Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6491489
-
Patent Number
6,491,489
-
Date Filed
Friday, February 23, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, December 10, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Parson & Goltry
- Parsons; Robert A.
- Goltry; Michael W.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A loading device including a guide frame, a drive mechanism and a lift mechanism. The guide frame includes a pair of spaced apart upright members each having a slot formed therethrough. The drive mechanism is coupled to the guide frame and has a shaft received concurrently through the slots of the guide frame, a sprocket mounted on the shaft, a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame, and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position. Movement of the shaft toward the upper position produces rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotates the shaft in an opposing direction. The lift mechanism is coupled to the drive mechanism and includes a pair of arms each having an end coupled to the shaft and another end coupled to a carriage.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to refuse collection.
More particularly, the present invention relates to loading devices for use in refuse collection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The need to collect refuse is an ever present and growing demand. As populations continue to increase, the need for efficient and inexpensive refuse collection becomes more important. Automatic devices which grasp and dump refuse containers into a refuse collection vehicle are well known and have long been employed. However, many of these devices are expensive, unreliable or not sufficiently robust to handle large refuse receptacles.
Front loading devices are typically very robust for handling large refuse receptacles such as bins. These devices typically include a pair of parallel, forwardly extending forks that are received within slots in the bin. The bin is then lifted and emptied into the vehicle. The drawback to these types of loading devices is that the refuse vehicle must have enough space to directly face the bin. Additionally, the vehicle must back away from the receptacle after loading. This can significantly add to the cycle time of collecting refuse from each receptacle.
Side loaders have been developed to increase the speed and efficiency of refuse collection. Side loaders typically include an articulated arm that reaches out to grasp a refuse container. The container is then lifted and emptied over a hopper of the vehicle. While extremely effective and efficient, current side loaders are less robust than front loaders and are limited to engaging smaller refuse containers. An additional problem with conventional side loader is the requirement of lateral space. Many side loaders move the refuse container in an outward and upward arc. This can prevent the loader from collecting containers substantially up against an obstruction such as a wall, fence, building etc.
Generally stronger side loaders have been developed utilizing linkage arms to raise a larger container along a track adjacent the side of the vehicle. A single cylinder moving an arm can achieve a maximum rotation of 120 degrees. This is insufficient to lift and dump a container. Generally a rotation of approximately 240 degrees is required. This has been achieved by using multiple pivots and multiple links for each arm. While marginally successful, the large number of pivots and links results in a complex, expensive and unreliable device. Each pivot point is a point of wear which greatly reduces the lifetime of the device and increases maintenance and operating costs.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved loading device.
Another object of the invention is to provide a side loading device which will handle large capacity refuse containers.
And another object of the invention is to provide a loading device which is very efficient.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a loading device that will lift a refuse container along a path parallel to the side of the body of a refuse vehicle.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a loading device which is robust.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is a loading device including a guide frame, a drive mechanism, and a lift mechanism. The guide frame includes a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end and a slot formed therethrough and a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end and a slot formed therethrough. The second upright member is coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member with the slot of the first upright member substantially aligned with the slot of the second upright member. The drive mechanism is coupled to the guide frame and includes a shaft received concurrently through the slot of the first upright member and the slot of the second upright member. A sprocket is mounted on the shaft and a belt member is wrapped about the sprocket. The belt member has opposing ends anchored to the guide frame. A motor is coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction. The lift mechanism is coupled to the drive mechanism and includes a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end, a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end, and a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm.
In a further aspect of the invention the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion. The first belt portion has a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame. The second belt portion has a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the drive mechanism further includes a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket, a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket with opposing ends anchored to the guide frame, and a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.
