NL2017828B1 - A transport space, and transport apparatus including such transport space - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport space (1), for example a transport cargo space of a truck trailer, having a movable product discharging floor (32), wherein the transport space (1) includes an air chamber structure (23, 24, 25) extending below the floor (32), defining a number of air chambers (AS) with a lower side of the floor. The invention also provides a transport apparatus (100), for example a vehicle or vessel, including or provided with at least one transport space (1).

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

Θ 2017828 (21) Application number: 2017828 © Application submitted: 21/11/2016

BI PATENT @ Int. CL:

B60P 1/36 (2016.01) B60P 1/38 (2016.01) B65G 15/60 (2016.01)

Application registered: (73) Patent holder (s): 28/05/2018 Round field B.V. in Sint Anthonis. (43) Application published: - (72) Inventor (s): Hubertus Adrianus Johannes Catharina van (47) Patent granted: Schijndel in Sint Anthonis. 28/05/2018 (45) Patent issued: θ Authorized representative: 13/06/2018 ir. C.M. Jansen et al. In The Hague.

A transport space, and transport apparatus including such transport space

57) A transport space (1), for example a transport cargo space or a truck trailer, having a movable product discharging floor (32), including the transport space (1) includes an air chamber structure (23, 24, 25) extending below the floor (32), defining a number of air chambers (AS) with a lower side of the floor.

The invention also provides a transport apparatus (100), for example a vehicle or vessel, including or provided with at least one transport space (1).

I

NL BI 2017828

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P111703NL00

Title: A transport space, and transport apparatus including such transport space

The invention relates to a transport space having a movable product discharging floor. The transport space may be part or e.g. a truck trailer, or another type of transport apparatus.

Transport trailers with movable discharge floors are known to the skilled person. An example is the "Shuttle Floor" trailer or the Canadian company Trout River, which includes a conveyor belt bottom that is driven by steel cables. The floor can handle heavy bulky items, human waste, contaminated soils, agricultural products, pulp waste, source separated organics and, for example, landscaping materials.

The known transport space requires relatively high power drive means for generating the high forces that are required for moving the floor. Also, the known configuration requires much maintenance leading to significant down-time and additional costs.

The present invention aims to alleviate or solve such problems. In particular, the invention aims to provide an improved transport space.

To this aim, according to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a transport space having a movable product discharging floor, in which the transport space includes an air chamber structure extending below the floor, defining a number of air chambers with a lower side of the floor.

In this way, movement of the floor can be achieved with relatively low friction, leading to reduction in wear and associated maintenance. Also, in this manner, the floor can be moved using relatively low power drive, saving both mass and expenses. Particularly, during operation, the air chambers can be filled with air for providing a low friction cushioning or the floor part extending thereon (each air chamber providing

e.g. a respective air bearing). Maintaining air pressure in a said air chamber at a desired or predetermined floor supporting pressure level can be achieved during operation by supply of air thereto, utilizing a suitable air supply, particularly for counteracting loss / escape or air-if any-.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower side of the floor contacts an upper upper side of the air chamber structure in a substantially airtight manner.

In this way, a relative relatively air chamber can be achieved (enclosed between the floor and the air chamber structure), reducing escape or air and improved air pressure maintenance in the air chamber. For example, the air chamber structure can include a number of spaced apart flat floor supporting surfaces providing air sealing engagement with a lower side of the floor. In a further embodiment, good results are achieved in the case of the air chamber structure includes two substantially parallel floor supporting sides, supporting longitudinal lateral sides or the floor when the floor is in an initial product supporting position. In this way, the floor can experience low friction during floor movement (product discharge), the movement being particularly in parallel with those parallel floor supporting sides, being one and preferably a multiple of air chambers is defined between the parallel floor supporting sides.

For example, in an advantageous embodiment, the air chamber structure can include a number of spaced-apart transversal floor supporting ridges, for example having curved or rounded upper sides. Further, a said air chamber can preferably be located between a respective pair or transversal floor supporting ridges.

