CONTAINER LIFTING AND EMPTYING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container lifting and emptying device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A container lifting and emptying device of this type is known, for example, from DE 88 10 211 U1. The known container lifting and emptying device comprises a frame mounted on wheels, a carriage that can be moved vertically along the frame, and a motor that causes the vertical displacement of the carriage. Furthermore, the lifting and emptying device according to DE 88 10 211 U1 features a pivoting frame to which a container can be attached. Furthermore, the known lifting and emptying device comprises a rack that can be attached to the frame at different heights. A gearwheel is mounted on the carriage and meshes with the rack. The rotational movement of the gearwheel is converted into a pivoting movement of the pivoting frame.

[0003] Various box lifting devices are described, for example, in documents DE 20 2008 016 092 U1 and DE 10 2013 002 752 A1. A box stacking system is disclosed in DE 10 2016 109 017 A1.

[0004] DE 43 28 378 C2 describes a lifting and emptying device for a waste collection container. The lifting and emptying device features two gripping devices for attaching the suspension brackets of a collection container. The two gripping devices can be operated either together or separately.

[0005] FR 3 097 539 A1 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a transport gondola for unloading crates comprising a frame in vertical cluster and two arms extending parallel to each other, at the same height, on the same side and perpendicular to the vertical frame: the arms are movable relative to each other between a spaced-apart and a retracted position and each comprise at least one gripping means.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a container lifting and emptying device that is further developed compared to the prior art, can be used flexibly and is particularly user-friendly.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device designed for lifting and emptying containers, having the features of claim 1. The container lifting and emptying device comprises a movable frame, a carriage displaceable vertically on the frame, and a container pivoting device mounted on the carriage, which is designed to grip a container located on a container stack from above with the aid of several latches. The container pivoting device comprises a container lid lock, by means of which an unlocking state is set in a storage position and in a tipped-over container position, and a locking state is set otherwise, i.e., during pivoting.

[0008] An advantage over conventional solutions, in which a container is lifted from below with a fork, is that containers can be easily removed from a stack one after the other from above and pivoted during further handling. This pivoting movement can involve a complete tilt, i.e., a 180° pivoting movement. Variants are also possible in which pivoting is provided by a smaller angle, for example, only 135°.

[0009] Regardless of the maximum swivel angle, at least two latches are arranged on opposite sides of the container, for example, which are designed to automatically engage with the contours of a container when the container swivel device is lowered. Depending on the design of the container to be handled, in extreme cases, a single latch per side of the container may be sufficient. Designs are also conceivable in which a container is gripped using more than two latches per side.

[0010] According to an advantageous development, latches are provided for different container types, with all latches being spring-loaded and deactivated by means of locking pins. Instead of locking pins, other mechanisms that deactivate the unused latches are also possible. In any case, the container lifting and emptying device can thus be easily and quickly converted to different container types.

[0011] Regardless of the number and arrangement of the latches, the latches can be designed, when engaged, to allow the latched container to be moved in a plane parallel to the container base. This allows a container to be easily removed manually from the container lifting and emptying device without activating a release mechanism.

[0012] The mechanically controlled container lid locking device ensures that the lid of the container remains locked during swiveling and that the parts in the container can be placed gently, i.e. in particular with minimal impact, on a downstream conveyor device, in particular in the form of a conveyor belt or a vibrating conveyor, during and after the swiveling process, thus avoiding or minimizing surface damage.

[0013] The vertically movable carriage is driven, for example, by a spindle drive. The carriage can be, for example, a housing of a gearbox of the container swiveling device. A non-swivelling component of the container swiveling device can rest loosely on an output element of the spindle drive, i.e. an element connected to the spindle nut. This applies both when raising and lowering the container. During the lowering process, if the load, i.e. the container swiveling device including the container, is stopped, the output element of the spindle drive can continue the lowering movement and thus move downwards away from the carriage. This process is also referred to as overtaking of the carriage by the output element of the spindle drive. Such overtaking should be mechanically prevented while the container is swiveling.

