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WO1997006031A1 - Channeling mechanism for multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body - Google Patents

Channeling mechanism for multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997006031A1
WO1997006031A1 PCT/US1996/012701 US9612701W WO9706031A1 WO 1997006031 A1 WO1997006031 A1 WO 1997006031A1 US 9612701 W US9612701 W US 9612701W WO 9706031 A1 WO9706031 A1 WO 9706031A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
channeling
refuse
flow passage
channeling member
compartments
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/012701
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dirk C. Kann
Andy B. Appleton
Original Assignee
Kann Manufacturing Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kann Manufacturing Corporation filed Critical Kann Manufacturing Corporation
Priority to AU66465/96A priority Critical patent/AU6646596A/en
Publication of WO1997006031A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997006031A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65FGATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F3/00Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
    • B65F3/14Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle
    • B65F3/20Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with charging pistons, plates, or the like
    • B65F3/201Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with devices for charging, distributing or compressing refuse in the interior of the tank of a refuse vehicle with charging pistons, plates, or the like the charging pistons, plates or the like moving rectilinearly
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65FGATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F3/00Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
    • B65F3/001Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse for segregated refuse collecting, e.g. vehicles with several compartments
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65FGATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F3/00Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse
    • B65F3/02Vehicles particularly adapted for collecting refuse with means for discharging refuse receptacles thereinto
    • B65F2003/0263Constructional features relating to discharging means
    • B65F2003/0279Constructional features relating to discharging means the discharging means mounted at the front of the vehicle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to refuse vehicles for collecting and transporting garbage and recyclable materials from residences or other commercial establishments to a central disposal point such as a dump, incinerator or recycling facility.
  • the present invention relates to a refuse collection vehicle body or compactor including a channeling mechanism for alternately channeling refuse within a flow passage into one of a plurality of compartments to separate and store different types of refuse requiring separation.
  • vehicles intended to collect and haul waste or garbage typically include a single volume or compartment in which all collected refuse is stored and transported. As a result, the collected refuse is commingled in one large single compartment which is unloaded at a central disposal site. Because the single-compartment vehicle is not capable of separately storing and transporting different types of refuse concurrently, use ofthe single compartment refuse collection vehicles requires multiple trips between the collection site and the disposal site and multiple vehicles to separately accommodate each of the various' types of refuse requiring separation.
  • the special refuse collection vehicles having multiple compartments include multiple load openings and flow passages corresponding to the multiple compartments.
  • the provision of a separate and distinct load opening and flow passage for each of the plurality of compartments increases the overall size, weight and complexity of the refuse collection vehicle body and reduces the capacity of the body.
  • each particular bin must be specifically aligned and unloaded into the appropriate load opening.
  • loading refuse into the refuse collection vehicle body is complex and time consuming.
  • each of the compartments of the bin must be specifically aligned with its respective load opening so as to unload the refuse into the appropriate compartment.
  • a refuse collection company must obtain specialized containers having compartments that match the particular truck style and place them in their respective collection routes. This increases the cost of refuse collection.
  • the present invention is an improved multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body and an improved method for loading different types of refuse requiring separation into a refuse collection vehicle body having a first compartment for holding a first type of refuse and having a second compartment for holding a second type of refuse.
  • the refuse collection vehicle body includes a floor, a roof and a plurality of walls therebetween defining an interior storage space having a load opening. At least one partition is supported within the interior storage space to divide the interior storage space into a plurality of compartments.
  • a refuse flow passage extends from the load opening and is in communication with each of the plurality of compartments.
  • a channeling mechanism adjacent the flow passage alternately channels refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments.
  • the method ofthe present invention includes loading the first type of refuse into a load opening in communication with a flow passage extending adjacent to the first and second compartments, loading the second type of refuse into the load opening in communication with the flow passage extending adjacent to the first and second compartments, and alternately channeling the first type of refuse and the second type of refuse into the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively, by moving a movable channeling member between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable channeling member channels the first type of refuse into the first compartment in the first position and channels the second type of refuse into the second compartment in the second position.
  • Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a refuse collection vehicle including a channeling mechanism in an open position with otherwise hidden portions of the refuse collection vehicle being shown in full or in section for purposes of illustration.
  • Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the refuse collection vehicle of Figure 1 with the channeling mechanism shown in a closed position with portions of the refuse collection vehicle being shown in full or in section for purposes of illustration.
  • Figure 3 is a top elevational view of the channeling mechanism with portions removed for illustration purposes.
  • Figure 4A is a greatly enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the refuse collection vehicle showing the channeling mechanism in the closed position.
  • Figure 4B is a greatly enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the refuse collection vehicle with the channeling mechanism in the opened position.
  • Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the refuse collection vehicle of Figure 1 illustrating the channeling mechanism in an open position with portions of the alternate embodiment being shown in full or in section for purposes of illustration.
  • Figure 6 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary side elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the refuse collection vehicle illustrating the channeling mechanism in a closed position with portions of the alternate embodiment being shown in full and in section for purposes of illustration.
  • the present invention is a multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body for transporting and hauling waste requiring separation.
  • the body includes a floor, a roof and a plurality of walls therebetween defining an interior storage space having a load opening. At least one partition supported within the interior storage space divides the interior storage space into a plurality of compartments.
  • a refuse flow passage extends from the load opening and is in communication with each of the plurality of compartments.
  • a channeling mechanism adjacent the flow passage alternately channels refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments. Because the channeling mechanism alternately channels refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments, different types of refuse requiring storage in separate compartments may be loaded through a single load opening and a single flow passage.
  • the present invention may be used in a wide variety of refuse collection vehicles having different body configurations and loading arrangements such as rear, side and front loading arrangements. However, for purposes of illustration, the present invention is depicted in Figures 1-6 for use in a front- loading refuse collection vehicle having a body divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a front-loading refuse collection vehicle 10.
  • Figures 1 and 2 are side elevational views of refuse collection vehicle 10 with otherwise hidden portions shown in full and in section for purposes of illustrating operation of refuse collection vehicle 10.
  • Refuse collection vehicle 10 generally includes chassis 12, lifting mechanism 14, loading bin or container 16 and body 18.
  • Chassis 12 may have a variety of configurations depending upon the configurations of lifting apparatus 14, loading container 16 and body 18 being used.
  • Chassis 12 comprises a conventional chassis for supporting and transporting body 18 between collection and disposal sites. Chassis 12 further tips body 18 to unload refuse from body 18.
  • Lifting apparatus 14 is conventionally known and extends from chassis 12 and engages loading container 16. Lifting apparatus 14 lifts container 16 to unload the contents of container 16 into body 18.
  • Container 16 is a single compartment cart or dumpster sized for containing one particular type of refuse.
  • Container 16 is fixedly coupled to lifting mechanism 14. Alternatively, container 16 may be configured for engaging a pair of lifting forks projecting from lifting mechanism 14.
  • Body 18 is mounted to chassis 12 and includes floor 30. Roof 32, sidewalls 34, frontwall 36, tailgate assembly 38, intermediate wall 40, partition 42, channeling mechanism 44 and compactor ram assemblies 46a, 46b.
  • Floor 30, roof 32, sidewalls 34, frontwall 36 and tailgate assembly 38 define an interior storage space 50.
  • Roof 32 further defines a load opening 52 extending through roof 32 in communication with interior storage space 50.
  • Partition 42 horizontally extends intermediate floor 30 and roof 32 to divide interior storage space 50 into an upper compartment 54a and a lower compartment 54b.
  • Intermediate wall 40 vertically extends between floor 30 and roof 32 between partition 42 and frontwall 36 to subdivide body 18 into a storage portion including compartments 54a, 54b and a compactor portion or loading mechanism which includes channeling mechanism 44, ram assemblies 46a, 46b, load opening 52 and a refuse flow passage 58.
  • the compactor portion may alternatively be separately constructed for use with a variety of storage portion configurations.
  • Intermediate wall 40 defines openings 60a, 60b extending through sidewall 39 from flow passage 58 into upper and lower compartments 54a, 54b.
  • Flow passage 58 extends downward below load opening 52 and is in continuous communication with upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b through openings 60a, 60b.
  • Channeling mechanism 44 alternately channels refuse within flow passage 58 into either upper compartment 54a or lower compartment 54b.
