NZ620216B2 - Refuse collection vehicle with telescoping arm - Google Patents
Refuse collection vehicle with telescoping arm Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ620216B2 NZ620216B2 NZ620216A NZ62021612A NZ620216B2 NZ 620216 B2 NZ620216 B2 NZ 620216B2 NZ 620216 A NZ620216 A NZ 620216A NZ 62021612 A NZ62021612 A NZ 62021612A NZ 620216 B2 NZ620216 B2 NZ 620216B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- container
- refuse
- vehicle
- grasping
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000035882 stress Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241000209134 Arundinaria Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 101700015817 LAT2 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000196435 Prunus domestica subsp. insititia Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001340 slower Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F2003/022—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto the discharging means comprising a device for determining the weight of the content of refuse receptacles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F2003/0223—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto the discharging means comprising elements for holding the receptacle
- B65F2003/023—Gripper arms for embracing the receptacle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F2003/025—Constructional features relating to actuating means for lifting or tipping containers
- B65F2003/0256—Means for vibrating or shaking the containers for facilitating emptying
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F2003/0263—Constructional features relating to discharging means
- B65F2003/0266—Constructional features relating to discharging means comprising at least one telescopic arm
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F2003/0263—Constructional features relating to discharging means
- B65F2003/0276—Constructional features relating to discharging means capable of moving towards or away from the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F2003/0263—Constructional features relating to discharging means
- B65F2003/0279—Constructional features relating to discharging means the discharging means mounted at the front of the vehicle
- B65F2003/0283—Constructional features relating to discharging means the discharging means mounted at the front of the vehicle between the cab and the collection compartment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F3/04—Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
- B65F3/041—Pivoted arms or pivoted carriers
- B65F3/043—Pivoted arms or pivoted carriers with additional means for keeping the receptacle substantially vertical during raising
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F3/04—Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
- B65F3/041—Pivoted arms or pivoted carriers
- B65F3/046—Pivoted arms or pivoted carriers with additional means for assisting the tipping of the receptacle after or during raising
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F3/00—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
- B65F3/02—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
- B65F3/04—Linkages, pivoted arms, or pivoted carriers for raising and subsequently tipping receptacles
- B65F3/048—Linkages
Abstract
arm 30 for a refuse vehicle comprising a telescoping boom 32 adapted for coupling with a refuse stowage unit 20 on a refuse vehicle, a grasping mechanism 34 coupled with an end of the telescoping boom 32. The refuse stowage unit 20 is defined by a bottom, side walls and a top defining a space 28 to receive refuse. The grasping mechanism 34 is adapted for grasping containers. The grasping mechanism 34 includes at least one rotatable actuator 36 for moving the container between a pick up position and an empty position. The grasping mechanism 34 including at least one moveable finger for coupling with the container for enabling pick up of the container to receive refuse. The grasping mechanism 34 is adapted for grasping containers. The grasping mechanism 34 includes at least one rotatable actuator 36 for moving the container between a pick up position and an empty position. The grasping mechanism 34 including at least one moveable finger for coupling with the container for enabling pick up of the container
Description
REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE WITH TELESCOPING ARM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to US Utility Application No.
13/570,504, filed on August 9, 2012 and the benefit of US. Provisional
Application No. 61/522,552, filed on August 11, 2011. The entire disclosures of
the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
1O [0002] The present disclosure relates to refuse collection vehicles and,
more particularly, to refuse collection vehicles that include a side loading
collection arm.
BACKGROUND
[0003] s types of refuse collection vehicles exist in the art.
These vehicles include numerous types of pick up or collection arms. The
collection arms usually move from a pick up position, picking up a garbage can
at the curb, to a dump position, g the garbage can in a hopper.
Ordinarily, these arms include various types of es to move the arm from
2O one position to the other. These linkages utilize a number of parts as well as
lic cylinders. Due to the nt from one on to the other, the
collection arms can be very complicated and include numerous parts. While
these arms work satisfactory for their ed purpose, designers strive to
improve the art.