Each of the floor supporting ridges as such can be configured to barely contact the lower side of the floor, for example, making a substantial transversal line contact with the floor. Also, any of the floor supporting ridges can have a smooth floor contacting surface, allowing reduction or friction to a minimum. The application of a variety of separate air chambers allows for improved air pressure control and good air pressure distribution under the floor. Also, in this way, a relatively large (long) movable floor can be supported by air, and moved.

Preferably, during product discharge movement of the floor, air 5 supply to an air chamber that opens up due to the floor moving away therefrom can be automatically halted. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, it is preferred that the floor can act as an operating member for operating a respective air supply or a respective air chamber. Alternatively, or in addition, the transport space can be provided with floor position detection means, detecting a position of the floor, and air supply means that are controllable by such detection means.

According to a further embodiment, the transport space includes or is connectable to an air supply for supplying pressurized air to said air chambers. Also, an embodiment can include at least one air pressure controlling means, for example a spring loaded check valve, associated with each air chamber for controlling air pressure in that chamber .. In particular, said air pressure controlling means can be located in a bottom or the respective chamber. It may include a ball check valve, more preferably having a ceramic ball. In this way, a durable and reliable operation can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the product discharging floor is of the type that is movable from an initial product supporting position to a product discharged position in which the floor extends at a vertical level below said initial position.

Such a floor can carry relatively heavy loads, and provides efficient (e.g. substantially horizontal) product discharge. Because of the air chamber structure, floor movement can be achieved utilizing a relatively low floor actuating force, so that the transport space can be built in a relatively economical manner.

Also, according to an example, the transport space may include a movable back wall, arranged for moving together with the floor during product discharge.

In this way, product can be properly and efficiently discharged, the back wall assisting in pushing product out of the transport space during floor discharge movement and, for example, avoiding that product stays behind in the transport space.

According to a further elaboration, the transport space can be enclosed within a substantial airtight wall structure, closed-off by a movable by located in a discharging direction of the product discharging floor.

Thus, the transport space can be applied in transporting dangerous or otherwise harmful goods / material / products / waste and / or the-like.

Further, the invention provides a transport apparatus, for example a vehicle or vessel, including or provided with at least one transport space according to the invention.

In this way, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved as well.

The invention will now be explained in more detail regarding a non-limiting embodiment, that is depicted in the drawings. Therein shows:

Figure 1 a partially opened perspective view of an embodiment of a transport apparatus;

Figure 2 a further opened perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 a longitudinal cross-section of the transport space of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 a cross-section about IV-IV or Figure 3;

Figure 5 a side view of an air chamber structure of the embodiment of Figs. 1;

Figure 6 a cross-section about VI-VI or Fig. 5;

Figure 7 a top view of the air chamber structure or Fig. 5; and Figure 8 operation of the embodiment of Figs. 1.

Similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs in this application.

Figures 1—8 show an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100, including a transport space 1. For example, the transport space can be a cargo space, to be used for holding various types of loads. The transport apparatus 100 can be a part of a trailer or truck, or a vessel, vehicle, airplane, or other cargo transporting system.

In the present example, the transport space 1 is defined between a top wall (not shown), two side walls 2, a first transversal wall (rear wall) providing an unloading by 50 and opposite transversal wall 51, a floor 32. The configuration can be such that the transport space can be hermetically sealed from an environment, however, that is not essential. For example, the transport space 1 can be enclosed within a substantial airtight wall structure, including an unloading by 50 (located in a discharging direction. L or the product discharging floor in the present example) that can hermetically seal the respective transversal wall section when the door is in a closed position. The door can be moved to an opened product loading or discharge position, allowing access from an environment to the transport space 1 for unloading or loading. Also, in an embodiment, the transport space 1 may be partly or entirely coved by a top or top wall, but that is not required (the top wall is optional).

For example, in an embodiment, in order to unload a content (load / cargo, not shown) that is carried on the floor 32, the by 50 can be removed or moved from a closed position to an unloading position, after which the floor 32 can be moved to convey the content out of the transport space. For example, the product discharging floor 32 can be movable from an initial product supporting position to a product discharged position in which the floor 32 extends at least partly at a vertical level below said initial position (see Figures 1, 3).

