Unloading system

Abstract

A low weight dump unit or unloading system for use in a process of unloading raw material from haulage vehicles typically used for mining and construction operations. The unloading system includes a support surface configured to operably receive a vehicle. The support surface is secured to the base structure and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. A retaining device is provided for retaining a vehicle relative to a support surface in use. The energy utilization device utilizes energy when the support surface pivots to the second position under the action of a load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of material handling. More particularly, the present invention relates to a low weight dump unit or system for use during the unloading process of a haul vehicle used to transport raw materials, typically in mining and construction operations. Background Art

[0002] The mining and construction industries are increasingly focused on energy efficiency and environmental impact, which is driving the need for more efficient excavation and material handling processes. To this end, attention is shifting towards smaller, more efficient haul trucks (in this case, smaller trucks facilitate the implementation of more energy-efficient technologies, greater autonomy, and, in some cases, renewable energy). Furthermore, there is a focus on improvements that increase the energy efficiency of surrounding systems and processes, resulting in an overall focus on energy expenditure and efficiency.

[0003] One aspect that significantly contributes to the weight of a haul truck is the onboard mechanisms used to unload the pallets from the haul truck. For example, a typical dump haul truck includes large and heavy hydraulic actuator arrangements and associated systems that are used to lift the pallet during the dumping process. Furthermore, in order to withstand the forces associated with lifting and dumping the pallet, both the pallet and the haul truck chassis need to be reinforced and strengthened, which again significantly increases the overall weight of the haul truck. Furthermore, the moving parts associated with dumping the pallets of haul vehicles (e.g., hydraulic systems, pivots, etc.) are known to wear relatively quickly, potentially leading to downtime and maintenance downtime, negatively impacting the availability of the equipment and increasing the maintenance and operating costs associated with the material handling process.

[0004] The use of side dump support surfaces to unload haulage vehicles (including trains) is known. However, these systems are known to impose unusually high side loads and stresses on the haulage vehicle's tires and structural components (e.g., chassis, body, etc.). Furthermore, the energy consumed in side dumping these haulage vehicles is relatively high, particularly because the entire haulage vehicle must be tipped over (and therefore a significant amount of weight must be dumped in addition to the payload). Consequently, these systems do not necessarily result in an overall reduction in energy consumption.

[0005] It is believed that reducing the weight of haul vehicles by removing equipment and structures used to facilitate tipping of haul carriers could have a profound impact on the overall energy consumption of the raw material handling process in a mining or construction operation, provided that energy-efficient unloading of the haul vehicles can be provided.

[0006] Additionally, reducing the overall weight of a hauling vehicle can make it more suitable for the use of alternative, environmentally efficient and / or renewable energy sources.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an unloading system and a method of unloading a vehicle which will at least partially solve the above-mentioned disadvantages or promote the above-mentioned potential improvements.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an unloading system and method of unloading a vehicle that will be a useful alternative to existing systems and methods. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an unloading system for a hauling vehicle, the system comprising:

[0010] a support surface configured to operably receive a vehicle, the support surface being secured to the base structure and pivotable between a first position and a second position;

[0011] retaining means for operatively and releasably retaining the vehicle relative to a support surface;

[0012] An energy utilization device is configured to utilize energy when the support surface pivots to the second position under the load.

[0013] The first position may be a loading position, wherein the support surface is configured in a substantially horizontal orientation to allow a vehicle to be loaded onto the support surface. The second position may be an inclined position. In some cases, the support surface may be inclined in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0014] The base structure includes a first layer, and the support surface is mounted to the base structure via a pivot. When the support surface is in a first position, the support surface can be accessed by a vehicle from the first layer.

[0015] In some cases, the base structure may be a fixed structure, while in other cases the base structure is a movable base that includes means for moving the base relative to the ground.

[0016] The retaining device may be in the form of a hook structure for operatively snapping onto a latch structure associated with the vehicle. Alternatively, the retaining device may be in the form of a latch structure for operatively snapping onto a hook structure associated with the vehicle.

[0017] The retaining arrangement may also (additionally or alternatively) comprise receiving structure for operatively receiving the first set of wheels of the vehicle and retaining them relative to the support surface.

[0018] The system may further include a first locking arrangement configured to releasably lock the support surface in a first position to facilitate loading a vehicle onto the support surface without moving to a second position.

[0019] The system may also include an actuator (typically in the form of a hydraulic ram arrangement) operable to return the support surface to the first position.