[0004] When these collection arms require significant maintenance, it
generally requires the entire collection arm being removed from the vehicle.
Thus, this requires significant down time of the e. Also, due to their
complexity, the collection arms are ntially heavy and add additional weight
to the e.
[0005] The present disclosure provides the art with a refuse collection
vehicle that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior devices. The present
disclosure provides the art with a telescoping collection arm that includes a pivot
bearing assembly that enables vertical movement of the collection arm. In
on, the pivot may slide along a track inside the hopper to provide additional
horizontal movement of the arm. The pick up arm can be quickly removed from
the pivot bearing assembly for replacement or substitution of other like arms. The
collection arm includes a dynamic control to alter its vertical and ntal
movements which, in turn, alter the position of the gripping fingers. The collection
arm and the bearing assembly are coupled with the vehicle body hopperto enable
the tion arm to pivot with respect to the hopper.
SUMMARY
According to the disclosure, a refuse collection vehicle
comprises a vehicle with a refuse stowage unit secured to the vehicle. A hopper
is coupled with the refuse stowage unit to receive refuse. A collection arm is
coupled with the vehicle to grasp containers and empty the containers in the
hopper. The collection arm includes a telescoping boom coupled with the refuse
stowage unit. A grasping mechanism is coupled with one end of the telescoping
boom. The grasping mechanism is adapted to grasp containers. The grasping
mechanism es at least one rotatable actuatorthat moves the containerfrom
a pick up position to an empty on. The grasping mechanism includes at least
one moveable finger to couple with the container to enable picking up of the
container. The telescoping boom is pivotally secured to the refuse stowage unit.
A pivot bearing assembly is coupled with the hopper to receive the telescoping
boom. A cylinder is mounted on the hopper and is coupled with the telescoping
boom. The cylinder enables nt of the boom in two degrees of freedom.
The collection arm is readily ble from the vehicle. The collection arm may
be replaced with a collection arm that accomplishes a different on such as
the picking up of brush, cutting trees or the like. The tion arm enables pick
up of containers above and below the street grade on which the vehicle is
traveling.
According to a second aspect of the sure, an arm for a
refuse vehicle comprises: a telescoping boom d for coupling with a refuse
e unit on a refuse e, the refuse stowage unit defined by a bottom,
side walls and a top defining a space to receive refuse, a grasping mechanism
coupled with an end of the telescoping boom, the grasping mechanism adapted
for grasping ners, the grasping mechanism including at least one rotatable
actuator for moving the container between a pick up position and an empty
position, and the grasping mechanism including at least one moveable fingerfor
coupling with the containerfor enabling pick up of the container. The telescoping
boom includes a pivot bearing assembly adapted to be lly secured to the
refuse stowage unit. The pivot bearing assembly is adapted to be coupled with
the hopper. A er is coupled with the boom and adapted to be d on
the hopper. The cylinder enables movement of the boom in two degrees of
freedom of motion. The range of motion of the telescoping boom coupled with the
rotary actuator assures that the ner g is always parallel with the
ground regardless of the grade. The collection arm is readily removable from the
vehicle. A different grasping mechanism may be mounted on the collection arm
that accomplishes a different function. The collection arm enables pick up of
containers above and below the street grade on which the vehicle is ing.
Further areas of ability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this
summary are intended for es of ration only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only
of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not
ed to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
is a perspective view of a refuse collection vehicle.
is an elevation View of the telescoping arm on the refuse
stowage unit.
is an elevation view like illustrating a container
moving from a pick up position to a dump position.
is a front elevation view of the refuse collection vehicle
with the collection arm extended to retrieve a container below the street grade
level.
is a perspective view of a refuse collection vehicle
picking up a container above the street grade level.
is a perspective view of the telescoping arm removed
from a pivot bearing assembly.
is a perspective view illustrating the cylinder attached to
the tion arm.
is a view like of an alternative embodiment of the
pivot assembly.
is a view like in an alternate on.