In additional aspects of the present invention, the loading device includes an extension mechanism and an engagement mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view illustrating a refuse collection vehicle and loading device according to the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the loading device and partial view of the refuse vehicle of
FIG. 1
, prior to engaging a refuse bin;
FIG. 3
is an enlarged fragmentary view of the loading device showing an engagement mechanism;
FIG. 4
is an enlarged fragmentary view of the loading device showing an extension mechanism;
FIG. 5
is an enlarged fragmentary view of the loading device showing a portion of a drive mechanism;
FIG. 6
is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the locking mechanism of the engagement mechanism;
FIG. 7
is a fragmentary view of the engagement mechanism;
FIGS. 8
a-d
illustrate the loader mechanism progressing through a discharge cycle;
FIG. 9
is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a loading device according to the present invention;
FIG. 10
is a partial perspective view of the loading mechanism of
FIG. 9
illustrating the drive mechanism; and
FIG. 11
is a perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment of a loading device according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to
FIG. 1
which illustrates a refuse collection vehicle generally designated
10
, incorporating a loading mechanism generally designated
20
, according to the present invention. Refuse collection vehicle
10
includes a chassis
12
carrying a cab
13
at one end and a refuse collection body
14
at the other end. A hopper/compactor
15
is carried between cab
13
and body
14
for receipt of refuse. Hopper/compactor
15
is slightly less wide than body
14
, providing an inset portion sufficient to accommodate loading mechanism
20
in a stowed or retracted configuration. It will be understood that various other vehicle configurations, such as an open body without a compactor or hopper, can be employed in combination with loading mechanism
20
. However, for purposes of this description, the above-illustrated vehicle will be employed throughout the drawings and description.
With additional reference to
FIG. 2
, Loading mechanism
20
includes a guide frame
22
, an extension mechanism
24
, an engagement mechanism
26
, a lift mechanism
28
and a drive mechanism
30
. Guide frame
22
includes a pair of upright members
32
and
34
spaced apart, in this embodiment, along a longitudinal axis of vehicle
10
. Upright members
32
and
34
each include an upper end
35
, a lower end
36
, an inner surface
37
and an outer surface
38
. Upright members
32
and
34
are rigidly maintained in a spaced apart parallel relationship with inner surfaces
37
directed toward one another by an anchor member
39
extending between the upper ends
35
of upright members
32
and
34
, and a cross brace
40
extending between upright members
32
and
34
intermediate upper ends
35
and lower ends
36
. A drive mechanism guide is carried by guide frame
22
. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism guide includes a slot
41
formed centrally through an upper portion of each upright member, from a generally central location extending to a point proximate upper ends
35
, and from inner surface
37
to outer surface
38
, for purposes which will be described presently. A guide slot or track
42
is formed on outer surface
38
of each upright member
32
and
34
, extending from lower ends
36
and terminating in a curved portion
44
proximate upper ends
35
and curving over slots
41
.
Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, guide frame
22
is mounted to vehicle
10
by extension mechanism
24
. Extension mechanism
24
includes an inner frame
46
mounted to chassis
12
of vehicle
10
, and an outer frame
48
telescopingly received by inner frame
46
. Outer frame
48
is movable between a retracted position (toward vehicle
10
) and an extended position (away from vehicle
10
).
As can be seen with additional reference to
FIG. 4
, outer frame
48
includes a pair of slide members
50
and
52
, coupled to and maintained in a parallel spaced apart relationship by lower ends
36
of upright members
32
and
34
respectively. Slide members
50
and
52
extend inwardly (toward vehicle
10
) and are slidably received within a pair of track members
54
and
56
of inner frame
46
. Track members
54
and
56
are preferably channels to securely retain slide members
50
and
52
, although it will be understood that they can be tubular or include brackets, etc. To facilitate relative movement of slide members
50
and
52
, rollers
58
are positioned on an inner bottom surface of each track member
54
and
56
upon which slide members
50
and
52
ride. Track members
54
and
56
are maintained in a parallel spaced apart relationship by a cross piece
60
mounted beneath and between outer ends thereof.
To actuate movement of outer frame
48
, a motor, such as a hydraulic cylinder
62
, is mounted to cross piece
60
. While the present embodiment incorporates hydraulic cylinders throughout, it will be understood that other motors, such as pneumatic cylinders, electric motors, etc., may be employed. Cylinder
62
includes a rod
63
coupled to a cross piece
64
of outer frame
48
extending between slide members
50
and
52
proximate an end toward vehicle
10
. In other words, cross piece
64
is inward of cross piece
60
. Thus, upon extension of hydraulic cylinder
62
outer frame
48
is moved to the retracted position, and upon retraction of hydraulic cylinder
62
outer frame
48
is moved to the extended position. This configuration enables loading device to be mounted under chassis
12
, and extension mechanism
24
to be substantially carried under vehicle
10
in the retracted position. By mounting loading device under chassis
12
, the length of vehicle
10
can be shorter as there is no need to accommodate the loader between cab
13
and hopper
15
.
