Container handling device with cover lifting mechanism

Abstract

Disclosed is a container handling device comprising: a lid lifting mechanism comprising: a) a set of lid lock actuators arranged to actuate, in use, a set of lid locks disposed adjacent an edge of a container lid; b) a first set of lid engagement means arranged to engage, in use, with a configuration disposed adjacent a centerline on the upper surface of the container lid; and c) a second set of lid engagement means arranged to engage with a T-bar provided on a lid lock on a container lid wherein the means are operable in two modes; in a first mode, the first set of lid engagement devices operate in conjunction with the lid lock actuator to engage and lift the lid from the container; and in a second mode, the second set of lid engagement devices operate in conjunction with the lid lock actuator to engage and lift the lid from the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container handling device for loading or unloading bulk materials from a container, and more particularly to a container handling device having a lid lifting mechanism. Background Art

[0002] In the field of bulk material handling operations, container handling devices are sometimes used to load and unload containers having a top opening to which a removable lid is fitted. The containers typically take the form of rectangular containers conforming to one of the standard dimensions of conventional intermodal containers. The removable lid is held in place by a set of lid locks that retain the lid on the container until such time as it is desired to remove the lid for loading or unloading operations.

[0003] The container handling device can be mobile or stationary. In the case of a mobile container handling device, it can also be arranged to rotate the container to empty its contents.

[0004] Reference Figure 1 , an example of a prior art container handling device of the mobile rotating type is shown. The container handling device 10 is for handling a cargo container 100 fitted with a removable lid 102. The device 10 includes a main body 20 and container engagement equipment for engaging with the cargo container. The container engagement equipment is in the form of two arms 22, each of the two arms 22 being pivotally mounted to the main body 20 and each arm being fitted with a pair of twist locks for engaging in a known manner with twist lock recesses provided at the top corners of the container 100. The arms 22 are associated with hydraulic actuators (not visible) that can be operated to rotate the arms relative to the main body 20.

[0005] The device 10 further includes a container lid lifting mechanism that includes a lid lifting assembly 24 associated with the main body for engaging with the lid 102 of the container 100 and also associated with hydraulic actuators arranged to move the lid lifting assembly 24 between a raised position and a lowered position, thereby moving the lid of the container between a closed state and an open state.

[0006] The main body 10 can be attached to a lifting device in the form of a quay crane by attaching a chain to an eyelet 30, such that the combination of the handling device 10, the container 100, and the lid 102 can be lifted off the ground and moved to different positions in the area.

[0007] Devices of the type of device 10 are generally used in ship loading operations. In these operations, the device 10 is suspended from a quay crane and controlled by a control system operated by the quay crane operator. The device approaches the loaded container and attaches to the container by operating the twist locks provided on the arm 22. Then, the combination of the device and the container is lifted by the crane and moved to a position where the container is suspended above the loading hatch of the ship's hold. Then, the crane operator initiates a series of operations to 1) lift the lid of the container; and 2) rotate the container by means of the rotating arm 22 to invert the container so that the material in the container falls from the open container into the cargo hold. Then the container is returned to its upright position, the lid is replaced, and the empty container is lowered onto the quay for subsequent reuse.

[0008] There is still a need to improve the flexibility of the container handling system by providing an alternative lifting mechanism that can be used with various different types of container lids. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a container handling device comprising: a lid lifting mechanism, the lid lifting mechanism comprising: a) a set of lid lock actuators arranged to actuate, in use, a set of lid locks provided adjacent the edge of a container lid; b) a first set of lid engaging means arranged to engage, in use, a configuration provided adjacent the centre line on the upper surface of the container lid; and c) a second set of lid engaging means arranged to engage a T-bar provided on a lid lock provided on the container lid, wherein the device is operable in two modes; in a first mode, the first set of lid engaging means operates in combination with the lid lock actuators to engage the lid and lift the lid from the container; and in a second mode, the second set of lid engaging means operates in combination with the lid lock actuators to engage the lid and lift the lid from the container.

[0010] Each of the lid lock actuators may comprise an actuating member spring-biased to an extended position and movable in a direction against the spring when actuating the lid lock.

[0011] Each of the first set of lid engaging means may comprise a pair of rotatable legs movable towards and away from each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

[0012] The legs of each of the first set of lid engaging means may be operated by a hydraulic cylinder acting between the upper ends of the legs.

[0013] Each of the second set of lid engaging means may comprise a rotatable claw.

[0014] Each claw may be rotated by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] The lid lock actuator, the first lid engaging device, and the second lid engaging device can be mounted on the frame.

