unloading device and unloading system comprising this unloading device

Abstract

Unloading device for emptying containers filled with bulk materials and open at the top, in particular containers on container wagons, by means of a height-adjustable fork carriage (7) with a pair of forks (8) which can be inserted into a fork pocket on the underside of the container (20), wherein the fork carriage (7) is arranged on a rotatable part (3) which is rotatably connected to a support (2) in a pivot axis (15) which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container (20) being received, characterized in that the rotatable part (3) is rotatably connected to the support (2) by at least one articulated assembly (14) consisting of two articulated levers (14a, 14b), one end of which is mounted in a common pivot axis (12), wherein one end of the main control cylinder (11a) for controlling the raising and lowering of the rotatable part (3) is rotatably connected to this common axis (12).while the other end of the first joint lever (14a) is rotatably connected to the support and the other end of the second joint lever (14b) is rotatably connected to the rotatable part (3), and that an auxiliary control cylinder (11b) is provided, which is attached at one end to the support (2) and at the other end to the rotatable part (3) at a pivot point located on the rotatable part between the attachment point of the second joint lever (14b) on the rotatable part (3) and the axis of rotation (15).

Description

[0001] The technical solution concerns an unloading device for emptying (tipping) containers filled with bulk materials and open at the top, in particular containers on container trolleys, by means of a height-adjustable fork carriage with a pair of forks that can be inserted into a fork pocket on the underside of the container.

[0002] European patent EP-A-1 690 809 discloses an unloading device that can be designed as a mobile or stationary unit and, similar to a forklift, has two fork carriages mounted on a support structure. The support structure is height-adjustable and rotatable relative to the frame, with the axis of rotation running parallel to the forks. To empty and subsequently drain the container filled with bulk materials, the forks are inserted into the fork pocket on the underside of the container. Once the container is lifted, the vehicle is driven to the unloading point, where the container is rotated about an axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis until it is completely emptied. This process is controlled by a device that ensures the unloading, emptying, and return of the empty container to its original position. The rotating unloading action also ensures complete emptying of the container.However, this well-known unloading system requires more space, as the containers are unloaded individually from a parked train. This limits the unloading capacity.

[0003] The objective of this technical solution is to provide an improved unloading device that enables complete emptying of container contents onto container trolleys in confined spaces, while maintaining a consistently high unloading capacity. This is achieved using a sliding mechanism. The unloading device is also suitable for operation in enclosed spaces, allowing for dust- and noise-free unloading, for example, in densely populated areas. A particularly advantageous feature of the unloading device is its easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring flexible deployment (as a mobile or stationary unit).

[0004] According to this technical solution, an unloading device for emptying containers filled with bulk materials and open at the top, in particular containers on container wagons, is provided by means of a height-adjustable fork carriage with a pair of forks that can be inserted into a fork pocket on the underside of the container, wherein the fork carriage is arranged on a rotatable part which is rotatably connected to a support in a pivot axis which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container being received, wherein the rotatable part is rotatably connected to the support by an assembly of two articulated levers, one end of which is mounted in a common pivot axis, wherein one end of the main control cylinder for controlling the raising and lowering of the rotatable part is further rotatably connected to this common axis.While the other end of the first articulated lever is rotatably connected to the support and the other end of the second articulated lever is rotatably connected to the rotating part, and an auxiliary control cylinder is present, attached at one end to the support and at the other end to the rotating part at a pivot point located on the rotating part between the attachment point of the second articulated lever on the rotating part and the axis of rotation. An advantage of this technical solution is also that the fork carriage is located on the rotating part, which is rotatably mounted on the support about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, allowing the container to be rotated about the axis and emptied. Furthermore, both a main control cylinder and an auxiliary control cylinder are present, which together ensure reliable operation and emptying of the container contents.

[0005] The unloading device, according to this technical solution, rotates the container around an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis, thereby rotating and emptying the container. The space required for the unloading device is therefore very small. Continuous transport of the emptied material is ensured at the rear of the device. Emptying multiple containers, especially from a single container truck, can be carried out very efficiently.

