Patent Application
20250074699
The present disclosure relates generally to refuse vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a packing system for a refuse vehicle.
One embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. The refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a refuse compartment supported by the chassis, and a packing assembly including a pack panel, a packing actuator, and a scraper. The refuse compartment is defined by at least one of a first sidewall, a second sidewall, or a bottom wall. The packing actuator is coupled to the pack panel and configured to selectively move the pack panel between a retracted position and an extended position. The scraper is coupled with the pack panel along at least a portion of the pack panel and is configured to be selectively repositionable relative to the pack panel. The scraper is configured to engage with at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, or the bottom wall. The scraper is a first scraper coupled to the pack panel proximate the first sidewall, and the packing assembly further includes a second scraper coupled to the pack panel proximate the second sidewall, and a third scraper coupled to the pack panel proximate the bottom wall. The first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper extend within a vertical plane defined by an outer surface of the pack panel. The first scraper and the second scraper are laterally repositionable within the vertical plane relative to the pack panel. The first scraper and the second scraper are selectively repositionable in a first direction and the third scraper is selectively repositionable in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular. The third scraper is vertically repositionable within the vertical plane relative to the pack panel. The vertical plane is substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the pack panel during an ejection procedure. The first scraper is configured to engage with the first sidewall, the second scraper is configured to engage with the second sidewall, and the third scraper is configured to engage with the bottom wall. The engagement between the scraper and the at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, or the bottom wall is configured to inhibit refuse in the refuse compartment from falling behind the packing assembly during an ejection procedure. The scraper defines one or more apertures shaped to permit selectively repositioning the scraper relative to the pack panel. The one or more apertures are configured to receive a fastener to facilitate coupling the scraper with the pack panel, and wherein the scraper is selectively repositionable relative to the fastener. The scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, or the bottom wall. The scraper includes a pliable material such that the scraper is configured to conform to a contour of the interior at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, or the bottom wall. The scraper is a first scraper, and the packing assembly further includes a follower plate and a second scraper coupled with the follower plate and configured to be selectively repositionable relative to the follower plate to engage with at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.
Another embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle including a chassis, a refuse compartment supported by the chassis defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a bottom wall, and a packing assembly. The packing assembly includes a pack panel, a packing actuator coupled to the pack panel, wherein the packing actuator is configured to selectively move the pack panel between a retracted position and an extended position, a first scraper coupled with the pack panel proximate the first sidewall, a second scraper coupled with the pack panel proximate the second sidewall, and a third scraper coupled with the pack panel proximate the bottom wall. The first scraper and the second scraper are selectively repositionable in a first direction and the third scraper is selectively repositionable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper each define one or more apertures configured to receive a fastener to facilitate coupling the first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper with the pack panel, the one or more apertures shaped to permit selectively repositioning the first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper relative to the fastener and the pack panel. The first direction is a lateral direction and the second direction is a vertical direction. The first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper are selectively repositionable to respective positions to at least one of (i) be spaced a distance from the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the bottom wall, respectively, or (ii) contact the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the bottom wall such that, in the respective positions, the first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper inhibit refuse in the refuse compartment from falling behind the packing assembly during an ejection procedure. The first scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of the first sidewall, the second scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of the second sidewall, and the third scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of the bottom wall.
Still another embodiment relates to a scraper kit for a refuse vehicle including a refuse compartment defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a bottom wall, and a pack panel. The scraper kit includes a first scraper selectively repositionable relative to the first sidewall in a first direction, a second scraper selectively repositionable relative to the second sidewall in the first direction, and a third scraper selectively repositionable relative to the bottom wall in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first scraper, the second scraper, and the third scraper are configured to inhibit refuse in the refuse compartment from falling behind the pack panel during an ejection procedure. The first scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of the first sidewall, the second scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of the second sidewall, and the third scraper defines a contour complementary to a contour of the bottom wall.
