WO2019220019A1 - A load unit arrangement having a guiding member for guiding the load unit when connected or disconnected - Google Patents

A load unit arrangement having a guiding member for guiding the load unit when connected or disconnected Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019220019A1
WO2019220019A1 PCT/FI2019/050387 FI2019050387W WO2019220019A1 WO 2019220019 A1 WO2019220019 A1 WO 2019220019A1 FI 2019050387 W FI2019050387 W FI 2019050387W WO 2019220019 A1 WO2019220019 A1 WO 2019220019A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
load unit
guiding member
load
elongated guiding
elongated
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2019/050387
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tommi LEPPIAHO
Original Assignee
Delete Finland Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delete Finland Oy filed Critical Delete Finland Oy
Publication of WO2019220019A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019220019A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/64—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
    • B60P1/6418—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar
    • B60P1/6427—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar the load-transporting element being shifted horizontally in a fore and aft direction, combined or not with a vertical displacement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/48—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using pivoted arms raisable above load-transporting element
    • B60P1/483—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using pivoted arms raisable above load-transporting element using pivoted arms shifting the load-transporting element in a fore or aft direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/64—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
    • B60P1/6409—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable details, accessories, auxiliary devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/64—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
    • B60P1/6418—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar
    • B60P1/6463—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar fitted with articulated beams for longitudinal displacement of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/64—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable
    • B60P1/6418—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading the load supporting or containing element being readily removable the load-transporting element being a container or similar
    • B60P1/649—Guiding means for the load-transporting element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
    • B65D88/022—Large containers rigid in multiple arrangement, e.g. stackable, nestable, connected or joined together side-by-side
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
    • B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
    • B65D88/122—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport with access from above
    • B65D88/123—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport with access from above open top
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/0033—Lifting means forming part of the container
    • 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
    • B65F3/001—Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse for segregated refuse collecting, e.g. vehicles with several compartments

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a load unit arrangement having first and second load units to be carried by a vehicle, such as by a truck.
  • the invention relates to a load unit arrangement having a guiding member, where the first and second load units can be moved in relation to each other and connected to and disconnected from each other by the help of the guiding member.
  • Different kinds of cranes or the like can be used for lifting the load units, for example, but they are expensive and time consuming methods.
  • the cranes or the like must be either integrated to the load unit arrangement, whereupon they increases the total mass of the load unit arrangement or they must be driven or otherwise be on the site where the load units are connected or disconnected.
  • An object of the invention is to alleviate and eliminate the problems relating to the known prior art.
  • Especially the object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for connecting and disconnecting the load units, so to move the first load unit on the top of the second load unit from the top of the vehicle and vice versa to take the first load unit away from the top of the second load unit and to the top of the vehicle carrying or transporting said load unit.
  • the invention relates to an arrangement for connecting and disconnecting at least two load units according to claim 1.
  • the invention relates to a method for connecting and disconnecting the load units according to claim 12.
  • a load unit arrangement has first and second load units, which can be carried by a vehicle, such as a truck. Both load units have first and second ends and longitudinal axis between said first and second ends.
  • the load units are configured to move in relation to each other at least in a first longitudinal direction to connect the load units and in a second longitudinal direction to disconnect the load units on top of each other, wherein said second longitudinal direction is essentially opposite to said first longitudinal direction.
  • the moving can be made possible for example by suitable guiding device in the first load unit and by a suitable guiding rail in the second load unit along which the first load unit can move in both directions.
  • the first end of the second load unit comprises a first elongated guiding member, such as a ramp, lip, wedge, or nose or the like.
  • the elongated guiding member comprises also first and second ends.
  • the elongated guiding member is advantageously fixed to an upper portion of the first end of the second load unit via the first end.
  • the elongated guiding member has a receiving position, where the second end of the elongated guiding member is configured to protrude outside and downward direction from the first end of the second load unit and so that the second end of the elongated guiding member locates lower level than said the first end of the elongated guiding member in said receiving position.
