AU2010241384A1 - Cargo Carrying Vehicle - Google Patents

Description

i CARGO CARRYING VEHICLE The present invention relates to a cargo carrying vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a cargo carrying vehicle having a tilting bin. 5 Tilting bins used in trucks and trailers generally include at least one sidewall that is pivotally connected to the bin to allow materials contained therein to be unloaded, or tipped out of the bin. Generally a hinge that needs to be greased two to four times in every shift pivotally connects the sidewall to the bin. The need for the frequent greasing of the hinges detracts from the 10 efficient operation of the tilting bins. This is particularly the case in side tilting bins where a large number of hinges are employed along the length of the bin. We have found that in cargo carrying vehicles it is possible to construct a hinge configuration that allows the requirement to frequently 15 grease the hinges maybe eliminated or at least alleviated. The present invention may at least partially overcome the above mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. According to the present invention there is provided a cargo carrying vehicle comprising a chassis having a Ilig bin wherein said tilting bin comprises a pivoting 20 sidewall connected to said bin by at least one hinge wherein said hinge comprises a first sleeve fixed to said bin and a second sleeve fixed to said pivoting sidewall and a pin about which at least one of the respective first and second sleeves rotates wherein a bushing is disposed within at least one of the first and second sleeves. 2S By employing a hinge of the type described herein we have found that the cargo carrying vehicles may be more efficiently operated and less susceptible to damage. The hinges of the type described do not require the frequent application of grease as do the hinged used in the prior art. Thus the downtime during each shift is reduced and any failure to regularly 30 grease the hinge is not likely to cause damage to the hinge. Cargo carrying vehicles of the present invention may be in a variety of forms. For example, the cargo carrying vehicle of the present invention is preferably in the form of a road truck or trailer for a road truck.