[0006] In an advantageous embodiment of this technical solution, the support is slidable along a stable base, running parallel to the axis of the forks. This configuration allows for easy movement of the support to pick up the filled container and to place the empty container onto a transport device, such as a container trolley.

[0007] Another advantage of the unloading device according to this technical solution is that the fork carriage is laterally movable relative to the rotating part. This movement allows the fork carriage to be adjusted laterally relative to the container being emptied. A significant advantage is that the fork carriage can rotate around an axis parallel to the forks at a small angle. This movement is so rapid that it resembles vibrations, and after the container is emptied, any remaining material adhering to the inner walls can be easily removed.

[0008] This technical solution also relates to a system for unloading and emptying containers filled with bulk materials, comprising an unloading device as described in this technical solution. The system is further equipped with an operator's cabin positioned to allow monitoring of the movements of the trolleys and the components of the unloading device. Another component of the device is at least one technical container housing the drive units and control components of the unloading device.

[0009] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of this technical solution, the unloading system is equipped with a technical container that houses the drive units, preferably hydraulic, but optionally also pneumatic, and a second technical container that integrates all the electrical components and the control unit. This allows for easy repairs and eliminates the risk of damaging the electrical components, particularly in the event of a hydraulic malfunction. In another particularly advantageous embodiment, the unloading system is equipped with two technical containers. The unloading system is even more advantageous if it includes a control cabin mounted on these two containers and oriented towards the discharge side of the device. Both containers are advantageously designed on their upper surfaces to accommodate the control cabin and ensure a reliable connection to it.

[0010] A further advantage of the present unloading device is that a bulk material container is mounted on the rotating part above the fork carriage. The width of this container exceeds the length of the container itself, and its recess is oriented towards the container being picked up. This bulk material container ensures that no unwanted material falls out during the rotation of the container.

[0011] The rotating part is functionally simple, practical, and reliable, as it is controlled by articulated levers connected to the support. The axis of the levers is controlled by two main piston control cylinders that raise and lower them. The unloading device further includes two auxiliary control cylinders that allow the rotating part to tilt and retract. The maximum rotation or tilt angle of the rotating part is limited to approximately 175°. This ensures optimal emptying of the container.

[0012] If the unloading device is designed so that the rotation or tilting is automatically controlled, operation is simplified and emptying of the container is faster.

[0013] The fork carriage can be moved relative to the container manually or automatically. Manual control allows for very precise adjustment of the fork carriage to pick up the container, regardless of the exact positioning of the carts and containers.

[0014] The technical solution becomes clearer with the help of the attached drawings, which show: Fig. shows the view of the unloading device according to the technical solution from the front in the rest position, Fig. are perspective views from the front of the device Fig. , illustrate the various movement possibilities of the fork carriage unit of the unloading device, Fig. show the rear view of the unloading device according to the technical solution in the rest position, Fig. show views of the unloading device according to the technical solution in different phases during operation, Fig. show views from the front of the unloading device according to the technical solution with different positions of the fork carriage, Fig. show schematic views of an embodiment of the discharge system, which includes the discharge device in different phases during operation. Fig. is a schematically simplified view of another embodiment of the unloading system according to this technical solution. Fig. These are representations of the unloading device according to this technical solution.

[0015] The terms vertical and horizontal, top and bottom refer to the starting position of the device and the surface it is placed on. The front side is the side facing the container before it is picked up, while the back side is the opposite side.

