Patent Application
20140090300
This disclosure relates to door actuators and, more particularly, to a door actuator device that is attachable to bins containing aggregate material.
Material such as seed, sand, cement, soil, or any other type of aggregate material can be stored and distributed using bulk material containers having hopper bottoms. The hopper bottoms of such containers normally form a distribution orifice selectively coverable by a trap door. When the trap door is moved into an open position such that the distribution orifice is uncovered, the stored aggregate material is allowed to flow out of the container. In typical containers, the trap door is manually operated by sliding a trap door having a handle disposed on a side of the container.
Presently used methods for distributing aggregate materials from bulk containers have been to lift the container, for example, by a forklift, such that it hovers above a location in which the aggregate material will be deposited. For example, if a container is filled with seed, a forklift, crane or other lifting device may raise the container above a hopper of a planting machine. While the container is in this position, an operator must climb up to the container to manually open the trap door on the container, allowing seed to flow out of the container and into a receptacle. When sufficient seed has been dispensed from the container, the operator must then manually close the trap door and then lower the container back to the ground. As can be appreciated, depending on application, the dispensing of the aggregate material from the container in this fashion presents challenges to the operator both in reaching the container for manual operation of the dispensing process as well as in moving the trap door with enough force to close or open it under the weight of the aggregate material present in the container.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure describes a door actuator assembly that has a base plate adapted to be mounted to a container. The container includes a distribution orifice and a trap door slidably mounted to the container such that the trap door can move selectively between a closed position, in which the trap door fully covers the distribution orifice, and an open position, in which the trap door does not fully cover the distribution orifice. The door actuator assembly also includes a hook member slidably mounted to the base plate that has a hook disposed at a hook end of the hook member. The hook can mateably engage with the trap door of the container such that the trap door can move linearly when the hook member moves linearly. The door actuator assembly also has a hook actuator assembly mounted to the base plate. The hook actuator assembly includes a hook actuation arm coupled to the hook member. The hook actuation arm is adapted to extend and retract such that the hook actuation arm moves the hook member linearly along the base plate when the hook actuation arm extends and retracts, causing the hook member to move the trap door selectively between the closed position and the open position.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes a door actuator assembly comprising a base plate adapted to be mounted to a container. The container includes a distribution orifice and a trap door slidably mounted to the container. The trap door is configured to move selectively between a closed position, in which the trap door fully covers the distribution orifice, and an open position, in which the trap door does not fully cover the distribution orifice. The door actuator assembly also includes a hook member slidably mounted to the base plate. The hook member includes a hook disposed at a hook end of the hook member. The hook is adapted to mateably engage with the trap door of the container such that the trap door is adapted to move linearly when the hook member moves linearly. The door actuator assembly also includes a hook actuator assembly mounted to the base plate. The hook actuator assembly includes a hook actuation arm coupled to the hook member. The hook actuation arm is adapted to selectively extend and retract. The hook actuator assembly also includes a hook actuator motor configured to power the hook actuation arm to selectively extend and retract. The hook actuation arm moves the hook member linearly along the base plate when the hook actuation arm extends and retracts, causing the hook member to move the trap door selectively between the closed position and the open position. The door actuator assembly has a fixed clamp extending from a first end of the base plate, and an actuating clamp pivotally mounted to and extending from a second end of the base plate. The container is positionable between the fixed clamp and the actuating clamp when the base plate is mounted to the container. The actuating clamp is adapted to selectively move between a closed position, in which the actuating clamp and the fixed clamp are both in contacting relationship with the container, and an open position, in which at least one of the fixed clamp and the actuating clamp is not in contacting relationship with the container. The door actuator assembly also includes a clamp actuator assembly mounted to the base plate. The clamp actuator assembly includes a clamp actuation arm configured to selectively retract and extend. The clamp actuation arm is coupled to the actuating clamp such that the actuating clamp is in the closed position when the clamp actuation arm is retracted, and the actuating clamp is in the open position when the clamp actuating arm is extended. The clamp actuator assembly also has a clamp actuator motor configured to selectively extend and retract the clamp actuation arm.
In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure includes a door actuating method comprising mounting a base plate to a container. The container includes a distribution orifice and a trap door slidably mounted to the container. The trap door is configured to move selectively between a closed position, in which the trap door fully covers the distribution orifice, and an open position, in which the trap door does not fully cover the distribution orifice. The method also includes slidably mounting a hook member to the base plate. The hook member includes a hook disposed at a hook end of the hook member. The method includes mateably engaging the hook member with the trap door of the container such that the trap door is adapted to move linearly when the hook member moves linearly. The method also includes mounting a hook actuator assembly to the base plate. The hook actuator assembly includes a hook actuation arm coupled to the hook member, and the hook actuation arm is adapted to selectively extend and retract. The method also includes extending and retracting the hook actuation arm such that the hook actuation arm moves the hook member linearly along the base plate when the hook actuation arm extends and retracts, causing the hook member to move the trap door selectively between the closed position and the open position.