In the present example, the floor 32 is a flexible floor that is provided by a flexible conveyor belt, preferably having a watertight configuration. A proximal (upper) and a distal (lower) section of the belt are connected to drive means 17, 31 for moving the belt in longitudinal belt direction L, around a belt turning structure 3 (in this case provided by a cylindrical belt turning roll located near the rear wall 50 of the transport space 1). Preferably, the belt turning structure 3 is configured to rotate around a central axis during belt movement. Thus, the floor 32 can be defined by an upper belt part 32A (for supporting cargo) located upstream of the belt turning structure 3, and a lower belt part (a return section) 32B located downstream of the belt turning structure 3 (see Fig 3).

In this example, the drive means include drive members 31, in particular chain members 31, that interconnect a proximal part of the upper belt part 32A and a distal part of the lower belt part 32B (the belt and drive members 31 together forming a closed walk). Movement of the drive members 31 results in respective movement of the floor 32.

A drive 17, for example a motor, a hydraulic motor or different drive unit, is provided for driving the floor 32 via the drive members 31. In the present example, a drive 17 is configured for rotating a driven axis 14, carrying sprockets 15 that engage two parallel drive members (chains) 31 that are connected to the respective ends (lower end and upper end) or the floor 32. It is preferred that respective connections between drive members and the floor 32 are releasable, to allow floor / belt exchange. For example, floor connection structures 13 can be included, having releasable clamping units or removable connector elements, for connecting end sections of the floor 32 to the drive members 31.

In the present example, the floor is connected to a movable, upstanding back wall 6, arranged for moving together with the floor 32 (i.e.

its upper section 32A) during product discharge. A lower end of the movable back wall 6 is located at or near a respective floor connection structure 13, and an upper end is located near or at a top of the transport space 1. In the example, the back wall extends at a slight angle upwards with respect to a vertical plane (see Fig. 3). The movable back wall 6 may be configured to extend towards or even contact inner surfaces or the opposite side walls 2, for example via optional resilient, durable scraping edges or flaps 38, to assist efficient product unloading. The movable back wall 6 is supported by a supporting frame 6A (having a triangular shaped, viewed in side view), and is guided by respective guiding means that eg include a number of guiding wheels 4 and endless guiding members 36, 37. In this example, each of the side walls 2 is provided with a number of such guiding wheels 4 guiding a respective endless guiding member 36 (eg a belt), upper parts of the endless guiding members 36 are connected to upper sections of the movable back wall 6, for assisting the movement or the movable back wall 6 during floor movement.

As follows from the drawing, the transport space 1 further includes an air chamber structure 23, 24, 25 extending below the floor 32, defining a number of air chambers AS with a lower side of the movable floor (see Figures 4, 8). In particular, the lower side of the flexible floor 32 contacts opposite upper sides / edges of the air chamber structure substantially airtight.

In the present version, the air chamber structure has a fixed floor 24, extending spaced-apart below the horizontal level of the movable floor, the fixed floor having a number of upwardly protruding floor supporting ridges 25. The present supporting ridges 25 extend transversally with respect to the discharge direction L of the movable floor, and are located spaced-apart from each other viewed in the same direction L. Good results can be achieved by convex, upwardly protruding ridges 25, having curved or rounded upper sides (as in the example), allowing for low friction support (eg via a line contact or narrow strip contact) or the movable floor

32. The air chambers AS are located between respective pairs or transversal floor supporting ridges (see Figures 1, 3). To the skilled person it will be clear that the configuration of such air chambers AS can also be different, the chambers AS for example being provided in a different pattern than the present longitudinal array of air chambers AS. Also, contact lines / strips between upper sides of the supporting ridges 25 and the lower side of the upper section 32A of the movable floor 32 may extend transversally with respect to a longitudinal floor direction (ie unloading direction L), leading to good results , but that is not required.