  • Channeling mechanism 44 includes channeling member 62, actuating mechanism 64 and locating mechanism 66.
  • Channeling member 62 is a generally elongate, rectangular plate or box having a width corresponding to the width of flow passage 58 and a length sufficient to enable channeling member to at least extend across flow passage 58.
  • Channeling member 62 horizontally extends through intermediate wall 40, below opening 60a and above opening 60b and partition 42. Channeling member 62 slides over a top surface of partition 42.
  • channeling member 62 includes rollers, bearing balls, tongue and groove arrangements or other mechanisms between channeling member 62 and partition 42 or between channeling member 62 and side walls 34 to assist and guide the movement of channeling member 62 across partition 42 and adjacent to side walls 34.
  • channeling member 62 may be actuated or moved so as to substantially intersect and block flow passage 58 to channel refuse loaded into flow passage 58 through load opening 52 adjacent to and into upper compartment 54a as shown in Figure 2.
  • channeling member 62 may be at least partially retracted from flow passage 58 and through intermediate wall 40 to allow refuse loaded into flow passage 58 through load opening 52 to fall adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b as shown in Figure 1.
  • Channeling member 62 is coupled to actuating mechanism 64.
  • Actuating mechanism 64 actuates and moves channeling member 62 between a closed position (shown in Figure 2) and an open position (shown in Figure 1) so as to alternately channel refuse loaded into flow passage 58 adjacent and into upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b.
  • Actuating mechanism 64 preferably includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 fixedly coupled to partition 42 by bracket mount 80.
  • Hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 includes a cylinder 81 and piston 82.
  • Piston 82 is coupled to and engages channeling member 62 to slidably extend and retract channeling member 62 between the open position and the closed position.
  • Actuating mechanism 44 is controlled by an operator to move channeling member 62 between the closed and open positions so as to selectively channel refuse into the upper and lower compartments 54a, 54b.
  • actuating mechanism 42 may employ pneumatic, electrical or other mechanical linkages for actuating or moving channeling member 62 between the closed and the open positions so as to selectively and alternately channel refuse into upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b.
  • Locating mechanism 66 guides and directs movement of channeling member 62 within body 18 and ensures correct positioning of channeling member 62.
  • Locating mechanism 66 includes tracks 84, locating pins 86, mating block 88 and interlock signaling mechanisms 90.
  • Tracks 84 extend along at least one sidewall 34 and project inwardly into flow passage 58 along a range of forward and rearward movement of channeling member 62.
  • tracks 84 extend at least from intermediate wall 40 across flow passage 58 towards mating block 88.
  • tracks 84 may comprise a plurality of spaced apart knobs or projections extending from at least one sidewall 34 into flow passage 58.
  • tracks 84 may alternatively be formed by elongate grooves extending into at least one sidewall 34. Tracks 84 engage channeling member 62 so as to guide movement of channeling member 62 through and across flow passage 58.
  • Locating pins 86 and mating block 88 engage one another to ensure correct vertical and horizontal positioning of channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 and below compactor mechanism 46a. Locating pins 86 project outwardly from an end of channeling member 62. In the preferred embodiment, locating pins 86 are also retractable to within channeling member 62 upon rearward actuation of actuating mechanism 64. Locating pins 86 extend into and engage mating block 88 so as to align and support channeling member 62 across flow passage 58. Locating pins 86 are preferably chamfered at their ends to assist in lining up channeling member 62 with mating block 88.
  • Mating block 88 is an elongate beam extending rearward from frontwall 36 towards flow passage 58 opposite channeling member 62.
  • Mating block 88 defines bores 92 and bores 94. Bores 92 extend into mating block 88 towards front wall 36. Bores 92 are aligned and spaced opposite locating pins 86 extending from channeling member 62. Bores 92 preferably have a depth greater than or equal to the length of locating pins 86 and are sized for receiving locating pins 86. Bores 92 receive locating pins 86 to align and maintain channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 and below compactor assembly 46a.
  • Interlock signaling mechanisms 90 preferably comprises electric limit switches having sensors adjacent at least one of bores 92 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 78. Interlock signaling mechanisms 90 senses when locating pins 86 are positioned within bores 92 and further senses when piston 82 is fully retracted from flow passage 58.
  • interlock signaling mechanisms 90 may include hydraulic or pneumatic values and switches, mechanical linkages or other electrical based switches for indicating when channeling member 62 is fully extended or fully retracted across flow passage 58. Interlock signaling mechanism 90 indicates to the operator when channeling member 62 is fully extended across flow passage 58 or fully retracted from flow passage 58. As a result, interlock signaling mechanism 90 indicates to the operator when loading and compacting cycles may begin and into which compartment refuse is currently being channeled by channeling mechanism 44.
  • Compactor ram assemblies 46a. 46b are conventionally known in the field and are provided for pushing and compacting waste and recyclable materials in a pre-selected direction.
  • Ram assembly 46a is mounted adjacent frontwall 36 above mating block 88, lower compartment 54b and channeling member 62 of channeling mechanism 44.
  • Ram assembly 46a includes cover plate 96a and ram 98a.
  • Cover plate 96a extends between sidewalls 34 and is slightly inclined downwardly and rearwardly from frontwall 36.
  • Cover plate 96a houses and protects ram 98a while channeling waste and recyclables forward of ram 98a when ram 98a is in a retracted position.
  • Ram 98a (schematically shown) is well-known in the art.
  • Ram 98a extends below cover plate 96a adjacent load opening 52 and flow passage 58 and above mating block 88 and channeling member 62.
  • ram 98a includes a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly wherein the piston is coupled to a front blade of the ram to move the blade forward and rearward.
  • Ram 98a is preferably controlled through pneumatic or electrical control means which actuate ram 98a.
  • Ram 98a extends across and above a top surface of channeling member 62 to push waste and recyclable refuse across channeling member 62 through opening 60a and into upper compartment 54a. Ram 98a is then retracted to once again repeat the cycle.
  • ram 98a may alternatively be configured such that ram 98a may be extended rearwardly beyond intermediate wall 39 into upper compartment 54a to further compact waste and recyclable refuse. Once refuse is cleared from flow passage 58 above channeling member 62, ram 98a is retracted to below cover plate 96a so that the operator may completely open flow passage 58 by retracting channeling member 62 to permit refuse to fall adjacent to ram assembly 46b and lower compartment 54b.
  • Ram assembly 46b is similar to ram assembly 46a but is positioned below mating block 88 adjacent floor 30 and lower compartment 54b. As discussed above, retraction of channeling member 62 by actuating mechanism 64 allows refuse loaded into load opening 52 to pass completely through flow passage 58 adjacent to lower compartment 54a and ram assembly 46b. As with ram assembly 46a, ram assembly 46b also includes a cover plate 96b and a ram 98b. Cover plate 96b extends between sidewalls 34 and is slightly inclined downwardly and rearwardly from frontwall 36. Cover plate 96b houses and protects ram 98b while channeling waste and recyclable refuse forwardly of ram 98b when ram 98b is in a retracted position.
  • Ram 98b extends below cover plate 96b adjacent floor 30 towards intermediate wall 39. Ram 98b pushes waste and recyclable refuse above floor 30 within flow passage 58 across floor 30 through opening 60b into lower compartment 54b.
  • ram 98b may alternatively be configured so that ram 98b may be extended rearwardly beyond intermediate wall 40 into lower compartment 54b to further compact waste and recyclable refuse.
  • ram assemblies 46a, 46b may be replaced with other conventional material moving means such as aprons, conveyors, vibrating mechanisms, gravity flow structures, shredders or grinders.
  • channeling member 62 of channeling mechanism 44 is movable between a first closed position wherein refuse within flow passage 58 is channeled into upper compartment 54a (shown in Figure 2) and a second opened position wherein refuse within flow passage 58 is channeled into lower compartment 54b (shown in Figure 1).
  • refuse within loading container 16 is lifted by lifting mechanism 14 so as to empty refuse within container 16 through load opening 52 into flow passage 58.
  • the operator selectively actuates channeling mechanism 44 to direct the refuse into either the upper compartment 54a or lower compartment 54b. If the refuse being loaded is to be stored within lower compartment 54b.
  • channeling member 62 is retracted from flow passage 58 (as shown in Figure 1) to permit the refuse loaded through load opening 52 to fall adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b.
