GB2484730A

GB2484730A - Tipper vehicle stabilisation

Info

Publication number: GB2484730A
Application number: GB201017869A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jamie Kevin Cooper
Original assignee: ABD SERVICES
Current assignee: ABD SERVICES
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2010-10-22
Publication date: 2012-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-22
Also published as: GB201017869D0; GB2484730B

Abstract

Apparatus for stabilising a tipper vehicle 100 comprising a chassis 113 and a tippable body 116, wherein the chassis and the tippable body are coupled via a pivot bar 117 and wherein one end of the tippable body is raised and the other end pivots about the pivot bar to eject a load, wherein the apparatus comprises an actuating system which is coupled between the chassis and the pivot bar, and a controller, wherein in use, the controller controls the movement of the actuating system to level the pivot bar. Preferably wherein there are two or more actuators which are hydraulic rams 115 and the controller monitors and if needed, adjusts the position of the pivot bar throughout the tipping process.

Description

Tjpper Vehicle Stabilisation Apparatus The present invention relates to apparatus for stabilising tipping vehicles, the tipper vehicle comprising a chassis and a tippable body, wherein the chassis and the tippable body are coupled via a pivot bar and wherein one end of the tippable body is raised and the other end pivots about the pivot bar to eject a load, specifically but not exclusively, to maintain the stability of tipper vehicle whilst tipping to prevent rollover (accidents), namely when parked on uneven, or

unstable, ground.

A tipper truck is a vehicle used for transporting loose material (such as sand, gravel or dirt) for building or construction purposes, as well as for other purposes, such as for transporting grain or flour, for example. A typical tipper truck is equipped with a hydraulically operated open-box tippable body portion hinged at the rear, one end of which can be lifted up to allow the contents to be deposited/ejected on the ground behind the truck at the site of delivery. A tipper truck may also have an enclosed body portion, or other suitable variations thereof The trucks chassis is supported on wheels, and the tippable body is raised by one or two hydraulic rams, or actuators, mounted under one end of the tippable body. The other end of the tippable body is hinged at the back to the truck. Thus the tipper truck body is tippable about an axis which is transverse to truck's longitudinal axis and is lifted or lowered by means of the one or two hydraulic actuators positioned to push upwards on the underside of the tippable body section.

The tailgate of the tipper truck can be configured to swing on hinges or it can be configured in the "High Lift Tailgate" format wherein pneumatic rams lift the gate open and up above the dump body. As such, the tipper truck can deliver its load of loose material such as sand or gravel. Other tailgate formations/variations are known.

However, when tipper trucks are used on soft or sloping ground, there is a danger that by raising the tippable body section, an unsuitable situation may occur and the truck may topple sideways.

Thus, one overriding safety procedure that normally occurs is that the driver has to ensure that the truck is level before tipping commences. If the truck is not parked on relatively horizontal ground, the sudden change of weight and balance due to lifting of the skip and dumping of the material can cause the truck to slide, or even-in some light dump trucks-to turn over. Even if, in all such situations, the truck does not tip over, the hydraulic rams can bend and become stuck and cause damage, sometimes irreparable damage, to the truck itself.

One prior art system is disclosed in GB 2174649A, wherein a bracket is attached to the frame of a heavy load bearing vehicle over the axle housings to prevent the tires, wheels and axles from being translated or skewed with respect to the frame in the case of a suspension failure. The bracket has a portion for attaching to the vehicle frame, a portion for supporting the frame, a portion for stopping the frame from falling too far vertically and for resting upon an axle housing upon suspension failure, a portion for preventing forward translation of the frame, and a portion for preventing rearward translation of the frame.

Another system is disclosed in GB2276139(A), which discloses a stabilisation mechanism for resisting lateral movement of a tippable body section of a tipper truck when it is raised. A further example of a prior art system is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 following.

One problem with prior art systems is that the levelling system interferes with the vehicle drive line component geometry. Another problem is that the levelling system changes the centre of gravity of the truck and prior art systems are also very expensive and complicated systems to implement.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide apparatus for stabilising a tipper vehicle, the tipper vehicle comprising a chassis and a tippable body, wherein the chassis and the tippable body are coupled via a pivot bar and wherein one end of the tippable body is raised and the other end pivots about the pivot bar to eject a load, wherein the apparatus comprises an actuating system which is coupled between the chassis and the pivot bar, and a controller, wherein in use, the controller controls the movement of the actuating system to level the pivot bar.

Preferably, wherein the actuating system comprises two or more actuators and/or wherein at least one actuator acts against the chassis in order to move the position of the pivot bar.

Further preferably, wherein at least one actuator is coupled to the pivot bar by a suitable joint, such as a rose joint.

Preferably, further comprising a level monitoring means, coupled to the controller, which monitors the position of the pivot bar and also preferably wherein the level monitoring means continuously monitors the position of pivot bar throughout the ejection of the load.