[0014] For this purpose, a locking element can be slidably mounted on the container pivoting device. In a first setting, this locking element allows the spindle drive's output element to overtake the carriage and simultaneously blocks pivoting movements of the container pivoting device. In a second setting of the locking element, the spindle drive's output element blocks the carriage from overtaking and simultaneously allows pivoting movements of the container pivoting device. Switching between the two settings of the locking element can be mechanically controlled depending on the carriage's height.

[0015] For mechanically triggered stopping of the carriage in cases where the output element of the spindle drive, which otherwise supports the container pivoting device, overtakes the carriage, i.e., moves downwards away from the carriage, a brake can be provided, which, for example, comprises an eccentric as the braking element. The eccentric can be equipped with a brake pad or act as a brake pad as a whole.

[0016] As an alternative to a spindle drive as an electromechanical linear drive, a traction mechanism in the form of a toothed belt or a chain can be provided, which, typically also electrically driven, raises the container pivoting device. Regardless of how the container pivoting device is raised and lowered, the pivoting can be mechanically synchronized with the lifting movement by means of a gear. Elements of this gear can be integrated into the mechanism that displaces the locking element described above. This applies in particular to embodiments in which the gear designed for pivoting the container comprises a toothed rack. In this case, the mechanism that displaces the locking element can comprise a control roller that runs on the toothed rack. As in other embodiments, a spindle drive can be provided for raising and lowering the container.

[0017] The mobile frame of the container lifting and emptying device has a U-shape in plan view, for example, which allows it to grip a single container stack or two adjacent container stacks. The containers to be lifted and swiveled are thus located within a rectangle defined by the mobile frame. In the case of two adjacent container stacks, the relative positioning of the mobile frame and containers must be changed after the first stack has been processed to enable handling of the second container stack.

[0018] In general, the container lifting and emptying device can either be mobile on casters or designed for long-term use in one and the same location. The stacked containers can be arranged in a single stack on a pallet, which can incorporate a drip tray if required. The same applies to a floor trolley that supports one or more stacks of containers. The container lifting and emptying device is fully functional without pneumatic or hydraulic drives.

[0019] The speed at which the containers are lifted can be adjustable. An automatic reduction of the vertical travel speed can be provided within the swivel range. Limit switches can be provided to stop the movements performed by the container lifting and emptying device. The container lifting and emptying device is typically designed for container weights up to 50 kg. Scaling is possible while maintaining the basic design features.

[0020] Several embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a detail of a container and emptying device in perspective view, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a container provided with the device according to Figure 1 feasible lifting and swiveling process, Fig. 3 in a representation analogous Figure 2a swiveling and lowering process, Fig. 4 a rear view of the device according to Figure 1 , Fig. 5 a detail of the container lifting and emptying device according to Figure 1 including a movable locking element, Fig. 6 and 7 in schematic representations various possible settings of the locking element, Fig. 8 a container pivoting device of the container lifting and emptying device according to Figure 1 , Fig. 9 an alternative design of a container swivel device, Fig. 10 and 11 different states of a slack chain monitoring of the arrangement according to Figure 9 in schematic representations, Fig. 12 a detail of a ratchet mechanism which in the device according to Figure 1 as well as in the device according to Figure 9 is used, Fig. 13 a brake of the container lifting and emptying device according to Figure 1 , Fig. 14 a lid lock of the container lifting and emptying device according to Figure 1, Fig. 15 mobile components of the container lifting and emptying device according to Figure 1 and a container arrangement.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated, the following explanations refer to both exemplary embodiments. Corresponding or essentially equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0022] A container lifting and emptying device, designated overall by the reference numeral 1, comprises a mobile frame 2, on which wheels 3 are located. The frame 2 describes a U-shape, which is formed by a metal plate 13, which represents the main element of the frame 2. A recess formed by the U-shape of the frame 2 is designated 11 and is dimensioned such that a roller designated 4, on which two stacks 6, 7 of containers 8 are located, can be positioned in the recess 11. Deviating from the Figure 15In the exemplary embodiment outlined, the roller 4 could also be designed to accommodate only a single container stack 6. The wheels of the roller 4 are designated 5.

