NO20200406A1

NO20200406A1 - Container loading system

Info

Publication number: NO20200406A1
Application number: NO20200406A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Niels Berg
Original assignee: Berg Transp Aps
Priority date: 2019-04-10
Filing date: 2020-04-02
Publication date: 2020-10-12
Also published as: DK180098B1; SE2000073A1; DK201900445A1

Description

CONTAINER LOADING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein generally relates to a container loading system. More particularly, the present invention relates to the container loading system for holding and loading of a filled container onto the conveyor belt assembly.

BACKGROUND

Container is an indispensable tool in many industries such as building industries and demolition industries for carrying and transporting variety of goods and loads from one location to another location. These containers can only be moved by truck and in rare cases by a chain in excavator. In case of soft surface or heavy loads, then it is impossible to move the container with anything other than a truck.

In general, the container has two iron rollers at one end, hence the container can roll on through these rollers when the container lifted up in another end. The containers are quite large in size and are capable of weighing several thousands of pounds. These containers require a hoist like device with reeving elements in order to loading and unloading of containers from and onto a vehicle or storage compartments.

Typically, when a container is filled, it must be replaced with an empty one. The filled container weigh many thousands of pounds and they needs to be replaced with the empty one. In order to replace the filled container, it should be lifted and positioned to the appropriate compartment or truck. For instance, a filling / loading station in a construction site with filled container, needs to be replaced with an empty container in order to fill the empty container with goods. If a truck comes to a construction site with the empty container, it unloads the empty container nearer to the filling / loading station situated with the filled container and loaded with the filled one.

Conventionally, various types of container loading and unloading systems and apparatuses are available such as hydraulically operable systems, pneumatically operable systems, magnetically operable systems, etc. Moreover, these available systems and apparatuses need a manual operation to fasten the container to the truck for loading and unfasten the container from the truck for unloading. Further, it is an energy intensive, time-consuming process and dangerous to the craftsmen in case of any manual errors, or if the truck heads backwards on the construction sites.

In a prior art, US3874537 of Kou Jean describes a road vehicle adapted to carry a container or to act as a tipping wagon. The road vehicle comprises an auxiliary chassis adapted to carry the container and pivotally secured to the main chassis of the vehicle around an axis extending across the rear end of the latter. A single jack system controls selectively a lever adapted to draw a container lying on the ground to the rear of the vehicle onto the auxiliary chassis and to shift the container back onto the ground, and the tilting of the auxiliary chassis when the vehicle is to serve as a tipping wagon. Another prior art, US4009791 of Derain Christian discloses a truck dump-body operating mechanism, however, above-mentioned prior arts fails to disclose a linkage arm assembly with a first stationary link that is fixedly positioned on the conveyor belt and a L-shaped second movable link for an efficient container loading system.

In the light of above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide an efficient system for loading a filled container over a conveyor belt assembly situated either in storage area or in vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention discloses a container loading system for holding, lifting and loading / running a filled container over a conveyor belt assembly. In an embodiment, the container loading system is a remote-controller belt vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises a linkage arm assembly and a plurality of connectors. The linkage assembly includes, a first link and a second link. In one embodiment, one end of the second link is foldably connected to one end of the first link via one or more fasteners for positioning over the conveyor belt assembly.

In one embodiment, the connectors are affixed at other end of the second link, thereby enabling the system for holding, lifting and loading the filled container on to the conveyor belt assembly. In one embodiment, the first link is a stationary link. In another embodiment, the first link is fixedly positioned on the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the second link is a movable link. In one embodiment, the movable second link is configured in L-shaped structure. In another embodiment, the connectors at other end of the second link is in C-shape configuration to connect with the hook provided in the container wall in order to hold the filled container.

In one embodiment, the second link is repositioned with the filled container over the conveyor belt gradually, based on the weight of the lifted container. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt assembly comprises a tail pulley / roller and a head pulley / roller actuated by a motor for loading the filled container. In various embodiments, the conveyor belt assembly is configured with a plurality of pulleys actuated by the motor. In an embodiment, the first link and the second link comprise a predefined length and width configured to hold and lift the filled container. In some embodiments, the linkage assembly is made of materials selected from the group comprising any of a durable metal, steel or plastic.