  • body 18 may be additionally provided with wipers adjacent opening 60a.
  • wipers act like one-way doors, allowing refuse to enter, but not leave a compartment.
  • Interlock signaling mechanism 90 provides a signal to the operator indicating when channeling member 60 is completely retracted from across flow- passage 58 before the refuse is loaded into flow passage 58. Once channeling member 60 is fully retracted from across flow passage 58. refuse is unloaded from container 16 into flow passage 58.
  • Compactor ram 98b pushes the refuse across floor 30 through opening 60b into lower compartment 54b and compacts the refuse within lower compartment 54b.
  • the operator selectively controls actuating mechanism 64 so as to extend channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 to block lower compartment 54b from the portion of flow passage 58 in communication with load opemng 52.
  • Extension of channeling member 62 by actuating mechanism 44 moves channeling member 62 along tracks 84 across flow passage 58.
  • Locating pins 86 extend from channeling member 62 and into bores 92 to further ensure correct alignment of channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 and below ram assembly 46a.
  • Interlock signaling mechanism 90 provides a signal to the operator indicating when the channeling member 62 is completely extended across flow passage 58.
  • channeling member 62 Upon complete extension of channeling member 62 across flow passage 58, the refuse within loading container 16 is unloaded from container 16 through load opening 52 into flow passage 58.
  • Channeling member 62 catches or captures the refuse above lower compartment 54b adjacent to upper compartment 54a.
  • Ram 98a is then actuated to move the refuse resting upon channeling member 62 across channeling member 62 through opening 60a into upper compartment 54a where the refuse is compacted within compartment 54a.
  • actuating mechanism 64 may once again selectively retract channeling member 62 to alternately channel refuse adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b.
  • Figures 3, 4A and 4B illustrate channeling member 62, actuating mechanism 64 and guiding mechanism 66 in greater detail.
  • Figure 3 is a top elevational view of channeling member 62, actuating mechanism 64 and locating pins 92 of locating mechanism 66.
  • Figure 4A and 4B are greatly enlarged side elevational views of channeling mechanism 44 with otherwise hidden portions shown in full or in section for illustration purposes.
  • Figures 4A and 4B illustrate channeling member 62 in a closed position and an opened position, respectively.
  • actuating mechanism 64 includes hydraulic cylinder assembly 78, bracket mount 80, bar 100 and housing 102. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 is fixed and secured to partition 42 by bracket mount 80 and includes cylinder 81 and piston 82.
  • actuation of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes piston 82 to selectively extend from and retract within cylinder 81.
  • Piston 82 is fixedly mounted to bar 100.
  • piston 82 is mounted to the center of bar 100.
  • Bar 100 is captured within the interior of channeling member 62.
  • actuation of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes bar 100 to engage channeling member 62 during extension of piston 82 to move channeling member 62 away from bracket mount 80.
  • Rearward actuation of piston 82 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes bar 100 to slidably move within the interior of channeling member 62 until bar 100 engages channeling member 62 to retract channeling member 62 towards bracket mount 80.
  • Housing 102 is fixedly coupled to partition 42 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 and mount bracket 80. Housing 102 protects actuating mechanism 64 and keeps refuse away from hydraulic cylinder assembly 78.
  • channeling member 62 is an elongate, slidable floor including front plate 104, rear plate 106, side plates 108, top plate 110 (shown in Figures 4 A and 4B), bottom plate 11 1 and angle plate 112.
  • Side plates 108 are connected, preferably by welds to front plate 104 and rear plate 106 so as to form a generally rectangular frame upon which top plate 110 and bottom plate 111 are secured, preferably by welding.
  • Front plate 104, rear plate 106, side plates 108, top plate 110 and bottom plate 111 form a generally hollow, rectangular flooring member for being slidably moved across refuse flow passage 58.
  • Plates 104-112 are preferably strong enough for supporting refuse contained within upper compartment 54a of vehicle 10.
  • Plates 104-112 are preferably formed from steel. Front plate 104 further defines openings 113 extending through front plate 100 between side plates 108 and top and bottom plates 110 and 112, respectively. Openings 113 are spaced along front plate 104 and are sized for receiving locating pins 86 of locating mechanism 66. Openings 113 permit locating pins 86 to extend forward away from front plate 104 (as shown in Figure 4A) and also permit locating pins 86 to be retracted within the interior of channeling member 62 (as shown in Figure 4B).
  • Top plate 110 and bottom plate 111 each include four spaced apart inwardly projecting knobs or tabs 114a (shown in Figures 4A and 4B) and 114b, respectively.
  • Tabs 114a, 114b and front plate 104 capture bar 100 of actuating mechanism 62 so that forward and rearward movement of bar 100 by hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes corresponding forward and rearward movement of channeling member 62.
  • Tabs 114a project downwardly from a lower surface of top plate 1 10 while tabs 114b extend upwardly from a top surface of bottom plate 111.
  • Tabs 114a, 1 14b preferably extend inwardly a distance sufficient for enabling tabs 114 to engage actuating mechanism 64.
  • Tabs 1 14a, 1 14b are preferably spaced from front wall 104 at a distance approximately equal to a thickness of bar 100 and a length of locating pins 86. Because tabs 1 14a, 1 14b are spaced from front wall 100 at a distance approximately equal to a thickness of bar 100 and a length of locating pins 86. retraction of piston 82 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 initially retracts or withdraws locating pins 86 through openings 113 into the interior of channeling member 62 before any rearward movement of channeling member 62.
  • locating pins 86 are also retracted within channeling member 62 and do not project outwardly from channeling member 62 (as shown in Figure 4B). Consequently, locating pins 86 do not catch or obstruct the flow of refuse through flow passage 58 when channeling member 62 is retracted to channel refuse adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b.
  • front plate 104 engages bar 100 when bar 100 is extended by hydraulic cylinder assembly 78. As a result, bar 100 presses against front plate 104 to move channeling member 62 forward across flow passage 58 (shown in Figures 1 and 2).
  • Angle plate 112 extends downwardly and rearwardly from top plate 110 to bottom plate 111. Angle plate 112 is fixedly secured to rear plate 106. Rear plate 106 and angle plate 112 define channel 120. Channel 120 extends through angle plate 112 and through rear plate 106 and communicates with the interior of channeling member 62. Channel 120 is sized for slidably receiving housing 102 surrounding actuating mechanism 64. Channel 120 permits channeling member 62 to slide or roll over and about housing 102 during extension and retraction of channeling member 62. Angle plate 112 assists in pushing refuse away from channeling member 62 as channeling member 62 is retracted from flow passage 58 towards tailgate assembly 38. During retraction of channeling member 62, angle plate 112 also assists in moving and holding refuse in upper compartment 54a by moving and compacting material towards tailgate assembly 38 of vehicle 10.
  • Locating pins 86 of locating mechanism 66 are fixedly secured to bar 100 of actuating mechanism 64. Locating pins 86 project into bores 92 to horizontally and vertically align and position channeling member 62 across refuse flow passage 58. Thus, locating pins 86 in conjunction with mating block 88 ensure correct positioning of channeling member 62 despite any deformation or warpage which may have resulted from use. Locating pins 86 prevent channeling member 62 from accidentally catching ram 98a due to deformation or warpage of channeling member 62.
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an alternate embodiment (refuse collection vehicle 210) of refuse collection vehicle 10 shown in Figures 1-4.
  • Figures 5 and 6 are fragmentary side elevational views of refuse collection vehicle 210 with otherwise hidden portions shown in full or in section for the purpose of illustrating the operation of refuse collection vehicle 210.
  • Refuse collection vehicle 210 is similar to the refuse collection vehicle 10 except that refuse collection vehicle 210 includes channeling mechanism 244 in lieu of channeling mechanism 44.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating channeling mechanism 244 in an open position for channeling refuse within flow passage 58 adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating channeling mechanism 244 in a closed position for channeling refuse within flow passage 58 adjacent to and into upper compartment 54a.
  • Channeling mechanism 244 includes channeling member 262, actuating mechanism 264 and locating mechanism 266.
  • Channeling member 262 is a generally elongate, rectangular box or plate extending between side walls 34 and having a length sufficient for enabling channeling member 262 to at least extend across flow passage 58.