[0016] The frame can be mounted to the main body of the device by a pair of hydraulic cylinders.

[0017] The device can further include a detecting device to detect the type of lid present on the container and adopt a first mode or a second mode based on the output of the detecting device.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a container handling device, comprising: a lid lifting mechanism, the lid lifting mechanism including: a set of lid engaging devices arranged to engage with T-shaped bars provided on a set of lid locks, the set of lid locks being provided adjacent to the edge of the container lid, the lid locks being provided on the container lid to engage the lid and lift the lid from the container.

[0019] Each of the set of lid engaging devices can include a rotatable claw member.

[0020] Each claw member can be rotated by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0021] The container handling device can further include a set of lid lock actuators arranged to actuate the lid locks in use.

[0022] Each of the lid lock actuators includes an actuating member that is spring-biased to an extended position and can be moved in a direction against the spring when actuating the lid lock. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art mobile rotary type container handling device shown in conjunction with a container;

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lid lifting mechanism;

[0026] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a plan view of the lid lifting mechanism of

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a side view of the lid lifting mechanism of

[0028] Figure 5 is Figure 2 an end view of the lid lifting mechanism of

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a type of removable container lid; and

[0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another type of removable container lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring Figures 2 to 5 , there is shown a lid lifting mechanism 30 which can be used with a container handling device to remove and replace a lid from a container being handled by the device. The container handling device can be Figure 1 a mobile container rotating device of the type shown, or can be a stationary non-rotating device.

[0032] The lid lifting mechanism 30 includes a frame 32 formed by a central member 34 and two end members 33. A pair of hydraulic cylinders 35 connect the frame to the body of the container handling device, and by operating the hydraulic cylinders 35, the frame can be raised and lowered relative to the body of the device.

[0033] The lid lifting mechanism 30 includes a set of four lid lock actuators, each of which includes an actuating member 40 mounted on a pair of springs 42 that bias the member 40 to its downwardly extending position as shown, and when the lid lock is actuated as will be described, the actuating member 40 can move upwardly against the springs.

[0034] The lid lifting mechanism 30 includes a first set of lid engaging means in the form of two pairs of pivotable legs 50 arranged to engage with a plurality of structures provided along a center line on the upper surface of the adjacent container lid. The lower ends of the legs include hook-shaped configurations and can be moved towards and away from each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position by operating a hydraulic cylinder 52 acting between the upper ends of the legs 50.

[0035] The lid lifting mechanism 30 further includes a second set of lid engaging means, each of which includes a rotatable claw member 60 that can be rotated about a pivot point 61 by operating a hydraulic cylinder 62 to engage a T-shaped bar on a lid lock provided on the container lid.

[0036] The lid lifting mechanism 30 is controlled in use by a computer control system (not shown) housed in the body of the container handling device. The body includes an ultrasonic or laser-based position detector to detect the raised / lowered state of the lifting mechanism. The lid lifting mechanism also includes a plurality of position sensors to enable it to detect its engagement with a plurality of structures on the lid and to detect the type of lid encountered by the mechanism in use by detecting different structures on the lid.

[0037] The control system receives inputs from sensors and controls a plurality of actuators of mechanism 30 to operate in one of two modes, which two modes allow the mechanism to handle two different types of container lids, as will now be described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 . The operating mode can be selected by the user or can be selected by the control system during operation based on detecting the presence of a particular type of lid.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6 , there is shown a type of removable container lid, which is referred to as a Rotorcon lid 102. The Rotorco lid 102 includes a series of four pivotable lid locks 106 disposed at the edge of the lid. The lid locks 106 have hooked portions that hook under corresponding lips provided on the container to hold the lid on the container. The lid locks 106 are normally biased to their engaged positions by means of compression springs 108, which are disposed under the inwardly disposed ends of the lid locks. However, in Figure 6 , for purposes of illustration, the lid locks are shown in their disengaged positions. The lid 102 also includes a series of U-shaped configurations 104a to 104d spaced along the centerline of the lid.

[0039] In the first mode, a series of movements are initiated, which start with the frame 32 being lowered to a position against the top of the lid 102. This causes four actuating members 40 to press against the inner portions of the lid locks to rotate the lid locks 106 to their released state against the force of the compression springs 108. These actuating members 40 also move upward under the force of their associated biasing springs 42, which associated biasing springs 42 provide a buffer to compensate for dimensional differences at the lid locks, such as those that may be caused by warping of the lid or the container. After detecting that the mechanism 30 is in its lowered state, the hydraulic cylinders 52 of the first set of lid engaging means are then actuated, which causes two pairs of legs 50 to engage around the U-shaped configurations 104c, 104b. The frame is then raised by the cylinder 35 to lift the lid off the body of the container. The container can then be emptied or filled and the lid replaced by reversing the lifting sequence.