  • the second end of the first load unit may advantageously comprise a second guiding member, such as a recess portion, a slot, notch, wedge, roller or wheel advantageously with a recess or groove.
  • the second guiding member has a shape and properties so that it can be mechanically introduced with the first elongated guiding member.
  • the first elongated guiding member guides the second guiding member and thereby the second end of the first load unit to move upwards along the elongated guiding member and towards to upper portion of the first end of the second load unit, when the first load unit is further moved in said first longitudinal direction.
  • the second end of the first load unit is finally moved to the top of the first end of the second load unit.
  • the first load unit When the load units are disconnected, the first load unit is moved in said second longitudinal direction, whereupon the first end of the elongated guiding member is configured to receive the second end of the first load unit or said second guiding member of the second end of the first load unit.
  • the first elongated guiding member guides the second guiding member and thereby the second end of the first load unit to move downwards along the elongated guiding member and away from the upper portion of the first end of the second load unit.
  • the load units, and in particularly the first load unit can be moved in said first and second directions by many ways and different methods and the invention is not limited to any special method.
  • the upper portion of the first end of the first load unit may comprise for example a second support portion, such as a loop-structure, for receiving a moving device, such as hook.
  • the hook can be moved for example by an actuating member, like a cylinder, whereupon when the moving device is coupled with the second support portion and the moving device is actuated, the first load unit can be moved in said first and second longitudinal directions.
  • the present invention offers advantages over the known prior art, such as enables very easy, fast and inexpensive arrangement to connect and disconnect the load units so that no external cranes are needed.
  • the arrangement is very simple to manufacture and use and very durable.
  • the first and second guiding members form a supporting point (and also the second support portion with the moving device may form a second support point) so that the supporting point(s) allows the first load unit to take a laterally balanced position in relation to the longitudinal axel of the first load unit.
  • Figures 1A-1 F illustrate a principle of an exemplary load unit arrangement for connecting first and second load units carried by a vehicle according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 2A-2D illustrate an exemplary first elongated guiding member for guiding a second end of the first load unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary second guiding member to be introduced with the first elongated guiding member according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4 illustrate a principle of guiding the second end of the first load unit along first elongated guiding member to/from the top of the second load unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 5A-5D illustrate still an exemplary first elongated guiding member for guiding a second end of the first load unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 1A-1 F illustrate a principle of an exemplary load unit arrangement 100 for connecting first 101 and second 102 load units carried by a vehicle
  • Both load units have first and second ends 101 A, 101 B, 102A, 102B and longitudinal axis 105A, 105B between said first and second ends.
  • the load units 101 , 102 can advantageously move in relation to each other at least in a first longitudinal direction 105 to connect the load units and in a second longitudinal direction 110 to disconnect the load units on top of each other.
  • the relative moving of the load units in both directions 105, 110 can be made possible for example by a suitable guiding device 113 in the first load unit 101 and by a suitable guiding rail 112 in the second load unit along which the first load unit can move in both directions.
  • the guiding device 113 may be for example a protruding member, such as a pin or roller, or the like.
  • the guiding rail 112 may be implemented for example by a slot, groove or channel or the like, which can receive the guiding device 113 to along it.
  • the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 advantageously comprises a first elongated guiding member 103 having also first and second ends 103A, 103B.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 may be implemented e.g. by a ramp, lip, wedge, or nose or the like, as is illustrated in more details in Figures 2A-2D.
  • the elongated guiding member 103 is advantageously fixed to an upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 via the first end 103A.
  • the elongated guiding member 103 has a receiving position, where the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 is configured to protrude outside and downward direction 1 15 from the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 and so that the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 locates lower level (in normal use) than said the first end 103A of the elongated guiding member 103 in said receiving position.
  • the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 comprises a second guiding member 104, as is illustrated in Figures 3A-3B.
  • the second guiding member 104 may be implemented e.g. by a recess portion, a slot, notch, wedge, roller or wheel advantageously with a recess or groove.
  • the second guiding member 104 has a shape, form, material, position and other properties so that it can be mechanically introduced with the first elongated guiding member 104 both when connecting and disconnecting the load units 101 , 102.