Referring back to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, guide frame
22
carries a lift mechanism
28
. Lift mechanism
28
includes a pair of arms
70
and
72
each having an end
74
and an opposing end
76
. A shaft
78
is coupled between ends
74
of arms
70
and
72
and passes through slots
41
of upright members
32
and
34
. Shaft
78
is supported within slots
41
by drive mechanism
30
. Rotation of shaft
78
and linear reciprocation of shaft
78
along slots
41
by drive mechanism
30
, rotates and lifts arms
70
and
72
which are positioned adjacent outer surfaces
38
of upright members
32
and
34
, respectively. Ends
76
of arms
70
and
72
are pivotally coupled to ends
80
of links
82
and
84
, respectively. The opposing ends
86
of links
82
and
84
are pivotally coupled to a carriage
88
. Carriage
88
includes cam followers
89
mounted at each end thereof and directed inwardly. Cam followers
89
are received within tracks
42
and are free to move upwardly and downwardly therein. Thus, carriage
88
is reciprocally movable along track
42
by lift arms
70
and
72
, and links
82
and
84
.
Turning now to
FIG. 2
, with additional reference to
FIG. 3
, engagement mechanism
26
is coupled to carriage
88
and configured to engage a refuse bin
91
. Engagement mechanism
26
includes two pairs of horizontal pins
90
a
and
90
b
, each pair on opposing ends of carriage
88
positioned substantially between upright members
32
and
34
and links
82
and
84
, respectively. Pins
90
a
and
90
b
of each pair are spaced apart vertically and rigidly coupled to carriage
88
. A hook bracket
92
is coupled to opposing side of refuse bin
91
extending forwardly away from the bin, past the front thereof. Each hook bracket
92
includes a pair of notches
94
and
96
corresponding to pins
90
a
and
90
b
. Upon moving guide frame
22
outward by moving outer frame
48
of extension mechanism
24
to the extended position, carriage
88
is positioned with the pairs of pins
90
a
and
90
b
aligned with the mouths of notches
94
and
96
in hook bracket
92
. As carriage
88
is lifted by lift mechanism
28
, pins
90
a
and
90
b
are received within corresponding notches
94
and
96
, and firmly seated against the base thereof.
As the lifting cycle continues, as will be described presently, a locking mechanism
100
is engaged to retain pins
90
a
and
90
b
within notches
94
and
96
. With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7
, lock mechanism
100
includes an L-shaped lock member
102
pivotally mounted to carriage
88
above each set of pins
90
a
and
90
b
. An actuating extension
104
extends from lock member
102
, terminating in a cam follower
106
. Cam follower
106
rides within tracks
42
, following cam followers
89
. Lock member
102
is normally in the unlocked position, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7
, but is moved to the locked position relative pins
90
a
and
90
b
upon entry of cam followers into curved portion
44
of track
42
. As cam followers
48
move around curved portion
44
and cams
106
are still in the straight portion of track
42
, lock member
102
moves relative pins
90
a
and
90
b
to a position overlying pins
90
a
and
90
b
. Thus, when bin
91
is engaged by engagement mechanism
26
, locking member
102
overlies the top of hook bracket
92
securely locking hook bracket between lock member
102
and pins
90
a
and
90
b
at the top of the discharge cycle.
