WO2021062492A1

WO2021062492A1 - Modular garbage truck compactor system

Info

Publication number: WO2021062492A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/051069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Hansen
Original assignee: Stg Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-04
Filing date: 2020-10-02
Publication date: 2021-04-08
Also published as: AU2020358129A1

Abstract

A modular garbage truck compactor system enables simplified attachment and detachment of the system to a garbage truck. The system includes a container body; and at least one hopper and packer assembly comprising: at least one hopper compartment with at least one access opening, a floor, a first wall and a second wall; at least one packer mechanism, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall of the at least one hopper compartment and the second wall of the at least one hopper compartment relative to the floor; and at least one hydraulic arm connected to the at least one hopper and packer assembly, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of a garbage truck.

Description

TITLE

MODULAR GARBAGE TRUCK COMPACTOR SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates generally to a modular truck compactor system. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a side-loading modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising a detachable hopper and packer system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002] Compactor systems are built into garbage trucks in order to compact the garbage as it is collected, allowing the bins to carry a larger quantity of rubbish and significantly reduce the collection task duration.

[003] A mechanical arm is commonly located on the side of the hopper of a garbage truck. Utilising a hydraulic lift, the mechanical arm is lowered to street level, the arm grasps the garbage bins, lifts the garbage bin, disposes of the garbage into the opening of the hopper and returns the garbage bin onto the street.

[004] Modern garbage trucks commonly utilise a hydraulically powered mechanism, also known as a packer, that employs a moving plate to scoop the waste out from the loading hopper and compress it against a moving wall. Commonly the moving wall of the packer moves along an axis toward the body of the truck, which compacts and relocates the garbage from the hopper into the body of the truck.

[005] Modern hopper and packer systems are generally built into the garbage trucks and comprise a large percentage of the vehicles mass. Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of the system can be difficult. For example, if there is a malfunction while the truck is completing collection, skilled service people are required to be called out to a site of the malfunction, or alternatively a complete new garbage truck must be obtained.

[006] Additionally, there are numerous safety concerns with present hopper and packer systems, and garbage collecting is commonly listed as a very dangerous occupation. l OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[007] According to one aspect, an object of the present invention is to overcome and/or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[008] It is a general object of the invention to provide a modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising an easily detachable hopper and packer system, to enable quick and efficient servicing of the hopper and packer system or replacement of the hopper and packer system. It is another object of the invention to improve the safety of packer and hopper system to reduce risk of injury on the job.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] There is provided according to embodiments of the invention a method of loading a modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising: lifting a garbage can from a first position to a second position using a hydraulic arm; emptying waste from the garbage can into a hopper compartment; returning the garbage can to the first position; and actuating a packer mechanism to relocate and compress the waste from the hopper compartment into a container body, wherein the packer mechanism moves between a first wall of the hopper compartment and a second wall of the hopper compartment relative to the floor, and wherein the hopper compartment and packer mechanism are detachable from and modularly operable independently of the garbage truck.

[0010] According to one aspect, the invention is a power generating system, comprising: a modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising: a container body; at least one hopper and packer assembly comprising: at least one hopper compartment with at least one access opening, a floor, a first wall and a second wall; at least one packer mechanism, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall of the at least one hopper compartment and the second wall of the at least one hopper compartment relative to the floor; and at least one hydraulic arm connected to the at least one hopper and packer assembly, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of a garbage truck.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one packer mechanism comprises a hydraulically actuated blade configured to relocate and compress waste from the hopper compartment into the container body.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one hopper and packer assembly is located adjacent a cab of the garbage truck.

[0013] Preferably, a width of the at least one hopper and packer assembly is approximately equal to a width of the container body.

[0014] Preferably, a base of the at least one hopper and packer assembly comprises slots for receiving forklift forks, and can be modularly detached from the container body via the use of a forklift.

[0015] Preferably, the container body comprises at least one locking bar.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one locking hook.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one locking hook mates with the at least one locking bar to attach the at least one hopper and packer assembly with the container body. [0018] Preferably, the at least one hopper and packer assembly is secured using a bolted connection.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one hopper and packer system comprises two hopper compartments and two packer mechanisms.

[0020] There is provided according to embodiments of the invention a method of loading a modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising: inserting members into forklift fork slots; operating the members to lift the hopper and packer assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein the second position aligns at least one locking hook of the hopper and packer assembly with at least one locking bar of the container body; mating the at least one locking hook with the at least one locking bar to attach the hopper and packer assembly with the container body; and securing the hopper and packer assembly to the container body with a bolted connection.