  • the load units 101 , 102 are connected, whereupon the first load unit 101 is moved at first in said first longitudinal direction 105, for example by driving back (direction 105 in Figure 1A) by the vehicle 108 carrying the first load unit 101.
  • the first load unit 101 is moved at first in said first longitudinal direction 105, it advantageously meets the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103, which is configured to receive the second guiding member 104 of the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 guides the second guiding member 104 and thereby the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 to move upwards 1 16 along the elongated guiding member 103 and towards to upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102, when the first load unit is further moved in said first longitudinal direction 105.
  • the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 and finally the whole first load unit 101 is finally moved to the top of the first end 102A of the second load unit, as is the case in Figure 1 F.
  • the upper portion of the first end 101 A of the first load unit 101 advantageously comprises a second support portion 109, such as a loop-structure (see especially Figures 2A-2D), for receiving a moving device 106, such as hook 106.
  • the hook can be moved for example by an actuating member, like a cylinder (not shown), whereupon when the moving device 106 is coupled with the second support portion 109 and the moving device 106 is actuated, the first load unit 101 can be moved in said first longitudinal direction 105 to connect and in said second longitudinal direction 1 10 to disconnect the load units 101 , 102.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 guides the second guiding member 104 and thereby the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 to move downwards 1 15 along the elongated guiding member 103 and away from the upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102.
  • FIGS 2A-2D illustrate an exemplary first elongated guiding member 103 for guiding a second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as is already disclosed elsewhere in this document.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 is pivotally hinged 107 to the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 via the first end point 103A of the elongated guiding member 103 so that the elongated guiding member 103 can be turned to said receiving position or to an inactivated state around said hinge 107.
  • the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 projects an inward direction 1 17, which is essentially opposite to the direction in said receiving position.
  • the elongated guiding member 103 is configured to be turned in the receiving position over the top of the second supporting point 109.
  • the elongated guiding member 103 can be locked to this position and thereby preventing the moving device 106, such as hook 106, to be introduced to the second supporting point 109 of the second load unit 102, and thereby preventing unauthorized person to take the second load unit.
  • the elongated guiding member 103 may be provided with an actuating member (not shown), such as a spring or cylinder, by actuating of which the elongated guiding member 103 can be turned between the receiving and inactivate positions.
  • Figures 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary second guiding member 104 to be introduced with the first elongated guiding member according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as is already discussed on more details in connection with another Figures.
  • Figure 4 illustrate a principle of guiding the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 along the first elongated guiding member 103 to/from the top of the second load unit 102 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 and second guiding member 104 forms a first support portion 1 18 for the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 when the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 is received and guided along the elongated guiding member 103 (either upwards or downwards).
  • the first support portion and said second support portion 109 form two support points, via which the first load unit 101 is supported when the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 is guided along the elongated guiding member 103 (either upwards or downwards).
  • the supporting points 109, 1 18 allow the first load unit 101 to take a laterally 1 1 1 balanced position in relation to the longitudinal axel 105A of the first load unit 101.
  • This helps to move the second end of the first load unit along the first elongated guiding member towards the upper portion of the first end of the second load unit, namely when the second end of the first load unit 101 is laterally 1 1 1 in a balanced position, the bottom edges 101 C, 101 D of the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 do not get stuck especially to the upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102, even if the second load unit locates on uneven ground.
  • Figures 5A-5D illustrate still an exemplary first elongated guiding member 103 for guiding a second end 101 B (or the second guiding member 104) of the first load unit 101 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention and in similar principles as described in Figures 1 -4.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 have advantageously two members 103R, 103L, such as ramps, lips, noses or wedges, whereupon the whole load unit arrangement 100 is more stable or steady. Further, in some situations the first elongated guiding member 103 with two members 103R, 103L can balance the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 better in the lateral direction 1 1 1 so that the first load unit 101 cannot fall so easy in said lateral direction 1 1 1.
  • the first elongated guiding member 103 with two or more members 103R, 103L is also advantageously pivotally hinged 107 to the first end 102A of the second load unit 102, as can be seen in Figure 5D.
