Patent Application
20190375586
Refuse collection vehicles or garbage trucks have been in existence for quite some time, and provide an invaluable service for society. Generally speaking, these vehicles are configured and designed to allow the collection of garbage in various receptacles which are maintained by homes and businesses. In more recent years, these vehicles have been configured and designed to allow for the automated collection of garbage, without requiring an operator or an attendant to get out of the vehicle cab. As is prominent in the residential garbage collection business, these vehicles typically have pickup mechanisms mounted to the curb side of the vehicle, thus allowing an operator to simply drive the vehicle to an appropriate position adjacent a refuse container, and coordinate collection utilizing only automated equipment. As is recognized, this automated equipment will capture the refuse container, and cause it to be emptied into a collection hopper. This collection hopper is typically located at an upper part of the vehicle. One example of these mechanisms can be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/189,150 entitled “Automated Container Handling System for Refuse Collection Vehicles”, filed Jun. 22, 2016.
In alternative applications, which are primarily commercial in nature, a front load refuse truck can be utilized. This version is particularly useful when larger scale refuse containers are utilized. Here, automated collection equipment is positioned at the front of the vehicle. Again, an operator will simply drive the vehicle to an appropriate location adjacent the refuse container, thus allowing the automated equipment to carry out the remainder of the process.
In operation, the operator will continue collecting refuse from numerous containers, until the point where the truck is at capacity or full. At this point in time, the truck is driven to a drop-off site, which is most typically an incinerator or a landfill. Once at the drop-off site, the contents of the truck can be dumped or ejected, thus allowing for further handling of the collected materials. To carry this out, there are two generally accepted mechanisms for the removal of collected materials: (1) a rear eject approach, and (2) a dump approach. As suggested, the dump approach involves lifting a front portion of the refuse body, so all contents will be allowed to fall from within. This approach, similar to a dump truck, requires mechanisms to lift the front portion of the truck body. Alternatively, the rear eject approach simply utilizes internal mechanisms to push the contents from within the vehicle. In each case, a rear door is utilized to enclose the internal chamber or collection hopper.
Several potential hazards or disadvantages exist with the above-referenced dump approach. When delivering materials to a landfill, access roads and dump locations are often unstable, uneven and not level. In these circumstances, raising a portion of the hopper body creates a higher center of gravity, and can create a significant risk of tipping. Further, at incinerator locations there may be height restrictions and other obstructions which discourage the lifting of the hopper body. For these reasons, the full eject approach is more appealing to some operators.
As mentioned above, one embodiment for automated collection equipment involves mechanisms coupled to the curb side of a refuse vehicle. While this certainly provides efficiency during collection operations, it creates challenges when driving. More specifically, the collection equipment must be recessed into appropriate structures within the truck to accommodate operation on streets and roadways. This, however, necessarily requires a recess in the truck body somewhere, which creates additional complications.
When incorporated into a full eject type truck, the complications created by the side load mechanism are further exaggerated. More specifically, this creates a recess in the collection hopper, and an irregular structure to deal with. When attempting to eject the contents, special accommodations must be made for this recess, thereby further complicating the design and adding additional structures/mechanisms.
In addition to the specific details related to garbage handling, several operational and maintenance-related concerns also exist. As will be appreciated, the above-mentioned systems and mechanisms commonly utilize hydraulic actuators and related controls. While these types of systems are fairly well recognized and efficient, service and maintenance is often required. Unfortunately, many of the hydraulic cables, joints and valves are often situated at inconvenient locations within the truck body. Consequently, service and maintenance of these components is extremely difficult, and often requires maintenance personnel to access very undesirable locations. In addition to difficult access, these components are often located adjacent to other hazardous and potentially harmful mechanisms. As one example, the hydraulic valves and related components are often located adjacent vehicle exhaust systems, which are often extremely hot. Consequently, this creates a further dangerous situation.
For each of the above-mentioned reasons, a more effectively and efficiently designed refuse collection body would be beneficial.