[0019] is a perspective view of the refuse collection vehicle with
the collection arm in an extended position.
is a perspective view of the refuse collection vehicle with
the collection arm in a retracted position.
is a view like of the container being moved
towards a dump position.
is a perspective view of the refuse collection vehicle
with the collection arm in a dump position.
is an elevation view of the grasping mechanism in a
retracted position.
[0024] is a perspective view of the grasping mechanism in a
ted on.
is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of
the refuse collection vehicle.
is an elevation view of the collection arm of
moving between a pick up and a dump position.
is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of
the refuse collection vehicle present invention with the tion arm in an
extended position.
is a perspective view of the refuse collection vehicle of
with the collection arm in a dump position.
PCT/U82012/050084
DETAILED PTION
Turning to the drawings, a refuse collection vehicle is illustrated
and designated with the reference numeral 20. The refuse collection vehicle 20
includes a cab 22, a frame 24 and a refuse stowage unit 26. The refuse
stowage unit 26 also es a hopper 28. A container collection arm 30 is
secured to the hopper 28.
The container collection arm 30 includes a telescoping boom 32
and a grasping assembly 34. The grasping assembly 34 is secured to the boom
1O 32 via a rotary actuator 36. The rotary actuator 36 manipulates the grasping
assembly 34 to level the ner during lifting. Additionally, the rotary actuator
36 initiates g of the container into the hopper 28. A hose track 38,
housing the hydraulic hoses, is positioned on the boom 30. The hydraulic hoses
are d by the hose track 38 to the rotary actuator 36 and grasping assembly.
The hose track 38 moves along the boom 32 as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8-
The grasping assembly 34 includes a link arm 35 coupled with
the rotary actuator 36. Additionally, a pair of fingers 31, 33 is actuated from the
link arm 35 to capture the container. In , the link arm 35 is illustrated in a
2O non-offset position for close container gripping or a storage position. The fingers
31, 33 include sensors 39. The sensors 39 may be of the pressure or
positioning type to enable proper oning of the ng mechanism fingers
31, 33 on the container prior to the dump ce. Additionally, the fingers 31,
33 may include a sensor such as a load cell 41 or the like that enables a
ination of the weight of the container prior to the dumping sequence. By
determining the weight of the container, dynamically, this enables the speed of
the arm 30, during the dump sequence, to be adjusted based upon the weight of
the container. Thus, with a lightweight container, the boom 32 may operate
rapidly through the dump sequence to dump the container. In the event the
container is heavy (e.g., 100 to 300 lbs.), the boom 32 can lift the ner
slowly and proceed h the dump sequence to dump the container at a
slower speed. Alternatively, the hydraulic system could be utilized, via an
algorithm relating weight to the pressure/flow characteristics, to determine the
weight of the container. Thus, the hydraulic pressure could be monitored to
determine the weight and thus the ce of dumping the container.
The boom 32 generally includes a plurality of stages that enable
the boom 32 to telescope outward and inward to pick up and dump a container.
The boom 32, with stages, can have a desired length and is preferably between
8 to 16 feet.
The boom 32 is secured onto the hopper 28 by a ng
assembly 40 and a movable cylinder 42. The mounting assembly 40 is secured
1O to the hopper 28. The bearing journal enables the boom 32 to rotate about the
bearing journal axis. The mounting assembly 40 es a base 44. The base
44 es the bearing journal 46 that receives the boom 32. The bearing
journal is positioned inside of a base 44 that is secured to the hopper 28, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0034] Alternatively, as illustrated in FlGS. 7a and 7b, a rail system 41
may be positioned on the hopper 28. The rail system 41 receives a bearing
coupled with a bracket assembly 49 The bracket assembly 49 is slid along the
rail system 41 via the er 51. The mounting assembly 40 is secured to the
t assembly 49. Thus, the mounting assembly 40 can be moved
horizontally on the hopper 28 to provide additional horizontal movement and
provide additional length for the telescoping boom 32 during pick up as well as a
d length during storage.
