Lifting arm for a waste collection vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifting arm (1) for a waste collection vehicle, comprising two side walls (2, 3) with recesses (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) arranged in pairs aligned with each other, which are designed to form attachment points, with a first attachment point A at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to an actuator, a second attachment point B at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a collection container (8), a third attachment point C at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a rear section (9), and a fourth attachment point D at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a pull lever (11), wherein the second attachment point B and the third attachment point C are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, the distance being adapted to a height difference between the rear section (9) and the collection container (8), and the first connection point A and the fourth connection point D are spaced apart in the vertical direction,the distance is adjusted to a height difference between the rear section (9) and the collection container (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lifting arm for a refuse collection vehicle according to patent claim 1.

[0002] Refuse collection vehicles have a body with a collection container into which the collected waste is emptied. To empty the collection container itself, it is pivotably mounted on the chassis of the refuse collection vehicle. The rear section, which is attached to the collection container and may be equipped with a lifting and tipping device and / or a compaction mechanism, pivots away, allowing the waste inside to fall out.

[0003] The rear section is connected to the collection container via a lifting arm, which is also actuated by an actuator to pivot the rear section. To meet diverse customer requirements, collection containers of different sizes, and therefore with different volumes, are available. From a manufacturing perspective, it is advantageous if, despite the different dimensions of the collection containers, the rear sections can be as identical as possible. If the collection containers vary in height, it is not always possible to also raise the rear section, as standards regarding the filling must be observed. This results in a height difference between the rear section and the collection container, which must be compensated for with an additional adapter component. This causes additional production and assembly costs.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a lifting arm that integrates the functions of several components. This object is achieved by a lifting arm having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to a lifting arm for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising two side walls with recesses arranged in pairs in alignment with one another, which are designed to form connection points, with a first connection point A, at which the lifting arm can be connected to an actuator, a second connection point B, at which the lifting arm can be connected to a collection container, a third connection point C, at which the lifting arm can be connected to a rear part and a fourth connection point D, at which the lifting arm can be connected to a pull lever, wherein the second connection point B and the third connection point C are spaced apart in the vertical direction, wherein the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear part and the collection container and the first connection point A and the fourth connection point D are spaced apart in the vertical direction, wherein the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear part and the collection container.

[0006] The lifting arm is a component preferably made of a metallic material.

[0007] When installed, the lifting arm is located at the rear end of the collection container and connected to it via the second connection point B. An actuator, which could be a hydraulic cylinder, for example, engages the first connection point A.

[0008] The actuator moves the lifting arm around a pivot point, causing it to pivot upward. Preferably, the lifting arm is pivotally mounted at the second connection point B, which thus also forms the pivot point.

[0009] This rotation of the lifting arm causes the rear section to move backward and upward away from the collection container without immediately pivoting upward. This first releases the seal located between the rear section and the collection container without damaging it, and then releases a locking mechanism on the rear section, making it possible to pivot the rear section upward in the first place.

[0010] The pull lever located at the fourth connection point D is also connected to the rear section. The pull lever has a longitudinally extending slot through which a bolt of the rear section passes. When the lifting arm is moved by the actuator, the pull lever is also pulled upward. The pull lever slides over the bolt until it hits the lower end of the pull lever's slot. The pull lever then pulls the rear section with it, which pivots around the pivot axis to open the corner of the collection container.

[0011] By adjusting the distance between the second connection point B and the third connection point C and the distance between the first connection point A and the fourth connection point D to the height difference between the rear section and the collection container, it is possible to eliminate the need for an adapter part. This simplifies assembly and increases production efficiency.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the first connection point A and the second connection point B are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction refers to the direction that corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the lifting arm is installed. This ensures optimal transmission of the actuator's tensile force. Preferably, the first connection point A and the second connection point B are also spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, such that a pull rod of the actuator that engages the first connection point can be guided over the second connection point B.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side walls are connected to one another via a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is particularly preferably a sheet metal component. The reinforcing element provides stability and rigidity to the lifting arm, while saving material and weight compared to a lifting arm made from a single piece.