In the various embodiments described below, an improved collection body is provided which efficiently uses all areas of the vehicle, allows for easy service, and specifically considers the safety of the operator. More specifically, the collection body of a refuse collection vehicle has a uniform main hopper with a generally rectangular shape. Most significantly, the inner sidewalls of the main hopper are continuous, thus allowing for easy operation of internal ejection mechanisms without significantly compromising any of the vehicle's capacity. Further, a number of compartments are provided on the vehicle curb-side, at least one of which specifically includes control valves for the multiple systems. Other compartments can be used as storage areas to contain items such as shovels, flags, cones, and tools. Alternatively (or additionally) water tanks or fuel tanks could be place in these compartments. Since these compartments are located curbside, an operator can access the areas/equipment contained therein, while being away from lanes of traffic.
Further objects and advantages of the refuse collection vehicle can be seen from reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
To address several of the challenges outlined above, the embodiments disclosed below provide for an improved refuse collection vehicle, capable of efficiently and effectively operating in a well-known manner, while also being easily serviceable and effectively manufactured. Further, accessibility and safety are optimized so that operation is smooth and effective.
Generally speaking, the collection body of the improved collection vehicle is designed to have a side pickup mechanism capable of handling refuse containers in a well-known manner. Examples of such side pickup mechanisms are shown and discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/189,150 entitled “Automated Container Handling System for Refuse Collection Vehicles”, filed Jun. 22, 2016 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/353,255 entitled “Belt Operated Container Handling System for Side Loader”, published as U.S. Patent Application 2018/0134484, both assigned to the assignee of the present application, and both incorporated by reference.
Referring to
As suggested above, the collection body can be emptied by tilting, or through the use of an ejection mechanism. While both systems have their advantages, the body outlined below is well adapted for use in a full rear eject configuration. That said, appropriate hydraulic cylinders can be easily added to create a dump body, while still taking advantage of the several advantages further outlined below.
As will be recognized, the collection hopper 22 is conveniently positioned adjacent the pickup mechanism 12, thus allowing for easy transport of waste material from the collection containers into the truck itself. The main hopper 20 is conveniently positioned behind the collection hopper 22 such that waste material can easily be transferred at appropriate points in time. Clearly, when the collection hopper 22 is full, it will then be necessary to transfer materials to the main hopper 20. This is accomplished by an internal pusher mechanism (not shown) which is typically hydraulically driven. This operation will continue until the main hopper 20 becomes full.
As suggested above, a typical refuse collection body design includes a recess for the side pickup mechanism 12 by having the collection hopper 22 be slightly narrower in width than the main hopper 20. This is done so that main hopper 20 capacity can be maximized while also positioning or stowing the collection mechanism 12 at an appropriate location so as to avoid interference. Again, the differences in width create a challenge for internal handling mechanisms. To address this challenge, the various embodiments discussed below (illustrated schematically in
In order to support a body design where main hopper 150 and collection hopper 120 are substantially the same width, while also providing an appropriate recess to receive the collection mechanism, an additional compartment is created within the body. More specifically, this additional compartment is positioned along one side of the main hopper, and rearward of the collection mechanism.
The new compartment mentioned above creates an opportunity for further improvements and enhancements to the body of the refuse collection vehicle. As is well-recognized, the body itself includes several systems and controls to carry out refuse collection operations. Many of the systems include hydraulic components, and require hydraulic tubes/hoses, valves, and related control mechanisms. The inclusion of the compartment itself creates an opportunity to reposition several of these operating components at a location which is easily accessible, and conveniently located within the garbage truck body. By moving these components to this location, service can be easily carried out from the curb side of the vehicle, and any related troubleshooting maintenance/repair can also be completed without requiring mechanics/service personnel to climb under the truck or access difficult locations. In addition, this provides a location for other components such as fire extinguishers, schematics, service manuals, tools, etc. Further, lights could be positioned within this service compartment, thus further enhancing the ability of operators/maintenance personnel to carry out their jobs conveniently and safely.