The pivot er 42 includes a trunnion 52 mounted in a
trunnion mount 50. The trunnion mount 50 enables the cylinder 42 to pivot along
the axis of the trunnion pin 52. Thus, as the cylinder 42 is extended and
retracted, the trunnion mount 50 enables the piston to rotate about the trunnion
pin axis. As this occurs, the boom 32 is rotated about the bearing journal 46
which provides vertical movement at the end of the boom 32 that es the
rotary actuator 36. The cylinder 42 includes a mounting pin 54 that passes
through a clevis 56 on the boom 32 so that the cylinder 42 is bly secured
with the boom 32.
PCT/U82012/050084
As can be seen in and 7, due to the nature of the
mounting assembly 40, the container collection arm 30 can be easily removed
from the mounting assembly 40. The container collection arm 30 can easily be
repaired or replaced. onally, other types of arms, such as to pick up brush,
cut trees, or the like, can be tuted for the container collection arm 30.
Thus, by actuating the er 42, the boom 32 may be moved
in a first degree of movement to provide vertical nt of the grasping
assembly 34. Additionally, the boom 32 can be extended to provide a second
degree of freedom of movement to move the grasping assembly horizontally.
Further, the rotary actuator 36 can be rotated up and/or down to compensate for
ng the container. Thus, the container collection arm 30 is e of
g up containers above and below the street grade the vehicle is traveling
on, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Additionally, the movement enables the
g of the container to be parallel to the ground regardless of the grade.
Thus, this prevents tipping and loss of refuse in the container.
Additionally, an operator override may be present to enable the
grasping of containers that are above and below the street grade of the vehicle.
This requires the arm to be taken out of a normal range of operation for grasping
the containers. The grasping sequence can be overridden by the operator so
that the containers may be picked up above and below street grade of the
vehicle.
illustrates the container collection arm 30 moving
between a pick up and a dump position. Here, the boom 32 is extended slightly
when the trash container is on the ground and grasped by the grasping
ism 34. As the boom 32 is d upwardly, the piston cylinder 42 is
extended. Additionally, the rotary actuator 36 compensates to in the
container in an upright position as illustrated. The piston cylinder 42 continues to
extend as the boom continues to retract. Also, the rotary actuator 36 continues
to rotate until the container reaches a dump position. As this occurs, the piston
cylinder 42 is substantially extended through its entire . The rotary
actuator 36 is rotated so that the container dumps into the hopper 28. At this
position, the rotary actuator 36 can be moved in a forward and reverse direction,
PCT/U82012/050084
as illustrated by the two ended arrow in to “shake” the container to
provide an extra refuse evacuation sequence during g. Alternatively, a
vibration mechanism 55 may be secured with the grasping ism 34 to
” the container to provide an extra refuse evacuation sequence during
g, as seen in . The cylinder 42, boom 32 and rotary actuator 36
are activated to reposition the container back onto the ground surface. Thus, the
container collection arm 30 enables the container to be t to a dumping
location in a direct path from any d distance while maintaining the
container in an upright condition. This reduces the ility of spillage of the
container contents.
The rotary actuator 36 ensures that the ner is emptied.
The rotary actuator 36, vibration mechanism 55, or other shaking devices, not
directly d to the lifting motion, will enable the containers to be emptied
t adding loads and stresses to the main lifting stages of the boom 32.
Additionally, a system to determine whether the container is empty may be
added to the container collection arm 30. It will automatically modify the
container collection arm 30 motion to empty the container. Container status can
be derived from a number of methods such as weight, visual sensing, ultrasonic
radar or the like which will transmit a signal back to the main lift controller. The
information will be used to either initiate shaking of the container to empty its
contents or prevent the operator from extraneous shaking nt of the
container. This reduces wear on the lifting arm and increases operator
productivity by eliminating unneeded s at each collection point.
Additionally, a sensor 65 may be positioned on the rotary
actuator link arm 35. The sensor 65 ensures that the link arm 35 is level with the
grade of the ground. This enables the container opening to always be parallel
with the ground prior to the dump sequence. This auto leveling feature
enhances the ability to enable the container to be maintained upright as well as
to be in a proper position for dumping. Also, sensor 65 will allow for the link arm
35 and grasping mechanism 34 to be rotated to a perpendicular position in
reference to the ground so that containers that are not in an upright position can
be collected.