  • Channeling member 262 is pivotally supported adjacent support member 270 which projects rearwardly from front wall 36 towards flow passage 58.
  • Actuating mechanism 264 moves and pivots channeling member 262 between an open position (shown in Figure 5) and a closed position (shown in Figure 6).
  • Actuating mechanism 264 includes lever 272 and dog 273.
  • Lever 272 is a generally elongate U-shaped rod or bar fixedly coupled to channeling member 262 and extending upwards from channeling member 262.
  • Lever 272 projects upwardly from channeling member 262 so as to engage dog 273.
  • Dog 273 comprises an engaging means or a catch for engaging lever 272 during at least part of the stroke of the compactor ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a.
  • Dog 273 is coupled to and extends from ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a.
  • dog 273 causes or allows lever 272 to rotate or pivot so that channeling member 262 rotates or pivots in a clockwise direction until channeling member 262 extends across flow passage 58.
  • Refuse may then be loaded through load opening 52 into flow passage 58 above channeling member 262.
  • the stroke of compactor ram 98a is completed to push and move refuse above channeling member 262 through opening 60a into upper compartment 54a.
  • both compactor ram assembly 46a and actuating mechanism 264 utilize one hydraulic- cylinder assembly for moving both the compactor ram and channeling member 262.
  • channeling member 262 may be moved by a separate, distinct hydraulic cylinder assembly.
  • channeling member 262 may be alternatively pivotally secured adjacent to partition 42 and rotated by hydraulic or other actuating means such as pneumatic, electrical or mechanical linkages.
  • Locating mechanism 266 ensures that channeling member 262 is correctly positioned across flow passage 58 and adjacent to partition 42.
  • Locating mechanism 266 includes pin 286, mating block 288 and linking tabs 291.
  • Pin 286 is slidably connected to channeling member 262 and has a length longer than the length of channeling member 262.
  • Pin 286 includes a first pointed end 293 and a second engaging end 295.
  • Pointed end 293 is sized for being received within mating block 288 and is extendable and retractable within channeling member 262.
  • Engaging end 295 extends pe ⁇ endicular to pin 286 and is sized for engaging tabs 291 during a portion of the stroke of ram 98a of ram assembly 46a.
  • Engaging tabs 291 are coupled relative to the ram 98a of ram assembly 46a and define a groove 297 for receiving engaging end 295 of pin 286.
  • Mating block 288 is fixedly coupled to intermediate wall 40 adjacent partition 42.
  • Mating block 288 defines a bore 292 for receiving pointed end 293 of pin 286.
  • pointed end 293 of pin 286 is fully retracted within channeling member 262 when channeling member 262 is rotated into an open position.
  • Engaging end 295 is completely withdrawn from engaging tabs 291.
  • channeling member 262 is rotated clockwise. Clockwise rotation of channeling member 262 causes engaging end 295 to be rotated into groove 297 of engaging tabs 291.
  • ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a slides pin 286 towards intermediate wall 40 to extend pointed end 293 of pin 286 from channeling member 262 into bore 292 of mating block 288 as shown in Figure 6.
  • channeling member 262 is locked and aligned across flow passage 58.
  • Retraction of ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a moves engaging tabs 291 towards front wall 36 to slide pin 286 towards front wall 36 until pointed end 293 of pin 286 is withdrawn from bore 292 of mating block 288 prior to further retraction of ram 98a and counter ⁇ clockwise rotation of channeling member 262.
  • Channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 enable refuse material to be selectively and alternatively loaded into separate compartments, upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b, through a single load opening 52 and a single flow passage 58. As a result, the refuse collection vehicle body does not require separate, distinct load openings and flow passages for each of the compartments. Thus, manufacturing of the refuse collection vehicle body is less complex, loading of refuse is simpler and more volume is available for holding and transporting refuse. Furthermore, because a single load opening is used for loading refuse into any one of the plurality of compartments 54a, 54b, specialized loading containers are not required. Channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 enable a refuse collection company to utilize a variety of differently sized single commodity containers while maintaining separation of commodities during the collection process. Thus, channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 provide a refuse company greater variation in collection order, equipment and procedures with lower capital investment in loading containers.
  • channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 may have a variety of configurations dependent upon the particular compartmentalization of the storage body and the configuration and location of the load opening and the flow passage in communication with the compartments.
  • vehicle body 18 may alternatively be partitioned into a plurality of side-by-side vertical compartments with a single flow passage horizontally extending across and above each of the vertical compartments.
  • a channeling member may be movably supported above the plurality of compartments to alternately channel and direct the flow of refuse into each of the compartments.
  • the channeling mechanism may be modified so as to only affect the direction of refuse flow within the flow passage into a selected one of the compartments.
  • the channeling mechanism of the present invention may utilize a plurality of channeling members.
  • a vehicle body divided into a plurality of side-by-side vertical compartments with a single load opening and flow passage extending above the plurality of vertical compartments may have a separate channeling member for each compartment.
  • each channeling member is movably positioned above its corresponding compartment to block the compartment from the single flow passage. Actuation of a particular channeling member opens the channeling member to allow material within the flow passage to pass into the particular compartment. Selective actuation of the plurality of channeling members channels and directs refuse into a selected compartment.
  • Such alternative arrangements also allow refuse to be loaded into a plurality of separate compartments within a refuse collection vehicle body through a single load opening.

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Abstract

A multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body (10) includes a floor (30), a roof (32) and a plurality of walls (34, 36) therebetween defining an interior storage space (50) having a load opening (52). At least one partition (42) is supported within the interior storage space (50) to divide the interior storage space into a plurality of compartments (54a, 54b). A refuse flow passage (58) extends from the load opening (52) and is in communication with each of the plurality of compartments (54a, 54b). A channeling mechanism (244) adjacent the flow passage alternately channels refuse within the flow passage (58) into one of the plurality of compartments (54a, 54b).

Description

CHANNELING MECHANISM FOR MULTI-COMPARTMENTALIZED REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE BODY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to refuse vehicles for collecting and transporting garbage and recyclable materials from residences or other commercial establishments to a central disposal point such as a dump, incinerator or recycling facility. In particular, the present invention relates to a refuse collection vehicle body or compactor including a channeling mechanism for alternately channeling refuse within a flow passage into one of a plurality of compartments to separate and store different types of refuse requiring separation.
In recent years, communities and states have developed programs for the segregation and collection of recyclable materials to minimize the consumption of natural resources and the exhaustion of landfills. In several states and communities, recycling programs have been mandated. To separate recyclable materials from non-recyclable materials and to separate different types of recyclable materials from one another requires distinct storage volumes for containing the refuse requiring separation.
However, vehicles intended to collect and haul waste or garbage typically include a single volume or compartment in which all collected refuse is stored and transported. As a result, the collected refuse is commingled in one large single compartment which is unloaded at a central disposal site. Because the single-compartment vehicle is not capable of separately storing and transporting different types of refuse concurrently, use ofthe single compartment refuse collection vehicles requires multiple trips between the collection site and the disposal site and multiple vehicles to separately accommodate each of the various' types of refuse requiring separation.
To minimize the number of trips and the number of vehicles required, special vehicles having multiple compartments have been designed to concurrently accommodate and separately store different types of commodities requiring separation. Typically, the special refuse collection vehicles having multiple compartments include multiple load openings and flow passages corresponding to the multiple compartments. The provision of a separate and distinct load opening and flow passage for each of the plurality of compartments increases the overall size, weight and complexity of the refuse collection vehicle body and reduces the capacity of the body.
At the collection site, multiple bins or a single bin having multiple compartments must be provided for containing and maintaining different types of refuse separate from one another. If separate bins are used for containing each type of refuse, each particular bin must be specifically aligned and unloaded into the appropriate load opening. As a result, loading refuse into the refuse collection vehicle body is complex and time consuming. Alternatively, if a multi-compartmentalized single bin is used to contain and separate the different types of refuse, each of the compartments of the bin must be specifically aligned with its respective load opening so as to unload the refuse into the appropriate compartment. As a result, a refuse collection company must obtain specialized containers having compartments that match the particular truck style and place them in their respective collection routes. This increases the cost of refuse collection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improved multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body and an improved method for loading different types of refuse requiring separation into a refuse collection vehicle body having a first compartment for holding a first type of refuse and having a second compartment for holding a second type of refuse. The refuse collection vehicle body includes a floor, a roof and a plurality of walls therebetween defining an interior storage space having a load opening. At least one partition is supported within the interior storage space to divide the interior storage space into a plurality of compartments. A refuse flow passage extends from the load opening and is in communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A channeling mechanism adjacent the flow passage alternately channels refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments.