[0014] Furthermore, the side walls are preferably connected to the reinforcing element at least in sections by a material fit, particularly preferably by welding, and / or a form fit, particularly preferably by projections of the reinforcing element engaging first openings in the side walls. The material fit, particularly by welding, allows a stable and resilient connection between the individual parts to be created quickly and automatically. The form fit offers the advantage of an uncomplicated connection between the individual parts. In combination with the material fit, the individual parts can initially be arranged immovably relative to one another, so that the material fit can subsequently be achieved without defects.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement element extends substantially between the first connection point A and the second connection point B. The reinforcement element can, for example, be designed as a sheet metal strip that extends substantially between the aforementioned connection points. This reinforces the lifting arm, so that the tensile force exerted by the actuator can be absorbed by the lifting arm.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a bracket is arranged between the side walls. The bracket serves as a stop for an adjusting screw, the positioning of which allows for at least partial adjustment of the gap between the rear section and the collection container. The arrangement of the screw and bracket is such that, depending on the screw's position, the lifting arm rests in a lower or higher position when the rear section is closed, as viewed vertically. This allows the rear section to be pivoted closer or closer to the collection container, thus adjusting the gap width.

[0017] Furthermore, it is provided that the side walls are connected to the bracket at least in sections by a material fit, particularly preferably by welding, and / or a form fit, particularly preferably by projections of the bracket engaging second openings in the side walls. The material fit, particularly by welding, allows a stable and durable connection of the individual parts to be created quickly and automatically. The form fit offers the advantage of an uncomplicated connection of the individual parts to one another. In combination with the material fit, the individual parts can initially be arranged immovably relative to one another, so that the material fit can subsequently be achieved without defects.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an extension extends longitudinally from the third connection point C toward the fourth connection point D. This means that there is no continuous, direct material connection between the third connection point C and the fourth connection point D. This is kinematically unnecessary, and the elimination of material saves weight.

[0019] The bracket is preferably located near the extension. This ensures the lifting arm is designed with efficient materials. The bracket is preferably located in a lower and a middle area of ​​the lifting arm so that it can easily engage with the adjustment screw. The lifting arm is thus designed in such a way that its material is only used where necessary, namely to support the bracket.

[0020] Furthermore, the bracket is preferably an angled sheet metal part. Such a piece can be easily manufactured as a stamped sheet metal part subjected to a simple bending process, thus requiring minimal manufacturing effort.

[0021] A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the recesses forming the connection points are at least partially provided with stiffening elements. The connection points connect the lifting arm to other components, the collection container, or the rear section. This is preferably done via corresponding recesses through which bolts penetrate, just like the connection point recesses. Strong forces act on the recesses, which can lead to cracks and wear. To prevent this, or to improve the service life of the lifting arms, stiffening elements are provided that locally reinforce the side walls of the lifting arm.

[0022] Preferably, the stiffening elements are integrally connected, preferably welded, to the side walls, at least in sections. The stiffening elements are manufactured as individual, straightforward components and joined integrally to the side walls. The tooling and material requirements, as well as the assembly, are efficient and cost-effective.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the recesses forming the first connection point A are provided with annular stiffening elements. The first connection point A is connected to the actuator and is therefore regularly subjected to large forces, so a stiffening element reduces wear. An annular stiffening element is easy to manufacture, and stresses in the material are reduced by its geometry.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the recesses forming the second and third connection points B and C are provided with a one-piece, uniformly constructed stiffening element. The section of the lifting arm connecting the second connection point B and the third connection point C forms the pivot arm for the initially described first movement of the rear section away from the collection container, without the rear section immediately pivoting upwards to open the collection container at the rear. In order to meet this additional requirement for the named connection points, in addition to the already mentioned wear aspects directly in the area of ​​the recesses, a stiffening element is provided in each case, which both reinforces the recesses forming the second and third connection points B and C and extends between these connection points in order to stiffen the lifting arm in this entire area and thus improve the stability and durability of the lifting arm.Using a one-piece, uniform material stiffening element, these tasks can be integrated into just one component, which simplifies production effort and assembly.

[0025] A lifting arm according to the invention integrates the functionalities of several components and can be adapted to different combinations of collection containers with a rear section with little effort. At the same time, the lifting arm is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0026] Further features of the invention emerge from the following figures and the associated description.

[0027] They show: Figure 1 shows a lifting arm according to the invention in a perspective view, Figure 2 shows a lifting arm in a further perspective view, Figure 3 shows a lifting arm in a plan view from the front, Figure 4 shows a lifting arm in a plan view from above, Figure 5 shows a side wall of a lifting arm, Figure 6 shows lifting arms in an installed state with the rear part closed, Figure 7 shows lifting arm in an installed state with the rear part closed, Figure 8 shows lifting arm during the opening of the rear part, Figure 9 shows lifting arm with the rear part fully open.

[0028] Fig. 1 and 2show a lifting arm 1 for a refuse collection vehicle. The lifting arm 1 comprises a first side wall 2 and a second side wall 3. The lifting arm 1 has a first connection point A, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to an actuator (not shown in detail), a second connection point B, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to a collection container 8, a third connection point C, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to a rear part 9, and a fourth connection point D, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to a pull lever 11. The connection points A, B, C, D are formed by recesses 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b in the side walls 2, 3, which are arranged in pairs and aligned with one another.

