Patent Application
20230029433
This invention is in the field of cart tippers used in refuse collection.
In the waste industry, there is a common problem that occurs with cart tippers being damaged by the packer blade of the waste truck on rear load trucks. All cart tipper manufacturer's products can become damaged or destroyed if the operator cycles the packing blade when the cart tipper is in a dump or up position. The refuse truck includes a chamber into which the refuse/garbage/trash is dumped. If the packer blade is actuated by the operator while the cart tipper is in the dump position, or occupying the same zone the packer blade operates within, the packer blade will collide with the cart tipper and damage it. Similarly, if the packer blade is in the fully actuated position, compacting refuse into the body, and the tipper is moved into an up position the cycling of the packer blade out of the compacting state can also damage the cart tipper.
The packer blade resides in the chamber of the waste truck, the packer blade is movable within the chamber of the waste truck, the packer blade has a first stored position in the upper portion of the chamber sometimes referred to herein as the “home” position, a second scooping position in the chamber, and a third position compressing the refuse in the chamber. In the scooping position the packer blade is moved downwardly to the rear-most part of the chamber where it thereby pulls (scoops) the refuse toward the third position compacting the refuse in the chamber.
The hydraulic system drives and moves the packer blade from: the first stored position to a second scooping position, and, then to the third position whereby the refuse is compacted in the chamber and vice-versa.
Both the cart tipper and packer blade have independent actuation and are able to operate in the same overlapping 3D space (three-dimensional space) which is called the collision zone of the two devices. Both devices are manually activated by an operator.
The packer blade can be independently set into motion and will continue to complete a full cycle of compaction and return to ‘home’ position regardless of the cart tipper positions. Moreover, on some waste trucks the truck driver is able to actuate the packer blade remotely (for instance from the cab of the truck) making a collision between the packer blade and the cart tipper more likely because the cart tippers are not visible to the driver, and may be positioned in the collision zone at the time of activating the packer blade.
The design to solve this problem utilizes a proximity sensor on the cart tipper device which monitors the position of the cart tipper. One sensor is used for each cart tipper. There may be more than one cart tipper per refuse truck. When the cart tipper device rotates into a position that is established as a prescribed ‘interference zone’ or “collision zone”, which is a point at which the packer blade can contact the cart tipper if it is mistakenly operated while the cart tipper is in the up/or dump position, the proximity sensor(s) on the cart tipper(s) will actuate a hydraulic interrupt valve (diverter valve) in the hydraulic circuit of the packer blade on the truck to close off/prevent fluid flow to the packer blade controls which would thereby prevent/lock out the packer blade from being able to move, for example, downwardly into the path of the cart tipper or outwardly from the body into the path of the cart tipper on its path to its home position.
In regard to the motion of the packer blade, most of the language pertains to the motion/position of the blade itself. However, there are actually two hydraulic valves which make the blade move. These are typically called the Sweep and Slide valves (and thusly the sweep and slide motions). The slide valve/motion is also called the Pack sometimes. Each of these motions has its own detent valve. They can operate in unison, or individually, and in both directions of the blade's movement. The actual valves are always located next to each other in the sequence of valves, and are both downstream of the hydraulic interrupt valve, so the hydraulic interrupt valve would technically block both valves from moving, thus still locking the blade. While there are two valves that contribute to the blade's movement, the disclosure herein is directed toward locking the blade itself, regardless of which valve(s) was(were) running at the time of lockout.
The refuse trucks often place the cart tippers in the up position in the interference zone without a container being dumped. Further, the collision between the packer blade and the cart tipper may occur when:
the packer blade is moving from its first home position where it is stored to the second scooping position which is downwardly and toward the rear of the refuse truck; or, the packer blade is moving from the third position to the second position.
Put another way, for a problem to occur, the packer blade(s) do not always have to be going in the downward direction from the first stored position to the second scooping position; specifically, if the packer blade is in the third position (compaction mode), the cart tipper(s) can be put into the up/dump position and then the packer blade can hit them on the return to home first position.
The packer blade may have the following movements:
from the first position to the second position and then to the third position; or,
from the third position to the second position and then to the first position.
The instant invention is operative regardless of the direction of movement of the packer blade. The packer blade hydraulics will continue to have fluid flow interrupted to prevent packer blade operation until the cart tipper device is rotated to a position which is out of the danger zone/collision zone. As used herein “danger zone” and “collision zone” and “interference zone” mean the same thing and are used interchangeably.
If the packer blade is in the collision zone (generally in the area of the second position) at a static/resting position—the operator can ram or push the cart tipper into the packer blade. The force behind the cart tipper is incapable of doing any damage to the packer blade as its strength and rigidity is minuscule in comparison to the packer blade.