[0021] According to one aspect of the method, the hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one hopper compartment with at least one access opening, a floor, a first wall and a second wall.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the method, the hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one packer mechanism, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall of the at least one hopper compartment and the second wall of the at least one hopper compartment relative to the floor. [0023] According to yet another aspect of the method, the packer mechanism comprises at least one hydraulic arm connected to the at least one packer mechanism. [0024] According to still another aspect of the method, the hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of the garbage truck.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the method, the at least one packer mechanism comprises a hydraulically actuated blade configured to relocate and compress waste from the hopper compartment into the container body.

[0026] According to one aspect of the method, the hopper and packer assembly is located adjacent a cab of the garbage truck.

[0027] According to another aspect of the method, a width of the hopper and packer assembly is approximately equal to a width of the container body.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the method, the hopper and packer system comprises two hopper compartments and two packer mechanisms.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which illustrate, by way of example, the operation of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular garbage truck compactor system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031 ] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating an exploded view of the features.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a bolted connection of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 .

[0034] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating a hopper and packer system detached from a container body. [0035] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system in the process of attachment to the container body.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system in the process of attachment to the container body.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a detached locking hook and locking bar of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 .

[0038] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system attached to the container body. [0039] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system attached to the container body. [0040] Fig. 11 is a plan view of the attached locking hook and locking bar of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 .

[0041] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the modular garbage truck compactor system of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system attached to the container body, particularly demonstrating the locking hook and bar attachment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present invention relates generally to a modular truck compactor system. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a side-loading modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising a detachable hopper and packer system. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0043] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, upper and lower, rear, front and side, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] According to a first aspect, the present invention is defined as a modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising: a container body; at least one hopper and packer assembly comprising: at least one hopper compartment with at least one access opening, a floor, a first wall and a second wall; at least one packer mechanism, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall of the at least one hopper compartment and the second wall of the at least one hopper compartment relative to the floor; and at least one hydraulic arm connected to the at least one hopper and packer assembly, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of a garbage truck. [0045] Particular advantages of some of the embodiments of the modular garbage truck compactor system is that the hopper and packer assembly and all contained components are removable. This makes scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of the system significantly simple as the hopper and packer assembly can be removed and replaced with a new hopper and packer assembly, instead of requiring a compete new garbage truck. This also removes the requirement of calling skilled service people to the site of a malfunction and significantly reduces the cost of maintenance.

[0046] Thus the at least one hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of a garbage truck. That means that if the hopper and packer assembly is supplied with the appropriate hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electrical connections, it can operate and be tested independently of its installation in a garbage truck.

[0047] A further advantage of an embodiment of present invention is the simple attachment and detachment method, reducing turnaround following a malfunction. [0048] An additional advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is the reduced safety risk for garbage collectors. With this simple and cost-effective system and method of servicing malfunctioned hopper and packer mechanisms, in the event of a malfunction, the garbage collectors are less likely to attempt to service the hopper and packer assembly or even continue to operate the hopper and packer assembly when it isn’t functioning properly.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all embodiments of the present invention will necessarily include all of the above advantages.

[0050] Fig.’s 1 to 12 illustrate preferred embodiments of a modular garbage truck compactor system.

[0051] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular garbage truck compactor system

1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular garbage truck compactor system 1 comprises a container body 2 located along a flatbed of the truck.

The modular garbage truck compactor system 1 further comprises a hopper and packer assembly 3, which enables the compaction of waste into the container body 2.

A width of the hopper and packer assembly 3 is approximately equal to a width of the container body 2. Attached to a side of the hopper and packer assembly 3 is a hydraulic arm 4 which includes a gripping mechanism that grips a waste bin and lifts the bin in a vertical direction and tilts to allow the waste from the waste bin to fall into the hopper and packer assembly 3. The hydraulic arm 4 is preferably controlled by a series of buttons and levers (not shown) that are attached to either the exterior of the vehicle or located inside a cab 13 of the garbage truck near the driver’s seat (not shown). The hopper and packer assembly 3 is located adjacent the cab 13 of the garbage truck.

[0052] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating an exploded view of the features. The hopper and packer assembly 3 comprises at least one hopper compartment 12 with at least one access opening 9, a floor 15, a first wall 16 and a second wall 17. The hopper and packer assembly 3 further comprises at least one packer mechanism 5, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall 16 of the at least one hopper compartment 12 and the second wall 17 of the at least one hopper compartment 12 relative to the floor 15. The at least one packer mechanism 5 comprises a hydraulically actuated blade 14 (see Fig. 12) configured to relocate and compress waste from the at least one hopper compartment 12 to the container body 2.