  • the elongated guiding member 103 can thus be turned to the receiving position or to an inactivated state around said hinge 107, wherein in said inactivated state the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 projects an inward direction.
  • the second (free) end of the first elongated guiding member locates, depending on the situation and dimensions of the load unit, somewhere between the extremity end point of the second (free) end and the first end point of the first elongated guiding member.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
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  • Handcart (AREA)
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Abstract

A load unit arrangement has first (101) and second (102) load units, and In addition, an elongated guiding member (103) fixed to an upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102). The free end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) is protruded outside and downward direction 115 so it locates lower level than another first end 103A of the elongated guiding member 103. When connecting the load units (101, 102) the free end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to receive a second guiding member (104) of the second end (101B) of the first load unit (101), when the first load unit is moved towards the second load unit, and thereby it guides the second end (101B) of the first load unit (101) upwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and towards to the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102).

Description

A LOAD UNIT ARRANGEMENT HAVING A GUIDING MEMBER FOR GUIDING THE LOAD UNIT WHEN CONNECTED OR DISCONNECTED
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a load unit arrangement having first and second load units to be carried by a vehicle, such as by a truck. In particularly the invention relates to a load unit arrangement having a guiding member, where the first and second load units can be moved in relation to each other and connected to and disconnected from each other by the help of the guiding member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to transport a skip or interchangeable load unit by a vehicle, such as a truck, unload or remove the load unit off the vehicle and then load another load unit to the vehicle. It is also known to transport a load system having first and second load units connected to each other, so loaded them on the top of each other.
However, the problem there is to connect and disconnect the load units, so to move a first load unit on the top of a second load unit or vice versa, move the first load unit away from the top of a second load unit. Different kinds of cranes or the like can be used for lifting the load units, for example, but they are expensive and time consuming methods. In addition, the cranes or the like must be either integrated to the load unit arrangement, whereupon they increases the total mass of the load unit arrangement or they must be driven or otherwise be on the site where the load units are connected or disconnected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to alleviate and eliminate the problems relating to the known prior art. Especially the object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for connecting and disconnecting the load units, so to move the first load unit on the top of the second load unit from the top of the vehicle and vice versa to take the first load unit away from the top of the second load unit and to the top of the vehicle carrying or transporting said load unit.
The object of the invention can be achieved by the features of independent claims.
The invention relates to an arrangement for connecting and disconnecting at least two load units according to claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to a method for connecting and disconnecting the load units according to claim 12.
According to an embodiment of the invention a load unit arrangement has first and second load units, which can be carried by a vehicle, such as a truck. Both load units have first and second ends and longitudinal axis between said first and second ends. The load units are configured to move in relation to each other at least in a first longitudinal direction to connect the load units and in a second longitudinal direction to disconnect the load units on top of each other, wherein said second longitudinal direction is essentially opposite to said first longitudinal direction. The moving can be made possible for example by suitable guiding device in the first load unit and by a suitable guiding rail in the second load unit along which the first load unit can move in both directions.
According to an embodiment the first end of the second load unit comprises a first elongated guiding member, such as a ramp, lip, wedge, or nose or the like. The elongated guiding member comprises also first and second ends. The elongated guiding member is advantageously fixed to an upper portion of the first end of the second load unit via the first end. The elongated guiding member has a receiving position, where the second end of the elongated guiding member is configured to protrude outside and downward direction from the first end of the second load unit and so that the second end of the elongated guiding member locates lower level than said the first end of the elongated guiding member in said receiving position.
In addition, the second end of the first load unit may advantageously comprise a second guiding member, such as a recess portion, a slot, notch, wedge, roller or wheel advantageously with a recess or groove. In particularly the second guiding member has a shape and properties so that it can be mechanically introduced with the first elongated guiding member. When the load units are connected, the first load unit is moved in said first longitudinal direction, whereupon the second end of the elongated guiding member is configured to receive the second end of the first load unit or said second guiding member of the second end of the first load unit. When the guiding members are met, the first elongated guiding member guides the second guiding member and thereby the second end of the first load unit to move upwards along the elongated guiding member and towards to upper portion of the first end of the second load unit, when the first load unit is further moved in said first longitudinal direction. When the relational movement is still continued, the second end of the first load unit is finally moved to the top of the first end of the second load unit.