Further preferably; wherein the level monitoring means is a level switch and also preferably wherein the level monitoring means is an electro-mechanical pendulum switch.

Preferably wherein the controller may comprise an electro-mechanical device that is able to automatically adjust the position of pivot bar in response to movements of the chassis and also preferably wherein the electro-mechanical device may be a hydraulic spool valve.

Preferably wherein the actuator may be a hydraulic ram, wherein the hydraulic ram may be a double action hydraulic ram, or wherein the actuator may be a pneumatic ram or electro-mechanical actuator.

One embodiment of the invention will now be more fully described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a diagram showing a side view of a tipper truck comprising a stabilising system as known in the art; Figure 2 is a diagram showing the rear view of the tipper truck of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a tipping body stability control system; according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a diagram showing the pivot bar of Figure 3 in further detail; and Figure 5 is a showing an alternative embodiment of the pivot bar of Figure 3 in further detail.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a side view of a tipper truck comprising a stabilising system as known in the art. There is shown in Figure 1 a tipper truck 10, which comprises a cabin section 11, where the driver sits and operates the tippertrucklO.

The tipper truck 10 also comprises a chassis 13 which is supported by wheels 12. One or more hydraulic stabilisers 15 are connected between the chassis 13 and the wheels 12 to stabilise the position of the tipper truck 10 relative to the ground on which it is resting.

The tipper truck 10 also comprises a tippable body 16 which is pivotably connected to the chassis 13 by a pivot bar 17. One or more tipping rams 14 are shown which are pivotably connected between the chassis 13 and the tippable body 16 and which raise and lower the tippable body 16 when the driver wishes to offload a payload 18.

The tipping body 16 is stabilised at the initial tip stage by levelling the chassis 13 at point 22 to which the pivot bar 17 is attached and this stabilisation is controlled by the one or more double action hydraulic rams 14 and a levelling control system. Wherein the levelling control system comprises the hydraulic stabilisers 15 and control electronics operated by the driver (not shown).

It should be known to someone skilled in the art that various control electronic systems and various over-tipping warning systems are used.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the rear view of the tipper truck of Figure 1. There is shown the rear view of the tipping body 16, which is coupled by two plain bearings 19 to the chassis 13. The pivot bar 17 runs through the apertures of the two plain bearings 19. The chassis 13 is coupled to an axle 20 by two hydraulic stabilising rams 15. As shown, the axle 20 is also coupled to the rear wheels 12 and further comprises an axle drive 21.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the tipper truck 10 is positioned on uneven ground such that the wheels 12 are offset by an angle (0) from the horizontal (H).

This means that in the prior art system shown in Figure 2, the Right Hand Side (R) hydraulic stabilising ram 15 is extended further out than the Left Hand Side (L) hydraulic stabilising ram 1 5.

The hydraulic stabilising rams 15 are having to push against the whole weight of the chassis 13 and the weight of the payload in the tippable body 16 order to stabilise the tippable body 16 to the horizontal (H). Furthermore, because this prior art system moves the whole chassis up and down, the stabilising system is over complicated and very expensive.

In a brief overview of one embodiment of the present invention there is shown in Figure 3 a schematic diagram of a tipping stability control system which comprises two hydraulic rams 115 which couple the pivot bar 117 to the chassis 113 of the tipper truck 100. There is shown the tippable body 116 coupled by plainjoints ll9toa pivotbar 117.

The chassis 113, as it would be in any other type of vehicle, is connected via the axle 120 to drive the wheels 112. However, in the present invention the Right Hand Side (offside) R ram 115 has been raised to compensate for the uneven ground 125.

The tipping stability control system is operated by the truck driver when the tipper truck 100 is in position to start tipping and will monitor true horizon level and control the hydraulic stabilising rams 16 via means of relays and electrically operated spool valves (hydraulic), or relays for any other actuator to be used.

Thus the hydraulic rams 115 will raise or lower via the automatic level control via spool valves? which will keep the pivot bar 117 at a true level.

The tipping stability control system also comprises an electronic control unit which is mounted near the pivot bar 117 and also further comprises an electronic level switch or an electromechanical pendulum type switch (not shown) which is coupled to the electronic control unit. The position of the hydraulic stabilising rams 115 that alter the position of the pivot bar 117 will be monitored by the electronic level switch.

The electronic level switch monitors position of the pivot bar 117 and the electronic control unit uses its input to adjust the position of the pivot bar to compensate for any non-horizontal conditions, or any movements from the true horizontal, during the tipping process.

The electronic control unit is hardwired to two electro-mechanical devices, such as hydraulic spool valves and connected to the hydraulic stabilising rams 115 way of hydraulic pipework (both steel and flexible). The hydraulic stabilising rams 115 further comprise rose joints 121 which couple the rams 115 to the pivot bar 117 and enable free movement. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that any suitable joint could be used to which couple the rams 115 to the pivot bar 117. The tipping stability control system is constantly active during the entire tipping phase.