The method ofthe present invention includes loading the first type of refuse into a load opening in communication with a flow passage extending adjacent to the first and second compartments, loading the second type of refuse into the load opening in communication with the flow passage extending adjacent to the first and second compartments, and alternately channeling the first type of refuse and the second type of refuse into the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively, by moving a movable channeling member between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable channeling member channels the first type of refuse into the first compartment in the first position and channels the second type of refuse into the second compartment in the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a refuse collection vehicle including a channeling mechanism in an open position with otherwise hidden portions of the refuse collection vehicle being shown in full or in section for purposes of illustration. Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the refuse collection vehicle of Figure 1 with the channeling mechanism shown in a closed position with portions of the refuse collection vehicle being shown in full or in section for purposes of illustration.
Figure 3 is a top elevational view of the channeling mechanism with portions removed for illustration purposes.
Figure 4A is a greatly enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the refuse collection vehicle showing the channeling mechanism in the closed position. Figure 4B is a greatly enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the refuse collection vehicle with the channeling mechanism in the opened position.
Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the refuse collection vehicle of Figure 1 illustrating the channeling mechanism in an open position with portions of the alternate embodiment being shown in full or in section for purposes of illustration.
Figure 6 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary side elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the refuse collection vehicle illustrating the channeling mechanism in a closed position with portions of the alternate embodiment being shown in full and in section for purposes of illustration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is a multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body for transporting and hauling waste requiring separation. The body includes a floor, a roof and a plurality of walls therebetween defining an interior storage space having a load opening. At least one partition supported within the interior storage space divides the interior storage space into a plurality of compartments. A refuse flow passage extends from the load opening and is in communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A channeling mechanism adjacent the flow passage alternately channels refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments. Because the channeling mechanism alternately channels refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments, different types of refuse requiring storage in separate compartments may be loaded through a single load opening and a single flow passage.
The present invention may be used in a wide variety of refuse collection vehicles having different body configurations and loading arrangements such as rear, side and front loading arrangements. However, for purposes of illustration, the present invention is depicted in Figures 1-6 for use in a front- loading refuse collection vehicle having a body divided into an upper compartment and a lower compartment.
Throughout the specification of the application, various terms are used such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower" and the like. These terms denote directions with respect to the drawings and are not limitations of orientation of the present invention. Rather, these terms are provided for clarity in describing the relationship between members of the multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" are used in describing relationships between components wherein the term "front" denotes a relative direction towards a cab of the vehicle and wherein the term "rear" denotes a relative direction towards a tailgate of the vehicle.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a front-loading refuse collection vehicle 10. Figures 1 and 2 are side elevational views of refuse collection vehicle 10 with otherwise hidden portions shown in full and in section for purposes of illustrating operation of refuse collection vehicle 10. Refuse collection vehicle 10 generally includes chassis 12, lifting mechanism 14, loading bin or container 16 and body 18. Chassis 12 may have a variety of configurations depending upon the configurations of lifting apparatus 14, loading container 16 and body 18 being used. Chassis 12 comprises a conventional chassis for supporting and transporting body 18 between collection and disposal sites. Chassis 12 further tips body 18 to unload refuse from body 18.
Lifting apparatus 14 is conventionally known and extends from chassis 12 and engages loading container 16. Lifting apparatus 14 lifts container 16 to unload the contents of container 16 into body 18. Container 16 is a single compartment cart or dumpster sized for containing one particular type of refuse. Container 16 is fixedly coupled to lifting mechanism 14. Alternatively, container 16 may be configured for engaging a pair of lifting forks projecting from lifting mechanism 14. Body 18 is mounted to chassis 12 and includes floor 30. roof 32, sidewalls 34, frontwall 36, tailgate assembly 38, intermediate wall 40, partition 42, channeling mechanism 44 and compactor ram assemblies 46a, 46b. Floor 30, roof 32, sidewalls 34, frontwall 36 and tailgate assembly 38 define an interior storage space 50. Roof 32 further defines a load opening 52 extending through roof 32 in communication with interior storage space 50. Partition 42 horizontally extends intermediate floor 30 and roof 32 to divide interior storage space 50 into an upper compartment 54a and a lower compartment 54b. Intermediate wall 40 vertically extends between floor 30 and roof 32 between partition 42 and frontwall 36 to subdivide body 18 into a storage portion including compartments 54a, 54b and a compactor portion or loading mechanism which includes channeling mechanism 44, ram assemblies 46a, 46b, load opening 52 and a refuse flow passage 58. In lieu of being constructed with the storage portion of body 18, the compactor portion may alternatively be separately constructed for use with a variety of storage portion configurations. Intermediate wall 40 defines openings 60a, 60b extending through sidewall 39 from flow passage 58 into upper and lower compartments 54a, 54b. Flow passage 58 extends downward below load opening 52 and is in continuous communication with upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b through openings 60a, 60b. As a result, refuse within container 16 which is loaded through load opening 52 into flow passage 58 by lifting mechanism 14 may be channeled to either upper compartment 54a or lower compartment 54b depending upon the selected position of channeling mechanism 44.
Channeling mechanism 44 alternately channels refuse within flow passage 58 into either upper compartment 54a or lower compartment 54b. Channeling mechanism 44 includes channeling member 62, actuating mechanism 64 and locating mechanism 66. Channeling member 62 is a generally elongate, rectangular plate or box having a width corresponding to the width of flow passage 58 and a length sufficient to enable channeling member to at least extend across flow passage 58. Channeling member 62 horizontally extends through intermediate wall 40, below opening 60a and above opening 60b and partition 42. Channeling member 62 slides over a top surface of partition 42. Alternatively, channeling member 62 includes rollers, bearing balls, tongue and groove arrangements or other mechanisms between channeling member 62 and partition 42 or between channeling member 62 and side walls 34 to assist and guide the movement of channeling member 62 across partition 42 and adjacent to side walls 34. As a result, channeling member 62 may be actuated or moved so as to substantially intersect and block flow passage 58 to channel refuse loaded into flow passage 58 through load opening 52 adjacent to and into upper compartment 54a as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, channeling member 62 may be at least partially retracted from flow passage 58 and through intermediate wall 40 to allow refuse loaded into flow passage 58 through load opening 52 to fall adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b as shown in Figure 1. Channeling member 62 is coupled to actuating mechanism 64.
Actuating mechanism 64 actuates and moves channeling member 62 between a closed position (shown in Figure 2) and an open position (shown in Figure 1) so as to alternately channel refuse loaded into flow passage 58 adjacent and into upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b. Actuating mechanism 64 preferably includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 fixedly coupled to partition 42 by bracket mount 80. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 includes a cylinder 81 and piston 82. Piston 82 is coupled to and engages channeling member 62 to slidably extend and retract channeling member 62 between the open position and the closed position. Actuating mechanism 44 is controlled by an operator to move channeling member 62 between the closed and open positions so as to selectively channel refuse into the upper and lower compartments 54a, 54b. Alternatively, actuating mechanism 42 may employ pneumatic, electrical or other mechanical linkages for actuating or moving channeling member 62 between the closed and the open positions so as to selectively and alternately channel refuse into upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b.
Locating mechanism 66 guides and directs movement of channeling member 62 within body 18 and ensures correct positioning of channeling member 62. Locating mechanism 66 includes tracks 84, locating pins 86, mating block 88 and interlock signaling mechanisms 90. Tracks 84 extend along at least one sidewall 34 and project inwardly into flow passage 58 along a range of forward and rearward movement of channeling member 62. Preferably, tracks 84 extend at least from intermediate wall 40 across flow passage 58 towards mating block 88. Alternatively, tracks 84 may comprise a plurality of spaced apart knobs or projections extending from at least one sidewall 34 into flow passage 58. Furthermore, tracks 84 may alternatively be formed by elongate grooves extending into at least one sidewall 34. Tracks 84 engage channeling member 62 so as to guide movement of channeling member 62 through and across flow passage 58.
