this embodiment, two pivoting arms 13 are again disposed at the back of the chute 41 in a manner similar to that of Figure 5, but only one pivoting arm 15 is equipped with a ram 23.

Also in this embodiment, it is sufficient for only one arm 13 to have its bottom link 15 extended beyond the point 20 to form an actuating lever 21. The second arm 13 is con nected, via a connecting and carrier bar 32 mounted permanently and rigidly at the upper ends of the two tipping flames 16, to the first pivoting arm 13. Similarly, it is also possible to provide at the bottom end of the two arms 13 a rigid connecting rod which extends from arm to arm in the region of the articulation 20.Each tipping frame 16 has on its outer side an additional support arm 44 with a jaw 45 for carrying the means 43 of the container 40, for picking up the container 40 between the support arms 44. it is also possible to adapt this apparatus to those large capacity refuse containers which are constructed with an upper lateral fiange-like rim around its wall. The arms 44 will then be constructed so that they engage beneath the rim.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, it is possible also to empty refuse containers which are designed to be gripped under their peripheral rim. For this purpose, as in the embodiment of Figure 5, the connecting and carrying bar 32 has at the top tooth-like projections 33. It is also possible to provide on the connecting and carrying bar 32 suspension means to take refuse bins or other conventional refuse containers. Finally, in the embodiment of Figure 6, it is also possible to provide between the buffers 18 an intermediate buffer (not shown) like the buffer 34, which may be rigid or removable.

The operation of this apparatus is generally as explained above, the second pivoting arm 13 and the four-link system mounted on it and the second tipping frame 16 more or less assuming only the function of guiding the container which has been picked up and is to be emptied. With the apparatus of Figure 6, it is also possible to empty a smaller refuse container or even a large capacity refuse container suspended by its top rim from the tooth-like projections 33. In the light of this possibility, it is preferable for the support arms 44 to be hinged so that they can be folded away.

In the embodiments described above, the actuating lever 21 is provided on the lower pair of links 15, but it is also possible for it to be an extension of one or both top links 14.

In the embodiments described above, the low position of the carrier 16 is determined by the fully retracted condition of the ram.

However, it is also possible, as Figure 1 shows, to provide an abutment 50 to define the bottom position of the links 15 with res pect to the pivoting arm. This abutment 50 may be adjustably mouted on the pivoting arm 13 and by use of such an abutment 50, it is possible to achieve the best adjustment of the lowest position of the tipping frame 16 and thus the ground clearance of the apparatus, and to suit it to given requirements, particularly the height of the refuse container to be emptied.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A lifting-tipping apparatus for a con tainer, comprising:- a collecting container; one or more than one generally upright pivoting arm pivotally mounted on the collecting container; a lifting and tipping frame adapted to support a container to be lifted; a fourlink system by which the frame is mounted on the arm and by which it is movable between lower and upper positions with respect to the arm; and a cylinder and piston device to move both arm and frame; wherein the arm and the frame constitute two opposite links of the system, and another link of the system extends beyond its axis of connection with the arm to form an actuating lever, the cylinder and piston device i) being mounted at its upper end at a fixed pivoting axis on the collecting container and at its lower end at a pivoting axis on the actuating lever, and ii) being disposed at that side of the arm remote from a container being lifted.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the actuating lever extends beyond the said axis of connection in a direction away from a container being lifted.

3. An apparatus according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the lower part of the pivoting

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Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

through a connecting line 37 which extends along the chute 31.

The valve 36 may be an automatic hydraulic clutch which, independently of the load acting on one ram or the other, causes both rams to be extended simultaneously aPd evenly. If an automatic hydraulic catch is used, the rigid connection of both frames 16 by a bar 32 is unnecessary.

When the bar 32 and, if applicable, the intermediate buffer 34, are used, then the following operations are possible; a) emptying of a larger container; b) simultaneous emptying of two smaller containers;

c) emptying of one smaller container (using only half the capacity of the apparatus).

If it is intended to use the apparatus shown in Figure 5 for a prolonged period for emptying only smaller containers, then it can, by removing the bar 32 and the intermediate buffer 34, if used, readily be converted to a twin unit as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows a modified embodiment for emptying conventional large refuse containers 40 having a pick-up means 43 at each side.

