Electric trolley for material transfer

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of material handling devices. More particularly, said invention relates to a jerk-free electric trolley (0) for material handling which is capable of transporting loads of upto 1000 Kgs even in diverse operational conditions, hefty packages, large stacks, bulky staffs and other heavy loads from one place to another. In addition to this, said electric trolley (0) aims to reduce dependency on manual trolleys, enhance work efficiency, promote zero-carbon emissions, and offer cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, said trolley has a large carrying area which enables the trolley to accommodate significant quantities and weights of various material. The trolley is equipped with additional safety features and is capable of ascending slopes having 12° of inclination, thereby enhancing working efficiency and security of the operator.

Description

[0001] “ELECTRIC TROLLEY FOR MATERIAL TRANSFER”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of material handling devices. More particularly, said invention relates to an electric trolley for material handling which is capable of transporting bulk material, hefty packages, large stacks, bulky staffs and other heavy loads from one place to another. In addition to this, said electric trolley aims to reduce dependency on manual trolleys, enhance work efficiency, promote zero- carbon emissions, and offer cost-effectiveness.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0005] Heavy material handling trolleys are wide range of machinery, devices, and systems used for efficiently handling, moving, storing, and processing large quantities of bulk materials. Bulk material handling equipment is essential in industries that deal with loose, granular, or free-flowing substances in large volumes, such as mining, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. Bulk material handling equipment is essential for various industrial applications. Its primary objectives include transporting materials, providing storage solutions, loading and unloading materials onto transportation vehicles, and processing materials.

[0006] Conventional material handling trolleys rely on manual labour to propel the vehicle and require fuel sources such as petrol or diesel for operation. Moreover, they necessitate the inclusion of braking systems and other safety features to address emergency situations. Furthermore, many conventional material handling trolleys exhibit lower weight capacities and inadequate carrying area, thereby failing to meet the material transportation requirements in several industrial settings.

[0007] Further, conventional or existing technologies and methods of material handling trolleys commonly encounter challenges in achieving optimal efficiency, eliminating fuel consumption, minimizing maintenance costs, and reducing reliance on skilled labour, among other limitations associated to manual material handling.

[0008] Therefore, there remains a need to address the above-mentioned limitation of the conventional technologies and provide an electric trolley for material transfer that is environment-friendly, can accommodate large capacity of loads, can climb steep slopes, has automatic braking systems and can be used in diverse operational settings, whether indoors or outdoors.

[0009] PRIOR ARTS AND THEIR DISADVANTAGES:

[0010] A Chinese Patent application number CN 106004478 proposes a traction-type electric platform trolley capable of automatic following. The traction-type electric platform trolley comprises a trolley body, a traction device, a trolley tail hook and a microcontroller are installed on the trolley body. The traction device comprises a traction base. A rotating shaft which can rotate around the axis is vertically installed on the traction base. A first angle sensor is installed between the rotating shaft and the traction base. A hollow traction pulling rod is arranged at the top of the rotating shaft. One end of the traction pulling rod is connected with the rotating shaft through a pin shaft and the traction pulling rod can swing up and down around the pin shaft. A second angle sensor is installed between the rotating shaft and the traction pulling rod. A spring is arranged in the traction pulling rod. The connecting end of the traction pulling rod and the rotating shaft is provided with a tension sensor. The tension sensor is connected with one end of the spring. The microcontroller is connected with the angle sensors, the tension sensor, a storage battery, a motor speed adjuster, a steering gear and a parking braking device. The motor speed adjuster is connected with a motor.

[0011] However, said prior-art fails to provide a trolley system that exhibits high load-carrying capacity of up-to 750 kg and has a large carrying area to transport large number of goods. Furthermore, said cited prior art invention also fails to provide a mechanism that facilitates lifting of weights and goods. Additionally, the cited prior- art fails to provide the emergency features like pedal break, emergency power-off and reverse buzzer. Further, the cascading towing mechanism of said cited invention may impose hindrance in indoor settings as the space for transportation is already a limitation in indoor scenarios.

[0012] Another Russian patent application no. RU191093U1 discloses an environmental-friendly electric cart for transporting goods weighing up to two and / or up to three tons in industrial and transport facilities with improved technical and ergonomic characteristics. The cited prior art utilizes two rechargeable batteries as its energy source, which are connected to asynchronous electric motors mounted on the drive wheels via a sophisticated control system, thereby avoiding environmental pollution by exhaust gases, and also eliminating increased sensitivity to temperature extremes and noise.