Locating pins 86 and mating block 88 engage one another to ensure correct vertical and horizontal positioning of channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 and below compactor mechanism 46a. Locating pins 86 project outwardly from an end of channeling member 62. In the preferred embodiment, locating pins 86 are also retractable to within channeling member 62 upon rearward actuation of actuating mechanism 64. Locating pins 86 extend into and engage mating block 88 so as to align and support channeling member 62 across flow passage 58. Locating pins 86 are preferably chamfered at their ends to assist in lining up channeling member 62 with mating block 88. Mating block 88 is an elongate beam extending rearward from frontwall 36 towards flow passage 58 opposite channeling member 62. Mating block 88 defines bores 92 and bores 94. Bores 92 extend into mating block 88 towards front wall 36. Bores 92 are aligned and spaced opposite locating pins 86 extending from channeling member 62. Bores 92 preferably have a depth greater than or equal to the length of locating pins 86 and are sized for receiving locating pins 86. Bores 92 receive locating pins 86 to align and maintain channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 and below compactor assembly 46a. Bores 94 extend from a lower surface of mating block 88 upward through mating block 88 into communication with bores 92. Bores 94 are sized for the passage of refuse. As a result, bores 94 permit refuse caught or trapped within bores 92 to be discharged from bores 92 when locating pins 86 initially engage mating block 88. Interlock signaling mechanisms 90 preferably comprises electric limit switches having sensors adjacent at least one of bores 92 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 78. Interlock signaling mechanisms 90 senses when locating pins 86 are positioned within bores 92 and further senses when piston 82 is fully retracted from flow passage 58. Alternatively, interlock signaling mechanisms 90 may include hydraulic or pneumatic values and switches, mechanical linkages or other electrical based switches for indicating when channeling member 62 is fully extended or fully retracted across flow passage 58. Interlock signaling mechanism 90 indicates to the operator when channeling member 62 is fully extended across flow passage 58 or fully retracted from flow passage 58. As a result, interlock signaling mechanism 90 indicates to the operator when loading and compacting cycles may begin and into which compartment refuse is currently being channeled by channeling mechanism 44.
Compactor ram assemblies 46a. 46b (schematically shown) are conventionally known in the field and are provided for pushing and compacting waste and recyclable materials in a pre-selected direction. Ram assembly 46a is mounted adjacent frontwall 36 above mating block 88, lower compartment 54b and channeling member 62 of channeling mechanism 44. Ram assembly 46a includes cover plate 96a and ram 98a. Cover plate 96a extends between sidewalls 34 and is slightly inclined downwardly and rearwardly from frontwall 36. Cover plate 96a houses and protects ram 98a while channeling waste and recyclables forward of ram 98a when ram 98a is in a retracted position. Ram 98a (schematically shown) is well-known in the art. Ram 98a extends below cover plate 96a adjacent load opening 52 and flow passage 58 and above mating block 88 and channeling member 62. In a typical arrangement, ram 98a includes a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly wherein the piston is coupled to a front blade of the ram to move the blade forward and rearward. Ram 98a is preferably controlled through pneumatic or electrical control means which actuate ram 98a. Ram 98a extends across and above a top surface of channeling member 62 to push waste and recyclable refuse across channeling member 62 through opening 60a and into upper compartment 54a. Ram 98a is then retracted to once again repeat the cycle. As can be appreciated, ram 98a may alternatively be configured such that ram 98a may be extended rearwardly beyond intermediate wall 39 into upper compartment 54a to further compact waste and recyclable refuse. Once refuse is cleared from flow passage 58 above channeling member 62, ram 98a is retracted to below cover plate 96a so that the operator may completely open flow passage 58 by retracting channeling member 62 to permit refuse to fall adjacent to ram assembly 46b and lower compartment 54b.
Ram assembly 46b is similar to ram assembly 46a but is positioned below mating block 88 adjacent floor 30 and lower compartment 54b. As discussed above, retraction of channeling member 62 by actuating mechanism 64 allows refuse loaded into load opening 52 to pass completely through flow passage 58 adjacent to lower compartment 54a and ram assembly 46b. As with ram assembly 46a, ram assembly 46b also includes a cover plate 96b and a ram 98b. Cover plate 96b extends between sidewalls 34 and is slightly inclined downwardly and rearwardly from frontwall 36. Cover plate 96b houses and protects ram 98b while channeling waste and recyclable refuse forwardly of ram 98b when ram 98b is in a retracted position. Ram 98b extends below cover plate 96b adjacent floor 30 towards intermediate wall 39. Ram 98b pushes waste and recyclable refuse above floor 30 within flow passage 58 across floor 30 through opening 60b into lower compartment 54b. As can be appreciated, ram 98b may alternatively be configured so that ram 98b may be extended rearwardly beyond intermediate wall 40 into lower compartment 54b to further compact waste and recyclable refuse. Alternatively, ram assemblies 46a, 46b may be replaced with other conventional material moving means such as aprons, conveyors, vibrating mechanisms, gravity flow structures, shredders or grinders.
As shown by Figures 1 and 2, channeling member 62 of channeling mechanism 44 is movable between a first closed position wherein refuse within flow passage 58 is channeled into upper compartment 54a (shown in Figure 2) and a second opened position wherein refuse within flow passage 58 is channeled into lower compartment 54b (shown in Figure 1). In particular, refuse within loading container 16 is lifted by lifting mechanism 14 so as to empty refuse within container 16 through load opening 52 into flow passage 58. Depending upon the type of refuse being loaded, the operator selectively actuates channeling mechanism 44 to direct the refuse into either the upper compartment 54a or lower compartment 54b. If the refuse being loaded is to be stored within lower compartment 54b. channeling member 62 is retracted from flow passage 58 (as shown in Figure 1) to permit the refuse loaded through load opening 52 to fall adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b. To prevent refuse within upper compartment 54a from accidentally falling adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b when channeling member 62 is retracted, body 18 may be additionally provided with wipers adjacent opening 60a. As conventionally known, wipers act like one-way doors, allowing refuse to enter, but not leave a compartment. Interlock signaling mechanism 90 provides a signal to the operator indicating when channeling member 60 is completely retracted from across flow- passage 58 before the refuse is loaded into flow passage 58. Once channeling member 60 is fully retracted from across flow passage 58. refuse is unloaded from container 16 into flow passage 58. Compactor ram 98b pushes the refuse across floor 30 through opening 60b into lower compartment 54b and compacts the refuse within lower compartment 54b.
Alternatively, if the refuse being loaded is to be stored in upper compartment 54a, the operator selectively controls actuating mechanism 64 so as to extend channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 to block lower compartment 54b from the portion of flow passage 58 in communication with load opemng 52. Extension of channeling member 62 by actuating mechanism 44 moves channeling member 62 along tracks 84 across flow passage 58. Locating pins 86 extend from channeling member 62 and into bores 92 to further ensure correct alignment of channeling member 62 across flow passage 58 and below ram assembly 46a. Interlock signaling mechanism 90 provides a signal to the operator indicating when the channeling member 62 is completely extended across flow passage 58. Upon complete extension of channeling member 62 across flow passage 58, the refuse within loading container 16 is unloaded from container 16 through load opening 52 into flow passage 58. Channeling member 62 catches or captures the refuse above lower compartment 54b adjacent to upper compartment 54a. Ram 98a is then actuated to move the refuse resting upon channeling member 62 across channeling member 62 through opening 60a into upper compartment 54a where the refuse is compacted within compartment 54a. Once ram 98a has completely moved all the refuse resting upon channeling member 62 into upper compartment 54a, actuating mechanism 64 may once again selectively retract channeling member 62 to alternately channel refuse adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b.