This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle (e.g., a refuse vehicle) includes an ejection input (e.g., a button, a switch, a joystick, a soft key on a display, etc.) that, when activated, automatically initiates an ejection procedure. The ejection procedure includes extending a pack panel of a packing assembly back and forth between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions within a refuse compartment of the vehicle. During the ejection procedure, refuse may fall behind the pack panel and between the pack panel and one or more walls defining the refuse compartment. The packing assembly may include a scraper assembly including one or more scrapers coupled with the pack panel and configured to be selectively repositionable relative to the pack panel to engage with the one or more walls. By way of example, the scraper assembly may include a first scraper that is laterally repositionable and configured to engage with a first sidewall, a second scraper that is laterally repositionable and configured to engage with a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and a third scraper that is vertically repositionable and configured to engage with a bottom wall of the refuse compartment. The ability to selectively reposition the scrapers facilitates maintaining a tight clearance (e.g., contact, engagement, etc.) with the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment without requiring reworking of the packing assembly to accommodate for vehicles with refuse compartments having varying volumes. By way of example, instead of replacing the entire packing assembly to accommodate for a refuse compartment of a different (e.g., smaller and/or larger) size, the scrapers may be repositioned to maintain the tight clearance with the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment.
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In some embodiments, the front section 22 and the rear section 26 are configured as separate, discrete subframes (e.g., a front subframe and a rear subframe). In such embodiments, the front rail portion 30, the front rail portion 32, the rear rail portion 34, and the rear rail portion 36 are separate, discrete frame rails that are spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the front section 22 and the rear section 26 are each directly coupled to the middle section 24 such that the middle section 24 couples the front section 22 to the rear section 26. Accordingly, the middle section 24 may include a structural housing or frame. In other embodiments, the front section 22, the middle section 24, and the rear section 26 are coupled to one another by another component, such as a body of the vehicle 10.
In other embodiments, the front section 22, the middle section 24, and the rear section 26 are defined by a pair of frame rails that extend continuously along the entire length of the vehicle 10. In such an embodiment, the front rail portion 30 and the rear rail portion 34 would be front and rear portions of a first frame rail, and the front rail portion 32 and the rear rail portion 36 would be front and rear portions of a second frame rail. In such embodiments, the middle section 24 would include a center portion of each frame rail.
In some embodiments, the middle section 24 acts as a storage portion that includes one or more vehicle components. The middle section 24 may include an enclosure that contains one or more vehicle components and/or a frame that supports one or more vehicle components. By way of example, the middle section 24 may contain or include one or more electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.). By way of another example, the middle section 24 may include fuel tanks. By way of yet another example, the middle section 24 may define a void space or storage volume that can be filled by a user.
A cabin, operator compartment, or body component, shown as cab 40, is coupled to a front end portion of the chassis 20 (e.g., the front section 22 of the chassis 20). Together, the chassis 20 and the cab 40 define a front end of the vehicle 10. The cab 40 extends above the chassis 20. The cab 40 includes an enclosure or main body that defines an interior volume, shown as cab interior 42, that is sized to contain one or more operators. The cab 40 also includes one or more doors 44 that facilitate selective access to the cab interior 42 from outside of the vehicle 10. The cab interior 42 contains one or more components that facilitate operation of the vehicle 10 by the operator. By way of example, the cab interior 42 may contain components that facilitate operator comfort (e.g., seats, seatbelts, etc.), user interface components that receive inputs from the operators (e.g., steering wheels, pedals, touch screens, switches, buttons, levers, etc.), and/or user interface components that provide information to the operators (e.g., lights, gauges, speakers, etc.). The user interface components within the cab 40 may facilitate operator control over the drive components of the vehicle 10 and/or over any implements of the vehicle 10.