[0013] Although said prior art of trolley functions on electric batteries, it fails to provide an electric cart that possesses a high load carrying capacity or a large carrying area. In addition to this, the cited prior art invention also fails to provide a trolley that is equipped with sufficient safety measures such as side lights, reverse buzzer or automatic braking systems. Furthermore, said prior art invention also lacks the capability to climb steep slopes.

[0014] DISADVANTAGES OF THE PRIOR ART:

[0015] Existing technologies used for moving the heavy material suffer from all or at least any of the below-mentioned disadvantages:

[0016] • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer.

[0017] • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer fail to consider the safety of labour and of the goods and thus lacks safety features for emergency situations.

[0018] • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that is environment-friendly.

[0019] • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that can accommodate large capacity of loads.

[0020] • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that has the mechanism to load-unload materials and goods. • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that can be used in diverse operational settings.

[0021] • Many of the prior arts fail to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that can be used and accessed by any unskilled driver.

[0022] OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:

[0023] The main object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer.

[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that is fully electrical and eliminates carbon emission.

[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that has no chance of jerking while transferring the heavy goods.

[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that consumes the least power and is energy efficient.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that has no requirement for skilled labour for driving.

[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that has low maintenance costs.

[0029] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that is cost-effective. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that provides a long range of 2-20 Kms on a single charge.

[0030] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that is user-friendly.

[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that makes the manual material handling easier by providing a large carrying area that can easily accommodate high load of materials.

[0032] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer that is equipped with red side lights, reverse buzzer and an emergency button for basic safety.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0034] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0035] Meaning of Reference numerals of the electric trolley for material transfer: : Electric trolley : Base frame or chassis : Loading platform : Counter weight : Operating area / standing platform : Pipe frame a : Wheel axle b : Hub mounting plate c : Trolley hub d : Solid wheels a : Bottom hub b : Handle pipe c : Handle plate d : Handle bar a : Flange coupling b : shaft c : Wheel side lock platesa : Brake shoe b : Brake lining c : Brake lever d : Brade rod e : Brake pipe f : Brake pad g : Brake pipe support clamps0a : Battery box 0b : Charger box 0c : Charger door 1a : Motor ib : Differential gear SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0036] Said electric trolley (0) for material transfer is 2150mm in length, 1000mm in width and 1100mm in height and is made of steel. Moreover, it is completely electrical and is powered by a Lithium Ferro Phosphate 30Ah capacity battery. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) as disclosed in the present invention provides a jerk-free motion, thereby enabling smooth operation and enhanced productivity.

[0037] Said present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer comprises of a base frame (1) with a loading platform (2) mounted on top of it. The usable portion of said loading platform (2), suitable for accommodating loading materials, is 1400mm long and 1000mm wide. Furthermore, the counterweight (3) is attached to the base frame (1) on the rear side. Said base frame (1) also comprises of standing area (4), where the operator stands to operate the trolley (0) which is further enclosed by pipe frames (5) to ensure the operator’s safety.

[0038] Referring to the embodiments, the present invention of the electric trolley for material transfer (0) comprises of a wheel assembly (6) configured at the bottom of the base frame (1), a handle assembly (7), present at the rear end of the electric trolley (0), a steering assembly (8), a brake assembly, a charger (10a) and battery box (10b), and a differential gear and motor assembly (11).

[0039] Herein, the role of axles (6a), one of the components of the wheel assembly (6), is to reduce the rpm of motor by 2 lx, thereby providing high torque for the trolley (0) to take load of 1000kg and keep moving. The handle plate (7c), one of the components of the handle assembly (7), is equipped with a dashboard that displays battery indicator, and an emergency switch to deactivate the engine of the trolley (0) to make it halt while the handle bar (7d), another component of the handle assembly (7), features a throttle for speed control and (Fwd) and Reverse (Rev) directions buttons, enabling the trolley (0) to move in a user-directed manner.

[0040] Further, the battery box (10a) houses a Lithium Ferro Phosphate 30 Ah capacity batter which has a charging time of 4 hours, enabling the trolley to operate for a range of 20-25 kms in a single charge. The motor assembly (11) comprises of a 1KW permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) (11a), capable of operating within a speed range of 1700 rpm to 3500 rpm. Said motor is attached to the axle (6a) with a differential gearbox (l ib), which helps in driving the trolley wheels (6d).

[0041] Furthermore, due to the trolley’s (0) powerful motor and robust mechanical design, said trolley (0) is capable of ascending slopes having 12° of inclination. Further, the maximum speed of the trolley (0) is limited to 5 - 7.5 Kms / hr for safety reasons.