[0029] The second connection point B and the third connection point C are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, wherein the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear part 9 and the collection container 8, and the first connection point A and the fourth connection point D are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, wherein the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear part 9 and the collection container 8.

[0030] When installed, the recesses 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b are penetrated by a bolt and the lifting arm 1 is thus fastened to the intended components.

[0031] The first connection point A and the second connection point B are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction L. A reinforcing element 12 extends substantially between the first connection point A and the second connection point B. It extends from below the first connection point A to in front of the second connection point B. The reinforcing element 12 is a sheet metal component having projections that engage in first openings 13a, 13b of the side walls 2, 3. Through this positive connection and additional welded connections, the reinforcing element 12 and the side walls 2, 3 are permanently fixed to one another. The weld seams 14, 15 of the reinforcing element 12 are shown in the illustration of the second side wall 3 in Fig. 5 shown.

[0032] The lifting arm 1 also has a bracket 16 arranged in the region of an extension 17. The extension 17 projects from the third connection point C in the longitudinal direction L toward the fourth connection point D. The bracket 16 is an angled plate with extensions that engage in a form-fitting manner with second openings 18a, 18b in the side walls 2, 3. Here, too, a welded connection can be provided in addition to the form-fitting connection.

[0033] The recesses 4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b are partially provided with stiffening elements 19a,19b,20a,20b.

[0034] The recesses 4a, 4b, which form the first connection point A, are provided with annular first stiffening elements 19a, 19b. These are welded to the respective side walls 2, 3 in a materially bonded manner. The corresponding circular weld seam 21 is in Fig. 5 to see.

[0035] The recesses 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, which form the second connection point B and the third connection point C, are provided with a second stiffening element 20a, 20b on each side wall 2, 3. These stiffening elements 20a, 20b each surround the two corresponding recesses 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and are designed as a single-piece, uniformly constructed component. They are also welded to the respective side wall 2, 3. Fig. 5 the weld seams 22,23,24 of the stiffening element 20a on the second side wall 3 are shown.

[0036] The Fig. 3 and 4 show the lifting arm 1 viewed from the front, i.e. in the installed state looking towards the collection container, or from above, i.e. in the installed state looking towards the vehicle contact area.

[0037] The Fig. 6 to 9show the lifting arm 1 according to the invention in the installed state in a refuse collection vehicle in different opening stages of the rear part 9. In Fig. 6 Two lifting arms 1 can be seen, which are arranged at the rear end of a collection container 8, to the right and left of its rear opening, which is closed here by the rear part 9. One of the lifting arms 1 is in Fig. 7 presented again in more detail and from a different perspective.

[0038] An actuator engages the first connection point A. The actuator is a hydraulic cylinder whose piston engages the lifting arm 1. The other end of the cylinder is rotatably mounted on the roof of the collection container 8. The cylinder piston engages the second connection point B.

[0039] Not visible here is the bracket 16, which is connected to an adjusting screw located on the rear section 9. The further down the adjusting screw is positioned, the lower the lifting arm 1 can be pivoted and the lower the rear section 9 is positioned relative to the collection container 8. The positions of the adjusting screws on both lifting arms 1 of the refuse collection vehicle thus determine the position of the rear section 9 in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thus - in addition to any other adjusting devices - the gap size between the collection container 8 and the rear section 9.

[0040] In the Figures 6 to 9 It can be seen that the top of the collection container 8 is higher than the top of the rear section 9, thus creating a height difference between the two vehicle components. Since the actuators are located on the roof of the collection container 8, this height difference must be compensated.

[0041] The second connection point B and the third connection point C, as well as the first connection point A and the fourth connection point D, are spaced apart in the vertical direction H such that the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear section 9 and the collection container 8. This makes it possible to attach identical rear sections 9 to collection containers 8 of different heights by merely providing different lifting arms 1, which are significantly simpler and more cost-effective to design and manufacture than complete rear sections.

[0042] If the actuator is operated ( Fig. 8 ), he pulls the lifting arm 1 towards

[0043] Collection container 8. Since the lifting arm 1 is pivotally mounted at the second connection point B, at which it is connected to the collection container 8, the lifting arm rotates upwards around this pivot point. The third connection point C is located below the second connection point B. There, the lifting arm 1 is connected to the rear section 9. By rotating the lifting arm 1, the rear section 9 of the collection container 8 is also slightly pivoted by the small lever arm between the two connection points B, C and moved approximately 50 millimeters upwards and approximately 30 millimeters backwards. This releases the seal arranged on the collection container 8. At the same time, a setting hook arranged at the bottom of the rear section 9 is released from a locking bolt arranged on the collection container 8, so that the rear section 9 can be fully opened.