2 However it will be understood that the cargo carrying vehicle may be in the form of a railway truck or other vehicle that has a chassis suitable for supporting a tilting bin. The vehicle has a chassis for supporting a tilting bin. The 5 chassis provides a frame on which a wheel assembly is supported. The chassis may include other components for the movement and operation of the tilting bin. For example, the chassis may include a locomotion means for driving the vehicle from a loading location to a discharging location. Alternatively the chassis may include a hitch so the vehicle may be hauled 1o from location to location. The chassis may also include a tilting means for tilting the bin. Suitably the tilting means may be a hydraulic ram. Alternatively other powered tilting means may be employed. The titling bin is preferably of the type suitable for the transport of bulk materials such as ore, earth, friable grains, and the like. The bin is 15 generally loaded from a bulk material handling apparatus such as a conveyer or scoop loader. The bin may be of open or closed configuration and may be box-shaped with vertical sidewalls or may have sloping sidewalls. The tilting bin is connected to said chassis by at least one hinge. It is preferred that multiple hinges be disposed along the pivot such that the 20 multiple hinges provide adequate support for the tilting bin. It is preferred that hinges be equally spaced along the length of the bin, with hinges disposed adjacent the ends of the bins. The hinges employed in this aspect of the present invention comprise a first sleeve fixed to the chassis. The first sleeve may be welded 25 directly to the chassis or, in a preferred embodiment be welded to a gusset that is in turn welded to the chassis. The hinges employed in the present invention also may comprise at least one second sleeve fixed to the bin. The at least one second sleeve may be welded directly to the bin or, in a preferred 30 embodiment be formed in ribs that extend under the bin and are in turn welded thereto. The hinge may be formed from a single first sleeve and a single second sleeve. The hinge may also be formed from multiple first and second 3 sleeves disposed in alternating sequence. In a preferred embodiment the hinge is formed from a single first sleeve having a pair of second sleeves disposed on either side of the first sleeve. In another from the hinge may be formed from a single second sleeve having a pair of first sleeves disposed on 5 either side of the second sleeve. A pin is typically disposed within the respective first and second sleeves. The respective first and second sleeves rotate about the pin. Both the first and second sleeves may freely rotate about the pin. Alternatively the first sleeve(s) or the second sleeve(s) may be fixed to the pin and the other of 10 the first or second sleeves may rotate freely about the pin. The sleeves that rotate freely about the pin typically have a bushing that is disposed within the respective sleeve(s). The bushing is preferably formed from a low friction material and in a preferred form of the invention the bushing is formed from a nylon plastics material. 15 Advantageously the nylon bushing provides low friction and sufficient mechanical properties to withstand the rigours of extended use. The bushing preferably extends from the sleeve and spaces the sleeve from an adjacent sleeve such as with an outwardly extending flange. In a preferred configuration the hinge is formed from a single 20 first sleeve welded to the chassis and a pair of second sleeves disposed on either side of the first sleeve. The pin is disposed within the second sleeves with an interference fit and passes through the first sleeve. The first sleeve includes a pair of nylon bushings to facilitate free rotation of the pin therein. The bushings have a flange that serves to space the second sleeves from the 25 first sleeve. In use the bushings may be replaced by knocking the pins from the hinges and separating the bin from the chassis. The bushings may be readily replaced and the pins reinserted. In one configuration spacers may be used to separate hinges 30 and ensure that they are properly aligned. Also the spacers may prevent the inadvertent removal of the pins from the hinges. Where spacers are used it may be necessary to cut the spacers from the bin in order to remove the pins and replace the bushings. The spacers may be readily welded back into 4 position once the bushings have been replaced. The tilting bin comprises a pivoting sidewall. The pivoting sidewall is preferably a longitudinal sidewall or may also be a lateral sidewall, or end wall. In a preferred embodiment the sidewall may be hingedly 5 connected to the base of the tilting bin and pivot downwards or in another embodiment may be hingedly connected above the base of the bin and pivot upwards. The pivoting sidewall may extend the full height of the bin. The pivoting sidewall is connected to said bin by at least one hinge. It is preferred that multiple hinges be disposed along the pivot such 10 that the multiple hinges provide adequate support for the pivoting sidewall. It is preferred that hinges be equally spaced along the length of the side wall, with hinges disposed adjacent the ends of the sidewall. The hinges employed in the present invention comprise a first sleeve fixed to the bin. The first sleeve may be welded directly to the bin or, 15 in a preferred embodiment be welded to a gusset that is in turn welded to the bin. The hinges employed in the present invention also comprise a second sleeve fixed to the sidewall. The second sleeve may be welded directly to the sidewall or, in a preferred embodiment be welded to one or 20 more ribs that extend up the sidewall and are in turn welded thereto. The hinge may be formed from a single first sleeve and a single second sleeve. The hinge may also be formed from multiple first and second sleeves disposed in alternating sequence. In a preferred embodiment the hinge is formed from a single first sleeve having a pair of second sleeves 25 disposed on either side of the first sleeve. In another from the hinge may be formed from a single second sleeve having a pair of first sleeves disposed on either side of the second sleeve. A pin is disposed within the respective first and second sleeves. The respective first and second sleeves rotate about the pin. Both the first 30 and second sleeves may freely rotate about the pin. Alternatively the first sleeve(s) or the second sleeve(s) may be fixed to the pin and the other of the first or second sleeves may rotate freely about the pin. The sleeves that rotate freely about the pin have a bushing that 5 is disposed within the respective sleeve(s). The bushing is preferably formed from a low friction material and in a preferred form of the invention the bushing is formed from a nylon plastics material. Advantageously the nylon bushing provides low friction and sufficient mechanical properties withstand 5 the rigours of extended use. The bushing preferably extends from the sleeve and spaces the sleeve from an adjacent sleeve such as with an outwardly extending flange. In a preferred configuration the hinge is formed from a single first sleeve welded to the bin and a pair of second sleeves disposed on either 10 side of the first sleeve. The pin is disposed within the second sleeves with an interference fit and passes through the first sleeve. The first sleeve includes a pair of nylon bushings to facilitate free rotation of the pin therein. The bushings have a flange that serves to space the second sleeves from the first sleeve. 15 In use the bushings may be replaced by knocking the pins from the hinges and separating the sidewall from the bin. The bushings may be readily replaced and the pins reinserted. In one configuration spacers may be used to separate hinges and ensure that they are properly aligned. Also the spacers may prevent the 20 inadvertent removal of the pins from the hinges. Where spacers are used it may be necessary to cut the spacers from the bin in order to remove the pins and replace the bushings. The spacers may be readily welded back into position once the bushings have been replaced. The present invention will now be described with reference to 25 the accompanying drawings. The drawings and description below are provided for illustrative purposes to assist in the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: 30 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly according to the invention.

6 According to one aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, a hinge assembly 10 is provided. Positioned at a first end of the hinge assembly 10 is an end cap 12. The end cap is associated with a guide plate 13. The guide plate 13 is 5 designed to allow the correct alignment of the pivot point of the hinge assembly 10 with respect to both the bin 14 and the pivoting sidewall 15. The hinge assembly 10 as depicted comprises three individual hinges 11. At the second end of the hinge assembly 10, is a second sleeve 16, which would form a part of a fourth hinge 11, which is not shown in this 10 diagram. A spacing pipe 17 is located having one end abutting the second sleeve 16 at the second end of the hinge assembly 10, and the other end abutting the second sleeve 16 of an adjacent hinge 11. The spacing pipe 17 is adapted to correctly align the individual hinges 11 to form a hinge assembly 15 10 for having a common pivoting point. The formation of a common pivoting point for the hinge assembly 10 means that the pivoting sidewall 15 attached to the individual hinges 11 is not deformed or bent during the motion of pivoting. Each hinge 11 comprises a first sleeve 20 and two second 20 sleeves 16. The first sleeve 20 is located between the two second sleeves 16. The first sleeve 20 of each individual hinge 11 is a tubular cylindrical sleeve. Each first sleeve 20 has a gusset 21 permanently attached to it preferably by welding to the first sleeve 20. 25 The gusset 21 has a cross-sectional shape based on a triangle but with an arcuate hypotenuse. The arcuate hypotenuse matches the park of the first sleeve 20 to which is attached. The gusset 21 extends over a majority of the length of the first sleeve 20 in order to provide strength to the hinge structure. 30 One of the linear portions of the triangular cross-sectional shape of the gusset 21 is adapted to provide a point of permanent attachment of the gusset 21 to the bin 14. The method of permanent attachment of the gusset 21 to the bin 14 is generally welding, but other methods may be used.