[0042] In addition to this, said trolley (0) is also equipped with safety features such as: red marking lights on the side to alert bystanders during operation a reverse buzzer located on the rear side of the trolley, which makes noise to make people aware of the trolley reversing, and a belly switch on the handle to automatically deactivate the motor when a person’s belly presses the button in case of any accident.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0044] The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0045] It is to be understood that the term “comprising” or “comprises” used in the specification and claims refers to the element of the invention which comprises X, Y, and Z, which means that the invention might have other elements in addition to X, Y, and Z. For example, their invention could include A, B, and / or C as long as it also has X, Y, and Z.

[0046] The present invention discloses an electric trolley for material transfer (0) that is capable of transporting loads of up to 1000 Kgs even in diverse operational conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, said trolley has a large carrying area which enables the trolley to accommodate significant quantities and weights of various material. In addition to this, the trolley provides a jerk-free working, enabling a smooth operation.

[0047] According to the embodiments disclosed, said electric trolley for material transfer (0) is 2150mm in length, 1000mm in width and 1 100mm in height. Moreover, it is completely electrical and is powered by a Lithium Ferro Phosphate 30Ah capacity battery.

[0048] Referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 - 10, the present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer (0) comprises: a base frame or chassis (1), a wheel assembly (6), a handle assembly (7), a steering handle assembly (8), a brake assembly (9), a battery box and a charger box (10), and a differential gear and motor assembly (11),

[0049] Referring to the embodiments in Figures 1 - 5, said base frame or chassis (1) of the electric trolley (0) is made up of steel and has a total length of 1600mm and width of 1000mm. Said base frame (1) further comprises of: a loading platform (2), a counter weight (3), a standing area for the operator (4), a pipe frame (5).

[0050] Said loading platform (2) is mounted on top of the base frame (1) and is the same size as said base plate (having a total length of 1600mm and width of 1000mm). The usable portion of said loading platform (2), suitable for accommodating loading materials, is 1400mm long and 1000mm wide. Furthermore, the counterweight (3) is attached to the base frame (1) on the rear side.

[0051] Further, said base frame (1) also comprises of standing area (4), where the operator stands to operate the trolley (0) . The pipe frame (5) is used to enclose said standing area (4) of the base frame (1) to ensure the operator’s safety.

[0052] Now, referring to the embodiments in Figures 1 - 6, said wheel assembly (6) is configured at the bottom of the base frame (1), and comprises of the following components: front axle and rear axle (6a), hub mounting plates (6b), trolley hubs (6c), plurality of solid wheels (6d),

[0053] Said axles (6a) accommodate the wheels (6d) and help propel them and retain their relative position. Said wheels (6d) are affixed to the axle (6a) with the help of trolley hubs (6c) and hub mounting plates (6b), and feature wheel side lock plates (8c) for safety purposes.

[0054] Herein, the role of axles (6a) is to reduce the rpm of motor by 2 lx, thereby providing high torque for the trolley (0) to take load of 1000kg and keep moving. Further, referring to yet another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1 - 5 and 7, the handle assembly (7), present at the rear end of the electric trolley (0), comprises of the following components: a bottom hub for handle (7a), a handle pipe (7b), a handle plate (7c) featuring a dash board that displays battery indicator, start button and emergency switch, a handle bar (7d)

[0055] Herein, the handle pipe (7b) extends from the center of the front axle (6a) via the bottom hub for handle (7a), said handle plate (7c) is affixed to the handle pipe (7b) and incorporates a handle bar (7d) passing through it.

[0056] Furthermore, said handle plate (7c) is equipped with a dashboard that displays battery indicator, and an emergency switch to deactivate the engine of the trolley (0) and make it halt. Said handle bar (7d) further features a throttle for speed control and (Fwd) and Reverse (Rev) directions buttons, enabling the trolley (0) to move in a user-directed manner.

[0057] Due to the trolley’s powerful motor and robust mechanical design, said trolley (0) is capable of ascending slopes having 12° of inclination. Further, the maximum speed of the trolley (0) is limited to 5 - 7.5 Kms / hr for safety reasons.

[0058] Now, according to yet another embodiment shown in Figure 1 - 5 and 8, the trolley (0) comprises of a steering mechanism which allows the user to control the direction of the trolley. Said steering assembly (8) comprises of: plurality of flange coupling (8a), a front shaft (8b), and plurality of wheel side lock plates (8c)

[0059] The flange coupling (8a) connects the front shaft (8b) to the main frame and efficiently transfers the rotational force from steering handle to the front wheels.