This disclosure relates to machinery and systems for use with bulk containers, specifically bulk aggregate material containers. A door actuator assembly of the present disclosure is a device that can be used to remotely open a trap door on a container.
In the illustrated embodiment, the door actuator assembly 100 can have a base plate 102 that can have a bottom side 104, a top side 105, a first end 115, and a second end 117, and can be made from a variety of suitable materials, such as metal, plastic, composite, etc. The door actuator assembly 100 can have a housing structure 103 mounted on the top side 105 of the base plate 102, and at least one support plate 101 mounted on the bottom side 104 of the base plate. The support plates 101 can be substantially perpendicular to the base plate 102. In the illustrated embodiment, each support plate 101 presents a bottom edge 113 useful to supporting the door actuator assembly 100 on the floor or other surface when not in use. As shown in
A clamping system used to attach the door actuator assembly 100 to the container 50 is adapted or configured for attachment to the base plate 102. The clamping system can have at least two clamps 106, 108, at least one of which can be an actuating clamp 106 and at least one of which can be a fixed clamp 108. The fixed clamp 108 can be disposed at the first end 115 of the base plate 102 and extend therefrom, and the actuating clamp 106 can be pivotally mounted to and extend from the second end 117 of the base plate. Although the illustrated embodiment shows one actuating clamp 106 and one fixed clamp 108, it is contemplated that multiple actuating or otherwise movable clamps can be used in some embodiments. Each clamp 106, 108 can have a container engaging surface 107, 109 facing generally toward one another such that the container can be positioned between the fixed clamp and the actuating clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging surfaces 107, 109 of the clamps 106, 108 are in facing relationship and configured or adapted such that two opposing side walls 51 of the container 50 are engaged therebetween when the clamps 106, 108 are engaged. Engagement of the clamps 106, 108 onto the container 50 operates to substantially rigidly attached the door actuator assembly 100 onto the container 50 such that the door actuator assembly 100 can be moved along with the container 50 by physical engagement of fitting structures and/or by friction between the engaging surfaces 107 and 109 and the container walls.
In the illustrated embodiment, the door actuator assembly 100 includes a clamp actuator assembly 111 configured to selectively move the actuating clamp 106 between an open position and a closed position. The clamp actuator assembly has a clamp actuator motor 110 that is attached to the top surface 105 of the base plate 102 and an actuation arm 112 connecting the clamp actuator motor 110 and the actuating clamp 106. The actuator motor 110 operates to move the actuating clamp 106 outward by extending the actuation arm 112, and moves the actuating clamp inward by retracting the actuation arm. Although the actuation arm 112 in the illustrated embodiment is a telescoping arm having a piston and a cylinder, it is contemplated that other types of actuation arms can be used, such as linkages or other suitable construction. The actuating clamp 106 is configured to move between a closed position, such as illustrated in
It is contemplated that the movement of the actuating clamps 106 can be accomplished through the use of the actuation arm 112 powered in a variety of ways, such as by an electrical motor, pneumatics, or hydraulic fluids. In the illustrated embodiment, the moveable clamp 106 has an elongate shape that is pivotally connected to the base plate 102 on one end. The clamp actuator assembly 111 is a linear actuator that includes the actuation arm 112 connected at a location of the clamp 106 such that, when the actuation arm 112 is retracted, the actuating clamp 106 will rotate inwardly towards the container 50. In such an embodiment, the actuating clamp 106 can pivot about a fixed pivot point 114. It is contemplated, however, that the actuating clamp 106 can move in a linear path, or can move in a linear path and pivot. In some embodiments, if the actuating clamp 106 is to be moved in a linear direction. Various actuation mechanisms can be used to pull the actuating clamp 106 in this fashion, such as a rack and pinion set, a ball screw, a linear puston, and other known mechanisms. It is also contemplated that the actuating clamp 106 can be moved without the use of an actuation arm 112. For example, it is contemplated that a rotary actuator can be mounted directly to the pivoting end of the actuating clamp 106 and directly rotate the actuating clamp with respect to the base plate 102.
The actuating or fixed clamps 106, 108 can be made from a rigid material, such a metal or plastic. The clamps 106, 108 can also include an elastic buffer (not shown) connected at least along the container engaging surface 107, 109 of each clamp that contacts the container 50 and can establish a secure grip. The elastic buffer can attach to the clamps 106, 108 using fasteners, interlocking joints, anchors, adhesive, or any other suitable manner.