[0023] The roller 4 with the container stacks 6, 7 is pushed into the recess 11 until the container stacks 6, 7 are stopped by a height-adjustable container stop 12. Below the container stop 12, above the metal plate 13, in the embodiment according to Figure 15a tunnel 14 is formed. The tunnel 14 enables a partial advance of a transport and storage device containing workpieces, in particular a floor roller, beyond the container stop 12. The possibility of adjusting the height of the container stop 12 is particularly useful when using containers 8 stacked on pallets. The container stop 12 ensures that the container stack 6, which has a considerable mass inertia, does not slip when stopping in the recess 11, which would otherwise be possible due to the low friction between the containers 8 and the pallet or roller 4. Fig. 15A foot actuator 15 is also visible, which is located on the metal plate 13 and is intended to actuate a lateral stop 68. The stop 68, with which the roller 4 including the container stacks 6, 7 can be stopped, is designed for masses up to 300 kg in the exemplary embodiment. The entire frame 2 can be firmly positioned using supports 16.

[0024] On the mobile frame 2 there is a vertically aligned guide assembly 17, which, among other things, Figure 1 A carriage 18 is movable on the guide assembly 17, on which a container pivoting device 19 is located. The container pivoting device 19 comprises a pivot arm 20, which in the arrangement according to Figure 1 horizontally. This alignment corresponds to a step S1 of a lifting and swiveling process, which Figure 2The container 8, which has already been lifted from the stack 6 in step S2 but is still in a horizontal position, is pivoted by 180° about a pivot axis SW in step S3. In the Figure 2 In the last step, designated S4, the container 8 is located directly above a conveying device 41, in this case a conveyor belt, with a lid of the container 8, designated 30, being arranged at a short distance above the conveying device 41. During the pivoting movement, the lid 30 is fixed to the container 8, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0025] In the tipped state, the lid 30, whose pivot axis is marked DA on the container 8 and is always arranged parallel to the pivot axis SW of the pivot arm 20 during the entire pivoting process, opens slightly until it rests on the conveyor device 41. This state is in Figure 3, which illustrates the unloading and swinging back of the container 8, is designated S5. The slight opening of the lid 30 in the completely tilted state is carried out by its own weight as well as by the weight of the workpieces to be conveyed in the container 8. During the swinging back of the container 8, in Figure 3designated S6, the cover 30 initially opens further so that the workpieces slide gently onto the conveyor device 41. The gentle placement of the workpieces on the conveyor device 41 is supported by a cover lock 31, which is actuated by a cam control 50, which will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, a light curtain prevents damage that could conceivably occur due to a renewed approach to the emptying position in the conveyor device 41, i.e., in the dosing belt or linear conveyor. In general, the light curtain monitors the system area to ensure that the operation of the container lifting and emptying device 1 is not disrupted by parts or bulk material.

[0026] After exceeding the vertical alignment during the pivoting back of the empty container 8, the lid 30 is closed again, as in step S7 after Figure 3indicated. It is then possible to remove the container 8, stack the containers 8 again, or transport the containers 8 any further.

[0027] Details of the swivel device 19 are shown in Figure 1 A rotationally symmetrical component 21 is arranged concentrically to the pivot axis SW. An L-shaped connecting element 22 is held on the pivot arm 20, which carries a holding frame 23. The dimensions of the holding frame 23 are adapted to the size of a container 8. On two opposite sides of the holding frame 23, two pawls 24 and two further pawls 25 are mounted. In the embodiment according to Figure 1The latches 24 are located near the upper edge of the holding frame 23 near the corners of the container 8. Two latches 25 arranged directly next to each other are located approximately in the middle of a narrow side of the container 8, i.e., in comparison to the latches 24, they are offset towards the container bottom 34. The different arrangement of the latches 24 on the one hand and the latches 25 on the other hand serves the purpose of being able to grip different containers 8 if necessary. Contours of the container 8, into which the latches 24, 25 can grip, are designated 10. Details of the mechanism for gripping the container 8 implemented with the aid of the latches 24, 25 are shown in Figure 12 . Unused pawls 24, 25 can then be locked by means of bolts 48. A torque is exerted on each pawl 24, 25 by a spring 49. The axes about which the pawls 24, 25 can be tilted are designated K1, K2.