When the load units are disconnected, the first load unit is moved in said second longitudinal direction, whereupon the first end of the elongated guiding member is configured to receive the second end of the first load unit or said second guiding member of the second end of the first load unit. When the guiding members are met and the first load unit is further moved in said second longitudinal direction, the first elongated guiding member guides the second guiding member and thereby the second end of the first load unit to move downwards along the elongated guiding member and away from the upper portion of the first end of the second load unit.
The load units, and in particularly the first load unit can be moved in said first and second directions by many ways and different methods and the invention is not limited to any special method. According to an exemplary embodiment the upper portion of the first end of the first load unit may comprise for example a second support portion, such as a loop-structure, for receiving a moving device, such as hook. The hook can be moved for example by an actuating member, like a cylinder, whereupon when the moving device is coupled with the second support portion and the moving device is actuated, the first load unit can be moved in said first and second longitudinal directions.
The present invention offers advantages over the known prior art, such as enables very easy, fast and inexpensive arrangement to connect and disconnect the load units so that no external cranes are needed. In addition, the arrangement is very simple to manufacture and use and very durable. Furthermore, especially when connecting the load units, the first and second guiding members form a supporting point (and also the second support portion with the moving device may form a second support point) so that the supporting point(s) allows the first load unit to take a laterally balanced position in relation to the longitudinal axel of the first load unit. This helps to move the second end of the first load unit along the first elongated guiding member towards the upper portion of the first end of the second load unit, namely when the second end of the first load unit is laterally in a balanced position, the bottom edges of the second end of the first load unit do not get stuck especially to the upper portion of the first end of the second load unit, even if the second load unit locates on uneven ground (so is not laterally or horizontally straight). The exemplary embodiments presented in this text are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this text as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific example embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Next the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures 1A-1 F illustrate a principle of an exemplary load unit arrangement for connecting first and second load units carried by a vehicle according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, Figures 2A-2D illustrate an exemplary first elongated guiding member for guiding a second end of the first load unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, Figures 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary second guiding member to be introduced with the first elongated guiding member according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and
Figure 4 illustrate a principle of guiding the second end of the first load unit along first elongated guiding member to/from the top of the second load unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and
Figures 5A-5D illustrate still an exemplary first elongated guiding member for guiding a second end of the first load unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1A-1 F illustrate a principle of an exemplary load unit arrangement 100 for connecting first 101 and second 102 load units carried by a vehicle
108 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Both load units have first and second ends 101 A, 101 B, 102A, 102B and longitudinal axis 105A, 105B between said first and second ends. The load units 101 , 102 can advantageously move in relation to each other at least in a first longitudinal direction 105 to connect the load units and in a second longitudinal direction 110 to disconnect the load units on top of each other. The relative moving of the load units in both directions 105, 110 can be made possible for example by a suitable guiding device 113 in the first load unit 101 and by a suitable guiding rail 112 in the second load unit along which the first load unit can move in both directions. The guiding device 113 may be for example a protruding member, such as a pin or roller, or the like. The guiding rail 112 may be implemented for example by a slot, groove or channel or the like, which can receive the guiding device 113 to along it.
In order to help and guide the connection and disconnection of the load units 101 , 103, the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 advantageously comprises a first elongated guiding member 103 having also first and second ends 103A, 103B. The first elongated guiding member 103 may be implemented e.g. by a ramp, lip, wedge, or nose or the like, as is illustrated in more details in Figures 2A-2D. The elongated guiding member 103 is advantageously fixed to an upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 via the first end 103A. The elongated guiding member 103 has a receiving position, where the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 is configured to protrude outside and downward direction 1 15 from the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 and so that the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 locates lower level (in normal use) than said the first end 103A of the elongated guiding member 103 in said receiving position.