In a preferred embodiment, the air chamber structure 23, 24, 25 includes two substantially parallel floor supporting sides 23a, supporting longitudinal lateral sides or the floor when the floor is in an initial product supporting position. As follows from FIG. 4, the two parallel floor supporting sides 23a can be provided eg by upper surfaces of floor supporting guides 23, extending in parallel along the two sides walls 2 and protruding upwardly from the fixed floor 24 (a height of the floor supporting guides 23 being eg the same as a height of the intermediate transversal ridges 25). Preferably, the parallel floor supporting sides 23a are low friction surfaces,

e.g. provided by smooth metal or smooth stainless steel surfaces and / or having a friction reducing coating.

In the present example, transversally outer edges of the upper part 32A or the movable floor 32 are located on smooth side guiding surfaces 20 that extend at angles 6 upwardly with respect to a horizontal plane defined by the main belt part 32A (for example an angle 6 in the range or about 10 to 45 degrees). These smooth side guiding surfaces 20 may be provided by respective side plates, extending along the side walls 2 and the two parallel supporting guides 23 (as in the present drawings). Alternatively, the two parallel supporting guides 23 may be configured / shaped to provided such sloping guiding surfaces 20 in addition to the two horizontal (inwardly arranged) supporting sides 23A.

It follows that during operation, said air chambers AS can be enclosed between the upper section 32A or the movable floor 32 (in case the floor is in an appropriate position, entirely covering that air chamber AS) on one hand, and the various elements / structures (respective part of the fixed floor 24, ridges 25 and guiding elements 23) on the other hand. The configuration is particularly such that the enclosure is substantially airtight.

Further, the transport space S includes or is connectable to an air supply 22, 26 for supplying pressurized air to each or said air chambers AS. The air supply includes for example an air duct 22, extending in this example centrally below the fixed floor 24, wherein the air duct 22 can be brought in fluid connection to the air chambers AS via an respective array or air pressure controlling means. In particular, the air pressure controlling means are operably by / via a floor section, such that the air pressure controlling means can be brought automatically to an air-supplying (open) state via a force or operating pressure that can be exerted on the air pressure controlling means by a floor part extending there-above. Also, any of the air pressure controlling means can be brought automatically to closed state in case of a certain drop in floor operating pressure or release or operating force, particularly at least in case the floor has moved away from the respective air pressure controlling means.

In an advantageous embodiment, each of the air pressure controlling means a durable and reliable, spring loaded check valve 26 (as in this example). Figures 5-7 depict an example of the valve 26 in more detail. The valve includes a valve housing 26A, having an upper wall 26B that can be integrated or located in the fixed floor 24 of the transport space (for example such an upper side of the valve housing coincides with an upper side of the fixed floor 24 ). A lower wall 26C of the valve housing can include an air inlet port 26D for receiving air from the air supply duct 22. The valve includes a return spring 28, arranged to force a ball valve member 27 upwardly for closing a respective air exit port 26E by spring force. Opening of the valve 26 can be achieved by a downward pressure / force, forcing the valve member 27 downwardly against the spring force, releasing the air exit port 26E to allow air flow through the valve into the respective air chamber AS.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve member 27 is a durable ceramic ball 27. This results in low friction, long-life and reliable valve operation, and avoids or reduced wear to the movable floor 32.

Also, it is preferred that the upper side of the valve housing includes a number of air guiding slits 26F, for example extending in lateral / radial directions with respect to the air exit port 26E. The present example includes four such air guiding slits 26F, also distributed viewed in circumferential direction (see Fig.7). The valve may also include less or more of such slits 26F, for example one, two, three, six, seven or eight, or another number. It is preferred that the bottom surfaces of these air guiding slits 26F are located below the upper (horizontal) level of the fixed floor 24, and that a remaining upper side of the valve housing is located at the upper (horizontal) level of the fixed floor 24. As a result, air can be properly dispersed into a respective air chamber AS, also in case the upper section 32A or the moveable floor 32 is still in an initial state while it eg touches or rests on the fixed floor 24 (eg during a start or pressurizing the air chambers AS).