PCT/U82012/050084
The boom 32 includes a hydraulic manifold 60. The hydraulic
manifold 60 includes connection portions 62 for the extended dump and end
effector hoses. These are connected, via hoses, to the supply return of the
hydraulic system. The positioning of the manifold 60 enables the hoses to be
short and decreases the amount of movement of the hoses secured with the
supply return mounted on the hopper 28. Additionally, supply lines 68 are
oned on the hopper 28 to operate the piston cylinder 42. The supply lines
and actuator lines e quick disconnects so that they can be quickly
connected and disconnected from one another.
[0043] Additionally, a camera 80 and a light 82 may be positioned onto
the hopper 28 as rated in The camera 80 and the light 82 provide
the operator with a view of the container so that the container may be picked up
by the operator from within the cab of the e. The operator views a screen
in the cab that illustrates the container. Thus, the camera 80 provides a view of
the container so that the operator may easily grasp the container with the
ng mechanism 34. The screen may include some type of line scan or
safety curtain to enable lining up and easy pick up of the container by the
operator. Also, the light 82 may be present to provide illumination for the
camera. This optimizes the field of view. The operator is provided with a
2O controller, such as a joy stick, so that he would be able to manipulate the
container collection arm 30 to pick up of the ner. Once the container is
grasped, the operator initiates the dumping sequence. The system determines
the weight of the container and begin the dump sequence.
Also, the camera 80 may be mounted so that upon dumping of
the ner, the operator may view the inside of the container for a refuse
verification check to ensure that the container is empty. Alternatively, the
camera 80 and light 80 may be mounted on the container collection arm 30.
11 illustrates a container . In the boom 32
is extended so that the grasping mechanism 34 is positioned about the
container. In the boom 32 has been retracted into a position to begin
dumping the ner. In , the boom has been rotated upwardly
illustrating the relatively level vertical position of the container as it moves from
PCT/U82012/050084
the ground e to the hopper 28. illustrates the extension of the
piston cylinder 42 and the rotation of the rotary actuator 36 to dump the
container into the hopper 28.
Thus, the container collection arm 30 is rotatably coupled with
the hopper 28 as well as including a rotatable actuator 36. This configuration
enables the grasping mechanism 34 to be positioned so that it is perpendicular
to a ner at any distance in height within the working area of the container
collection arm 30. This enables optimal engagement with the waste container to
reduce the possibility of damaging the container or spilling its contents. The
1O mounting assembly 40 is attached to the front of the hopper 28 to reduce the
overall weight of the assembly by using the body structure to raise the boom 32
pivot point above the chassis where the ner collection arm 30 reach can be
maximized. The mounting position of the ner collection arm 30 raises the
attachment point of the container collection arm 30 to an area where it is easily
eable so that quick change of the container tion arm 30 for service
and repair is le.
Methods of operating the collection device are as follows. The
operator s a direct path or a low lift path to the hopper. The operator grips
the input controller (joystick or other). The system senses the operator is
present. The operator approaches a container. As the vehicle slows down,
below a preset speed, the joystick is enabled. The operator moves the l to
a reach position. A signal is sent to the chassis to restrict the speed of any
fonNard movement of the vehicle as soon as the arm leaves it’s stored position.
The boom cylinder extends, the lift cylinder extends to the level of the dump arm,
and the rotary actuator rotates the grabber assembly and beam to assure that
the container remains el to the ground. The operator, sensor, camera, or
other device initiates closing of the grabber as the arms approach the container.
When the optimum grabber point, as defined by the r and container type
is reached, the extended functions are stopped. The container is firmly grabbed
using a force feed back, grabbing the container. The operator moves the control
lever to the dump position.