Turning back to
FIGS. 1 and 2
and with additional reference to
FIG. 5
, drive mechanism
30
includes a pair of sprockets
110
each mounted on shaft
78
between upright members
32
and
34
. A belt member consisting of pair of belts portions
114
and
116
is associated with each of sprockets
110
. In this embodiment, each sprocket
110
includes a pair of belt receiving portions. As will be described presently, a single belt portion can be used in some situations. When a single belt portion is employed, the sprocket will have a single belt receiving portion. Belts portions
114
and
116
each have an end
117
and
119
, respectively, each coupled to an outer periphery of their associated sprocket
110
and an opposing end
118
and
120
, respectively. Upper ends
118
of belt portions
114
are fixed to anchor member
39
and lower ends
120
are fixed to anchors
122
coupled to inner surfaces
37
of upright members
32
and
34
below slots
41
. As shaft
78
is lifted, belt portions
116
unwrap from the belt receiving portion sprockets
110
, causing rotation of shaft
78
, and belt portions
114
are wrapped about other belt receiving portions of sprockets
110
. The reverse occurs on the downward movement of shaft
78
. Belt portions
114
and
116
can be substantially any flexible material such as cable, rope, reinforced rubber materials, etc. but in the preferred embodiment are chain to reduce stretching and have high strength. Sprockets
110
can be toothed (or frictionally engage the belt) or smooth. If the sprocket is toothed the belt member may be a single belt portion anchored at both ends and wrapped about sprockets
110
. In this instance, sprockets
110
have a single belt receiving portion. A generally smooth sprocket has a belt receiving portion for each belt portion
114
and
116
with the ends of belt portions
114
and
116
fixed to the outer circumference thereof. Additionally, sprockets
110
can be eccentric to shaft
78
to provide an advantage if desired, by changing the speed or the lift capacity as shaft
78
is lifted or lowered.
Each end of shaft
78
is journaled in a yoke block
124
supporting shaft
78
within slots
41
. Each yoke block
124
rides within slot
41
, stabilizing and guiding shaft
78
in a vertically reciprocating movement along slot
41
. It should be noted that while the drive mechanism guide includes slots
41
in this embodiment, other options are possible. For example, each yoke block can be slidably engaged with a each upright member
32
and
34
such as by a flange at the edge thereof. The use of slot
41
has been found to be the easiest and most effective drive mechanism guide. A hydraulic cylinder
126
is coupled to outer surface
38
of each upright member, and includes a rod
128
terminating in a bearing coupling
130
. Each bearing coupling
130
is coupled to shaft
78
outside of yoke block
124
. Bearing couplings
130
enable cylinders
126
to move shaft
78
upward along slots
41
during extension and downward during retraction of rod
128
, while allowing rotation of shaft
78
. A pair each, of sprockets, belt portions and cylinders are employed to provide a uniform, stable and strong drive mechanism for rotating and lifting large and heavy refuse receptacles.
In operation, cylinders
126
drive shaft
78
upward. As shaft
78
moves upward in slot
41
, fixed belt portions
114
and
116
cause it to rotate. The upward movement and rotation of shaft
78
translates to upward movement and rotation of lift mechanism
28
. Movement of shaft
78
within slot
41
greatly reduces the length required of arms
70
and
72
. This reduction in length corresponds to a reduction in the power needed to be delivered by cylinders
126
. By employing a reduced size cylinder
126
, much less hydraulic fluid is required greatly reducing cost and maintenance problems.
Turning now to
FIGS. 8
a-d
, the operation of loading device
20
is illustrated. Referring specifically to
FIG. 8
a
, loading device
20
is positioned adjacent refuse bin
91
. Extension mechanism
24
is actuated moving guide frame
22
, lift mechanism
28
and engagement mechanism
26
toward bin
91
. At the appropriate extension distance, engagement mechanism
26
is positioned at hook bracket
92
as shown in
FIG. 8
b
. Discharge of bin
91
is then accomplished by actuating drive mechanism
30
. Turning to
FIG. 8
c
, extension mechanism
24
is retracted, drawing guide frame
22
and refuse bin
91
to the retracted position adjacent refuse vehicle
10
. Cylinders
126
are then extended, raising and rotating shaft
78
. A corresponding lifting and rotation of lift mechanism
28
occurs. Carriage
88
maintains a linear and vertical lift along tracks
42
guided by cam followers
89
. The pivotal coupling between arms
70
and
72
, links
82
and
84
, and carriage
88
, permit this movement. At the top of the cycle, cam followers
89
enter curved portion
44
of track
42
and tip carriage
88
and bin
91
into a discharge angle as shown in
FIG. 8
d
. In this embodiment, carriage
88
is pivoted through approximately 135 degrees. Bin
91
is held to carriage
88
by the action of locking mechanism
100
as described previously. Lock member
102
covers the top of hook bracket
92
in a relative movement between it and pins
90
a
and
90
b
as cam followers
89
enter curved portion
44
and cam follower
106
trails behind the curve. Retraction of cylinders
126
reverses the steps.
