WO2012063146A1

WO2012063146A1 - Transport of materials

Info

Publication number: WO2012063146A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Petrus Kotze
Original assignee: Johannes Petrus Kotze
Priority date: 2010-11-09
Filing date: 2011-10-05
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Also published as: ZA201107291B

Abstract

A load vehicle (10) includes an elongate chassis (12), an elongate open topped load vessel (18) having a pair of longitudinally spaced ends (22) and transversely spaced sides (24, 26) extending between the ends (22). A discharge opening (28) leads at a low elevation from the vessel (18). A closure member (30) is mounted for pivotal displacement between a closed condition in which it closes the discharge opening (28) and an open position in which it permits discharge through the discharge opening (28). Mounting means (20) is configured to support the load vessel (18) for pivotal displacement about a longitudinally extending tipping axis (42) located above the closure member (30) between a carrying position and a dumping position, the closure member (30) being displaced between its closed and open positions automatically in response to the load vessel (18) being displaced between its carrying and dumping positions. Actuation means (40) is configured to displace the load vessel (18) between its carrying and dumping positions.

Description

TRANSPORT OF MATERIAL

THIS INVENTION relates to the transport of material, more particularly to the transport of material in bulk. It relates in particular to the transport of such materials in load vehicles referred to for convenience as side tippers.

These load vehicles are often in the form of trailers. Such a trailer load vehicle or side tipper has an elongate open topped load vessel on an elongate chassis having connecting means at a leading end for connection to a draught vehicle and support wheels at a trailing end. The load vessel is mounted to pivot about a longitudinal axis to discharge its load to one side, hence the term side tipper. The Inventor is aware of an existing side tipper which exerts a large bending moment on its mounting while pivoting during dumping of its load. The bending moment tends to overload and ultimately to damage supporting or suspension components of the side tipper. It is an object of this invention to at least ameliorate this problem.

According to the invention there is provided a load vehicle which includes: an elongate chassis;

an elongate open topped load vessel having a pair of longitudinally spaced ends;

transversely spaced sides extending between the ends and defining between lower edges thereof a discharge opening;

a closure member mounted for pivotal displacement between a closed condition in which it closes the discharge opening and an open position in which it permits discharge through the discharge opening; and

a mounting means configured to support the load vessel for pivotal displacement about a longitudinally extending tipping axis between a carrying position and a dumping position, the closure member being displaced between its closed and open positions automatically in response to the load vessel being displaced between its carrying and dumping positions; and actuation means configured to displace the load vessel between its carrying and dumping positions.

The tipping axis may be a higher elevation than the discharge opening when the load vessel is in its carrying position.

The mounting means may include longitudinally spaced apart supports extending upwardly from the chassis and being pivotally connected to the ends of the load vessel. The mounting means thus typically extends above the discharge opening to allow the tipping axis to be above the discharge opening when the load vessel is in its carrying position. The mounting means may be configured to permit both lateral and pivotal displacement of the load vessel relative to the chassis.

The supports may include a pivot pin which is slidably and pivotally received in a transversely extending slot in the associated end of the load vessel.

The vehicle may include actuation means configured to displace the load vessel between its carrying and dumping positions, i.e. to pivot the load vessel about the tipping axis. The actuation means may include hydraulic actuators connected respectively to the ends of the vessel.

The discharge opening may be defined between lower edges of the sides and ends. The closure member may be in the form of a bottom which is hingedly connected by a hinged connection to one of the sides.

The vehicle may include a guide arrangement configured to guide the closure member. The guide arrangement may include rollers supported on the chassis, the closure member being supported by the hinged connection to the side and the rollers. Typically, the guide arrangement, e.g. rollers, is located along one longitudinally extending side of the chassis only.

The closure member of the load vessel may thus be supported on rollers. The rollers may be supported on the chassis such that when the vessel is in its carrying position, the closure member is urged into and retained in its closed position by the rollers and when the vessel is displaced towards its dumping position the closure member is supported on the rollers and pivots about the hinged connection from its closed position towards its open position.

The rollers and the closure member of the load vessel may be provided with complementary guide formations. The guide formations may include longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending ribs on the closure member of the load vessel and complementary annular recesses provided on the rollers within which the ribs are received. This serves to guide the closure member transversely when being displaced between its open and closed positions. It further serves to limit longitudinal displacement of the closure member and hence of the vessel relative to the chassis. It further resists twisting of the vessel as it is displaced from its carrying position to its dumping position.