PCT/U52012/050084
If the direct path is chosen, the controller calculates the most
direct path to the hopper dumping position. Upon operator signal or after a
preset time after the container is gripped, the container lifting and weighing is
initiated. When the weight exceeds a preset limit, the operation of the arm will
be slowed to control stresses within the arm structure. The boom cylinder is
retracted, while the lift cylinder continues to extend until sensors reach the
container raised position and is ready to dump. While raising the grabber, the
beam continues to rotate to in the container level to the earth. While
moving the ner plus refuse, the weight is more precisely calculated. When
reaching the dump position, the dump arm will rotate the container into the dump
position emptying the contents into the hopper. If the container is not empty, a
re-rotation of the dump arm/grabber is automatically initiated to dislodge the
remaining ts. Alternatively, a ory or other method may be engaged
to dislodge the ner contents. When the container is ined to be
empty, the container will be rotated back toward the level position. As soon as
the container has rotated far enough to clear the edge of the hopper, the arm lift
cylinder will begin retracting to lower the container. The boom cylinder will
extend to return the container to the position as it was picked up. The controller
will follow the reverse path of the lift cycle to directly return the container.
2O [0049] If the low lift path is chosen, upon operator signal or after a
preset time after verifying the container is gripped, the boom er is
retracted, while the lift cylinder continues to retract until sensors determine the
container has reached the side of the vehicle body. The container is maintained
at a height that is raised slightly to clear the ground surface while it is ted.
Upon operator signal or after a preset time after the container is gripped,
container lifting and weighing is initiated. When the weight exceeds a preset
limit, the operation of the arm will be slowed to control stresses within the arm
structure. While retracting the grabber, the beam continues to rotate to maintain
the container level to the earth. As soon as the container s the side of the
vehicle body, the lift cylinder begins to extend, and the boom cylinder extends
then ts to compensate for the rotary motion. As the r is , the
beam continues to rotate to maintain the container level to the earth. While
moving the container plus the refuse, the weight is more precisely calculated.
When the dump position is reached, the dump arm will rotate the container into
the dump on emptying its contents into the hopper. If the container is not
empty, a re-rotation of the dump cylinder is automatically initiated to dislodge its
contents. Alternatively, a vibratory or other method may be engaged to dislodge
the container of its contents. When the container is determined to be empty, the
container is rotated back toward the level position. As soon as the container has
rotated far enough to clear the edge of the , the arm lift cylinder begins to
retract lowering the container. Also, the boom cylinder extends to return the
container to the position as it was picked up. The controller will follow the
reverse path of the lift cycle to directly return the container to the lower position
at the side of the vehicle body. The controller will then automatically extend the
boom and raise cylinder, while rotating the dump arm to return the container to
the pickup position. When the ner is at the pickup position, the operator
will command the grabber to release the container. The grabber will open. As
soon as the grabber has retracted far enough from the container, the boom
cylinder and lift er will start to retract. The boom will pull in with the
grabber ing level to the stored position. A signal is sent to the chassis to
allow full vehicle speed.
[0050] Turning to FlGS. 14 and 15, an onal ment is
illustrated. The collection vehicle, including the cab 22, frame 24, refuse
e unit 26 and hopper 28, is substantially identical. Here, the difference is
in the container collection arm 130. Again, the container collection arm 130
includes a telescoping boom 132 secured with the hopper 28. The boom 132 is
secured with the hopper 28 so that the boom 132 es horizontal movement
at a constant height. An arm 132 is secured with the end of the telescoping
boom 132. The other end of the arm 132 includes a grasping mechanism 134 to
grab refuse containers. The arm 132 includes a plurality of rotary actuators 136,
138, 140. The rotary actuators 136, 138, 140 are provided at pivot locations of
the arm 132. Thus, the arm includes links 142, 144 between the rotary actuators
136, 138, 140. The links 142, 144 pivot about the rotary ors to enable the
container to be moved from the collection to the dump on as illustrated in
2012/050084
. Thus, the container is picked up as the rotary actuators 136, 138, 140
rotate to pivot the links 142, 144 with respect to one another to enable the waste
container to be dumped into the hopper 28, as illustrated in .
