WO2022096935A1 - A powered mobile conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a powered mobile conveyor (1000) having a base frame (102), a platform (105), a processing unit and conveyor belt assembly (106), the conveyor belt assembly (106) including a central section (106B), an entry/exit section (106C) and an adjustable section (106A). The conveyor comprises a plurality of electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 201I) coupled to the conveyor belt assembly (106), the electric actuators configured to displace the conveyor belt assembly (106); a plurality of rollers drums (203A,203B,203C,203D,203E,203F) configured below each of the central section (106B), the entry/exit section (106C) and the adjustable section (106A) and configured to drive the conveyor belt; and guide rollers (204A,204B) attached to the platform (105), the guide rollers (204A,204B) configured to direct the conveyor belt assembly (106) inside a containment. The conveyor (1000) is configured to be displaced by the electric actuators.

Description

A POWERED MOBILE CONVEYOR

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of conveyors.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Presently, the transportable conveyors utilize hydraulic actuators to carry out loading and unloading of cargo into containers. However, the hydraulic actuators make the conveyor system bulky due to presence of numerous hoses used to supply pressurized oil to the driving members of the conveyor. Moreover, inability of the hydraulically powered conveyor to be easily maneuvered inside the container, efficient utilization of container space is not possible resulting in elevated shipping costs. Further, parts handled on the conveyor belt are many times placed off-center leading to unbalanced forces on the conveyor belt, which results in damaging the conveyor belt. Still further, steering of the conveyors is achieved through a three-wheel arrangement resulting in poor control over steering of the conveyor leading to uncontrolled motion of the conveyor inside the container. This leads to damaging of the container walls. Furthermore, power is supplied to the belt of conventional conveyors which increases power wastage.

Thus, there is therefore a need of a powered mobile conveyor that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a powered mobile conveyor that is efficient in utilizing the available packing space inside a container.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a powered mobile conveyor that offers ease of maneuverability in loading and unloading of cargo into a container. Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a powered mobile conveyor that is simple in construction.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a powered mobile conveyor having a base frame, a platform, a processing unit and conveyor belt assembly, the conveyor belt assembly including a central section, an entry/exit section and an adjustable section. The conveyor comprises a plurality of electric actuators coupled to the conveyor belt assembly, the electric actuators configured to displace the conveyor belt assembly; a plurality of rollers drums configured below each of the central section, the entry/exit section and the adjustable section and configured to drive the conveyor belt; and guide rollers attached to the platform, the guide rollers configured to direct the conveyor belt assembly inside a containment. The conveyor is configured to be displaced by the electric actuators.

In an embodiment, a plurality of wheels is attached to the base frame, each of the wheels being configured to receive power from a source.

An aspect of the present disclosure includes hand operated grips provided on the electric actuators, the hand operated grips configured to be twisted by a user to operate each of the electric actuators.

In a preferred embodiment, a first micro limit switch and a second micro limit switch are provided on each of the hand operated grips.

In a preferred embodiment, an uninterrupted power supply is configured on a bottom side of the conveyor and configured to supply power to the conveyor.

In a preferred embodiment, a joystick is coupled to the electric actuators for controlling operation of the electric actuators simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable section is configured to be pivotally displaced in an operative upward and operative downward direction by a third electric actuator and a fourth electric actuator of the plurality of electric actuators. In a preferred embodiment, the platform is configured to be linearly displaced in an operative upward and operative downward direction by a first electric actuator and a second electric actuator of the plurality of electric actuators.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor belt assembly is configured to be pivotally displaced in an operative left and operative right direction by a fifth electric actuator of the plurality of electric actuators.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of powered roller drums is driven by an AC motor.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of powered roller drums is driven by a DC motor.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of electric actuators is configured to be driven by an AC motor.

