MXPA97007410A - System for container handling - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanism for loading, unloading and transshipping a container relative to a platform and adapted to be attached to a vehicle, the mechanism comprises an equipment mounted transversely at each end of the platform, each of said equipment comprises a davit mounted by a pivot in the scepter of the team, the davit has a telescopic part and an extension part on opposite sides of the pivot, with a pair of hydraulic symbols, each of the hydraulic symbols is joined to a respective point of attachment in said part of extension, the pair of hydraulic symbols being adapted to control the transverse movement of the davit around the central pivot from one side of the platform towards an opposite side of the platform when one of the symbols is retracted and the other of the symbols is extended, during which the movement of each symbol remains substantially above the respective point of attachment n on said part of extension

Description

A MECHANISM TO LOAD AND DOWNLOAD CONTAINERS ON AND FROM VEHICLES.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to the transport of containers and particularly to a mechanism for loading and unloading containers on and from vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Currently numerous container lift constructions are available and most of these are designed to lift container-type shipping containers on the platform of a truck or trailer from only one side of the vehicle. This has disadvantages in certain situations where extra effort is required to bring the vehicle to a position where the loading and unloading maneuver is needed. Another problem with container handling is that most of today's elevators are designed to transport fully loaded containers and as such are structurally constructed to withstand weights of up to 20 to 40 tons. These elevator constructions are, therefore, very expensive to handle and build. The use of this expensive equipment is rather unnecessary when the containers are transported empty. Empty containers are transported very regularly from one site to another site or after use to cleaning or repair facilities.

An object of the invention is to improve the above disadvantages while providing a relatively simple and inexpensive mechanism for loading and unloading a vehicle from either side, and which can also make possible the stacking of containers.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description which is provided by way of example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a mechanism for loading and unloading a container on a fixed platform or that can be fixed to a truck or a trailer is provided, the mechanism includes an oscillating device at each end of the platform, each equipment incorporates a centrally mounted telescopic davit, a lower part of which incorporates an extension to which opposed hydraulic pistons are attached, the hydraulic pistons are adapted to control the swinging motion of the davit when one retracts and the other extends , each equipment may also incorporate on each side of the platform a stabilization leg, the arrangement being such that in a travel position the stabilization legs are generally arranged in an upright position on or in relation to the platform and the boom is retracted for be either erect on the platform or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical to minimize the vertical height of the vehicle, and in an operative position the stabilization legs can be lowered to make contact with the ground and the davits are extended to facilitate cables, chains or cords being used to lift a container and Balancing it on or away from the vehicle's platform.

In a further aspect of the invention, means are provided for stacking containers on a platform of a truck or trailer.

The telescopic boom can incorporate rollers to help the telescopic deployment of the members that form the davit.

The platform can be removable from the chassis of the truck or trailer.

The platform can include a hydraulic power supply package to operate the hydraulic pistons.

The stabilization legs can be operated hydraulically or manually.

The mechanism is designed to stack, load and unload containers of and 8 tons.

Additional aspects of the invention that should be considered in all its novel features will be appreciated more clearly from the following description.

Examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a rear end view of a vehicle incorporating the invention, which is shown in a position ready to lift a container.

Figure 2 is a rear end view of the container handling oscillating system, shown in Figure 1 in position with the container facing the surface of the platform.

Figure 3 is a rear end view of the container handling oscillating system, which was shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the stabilization legs retracted and with a davit shown in its retracted position.

Figure 4 is a rear end view of the container handling oscillating system shown in Figures 1 to 3 with the davit shown in its stored position.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the oscillating container handling system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the container handling oscillating system shown in Figures 1 and 5.

Figure 7 is a rear elevation view of the container handling oscillating system shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 8 is a detail, on an amplified scale, of a part of an oscillating device of the type located at each end of the trailer shown in Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 9 is a rear end view of a preferred example of the container handling oscillating system shown in its stored position.

Figure 10 is a rear end view of the example shown in Figure 9 with its stabilization legs and davit extended.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a frame assembly for the preferred example shown in Figures 9 and 10.

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the frame assembly shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a rear end view, on an amplified scale, of a part of an oscillating equipment incorporated in the preferred example shown in Figures 9 and 10.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modes The examples of the invention will be described with reference to a mechanisms for loading containers, which is mounted on the platform of a vehicle (not shown). It should be appreciated, however, that the mechanism may be integrally formed with the platform of a new or reconditioned vehicle or trailer, if so required.

The first example shown in Figures 1 to 8 is mounted on the platform 1 of a vehicle and the mechanism is generally indicated by the arrow 2 and consists of members 3 of elongated chassis, joined by appropriate members including input ports 4 of load elevators. The chassis members 3 incorporate suitable interlocking mechanisms 5 for positioning the chassis to platform 1 of the vehicle (not shown). The chassis members 3 also incorporate container locks 6 used to place a shipping container 7 on the chassis when the mechanism is used on a vehicle. The chassis members 3 have mounted on each end an oscillating device 8. The oscillating device 8 is shown in detail in Figure 8. Each oscillating device 8 consists of a transverse base 9, an upper point 10 which includes a pivot point 1 1 for a centrally mounted telescopic boom 12. The davit 12 is telescopically extended by one or more hydraulic pistons (not shown) that are mounted on the davit 12.

Hydraulic energy for the hydraulic pistons on the davit 12 is supplied either from an energy package (not shown) placed on the extension 13 of the chassis 3 or if the vehicle on which the device is used has its own power supply, so Drive the hydraulic pistons by this energy source.