[0060] Said shaft (8b) is configured inside the handle pipe (7b) and acts as a support for the steering handle, thereby connecting the steering mechanism to the axle with the help of hub (8b) and flange coupling (8a).

[0061] Said wheel side lock (8c) plates are positioned near the wheels (6d) of the trolley (0) and prevent its accidental movement.

[0062] Further, referring to the embodiments in Figure 1 - 5 and 9, said brake assembly (9) comprises of: plurality of brake shoes (9a), plurality of brake linings (9b), a brake lever (9c), plurality of brake rods (9d), plurality of brake pipes (9e), a brake pad (91), plurality of brake pipe support clamps (9g). The brake shoes (9a) are housed within the brake drum and are configured with the brake linings (9b). Said brake linings (9b) are in direct contact with said brake drum and provides friction needed to slow down the trolley.

[0063] Said brake pad (91) is provided at the footrest of the standing area. Upon pressing the brake pad (91), brake shoe (9a) is pushed outwards, forcing said brake lining against the rotating drum, thereby creating friction and slowing down the trolley.

[0064] Said brake shoe (9a) is pushed outwards against the brake drum with the help of cam mechanism. The cam allows for efficient application of braking force by simultaneously pushing both brake shoes against the drum. The brake shoe may also feature springs to retract it back to its original position after the brake is released.

[0065] Further, the brake rod (9d) connects the brake lever (9c) to the braking mechanism and transmits force from the brake lever (9 c) to the cam mechanism.

[0066] Now, referring to yet another embodiment shown in Figure 1 - 5 and 10, the battery box (10a) and the charger box (10b) are situated at the bottom of the base frame (1) and are configured together. Said battery box (10a) houses a Lithium Ferro Phosphate 30Ah capacity battery. With a charging time of 4 hours, said trolley (0) can operate for a range of 20-25 kms in a single charge. Additionally, said battery is charged using a charger power adapter. Further, as illustrated in Figure 4, the trolley (0) also features a charging door (10c) to charge the trolley. Now, according to the embodiments shown in Figure 11, said motor assembly (11) comprises of a 1KW permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) (11a), capable of operating within a speed range of 1700 rpm to 3500 rpm. Said motor is attached to the axle (6a) with a differential gearbox (l ib), having a gear ratio of 20.8, which helps in driving the trolley wheels (6d) .

[0067] In addition to this, to enhance safety, the trolley (0) is equipped with the following safety features: plurality of red marking lights on the side to alert bystanders during operation a reverse buzzer located on the rear side of the trolley, which makes noise to make people aware of the trolley reversing, and a belly switch on the handle to automatically deactivate the motor when a person’s belly presses the button in case of any accident.

[0068] WORKING OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:

[0069] The present invention relates to the field of material handling devices. More particularly, said invention relates to an electric trolley (0) for material handling which is capable of transporting bulk material, hefty packages, large stacks, bulky staffs and other heavy loads from one place to another. In addition to this, said electric trolley (0) aims to reduce dependency on manual trolleys, enhance work efficiency, promote zero-carbon emissions, and offer cost-effectiveness. Referring to Figure 1 - 11 of the present invention, the working steps of an electric trolley for material transfer (0) is described as under:

[0070] The electric trolley (0) is switched on by turning the on-off key provided on the handle bar (7d). The handle (7d) of said trolley (0) is equipped with the throttle and forward / reverse switch. Said throttle is connected to the controller.

[0071] As the throttle is twisted, the controller passes on the current from the battery (10a) to the motor (11a), thereby making the trolley (0) move. The speed of the trolley (0) is regulated by the differential gearbox (l ib) which is configured to a 1KW permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) (11a), and is capable of operating within a speed range of 1700 to 3500 rpm (rotation per minute).

[0072] Said differential gearbox (l ib), having a gear ratio of 20.8, reduces the rpm (rotations per minute), which in-turn leads to increased torque in the wheels (6d), propelling the electric trolley (0) forward and controlling the trolley’s speed.

[0073] Further, the said motor (11a) uses a technique called field-oriented control (FOC) which decomposes the stator current into components that control the magnetic flux and torque independently. The 1KW permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) (1 1a) achieves said objective by combining permanent magnets and a stator to create a rotating magnetic field that interacts with the rotor. Said PMSM controller generates a rotating magnetic field in the stator of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) (11a) through precise control of the three-phase currents, thereby causing the rotor containing the permanent magnets, to align with the field and rotate at synchronous speed, thus effectively achieving smooth and precise motor control by manipulating the current vectors to achieve desired torque and speed.