Figures 3, 4A and 4B illustrate channeling member 62, actuating mechanism 64 and guiding mechanism 66 in greater detail. Figure 3 is a top elevational view of channeling member 62, actuating mechanism 64 and locating pins 92 of locating mechanism 66. Figure 4A and 4B are greatly enlarged side elevational views of channeling mechanism 44 with otherwise hidden portions shown in full or in section for illustration purposes. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate channeling member 62 in a closed position and an opened position, respectively. As best shown by Figure 3, actuating mechanism 64 includes hydraulic cylinder assembly 78, bracket mount 80, bar 100 and housing 102. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 is fixed and secured to partition 42 by bracket mount 80 and includes cylinder 81 and piston 82. As is conventionally known, actuation of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes piston 82 to selectively extend from and retract within cylinder 81. Piston 82 is fixedly mounted to bar 100. Preferably, piston 82 is mounted to the center of bar 100. Bar 100 is captured within the interior of channeling member 62. As a result, actuation of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes bar 100 to engage channeling member 62 during extension of piston 82 to move channeling member 62 away from bracket mount 80. Rearward actuation of piston 82 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes bar 100 to slidably move within the interior of channeling member 62 until bar 100 engages channeling member 62 to retract channeling member 62 towards bracket mount 80. Housing 102 is fixedly coupled to partition 42 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 and mount bracket 80. Housing 102 protects actuating mechanism 64 and keeps refuse away from hydraulic cylinder assembly 78.
As best shown by Figure 3, channeling member 62 is an elongate, slidable floor including front plate 104, rear plate 106, side plates 108, top plate 110 (shown in Figures 4 A and 4B), bottom plate 11 1 and angle plate 112. Side plates 108 are connected, preferably by welds to front plate 104 and rear plate 106 so as to form a generally rectangular frame upon which top plate 110 and bottom plate 111 are secured, preferably by welding. Front plate 104, rear plate 106, side plates 108, top plate 110 and bottom plate 111 form a generally hollow, rectangular flooring member for being slidably moved across refuse flow passage 58. Plates 104-112 are preferably strong enough for supporting refuse contained within upper compartment 54a of vehicle 10. Plates 104-112 are preferably formed from steel. Front plate 104 further defines openings 113 extending through front plate 100 between side plates 108 and top and bottom plates 110 and 112, respectively. Openings 113 are spaced along front plate 104 and are sized for receiving locating pins 86 of locating mechanism 66. Openings 113 permit locating pins 86 to extend forward away from front plate 104 (as shown in Figure 4A) and also permit locating pins 86 to be retracted within the interior of channeling member 62 (as shown in Figure 4B).
Top plate 110 and bottom plate 111 each include four spaced apart inwardly projecting knobs or tabs 114a (shown in Figures 4A and 4B) and 114b, respectively. Tabs 114a, 114b and front plate 104 capture bar 100 of actuating mechanism 62 so that forward and rearward movement of bar 100 by hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 causes corresponding forward and rearward movement of channeling member 62. Tabs 114a project downwardly from a lower surface of top plate 1 10 while tabs 114b extend upwardly from a top surface of bottom plate 111. Tabs 114a, 1 14b preferably extend inwardly a distance sufficient for enabling tabs 114 to engage actuating mechanism 64. Tabs 1 14a, 1 14b are preferably spaced from front wall 104 at a distance approximately equal to a thickness of bar 100 and a length of locating pins 86. Because tabs 1 14a, 1 14b are spaced from front wall 100 at a distance approximately equal to a thickness of bar 100 and a length of locating pins 86. retraction of piston 82 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 78 initially retracts or withdraws locating pins 86 through openings 113 into the interior of channeling member 62 before any rearward movement of channeling member 62. As a result, when channeling member 62 is withdrawn or retracted from refuse flow passage 58, locating pins 86 are also retracted within channeling member 62 and do not project outwardly from channeling member 62 (as shown in Figure 4B). Consequently, locating pins 86 do not catch or obstruct the flow of refuse through flow passage 58 when channeling member 62 is retracted to channel refuse adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b. As best shown by Figures 3 and 4A, front plate 104 engages bar 100 when bar 100 is extended by hydraulic cylinder assembly 78. As a result, bar 100 presses against front plate 104 to move channeling member 62 forward across flow passage 58 (shown in Figures 1 and 2).
Angle plate 112 extends downwardly and rearwardly from top plate 110 to bottom plate 111. Angle plate 112 is fixedly secured to rear plate 106. Rear plate 106 and angle plate 112 define channel 120. Channel 120 extends through angle plate 112 and through rear plate 106 and communicates with the interior of channeling member 62. Channel 120 is sized for slidably receiving housing 102 surrounding actuating mechanism 64. Channel 120 permits channeling member 62 to slide or roll over and about housing 102 during extension and retraction of channeling member 62. Angle plate 112 assists in pushing refuse away from channeling member 62 as channeling member 62 is retracted from flow passage 58 towards tailgate assembly 38. During retraction of channeling member 62, angle plate 112 also assists in moving and holding refuse in upper compartment 54a by moving and compacting material towards tailgate assembly 38 of vehicle 10.
As best shown by Figure 4A, locating pins 86 of locating mechanism 66 are fixedly secured to bar 100 of actuating mechanism 64. Locating pins 86 project into bores 92 to horizontally and vertically align and position channeling member 62 across refuse flow passage 58. Thus, locating pins 86 in conjunction with mating block 88 ensure correct positioning of channeling member 62 despite any deformation or warpage which may have resulted from use. Locating pins 86 prevent channeling member 62 from accidentally catching ram 98a due to deformation or warpage of channeling member 62.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an alternate embodiment (refuse collection vehicle 210) of refuse collection vehicle 10 shown in Figures 1-4. Figures 5 and 6 are fragmentary side elevational views of refuse collection vehicle 210 with otherwise hidden portions shown in full or in section for the purpose of illustrating the operation of refuse collection vehicle 210. For ease of illustration, those elements of refuse collection vehicle 210 which are the same as corresponding elements of refuse collection vehicle 10 are numbered similarly. Refuse collection vehicle 210 is similar to the refuse collection vehicle 10 except that refuse collection vehicle 210 includes channeling mechanism 244 in lieu of channeling mechanism 44. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating channeling mechanism 244 in an open position for channeling refuse within flow passage 58 adjacent to and into lower compartment 54b. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating channeling mechanism 244 in a closed position for channeling refuse within flow passage 58 adjacent to and into upper compartment 54a. Channeling mechanism 244 includes channeling member 262, actuating mechanism 264 and locating mechanism 266. Channeling member 262 is a generally elongate, rectangular box or plate extending between side walls 34 and having a length sufficient for enabling channeling member 262 to at least extend across flow passage 58. Channeling member 262 is pivotally supported adjacent support member 270 which projects rearwardly from front wall 36 towards flow passage 58.
Actuating mechanism 264 moves and pivots channeling member 262 between an open position (shown in Figure 5) and a closed position (shown in Figure 6). Actuating mechanism 264 includes lever 272 and dog 273. Lever 272 is a generally elongate U-shaped rod or bar fixedly coupled to channeling member 262 and extending upwards from channeling member 262. Lever 272 projects upwardly from channeling member 262 so as to engage dog 273.
Dog 273 comprises an engaging means or a catch for engaging lever 272 during at least part of the stroke of the compactor ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a. Dog 273 is coupled to and extends from ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a. As compactor ram 98a is initially extended, dog 273 causes or allows lever 272 to rotate or pivot so that channeling member 262 rotates or pivots in a clockwise direction until channeling member 262 extends across flow passage 58. Refuse may then be loaded through load opening 52 into flow passage 58 above channeling member 262. Once refuse is loaded, the stroke of compactor ram 98a is completed to push and move refuse above channeling member 262 through opening 60a into upper compartment 54a. Once refuse within flow passage 58 above channeling member 262 is completely removed and compressed within upper compartment 54a, the ram is retracted to the point shown in Figure 6. Continued retraction of the ram causes dog 273 to engage lever 272 and to pivot channeling member 262 in a counter-clockwise direction to open flow passage 58 as shown in Figure 5 so that refuse may be then loaded adjacent and into lower compartment 54b. As a result, both compactor ram assembly 46a and actuating mechanism 264 utilize one hydraulic- cylinder assembly for moving both the compactor ram and channeling member 262. Alternatively, as can be appreciated, channeling member 262 may be moved by a separate, distinct hydraulic cylinder assembly. Furthermore, channeling member 262 may be alternatively pivotally secured adjacent to partition 42 and rotated by hydraulic or other actuating means such as pneumatic, electrical or mechanical linkages.