[0054] The hydraulically actuated blade 14 is driven by a power take-off device connected to an engine (not shown) of the garbage truck. The hydraulically actuated blade 14 substantially closes an inner width of the hopper compartment 12 and is positioned at an incline, with the side of the hydraulically actuated blade 14 that faces the container body 2 facing upwards towards the access opening 9. The inclined position of the hydraulically actuated blade 14 creates an upward compression force which moves the waste upwards as it is compressed. This allows for the upper section of the container body 2 to be filled.

[0055] The hopper and packer system 3 is detachable from and modularly operable independently of the garbage truck 1. The container body 2 comprises at least one locking bar 7 and the hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one locking hook 6, wherein the at least one locking hook 6 mates with the at least one locking bar 7 to attach the hopper and packer assembly 3 with the container body 2. The hopper compartment 12 comprises, on at least one side, forklift fork slots 8. A forklift, utilising the forklift fork slots 8 can be used to attach and detach the entire hopper and packer assembly 3 from the container body 2.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a bolted connection of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1. The hopper and packer assembly 3 is securely connected to the container body 2 through the use of a bolted connection 10. This bolted connection 10 is simple to attach and remove for convenient maintenance or replacement of the hopper and packer assembly 3.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating a hopper and packer system detached from a container body 2. The container body 2 comprises a slot 11 which accepts the waste from the hopper compartment 12 into the container body 2. The hopper compartment 12 also comprises a slot (not shown) that is aligned with the slot 11 to move waste from the hopper compartment 12 and into the container body 2.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system 1 in the process of attachment to the container body 2.

[0059] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system 1 in the process of attachment to the container body 2.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a detached locking hook and locking bar of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 .

[0061 ] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system 1 attached to the container body 2.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system 1 attached to the container body 2.

[0063] Fig. 11 is a plan view of the attached locking hook and locking bar of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 .

[0064] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the modular garbage truck compactor system 1 of Fig. 1 , demonstrating the hopper and packer system 1 attached to the container body 2, particularly demonstrating the locking hook and bar attachment.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various components of embodiments of the present invention can be made of various materials.

[0066] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1 . A modular garbage truck compactor system, comprising: a container body; and at least one hopper and packer assembly comprising: at least one hopper compartment with at least one access opening, a floor, a first wall and a second wall; at least one packer mechanism, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall of the at least one hopper compartment and the second wall of the at least one hopper compartment relative to the floor; and at least one hydraulic arm connected to the at least one hopper and packer assembly, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of a garbage truck.

2. The modular garbage truck compactor system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one packer mechanism comprises a hydraulically actuated blade configured to relocate and compress waste from the hopper compartment into the container body.

3. The modular garbage truck compactor system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly is located adjacent a cab of the garbage truck.

4. The modular garbage truck compactor system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a width of the at least one hopper and packer assembly is approximately equal to a width of the container body.

5. The modular garbage truck compactor system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a base of the at least one hopper and packer assembly comprises slots for receiving forklift forks, and can be modularly detached from the container body via the use of a forklift.

6. The modular garbage truck compactor system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body comprises at least one locking bar.

7. The modular garbage truck compactor system of claim 6, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one locking hook.

8. The modular garbage truck compactor system of claim 7, wherein the at least one locking hook mates with the at least one locking bar to attach the at least one hopper and packer assembly with the container body.

9. The modular garbage truck compactor system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hopper and packer assembly is secured using a bolted connection.

10. The modular garbage truck compactor system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one hopper and packer system comprises two hopper compartments and two packer mechanisms.

11. A method of securing a hopper and packer assembly to a container body of a garbage truck, comprising: inserting members into forklift fork slots; operating the members to lift the hopper and packer assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein the second position aligns at least one locking hook of the hopper and packer assembly with at least one locking bar of the container body; mating the at least one locking hook with the at least one locking bar to attach the hopper and packer assembly with the container body; and securing the hopper and packer assembly to the container body with a bolted connection.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one hopper compartment with at least one access opening, a floor, a first wall and a second wall.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hopper and packer assembly comprises at least one packer mechanism, wherein the at least one packer mechanism is moveable between the first wall of the at least one hopper compartment and the second wall of the at least one hopper compartment relative to the floor.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the packer mechanism comprises at least one hydraulic arm connected to the at least one packer mechanism,

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the hopper and packer assembly is detachable from and modularly operable independently of the garbage truck.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one packer mechanism comprises a hydraulically actuated blade configured to relocate and compress waste from the hopper compartment into the container body.

17. The method of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the hopper and packer assembly is located adjacent a cab of the garbage truck.

18. The method of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein a width of the hopper and packer assembly is approximately equal to a width of the container body.

19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the hopper and packer system comprises two hopper compartments and two packer mechanisms.