The tipping stability control system also further comprises safety devices such as a warning system to inform operators of any failure by means of in cab' buzzer or warning lamp. The hydraulic stabilising rams 115 may also be protected by safety valves in case of hose or pipe failure.

The tipping stability control system of the present invention is active and also adjusts if any further chassis 113 movements occur. Therefore the tipping body 116 remains at a "true" horizontal level (which is a level which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity, not to the level of the ground) whilst tipping.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the pivot bar of Figure 3 in further detail and there is shown the pivot bar 117 which comprises two apertures 130,131. The first aperture 130 is used to couple the left hand side ram of Figure 3 to the pivot bar 117 by means of rose joints, for example (not shown). The second aperture is used to couple the right hand side ram of Figure 3 to the pivot bar 117 by means of rose joints, for example (not shown). As can be seen the right hand aperture is elongated when compared to the left hand side aperture 131. This is to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar 117 during hydraulic stabilising ram (115) movements. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that the position of the apertures 130, 131 can be reversed, as long as one aperture is small and is used to anchor the first hydraulic ram in place and as such prevents lateral movements of the pivot bar 117, and the second aperture is elongated and is thus used to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar 17 whilst the hydraulic rams move up and down on the left and/or the right hand sides.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the pivot bar of Figure 3 in further detail and there is shown the pivot bar 117 which comprises two apertures 130 which are used to couple the hydraulic rams of Figure 3 to the pivot bar 117 by means of rose joints, for example (not shown).

As can be seen in the diagram, the pivot bar 117 is split into two portions and each is formed around a further centrally located bar 132. The two portions move forward and backwards over this centrally located bar 132 as the stab ilising rams (115) move. This is to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar 117 during hydraulic stabilising ram (115) movements. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that other embodiments of the pivot bar 117 could be envisaged in order to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar 17 whilst the hydraulic rams move up and down on the left and/or the right hand sides. For example two telescopic pivot bar portions could be used.

Thus the tipping stability control system as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 automatically adjusts the pivot of a tipping body 116 to a true horizontal level (independent of chassis position) by means of two double acting hydraulic rams 115 bolted to either side of the vehicle chassis 113. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art that any suitable pushing means, such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, or double aclion hydraulic rams can be used to physically stabilise the tippable body 116 via a coupling between the pivot bar 117 and the chassis 113.

The tipping stability control' system of the present invention is a safety device for dumper trucks, tipper trucks and articulated tipping trailers and/or tankers. It is a reactive device that controls the raised tipping body position in relation to its chassis pivot, enabling safer tipping practice, less accidents regarding what still is today a high risk process.

The prior art systems move the axle pivot point in relationship to vehicle chassis.

However, the present invention provides apparatus that moves the tipping body pivot point in relation to vehicle chassis. This therefore is simpler and does not interfere with vehicle driveline in any way. Use of the apparatus of the present invention keeps the centre of gravity of the tipping body central between the chassis rails throughout the whole tipping process, thus removing the risk of vehicle tipping over sideways on uneven ground. It will also prolong tipping ram life. This solution is both simple and truly effective and it offers low manufacturing costs.

It will be appreciated that although only one particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for stabilising a tipper vehicle, the tipper vehicle comprising a chassis and a tippable body, wherein the chassis and the tippable body are coupled via a pivot bar and wherein one end of the tippable body is raised and the other end pivots about the pivot bar to eject a load, wherein the apparatus comprises: an actuating system which is coupled between the chassis and the pivot bar, and a controller, wherein in use, the controller controls the movement of the actuating system to level the pivot bar.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating system comprises two or more actuators.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one actuator acts against the chassis in order to move the position of the pivot bar.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein at least one actuator is coupled to the pivot bar by a joint.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the joint is a rose joint.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a level monitoring means, coupled to the controller, which monitors the position of the pivot bar.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the level monitoring means continuously monitors the position of pivot bar throughout the ejection of the load.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the level monitoring means is a level switch.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the level monitoring means is an electromagnetic pendulum switch.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller adjusts the position of pivot bar in response to movements of the pivot bar.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller further comprises an electro-mechanical device for adjusting the position of pivot bar.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electro-mechanical device is a hydraulic spool valve.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivot bar is adapted to be able to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar in relation to the chassis.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pivot bar further comprises an elongated aperture, wherein the elongated aperture is used to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar in relation to the chassis.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pivot bar further comprises two telescopic portions and is able to compensate for geometry changes of the pivot bar in relation to the chassis.
16. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 15, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic ram.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hydraulic ram is a double 1 5 action hydraulic ram.
18. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 15, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic ram.
19. Apparatus as substantially hereinbefore disclosed, with specific reference to Figures 3, 4 and/or 5.