Put another way, if the packer blade is already in the collision zone, then the cart tipper operator could run the cart tipper into the packer blade, but the cart tipper operator would be able to visually see that the cart tipper and waste can will run into the packer blade. If a collision were to be caused by the cart tipper running into the already down packer blade, then this shouldn't result in any major damage to the tipper or packer blade. There is a potential the cart tipper may be damaged in some way by hitting the packer blade under cart tipper's own hydraulic power with the packer blade in a static position in the collision zone and taking the cart tipper into (dumping position) or out of the chamber (hopper).
The packer blade usually runs continuously through its cycle in either direction from first position, to second position and then to the third position or vice-versa from third position to second position to first position once it is activated unless the operator stops it (or changes the direction of the packer blade) or if the lock out valve disclosed and described herein stops the flow of hydraulic fluid to the packer blade, which will trip the detents in the valve and require the operator to restart the packer blade cycle or move the packer blade once the cart tipper is out of the collision zone.
The disclosure of the instant invention is primarily directed to the use of a rotary actuated cart tipper; however, cart tippers can also be actuated by a linear cylinder. When using a linear cylinder, a sensor is used for detecting the lift iron position or the cylinder position. Alternatively, a rack and pinion drive and sensor can be used. A waste truck having a packer blade in combination with a rotary cart tipper is disclosed wherein:
a hydraulic system is mounted on the waste truck;
the rotary cart tipper includes a rotary actuator;
the rotary actuator includes a metallic shaft and a housing, the metallic shaft of the rotary actuator includes an arcuate slot therein;
the hydraulic system drives the shaft of the rotary actuator of the rotary cart tipper from a first down position to a second up position;
an inductive proximity sensor is mounted in the housing of the rotary actuator or outside the actuator in proximity to the shaft of the rotary actuator;
the inductive sensor senses the presence of the metallic shaft based on the rotary position of the arcuate slot in the metallic shaft;
the inductive proximity sensor includes an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit adapted to operate a solenoid valve in the hydraulic circuit; and,
the solenoid valve is a hydraulic interrupt valve removing hydraulic system fluid pressure and flow from a packer blade when the inductive proximity sensor is in proximity to the arcuate slot in the metallic shaft and the rotary cart tipper is approaching the second up position or is in the second up position—within the prescribed collision zone/danger zone.
There are no known devices or control systems in place today that solve this industry-wide problem on rear load refuse trucks with a cart tipper.
The packer blade can move in a continuous stroke in either direction, namely, from the first stored position to the second scooping position and then to the third compacting position; or, from the third position to the second position and then to the first position. The operator can also manually stop the movement of the packer blade in either direction while it is cycling. The operator can position the packer blade anywhere along its path in either direction.
If the packer blade is in the collision zone and at a static/resting position—the operator can ‘ram’ the tipper into the packer blade. The force behind the cart tipper is incapable of doing any damage to the packer blade in as the strength and rigidity of the cart tipper is minuscule in comparison to the strength and rigidity of the packer blade.
There is a potential the cart tipper may get damaged in some way by hitting the packer blade under its own hydraulic power with the packer blade in a static position in the collision zone but the damage would be minimal.
Cart tippers are devices used to pick up cans or waste containers. Use of a cart tipper on modern waste trucks saves time and it also saves physical wear and tear on the waste collection personnel.
The movements and processes of the cart tipper are generally as follows:
It is an object of the invention to prevent a collision between the packer blade and the cart tipper.
It is an object of the invention to prevent the packer blade from running into the cart tipper and damaging the cart tipper.
It is an object of the invention to prohibit actuation of the packer blade when the cart tipper is in the prescribed collision zone/danger zone which is an upper or dumping/dumped position.
It is an object of the invention to utilize a proximity sensor which senses and determines the position of the cart tipper.
It is an object of the invention to eliminate damage to cart tippers on waste vehicles which cost several thousand dollars to replace from damage caused to them by the packer blade colliding with them in the collision zone.
It is an object of the invention to eliminate damage to the packer blade caused to the packer blade as a result of the packer blade colliding with the cart tipper.
It is an object of the invention to inhibit operation of the packer blade when the cart tipper is in the up position or the dumping position corresponding to the collision zone/interference zone.
It is an object of the invention to inhibit operation of the packer blade when the cart tipper approaches or is in the up position/dumping position/collision zone.
It is an object of the invention to detect the second, up position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position.
It is an object of the invention to detect the second, up position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the second, up position to the first, down position.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position utilizing a potentiometer.