In some embodiments, the first link and the second link comprise any one of a tapered shape or a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the linkage arm assembly comprises any one of a hollow cylindrical configuration or hollow rectangular configurations. In some embodiments, the linkage arm assembly comprises any one of a solid cylindrical configuration or solid rectangular configurations.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG.1 exemplarily illustrates a position of a container loading system prior to the movement of a filled container over the system.

FIG.2 exemplarily illustrates the position of the container loading system for holding the filled container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.3 exemplarily illustrates the position of the container loading system for lifting the filled container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.4 exemplarily illustrates the position of the container loading system, where the filled container is loaded over a conveyor belt assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG.1, a position of a container loading system 100 just prior to the movement of a filled container 200 over the system 100 is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the container loading system 100 is a remote-controlled belt vehicle. The container loading system 100 is configured to hold, lift and load / drive away the filled container 200 from loading station / filling station / loading rail of industries to container storage compartments or vehicles mounted with conveyor belt assembly 300. In some embodiments, the container loading system 100 is used in all industries includes, but not limited to, a construction site or a demolition industry.

In one embodiment, the container loading system 100 comprises a linkage assembly / robotic arm assembly 102 and a plurality of connectors 110. In one embodiment, the linkage assembly 102 includes, a first link 104 and a second link 106. In some embodiments, the linkage arm assembly 102 is configured with two or more links according to the requirement. In one embodiment, the first link 104 is a stationary / immobile link. In another embodiment, the first link 104 is fixedly positioned over the conveyor belt assembly 300. In an embodiment, the second link 106 is a movable link. In one embodiment, one end of the second link 106 is foldable connected to one end of the first link 104 via one or more fasteners 108 and positioned over the conveyor belt assembly 300. In some embodiments, the fastener 108 includes, but not limited to, nut and bolt, folding hinge, rotating hinge and brackets, screws or rivets.

Referring to FIG.1, the connectors 110 are affixed at other end of the second link 106 for holding, lifting and loading the filled container 200 on to the conveyor belt assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the container 200 is provided with at least a pair of rear wheels 202 and a hook 204. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt assembly 300 comprises a tail pulley / roller 302 and a head pulley / roller 304 actuated by a motor (not shown in Figures) for loading the filled container 200. In some embodiments, the tail roller 302 is a receiving end and head roller 304 is a discharging end. In various embodiments, the conveyor belt assembly 300 is configured with a plurality of pulleys actuated by the motor.

Referring to FIG.2, the position of the loading system 100 for holding the filled container 200 is exemplarily illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The linkage arm assembly 102 is actuated by the rotation of conveyor belt assembly 300. In general, the conveyor belt assembly 300 is configured with a plurality of rotors (not shown in Figures) under a top layer / bed of the belt 300. While actuating the motor, the conveyor belt 300 starts to move by the actuation of rotors. In an embodiment, the second link 106 is actuated to hold the filled container 200 due to the movement of conveyor belt 300, whereas the first link 104 is in motionless state. In one embodiment, the filled container 200 is provided with at least one pair of iron rollers 202 at the bottom edge of one wall and a hook like arrangement 204 in opposite wall face, thereby enabling the filled container 200 to roll on via rollers 202, when holding and lifting it up using robotic / linkage arms 102 or chain in an excavator.

In an embodiment, the second link 106 includes, a first bar 106a and a second bar 106b. In an embodiment, the second link 106 is configured in L-shape structure. In one embodiment, one end of the first bar 106a is fixedly and perpendicularly connected to one end of the second bar 106b. In another embodiment, the other end of the first bar 106a is rotatably connected to the one end of the first link 104. In one embodiment, the other end of the second bar 106b is configured with the plurality of connectors 110. In one embodiment, the connectors 110 is configured in C-shape structure. In some embodiments, the connector 110 is a lifting lug. By activating the second link 106, it turns and moves towards the filled container 200. Once the second link 106 reached the appropriate position, the C-shaped connector 110 is configured to connect with the hook like projection 204 provided in the wall of the container 200 facing the loading system 100. In some embodiments, the container could be loaded and unloaded in different ways including, but not limited to, wire-lifting and chain lifting.