In addition, the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 comprises a second guiding member 104, as is illustrated in Figures 3A-3B. The second guiding member 104 may be implemented e.g. by a recess portion, a slot, notch, wedge, roller or wheel advantageously with a recess or groove. In particularly the second guiding member 104 has a shape, form, material, position and other properties so that it can be mechanically introduced with the first elongated guiding member 104 both when connecting and disconnecting the load units 101 , 102.
In Figures 1A-1 F the load units 101 , 102 are connected, whereupon the first load unit 101 is moved at first in said first longitudinal direction 105, for example by driving back (direction 105 in Figure 1A) by the vehicle 108 carrying the first load unit 101. When the first load unit 101 is moved at first in said first longitudinal direction 105, it advantageously meets the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103, which is configured to receive the second guiding member 104 of the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101. When the guiding members 103, 104 are met, the first elongated guiding member 103 guides the second guiding member 104 and thereby the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 to move upwards 1 16 along the elongated guiding member 103 and towards to upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102, when the first load unit is further moved in said first longitudinal direction 105. When the relational movement is still continued, the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 and finally the whole first load unit 101 is finally moved to the top of the first end 102A of the second load unit, as is the case in Figure 1 F.
In the examples illustrated in Figures, the upper portion of the first end 101 A of the first load unit 101 advantageously comprises a second support portion 109, such as a loop-structure (see especially Figures 2A-2D), for receiving a moving device 106, such as hook 106. The hook can be moved for example by an actuating member, like a cylinder (not shown), whereupon when the moving device 106 is coupled with the second support portion 109 and the moving device 106 is actuated, the first load unit 101 can be moved in said first longitudinal direction 105 to connect and in said second longitudinal direction 1 10 to disconnect the load units 101 , 102.
When the load units 101 , 102 are disconnected, the procedure is opposite to process illustrated in Figures 1A-1 F. When disconnecting the load units 101 , 102, the first load unit 101 is moved in the second longitudinal direction 1 10, whereupon the first end 103A of the elongated guiding member 103 is configured to receive said second guiding member 104. The second guiding member 104 locates at the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 , so the first load unit 101 must first be moved enough to the second direction 1 10 so that the second guiding member 104 will reach the first end 103A of the elongated guiding member 103. When the guiding members 103, 104 are met and the first load unit 101 is further moved in said second longitudinal direction 1 10, the first elongated guiding member 103 guides the second guiding member 104 and thereby the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 to move downwards 1 15 along the elongated guiding member 103 and away from the upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102.
Figures 2A-2D illustrate an exemplary first elongated guiding member 103 for guiding a second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as is already disclosed elsewhere in this document. The first elongated guiding member 103 is pivotally hinged 107 to the first end 102A of the second load unit 102 via the first end point 103A of the elongated guiding member 103 so that the elongated guiding member 103 can be turned to said receiving position or to an inactivated state around said hinge 107. In the inactivated state the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 projects an inward direction 1 17, which is essentially opposite to the direction in said receiving position.
According to an example the elongated guiding member 103 is configured to be turned in the receiving position over the top of the second supporting point 109. In addition, the elongated guiding member 103 can be locked to this position and thereby preventing the moving device 106, such as hook 106, to be introduced to the second supporting point 109 of the second load unit 102, and thereby preventing unauthorized person to take the second load unit. Furthermore the elongated guiding member 103 may be provided with an actuating member (not shown), such as a spring or cylinder, by actuating of which the elongated guiding member 103 can be turned between the receiving and inactivate positions.
Figures 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary second guiding member 104 to be introduced with the first elongated guiding member according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, as is already discussed on more details in connection with another Figures.
Figure 4 illustrate a principle of guiding the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 along the first elongated guiding member 103 to/from the top of the second load unit 102 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Advantageously the first elongated guiding member 103 and second guiding member 104 forms a first support portion 1 18 for the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 when the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 is received and guided along the elongated guiding member 103 (either upwards or downwards).