The vehicle 10 further includes a series of axle assemblies, shown as front axle 50 and rear axles 52. As shown, the vehicle 10 includes one front axle 50 coupled to the front section 22 of the chassis 20 and two rear axles 52 each coupled to the rear section 26 of the chassis 20. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes more or fewer axles. By way of example, the vehicle 10 may include a tag axle that may be raised or lowered to accommodate variations in weight being carried by the vehicle 10. The front axle 50 and the rear axles 52 each include a series of tractive elements (e.g., wheels, treads, etc.), shown as wheel and tire assemblies 54. The wheel and tire assemblies 54 are configured to engage a support surface (e.g., roads, the ground, etc.) to support and propel the vehicle 10. The front axle 50 and the rear axles may include steering components (e.g., steering arms, steering actuators, etc.), suspension components (e.g., gas springs, dampeners, air springs, etc.), power transmission or drive components (e.g., differentials, drive shafts, etc.), braking components (e.g., brake actuators, brake pads, brake discs, brake drums, etc.), and/or other components that facilitate propulsion or support of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 is configured as an electric vehicle that is propelled by an electric powertrain system. Referring to
The batteries 60 may include one or more rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, etc.). The batteries 60 may be charged by one or more sources of electrical energy onboard the vehicle 10 (e.g., solar panels, etc.) or separate from the vehicle 10 (e.g., connections to an electrical power grid, a wireless charging system, etc.). As shown, the drive motors 62 are positioned within the rear axles 52 (e.g., as part of a combined axle and motor assembly). In other embodiments, the drive motors 62 are otherwise positioned within the vehicle 10.
In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 is configured as a hybrid vehicle that is propelled by a hybrid powertrain system (e.g., a diesel/electric hybrid, gasoline/electric hybrid, natural gas/electric hybrid, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the hybrid powertrain system may include a primary driver (e.g., an engine, a motor, etc.), an energy generation device (e.g., a generator, etc.), and/or an energy storage device (e.g., a battery, capacitors, ultra-capacitors, etc.) electrically coupled to the energy generation device. The primary driver may combust fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, etc.) to provide mechanical energy, which a transmission may receive and provide to the axle front axle 50 and/or the rear axles 52 to propel the vehicle 10. Additionally or alternatively, the primary driver may provide mechanical energy to the generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored in the energy storage device (e.g., the batteries 60) in order to later be provided to a motive driver.
In yet other embodiments, the chassis 20 may further be configured to support non-hybrid powertrains. For example, the powertrain system may include a primary driver that is a compression-ignition internal combustion engine that utilizes diesel fuel.
Referring to
The application kit 80 may include various actuators to facilitate certain functions of the vehicle 10. By way of example, the application kit 80 may include hydraulic actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors, etc.), pneumatic actuators (e.g., pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic motors, etc.), and/or electrical actuators (e.g., electric motors, electric linear actuators, etc.). The application kit 80 may include components that facilitate operation of and/or control of these actuators. By way of example, the application kit 80 may include hydraulic or pneumatic components that form a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit (e.g., conduits, valves, pumps, compressors, gauges, reservoirs, accumulators, etc.). By way of another example, the application kit 80 may include electrical components (e.g., batteries, capacitors, voltage regulators, motor controllers, etc.). The actuators may be powered by components of the vehicle 10. By way of example, the actuators may be powered by the batteries 60, the drive motors 62, or the primary driver (e.g., through a power take off).
The vehicle 10 generally extends longitudinally from a front side 86 to a rear side 88. The front side 86 is defined by the cab 40 and/or the chassis. The rear side 88 is defined by the application kit 80 and/or the chassis 20. The primary, forward direction of travel of the vehicle 10 is longitudinal, with the front side 86 being arranged forward of the rear side 88.
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The grabber assembly 162 is movably coupled to a guide, shown as track 170, that extends vertically along a side of the refuse vehicle 100. Specifically, the main body 164 is slidably coupled to the track 170 such that the main body 164 is repositionable along a length of the track 170. An actuator (e.g., a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, etc.), shown as lift actuator 172, is configured to control movement of the grabber assembly 162 along the length of the track 170. In some embodiments, a bottom end portion of the track 170 is straight and substantially vertical such that the grabber assembly 162 raises or lowers a refuse container when moving along the bottom end portion of the track 170. In some embodiments, a top end portion of the track 170 is curved such that the grabber assembly 162 inverts a refuse container to dump refuse into the hopper volume 132 when moving along the top end portion of the track 170.
The lift assembly 160 further includes an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, an electric linear actuator, etc.), shown as track actuator 174, that is configured to control lateral movement of the grabber assembly 162. By way of example, the track actuator 174 may be coupled to the chassis 20 and the track 170 such that the track actuator 174 moves the track 170 and the grabber assembly 162 laterally relative to the chassis 20. The track actuator 174 may facilitate repositioning the grabber assembly 162 to pick up and replace refuse containers that are spaced laterally outward from the refuse vehicle 100.