[0020] The hydraulic cylinder may form part of the energy harnessing device. The hydraulic cylinder may be arranged in fluid flow communication with a hydraulic fluid circuit including an accumulator. The hydraulic fluid circuit may include a first flow controller, with which the hydraulic fluid circuit may be configured to:

[0021] - a first configuration in which fluid flow into or out of the hydraulic ram is inhibited to lock the support surface in the first position or the second position;

[0022] - a second configuration in which the flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder into the accumulator is promoted, thereby causing the accumulator to be charged with pressurized hydraulic fluid, thereby utilizing potential energy; and

[0023] - A third configuration, wherein a flow of hydraulic fluid from the accumulator into the hydraulic ram is facilitated, thereby causing the hydraulic ram to actuate the support surface to the first position.

[0024] The hydraulic circuit may also include a pump to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder to supplement the hydraulic fluid provided to the hydraulic cylinder by the accumulator.

[0025] The support surface may be biased toward the first position and may be associated with a counterweight that biases it toward the first position. The counterweight may be fixed directly to the first side of the support surface. Alternatively, the counterweight may be connected to the support surface via a pulley system.

[0026] The system may be configured such that a predetermined load may be required on the support surface to overcome the bias, thereby allowing the support surface to pivot to the second position. The configuration may also allow the vehicle to exceed the predetermined load when loaded.

[0027] The system may further comprise a second locking arrangement arranged to releasably lock the support surface in the second position.

[0028] The system may typically be arranged close to a raw material dumping location that is located one level below the first level.

[0029] The unloading system may include a ramp from the ground to the first level that may allow the hauling vehicle to be pushed onto the supporting surface.

[0030] The means for moving the base relative to the support surface may comprise wheels or tracks, some of which may be driven. Alternatively, the base may comprise a traction connection point.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of unloading raw materials from a hauling vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

[0032] i) A system according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided.

[0033] ii) receiving the vehicle on a support surface of the system disposed in a first position;

[0034] iii) maintaining the vehicle relative to the supporting surface;

[0035] iv) allowing the support surface to pivot to the second position;

[0036] v) utilizing energy by the energy utilizing device when the support surface is pivoted to the second position.

[0037] The method further comprises the following steps:

[0038] vi) Allowing raw materials to be unloaded from hauling vehicles;

[0039] vii) using at least some of the utilized energy to return the support surface to the first position;

[0040] viii) releasing the vehicle from the supporting surface; and

[0041] ix) Move the vehicle off the supporting surface.

[0042] Step v) may include configuring a hydraulic ram of the system to pump hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic accumulator.

[0043] Step vii) may include allowing at least some of the hydraulic fluid stored in the hydraulic accumulator to flow to the hydraulic ram.

[0044] The method may include replenishing fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder using a hydraulic pump.

[0045] Step vi) may comprise the sub-step of configuring a locking device of the system to lock the support surface in the second position.Step vii) may be preceded by the sub-step of configuring the locking device to allow displacement of the support surface from the second position.

[0046] Step ii) may be preceded by the sub-step of configuring a locking device of the system to lock the support surface in the first position.Step iv) may be preceded by the sub-step of configuring the locking device to allow displacement of the support surface from the first position.

[0047] Step iv) may comprise allowing the support surface to pivot to the second position under the action of a load caused by a vehicle received on the support surface.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an unloading system for a hauling vehicle, the system comprising:

[0049] a support surface configured to operably receive a vehicle, the support surface being secured to the base structure and pivotable between a first position and a second position;

[0050] A support unit is configured to operably engage a structural portion of the vehicle to retain the vehicle relative to the support surface when the support surface is pivoted to the second position.

[0051] The support unit is configurable between a disengaged configuration, in which the support unit is operably spaced from a structural portion of the hauling vehicle, and an engaged configuration, in which the support unit is operably engaged with the structural portion of the hauling vehicle. The support unit is pivotally fixed relative to the support surface and lockable in the engaged configuration. The support unit may include one or more contact shoes configured to operably apply a distributed load to the structural portion of the vehicle. The contact shoes may contact a structural portion of the hauling vehicle located at the front or side of the vehicle.

[0052] Furthermore, the support unit may include a rim portion, the shape of which may be commensurate with a structural portion of the hauling vehicle. The rim portion may define an opening through which material may be operatively unloaded from the hauling vehicle. The opening may be substantially U-shaped.

[0053] The base structure may be a mobile base which may include means for moving the base relative to the ground.

[0054] The system may include a ramp from the ground to the support surface, allowing the hauling vehicle to be pushed onto the support surface.

[0055] The means for moving the base relative to the ground may comprise wheels or tracks. Some of the wheels or tracks may be driven. Alternatively, the base may comprise a traction connection point.