Further, one or more air sources (not shown) may be provided, for example (but not necessarily) being part of or coupled to a structure of the transport space 1. As will be appreciated, an air source can be a pump, or pressurized air container and / or a different air sour type. The air source can be connected to the air supply duct 22 for pressurizing the duct during operation. Suitable operating pressures can be above 1 bar, particularly above ambient air pressure, for example a pressure that is at least 0.5 bar above ambient pressure, or a different pressure. It is preferred that the air duct 22 and respective valve housings can be brought to an air pressure that allows cushioning support (eg carrying a load) via the respective air chambers AS (ie the build-up air pressure lifting or holding the upper floor section 32A from the fixed floor 24).

During operation, the transport space 1 can be used to carry a load on the upper section 32A or the movable floor 32. As follows from Figure 8, during product discharge, the drive 17 can be activated for moving the upper floor section 32A (and respective movable back wall 6) in a product discharge direction L. In order to achieve a smooth floor movement, air is supplied (indicated by arrows Q) to the check valves 26 via the air duct 22, at an air pressure sufficient for opening the valves 26 to fill respective air chambers with air AS. As a result, a lifting force F is effected, by the air pressure in the air chambers AS, onto the upper part of the movable floor 32A.

Preferably, as mentioned before, during movement of the floor 32 (product discharge), the air supply to an air chamber can be automatically halted in case the floor 32 has moved away from that air chamber AS. Particularly, in the present example, the upper section 32A of the floor acts as an operating member, operating the valve or an air chamber AS (when closed by the floor 32) by pressing the valve member 26 downwardly in case or relatively low pressure in the air chamber AS (and allowing pressurizing or re-pressurizing or the air chamber AS). When the floor 32 moves further and separates from the valve, however, the valve remains in a closed condition since it is no longer operated by the floor.

Alternatively, or in addition, the transport space can be provided with floor position detection means, detecting a position of the floor, and air supply means that are controllable by such detection means. The skilled person will appreciate that such detecting means and controllable air supply means being achieved in various ways, e.g., using contact sensors, optical sensors, encoders, pneumatically, hycraulically or electrically operable air valves, et cetera.

Although the illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those. Various changes or modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

It is understood that in the present application, the term including does not exclude other elements or steps. Also, each of the terms and does not exclude a several. Any reference sign (l) in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims (2)

Conclusions A transport space (1), for example a freight transport space of a truck trailer, with a movable product delivery floor (32), the transport space (1) comprising an air chamber structure (23, 24, 25) extending below the floor (32), and a defines number of air chambers (AS) with 5 a bottom of the floor. Transport space (1), according to claim 1, wherein the underside of the floor touches an opposite top side of the air chamber structure substantially airtight. Transport space (1), according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Air chamber structure (23, 24, 25) comprises two substantially parallel floor support sides (23a), which supports longitudinal lateral sides of the floor when the floor is in an initial product-supporting position. Transport space (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The air chamber structure (23, 24, 25) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart transverse floor support edges (25), for example with curved or rounded tops, said air chamber (AS) preferably being located between a respective pair of transverse floor support edges (25). 5. Transport space (1), according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport space (1) comprises or can be connected to an air supply (22, 26) for supplying pressurized air to said air chambers. Transport space (1), according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one air pressure control means, for example one under spring pressure Loaded check valve (26) associated with each air chamber (AS) to control air pressure in that chamber. Transport space (1), according to claim 6, wherein said air pressure regulating means is located in a bottom of the respective chamber, and preferably comprises a ball check valve, more preferably with a ceramic ball (27). 8. Transport space (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said product delivery floor (32) is movable from an initial product support position to a product-delivered position in which the floor (32) is at a vertical level below said initial position. 9. Transport space (1), according to one of the preceding claims, 10 comprising a movable rear wall (6) adapted to move together with the floor (32) during product delivery. Transport space (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport space (1) is surrounded within a substantially airtight wall structure (2), closed by a movable door (50) which is located in a 15 delivery direction of the product delivery floor. Transport device (100), for example a vehicle or vessel, comprising or provided with at least one transport space (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Al6 <r C \ f » ¹ - / · \ \ o vf> 0> \> 2/6