It is an object of the invention to use another sensor to detect the position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position utilizing a rotary potentiometer.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position utilizing an inductive proximity sensor.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position utilizing a rotary actuator which includes a metallic shaft with an arcuate slot therein sensed by an inductive proximity sensor.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper using a proximity sensor selected from the group consisting of a rotary potentiometer, a linear potentiometer, a hall proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, laser sensor, light curtain, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, reed switches, GMR inductive sensor, variable reluctance sensor, RVDT, rotary encoder, and magneto resistive sensors.
It is an object of the invention to utilize an inductive proximity sensor having normally open contacts in series with a control relay which, in turn, operates a solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve.
It is an object of the invention to utilize an inductive proximity sensor in combination with a shutoff valve to prevent operation of a packer blade.
It is an object of the invention to utilize a proximity sensor having contacts in a control system which controls a solenoid operated valve to prohibit flow and pressure to the packer blade controls.
It is an object of the invention to use a solenoid operated, 2-way, pilot operated poppet valve operated by a variety of control circuits including those utilizing normally closed contacts or normally closed poppet valves.
It is an object of the invention to operate a hydraulic interrupt valve (diverter valve) which prevents or permits operation of the hydraulically operated packer blade.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper as it rotates from the first, down position to the second, up position utilizing a rotary actuator which includes a metallic shaft with an arcuate slot therein, said slot having a bottom formed by walls thereof and said slot being 3 mm deep in said cylindrical shaft of the rotary actuator.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper wherein the gap between the inductive proximity sensor and the arcuate bottom of the arcuate slot is approximately 4 mm.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper wherein the slot is nominally 3 mm deep in the cylindrical shaft.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper wherein the slot has an arcuate bottom that is nominally 3 mm deep in the cylindrical shaft.
It is an object of the invention to detect the position of the cart tipper wherein the gap between the inductive proximity sensor and the portion of the shaft that does not have the slot is approximately 1 mm.
It is an object to position the sensor inside the actuator for protection and utilizing a slot.
It is a further object to position the sensor outside the actuator by mounting a circular disc on the actuator shaft outside the actuator as an alternative design wherein the circular disc has an arcuate void therein and an actuator mounted fixed sensor sensing the arcuate void as the actuator shaft rotates.
It is an object of the invention to detect the rotary position of the cart tipper shaft with an inductive proximity sensor having normally open contacts, and the contacts change state and close when the proximity sensor is near the portion of the cart tipper shaft that does not have the arcuate slot.
It is an object of the invention to detect the rotary position of the cart tipper shaft with a proximity sensor having contacts, and the contacts change state when the proximity sensor is near the portion of the cart tipper shaft when not near the arcuate slot.
It is an object of the invention to use an inductive proximity sensor in combination with a control relay with the control relay controlling the diverter valve, the diverter valve being a solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve with free reverse flow energized and de-energized.
It is an object of the invention to control two cart tippers mounted on the waste truck wherein each of the cart tippers includes an inductive proximity sensor for position detection of the rotary shaft of each cart tipper.
It is an object of the invention to protect the rotary cart tipper by locking the packer blade in place in certain circumstances.
It is an object of the invention to power the rotary cart tipper with hydraulic fluid and to power the packer blade with hydraulic fluid and to protect against collisions of the rotary cart tipper and the packer blade.
It is an object of the invention to power the rotary cart tipper with an electric motor and to power the packer blade with an electric motor and to protect against collisions of the rotary cart tipper and the packer blade.
It is an object of the invention to power the rotary cart tipper with a pneumatic motor and to power the packer blade with a pneumatic motor and to protect against collisions of the rotary cart tipper and the packer blade.
It is an object of the invention to protect multiple cart tippers used in conjunction with a packer blade, with each cart tipper having its own sensing devices or means for protecting the rotary cart tipper and the packer blade.
It is an object of the invention to use a laser or a light curtain for sensing portions of the lift iron itself.
It is an object of the invention to provide a steel shaft of the actuator which includes a cam thereon and a cam follower in combination with a switch(s) detecting the position(s) of the cam follower which can detect the position of the shaft which, in turn, said switch position(s) is/are input into an appropriate control system.
It is an object of the invention to provide a proximity sensor that can be mounted outside the actuator by mounting a circular disc on the actuator shaft outside the actuator wherein the circular disc has an arcuate void therein and the proximity sensor being an actuator mounted fixed sensor senses the arcuate void in the circular disc as the actuator shaft rotates.
It is an object of the present invention to provide, instead of the arcuate void, a rotary encoder which has voids angularly spaced near the circumference of a shaft-mounted disk in combination with a light source and a photo sensor to detect the rotary position of the shaft.