Referring to FIG.3, the position of the loading system 100 for lifting the filled container 200 is exemplarily illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector 110 at the distal end of second bar 106b is connected to the hook 204 in the container 200. By actuating the second link 106, it picks and lifts the filled container 200 above the height of the conveyer belt 300. In one embodiment, the second link 106 lifts the container 200 to its maximum height. While lifting the container 200 at one end, it rolls on in other end via the pair of rollers 202. In some embodiments, the rollers 202 are made from any of materials including, but not limited to iron, rubber or suitable durable materials. At first, the tail roller 302 receives the container 200, while lifting and positioning the container 200 over the conveyor belt assembly 300. In one embodiment, the tail roller 302 receives the bottom wall of the container 200 and railed towards the head roller 304 and positioned over the belt 300.

Referring to FIG.4, the position of the container loading system 100 with the filled container 200 loaded over the conveyor belt assembly 300, where the second link 106 came to its original position. In one embodiment, the bottom edge of facing wall of the container 200 is positioned on the first bar 106a and pulls the first bar 106a towards conveyor belt 300, wherein the first bar 106a is rotatable connected to the first link 104 via fasteners 108. In an embodiment, the second link 106 lowered to its original position gradually. In one embodiment, the lowering of the second link 106 depends on the weight of the lifted container 200. In parallel to the conveyor belt 300, the filled container 200 is loaded just over the bed of the conveyor belt 300. In one embodiment, the raising and lowering of second link 106 to lift and load the filled container 200 is achieved by forward and reverse rotation of conveyor belt assembly 300, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first link 104 and the second link 106 comprise a predefined length and width configured to hold and lift the filled container 200. In some embodiments, the first link 104 and the second link 106 comprise any one of a tapered shape or a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the linkage assembly 102 is made of materials selected from the group comprising any of a durable metal, steel or plastic. In some embodiments, the linkage arm assembly 102 comprises any one of a hollow cylindrical or hollow rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the linkage arm assembly 102 comprises any one of a solid cylindrical or solid rectangular configuration.

According to the present invention, the container loading system 100 enables an easy way to load the filled container 200 over the conveyor belt assembly 300. In some embodiments, the conveyor belt assembly 300 is positioned on the trucks, container storage compartments, or filling stations. Further, the container loading system 100 saves loading time. Since, it is a remote-controlled system, there is no need for any cranes or excavators to lift the containers 200. Thus, minimizes the space required to load the filled container from the filling stations. In addition, the system 100 avoids many dangerous situations, like trucks heads backwards on the construction sites among craftsmen. With this effective container loading system 100, the filled container 200 is lifted and moved away easily, so that trucks can put the empty container in place at filling stations.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present concept disclosed herein. While the concept has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the concept has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the concept is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the concept extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the concept in its aspects.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A container loading system (100) characterized by,

a linkage arm assembly (102) includes a first stationary link (104), fixedly positioned on the conveyor belt (300) and a L-shaped second movable link (106), wherein one end of the second movable link (106) is foldably connected to one end of the first stationary link (104) via one or more fasteners (108), wherein the linkage arm assembly (102) is configured to position over a conveyor belt assembly (300); and

a plurality of connectors (110) affixed at other end of the second movable link (106) and configured to hold and load a filled container (200) over the conveyor belt assembly (300).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the connector (110) is in C-shape configuration and configured to hold the filled container (200) by connecting with the hook provided in the container (200).

3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt assembly (300) includes a plurality of pulleys (302 and 304) actuated by a motor.

4. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first stationary link (104) and the L-shaped second movable link (106) comprises a pre-defined length and width, configured to hold and lift the container (200).

5. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the container loading system (100) is a remotecontrolled belt vehicle.