[0056] The system may include a pivot mechanism in the form of one or more hydraulic cylinders for pivoting the support surface between the first position and the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an unloading system according to one aspect of the present invention prior to receiving a hauling vehicle;

[0059] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 a schematic side view of an unloading system after receiving a haul vehicle but before unloading the haul vehicle, wherein a support surface of the unloading system is in a first position;

[0060] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 a schematic side view of an unloading system of with the haul vehicle tilted forward to facilitate unloading thereof and with the support surface in a second position;

[0061] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an unloading system according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A side view of the unloading system;

[0063] Figure 6 Shows the use of Figure 4 a perspective view of an unloading system wherein a haul vehicle is received on a support surface;

[0064] Figure 7 Shows the use of Figure 4 a front view of an unloading system, wherein the haul vehicle is received on a support surface, the support surface being configured in a first position;

[0065] Figure 8 Shows the use of Figure 4 A front view of the unloading system, wherein the haul vehicle is received on the support surface, the support surface being configured in a second or unloading position; and

[0066] Figure 9 Shown are two Figure 4 Uninstall the system's system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Before explaining any embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the construction and arrangement details of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following figures. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. As used herein, the terms "include," "comprise," "have," or "have" and their variations are intended to encompass the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "engaged," and their variations are used in a broad sense to include direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling, and are therefore intended to include direct connections between two components without any intervening components, as well as indirect connections between components with one or more other components interposed therebetween. Furthermore, "connected" and "engaged" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, terms such as "lower," "upper," "upward," "downward," and "downward" indicate directions in the accompanying figures to which they are referenced. Terms include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words or words of similar meaning. It should be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as well as any use of any word in the singular, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list does not exclude other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0068] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like features, a non-limiting example of an offloading system (or simply “system”) according to the present invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 .

[0069] The system 10 is used to unload a load of raw materials 12 from a load-bearing body 14 of a hauling vehicle 16. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by the type of vehicle 16 used. However, in general, the system 10 and the vehicle 16 are configured to interact as discussed more fully below. In addition, typically (but not exclusively) the vehicle 16 has a fixed load-bearing body and does not have an on-board device for tipping the load-bearing body or unloading the load of raw materials 12 therefrom. The load-bearing body 14 is open toward its top. Therefore, the use of the system 10 facilitates such unloading in the absence of such hardware. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the use of the system 10, in particular, allows for the omission of such hardware, which results in a vehicle having a lower tare weight than a similar (in terms of size or load-bearing capacity) hauling vehicle that includes such hardware.

[0070] The system 10 includes a support surface 18. The support surface is schematically shown in a simplified configuration in the figures. However, it should be understood that for the purposes of the following discussion, the support surface 18 and other structural components of the system 10 have a structural integrity fit.

[0071] The support surface 18 is mounted to a base structure 20 of the system 10 by a pivot or hinge 22. The pivot 22 allows the support surface 18 to pivot or articulate relative to the base structure 20. More specifically, the support surface 18 can be in a first position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown) and the second position ( Figure 3 18 is pivotable between a first position in which support surface 18 is substantially horizontal and a second position in which support surface 18 is in a substantially vertical orientation. In this example, the first and second positions may represent the ends of an allowable range of movement or pivoting of support surface 18. Thus, the first position represents an uppermost or raised position of support surface 18, while the second position represents a lowermost or lowered position of support surface 18. The first position may be a "loading" position (i.e., a vehicle 16 may be loaded onto support surface 18 when support surface 18 is in the first position), while the second position may be a "tilted" or "unloading" position, i.e., support surface 18 may be tilted forward to facilitate unloading of a load of raw material 12 from vehicle 16.

[0072] Furthermore, the support surface 18 is specifically configured to receive the vehicle 16 on top thereof. Likewise, the shape and size of the support surface 18 can be designed with the specific dimensions of the vehicle 16 in mind and can be configured in such a manner as to match the vehicle 16.

[0073] The system 10 includes a retaining structure or device, generally and collectively indicated by the reference numeral 24. The retaining device 24 is configured to retain or releasably secure the vehicle 16 to the support surface 18 during use to allow the vehicle to pivot or articulate with the support surface 18 when the support surface 18 is pivoted to a second position, as will be discussed more fully below.

[0074] Likewise, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific configuration of the retaining device 24, and the retaining device 24 may take various forms not described in detail herein.

[0075] That is, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining structure 24 includes two sub-components or devices.

[0076] The first of these includes a hook structure 26 that is configured to latch or snap into a catch structure 28 located toward the bottom of a chassis 30 of the vehicle 16. The hook structure 26 faces or points in the direction of the vehicle 16 approaching the support surface 18, allowing the hook structure 26 to slide into engagement with the catch structure 28 as the vehicle 16 moves into position on the support surface 18. It should be understood that the hook structure 26 and the catch structure 28 can have inherent (and / or automatic) adjustability to achieve accurate and secure engagement. In addition, the hook structure 26 can be locked into an engaged configuration during use. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the hook structure 26 is mounted to the chassis 30 of the vehicle 16, while the catch structure 28 is mounted to the support surface 18.