Referring to
The uppermost rotational position means that the cart tipper 12 is fully rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed in
The percent travel is not necessarily the best expression for representing the collision zone 70 nor is the mounting plane always being the defining point for the start of the collision zone. Only the angular position of the rotary cart tipper relative to the full-dump position (uppermost rotational position) of the rotary cart tipper matters in defining the collision zone. The collision zone is defined as the three-dimensional space whereby the tipper device and packer blade overlap. The collision zone 70 is the space to the right of imaginary plane 71 and the degrees of rotation about the point of the rotation is measured as the arc of rotation from the rotational angle where the cart tipper first crosses the imaginary plane 71 to the uppermost rotational position of the cart tipper in the clockwise direction.
In some examples or embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable to detect the position of the cart tipper 12 before it enters the collision zone 70 to prevent any possibility of a collision between the cart tipper and the packer blade or also to prevent the collision of the waste can the cart tipper is picking up from colliding with the packer blade. In other words, as the cart tipper approaches the imaginary plane 71, the sensor 58 detects and acts to inhibit further rotation of the cart tipper or waste can so that it stays out of the collision zone. A further explanation of this follows hereinbelow.
Still referring to
The proximity sensor 8S may be located in a multiplicity of locations instead of sensing in proximity to the tipper lift iron pieces (21R, 21L) which may become bent/damaged. Instead, other locations may be chosen to keep the placement of the sensor within the actuator itself (for example, between rotary actuator 20K and coupling 20B) to increase reliability. Sensing of the lift iron parts (21R, 21L) may have a larger failure mode/rate because the lift iron pieces (21R, 21L) may become damaged and bent from a variety of means—when that happens the reliability of their positional location being repeatable is diminished. Therefore, positioning the sensor 8S to detect the more rigid and protected parts of the cart tipper such as within the actuator itself or in connection with the strongest components of the cart tipper will yield a greater robustness. Actually, the sensor 58 is mounted within the actuator itself for some of these same reasons. Sensor 58 is protected from impacts and debris, and the shaft and sensor are protected from corrosion and the tolerance maintained between the two relative parts are significantly more accurate and robustly maintained.
Still referring to
Capacitive proximity sensors can detect both metallic and non-metallic targets. The capacitive proximity sensors use the variance in the capacitance of the sensor to determine whether an object has been detected. A capacitive sensor is based on an electrical field produced across capacitor plates and can be used to detect all materials. Capacitive sensors like the inductive sensors have a relatively low operating distance (i.e., low operating ranges (distances)), so the material sensed must be relatively close to the sensor.
An inductive sensor uses current induced by magnetic fields to detect nearby metal objects. Inductive proximity sensors are useful to detect the metallic object which is present next to their active side. This sensor operates under the electrical principle of inductance, that is, a fluctuating current induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a target object. Inductive proximity sensors detect ferrous materials as targets.
An optical proximity sensor employs a light source, and a sensor that detects the light. These sensors detect objects directly in front of them by utilizing the sensor's own transmitted light reflected back from an object's surface. An optical sensor converts light into an electrical signal and can detect all materials not just metals. One advantage of the optical sensors is that they have a larger range of operation as compared to inductive sensors and they are easier to install with a wider range of targets to sense. Further, optical sensors have relatively large ranges and can detect many types of materials. Consequently, waste which often spills out can inadvertently trip the system to halt the packer blade from moving when not desired.
A magnetic proximity sensor such as a hall sensor uses magnets and its field to detect magnetic material and it has a larger operating distance than inductive and capacitive sensors. The presence of a magnetic object, commonly referred to as the target, is sensed. The target, characterized by its magnetic field, triggers the switching process when the target enters the detection range of the sensor.
An ultrasonic proximity sensor may be based on an ultrasonic source and receiver in the same device. Ultrasonic sensors emit an ultrasonic pulse which is reflected by objects in its path and the reflected wave enters a sonic cone. Ultrasonic sensors employ sound waves to detect objects. Ultrasonic sensors have large ranges of operating distances and can be used with many types of target materials. An inclinometer/angle sensor could also be employed in this application. Again, the inclinometer is not as robust as the ground plane is not always flat when in use.
Guide arms 21L, 21R are also affixed to the gripper 12B of the cart tipper 12 on the side opposite to the upper support 12A and the gripper 12B. By way of example, guide arms 21L, 21R rotate about 100° between the lowest position when the container is loaded on the cart tipper as illustrated in
Referring to
When the arm 21R is in sufficient proximity to the proximity sensor 8S: (1) actuation of the contacts as illustrated in
Components of the invention include, amongst other components, a cart tipper position proximity sensor 8S and a packer blade hydraulic interrupt valve 15. When the cart tipper is in the collision zone, the cart tipper's rotational position is sensed by a proximity switch (rotary potentiometer 22, linear potentiometer, magnetic or inductive, or other proximity sensor). The packer blade hydraulic circuit 17, 18 includes the packer blade hydraulic interrupt hydraulic valve 15. The range of the proximity may be different and/or adjustable depending on the particular cart tipper in use and depending on the design of the particular rear load garbage truck on which the tipper is mounted. While the description herein is for rear load trucks as it is the primary means by which this system is used, the teachings herein are applicable to a side load truck for example. Reference numeral 17 denotes a hydraulic pressure source and reference numeral 18 represents a hydraulic load such as a cylinder(s) which drive(s) the hydraulic packer blade 3.