Referring now to
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The mixing drum 232 may be configured to receive a mixture, such as a concrete mixture (e.g., cementitious material, aggregate, sand, etc.), through the hopper 236. In some embodiments, the mixer truck 200 includes an injection system (e.g., a series of nozzles, hoses, and/or valves) including an injection valve that selectively fluidly couples a supply of fluid to the inner volume of the mixing drum 232. By way of example, the injection system may be used to inject water and/or chemicals (e.g., air entrainers, water reducers, set retarders, set accelerators, superplasticizers, corrosion inhibitors, coloring, calcium chloride, minerals, and/or other concrete additives, etc.) into the mixing drum 232. The injection valve may facilitate injecting water and/or chemicals from a fluid reservoir (e.g., a water tank, etc.) into the mixing drum 232, while preventing the mixture in the mixing drum 232 from exiting the mixing drum 232 through the injection system. In some embodiments, one or more mixing elements (e.g., fins, etc.) may be positioned in the interior of the mixing drum 232, and may be configured to agitate the contents of the mixture when the mixing drum 232 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise, clockwise, etc.), and drive the mixture out through the chute 238 when the mixing drum 232 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.). In some embodiments, the chute 238 may also include an actuator positioned such that the chute 238 may be selectively pivotable to position the chute 238 (e.g., vertically, laterally, etc.), for example at an angle at which the mixture is expelled from the mixing drum 232.
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The application kit 80 includes a pump system 304 (e.g., an ultra-high-pressure pump system, etc.) positioned within one of the compartments 302 near the center of the ARFF truck 300. The application kit 80 further includes a water tank 310, an agent tank 312, and an implement or water turret, shown as monitor 314. The pump system 304 may include a high pressure pump and/or a low pressure pump, which may be fluidly coupled to the water tank 310 and/or the agent tank 312. The pump system 304 may to pump water and/or fire suppressing agent from the water tank 310 and the agent tank 312, respectively, to the monitor 314. The monitor 314 may be selectively reoriented by an operator to adjust a direction of a stream of water and/or agent. As shown in
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The boom assembly 354 further includes a second actuator, shown as upper lift cylinder 366. The upper boom 362 is pivotally coupled (e.g., pinned) to the upper end of the lower boom 360 at a joint or upper boom pivot point. The upper lift cylinder 366 (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder, an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) is coupled to the upper boom 362. The upper lift cylinder 366 may be configured to extend and retract to actuate (e.g., lift, rotate, elevate, etc.) the upper boom 362, thereby raising and lowering a distal end of the upper boom 362.
Referring still to
The platform assembly 370 provides a platform configured to support one or more operators or users. In some embodiments, the platform assembly 370 may include accessories or tools configured for use by the operators. For example, the platform assembly 370 may include pneumatic tools (e.g., an impact wrench, airbrush, nail gun, ratchet, etc.), plasma cutters, welders, spotlights, etc. In some embodiments, the platform assembly 370 includes a control panel (e.g., a user interface, a removable or detachable control panel, etc.) configured to control operation of the boom lift 350 (e.g., the turntable 352, the boom assembly 354, etc.) from the platform assembly 370 or remotely. In other embodiments, the platform assembly 370 is omitted, and the boom lift 350 includes an accessory and/or tool (e.g., forklift forks, etc.) coupled to the distal end of the boom assembly 354.
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The lift assembly 404 may include a series of subassemblies, shown as scissor layers 420, each including a pair of inner members and a pair of outer members pivotally coupled to one another. The scissor layers 420 may be stacked atop one another in order to form the lift assembly 404, such that movement of one scissor layer 420 causes a similar movement in all of the other scissor layers 420. The scissor layers 420 extend between and couple the lift base 402 and an operator platform (e.g., the platform assembly 430). In some embodiments, scissor layers 420 may be added to, or removed from, the lift assembly 404 in order to increase, or decrease, the fully extended height of the lift assembly 404.