[0077] The second subcomponent of the retaining structure 24 includes a receiving formation or structure 32 formed generally toward a front end 34 of the support surface 18. The receiving structure 32 also latches onto the vehicle 16 and helps secure it relative to the support surface. In the illustrated example, the receiving structure 32 latches onto a first set of wheels 36 of the vehicle 16. However, it should be understood that the receiving structure 32 may latch onto other suitable components of the vehicle, such as the chassis, a specially provided hook structure, etc.

[0078] Thus, in summary, the retaining structure 24 securely holds the vehicle 16 against the support surface 18. Specifically, the retaining structure 24 prevents the vehicle 16 from moving in a forward or upward direction relative to the support surface 18 ("forward" and "upward" are described herein relative to the support surface, regardless of the orientation or position of the support surface 18). Due to the forward articulation of the support surface (and the vehicle 16), forward and upward displacement needs to be inhibited.

[0079] The system 10 is configured so that the support surface 18 pivots or tilts in the direction of travel of the vehicle 16. This is important because no abnormal forces or stresses (such as lateral forces or stresses) are transmitted to the wheels, tires, or chassis during use of the system. Therefore, the vehicle 16 can simply be moved onto the support surface 18 in the direction of travel, held relative to the support surface 18, and then tilted in the same direction as the support surface 18 pivots forward toward a second position. This means that the stresses and forces transmitted to the vehicle 16 are consistent with those that the vehicle 16 is generally designed to withstand, and as a general rule, no specific provisions need to be made from a design perspective to enable the vehicle to withstand these forces and stresses.

[0080] Generally, the base structure 20 has a first level or first surface 38 on which the vehicle 16 is supported before being loaded or received onto the support surface 18. The support surface 18 is substantially level with the first level 38 so that the vehicle can access the support surface 18 from the first level 38. The support surface 18 may include a ramp portion 42 to facilitate loading the vehicle 16 onto the support surface 18. Alternatively (not shown), the support surface 18 may be received in a recessed portion of the first surface 38.

[0081] The pivot shaft 22 is fixed relative to an edge 40 of the base structure 20 .

[0082] A first locking mechanism (not shown) is provided to lock support surface 18 in the first position, and a second locking mechanism may be provided to lock support surface 18 in the second position. These locking mechanisms may take various forms, such as a physical mechanical lock configured to interact with support surface 18. In alternative examples (as discussed more fully below), the locking mechanism may take the form of a specific configuration of the hydraulic circuit associated with system 10. Regardless of the embodiment of the locking mechanism, support surface 18 needs to be lockable in the first position to ensure that support surface 18 does not begin to tilt toward the second position under the weight of vehicle 16 (or even support surface 18 itself) while vehicle 16 is being loaded onto support surface 18, and thus until vehicle 16 is properly secured in place. It should be understood that support surface 18 is arranged so that when vehicle 16 is loaded thereon, the support surface will become unbalanced and, therefore, will naturally tilt forward toward the second position unless locked in place. Once vehicle 16 is secured in place, the first locking mechanism may be released, allowing support surface 18 to pivot forward under the force of gravity. In some cases, the second locking mechanism may be omitted. However, as discussed further below, in some circumstances, the support surface is biased toward the first position, which requires that the support surface 18 be lockable in the second position to facilitate unloading of the vehicle 16 without the support surface 18 pivoting back toward the first position.

[0083] The system 10 includes an energy utilization device (generally indicated by reference numeral 44). Again, the energy utilization device can take a variety of forms, only one of which is shown in the figures and only some of which are discussed herein. Therefore, the present invention is extendible to other forms of energy utilization devices not shown or discussed.

[0084] Energy harnessing device 44 is configured to harness and store energy as support surface 18 pivots toward the second position under load (in other words, while vehicle 16 remains in place). As discussed more fully below, the energy harnessed and stored in this manner can be harnessed at a later stage to pivot support surface 18 back to the first position after the load of raw material 12 has been unloaded from the vehicle. In some cases, the amount of energy harnessed may be sufficient to return support surface 18 and vehicle 16 to the first position without the need for an externally provided energy source. This is theoretically possible because, after unloading, the total weight required to return to the first position (the combined weight of support surface 18 and vehicle 16) is much less than the total weight before unloading, which is available for use when harnessing energy.

[0085] In the example shown in the drawings, the system 10 includes an actuator in the form of a hydraulic ram 46 (a piston and cylinder arrangement) that forms part of an energy utilization system 44. The hydraulic ram 46 is also used to return the support surface 18 to the first position. The system 10 also includes a hydraulic circuit 48 that includes a hydraulic fluid line 50, a flow controller (illustrated schematically in simplified form by a valve and reference numeral 52), and a hydraulic accumulator 54.