The packer blade hydraulic interrupt valve 15 is preferably a 2-port/2-position, solenoid operated, spring return valve. The packer blade hydraulic interrupt valve 15 is in the existing hydraulic loop (not shown) of the packer blade 3. The packer blade hydraulic interrupt valve 15 is just prior to the port that communicates with the packer blade 3 controls and valves.
In the embodiment of
While the cart tipper proximity sensor 8S is not actuated and the cart tipper 12 is below (not yet reached) the final 30° of upward rotation, the contacts 8A of the proximity sensor 8S are open, the packer blade 3 will be freely operated and it may move freely within in its' normal range of motion.
The packer blade scoops and pulls the refuse into the garbage truck compacting the garbage so that more refuse can be held by the truck. The packer blade hydraulic interrupt valve 15 will not impede the blade's motion in anyway when the cart tipper 12 is not in the collision zone.
Instead of specifying a certain specific degree of motion such as 30°, the ‘collision zone’ description may be used.
Still referring to the embodiment of
The invention, among other things, interconnects two currently independent systems on a refuse vehicle to prevent damage from the objects within each system from having a collision while in operation. The cart tipper 12, shown as in the full down position in
The cart tipper device 12, has an electric proximity sensor 8S integrated into the device that can monitor the position of the cart tipper 12 between the first, full down/stowed loading position and the second, full up/dump position. Alternatively, instead of an electric or electronic proximity sensor the proximity sensor may be a mechanical switch activated by the guide arms 21L, 21R or by the drive arms 20A, 20B. Additionally, a spring type switch may be used as the proximity sensor which measures and senses position determined by the spring constant and force of deflection. Within the range of movement of the cart tipper 12 there is a position which as the cart tipper 12 approaches, but not fully reaching, the up/dump position that a portion of the cart tipper device enters a position in space at which the packer blade 3 can also occupy during its independent range of motion. The zone at which both devices overlap is an interference or ‘collision zone’.
To prevent damage due to an interference collision of the cart tipper 12 and packer blade 3, the proximity sensor or proximity sensors 8 sense the position of the cart tipper device 12 and isolate the packer blade. Proximity sensor(s) 8S monitor the cart tipper 12 position and isolate the packer blade when the cart tipper 12 enters a position which represents the ‘collision zone’. The packer blade will be maintained in isolation (not moving) until the proximity sensor(s) 8 register that the cart tipper 12 is not within the prescribed ‘collision zone’, for instance it is more than 30° (by way of example only) away from its upper most position.
There are several different methods for the control of the cart tipper 12 and the packer blade 3 wherein their operation is coordinated and synchronized as described herein. There are various electrical proximity sensor types and switches that can be used and placed in multiple locations for registering the cart tipper position as set forth herein.
There are several different hydraulic valve types for controlling the fluid flow to the packer blade 3 hydraulic drives. There are also multiple locations in the hydraulic system in which the valve(s) can be placed.
It is conceivable that an entirely hydraulic, or pneumatic solution using only fluidic controls with no electrical sensors or switches could be used to prevent operation of the packer blade under certain circumstances. Similarly, a system of an entirely electrical solution using only electrical signals and actuation is disclosed hereinbelow.
Splined end portions 51, 52 of the shaft 53 support drive arms 20A, 20B driven by the rotary actuator 20K to move the cart tipper 12 between the first, lower position and the second, upper position and vice-versa. Vane 54 is integral to the shaft, the shaft starts as a rough forging that includes the vane portion on the shaft 53, and it is this vane 54 which has pressure exerted upon it for operation of the rotary actuator 20K.
When a signal is received from the sensor circuit 60 because the steel shaft 53 is less than 3 mm from the inductive proximity sensor 58 and more appropriately is 1 mm from the shaft, the transistor will be turned on and the output 62 will be on; this is the position of the steel shaft 53 and the cart tipper 12 that permits operation of the packer blade. When the slot 54S of the metallic shaft 53 is in proximity with the sensor circuit 60, the sensor output is off and the contacts of the proximity sensors are in their normally open state. The driver circuit 63 is adapted to drive (or complete the circuit) an external/secondary device (not shown) such as a control relay which operates a solenoid operated packer blade hydraulic interrupt valve removing hydraulic system fluid pressure from a packer blade control system when the cart tipper 12 is approaching the second up position or is in the second up position and the inductive proximity sensor 58 is aligned with the slot 54S and the sensor output is off and the contacts are in their normally open state. The solenoid operated packer blade interrupt valve is a preferably a solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve with free reverse flow energized and de-energized.