7 Each second sleeve 16 is of a similar design. The second sleeve 16 consists of a tubular cylindrical body portion with a connecting rib 18 extending from the body portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second sleeve 16. 5 Each second sleeve 16 forming part of each hinge 11, has a connecting rib 18 extending therefrom. Each connecting rib 18 is attached to the pivoting sidewall 15. The connecting rib 18 as illustrated, has a substantially flat or planar edge 19 to facilitate the proper attachment of the rib 18 to the pivoting sidewall 15. The connecting rib 18 is formed to provide 10 a strong and secure attachment of each second sleeve 16 to the pivoting sidewall 15. As can be seen from Figure 1, there is generally a double hinge, or to individual hinges 11 placed side-by-side at each end of the pivoting sidewall 15. This is to provide extra strength at the ends to prevent the is formation of the pivoting sidewall 15. There will usually be more than one individual hinge 11 in each hinge assembly 10, each individual hinge 11 apart from the double hinge at each end of the pivoting sidewall 15 will be separated by a spacing pipe 17. As can be seen from Figure 2, each hinge 11 also has two 20 bushings 22 that are located inside the first sleeve 20 of each hinge 11. Each bushing 22 is cylindrical and has an annular extension 23 on the end of the bushing 22 which are parts each second sleeve 16. The annular extension 23 on each bushing 22 is to maintain spacing of the first sleeve 20 from the second sleeve 16. This will allow the rotation of the sleeves with respect to 25 one another more easily and prevent the first sleeve 20 and the adjacent second sleeve 16 from locking together due to friction. The annular extensions 23 of which there are two per first sleeve 20, generally are disposed facing away from each other. Inside each of the cylindrical bushings 22 is a pin 24. The pin 30 24 inside each hinge 11 is the member around which the hinge 11 pivots. The pin 24 of each hinge 11 is aligned and therefore allows the pivoting sidewall 15 to move relatively easily. The pin 24 will be a solid generally metal pin 24 to facilitate long-term use without undue wearing of the pin 24.

8 The end of the pin 24 located within the second sleeve 16 of each hinge 11 will be tight fitting within that the second sleeve 16. The tight fit of the pin 24 within the second sleeve 16 will allow the pin 24 to rotate inside the first sleeve 20. 5 In order to disassemble or service the individual hinges 11, the spacing pipe 17 located on each side of the hinge 11 to be serviced may be cut. This will then give access to the pin 24 and bushings 22 inside the hinge 11. The pin 24 may then be removed by a punch or similar device, knocking the pin 24 through the first and second sleeves. This will allow removal of the 10 second sleeves 16 from the first sleeve 20, and also allow removal of the bushings 22 at either end of the first sleeve 20. The bushings 22 may then be replaced In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to is be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (14)

1. A cargo carrying vehicle comprising a chassis having a titling bin wherein said tilting bin comprises a pivoting sidewall connected to said bin by 5 at least one hinge wherein said hinge comprises a first sleeve fixed to said bin and a second sleeve fixed to said pivoting sidewall and a pin about which at least one of the respective first and second sleeves rotates wherein a bushing is disposed within at least one of the first and second sleeves. 1o

2. The cargo carrying vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein multiple hinges are disposed along the pivoting sidewall.

3. The cargo carrying vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the hinges are evenly spaced along the end of the bin and hinges with disposed is adjacent the ends of the bin.

4. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of the preceding claims wherein a second sleeve comprises ribs extending under and fixed to the bin. 2o

5. The cargo carrying vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the hinge is formed from a single first sleeve and a pair of second sleeves disposed on either side of said first sleeve.

6. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of the preceding claims 25 wherein the pin is disposed to be fixed to one sleeve and rotatable within the other sleeve.

7. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of the proceeding claims wherein a bushing is disposed between the pin and at least one sleeve. 30

8. The cargo carrying vehicle of claim 7 wherein the bushing is formed from a low friction material. 10

9. The cargo carrying vehicle of claim 8 wherein the bushing is made from a nylon plastics material. 5

10. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of the preceding claims wherein the bushing extends from at least one sleeve with an outwardly extending flange to space the sleeve apart from other sleeves.

11. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein 10 the bushing is removable.

12. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of the preceding claims wherein hinges are separated by spacers. 15

13. The cargo carrying vehicle of any one of the preceding claims wherein the chassis includes a tilting means for tilting the bin.

14. The cargo carrying vehicle of claim 13 wherein the tilting means is a hydraulic ram. 20