Referring still to
A distal or upper end of the lift assembly 404 is coupled to an operator platform, shown as platform assembly 430. The platform assembly 430 may perform similar functions to the platform assembly 370, such as supporting one or more operators, accessories, and/or tools. The platform assembly 430 may include a control panel to control operation of the scissor lift 400. The lift actuators 424 may be configured to actuate the lift assembly 404 to selectively reposition the platform assembly 430 between a lowered position (e.g., where the platform assembly 430 is proximate to the lift base 402) and a raised position (e.g., where the platform assembly 430 is at an elevated height relative to the lift base 402). Specifically, in some embodiments, extension of the lift actuators 424 moves the platform assembly 430 upward (e.g., extending the lift assembly 404), and retraction of the lift actuators 424 moves the platform assembly 430 downward (e.g., retracting the lift assembly 404). In other embodiments, extension of the lift actuators 424 retracts the lift assembly 404, and retraction of the lift actuators 424 extends the lift assembly 404.
Refuse Vehicle with an Automatically Ejecting Pack Panel
In general, the refuse vehicles 100 illustrated in
With reference to
The pack panel 508 is coupled to the packing actuator 514 so that the packing actuator 514 selectively moves the pack panel 508 between a retracted or home position (see, e.g.,
A packing procedure generally includes moving the pack panel 508 from the retracted position (see, e.g.,
The ejection procedure generally includes moving the pack panel 508, via the packing actuator 514, to the extended or eject position (see, e.g.,
In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes an ejection input 600 and a tailgate sensor 602. In some embodiments, the ejection input 600 is arranged within the cab interior 42. In some embodiments, the ejection input 600 is in the form of a button, a switch, a joystick, a soft key on a display, or an equivalent input that is capable of being manually activated by a user of the vehicle 100. The ejection input 600 is configured to automatically initiate an ejection procedure in response to activation of the ejection input 600 (e.g., a user manually pressing the ejection input 600). The position of the pack panel 508 is automatically controlled and predefined during the ejection procedure, as described herein.
The tailgate sensor 602 is configured to detect a position of the tailgate 136 and provide an indication of whether the tailgate 136 is in the open position or the closed position. In some embodiments, the tailgate sensor 602 is in the form of a limit switch that is configured to detect the presence of the tailgate 136 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the tailgate sensor 602 is in communication with the tailgate actuator 138 and is configured to detect a position of the tailgate 136 based on the tailgate actuator 138 (e.g., by detecting a position of a piston that extends from the tailgate actuator 138).
As shown in
The memory 532 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. The memory 532 can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory 532 can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, the memory 532 is communicably connected to the processor 530 via the processing circuit 528 and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit 528 and/or the processor 530) one or more processes described herein.
In general, the ejection input 600 is in communication with the controller 526 so that the controller 526 automatically instructs the packing actuator 514 to initiate an ejection procedure in response to activation of the ejection input 600. In some embodiments, after activation of the ejection input 600, the controller 526 initially verifies that the tailgate 136 is in the open position, via the tailgate sensor 602, prior to initiating the ejection procedure. If the tailgate sensor 602 indicates that the tailgate 136 is in the closed position, an indication is provided to a user of the vehicle (e.g., a light, a sound, and/or a message displayed on a display) that instructs the user to open the tailgate 136. If the tailgate sensor 602 indicates that the tailgate 136 is in the open position, the controller 526 instructs the packing actuator 514 to perform the ejection procedure.
In general, during the ejection procedure, the packing actuator 514 is configured to move the pack panel 508 to any position along the length L between the retracted position and the extended position, and the ejection procedure can include any number of extended positions between the retracted position and the extended position. In some embodiments, during the ejection procedure, the pack panel 508 is extended by the packing actuator 514 to a plurality of extended positions. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of extended positions is sequentially closer to the retracted position. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of extended positions are at the same extension distance. In some embodiments, the pack panel 508 is retracted back to the retracted position after reaching each of the extended positions, which maintains refuse in front of the pack panel 508 and causes refuse to fall off of the pack panel 508. In some embodiments, the pack panel 508 is retracted back to a previous extended position after each subsequent extension.