In yet another embodiment, each of the plurality of electric actuators is configured to be driven by a DC motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A powered mobile conveyor of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a powered mobile conveyor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows top of view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a rear view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows another side view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows another isometric view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 8 shows yet another isometric view of the figure 1 ;

Figure 9 shows still another isometric view of the figure 1 ; Figure 10-13 show isometric views from the bottom of the figure 1 ;

Figure 14 shows a front view of the figure 1 with the first, second, third, fourth and sixth electric actuators;

Figure 15 shows a front view of the figure 1 with the fifth, seventh, eighth and ninth electric actuators;

Figure 16 shows an isometric view of the figure 1 with roller drums;

Figure 17 shows an isometric view of the figure 1 with the rollers drums, the uninterrupted power supply and micro- switches;

Figures 18-22 show various views of a hand operated grip with a first micro switch and a second micro switch;

Figure 23 shows an isometric view of the figure 1 with a battery powered UPS; and

Figure 24-27 illustrate various configurations in which the conveyor wheels are steered.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 - TRANSPORTABLE CONVEYOR

102 - BASE-FRAME

104 - WHEELS

105 - PLATFORM

106 - CONVEYOR BELT ASSEMBLY

106A - ADJUSTABLE CONVEYOR SECTION

106B - CENTRAL CONVEYOR SECTION

106C - ENTRY /EXIT CONVEYOR SECTION

201 A - FIRST ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

20 IB - SECOND ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

201C - THIRD ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

20 ID - FOURTH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

20 IE - FIFTH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

20 IF - SIXTH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR 201G - SEVENTH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

201H - EIGHTH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

2011 - NINTH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR

203A,203B,203C,204D,204E,204F - ROLLER DRUMS

204A,204B - ROLLERS

205 - UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY (UPS)

207A - FIRST MICRO SWITCH

207B - SECOND MICRO SWITCH

207 - HAND OPERATED GRIPS

301F,301G,301H,301I - MOTORS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

The present disclosure envisages a powered mobile conveyor 1000 which significantly reduces the time and effort associated with the loading of the cargo onto the transportable conveyor.

Referring to the figures 1-27, a powered mobile conveyor 1000 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The transportable conveyor 1000 (hereinafter also referred to as the conveyor 1000) comprises a base-frame 102 provided with a plurality of wheels 104 to provide mobility to the conveyor 1000. A platform 105 is disposed proximal to an operative front end of the base frame 102. A pair of rails 112 extends orthogonally from the platform 105. The pair of rails 112 is configured to guide the motion of the platform 105 in an operative upward and operative downward direction under the action of a first electric actuator 201 A and a second electric actuator 201B. This enables the operator standing on the platform to be maneuvered in an operative upward or an operative downward direction so as to match a desired ergonomic level of cargo loading and unloading. A pair of rollers 204A and 204B is configured on the platform 105 to guide the conveyor 1000 into the container. The rollers 204A and 204B facilitate prevention of hitting of the conveyor 1000 to the side walls of the container while entering into the container.