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an additional embodiment of the
disclosure. The collection vehicle is substantially the same as that described
including a cab 22, a frame 24, a refuse stowage unit 26 and a hopper 28. The
container collection arm 230 is positioned underneath the hopper 28. The
ner collection arm 230 includes a telescoping boom 232 that includes a
grasping mechanism 234. The grasping mechanism 234 moves vertically along
1O a support 236. The telescoping boom 232 extends ntally from the vehicle
to grasp a container. The telescoping boom 232 is retracted into the vehicle.
The telescoping boom aligns the support 236 with a track 238 having a candy
cane uration. The grasping mechanism 234 begins to ride upward along
the support 236 and then onto the candy cane track 238 to a dump position as
illustrated in .
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
ed for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a
ular ment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment,
but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected
ment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be
varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from
the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the disclosure.
Claims (19)
1. An arm for a refuse vehicle comprising: a telescoping boom adapted for coupling with a refuse stowage unit on a refuse vehicle, the refuse stowage unit defined by a bottom, side walls and a top ng a space to receive refuse, a grasping mechanism coupled with an end of the telescoping boom, the grasping mechanism adapted for grasping containers, the grasping ism including at least one rotatable actuator for moving the container n a pick up position and an empty position, and the grasping ism including at least one moveable finger for coupling with the container for enabling pick up of the container.
2. The arm of Claim 1, further comprising the telescoping boom adapted to be pivotally secured to the refuse stowage unit.
3. The arm of Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising a pivot bearing assembly removably coupled with the telescoping boom and adapted for coupling with a hopper.
4. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising a er coupled with the telescoping boom for moving the boom.
5. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the arm is readily removable from a vehicle.
6. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein a ng mechanism with a different function can be coupled with the arm.
7. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the arm enables pick up of containers above and below grade of a street on which the vehicle is ing.
8. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising a sensor ing signals to a controller to automatically level the grasping mechanism to assure that an opening of a picked up container is parallel to a ground surface prior to dumping.
9. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising a mechanism for extra refuse evacuation during a dumping sequence.
10. The arm of Claim 9, wherein the mechanism is a vibratory mechanism.
11. The arm of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the mechanism operates in both directions of rotation of the rotatable actuator.
12. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 11, r sing a sensor for ining a weight value of the container.
13. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 12, further comprising a camera for ng viewing by an operator for picking up a container.
14. A refuse collection vehicle sing: a vehicle with a refuse stowage unit secured to the vehicle; a hopper coupled with the refuse stowage unit for receiving refuse; and an arm in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 13 for grasping containers and emptying the containers in the hopper.
15. The refuse collection vehicle of Claim 14, r comprising a mechanism coupled with the hopper for enabling the arm to be multi-positioned on the hoppen
16. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 13, further comprising a pivot assembly for receiving the telescoping boom, the pivot assembly comprising: a bearing assembly adapted to be coupled with the stowable unit of a refuse vehicle; and a base coupled with the bearing ly, the base including a mechanism for securing the telescoping boom.
17. The arm of any one of Claims 1 to 13, further comprising: at least one moveable finger for coupling with the container, a link d with the rotatable actuator, the at least one le finger being coupled with the link; and a mechanism for controlling movement of the telescoping boom and grasping mechanism such that as the container is grasped, an opening of the container remains parallel to a ground surface as the container is manipulated by the telescoping boom and grasping mechanism.
18. An arm for a refuse vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the anying drawings.
19. A refuse collection vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161522552P | 2011-08-11 | 2011-08-11 | |
US61/522,552 | 2011-08-11 | ||
US13/570,504 US10661986B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2012-08-09 | Refuse collection vehicle with telescoping arm |
US13/570,504 | 2012-08-09 | ||
PCT/US2012/050084 WO2013023024A2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2012-08-09 | Refuse collection vehicle with telescoping arm |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ620216A NZ620216A (en) | 2016-05-27 |
NZ620216B2 true NZ620216B2 (en) | 2016-08-30 |
Family
ID=
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