An operator can control the movement of the actuating clamp 106 wirelessly using a remote control unit (not shown) or locally by activating a clamp switch 116 on the door actuator assembly 100. Referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the housing structure 103 can be mounted to the top side 105 of the base plate 102. The housing structure 103 can include support walls 134 that extend perpendicularly from the base plate 102 along a rear edge of the base plate 102. The support walls 134 can be adjacent the side wall 51 of the container 50 when the assembly 100 is mounted to the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the support walls 134 can provide structural support to the door actuator assembly 100 and help position the base plate 102 relative to the container 50 during installation. A support bar 136 can extend across the base plate 102 between the support walls 134, as shown in
Referring now to
A hook 132 can be disposed at the hook end 124 of the hook member 122. As best seen in
A hook actuator assembly 138 can be mounted to the base plate 102 and be configured to linearly actuate the hook member 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook actuator assembly 138 is mounted to the bottom side 104 of the base plate 102 and includes a hook actuator motor 140 and a hook actuation arm 142. The hook actuation arm 142 can have a base end 146 mounted to the base plate 102 and a distal end 144 fastened to the actuator end 126 of the hook member 122. The hook actuator motor 140 can be configured to extend and retract the hook actuation arm 142. The hook member 122 can be configured to move in response to the extension and retraction of the hook actuation arm 142. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, when the hook actuation arm 142 extends, the hook member 122 can move away from the container 50, and when the hook actuation arm retracts, the hook member can move toward the container 50. When the hook member 122 is coupled to the trap door 54 via the hook 132, movement of the hook member causes the trap door to move into the closed position when the hook actuator arm 142 retracts, and causes the trap door to move into an open position when the hook actuator arm extends.
The hook actuator motor 140 associated with the hook assembly 120 can be controlled wirelessly through the same or a different remote control unit as is used to send signals to the clamp actuator motor 110. When a user activates a button or switch on the remote control unit, a signal is sent to the wireless receiver and controller 118, which sends a signal to the hook actuator motor 140 to extend the hook actuation arm 142. Extending the hook actuation arm 142 causes the hook member 122 to move away from the container 50, thereby moving the trap door 54 into an open position. Similarly, the user can activate a button or switch on the remote control unit to send another signal to the wireless controller and receiver 118, which sends a signal to the hook actuator motor 140 to retract the hook actuation arm 142. Retracting the hook actuation arm 142 causes the hook member 122 to move toward the container, thereby moving the trap door 54 into the closed position. As discussed above in reference to the clamp actuator assembly, the remote control unit used to operate the hook actuator assembly 120 can be any suitable wireless device capable of sending appropriate signals. Additionally, although the illustrated embodiment utilizes a single controller 118 to control both the clamp actuator motor 110 and the hook actuator motor 140, it is contemplated that each actuator can have a dedicated controller.
In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp actuator motor 110 that actuates the clamp actuator assembly 111 and the hook actuator motor 140 that actuates the hook assembly 120 are electrically powered stepper motors. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated in
The door actuator assembly 100 described herein can be used to facilitate the unloading of aggregate material from a container remotely. During operation, an operator may begin by mounting the door actuator assembly 100 to the container 50 to be unloaded. This can be accomplished by positioning the door actuator assembly 100 with the clamps 106, 108 in the open position adjacent the container 50 so that the bottom edges 113 of the support plates 101 can rest on the ground and the inward edges 119 of the support plates can abut the side wall 51 of the container. The operator can then activate a button or switch on a remote control unit that can send a wireless signal to the clamp actuator motor 110 controlling the actuating clamp 106. The clamp actuator motor 110 can then cause the clamp actuation arm 112 to retract, moving the actuating clamp 106 into the closed position wherein the actuating clamp can be in contact with the container 50. The operator can then position the hook assembly 120 such that the hook 132 mateably engages the trap door handle 58. The hook 132 and the trap door handle 58 can be engaged such that when the hook assembly 120 moves away from the container 50, the trap door 54 moves to the open position, and when the hook assembly moves toward the container, the trap door moves to the closed position.
With the door actuation assembly 100 mounted to the container 50, the operator can lift the container along with the door actuation assembly over an area where it is desired to release some or all of the contents of the container. When the distribution orifice 56 is positioned above the desired distribution area, the operator can activate a button or switch on the remote control unit, sending a wireless signal from the remote control unit to the wireless receiver and controller 118. The wireless receiver and controller 118 can then send a signal to the hook actuator assembly 138 to extend the hook actuation arm 142, causing to trap door 54 to move into the open position. After a desired amount of container contents have been released from the container 50, the trap door 54 can be closed by pressing a button on the remote control unit, causing the hook actuator motor 140 to retract the hook actuation arm 142, thereby moving the trap door 54 into the closed position covering the distribution orifice 56.
Use of a powered hook actuator motor 140 to open and close the trap door 54 can provide an advantage over manual use in that friction and other forces opposing the motion of the trap door 54 can be more easily overcome by a powered motor than manual human power alone. The container 50 with the mounted door actuator assembly 100 can then be lowered to the ground, or repositioned above another distribution target if so desired. When distribution is complete, the door actuator assembly 100 can be removed from the container 50 by either using the remote control unit or by activating the clamp switch 116 on the door actuator assembly. This can signal the clamp actuator motor 110 to extend the clamp actuation arm 112, moving the actuating clamp 106 into the open position and releasing the container. In some embodiments, release of the door actuator assembly 100 from the container 50 using the remote control unit can be disabled to prevent accidental release of the door actuator assembly during distribution from the container. Alternatively, a safety latch can be used.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61708799 | Oct 2012 | US |