Thus, linear movement is converted into a combination of linear and rotation movement using a minimum of links and moving parts to achieve a rotation of lift mechanism
28
of approximately 240 degrees. Furthermore, by maintaining carriage
88
in a linear vertical path, need for lateral clearance is greatly reduced. In other words, since the bin is not moved in an outward and upward arc, loader device
20
can be used substantially up against an obstruction such as a wall, fence, building etc.
With attention directed to
FIGS. 9 and 10
, another embodiment of a loading device, generally designated
220
, is illustrated. Loading mechanism
220
includes a guide frame
222
, an extension mechanism
224
, an engagement mechanism
226
, a lift mechanism
228
and a drive mechanism
230
. Guide frame
222
is substantially similar to guide frame
22
, and includes a pair of spaced apart upright members
232
and
234
each having an upper end
235
and a lower end
236
. Upright members
232
and
234
are rigidly maintained in a parallel spaced relationship by an anchor member
239
and a cross brace
240
. Anchor member
239
extends between upper ends
235
, and cross brace
240
extends between upright members
232
and
234
intermediate upper ends
235
and lower ends
236
. A slot
241
is formed centrally through an upper portion of each upright member to act as the drive mechanism guide. A guide track
242
is formed on an inner surface
238
of each upright member
232
and
234
. Tracks
242
extend from lower ends
236
and terminating in a curved portion
244
proximate upper ends
235
.
Lift mechanism
228
is substantially identical to lift mechanism
28
, including arms
272
and
274
attached to a shaft
278
extending through slots
241
, and links
282
and
284
terminating in a carriage
288
guided by cam followers
289
directed outwardly from centrally positioned brackets
287
. Outwardly extending cam followers
289
ride within tracks
242
. Engagement mechanism
226
, in this embodiment, is a conventional gripping device as are well known in the art. The gripping device will not be described in detail, as it is well known. Extension mechanism
224
is substantially identical to extension mechanism
24
, and therefore will not be described further.
Still referring to
FIG. 9
, with particular reference to
FIG. 10
, drive mechanism
230
is similar to drive mechanism
30
, differing in that a single sprocket having a pair of belt receiving portions, a single belt member including a set of belt portions, and cylinder is employed. Sprocket
250
is mounted centrally on shaft
278
between upright members
232
and
234
. A belt portion
251
having opposing ends
252
and
253
is coupled sprocket
250
. Upper end
252
of belt portion
251
is fixed to anchor member
239
and lower end
253
is fixed to an outer periphery of sprocket
250
. A belt portion
254
having opposing ends
255
and
256
is coupled to sprocket
250
. Lower end
255
of belt
254
is fixed to an anchor
262
coupled to inner surfaces
238
of upright members
232
and
234
below slots
241
and upper end
256
is fixed to an outer periphery of sprocket
250
. Each end of shaft
278
is journaled in a sliding yoke block
257
supporting shaft
278
within slots
241
. Each yoke block
257
rides within slot
241
, stabilizing and guiding shaft
278
in a vertically reciprocating movement along slot
241
. Yoke blocks
257
are coupled by a member
258
beneath shaft
278
. A single hydraulic cylinder
259
is coupled to cross brace
240
, and includes a rod
260
coupled to member
258
. In this arrangement, cylinder
259
can move shaft
278
upward along slots
241
by moving yoke blocks
257
upward during extension and downward during retraction of rod
260
, while allowing rotation of shaft
278
. This embodiment is intended to be employed in lifting smaller refuse receptacles, and is therefore of a less robust nature.