The closure member of the load vessel may include a lip protruding upwardly from each longitudinally spaced end thereof. The lips serve, when the closure member is in its open or discharged position, to inhibit the flow of material over the longitudinally spaced ends of the closure member such that the closure member functions in the manner of a chute with material being discharged from the free edge of the closure member remote from its hinged connection to the side. When the load vessel is in the dumping position, the free edge of the closure member remote from the hinged connection may be at an elevation below that of the hinged connection between the closure member and the side of the load vehicle.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a load vehicle in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows an end view of the vehicle of Figure 1 with a load vessel of the vehicle in its carrying position ;

Figure 3 shows an end view similar to Figure 2 with the load vessel in its dumping position ;

Figure 4 shows a roller supporting part of a bottom of the load vessel;

Figure 5 shows an end view of a load vehicle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows an end view similar to Figure 5 with the load vessel in its dumping position;

Figure 7 shows an end view of a load vehicle in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 8 shows an end view similar to Figure 7 with the load vessel in its dumping position. In Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a load vehicle in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 10 is in the form of a so-called side tipper or swing bin and includes an elongate chassis, generally indicated by reference numeral 12 having connecting means, indicated by reference numeral 14 at a leading end whereby the vehicle 10 is removably connectable to a draught vehicle (not shown) and support wheels, indicated by reference numeral 16, at a trailing end.

The vehicle 10 further includes an elongate open topped load vessel, generally indicated by reference numeral 18 and mounting means, generally indicated by reference numeral 20 configured to support the load vessel 1 8 on the chassis 12.

The load vessel 18 includes a pair of longitudinally spaced ends 22 and a pair of transversely spaced sides 24, 26 connected to and extending between the ends 22. A discharge opening 28 (Figure 3) is defined between lower edges of the sides 24, 26. The vessel 1 8 includes a bottom defining a closure member 30 which is connected via a hinged connection 32 to the side 24 for displacement between a closed position (shown in Figure 2 of the drawings) in which it closes off the discharge opening 28 and an open position (shown in Figure 3 of the drawings) in which it permits the discharge of matter through the discharge opening 28. Longitudinally spaced apart parallel transversely extending ribs 34 are provided on a lower surface of the closure member 30 which serve both to reinforce the closure member 30 and as guide formations as described in more detail here below.

The mounting means includes posts 36 which are connected to and protrude upwardly from the chassis 12 at longitudinally spaced apart positions. The ends 22 are pivotally supported on the posts 36 by pivot arrangements 38. The vehicle 1 0 includes actuation means in the form of hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies or actuators 40 which are connected between the ends 22 and the chassis 1 2 to permit displacement of the load vessel 18 about a longitudinal pivot or tipping axis 42 (shown in Figure 1 ) defined by the pivot arrangements 38 between a carrying position (shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a dumping position (shown in Figure 3). The pivot axis 42 is thus above the discharge opening 28 and above the closure member 30 at least when the load vessel 18 is in its carrying position.

The vehicle 1 0 further includes a guide arrangement comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart rollers 44 mounted on the chassis 12 for rotation about axes of rotation which are parallel with the pivot axis 42. In the embodiment shown, the rollers 44 are rotatable about a common axis of rotation. As can best be seen in Figure 4 of the drawings, each roller 44 includes a circular cylindrical central portion 43 and a flange 45 on opposite sides thereof such that an annular recess, generally indicated by reference numeral 46 is provided, the recess 46 being dimensioned such that a portion of a rib 34 is receivable therein.

In use, with the load vessel 1 8 in its carrying position (shown in Figures 1 and 2), the closure member 30 is supported by the hinged connection 32 and the rollers 44 in its closed position, below the pivot axis 42. Matter such as coal or ore can be introduced into the open top of the vessel 1 8 and transported in a conventional fashion.

When it is desired to discharge the matter from the load vessel 18, the actuators 40 are operated in order to displace the load vessel 18 towards its dumping position in the direction of arrow 48. It will be appreciated that the lower edge of the side 26 moves laterally outwardly and upwardly and that the closure member 30 moves laterally and is supported on the rollers 44 to one side thereof such that there is separation between the lower edge of the side 26 and the closure member 30. As the movement of the load vessel 1 8 continues in the direction of arrow 48 the closure member 30 will be inclined downwardly towards its edge remote from the hinged connection 32 so that matter resting thereon is discharged from the free edge, i.e. the edge of the closure member 30 remote from and at an elevation below the hinged connection 32. It will be appreciated that at this stage, the free edge of the closure member 30 will protrude beyond the chassis 12 and wheels 16 of the vehicle so that the matter is discharged to the side of the vehicle 10. Further, lips 50 protrude upwardly from the ends of the closure member 30 and serve to inhibit the discharge of material from the ends of the closure member 30. Hence, the closure member 30 operates as a chute discharging the material from its free edge.

The ribs 34 move in the rollers 44 which serves to guide the closure member 30 transversely between its open and closed positions. Further, the provision of the flanges 45 on the rollers 44 serves to limit longitudinal displacement of the closure member 30 and hence of the vessel 18 relative to the chassis 12. Further, twisting of the vessel 18 as it is displaced from its carrying position to its discharge position is resisted.