[0044] The fourth connection point D is rotatably connected to a pull lever 11. The pull lever 11 is an elongated component with a slotted hole. This slotted hole is penetrated by a bolt arranged on the rear section 9. Before the actuator-driven movement of the lifting arm 1 begins, the pull lever 1 rests on the bolt with the upper end of the slotted hole, which in the installed position is at the bottom. When the lifting arm 1 rotates, it pulls the pull lever 11 with it, and the pull lever 11 slides over the bolt with the slotted hole. The pull lever 11 and, in particular, the slotted hole are dimensioned such that the bolt comes into contact with the lower end of the slotted hole at the time when the seal and the setting hook are released. The rotary movement of the lifting arm 1 is then transferred to the rear section 9, and the rear section 9 pivots upwards, pulled by the lifting arm 1 and the pull lever 11. This situation is Fig. 8 shown.

[0045] Reaching the final position of the rear section 9 ( Fig. 9) is detected by a sensor, for example, an inductive sensor, and the actuator is stopped. This opens the rear of the collection container 8 and allows it to be emptied and / or serviced.

[0046] The lifting arm 1 shown forms an integral adapter to compensate for height differences between the rear section 9 and differently designed collection containers 8 without the need for additional components. At the same time, additional functions, such as the stop for the adjusting screw, are integrated. The lifting arm 1 consists of simple sheet metal components that are easy and cost-effective to manufacture and assemble. Reference symbol

[0047] 1 Lifting arm 2 First side wall 3 Second side wall 4a, 4b Recess of A 5a, 5b Recess of B 6a, 6b Recess of C 7a, 7b Recess of D 8 Collection container 9 Rear section 10 Actuator 11 Pull lever 12 Reinforcing element 13a, 13 First opening 14 Weld seam of 12 15 Weld seam of 12 16 Bracket 17 Extension 18a, 18b Second opening 19a, 19 First stiffening element 20a, 20b Second stiffening element 21 Weld seam of 19a 22 Weld seam of 20a 23 Weld seam of 20a 24 Weld seam of 20a AFirst connection point BSecond connection point CThird connection point DFourth connection point HVertical direction LLongitudinal direction

Claims

1. Lifting arm (1) for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising two side walls (2, 3) with recesses (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) arranged in pairs in alignment with one another, which are designed to form connection points, with a first connection point A, at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to an actuator, a second connection point B, at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a collection container (8), a third connection point C, at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a rear part (9), and a fourth connection point D, at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a pull lever (11), wherein the second connection point B and the third connection point C are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, wherein the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear part (9) and the collection container (8). and the first connection point A and the fourth connection point D are spaced apart in the vertical direction,wherein the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear part (9) and the collection container (8).

2. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the lifting arm (1) is rotatably mounted in the second connection point B.

3. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the first connection point A and the second connection point B are spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction L.

4. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that the side walls (2,3) are connected to one another via a reinforcing element (12).

5. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 4 characterized in that the side walls (2, 3) are connected to the reinforcing element (12) at least in sections in a materially bonded manner, particularly preferably by welding, and / or in a form-fitting manner, particularly preferably by projections of the reinforcing element (12) engaging in first openings (13a, 13b) in the side walls (2, 3).

6. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that the reinforcing element (12) extends substantially between the first connection point A and the second connection point B.

7. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that a console (16) is arranged between the side walls (2,3).

8. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that the side walls (2, 3) are connected to the bracket (16) at least in sections in a materially bonded manner, particularly preferably by welding, and / or in a form-fitting manner, particularly preferably by projections of the bracket (16) engaging in second openings (18a, 18b) in the side walls (2, 3).

9. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that from the third connection point C an extension (17) projects in the longitudinal direction L towards the fourth connection point D.

10. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 9 characterized in thatthe console (16) is arranged in the area of ​​the extension (17).

11. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of claims 7 to 10 characterized in that the bracket (16) is an angle plate.

12. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that the recesses (4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b) forming the connection points are at least partially provided with stiffening elements (19a,19b,20a,20b).

13. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 12 characterized in that the stiffening elements (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) are at least partially connected to the side walls (2, 3) in a materially bonded manner, preferably by welding.

14. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 12 or 13 characterized in that the recesses (4a,4b) forming the first connection point A are provided with annular stiffening elements (19a, 19b).

15. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of claims 12 to 14 characterized in thatthe recesses (5a,5b,6a,6b) forming the second and third connection points B and C are provided with a one-piece, uniformly constructed stiffening element (20a,20b).

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