[0086] Although the flow controller 52 is shown as a simplified valve, it should be understood that various controllers may be included, including shut-off valves, directional flow control valves, fluid lines arranged in parallel, etc., and various fluid flow paths may be created by configuring the various flow controllers in a variety of ways.

[0087] For example, the hydraulic circuit 48 can be configured into a first configuration in which fluid is inhibited from flowing into and / or out of the hydraulic cylinder 46. This can be achieved by closing a valve connected to an inlet of the hydraulic cylinder 46. Inhibiting the flow of fluid into or out of the hydraulic cylinder 46 results in locking the cylinder in a predetermined position. Thus, as described above, configuring the system 10 in this manner can be used to lock the support surface 18 in the first position and the second position (thus, in this case, a physical mechanical lock that directly interacts with the support surface 18 is not required to perform the locking function). It should be understood that the above can also be achieved by providing a one-way valve in the hydraulic circuit 48 that allows flow from, for example, the hydraulic cylinder 46, but does not allow flow back into the hydraulic cylinder 46.

[0088] The hydraulic circuit 48 may be configured in a second configuration in which hydraulic fluid is permitted to flow from the hydraulic ram 46 to the hydraulic accumulator 54. The hydraulic circuit 48 is configured in this manner to permit the support surface 18 to pivot from the first position toward the second position.

[0089] When configured in this manner, the rate at which the support surface 18 pivots forward can be controlled and damped by regulating the fluid flow rate through the hydraulic circuit 48. Furthermore, as the weight of the support surface 18 and the (loaded) vehicle 16 presses downwardly on the hydraulic ram 46, the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit 48 is pressurized, and the hydraulic accumulator 54 can be charged with pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pressurized hydraulic fluid stored within the hydraulic accumulator 54 represents harnessed and stored potential energy.

[0090] Even though the energy stored in the hydraulic accumulator 54 could theoretically be used to power an external device, typically the energy is used to provide a source of energy to return the support surface 18 and vehicle 16 to the first position. Any remaining energy available after the support surface or support surface has returned to the first position can be provided to the external device, an electrical grid, etc. The system can include a device for converting the potential energy into a form usable by an external device or circuit (e.g., into electricity).

[0091] To return the support surface and vehicle to the first position, hydraulic circuit 48 can be configured to a third configuration, in which hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow from hydraulic accumulator 54 to hydraulic cylinder 46. The pressurized fluid flowing from hydraulic accumulator 54 to hydraulic cylinder 46 can actuate hydraulic cylinder 46, causing it to apply an upward tilting force on support surface 18. As discussed above, in some cases, the force applied to support surface 18 is sufficient to pivot support surface 18 and vehicle 16 back to the first position, thereby allowing the unloaded vehicle 16 to be removed from support surface 18. In some cases, the force applied by hydraulic cylinder 46 to support surface 18 may need to be supplemented to be sufficient to pivot support surface 18 back to the first position. To this end, hydraulic pump 56 can be provided as part of hydraulic circuit 48. In this latter case, the energy provided by hydraulic accumulator 54 represents a reduction in the amount of external energy required to lift support surface 18 and vehicle 16 back to the first position.

[0092] In some cases, support surface 18 may be biased toward the first position. For example, this may be the case in the above-described example of energy utilization device 44 and may be provided to reduce the load that must be brought back toward the first position. However, it should be understood that a balance needs to be struck between the degree to which support surface 18 may be biased toward the first position and the speed at which support surface 18 can pivot toward the second position under the load of loading vehicle 16 and / or the amount of energy that can be utilized when pivoting toward the second position.

[0093] In other cases, the biasing of support surface 18 toward the first position may represent an embodiment of the energy harnessing device itself. This is not shown. However, in such cases, the biasing of support surface 18 toward the first position is carefully configured to ensure that the load of vehicle 16, when fully loaded, is sufficient to overcome the biasing of support surface 18, causing it to pivot toward the second position, but also to ensure that the biasing is sufficient to allow support surface 18 and, when unloaded, vehicle 16 to pivot back to the first position. In such cases, the rate at which vehicle 16 is unloaded (and, therefore, the rate at which the load acting against the biasing on support surface 18 decreases) needs to be considered to ensure that support surface 18 does not begin to pivot back toward the second position before vehicle 16 is truly unloaded. This can be achieved through the proper selection and configuration of the biasing, but can also be facilitated by the secondary locking device discussed above. In such an example, a hydraulic circuit may be provided, not for energy harnessing, but solely as a locking device. A hydraulic ram 46 may again be provided, and a one-way valve may allow fluid to flow out of ram 46 but not back into ram 46, thereby inhibiting support surface 18 from pivoting back toward the first position as the load on support surface 18 decreases. Once fully unloaded, the hydraulic ram may be released (eg, by opening a bypass valve in the parallel circuit), allowing the support surface 18 to begin pivoting back to the first position under the bias.