[0016] For ease of understanding, identical elements in the individual embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals. The description of these elements in one embodiment is fully applicable to other embodiments unless expressly excluded.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view from the front of the unloading device according to this technical solution. Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of the construction and basic operation of an unloading device similar to the unloading device according to this technical solution, but without auxiliary control cylinders 11b. The unloading device according to this technical solution with the auxiliary control cylinders 11b shown is then in Fig. The main components of the unloading device are the stable base 1, which in this particular embodiment has two stable, parallel crossbeams 1a, equipped with rail guides 1b on their facing sides. The stable support 2 is slidably mounted in these guides 1b and is movable along the crossbeams 1a. The support 2 has a base plate 2a, two vertically oriented side walls 2b, which in this particular embodiment are triangular, and a rear wall 2c that connects the side walls 2b at the rear of the device.The main control cylinders 11a are arranged between the double walls of each side wall 2b. Each cylinder is connected to a lever mechanism 14 comprising a first lever 14a and a second lever 14b. Each pair of levers (14a, 14b) is connected to a main control cylinder 11a, with each main control cylinder 11a being rotatably connected to its respective pair of levers (14a, 14b) about the axis 12. The lever mechanism 14 is rotatably connected to the rotatable part 3, which is rotatable about the horizontal axis 15 located in the upper region of the side walls 2b of the support 2. This axis allows the rotatable part 3 to be tilted by movement of the lifting cylinders 11a. The main control cylinders 11a can be hydraulic or pneumatic and are responsible for lifting and rotating the containers 20 during emptying. The axis 15 is formed by bolts 15a which run between the side walls 2b of the support 2 and ensure the rotatable connection of this support 2 with the rotatable part 3.The unloading device according to this technical solution with the auxiliary control cylinders 11b is in . Fig. The auxiliary control cylinders 11b are very important for the unloading device; in particular, they assist in rotating the entire container 20 for emptying by supporting the function of the main control cylinders 11a in overcoming the rotation of the rotatable part 3 by more than 180°. Without the auxiliary control cylinders 11b, a complete tilting or reversing of the rotatable part 3 is not possible.

[0018] The rotating part 3 has, in addition to the aforementioned side parts 3a, a front plate 3b that covers the side parts 3a. A bulk material container 6 is permanently attached to the upper part of the rotating part 3; its width is significantly greater than the length of the container to be emptied. The bulk material container 6 is designed in the form of an oversized shovel with a back wall 6a and three side walls 6b. In the rest position (see Fig. ) the rear wall of the bulk material container 6a is vertical, while the vertical side walls and the lower horizontal edge are formed by the side walls 6b.

[0019] On the front plate 3b of the rotatable part 3, the unit 5 of the fork carriage is arranged. This unit 5 has a flat support 10 that is slidably mounted in horizontal rail guides 3c of the front plate 3b. The unit 5 of the fork carriage has another flat support 10 that is slidably mounted in vertical rail guides 4a on the front of the support 4, which is arranged parallel and perpendicular to the previous support. The fork carriage 7, with two parallel forks 8, is mounted on the support 10. The forks 8 are connected to the support 10 via a bearing 9. The bearing 9 allows the fork carriage 7 to be tilted, if necessary, by a small angle to either side about an axis parallel to the forks 8.

[0020] Fig. The unloading device is shown in its basic position, for simplicity without auxiliary cylinder 11b. Various movement sequences can be performed with drive units not shown, which are described in Fig. will be described in more detail. How Fig. As shown, lateral movement of unit 5 of the fork carriage in the rail guides 3c of the rotatable part 3 is possible, with the lateral movement from the central basic position being approximately 400 mm in both directions. In this way, unit 5 of the fork carriage can be adjusted laterally to the container to be emptied. Fig. The figure shows unit 5 of the fork carriage after a vertical movement up and down, with the movement being approximately 300 mm in both directions, starting from the central basic position. The vertical movement allows unit 5 of the fork carriage to be adjusted to different heights of the containers on the trolley. To move unit 5 of the fork carriage towards the side of the trolley to be unloaded, the support 2, together with all components of the device, can be moved along the crossbeams 1a, as shown in Fig. The required movement should be approximately 3500 mm.