The lower part 14 of the davit 12 includes an extension to which the opposed hydraulic pistons 15 and 16 are connected. The retraction and extension of the hydraulic pistons 15, 16 causes the davit 12 to oscillate along its angular displacement, details of the which are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Again, the hydraulic pistons 15, 16 are attached either to the energy package or to another source of hydraulic power supply.

At each corner 17 of the base 9 is placed an oscillating leg 18. The swinging leg 18 adopts either the stored position shown in Figures 3, 4, 7 or 8, or the low position shown in Figures 1 and 2. The overall height of the legs 18 can be adjusted to make it easier for the vehicle in its parked position to be stabilized. The legs 18 can be secured in their elevated positions by chains, cables or the like 34 (Figure 7). In an alternative construction (not shown) the legs can be raised, lowered and / or hydraulically extended.

In use, when attached to a trailer, the trailer is brought to a position along one side of the container 7 to be loaded or unloaded from the chassis 3. The container 7 is joined by cables, chains or cords 19, as shown in FIG. shows, the davit 12 partially extended and in its low position (Figure 1). The davit 12 is then extended to lift the lower corner 20 of the free container 7 from the surface of the vehicle. The hydraulic pistons 15, 16 (Figure 8) are then operated to balance the davit 12 above the surface of the chassis 3. The davit 12 is then retracted to place the container 7 on the chassis 3. Bolts 6 of container on the Chassis 3 are then used to retain the container 7 on the vehicle. In this position the legs 18 are retracted and the davit 12 is stored at a safe height having it slightly misaligned as shown in Figure 4.

The discharge of the container is the inverse of the operation described.

A preferred example of an oscillating container handling system is shown in Figures 9 to 13. In the example shown in Figures 9 to 13, parts similar to those described in the first example are referred to by the same numerals.

In this example the mechanism is mounted on a platform 1 of a vehicle by a main frame assembly 21. The assembly of the main frame 21 is shown in detail in Figures 1 1 and 12. The assembly 21 consists of beams 22 which can be RHS beams of 200 x 200 x 6. The beams 22 are joined at either end by members 23 that are built to support the weight and forces generated by a davit 12 mounted on them. A front end 24 of the main frame assembly 21 is a platform on which an energy package (not shown) for the unit is mounted.

Figures 9, 10 and 13 show a davit 12 capable of being extended. The davit 12 incorporates a plunger or hydraulic pistons that extend the member 27 from inside the member 26. The davit 12 is mounted on a pivot bearing 11 as shown in Figure 13. The bearing 13 is mounted on the plate 30 that it is bolted or welded towards the upright position 31 of the base 9. The davit 12 includes an extension 28 having connections for the ends of the hydraulic pistons 15, 16 that oscillate the davit as shown in Figures 9 and 10. plungers 15, 16 are mounted at pivot points 32, 33 on the upright portions 31.

In the main frame assembly 21 it has legs 29 at either end that are retracted by hydraulic pistons or the like.

The davit 12 is constructed with an inner member 27 having telescopic action within the member 26. The end of the member 26 has plates 35 on each side and between which the rollers 36 which assist in retraction and extension are mounted.

The legs 29 can be mounted or extendable arms 30 and which have telescopic action within the members 23.

In use, this embodiment of the invention operates in the same manner as in the first example. This example can be manufactured in two sizes. The first is built to load / unload containers of 4 tons. This example would be powered by a 13 horsepower diesel engine, which is adapted to provide sufficient hydraulic power. A unit of improved capacity can be provided to lift 8-ton containers.

The main frame assembly 21 has connectors that lock with a turning movement 6 to position a container in position. The invention can be used to unload trailers or trucks by lifting containers 7 off the truck and through assembly 21. Alternatively, it can be used to stack containers one on top of the other.

Therefore, by means of this invention, a mechanism for loading and unloading containers from any side of a vehicle is provided.

A particular example has been described and where in the preceding description mechanical alternatives are available and these are considered to be incorporated, although they have not been specifically mentioned.

Claims (11)

1. Novelty of the Invention 1. A mechanism for loading and unloading a container on a platform attached or liable to be attached to a truck or trailer, the mechanism including an oscillating device at each end of the platform, each equipment incorporating a centrally mounted telescopic boom , a lower part of which incorporates an extension to which opposed hydraulic pistons are attached, the hydraulic pistons are adapted to control the swinging movement of the davit when one retracts and the other extends, each equipment can also incorporate on each side of the platform a stabilization leg, the arrangement being such that in a travel position the stabilization legs are generally arranged in an upright position on or in relation to the platform and the davit is retracted so that it is either vertical on the platform or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical to minimize the vertical height of the vehicle ulo, and in an operative position the stabilization legs can be lowered in contact with the floor and the davits are extended to facilitate cables, chains or cords are used to lift a container and swing it on or off the platform of the vehicle.
2. 2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telescopic boom incorporates rollers to assist the telescopic action of the members forming the davit.
3. 3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the platform is removable from the surface or chassis of the truck or trailer.
4. 4. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the platform includes a power supply package for operating the hydraulic pistons.
5. 5. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing legs are manually or hydraulically operated.
6. 6. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic boom is formed in two sections, one of which has telescopic action within the other.
7. 7. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing legs are either pivoted from their raised position to their low position, or are extended and hydraulically lowered from members extending from within the platform.
8. 8. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the platform incorporates input ports of load elevators.
9. 9. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the platform incorporates connections that lock with a turning movement, to mount a container in relation to the platform.
10. 10. A mechanism for loading or unloading containers on a platform attached or liable to be attached to a truck or trailer substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. 11. A mechanism as claimed in any of the preceding claims, capable of being used as a means to stack containers on a platform or truck or trailer or on the ground.