[0074] Then, to stop the vehicle, the foot pedal provided on the platform of the operating area (4), is pressed. Said foot pedal, connected to the axle (6a) via a connecting rod, when pressed applies the brake through drum brakes in the axle (6a), thereby stopping the vehicle.

[0075] ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT INVENTION

[0076] • The present invention is to provide an electric trolley for material transfer.

[0077] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that is eco-friendly.

[0078] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that is user-friendly.

[0079] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that is cost-effective.

[0080] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that makes the manual material handling easier.

[0081] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that is environment friendly by eliminating the fuels like petrol and diesel.

[0082] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that requires low maintenance cost. • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that has no requirement for the skilled person.

[0083] • The present invention of an electric trolley for material transfer that consumes the least power and is energy efficient.

Claims

WE CLAIM,1. An electric trolley for material transfer (0) according to the present invention comprises: a base frame or chassis (1), a wheel assembly (6), a handle assembly (7), a steering handle assembly (8), a brake assembly (9), a battery box and a charger box (10), and a differential gear and motor assembly (11), wherein, said base comprises a loading platform (2) mounted on top of the base frame (1), a counter weight (3) attached to the base frame (1) on the rear side, an operating area for the operator (4), and a pipe frame (5) to enclose said operating area to ensure safety of the operator; said wheel assembly (6) is configured at the bottom of the base frame (1) and comprises of wheels (6d) affixed to the axle (6a) with the help of trolley hubs (6c) and hub mounting plates (6b) and feature side lock plates (8e) for safety purposes;said handle assembly (7) is present at the rear end of said trolley (0) and includes a handle pipe (7b) extending from the center of a front axle (6a) via a bottom hub (7a), a handle plate (7c) affixed to the said handle pipe (7b), and a handle bar (7d) integrated with said handle plate (7c). said steering handle assembly (8) comprises of a shaft (8b) configured inside the handle pipe (7b), acting as a support for the steering handle, thereby connecting the steering mechanism to the axle with the help of hub (8 b) and flange coupling (8a); said brake assembly comprises (9) of plurality of brake shoes (9a) housed within the brake drum and configured with the brake linings (9b), said brake linings (9b) positioned to be in direct contact with said brake drum, providing friction needed to slow down the trolley, a brake pad (91) provided at the footrest of the standing area, plurality of brake rod (9d) connecting the brake lever (9c) to the braking mechanism and transmitting force from the brake lever (9c) to the cam mechanism; said battery box (10a) and the charger box (10b) are situated at the bottom of the base frame (1) and are configured together, a charger door (10c) provided in the trolley to enable charging of said trolley (0); said motor is attached to the axle (6a) with a differential gearbox (l ib), which helps in driving the trolley wheels (6d).

2. The electric trolley for material transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said trolley is jerk-free, enabling smooth and quick operation.

3. The electric trolley for material transfer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axles (6a) reduce the rpm (rotation per minute) of said motor by 2 lx thereby providing high torque for the trolley (0) to take load of 1000kg and keep moving.

4. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motor assembly (11) comprises of a 1KW permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) (11a), capable of operating within a speed range of 1700 rpm to 3500 rpm.

5. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electric trolley consists of a differential gearbox (l ib), having a gear ratio of 20.8.

6. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said trolley (0) has a maximum speed of 5 - 7.5 Kms / hr and is capable of ascending slopes having 12° of inclination.

7. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle plate (7c) of said trolley (0) is equipped with a dashboard that displays battery indicator, an emergency switch to deactivate the engine of the trolley (0), and handle bar (7d) features a throttle for speed control, and (Fwd) and Reverse (Rev) directions buttons to enable the trolley (0) to move in a user-directed manner.

8. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery box (10a) houses a Lithium Ferro Phosphate 30Ah capacity battery with a charging time of 4 hours, thereby enabling the operation of said trolley (0) for a range of 20-25 kms in a single charge.

9. The electric trolley for material transfer (0) according to the present invention comprises of additional safety features consisting of: plurality of red marking lights on the side to alert bystanders during operation a reverse buzzer located on the rear side of the trolley, which makes noise to make people aware of the trolley reversing, and a belly switch on the handle to automatically deactivate the motor when a person’s belly presses the button in case of any accident.

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