[0021] Fig. The figures show different phases of the movement of the rotatable part 3 with the unit 5 of the fork carrier relative to the support 2. By extending both cylinders 11, the rotatable part 3 is rotated about the axis 15. Fig. shows the position of the rotatable part 3 after a 60° rotation from its initial position. Fig. The rotatable part 3 is rotated by approximately 120° from its starting position. Fig. shows the final position after a rotation of approximately 175°, with further rotation or tilting limited by end stops 2d.

[0022] Fig. Figure 5 shows the fork carriage unit during a vibration cycle. The fork carriage 7 is alternately rotated about 10° to both sides around the axis formed by the bearing 9. These rotational movements are performed so rapidly that they resemble vibrations. The vibration cycle can be carried out, for example, by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder (not shown).

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows the unloading system according to an advantageous embodiment of this technical solution, which includes the unloading device in various phases during operation. The main components of the unloading system, besides the unloading device, are a storage container 16 for receiving the unloaded material and a device for further transporting the emptied material, which is not shown. In this embodiment, the unloading system includes a technical container 17 for the drive units and control components of the unloading device. According to a further advantageous embodiment, which is shown in Figure 1, the unloading system includes a storage container 16 for receiving the unloaded material and a device for further transporting the emptied material, which is not shown. Fig. As shown, the unloading system contains two separate technical containers instead of one technical container 17, namely the technical container 17a with the drive units and the technical container 17b with the electrical engineering and the control unit.

[0024] The trolleys are moved manually from the operator's cabin 18, which is located independently of the supporting container. The device may include a laser orientation aid for positioning the trolley, which is typically loaded with three containers. The trolley loaded with containers 20 is first moved into the parking position (see Fig. ), wherein the container to be unloaded is correctly positioned relative to the unloading device, which is stationary. Containers that are open or can be opened at the top and have two fork channels 21 on the underside for the forks 8 of the fork carriage 7, arranged centrally along the longitudinal axis of the container, should be used for unloading. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the unloading system as described in this technical solution, the operator's cabin 18 is Fig. as shown, arranged on the aforementioned technical containers 17a and 17b.

[0025] The unloading device is put into operational readiness. First, the forks 8 are inserted into the fork channels 21 of the container 20, for example by means of joysticks, which is done manually by the operator. As already mentioned, during this process the forks 8 are moved laterally and their position is adjusted vertically (see Fig. ). Subsequently, the fork tines 8 are inserted into the fork channels 21 by sliding the support 2 along the crossbeams 1a (see Fig. The bulk material container 6 is placed on the container 20 with its lower edge 6b. As soon as the forks 8 are fully inserted, this state is signaled to the operator by a button on the support 2. Manual operation of the unloading device is then usually terminated. The container is subsequently rotated automatically. The container 20 is first raised by approximately 100 mm, and the support 2 with the raised container 20 is returned to its starting position. The fork carriage 5 is automatically returned to its starting position according to the previously set height and lateral adjustments. Once these movements are complete, the rotation of the container is initiated automatically. The container 20 is tilted to an angle of approximately 175°, during which both the acceleration and braking speeds are reduced.From an angle of approximately 70°, the container 20 automatically leans against the bulk material container 6 due to gravity. The bulk material container 6 is designed so that no material falls outside the storage area 16. During the rotation process, the side walls of the container 20 lean against the rotating part 3, which is fitted with a rubber insert at these points. At this time, the upper edge of the bulk material container 6 is already above the storage area 16. Fig. Figure 2 shows the container 20 fully rotated at an angle of 175°. The stops 2d at the upper edge of the side walls of the support 2 limit the rotation to the desired angle of 175°.

[0026] At very low temperatures or with large temperature differences between day and night, the material on the inner walls of container 20 can freeze. If the operator notices that material residue remains in the container after emptying it, a vibration cycle is initiated. By activating the corresponding button in the control center, container 20 is moved alternately up and down around the axis formed by bearing 9. This movement transmits small shocks to the container walls, causing vibrations that loosen the material remaining on the container walls. After completion of the vibration cycle, unit 5 of the fork carriage returns to its starting position.