[0040] Referring to Figure 7 , there is shown a style of removable container lid, which is referred to as a universal lid 110. The universal lid 110 includes a series of four pivotable lid locks 116 disposed at the edge of the lid. The lid locks 116 have hooked portions that hook under corresponding lips provided on the container to hold the lid on the container. The lid locks also include T-shaped bars 118 located at the outwardly disposed upper regions of each lid lock. The lid locks 106 are normally biased to their engaged positions by gravity. However, in Figure 6 , for purposes of illustration, the lid locks are shown in their disengaged positions.

[0041] In the second mode, a series of movements are initiated that begin with the frame 32 being lowered to a position against the top of the lid 102. This causes the four actuating members 40 to press against the inner portion of the lid lock 116 to overcome gravity and rotate the lid lock 116 to its released state. The actuating members 40 also move upward under the force of their associated biasing springs 42, which compensates for dimensional differences at the lid lock, such as those that may be caused by warping of the lid or the container. After detecting that the mechanism 30 is in its lowered state, the hydraulic cylinders 62 of the second set of lid engaging devices are then actuated, which causes the four pawls 60 to rotate downward and engage around the associated T-shaped rods 118 of the respective lid locks 116. The frame is then raised by the cylinder 35 to lift the lid 110 away from the body of the container. The container can then be emptied or filled, and the lid is replaced by reversing the lifting sequence.

[0042] By operating in two modes, the lid lifting mechanism is capable of handling two different types of container lids. Thus, when installed in a container handling device, the device is not limited to handling only one type of container lid as is the case in the prior art. The lid lifting mechanism gives the lid lifting mechanism versatility to handle multiple containers with different types of lids. Thus, there is no need to purchase, install, or maintain separate dedicated container handling devices for each container type, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of the container handling device.

[0043] Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to prior art included herein should not be construed as an admission that such information is common general knowledge.

[0044] Finally, it should be understood that various changes or additions can be made to the previously described components without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container handling device, comprising: Cover lifting mechanism; The cover lifting mechanism has: a) a set of lid lock actuators arranged, in use, to actuate a set of lid locks provided adjacent an edge of a lid of a container; b) a first set of lid engagement means arranged, in use, to engage with formations disposed adjacent a centre line on an upper surface of a lid of the container; as well as c) a second set of lid engagement means arranged to engage with a T-bar on the lid lock provided on the lid of the container; Wherein, the device operates in two modes; In a first mode, the first set of lid engagement means operates in conjunction with the lid lock actuator to engage the lid and lift the lid from the container; and In a second mode, the second set of lid engagement means operates in conjunction with the lid lock actuator to engage the lid and lift the lid from the container.

2. The container handling device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the lid lock actuators includes an actuating member that is biased to an extended position by a spring and is movable in a direction against the spring when the lid lock is actuated.

3. A container handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the first set of cover engagement means includes a pair of rotatable legs movable toward and away from each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

4. The container handling device according to claim 3, wherein: The legs of each of the first set of cover engagement means are operable by a hydraulic ram acting between the upper ends of the legs.

5. A container handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the second set of cover engagement means comprises a rotatable claw.

6. The container handling device according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the claws is rotatable by a hydraulic cylinder.

7. A container handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lid lock actuator, the first lid engagement device and the second lid engagement device are mounted on a frame.

8. A container handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The frame is mounted to the body of the device by a pair of hydraulic cylinders.

9. A container handling device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The apparatus further comprises detection means to detect the type of cover present on the container and to adopt the first mode or the second mode based on an output of the detection means.

10. A container handling device, comprising: Cover lifting mechanism; The cover lifting mechanism has: A set of lid engagement means arranged to engage with T-bars provided on a set of lid locks provided adjacent to an edge of the lid of the container, the lid locks provided on the lid of the container to engage the lid and lift the lid from the container.

11. The container handling device according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the set of cover engagement means comprises a rotatable claw.

12. The container handling device according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the claws is rotatable by a hydraulic cylinder.

13. The container transport device according to claim 10, further comprising: A set of lid lock actuators, said lid lock actuator being arranged to actuate said lid lock in use.

14. The container handling device according to claim 13, wherein: Each of the lid lock actuators includes an actuating member that is biased to an extended position by a spring and is movable in a direction against the spring when the lid lock is actuated.

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