Turning to
During the ejection procedure, the packing actuator 514 can extend the pack panel 508 to any one of the first position, the second position, the third position, or any other position between the retracted position and the extended position. In some embodiments, the ejection procedure includes extending the pack panel 508 to the first position, the second position, the third position, and the extended position, and retracting the pack panel 508 back to the retracted position after reaching each of the first position, the second position, the third position, and the extended position. In some embodiments, the first position, the second position, and the third position sequentially position the pack panel 508 closer to the extended position. In some embodiments, the ejection procedure includes extending the pack panel 508 to the same position multiple times. For example, the ejection procedure includes extending the pack panel 508 to the first position, the second position, the third position, and/or the extended position at least two consecutive times. In some embodiments, the ejection procedure includes retracting the pack panel 508 back to a previous extended position, rather than all the way back to the retracted position. For example, the ejection procedure includes extending the pack panel 508 to the first position, retracting back to the retracted position, extending the pack panel 508 to the second position, retracting back to the first position, extending the pack panel 508 to the third position, retracting back to the second position, and extending to the extended position. In some embodiments, the ejection procedure includes retracting the pack panel 508 back to one of the extended positions, rather than all the way back to the retracted position. For example, the ejection procedure includes retracting the pack panel 508 back to the first position after each reaching each of the second position, the third position, and the extended position.
In some embodiments, the first position, the second position, and the third position linearly increase in extension distance. For example, a ratio between the second distance D2 and the first distance D1 is about equal to a ratio between the third distance D3 and the second distance D2. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 is about 25% of the length L, the second distance D2 is about 50% of the length L, and the third distance D3 is 75% of the length L. In some embodiments, the ejection procedure includes more or less than three extended positions prior to reaching the extended position. For example, the ejection procedure can include a first extension distance that is about 20% of the length L, a second extension distance that is about 40% of the length L, a third extension distance that is about 60% of the length L, and a fourth extension distance that is about 80% of the length L. In general, the gradual increase in extension distance, accompanied with retracting back to the retracted position after reaching each extension distance, helps maintain refuse in front of the pack panel 508 and prevents or inhibits refuse from falling behind the pack panel 508.
In some embodiments, the first position, the second position, and the third position nonlinearly increase in extension distance. For example, a ratio between the second distance D2 and the first distance D1 is less than a ratio between the third distance D3 and the second distance D2. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 is between about 0% and about 10% of the length L, the second distance D2 is between about 10% and about 30% of the length L, and the third distance D3 is between about 60% and about 90% of the length L. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 is between about 5% and about 15% of the length L, the second distance D2 is between about 15% and about 35% of the length L, and the third distance D3 is between about 60% and about 90% of the length L. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 is between about 5% and about 20% of the length L, the second distance D2 is between about 20% and about 40% of the length L, and the third distance D3 is between about 60% and about 90% of the length L. In general, the smaller increase in extension distance between the first position and the second position, relative to the increase between the second position and the third position, helps maintain refuse in front of the pack panel 508 and prevents or inhibits refuse from falling behind the pack panel 508.
Regardless of the specific number of extension positions and the extension distance defined by each of the extension positions, the number and location of the extension positions traversed during the ejection procedure are predefined and stored in the memory 532. The controller 526 is configured to instruct the packing actuator 514 to execute the predefined ejection procedure stored in the memory 532. In this way, for example, the ejection procedure is automatically controlled and initiated by activation of the ejection input 600, which removes the need for a user of the vehicle 100 to manually control the ejection procedure and better controls the extension distances of the pack panel 508 to help prevent or inhibit refuse from falling behind the pack panel 508. It should be appreciated that although the properties and functionality of the ejection input 600 and the tailgate sensor 602 are described with reference to the side-loading configuration of the vehicle 100, the ejection input 600 and the tailgate sensor 602 are also capable of being incorporated into the front-loading configuration of the vehicle 100 to control the ejection procedure in the same manner.