Other valve arrangements are contemplated. Other use of relays or a PLC (programmable logic controller) is contemplated. In other words, the PLC, in this example or embodiment, would be programmed to prohibit the operation of the packer blade if the cart tipper 12 is in the up position as detected by the inductive proximity sensor.
A different structure may be used wherein the steel shaft 53 includes a cam thereon and a cam follower (not shown) in combination with a switch(s) detecting the position(s) of the cam follower which can detect the position of the rotary shaft 53 which, in turn, said switch position(s) is/are input into an appropriate control system such as those described hereinbelow in connection with
In yet another structure, the proximity sensor can be mounted outside the actuator by mounting a circular disc on the splined portion of the actuator shaft 53 outside the actuator wherein the circular disc has an arcuate void therein and the proximity sensor being an actuator mounted fixed sensor senses the arcuate void in the circular disc as the actuator shaft rotates. Many different types of switches may be used including the inductive proximity switch described herein. Additionally, or instead of the arcuate void, a rotary encoder may be used having voids spaced in a shaft-mounted disk in combination with a light source and a photo sensor to detect the rotary position of the shaft 53.
Still referring
Referring to
In addition to the use of the inductive proximity sensors, other proximity sensors could be placed in proximity to the steel shaft 53 with a different structural arrangement. Those other proximity sensors include: Magnetic, photo electric, mechanical plunger switch, capacitive sensor, ultrasonic, encoders, lasers, RVDT, roller switches, inclinometers, cam and cam followers, rotary encoders, and so on as previously described herein.
Control relay 1408 has normally closed relay contacts 1408A interconnected by control line 1409A with solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve diverter valve 1409. Reference numeral 1409A is a line from switch contacts 1408A to solenoid operated diverter valve 1409 (diverter input). Similarly, reference number 1409B is a line from solenoid operated diverter valve 1409 to the 0 (zero) VDC rail 1402.
If one of the contacts 1404A, 1424A of the proximity switches 1404, 1424 of one of the cart tippers close (meaning one of the cart tippers is down out of the collision zone), the packer blade still cannot move because the other cart tipper remains in the collision zone as set forth in
If both contacts 1404A, 1424A close, then both relays 1408, 1428 energize and open both contacts 1408A, 1428A and solenoid valve 1409 is deenergized and, as shown in
Still referring to
When both of the cart tippers 1391, 1302 are in the lower positions and the proximity sensors 1404, 1424 are not in proximity to their respective slots 54S but in proximity to the cylindrical surface of the metal shaft 53 of the rotary cart tipper, then normally closed contacts of control relays 1408, 1428 open and enable solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve 1409 to be deenergized (as shown in
If selector switch 1455A is in the jog mode, for instance, connected/switched to terminal 1455J, as illustrated in
When the selector switch is in the jog position shown in
The cart tipper motor (not shown) will operate in the reverse direction as long as the reverse push button 1456R is pressed and until rearward (lower) limit switch 1457 is closed as the rotary cart tipper is in its fully down position. Mechanical limit switch 1457 energizes control relay 1458 which opens the normally closed contacts 1458C in the reverse circuit. In this way the reverse circuit is controlled.
The cart tipper motor (not shown) is protected by overloads, O.L., that are connected in series with the forward and reverse motor starter coils, F, R. If one of the overloads trips, the overload contacts in the control circuit will open and neither coil F, R can be energized without first resetting it.
If selector switch 1455A is in the run mode, for instance, connected/switched to terminal 1455R, as illustrated in
Still referring to
The packer blade cylinders and any other auxiliary equipment are fed by line 1504. The solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve 1409 (diverter valve), is positioned and mounted in lines 1504, 1506. Line 1506 is from the steering priority flow control valve 1503 to the solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve 1409.
Still referring to
Still referring to
The half-circle symbol with the arrows is the hydraulic symbol for a rotary actuator 1512. Relief valve 1510 is a differential area relief valve and is present within the valve unit 1501 to allow the pressure that builds up when the tipper 1512 is not running to relieve into the tank line 1508.
Referring to
When proximity switch contacts 1404A, 1424A are open the valve 1409 is energized and hydraulic flow from line 1506 to line 1504 is blocked preventing operation of the packer blade. The upper compartment/section/portion of the valve 1409 with the check valve is aligned with lines 1506, 1504 as illustrated in
When proximity switch contacts 1404A, 1424A are closed, valve 1409 is deenergized and flow from line 1506 supplies hydraulic line 1504 which permits operation of the packer blade because the cart tippers 1301, 1302 are not in the collision zone.