In addition, especially when the first load unit 101 is moved by the moving device like the hook 106 via the second support portion (see e.g. Figures 1 B- 1 C), the first support portion and said second support portion 109 form two support points, via which the first load unit 101 is supported when the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 is guided along the elongated guiding member 103 (either upwards or downwards).
In this way the supporting points 109, 1 18 allow the first load unit 101 to take a laterally 1 1 1 balanced position in relation to the longitudinal axel 105A of the first load unit 101. This helps to move the second end of the first load unit along the first elongated guiding member towards the upper portion of the first end of the second load unit, namely when the second end of the first load unit 101 is laterally 1 1 1 in a balanced position, the bottom edges 101 C, 101 D of the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 do not get stuck especially to the upper portion of the first end 102A of the second load unit 102, even if the second load unit locates on uneven ground.
Figures 5A-5D illustrate still an exemplary first elongated guiding member 103 for guiding a second end 101 B (or the second guiding member 104) of the first load unit 101 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention and in similar principles as described in Figures 1 -4. The first elongated guiding member 103 have advantageously two members 103R, 103L, such as ramps, lips, noses or wedges, whereupon the whole load unit arrangement 100 is more stable or steady. Further, in some situations the first elongated guiding member 103 with two members 103R, 103L can balance the second end 101 B of the first load unit 101 better in the lateral direction 1 1 1 so that the first load unit 101 cannot fall so easy in said lateral direction 1 1 1.
The first elongated guiding member 103 with two or more members 103R, 103L is also advantageously pivotally hinged 107 to the first end 102A of the second load unit 102, as can be seen in Figure 5D. The elongated guiding member 103 can thus be turned to the receiving position or to an inactivated state around said hinge 107, wherein in said inactivated state the second end 103B of the elongated guiding member 103 projects an inward direction.
The invention has been explained above with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, and several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. It is clear that the invention is not only restricted to these embodiments, but comprises all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the inventive thought and the following patent claims. For example even if it is demonstrated and depicted, that it is the second (free) end of the first elongated guiding member, which receives the second guiding member when connecting the load units, it must be understood that it might be also some other point than the extremity end point of the second (free) end of the first elongated guiding member, such as even a point locating in the middle area of the first elongated guiding member. According to an embodiment the second (free) end of the first elongated guiding member locates, depending on the situation and dimensions of the load unit, somewhere between the extremity end point of the second (free) end and the first end point of the first elongated guiding member.
The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

Claims
1. A load unit arrangement (100) having first (101 ) and second (102) load units to be carried by a vehicle (108), both of said load units having first and second ends (101 A, 101 B, 102A, 102B) and longitudinal axis (105A, 105B) between said first and second ends, wherein the load units (101 , 102) are configured to move in relation to each other at least in a first longitudinal direction (105) to connect the load units and in a second longitudinal direction (110) to disconnect the load units on top of each other, wherein said second longitudinal direction is essentially opposite to said first longitudinal direction, wherein:
- the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) comprises a first elongated guiding member (103), said elongated guiding member (103) having first and second ends (103A, 103B), and where the elongated guiding member (103) is fixed to an upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) via the first end (103A) and where the elongated guiding member (103) has a receiving position, where the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to protrude outside and downward direction from the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) and so that the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) locates lower level than said the first end (103A) of the elongated guiding member (103) in said receiving position,
- whereupon
o when connecting the load units (101 , 102) the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to receive the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ), when the first load unit is moved in said first longitudinal direction (105), and thereby configured to guide the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) upwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and towards to the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102), and
o when disconnecting the load units (101 , 102) the first end (103A) of the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to receive the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ), when the first load unit is moved in said second longitudinal direction (110), and thereby configured to guide the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) downwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and away from the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102).
2. A load unit arrangement (100) of claim 1 , wherein said first elongated guiding member (103) comprises a ramp, lip, nose or wedge.
3. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) comprises a second guiding member (104), whereupon:
- when connecting the load units (101 , 102) the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to receive said second guiding member (104) and thereby configured to guide the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) upwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and towards to the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102), and
- when disconnecting the load units (101 , 102) the first end (103A) of the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to receive said second guiding member (104) and thereby configured to guide the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) downwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and away from the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102).
4. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein said second guiding member (104) comprises a recess portion, a slot, notch, wedge, roller or wheel advantageously with a recess or groove.
5. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein said first elongated guiding member (103) is pivotally hinged (107) to the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) via the first end point (103A) of the elongated guiding member (103) so that the elongated guiding member (103) can be turned to said receiving position or to an inactivated state around said hinge (107), wherein in said inactivated state the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) projects an inward direction.
6. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein said first elongated guiding member (103) and second guiding member (104) are configured to form a first support portion for the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) when the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) is guided along the elongated guiding member (103).
7. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein an upper portion of said first end (101 A) of said first load unit (101 ) comprises a second support portion (109) for receiving a moving device (106), such as hook (106), for moving said first load unit (101 ) in said first and second longitudinal directions (105, 1 10).
8. A load unit arrangement (100) of claims 6 and 7, wherein said first support portion and said second support portion (109) are configured to form all support points, via which said first load unit (101 ) is supported when the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) is guided along the elongated guiding member (103).
9. A load unit arrangement (100) of claim 8, wherein said first support portion and said second support portion (109) forming all support points for the first load unit (101 ) is configured to allow the first load unit (101 ) to take a balanced position in relation to the longitudinal axel (105A) of the first load unit.
10. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein the first load unit (101 ) comprises a guiding device (1 13) and the second load unit (102) comprises a guiding rail (1 12) along which the guiding device (104) of the second load unit (102) is configured to move in said first and second longitudinal directions (1 13, 1 14) during said relational movement of said first and second load units.
1 1. A load unit arrangement (100) of any previous claims, wherein the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) comprises also a second supporting point (109) for receiving a moving device (106), such as a hook (106), and wherein the elongated guiding member (103) is configured to be turned in said receiving position over the top of said second supporting point (109) of the second load unit (102), and wherein the elongated guiding member (103) can be locked to said position thereby preventing the moving device (106), such as hook (106), to be introduced to said second supporting point (109) of the second load unit (102).
12. A method for connecting and disconnecting load units (101 , 102) carried by a vehicle (108), both of said load units having first and second ends (101 A, 101 B, 102A, 102B) and longitudinal axis (105A, 105B) between said first and second ends, wherein the load units (101 , 102) are moved in relation to each other at least in a first longitudinal direction (105) to connect the load units and in a second longitudinal direction (110) to disconnect the load units on top of each other, wherein said second longitudinal direction is essentially opposite to said first longitudinal direction,
wherein:
- the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) comprises a first elongated guiding member (103), said elongated guiding member (103) having first and second ends (103A, 103B), and where the elongated guiding member (103) is fixed to an upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) via the first end (103A),
whereupon
- the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) is protruded outside and downward direction from the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) and so that the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) locates lower level than said the first end (103A) of the elongated guiding member (103),
- the second end (103B) of the elongated guiding member (103) receives the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ), when the first load unit (101 ) is moved in said first longitudinal direction (105), and thereby guides the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) upwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and towards to the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) for connecting the load units (101 , 102), and
- the first end (103A) of the elongated guiding member (103) receives the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ), when the first load unit (101 ) is moved in said second longitudinal direction (110), and thereby guides the second end (101 B) of the first load unit (101 ) downwards along the elongated guiding member (103) and away from the upper portion of the first end (102A) of the second load unit (102) for disconnecting the load units (101 , 102).
PCT/FI2019/050387 2018-05-17 2019-05-16 A load unit arrangement having a guiding member for guiding the load unit when connected or disconnected WO2019220019A1 (en)

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FI20185455A FI127896B (en) 2018-05-17 2018-05-17 A load unit arrangement having a guiding member for guiding the load unit when connected or disconnected

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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US1570119A (en) * 1923-01-02 1926-01-19 Ideal Removable Body Company Removable-body truck
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021028611A1 (en) * 2019-08-12 2021-02-18 Delete Demolition Oy Load unit arrangement for connecting and disconnecting load units of the load unit arrangement

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