In general, the refuse vehicles 100 illustrated in
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The left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 generally aid in displacing refuse in the hopper volume 132 in a direction toward the storage volume 134 during the ejection procedure by maintaining a tight clearance with (e.g., contacting, engaging, etc.) the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130. The refuse compartment 130 is an internal volume defined by the left sidewall 500 (e.g., a first wall), the right sidewall 502 (e.g., a second wall), and a bottom wall 712 (e.g., a third wall, a bottom interior surface or floor of the refuse compartment 130, etc.). The left sidewall 500 and the right sidewall 502 extend longitudinally (e.g., in a direction extending between the cab 40 and the tailgate 136) between the packing assembly 506 and the tailgate 136. The left sidewall 500 and the right sidewall 502 extend generally vertically (e.g., in a direction extending between the top wall of the refuse compartment 130 and the bottom wall 712) between the top wall of the refuse compartment 130 and the bottom wall 712. The bottom wall 712 extends longitudinally (e.g., in a direction extending between the cab 40 and the tailgate 136) between the packing assembly 506 and the tailgate 136. The bottom wall 712 extends laterally (e.g., in a direction extending between the left sidewall 500 and the right sidewall 502) between the left sidewall 500 and the right sidewall 502.
The clearance between (a) the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 and (b) the refuse compartment 130 inhibits refuse from sliding (e.g., getting stuck, falling, etc.) between the left sidewall 500, the right sidewall 502, and the bottom wall 712 during the ejection procedure (e.g., when the pack panel 508 moves between retracted and extended positions to eject refuse from the refuse vehicle 100). In other words, a position of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 relative to the left sidewall 500, the right sidewall 502, and the bottom wall 712, respectively, inhibits refuse from falling behind the pack panel 508 during the ejection procedure. The left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be repositioned along the pack panel 508 and relative to the pack panel 508 to create a close clearance (e.g., such that refuse in the refuse compartment 130 does not fall behind the pack panel 508 during the ejection procedure) between the (i) left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 and (ii) the left sidewall 500, the right sidewall 502, and the bottom wall 712 of the refuse compartment 130, respectively. In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are repositioned along the pack panel 508 and relative to the pack panel 508 to engage with the left sidewall 500, the right sidewall 502, and the bottom wall 712 of the refuse compartment 130, respectively.
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The fastener 720 may be loosened (e.g., driven in a direction to reduce a clamping force, driven in a dis-engagement direction, etc.) to permit repositioning of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708. When the fastener 720 is loosened, the left scraper 702 and the right scraper 704 are selectively repositionable in a lateral direction D (e.g., in a direction extending between the left sidewall 500 and the right sidewall 502). By way of example, the left scraper 702 and the right scraper 704 may be laterally repositionable within a substantially vertical plane that is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the packing assembly 506 during the ejection procedure. When the fastener 720 is loosened, the bottom scraper 708 is selectively repositionable in a vertical direction V (e.g., in a direction extending between the bottom wall 712 and the top wall of the refuse compartment 130. By way of example, the bottom scraper 708 may be vertically repositionable within a substantially vertical plane that is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the packing assembly 506 during the ejection procedure. The lateral direction D and the vertical direction V are substantially perpendicular to one another. In some embodiments, the lateral direction D and the vertical direction V are not perpendicular. The vertical plane may be defined by the outer surface of the pack panel 508 facing a direction towards the tailgate 136. The position of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be selectively adjusted to a desired position such that the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 maintain a tight clearance with (e.g., direct contact with, direct engagement with, direct abutment of, etc.) the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130. The adjustability of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 facilitates maintaining a tight clearance with the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130 having different dimensions. By way of example the scraper kit 700 may be installed onto a first refuse vehicle having a refuse compartment defining first dimensions and the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be repositioned to accommodate the first dimensions of the refuse compartment. In such an example, the scraper kit 700 may be installed onto a second refuse vehicle having a refuse compartment defining second dimensions different (e.g., smaller and/or larger) than the first dimensions, and the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be repositioned to accommodate the second dimensions of the refuse compartment.