Still referring to
100A—schematic electrical diagram
100B—schematic electrical diagram
100C—schematic electrical diagram
100D—schematic electrical diagram
100E—is a schematic electrical diagram of a rotary potentiometer driving the transistor when the rotary potentiometer senses the cart tipper in the up position or within a range of motion near the fully up position of the cart tipper.
200—view of the cart-tipper 12 in the down position,
300—view of the cart-tipper 12 in the up or dumping position,
300A—enlarged view of
400—view of the cart-tipper mounted on a waste truck showing the cart-tipper in the up position,
400A—enlarged view of a portion of
500—side view of the cart tipper 12,
500A—enlarged side view of the cart-tipper 12 of
500B—side view of the cart tipper 12,
600—side view of the cart tipper 12,
700—prior art view 700 of the cart-tipper 12 mounted on a waste truck 2 showing the cart tipper 12 moving toward the up position with the packer blade 3 not retracted such that both the cart tipper 12 and the packer blade 3 are in the collision zone.
800—front view of shaft 53 and vane 54 and a portion of the rotary actuator which moves the tipper between first and second positions.
900—exploded view of
900A—enlarged portion of
1000—another exploded view of
1000A—Sectional side view of the cart tipper 12 in the dumping position with the inductive proximity sensor 58 aligned with the slot 54S in the shaft 53, section view is cut at mid-plane of slot 54S.
1000B—side view of the cart tipper 12 in the down position in the vicinity of early lifting of a container (not shown) with the inductive proximity sensor 58 not aligned with the slot 54S in the shaft 53.
1100A—view of the cart-tipper 12 in the up or dumping position
1100B—enlarged view of a portion of
1200—electrical diagram of the inductive proximity sensor.
1300—view of
1300A—view of
1400—view of
1400A—view of
1400B—view of
1500—schematic view of
2—waste truck
3—packer blade
6—hand control valve for packer blade 3
7—hand control valve for cart tipper 12
8S—proximity sensor, potentiometer, hall effect, inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic
8A—proximity sensor contacts open
8B—proximity sensor contacts closed
8C—transistor
9—collector
10—base
11—emitter
12—cart tipper
12A—upper support of the cart tipper for the trash container which hooks under the lifting lip of the container
12B—gripper of the cart tipper for trash container which clasps the cylindrical bar of the container
13—input voltage to the solenoid coil 14
14—solenoid coil which moves the packer blade hydraulic interrupt hydraulic valve between a first position and a second position.
15—packer blade hydraulic interrupt hydraulic valve, a 2-port/2-position, solenoid operated, spring return valve 16.
16—spring return
17—hydraulic pressure source
18—hydraulic pressure load
20—rotary actuator housing, the center piece is called the body, and the two end pieces are called heads;
20K—rotary actuator which moves the tipper between first and second positions
20A—drive arm driven by the rotary actuator 20 for the cart tipper 12
20B—drive arm driven by the rotary actuator 20 for the cart tipper 12
21C—central arm which actuates the gripper 12B which grips a bar (not shown) on the container (not shown)
21L—left side guide and support arm
21R—right side guide and support arm
22—rotary potentiometer
23—voltage input to the rotary potentiometer
24—wiper on the rotary potentiometer
25—potentiometer resistor
30—rear sill plate of refuse/garbage truck
31—flat plate affixed to the rear plate which supports the cart tipper 12, which is affixed to the rear plate 30 of the refuse/garbage vehicle
40—space in truck for refuse/garbage when the packer blade is pulled back
41—arrow pointing to the space between the proximity sensor 8S and the guide arm 21R
51—right end of rotary shaft 53 which includes an unnumbered spline
52—left end of rotary shaft 53 which includes an unnumbered spline
53—rotary shaft
53A—arrow representing rotation of the shaft 53 in the clockwise direction which positions the cart tipper 12 in the dumping position and in the counter-clockwise direction which positions the cart tipper 12 in the down position
53C—chamfer on the steel shaft 53
54—rotary vane
54A—cylindrical surface into which slot 54S is cut
54S—arcuate slot in the periphery of the rotary shaft for determining shaft position
54W—wall of the slot 54S being 3 mm or greater in depth with respect to the cylindrical surface 54A of steel shaft 53
58—inductive sensor mounted in rotary actuator housing 20 (which senses the tipper between first and second positions)
60—sensor symbol
61—positive voltage input
62—positive voltage input to drive circuit 63
63—drive circuit to operate solenoid through external/secondary device, relay, PLC etc.