Referring now to
FIG. 11
, another embodiment of a loading device, generally designated
320
is illustrated. Loading mechanism
320
includes a guide frame
322
, an extension mechanism
324
, an engagement mechanism
326
, a lift mechanism
328
and a drive mechanism
330
, as did the previous embodiments. Loading device
320
is shown to illustrate a number of modifications that can be made to the previous embodiments. Specifically, while drive mechanism
326
and extension mechanism
324
are each generally similar to those described in previous embodiments, guide frame
322
lacks the tracks located on inner or outer surfaces of upright members
332
and
334
. Furthermore, lift mechanism
328
includes arms
372
and
374
attached to a shaft
378
extending through slots
341
formed in upright members
332
and
334
and terminating in a pivotal engagement with a carriage
388
. As will be noted, additional links are not coupled to arms
372
and
374
. Since no tracks are present in upright members
332
and
334
, carriage
388
is not coupled to guide frame
322
other than by arms
372
and
374
. A guide link
390
extends between shaft
378
on one side of guide frame
322
and carriage
388
at a point proximate the end of arm
372
to provide lateral stability. Guide link
390
is coupled to shaft
378
by a yoke block
392
employed in drive mechanism
330
as previously described for the other embodiment. In this embodiment, carriage
388
is moved in an upwardly moving outwardly swinging arc. Guide link
390
guides carriage
388
to keep it relatively level at the beginning of the swinging arc and to force it to rotate into a discharge position at the upward end of the approximately 180 degree arc.
Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, while the loading device is described for use in emptying refuse receptacles into a refuse vehicle, other uses are possible. By placing the guide frame in a horizontal position so that the shaft reciprocates horizontally the loading device can be employed as a compactor device, loading refuse into a collection body. As used here, the term loading refers to movement of some article or material and the lifting mechanism provides the lifting or motive force. In this instance, a refuse receptacle is replaced with a platen to move material. The platen can be moved in reciprocating directions. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.
Claims
- 1. A loading device comprising:a guide frame including: a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end; a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member; and a drive mechanism guide defined by the first upright member and the second upright member; a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including: a shaft received by drive mechanism guide; a sprocket mounted on the shaft; a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including: a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end; a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm.
- 2. A loading device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion, the first belt portion having a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame, the second belt portion have a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame.
- 3. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism further includes a first yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, and a second yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough.
- 4. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the drive mechanism guide includes:a first slot formed through the first upright member and slidably carrying the first yoke block; and a second slot formed through the second upright member and slidably carrying the second yoke block, the first slot substantially aligned with the second slot.
- 5. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position.
- 6. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a shaft coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position.
- 7. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism further includes:a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket; a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.
- 8. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the guide frame further includes:a first track formed in the first upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage; and a second track formed in the second upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage.
- 9. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 7 wherein the carriage further includes cam follower carried on opposing ends thereof and receivable within and movable along the first track and the second track.
- 10. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lift mechanism further includes a first link pivotally coupled between the second end of the first arm and the carriage, and a second link pivotally coupled between the second end of the second arm and the carriage.
- 11. A loading device as claimed in claim 1 further including an extension mechanism for coupling the guide frame to a vehicle and moving the guide frame between an extended and a retracted position.
- 12. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein the extension mechanism includes an inner frame coupled across a longitudinal axis of a vehicle chassis and an outer frame telescopingly received within the inner frame, the outer frame coupled to the guide frame and moveable between the extended and retracted positions.
- 13. A loading device as claimed in claim 1 further including an engagement mechanism carried by the carriage for engaging a refuse container.
- 14. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 13 wherein the engagement mechanism includes a gripping member carried by the carriage.
- 15. A loading member as claimed in claim 13 wherein the engagement mechanism includes a pair of horizontal pins vertically spaced apart rigidly coupled to opposing ends of the carriage.
- 16. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 15 wherein the engagement mechanism further includes a lock mechanism for securing a refuse container thereto.
- 17. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 16 wherein the lock mechanism includes a lock member pivotally coupled to the carriage and movable between a retracted position and a position overlying one of the pair of pins.
- 18. A loading device comprising:a guide frame including: a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end and a slot formed therethrough; and a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end and a slot formed therethrough, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member with the slot of the first upright member substantially aligned with the slot of the second upright member; a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including: a shaft received concurrently through the slot of the first upright member and the slot of the second upright member; a sprocket mounted on the shaft; a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; a first yoke block slidably carried within the slot of the first upright member and a second yoke block slidably carried within the slot of the second upright member, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough; and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including: a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end; a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm; an extension mechanism for coupling the guide frame to a vehicle and moving the guide frame between an extended and a retracted position; and an engagement mechanism carried by the carriage for engaging a refuse container.