[0028] Irrespective of the specific design of the containers 8, these can be easily picked up by the container lifting and emptying device 1 by moving the holding frame 23 together with the latches 24, 25 from above over the container 8. For the necessary movement of the carriage 18 in the vertical direction, in the embodiment according to Figure 1 a spindle drive 26 is provided. The gear of the container pivoting device 19 is designated 27.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiments, the lid 30 of the container 8 is constructed in several parts, with a lid part 28 being pivotably mounted about the lid axis DA. On the edge of the lid 30 opposite the lid axis DA, the lid has a lid part 29, which is bead-shaped to facilitate manual lifting and to provide a damping effect.

[0030] Components of the lid lock 31 are made of both Figure 1as well as from Figure 14 A pin 32 belonging to the cover 30 is arranged according to Figure 1 as well as Figure 14fixed by a lever 33 of the lid lock 31. The two-armed lever 33 can be pivoted about a lever axis HA, which is arranged parallel to the pivot arm 20 and at least approximately intersects the pivot axis SW. The two axes SW and HA thus define a plane which is arranged parallel to the container bottom 34. At the end of the lever 33 facing away from the pin 32, the lever 33 is coupled to an actuating rod 35, which in turn is coupled to a tilting star 36. The tilting axis of the tilting star 36 is designated KA and is arranged vertically when the container 8 is in a horizontal position. The tilting axis KA, like the lever axis HA, pivots with the pivot arm 20. A spring loading the tilting star 36 is designated 37. The tilting star 36 interacts directly with a cam component 40, which comprises two identical cams 38, 39.The cams 38, 39 are designed such that the cover 30 is positively locked during pivoting and can only be opened in its initial position and when tilted by 180°. The cam component 40 is part of the cam control system, designated overall by 50.

[0031] In the rear view after Figure 4 A lifting spindle 42 is indicated, which, as part of a screw drive, enables the raising and lowering of the carriage 18. A nut-side component 43 of the spindle drive is coupled to its spindle nut. On the nut-side component 43, which in the view Figure 4 has a cross shape, rests a driver 44, which is firmly connected to the carriage 18. For linear guidance of the entire container pivoting device 19, a roller guide 45 is provided, which comprises a rail 46 and rollers 47. The rollers 47 are attached to strips 59, which are firmly connected to the carriage 18.

[0032] In the Figures 4 and 8 A rack 51 is visible, which is assigned to the guide assembly 17. The rack 51 is a component of the gear 27 of the container pivoting device 19. As soon as the container 8 is raised far enough, a gear engages with the rack 51 and initiates the pivoting of the arm 20. At the same time, the travel speed of the carriage 18 is automatically reduced. In addition to this function within the scope of the pivoting process, the rack 51 has a function as a component of a locking and release device 52. The locking and release device 52 includes a two-armed locking lever 53, the arms of which are arranged at right angles to one another and are designated 54, 55. The locking lever 53 is slightly in the direction of the pivot axis SW, i.e., relative to the arrangement according to Figure 4perpendicular to the image plane. The displacement is enforced by a control roller 58, which engages the rack 51.

[0033] If the carriage 18 is outside the swivel range, which means that the control roller 58 has no contact with the rack 51, the Figure 5 recognizable state is set. Here, an offset VS in the direction of the pivot axis SW exists between the arm 54 and the nut-side component 43, which ensures that the spindle nut together with the nut-side component 43 could move downwards away from the driver 44, which is also referred to as overtaking the slide 18. The corresponding state is symbolized in Figure 6 In this state, a shaft 56, which is firmly connected to the pivot arm 20, interacts with the locking lever 53 to actuate an anti-rotation device 57. This means that the arm 20 cannot pivot.