In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are coupled to the pack panel 508 by another system or mechanism that permits at least one of selective lateral, vertical, or longitudinal repositioning of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708. By way of example, linear slides (e.g., rails, tracks, etc.) may couple the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 to the pack panel 508 along different edges of the pack panel 508, such that the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 can be slid along the rails to achieve repositionability. In such an embodiment, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be fixed relative to the pack panel 508 at a desired location by locking with a pin, lock, fastener, or any other mechanism to lock the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 in place. By way of another example, the scraper kit 700 may utilize another system or mechanism such as a threaded rod with nuts, a rack and pinion system, a cam mechanism, pivot joints, toggle clamps, or any other system or mechanism that permits at least one of selective lateral, vertical, or longitudinal repositioning of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708. The ability to selectively reposition the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 maintains a tight clearance (e.g., contact) with the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130 without requiring reworking of the packing assembly 506 to accommodate for refuse vehicles 100 with varying volumes (e.g., distances between the left sidewall 500 and the right sidewall 502, lateral widths of the bottom wall 712, etc.). By way of example, instead of replacing the entire packing assembly 506 to accommodate for a refuse compartment 130 of a different (e.g., smaller and/or larger) size, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be repositioned to maintain the tight clearance (e.g., contact, engagement, etc.) with the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130. In some embodiments, the number of scrapers included in the scraper kit 700 may differ in various embodiments and/or to match the number of sidewalls and bottom walls defining the refuse compartment 130 (e.g., the refuse kit 700 includes more or fewer scrapers than the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 depending on the configuration of the refuse compartment 130). In some embodiments, the orientation/shape of the scrapers included in the scraper kit 700 may differ in various embodiments and/or to match the orientation/shape of sidewalls and bottom walls defining the refuse compartment 130 (e.g., the orientation/shape of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 varies depending on the configuration of the refuse compartment 130).
In some embodiments, a second left scraper 702 and a second right scraper 704 are coupled to the follower plate 512. The second left scraper 702 and the second right scraper 704 may be slidably coupled a left edge and a right edge of the follower plate 512, respectively, such that the second left scraper 702 and the second right scraper 704 at least partially overlaps an outer surface of follower plate 512. The second left scraper 702 and the second right scraper 704 may be selectively repositionable relative to the follower plate 512 in a substantially similar manner as described above.
The left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be manufactured from a high strength material such as a high-strength metal or alloy (e.g., hardened steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, etc.). In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are manufactured from a high-strength polymer (e.g., high-density polyethylene, polyurethane, rubber, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, etc.). In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are manufactured from any other material capable of withstanding abrasions, scrapes, and impacts against the left sidewall 500, the right sidewall 502, and the bottom wall 712 during repeated movement and repositioning of the packing assembly 506 (e.g., during the ejection procedure or a packing procedure). The left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are configured to generally maintain their shape during repeated movement and repositioning of the packing assembly 506. In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are manufactured from or include a pliable (e.g., bendable, malleable, etc.) material that fits (e.g., adjusts, conforms, adapts, etc.) to the shape (e.g., profile) of the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130 (e.g., the left sidewall 500, the right sidewall 502, and the bottom wall 712) while still inhibiting refuse from falling behind the pack panel 508. By way of example, if the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130 define irregular profiles, or include one or more irregular features (e.g., a component that extends into the volume of the refuse compartment 130), the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 maintain the tight clearance with (e.g., contact) the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130 while still scraping to inhibit refuse from falling behind the pack panel 508. In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 are manufactured from a rigid material such as steel and include an inlaid edge, end, outer periphery, outer portion, etc., manufactured from a rubber or other semi-resilient material. The left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 may be replaced if they are damaged or are broken due to repeated use. Accordingly, instead of replacing the entire pack panel in a traditional refuse vehicle, the scraper kit 700 of the present disclosure facilitates selective replacement of one or more components (i.e., the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and/or the bottom scraper 708) without needing to replace more expensive components such as the pack panel 508.
In some embodiments, the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 include bristles positioned to at least partially contact the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130. The bristles may protrude from outer portions of the left scraper 702, the right scraper 704, and the bottom scraper 708 and be configured to scrub (e.g., scrape, wipe, etc.) the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130. The bristles may help inhibit refuse from falling (i) between the interior surfaces of the refuse compartment 130 and the pack panel 508 and (ii) behind the pack panel 508 (e.g., in a direction towards the front section 22) when the pack panel 508 moves between retracted and extended positions during the ejection procedure.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.
The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/536,822, filed on Sep. 6, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63536822 | Sep 2023 | US |