[0094] The biasing of the support surface 18 toward the first position can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as by mounting a counterweight directly to the load side 58 of the support surface 18, or by providing a counterweight connected by a pulley system to the support surface 18. Thus, energy is utilized when the counterweight is lifted.

[0095] Typically, the base structure 20 is positioned proximate a raw material dumping location 60 so that the material 12 unloaded from the vehicle 16 can be dumped onto a stockpile 62 of raw material or directly onto a ore crusher, etc. Typically, the dumping location 60 and / or stockpile 62 is located at a second level 64 that is lower than the first level 38.

[0096] In some cases, not shown, the base structure 20 may be movable and can be moved on site relative to the pile 62. This may be particularly useful when the system 10 is used for raw material handling at a construction site or a waste dump. In this case, the movable base may be adapted to dump the material in a straight line or parallel to, perpendicular to, or at an oblique angle to the window that receives the material.

[0097] Thus, during use, the vehicle 16 is driven onto the support surface 18, which is locked in a first position and held relative to the support surface using the retaining structure 24. Next, the support surface 18 is released from the first position and pivoted toward the second position, where it is again locked in place. The support surface 18 is held in the second position for a sufficient time to facilitate unloading of the raw material 12 from the carrier body 14 onto the pile 62 (or receiving trough or window). The support surface can now be released from the second position and returned to and held in the first position. The retaining structure 24 can now be released and the vehicle can be driven off the support surface 18. This represents a single unloading cycle of the system 10.

[0098] It will be appreciated that the circuitry and layout of the system 10 allow for a degree of automation.

[0099] Furthermore, it is believed that the use of the system 10 will facilitate the use of the vehicle 16 without the onboard hardware required to unload the raw materials 12. This in turn results in the vehicle 16 having a lower tare weight, thereby reducing the energy consumption associated with the handling of the raw materials.

[0100] Furthermore, providing the energy harnessing device 44 eliminates or at least reduces the amount of external energy that needs to be provided to facilitate unloading of the vehicle 16 .

[0101] Therefore, it is believed that use of the system 10 may result in an overall reduction in the energy required during the handling of raw materials for mining and / or construction operations.

[0102] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides only some example embodiments of the present invention and that numerous variations are possible without departing from the spirit and / or scope of the present invention.

[0103] For example, the support surface 18 may be configured in a roll configuration (while still including the energy harnessing device). Thus, at least some of the above-described benefits may be achieved even when the vehicle is not necessarily pivoted in a forward or travel direction.

[0104] Furthermore, the hydraulic ram 46 (and all associated hydraulic equipment) can be replaced by purely mechanical or electromechanical devices. For example, the actuator could instead comprise a linear actuator driven by an electric motor. Thus, as the support surface pivots to its second position under load, energy can be harnessed by driving an alternator / generator, and the electricity generated in this process can be stored in a battery or capacitor, or provided directly to the grid or an external system. Alternatively, during the energy harnessing cycle, the linear displacement of the linear actuator can be converted into rotation, thereby driving a flywheel to store potential energy for later use.

[0105] Even further alternative configurations are possible, for example, where a linear actuator is used, during the harvest cycle the hydraulic pump / motor unit can be driven and used to charge the accumulator in a manner similar to that discussed previously. Further undisclosed forms of actuation and / or energy harvesting are also possible.

[0106] Figures 4 to 8 An alternative unloading system for a hauling vehicle 106 is shown in the figures, which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. The unloading system 100 shown is configured in a side-tilt configuration and is associated with a movable base structure 102, which includes a ramp 116 from the ground on which the base structure 102 is supported. The movable base structure 102 may include tracks 118 (as shown) or wheels. It should be understood that in examples not shown or further discussed herein, the unloading system 100 can be configured as a forward tipping unloading system and the base structure can be replaced by a fixed base structure. Combinations of the above variations are possible. In addition, it can be understood from the figures that the unloading system 100 shown does not include an energy utilization device, although such an energy utilization device may be included, for example, in which case the system 100 can produce the same advantages as previously discussed and associated with the energy utilization device.

[0107] The unloading system 100 includes a support surface 104 that is again pivotable relative to the base structure 102 between a first position and a second position.

[0108] The system 100 further includes a support unit 108 that, in use, engages a structural portion of the hauling vehicle 106. Once engaged, the support unit 108 and the support surface 104 are fixed relative to each other. The support unit 108 is configured so that when the support surface 104 is pivoted to the second position, it supports the hauling vehicle 106 and thereby holds the hauling vehicle 106 relative to the support surface 104.

[0109] In some cases, support unit 108 is permanently fixed relative to support surface 104, so hauling vehicle 106 can simply drive onto support surface 104 until it makes contact with support unit 108. This will typically be the case when system 100 is configured as a forward tipping system.