In addition to the details above, moving several of the operating components to the service compartment also frees up space on the vehicle itself, and creates a substantially self-contained system which can be manufactured separately from a truck chassis itself. Consequently, manufacturing operations can occur at separate times, and optimum efficiency can be achieved. More specifically, a collection body can be substantially fabricated as one unitary component, prior to installation on a truck chassis. This allows for easy customization of trucks since the refuse collection body can be easily mounted to any variety of truck chassis. This also allows a manufacturer to potentially stockpile refuse collection bodies, while waiting for an appropriate truck chassis to arrive, or during those periods where unused manufacturing resources exist. As such, this provides significant flexibility and efficiency for manufacturers.
Referring now to
In operation, container handling mechanisms 12 are positioned adjacent the collection hopper 120 and are configured to dump materials into this portion of body 100. As refuse is collected, collection hopper 120 will become full, thus creating the need for additional operations. At this point, a pusher mechanism 130 will be utilized. Pusher mechanism 130 includes a push plate 132 and a hydraulic cylinder 134. Operating hydraulic cylinder 134 will cause push plate 132 to be moved rearward, thus resulting in the movement of any refuse contained within collection hopper 120. This refuse is then transferred to main hopper 150 in a well-known manner. Over time, main hopper 150 will become full. Push plate 132 can also be used for compacting refuse contained within main body 150. As will be recognized, when main hopper 150 is full, the refuse vehicle will be moved to a dispensing location. At this time, tailgate 190 can be raised and push plate 132 advanced, thus causing any refuse contained body 100 to be ejected through the rear opening created when tailgate 190 is raised. As illustrated in
As mentioned above, collection mechanism 12 must have a recessed or stowed location on body 100 so this component does not extend from the side of the vehicle when being driven on various roadways. This is accommodated by a recess 180 positioned adjacent collection hopper 120. This recess creates available space behind or rearward, which is thus utilized for alternative components. In this embodiment, the space behind recess 180 is used to support a compartment 210 which is utilized to house many different and/or systems components. As generally discussed above, these components may include control systems, valves, electronics, oil reservoirs, etc. Further, compartment 210 in this embodiment can be utilized to contain safety equipment (i.e., fire extinguishers), tools and any other operating accessories necessary for operation of the vehicle. In this embodiment, compartment 210 is illustrated as a single compartment having a couple strengthening ribs. Clearly, variations on this are possible, depending on the needs and specific concerns of the vehicle owner/operator. This could include multiple compartments, with each being separately accessible.
As mentioned above, one significant component contained within chamber 210 are the various hydraulic components required for operation. As is well recognized, a refuse body 100 of this type requires several hydraulic systems, and related valves. For example, there could be multiple valves required for the container handling apparatus, tailgate, packer cylinder, a pre-crush panel, or any other movable mechanisms. By moving all related valves and hydraulic component, these elements are conveniently situated on the curbside of the vehicle, at work height, and easily accessible. Thus, servicing or repair of these elements is easily accomplished in a safe and effective manner. In addition, it is often necessary to have a relatively sizable oil reservoir to support the various hydraulic systems. Allowing space within compartment 210 for this reservoir provides efficient and convenient placement, and avoids the need to find space on the truck chassis (which often required relocation of other components such as gas tanks or battery boxes). Further, appropriate lighting, schematic diagrams, manuals, etc., could also be situated within compartment 210, thus providing all resources necessary for maintenance/repairs.
Referring to
As suggested above, access to control valves 220 is a significant feature which allows for easy trouble shooting, maintenance and repairs of hydraulic systems. As illustrated in
To provide safe access to compartment 210, it is contemplated that the body 100 will have at least one access door 240. In the embodiment illustrated in
It should be apparent that the overall design of body 100 provides the ability to effectively carry out refuse collection operations, while also providing a body that is sufficiently sized to cover all wheels, and efficiently utilize space. Generally speaking, it is contemplated that the refuse body 100 will have a capacity of approximately 28 cubic yards, however, this could be easily varied depending on the particular design and/or needs of the user.
In addition to the features mentioned above, it should also be apparent that, by moving all valves and related control components within compartment 210, substantially all plumbing and wiring for body 100 can be achieved substantially without the truck chassis itself. As such, collection body 100 becomes a substantially self-contained unit, thus providing significant manufacturing advantages.
Although body 100 illustrated in
In one embodiment illustrating many of the features discussed above,
Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62683606 | Jun 2018 | US |