Locating mechanism 266 ensures that channeling member 262 is correctly positioned across flow passage 58 and adjacent to partition 42. Locating mechanism 266 includes pin 286, mating block 288 and linking tabs 291. Pin 286 is slidably connected to channeling member 262 and has a length longer than the length of channeling member 262. Pin 286 includes a first pointed end 293 and a second engaging end 295. Pointed end 293 is sized for being received within mating block 288 and is extendable and retractable within channeling member 262. Engaging end 295 extends peφendicular to pin 286 and is sized for engaging tabs 291 during a portion of the stroke of ram 98a of ram assembly 46a. Engaging tabs 291 are coupled relative to the ram 98a of ram assembly 46a and define a groove 297 for receiving engaging end 295 of pin 286. Mating block 288 is fixedly coupled to intermediate wall 40 adjacent partition 42. Mating block 288 defines a bore 292 for receiving pointed end 293 of pin 286.
As shown by Figure 5, pointed end 293 of pin 286 is fully retracted within channeling member 262 when channeling member 262 is rotated into an open position. Engaging end 295 is completely withdrawn from engaging tabs 291. As discussed above, upon extension of the ram of compactor ram assembly 246a, channeling member 262 is rotated clockwise. Clockwise rotation of channeling member 262 causes engaging end 295 to be rotated into groove 297 of engaging tabs 291. Continued extension of ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a slides pin 286 towards intermediate wall 40 to extend pointed end 293 of pin 286 from channeling member 262 into bore 292 of mating block 288 as shown in Figure 6. As a result, channeling member 262 is locked and aligned across flow passage 58. Retraction of ram 98a of compactor ram assembly 46a moves engaging tabs 291 towards front wall 36 to slide pin 286 towards front wall 36 until pointed end 293 of pin 286 is withdrawn from bore 292 of mating block 288 prior to further retraction of ram 98a and counter¬ clockwise rotation of channeling member 262.
Channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 enable refuse material to be selectively and alternatively loaded into separate compartments, upper compartment 54a and lower compartment 54b, through a single load opening 52 and a single flow passage 58. As a result, the refuse collection vehicle body does not require separate, distinct load openings and flow passages for each of the compartments. Thus, manufacturing of the refuse collection vehicle body is less complex, loading of refuse is simpler and more volume is available for holding and transporting refuse. Furthermore, because a single load opening is used for loading refuse into any one of the plurality of compartments 54a, 54b, specialized loading containers are not required. Channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 enable a refuse collection company to utilize a variety of differently sized single commodity containers while maintaining separation of commodities during the collection process. Thus, channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 provide a refuse company greater variation in collection order, equipment and procedures with lower capital investment in loading containers.
As can be appreciated, channeling mechanisms 44 and 244 may have a variety of configurations dependent upon the particular compartmentalization of the storage body and the configuration and location of the load opening and the flow passage in communication with the compartments. For example, vehicle body 18 may alternatively be partitioned into a plurality of side-by-side vertical compartments with a single flow passage horizontally extending across and above each of the vertical compartments. In such an arrangement, a channeling member may be movably supported above the plurality of compartments to alternately channel and direct the flow of refuse into each of the compartments. In lieu of completely blocking the flow passage, the channeling mechanism may be modified so as to only affect the direction of refuse flow within the flow passage into a selected one of the compartments.
Furthermore, the channeling mechanism of the present invention may utilize a plurality of channeling members. For example, a vehicle body divided into a plurality of side-by-side vertical compartments with a single load opening and flow passage extending above the plurality of vertical compartments may have a separate channeling member for each compartment. In such an arrangement, each channeling member is movably positioned above its corresponding compartment to block the compartment from the single flow passage. Actuation of a particular channeling member opens the channeling member to allow material within the flow passage to pass into the particular compartment. Selective actuation of the plurality of channeling members channels and directs refuse into a selected compartment. Such alternative arrangements also allow refuse to be loaded into a plurality of separate compartments within a refuse collection vehicle body through a single load opening. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body, the body comprising: a floor, a roof and a plurality of walls therebetween defining an interior storage space having a load opening; at least one partition supported within the interior storage space dividing the interior storage space into a plurality of compartments; a refuse flow passage extending from the load opening and in communication with each of the plurality of compartments; and a channeling mechanism adjacent the flow passage for alternately channeling refuse within the flow passage into one of the plurality of compartments.
2. The body of claim 1 wherein the channeling mechanism includes a movable channeling member supported adjacent the flow passage, the channeling member being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the channeling member channels refuse within the flow passage into a first one of the plurality of compartments in the first position and channels refuse within the flow passage into a second one ofthe plurality of compartments in the second position.
3. The body of claim 2 wherein the movable channeling member is pivotable between the first position and the second position.
4. The body of claim 3 including: a mating member coupled to the body adjacent the refuse flow passage opposite the channeling member; a locating pin extending from one of the mating member and the channeling member; and a bore defined by the other of the mating member and the channeling member for receiving the locating pin.
5. The body of claim 4 wherein the locating pin extends from the channeling member and wherein the bore is defined within the mating member.
6. The body of claim 5 wherein the locating pin is extendable from the channeling member and is retractable within the channeling member.
7. The body of claim 5 including: a discharge passage extending through the mating member into the bore so that the locating pin discharges refuse from the bore through the passage when the locating pin engages the mating member.
8. The body of claim 2 wherein said at least one partition includes a partition extending intermediate the floor and the roof to divide the interior storage space into an upper compartment and a lower compartment adjacent the flow passage and wherein the channeling member is slidably supported above the partition, the channeling member including: a plate extending from the channeling member towards the partition, wherein the plate compacts refuse as the channeling member is moved above the partition.
9. The body of claim 2 including: a tracking mechanism extending along at least one of the walls for guiding movement of the channeling member between the first position and the second position.
10. The body of claim 2 including: an extendable and retractable compactor ramp above the movable channeling member for moving refuse held above the channeling member into one of the plurality of compartments.
1 1. The body of claim 2 including: a signaling mechanism for indicating when the channeling member is in the first position and when the channeling member is in the second position.
PCT/US1996/012701 1995-08-04 1996-08-05 Channeling mechanism for multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body WO1997006031A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU66465/96A AU6646596A (en) 1995-08-04 1996-08-05 Channeling mechanism for multi-compartmentalized refuse collection vehicle body

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US51132595A 1995-08-04 1995-08-04
US08/511,325 1995-08-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997006031A1 true WO1997006031A1 (en) 1997-02-20

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WO (1) WO1997006031A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

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EP1064208A1 (en) * 1997-12-23 2001-01-03 MacDonald Johnston Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd. Improvements relating to divided refuse vehicles
EP2196411A1 (en) * 2008-12-15 2010-06-16 Officine Meccaniche Bresciane S.r.L. Device for selectively conveying waste in a differentiated waste collection vehicle
CN108001918A (en) * 2017-12-28 2018-05-08 山东五征集团有限公司 Can be classified loading and unloading type Dumpcart wagon

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AUPO577597A0 (en) * 1997-03-21 1997-04-17 Farnow Pty Limited Refuse loading, compaction and transportation system
AUPO848597A0 (en) * 1997-08-08 1997-09-04 Farnow Pty Limited Refuse loading, compaction and transportation system

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DE2914532A1 (en) * 1978-04-17 1979-10-25 Mut Masch & Transport Self loading lorry for sorted bulk load - has adjustable bulk head to separate loads in skip, and tipper mechanism for discharge (NL 19.10.79)
EP0314238A1 (en) * 1987-10-26 1989-05-03 Geesink B.V. Container with several compartments for a refuse lorry, and refuse lorry provided with such a container
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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1064208A1 (en) * 1997-12-23 2001-01-03 MacDonald Johnston Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd. Improvements relating to divided refuse vehicles
EP1064208A4 (en) * 1997-12-23 2001-08-22 Macdonald Johnston Eng Improvements relating to divided refuse vehicles
EP2196411A1 (en) * 2008-12-15 2010-06-16 Officine Meccaniche Bresciane S.r.L. Device for selectively conveying waste in a differentiated waste collection vehicle
CN108001918A (en) * 2017-12-28 2018-05-08 山东五征集团有限公司 Can be classified loading and unloading type Dumpcart wagon
CN108001918B (en) * 2017-12-28 2023-10-20 山东五征集团有限公司 Garbage truck carriage capable of being assembled and disassembled in classified mode

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