[0110] In other cases, such as when the system 100 is configured as a roll system, the support can be displaced relative to the support surface 104 between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration. To this end, the support unit 108 can typically be mounted in a pivotable manner relative to the support surface. When the hauling vehicle 106 is pushed onto the support surface, the support unit 108 is positioned in the disengaged configuration to provide a spacing between the support unit 108 and the hauling vehicle 106. Once the hauling vehicle 106 is in position, the support unit 108 is displaced toward the engaged configuration and locked therein, in which the support unit 108 contacts a structural portion of the hauling vehicle.

[0111] The support unit 108 includes one or more contact shoes 110 through which a distributed load is applied to the structural portion of the hauling vehicle 106 .

[0112] The support unit 108 has a rim portion 112 having a shape similar to that of a structural portion of the hauling vehicle 106. The contact shoe 110 can extend along the rim portion. In the example shown in the figures (particularly in the tilting configuration), the rim portion 112 is substantially U-shaped, thereby defining an opening 114 through which material is unloaded from the hauling vehicle 106. The opening 114 has a shape similar to that of an unloading door of the hauling vehicle 106.

[0113] The system 100 also includes a lifting or pivoting mechanism 120 by which the support surface 104 is pivoted between the first position and the second position. The pivoting mechanism 120 is typically in the form of a hydraulic ram arrangement.

[0114] In use, haul vehicle 106 is pushed onto support surface 104 and parked in a predetermined position. Support unit 108 contacts a structural portion of haul vehicle 106. Support surface 104 is now pivoted toward the second position, allowing the weight of the haul vehicle to be at least partially supported by support unit 108. Door 122 of haul vehicle 108 is unbolted, allowing it to open and allowing the load of haul vehicle 106 to be unloaded through the opened door 122 and opening 114 of support unit 108. Once unloading is complete, support platform 104 pivots back to the first position, and support unit 108 is configured toward the disengaged configuration, allowing haul vehicle 106 to be driven off support platform 104.

[0115] It is believed that by using the support unit 108 to support the weight of the hauling vehicle (or at least a portion thereof) during unloading, the loads typically placed on the wheels and chassis of the hauling vehicle (when using conventional tipping unloading systems) may be reduced.

[0116] In some cases, such as Figure 9As shown, more than one unloading system 100 may be arranged in a side-by-side manner, and the two unloading systems may be configured to unload their respective haul vehicles onto a single shared pile, single chute, or conveyor 124. In this case, the unloading systems are therefore configured to tilt in opposite directions.

[0117] It will be readily understood from this disclosure that the specific features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a variety of different configurations. Thus, the description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings are not provided to limit the scope of the invention, but are merely representative of selected embodiments.

[0118] The skilled person will understand that the technical features of a given embodiment can actually be combined with the features of another embodiment, unless otherwise stated or it is obvious that these features are incompatible. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the technical features described in a given embodiment can be isolated from other features of the embodiment.

Claims

1. An unloading system for a hauling vehicle, the system comprising: a support surface configured to operably receive a vehicle, the support surface being secured to the base structure and pivotable between a first position and a second position; a retaining device for operatively and releasably retaining the vehicle relative to a support surface; An energy utilization device is configured to utilize energy when the support surface pivots to the second position under the load.

2. The unloading system of claim 1 , wherein the first position is a loading position in which the support surface is configured in a substantially horizontal orientation to allow a vehicle to be loaded onto the support surface, and wherein the second position is a tilted position. 3 . The unloading system of claim 2 , wherein the second position is an inclined position in which the support surface is inclined in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

4. The unloading system of claim 1 , wherein the base structure includes a first level, and wherein the support surface is pivotally mounted to the base structure, and wherein the support surface is accessible to a vehicle from the first level when the support surface is in the first position.

5. An unloading system according to claim 4, wherein the base structure is a movable base including means for moving the base relative to the ground.

6. The unloading system of claim 1 , wherein the retaining device comprises one of: i) a hook structure for operably engaging a latch structure associated with the vehicle, and ii) a latch structure for operably engaging a hook structure associated with the vehicle.

7. The unloading system of claim 1, wherein the retaining device includes a receiving structure for operatively receiving a first set of wheels of the vehicle and retaining them relative to the support surface.

8. The unloading system of claim 1 further comprising a first locking device configured to releasably lock the support surface in a first position to facilitate loading a vehicle onto the support surface without moving to a second position.

9. The unloading system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator operable to return the support surface to the first position.