The conveyor 1000 further comprises a conveyor belt assembly 106 defined by an adjustable conveyor section 106 A, a central conveyor section 106B, and an entry/exit conveyor section 106C. The conveyor belt assembly 106 is disposed at a predetermined height from an operative top portion of the base-frame 102. In an embodiment, the entry/exit conveyor section 106C facilitates the entry/exit of a cargo to/from the conveyor belt assembly 106. In an embodiment, the adjustable conveyor section 106 A is configured to move along all possible orthogonal planes. More specifically, the adjustable conveyor section 106 A is configured to angularly move with respect to the central conveyor section 106B in an operative upward and operative downward direction under the action of a third electric actuator 201C and a fourth electric actuator 201D. Furthermore, the adjustable conveyor section 106 A is configured to move laterally (in an operative left and an operative right direction) under the action of a fifth electric actuator 20 IE. In another embodiment, the adjustable conveyor section 106 A is configured to be moved in translational manner. More specifically, the adjustable conveyor section 106A is configured to extend operatively outward and retract towards the central conveyor section 106B. The conveyor 100 further includes a sixth electric actuator 20 IF, a seventh electric actuator 201G, an eighth electric actuator 201H and a ninth electric actuator 2011. The conveyor 100 sixth electric actuator 201F, seventh electric actuator 201G, eighth electric actuator 201H and the ninth electric actuator 2011 are configured to control the movement of the plurality of wheels 104, thereby facilitating the steering of the conveyor 100. As such, the positioning of the adjustable conveyor section 106 A can be adjusted so as to reduce the effort required by an operator for loading the cargo onto the transportable conveyor 100. For example, if the cargo to be loaded onto the conveyor 100 is located at ground level, the adjustable conveyor section 106A can be maneuvered in an operative downward direction in angular relationship with the central conveyor section 106B to reduce the distance through which the operator would have to lift the cargo, thereby reducing the effort and time associated with loading the cargo onto the conveyor 100. Similarly, the adjustable conveyor section 106A can be maneuvered in an operative upward direction as well as along a lateral plane that is parallel to the plane of the adjustable conveyor section 106A. In an embodiment, the plurality of wheels 104 is made of a non-marking material as well as having larger diameter to enable easy movement into and from the container / dock leveler. The wheels enable easy movement on the floor of the container or truck which is wavy or non-leveled.

The conveyor belt assembly 106 is supported on a plurality of roller drums 203 A, 203 B, 203 C, 203D, 203 E and 203 F. The roller drums 203 A, 203B, 203C are idler rollers and the roller drums 203D, 203E, 203F are powered rollers. The powered roller drums 203D, 203E, 203F facilitate prevention of off-center loads incident on the roller drums. This maintains the stability of the conveyor segment during its functioning and UP/DOWN or EEFT/RIGHT motion. Thus, damage to the conveyor assembly is prevented. Since, roller drums are used instead of the conventional rollers; necessity of a separate geared motor to drive the belt of the conveyor assembly 106 is eliminated. Thus conveyor 1000 construction is simplified.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of powered roller drums 203D, 203E, 203F is driven by AC motors (not shown in any figures).

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of powered roller drums 203D, 203E, 203F is driven by DC motors (not shown in any figures). This facilitates elimination of inverters. Moreover, the efficiency of power supply to the conveyor belt assembly 106 increases. Additionally, the DC motor enables varying the speed of the conveyor belt assembly 106 by simply varying the input voltage of the DC motor.

In an embodiment, hand operated grips 207 are provided to enable the UP/DOWN movement of the adjustable conveyor section 106A. This type of control is ergonomic and easy to operate. A first micro switch 207 A and a second micro switch 207 B are inbuilt into the hand operated grips 207 to facilitate manual operation of the third electric actuator 201C and the fourth electric actuator 20 ID which lifts or lowers the adjustable conveyor section 106 A of the conveyor 1000.

The conveyor 1000 includes a separate uninterrupted power supply 205 (UPS 205) with batteries configured in a tray. The UPS 205 can be pushed out or inserted back for easy maintenance or replacement of the batteries contained therein. The position of the batteries is such that the centre of gravity of the conveyor 1000 is maintained at a lower level for increased stability of the conveyor 1000.

In an embodiment, the wheels 104 are a four-wheeled drive in which power output of a geared motor is engaged with each of the wheels 104 as shown in the figures 10-13. This arrangement allows for a positive drive as well as one with an increased power, as each of the wheels 104 are configured to be operated by the electric actuators 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011. A logic is designed in such a way that all the four wheels 104 can be controlled with the help of a single joystick (not shown) used for forward and backward motion of the conveyor, as well as for steering the conveyor 1000 in an operative left or operative right direction. As the joystick comes to the central position (once the operator removes the force on it), the steering automatically gets in straight direction. In assembled condition all wheels 14 face forward, unless and until a command from the joy stick goes to turn the conveyor 1000 left or right. This facilitates ease of steering for the operator. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of electric actuators 20 IF, 201G, 201H and 2011 is configured to be driven by an AC motor (301F,301G,301H,301I).