In this embodiment also, the chute 41 is wide and may be equipped with a lid opening device for the container 40. In this embodiment, two pivoting arms 13 are again disposed at the back of the chute 41 in a manner similar to that of Figure 5, but only one pivoting arm 15 is equipped with a ram 23.

Also in this embodiment, it is sufficient for only one arm 13 to have its bottom link 15 extended beyond the point 20 to form an actuating lever 21. The second arm 13 is con nected, via a connecting and carrier bar 32 mounted permanently and rigidly at the upper ends of the two tipping flames 16, to the first pivoting arm 13. Similarly, it is also possible to provide at the bottom end of the two arms 13 a rigid connecting rod which extends from arm to arm in the region of the articulation 20.Each tipping frame 16 has on its outer side an additional support arm 44 with a jaw 45 for carrying the means 43 of the container 40, for picking up the container 40 between the support arms 44. it is also possible to adapt this apparatus to those large capacity refuse containers which are constructed with an upper lateral fiange-like rim around its wall. The arms 44 will then be constructed so that they engage beneath the rim.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, it is possible also to empty refuse containers which are designed to be gripped under their peripheral rim. For this purpose, as in the embodiment of Figure 5, the connecting and carrying bar 32 has at the top tooth-like projections 33. It is also possible to provide on the connecting and carrying bar 32 suspension means to take refuse bins or other conventional refuse containers. Finally, in the embodiment of Figure 6, it is also possible to provide between the buffers 18 an intermediate buffer (not shown) like the buffer 34, which may be rigid or removable.

The operation of this apparatus is generally as explained above, the second pivoting arm 13 and the four-link system mounted on it and the second tipping frame 16 more or less assuming only the function of guiding the container which has been picked up and is to be emptied. With the apparatus of Figure 6, it is also possible to empty a smaller refuse container or even a large capacity refuse container suspended by its top rim from the tooth-like projections 33. In the light of this possibility, it is preferable for the support arms 44 to be hinged so that they can be folded away.

In the embodiments described above, the actuating lever 21 is provided on the lower pair of links 15, but it is also possible for it to be an extension of one or both top links 14.

In the embodiments described above, the low position of the carrier 16 is determined by the fully retracted condition of the ram.

However, it is also possible, as Figure 1 shows, to provide an abutment 50 to define the bottom position of the links 15 with res pect to the pivoting arm. This abutment 50 may be adjustably mouted on the pivoting arm 13 and by use of such an abutment 50, it is possible to achieve the best adjustment of the lowest position of the tipping frame 16 and thus the ground clearance of the apparatus, and to suit it to given requirements, particularly the height of the refuse container to be emptied.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A lifting-tipping apparatus for a con tainer, comprising:- a collecting container; one or more than one generally upright pivoting arm pivotally mounted on the collecting container; a lifting and tipping frame adapted to support a container to be lifted; a fourlink system by which the frame is mounted on the arm and by which it is movable between lower and upper positions with respect to the arm; and a cylinder and piston device to move both arm and frame; wherein the arm and the frame constitute two opposite links of the system, and another link of the system extends beyond its axis of connection with the arm to form an actuating lever, the cylinder and piston device i) being mounted at its upper end at a fixed pivoting axis on the collecting container and at its lower end at a pivoting axis on the actuating lever, and ii) being disposed at that side of the arm remote from a container being lifted.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the actuating lever extends beyond the said axis of connection in a direction away from a container being lifted.
3. An apparatus according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the lower part of the pivoting

arm constitutes one of the said two opposite links.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the said other link is a lower link of the system.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cylinder and piston device includes at least two telescoping cylinder portions.
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the piston is connected to the actuating lever.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the said system has an abutment to define the lowest position of the links relative to the arm.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the abutment is adjustably movable.
9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the said system has at least one abutment for defining the top position of the links relative to the arm, and which position matches the position of a further abutment at the upper end of the arm for receiving the top rim of the container to be lifted.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein two spaced pivoting arms are controlled for a simultaneous and even operation and are each provided with a four-link system and means for jointly gripping a container to be lifted.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein a support arm is mounted on the tipping frame of each four-link system for engaging with a support member of the container to be lifted.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the support arm is hingedly, collapsibly mounted on the tipping frame.
13. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein each pivoting arm has its own cylinder and piston device, the sizes and control means of these devices matching one another.
14. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein both tipping frames are rigidly connectible to one another, a common cylinder and piston device being provided for both pivoting arms.
15. A lifting and tipping apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.