10. The unloading system of claim 9, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic ram.

11. The unloading system of claim 10 , wherein the hydraulic ram forms part of the energy utilization device, and wherein the hydraulic ram is arranged in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid circuit including an accumulator, and wherein the hydraulic fluid circuit includes a first flow controller, the hydraulic fluid circuit being configurable by means of the first flow controller to: - a first configuration in which fluid flow into or out of the hydraulic ram is inhibited to lock the support surface in the first position or the second position; - a second configuration in which the flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic ram into the accumulator is facilitated, thereby allowing the accumulator to be charged with pressurized hydraulic fluid, thereby utilizing potential energy; and - A third configuration, wherein the flow of hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the hydraulic ram is facilitated, thereby allowing the hydraulic ram to actuate the support surface towards the first position.

12. The unloading system of claim 11, wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder to supplement the hydraulic fluid provided to the hydraulic cylinder by the accumulator.

13. The unloading system of claim 1, wherein the support surface is biased toward the first position.

14. The unloading system of claim 13, wherein the support surface is associated with a counterweight, the counterweight biasing the support surface toward the first position.

15. The unloading system of claim 14, wherein the counterweight is one of: a) directly secured to the first side of the support surface; and b) connected to the support surface via a pulley system.

16. The unloading system of claim 13, configured to require receipt of a predetermined load on the support surface to overcome the bias to allow the support surface to pivot toward the second position, and wherein the configuration enables a vehicle to exceed the rated load when loaded.

17. The unloading system of claim 13, further comprising a second locking device configured to releasably lock the support surface in a second position.

18. The unloading system of claim 4, which is arranged near a raw material dumping location, the raw material dumping location being located at a level below the first layer.

19. The unloading system of claim 5 including a ramp from the ground to the first level allowing a haul vehicle to be pushed onto the support surface.

20. The unloading system of claim 5, wherein the means for moving the base relative to the support surface comprises wheels or tracks.

21. A method of unloading raw materials from a haul vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing the system according to claim 1; ii) receiving a vehicle on a support surface of the system, the support surface being disposed in a first position; iii) releasably retaining the vehicle relative to a support surface; iv) allowing the support surface to pivot toward the second position; v) utilizing energy by the energy utilizing device when the support surface is pivoted toward the second position.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the following additional steps: vi) Allowing raw materials to be unloaded from hauling vehicles; vii) utilizing at least some of the utilized energy to return the support surface to the first position; viii) releasing the vehicle from the supporting surface; and ix) Remove the vehicle from the supporting surface.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein step v) comprises configuring a hydraulic ram of the system to pump hydraulic fluid into a hydraulic accumulator, and wherein step vii) comprises allowing at least some hydraulic fluid stored in the hydraulic accumulator to flow to the hydraulic ram.

24. The method of claim 23, comprising replenishing fluid flow to the hydraulic ram using a hydraulic pump.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein step vi) includes the sub-step of configuring a locking device of the system to lock the support surface in the second position, and wherein step vii) is preceded by the sub-step of configuring the locking device to allow displacement of the support surface from the second position.

26. The method of claim 21 , wherein step ii) is preceded by the sub-step of configuring a locking device of the system to lock the support surface in the first position, and wherein step iv) is preceded by the sub-step of configuring the locking device to allow the support surface to be displaced from the first position.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein step iv) comprises: The support surface is permitted to pivot toward the second position under the action of a load caused by a vehicle received on the support surface.

28. An unloading system for a hauling vehicle, the system comprising: a support surface configured to operably receive a vehicle, the support surface being secured to the base structure and pivotable between a first position and a second position; A support unit is configured to operably engage a structural portion of the vehicle to support and / or retain the vehicle relative to the support surface when the support surface is pivoted to the second position.

29. The unloading system of claim 28, wherein the support unit is configurable between a disengaged configuration in which the support unit is operably spaced apart from a structural portion of the hauling vehicle and an engaged configuration in which the support unit is operably engaged with the structural portion of the hauling vehicle.

30. The unloading system of claim 29, wherein the support unit is pivotally fixed relative to the support surface and is lockable in the engaged configuration.

31. The unloading system of claim 28, wherein the support unit comprises one or more contact shoes configured to operatively apply a distributed load on a structural portion of the vehicle.

32. The unloading system of claim 28, wherein the support unit includes a rim portion having a shape that conforms to a structural portion of a hauling vehicle.

33. The unloading system of claim 32, wherein the rim portion defines an opening through which material is operatively unloaded from the hauling vehicle.

34. The unloading system of claim 33, wherein the opening is substantially U-shaped.

35. The unloading system of claim 28, wherein the base structure is a movable base including means for moving the base relative to the ground or support surface.

36. The unloading system of claim 35 including a ramp from the ground to the support surface to allow the hauling vehicle to be pushed onto the support surface.

37. The unloading system of claim 35, wherein the means for moving the base relative to the ground comprises wheels or tracks.

38. The unloading system of claim 28, further comprising a pivot mechanism for pivoting the support surface between a first position and a second position.

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