[0027] After the unloading process is complete, container 20 is returned to its original position under monitoring, for example by means of a measuring system. Once the starting position is reached, unit 5 of the fork carriage is returned to the position in which the full container 20 was originally picked up. At this point, the automatic operation is complete.

[0028] Since it cannot be ruled out that relative movement occurred between the trolley and container 20 during the unloading process, it is advantageous to manually place the empty container 20 back onto the trolley. The precise positioning of container 20 can be monitored using a surveillance system (cameras). Support 2 and unit 5 of the fork carriage are moved as needed. Once container 20 is placed on the trolley, support 2 is returned to its parked position and unit 5 of the fork carriage returns to its starting position.

[0029] It is assumed that all movements of the unloading device are appropriately controlled and monitored. Therefore, according to this technical solution, an unloading system with an unloading device is provided, this system including a control cabin designed to control the unloading device and monitor its operation. This unloading system is particularly advantageously equipped with integrated measuring systems, enabling the unloading device to operate independently of the load using proportional valves. Monitoring and control devices can be designed to allow fully automatic (contactless) operation of the unloading device.

[0030] Both the unloading device and the unloading system, as described in the technical solution, have a compact design and require minimal space. They can be disassembled to such an extent that they can be moved to another workstation. The unloading device can also be used in enclosed spaces. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP-A-1 690 809

[0002]

Claims

[1] Unloading device for emptying containers filled with bulk materials and open at the top, in particular containers on container wagons, by means of a height-adjustable fork carriage (7) with a pair of forks (8) which can be inserted into a fork pocket on the underside of the container (20), wherein the fork carriage (7) is arranged on a rotatable part (3) which is rotatably connected to a support (2) in a pivot axis (15) which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container (20) being received, characterized by, that the rotatable part (3) is rotatably connected to the support (2) by at least one joint assembly (14) consisting of two articulated levers (14a, 14b), one end of which is mounted in a common axis of rotation (12), wherein one end of the main control cylinder (11a) for controlling the raising and lowering of the rotatable part (3) is rotatably connected to this common axis (12), while the other end of the first articulated lever (14a) is rotatably connected to the support and the other end of the second articulated lever (14b) is rotatably connected to the rotatable part (3), and that an auxiliary control cylinder (11b) is provided, which is attached at one end to the support (2) and at the other end to the rotatable part (3) at a pivot point located on the rotatable part between the attachment point of the second articulated lever (14b) on the rotatable part (3) and the axis of rotation (15). [2] Discharge device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the rotatable part (3) is connected to the support (2) at both opposite ends via two pairs of linkage levers (14a, 14b), each pair being arranged at an opposite end of the rotatable part (3), further comprising two main control cylinders (11a), each of which is connected to a pair of linkage levers (14a, 14b) at their common axis of rotation (12), and further comprising two auxiliary control cylinders (11b) which are attached to the rotatable part (3) and to the support (2) at said opposite ends of the rotatable part (3). [3] Discharge device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the rotatable part (3) is connected to the support (2) at both opposite ends, comprising two pairs of linkage levers (14a, 14b), further comprising two main control cylinders (11a), each of these two main control cylinders (11a) being connected on one side to a pair of linkage levers (14a, 14b) on their common axis of rotation (12), and that the unloading device further comprises two auxiliary control cylinders (11b) attached to the rotatable part (3) and the support (2) at said opposite ends of the rotatable part (3). [4] Discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the point of the rotatable connection of the auxiliary control cylinder (11b) with the support (2) is located in the direction of the axis of rotation (15) behind the point of the rotatable connection of the first articulated lever (14a) with the support (2). [5] Unloading system comprising an unloading device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4. [6] Unloading system according to claim 5, characterized by that it contains a first technical container (17a) with drive units, preferably hydraulic, and a second technical container (17b) with electrical engineering and control unit. [7] Unloading system according to claim 6, characterized by , that it includes an operator cabin (18) which is arranged on the first and second technical containers (17a, 17b).

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