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of electric actuators 20 IF, 201G, 201H and 2011 is configured to be driven by a DC motor (301F,301G,301H,301I). This facilitates elimination of inverters. Moreover, the efficiency of power supply to the plurality of electric actuators 201F, 201G, 201H and 2011 increases. Additionally, the DC motors (301F,301G,301H,301I) enable varying the speed of the plurality of electric actuators 20 IF, 201G, 201H and 2011 by simply varying the input voltage of the DC motors (301F,301G,301H,301I). This facilitates in eliminating requirement of an inverter. The wheels 104 are configured to be steered in the following four modes.

First mode (as shown in the figure 24) - functions like a normal car. Only Front wheels steer.

Second mode (as shown in the figure 25) - functions with front and rear wheels steered - crab motion.

Third mode (as shown in the figure 26) - functions like a car but the rear wheels also steer as the front wheels. This enables sharp rotation curve.

Fourth mode (as shown in the figure 27) - functions where front and rear wheel steer but left and right wheels steer in opposite direction - this enables rotation of the conveyor around its own axes. This motion is necessary for rotation around axis where space available on the dock is not very high.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a powered mobile conveyor, that: is efficient in utilizing the available packing space inside a container; • offers ease in loading and unloading of cargo into a container; and

• is simple in construction.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A powered mobile conveyor (1000) for handling cargo having a base frame (102), a platform (105), a processing unit and conveyor belt assembly (106), said conveyor belt assembly (106) including a central section (106B), an entry/exit section (106C) and an adjustable section (106A), said conveyor (1000) comprising:

• a plurality of electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011) coupled to said conveyor belt assembly (106), said electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011) configured to displace said conveyor belt assembly (106);

• a plurality of rollers drums (203A,203B,203C,203D,203E,203F) configured below each of said central section (106B), said entry/exit section (106C) and said adjustable section (106A) and configured to drive the conveyor belt; and

• guide rollers (204A,204B) attached to said platform (105), said guide rollers (204A,204B) configured to direct the conveyor belt assembly (106) inside a containment; said conveyor (1000) configured to be displaced by said electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011).

2. The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of wheels (104) are attached to said base frame (102), each of said wheels (104) being configured to receive power from a source.

3. The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein hand operated grips (207) provided on said electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 20 IF, 201G, 201H, 2011), said hand operated grips (207) configured to be twisted by a user to operate each of said electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011).

4. The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first micro limit switch (207 A) and a second micro limit switch (207B) are provided on each of said hand operated grips (207).

5. The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an uninterrupted power supply (205) (hereinafter referred as UPS 205) is configured on a bottom side of the conveyor (1000) and configured to supply power to said conveyor (1000).

6. The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a joystick is coupled to said electric actuators (201F, 201G, 201H, 2011) for controlling operation of said electric actuators (201F, 201G, 201H, 2011) simultaneously. The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable section is configured to be pivotably displaced in an operative upward and operative downward direction by a third electric actuator (201C) and a fourth electric actuator (201D) of said plurality of electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011). The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said platform (105) is configured to be linearly displaced in an operative upward and operative downward direction by a first electric actuator (201 A) and a second electric actuator (201B) of said plurality of electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011). The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveyor belt assembly (106) is configured to be pivotably displaced in an operative left and operative right direction by a fifth electric actuator (20 IE) of said plurality of electric actuators (201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E, 201F, 201G, 201H, 2011). The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, each of the plurality of powered roller drums 203D, 203E, 203F is driven by an AC motor (not shown in figures). The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, each of the plurality of powered roller drums 203D, 203E, 203F is driven by a DC motor (not shown in figures). The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electric actuators 201F, 201G, 201H and 2011 is configured to be driven by an AC motor (301F,301G,301H,301I). The powered mobile conveyor (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electric actuators 201F, 201G, 201H and 2011 is configured to be driven by a DC motor (301F,301G,301H,301I).