- 19. A loading device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion, the first belt portion having a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame, the second belt portion have a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame.
- 20. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 18 wherein the guide frame further includes:a first track formed in the first upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage; and a second track formed in the second upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage.
- 21. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 20 wherein the carriage further includes cam follower carried on opposing ends thereof and receivable within and movable along the first track and the second track.
- 22. A loading member as claimed in claim 21 wherein the engagement mechanism includes a pair of horizontal pins vertically spaced apart rigidly coupled to opposing ends of the carriage.
- 23. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 22 wherein the engagement mechanism further includes a lock mechanism for securing a refuse container thereto.
- 24. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 23 wherein the lock mechanism includes a lock member pivotally coupled to the carriage and movable between a retracted position and a position overlying one of the pair of pins, and an actuating extension extending from the lock member and terminating in a cam follower, the cam follower riding within one of the tracks of the first upright member and the second upright member following the cam followers of the carriage.
- 25. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 18 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position.
- 26. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 18 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position.
- 27. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 18 wherein the extension mechanism includes an inner frame coupled to a lower surface of a vehicle chassis and an outer frame telescopingly received within the inner frame, the outer frame coupled to the guide frame and moveable between the extended and retracted positions.
- 28. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 18 wherein the drive mechanism further includes:a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket; a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.
- 29. A refuse collection vehicle comprising:a chassis; a cab at one end of the chassis; a refuse collection body at an opposing end of the chassis; a hopper/compactor carried between the cab and the body for receipt of refuse; and a loading device coupled to the side of the vehicle and comprising: a guide frame including: a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end; a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member; and a drive mechanism guide defined by the first upright member and the second upright member; an extension mechanism coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and coupled to the lower ends of the first and second upright members, the extension mechanism moving the guide frame between an extended position away from the vehicle and a retracted position towards the vehicle; a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including: a shaft received by drive mechanism guide; a sprocket mounted on the shaft; a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including: a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end; a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm.
- 30. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 29 wherein the extension mechanism includes an inner frame coupled perpendicularly to the chassis and an outer frame telescopingly received within the inner frame, the outer frame coupled to the guide frame and moveable between the extended and retracted positions.
- 31. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 29 wherein the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion, the first belt portion having a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame, the second belt portion have a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame.
- 32. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 29 wherein the drive mechanism further includes a first yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, and a second yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough.
- 33. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 32 wherein the drive mechanism guide includes:a first slot formed through the first upright member and slidably carrying the first yoke block; and a second slot formed through the second upright member and slidably carrying the second yoke block, the first slot substantially aligned with the second slot.
- 34. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 33 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position.
- 35. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 33 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position.
- 36. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 29 wherein the drive mechanism further includes:a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket; a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.
- 37. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 29 wherein the guide frame further includes:a first track formed in the first upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage; and a second track formed in the second upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage.
- 38. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in claim 37 wherein the carriage further includes cam follower carried on opposing ends thereof and receivable within and movable along the first track and the second track.
- 39. A loading device comprising:a guide frame including: a first member having a first end and a second end; a second member having a first end and a second end, the second member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first member; and a drive mechanism guide defined by the first member and the second member; a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including: a shaft received by drive mechanism guide; a sprocket mounted on the shaft; a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft between a first position toward the first ends of the members and a second position toward the second ends of the members, movement of the shaft toward the first position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the second position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and an arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end.
- 40. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 39 wherein the drive mechanism further includes a first yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, and a second yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough.
- 41. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 40 wherein the drive mechanism guide includes:a first slot formed through the first member and slidably carrying the first yoke block; and a second slot formed through the second member and slidably carrying the second yoke block, the first slot substantially aligned with the second slot.
- 42. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 40 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the first position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the second position.
- 43. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 40 wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a shaft coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the first position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the second position.
- 44. A loading mechanism as claimed in claim 39 wherein the drive mechanism further includes:a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket; a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft between the first position and the second position in concert with the motor.
US Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
3087637 |
Fox |
Apr 1963 |
A |
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2168316 |
Jun 1986 |
GB |