Reference is now made to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings in which reference numeral 100 refers generally to a load vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Parts which are the same or similar to the vehicle 1 0 of the first embodiment are indicated with the same reference numeral. In this embodiment of the invention, the mounting means includes a single integral support post 36 connected to and protruding upwardly from each end of the chassis 1 2. Each post 36 extends upwardly and is inclined towards the side 24. The closure member 30 of the vehicle 1 00 is slanted downwardly from the hinged connection 32 towards the side 26 of the load vessel 18. The ends 22 of the load vessel 18 are pivotally supported on the posts 36 which are connected to an upper periphery of the ends 22 adjacent to the side 24 of the load vessel 18 by means of pivot pins (not shown) in the pivot arrangements 38. In a similar fashion to the vehicle 1 0 of Figures 2 and 3, an actuation means 40 in the form of a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly is provided. The actuating means 40 permits displacement of the vessel 1 8 about a longitudinal pivot axis defined by the pivot arrangements 38 from a carrying position (as shown in Figure 5) to a dumping position (as shown in Figure 6) in the direction of arrow 48. It will be appreciated that with this arrangement the centre of gravity of the vessel 18 remains close to a longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, i.e. midway between the wheels, thereby enhancing the stability of the vehicle. In this embodiment, a portion of the discharge opening 28 extends above the pivot arrangements 38 when the load vessel 18 is in its dumping position, and a portion of the discharge opening 28 remains below the pivot arrangements 38, as shown in Figure 6.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, reference numeral 150 refers generally to a load vehicle in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The load vessel 18, which is similar to that of Figure 5 is further provided with transverse slots 52 in the ends 22 of the load vessel 18 into which the support posts 36 are slidably and pivotally connected by pivot pins (not shown) of the pivot arrangements 38. The actuating means 40 are connected between the ends 22 and the chassis 12 in such a manner so as to permit displacement of the vessel 18 from its closed or carrying position (as shown in Figure 7) to its open or dumping position (as shown in Figure 8) in two stages: first by a lateral displacement of the load vessel 1 8 along the direction of arrow 54, parallel to the slots 52; and second, when the pivot arrangements 38 reach the end of the transverse slots 52 following the linear displacement along arrow 54, the load vessel 18 is displaced along the direction of arrow 48 to its open or dumping position as shown in Figure 8, about a longitudinal pivot axis defined by the pivot arrangements 38 in the slots 52.

In embodiments of the vehicle of the invention shown in Figures 5 - 8, the closure member 30 of the load vessel 18 is supported on rollers 44 (not shown in Figures 7 and 8). It will be thus appreciated that, under the force of the actuating means 40, the lower edge of the side 26 moves laterally and upwardly and that the closure member 30 moves laterally and downwardly and is supported on the rollers 44 such that there is separation between the lower edge of the side 26 and the closure member 30 in the open or dumping position. In the dumping position, material discharged through the discharge opening 28 and over the free edge of the closure member 30 would thus be remote from and at an elevation below that of the hinged connection 32 between the closure member 30 and the side 24. The free edge of the closure member 30 is also below the pivot axis 42 or the pivot arrangements 38.

The Inventor believes that a load vehicle in accordance with the invention, as illustrated, will reduce the problems associated with prior art vehicles of which he is aware. In addition, the centre of gravity of the load vehicle does not move laterally to the same extent that it does with prior art vehicles during discharge of a load which the inventor believes will greatly enhance the stability of the vehicle and the safety thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A load vehicle which includes:

an elongate chassis;

an elongate open topped load vessel having a pair of longitudinally spaced ends; transversely spaced sides extending between the ends;

a discharge opening leading from the vessel ;

a closure member mounted for pivotal displacement between a closed condition in which it closes the discharge opening and an open position in which it permits discharge through the discharge opening ; and

a mounting means configured to support the load vessel for pivotal displacement about a longitudinally extending tipping axis between a carrying position and a dumping position, the closure member being displaced between its closed and open positions automatically in response to the load vessel being displaced between its carrying and dumping positions; and

actuation means configured to displace the load vessel between its carrying and dumping positions.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , in which the tipping axis is at a higher elevation than the discharge opening when the load vessel is in its carrying position.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 or claim 2, in which the mounting means includes longitudinally spaced apart supports extending upwardly from the chassis and being pivotally connected to the ends of the load vessel.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, in which the mounting means is configured to permit both lateral and pivotal displacement of the load vessel relative to the chassis.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, in which each support includes a pivot pin which is slidably and pivotally received in a transversely extending slot in the associated end of the load vessel.

6. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the discharge opening is defined between lower edges of the sides and ends, the closure member being in the form of a bottom which is hingedly connected by a hinged connection to one of the sides.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, in which the closure member of the load vessel is supported on rollers.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, in which the rollers are supported on the chassis and the rollers are positioned such that when the vessel is in its carrying position, the closure member is urged into and retained in its closed position by the rollers and when the vessel is displaced towards its dumping position the closure member is supported on the rollers and pivots about the hinged connection towards its open position.

9. The vehicle of claim 7 or claim 8, in which the rollers and the closure member of the load vessel are provided with complementary guide formations.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, in which the guide formations include longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending ribs on the closure member of the load vessel and complementary annular recesses provided on the rollers within which the ribs are received.

1 1 . The vehicle of any one of claims 6 to 10, in which, when the load vessel is in the dumping position, a free edge of the closure member remote from the hinged connection is at an elevation below that of the hinged connection.

12. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 tol l , in which the actuation means includes hydraulic actuators connected respectively to the ends of the vessel.

13. The vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the closure member of the load vessel includes a lip protruding upwardly from each longitudinally spaced end thereof.