64—negative terminal, common or ground voltage
70—arrow indicating collision zone
71—imaginary plane defining start of collision zone
1301—single rotary cart tipper mounted on a waste truck
1302—a second rotary cart tippers mounted on a waste truck
1401—12 VDC rail
1402—0 VDC rail
1403—power supply line to inductive proximity switch 1404
1404—inductive proximity switch
1404A—contacts of the inductive proximity switch 1404
1405—power supply line to relay 1408 when switch contacts 1404A are closed
1406—0 (zero) VDC line connection to 0 (zero) VDC rail 1402
1407—0 (zero) VDC line connection to relay 1408
1408—relay
1408A—relay contacts
1409—a solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve diverter valve
1409A—line from switch contacts 1408A to solenoid operated diverter valve 1409 (diverter input)
1409B—line from solenoid operated diverter valve 1409 to 0 (zero) VDC rail 1402
1409D—line from 12 VDC rail 1401 to switch contacts 1408A, 1409A
1423—power supply line to inductive proximity switch 1424
1424—inductive proximity switch
1424A—contacts of the inductive proximity switch 1424
1425—power supply line to relay 1428 when switch contacts 1424A are closed
1426—line connection to 0 (zero) VDC to rail 1402
1427—0 (zero) VDC line connection to relay 1428
1428—relay
1428A—relay contacts
1451—line 1
1452—line 2
1453—limit switch contacts which sense upper limit of the cart tipper and stop the rotary cart tipper motor
1454—control relay
1454C—control relay 1454 normally closed contacts
1455—stop
1455A—JOG-RUN selector/switch
1455J—jog control position of selector
1455R—run control position of selector
1456F—forward direction pushbutton for upward cart tipper rotation
1456R—rearward direction pushbutton for downward cart tipper rotation
1457—limit switch contacts which sense lower limit of the cart tipper and stop the rotary cart tipper motor
1458—control relay energized when limit switch 1457 is closed
1458C—control relay 1458 normally closed contacts
1459—bracket rotary cart tipper jog circuit controls
1460—control relay in series with proximity switch normally open contacts, for example, the contacts are normally open when the cart tipper is in the collision zone
1461—inductive proximity switch normally open contacts
1460A—control relay normally open contacts
1469—packer blade jog control circuit
1470—bracket showing packer blade controls
1501—dashed line indicating valve unit including a differential area relief valve 1510, a steering priority flow control valve 1503 with static load sense, and a solenoid operated, 2-way normally open, pilot operated poppet valve 1409 with free reverse flow energized and de-energized
1502—hydraulic pressure input to valve unit 1501
1503—a steering priority flow control valve with static load sense
1504—hydraulic supply line to the packer blade hydraulic system
1505—feedback line
1505R—restriction in line 1505 to the steering priority flow control valve 1503
1506—line from the steering priority flow control valve 1503 to the solenoid operated 2-way valve 1409
1507—line from the steering priority flow control valve 1503 which feeds the hand-operated control valve 1509 which controls flow to the cart tipper 12, 1512
1507K—line from 1507L to a point upstream if the differential area relief valve 1510
1507L—hydraulic line interconnecting line 1507 and lines 1507K and 1507Q
1507M—restriction in line 1507K
1507N—line from the steering priority flow control valve 1503 to the differential area relief valve 1510
1507R—restriction in line 1507
1507Q—hydraulic line from line 1507L to line 1508 leading to the tank, T
1507L—line communicating from line 1507 using lines 1507M, 1507N to the sensing port (unnumbered) on the priority valve 1503
1507T—restriction in line 1507Q
1508—line to the tank
1509—hand operated valve which controls hydraulic operation of the tipper
1509A—portion of hand valve 1509 enabling the supply of pressure to the cart tipper to rotate the cart tipper in the upward direction
1509B—portion of hand valve 1509 enabling the supply of pressure to the cart tipper to rotate the cart tipper in the downward direction
1509I—intermediate portion of hand operated valve which does permit flow to the tipper cart hydraulic
1509H—handle of hand valve 1509
1510—differential area relief valve
1512—hydraulically operated cart tipper symbol
R—rearward coil/starter/contactor
R Interlocks—normally closed contacts of reverse coil/contactor
F Interlocks—normally closed contacts of forward coil/contactor
F—forward coil/starter/contactor
OL—overload contacts
This patent application incorporates herein by reference hereto U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/273,386, confirmation no. 1083, filed Oct. 29, 2021, in its entirety. This patent application incorporates herein by reference hereto U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/225,375, confirmation no. 5136, filed Jul. 23, 2021, in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63225375 | Jul 2021 | US | |
| 63273386 | Oct 2021 | US |