[0034] If, however, the locking lever 53 is moved by the control roller 58 running on the rack 51, which happens within the swivel range, the result is the Figure 7 sketched state. Here, the nut-side component 43 is blocked by the locking lever 53, while at the same time the pivoting movement of the arm 20 is released. The tipping point of the load, i.e. the container 8, corresponding to a vertical alignment of the pivot arm 20, is in the arrangement according to Figure 8 In this state and during further tipping of the container 8, the locking lever 53 can also serve as torque support.

[0035] Details of a brake 60 of the container lifting and emptying device 1 according to Figure 1 go out Figure 13An actuating lever 61 interacts directly with the nut-side component 43. If the nut-side component 43 moves away from the actuating lever 61, the latter rotates an eccentric roller 62 such that it closes a gap SP and comes into contact with the guide assembly 17. A spring that preloads the brake 60 is designated 63.

[0036] In the embodiment according to the Figures 9 to 11 the carriage 18 is not raised and lowered by a spindle drive, but by a chain 65, i.e. a traction mechanism. In this case, slack chain monitoring is provided. If the container pivoting device 19 hits an obstacle 66 during lowering, causing the chain 65 to lose tension, as can be seen from a comparison of the Figures 10 and 11As shown in an exaggerated representation, a switch 67 is triggered, stopping the electric drive of the chain 65. It is also possible to combine the switch 67 with a mechanical brake. List of reference symbols

[0037] 1Container lifting and emptying device 2Frame 3Wheel 4Roller 5Wheel 6Container stack 7Container stack 8Container 9Container rim 10Container contour 11Recess 12Height-adjustable container stop 13Metal plate 14Tunnel 15Foot actuator 16Support 17Guide assembly 18Slide 19Container pivoting device 20Pivoting arm 21Rotationally symmetrical component 22L-shaped connecting element 23Holding frame 24Lag 25Lag 26Spindle drive 27Pivoting device gear 28Lid part 29Lid part 30Lid 31Lid lock 32Pin on the lid 33Lid lock lever 34Container base 35Operating rod 36Tilt star 37 Spring 38 Cam component 39 Cam component 40 Cam component 41 Conveyor device 42 Lifting spindle 43 Nut-side component 44 Carrier 45 Roller guide 46 Rail 47 Roller 48 Bolt 49 Torsion spring 50 Cam control 51 Rack 52 Locking and release device 53 Locking lever 54 Arm 55 Arm 56 Shaft 57 Anti-rotation contour 58 Control roller 59 Bar 60 Brake 61 Operating lever62Eccentric roller 63Spring 64Eyelet 65Chain 66Obstacle 67Switch 68Side stop DA Cover axis, swivel axis HA Lever axis KA Tilt axis K1 Tilt axis K2 Tilt axis S1...S7 Step SP Gap SW Swivel axis VSV Offset

Claims

1. A container lifting and emptying device having a movable frame (2), a slide (18) that can be moved on the frame (2) in a vertical direction, and a container pivoting device (19) that is mounted on the slide (18), wherein the container pivoting device (19) is designed to grip a container (8) located on a container stack (6, 7) from above by means of multiple latches (24, 25), characterised in that the container pivoting device (19) comprises a container cover lock (31), by means of which, in a mechanically positively controlled manner, specifically by means of a cam or link control (50), an unlocking state is set in a storage position as well as in a tilted container position, and a locking state is set in other positions, i.e. during pivoting.

2. The container and lifting device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least two latches (24, 25) are arranged on opposite container sides in each case, said latches being designed for automatic engagement in a contour (10) of the container (8) upon lowering of the container pivoting device (19).

3. The container and lifting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that latches (24, 25) are provided for different container types, wherein all of the latches (24, 25) are preloaded by spring force and can be deactivated by latching bolts (48).

4. The container and lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the latches (24, 25) in an engaged state are designed to allow displacement of the container (8) held by the latches in a plane parallel to a container bottom (34).

5. The container and lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised by a spindle drive (26) for driving the slide (18).

6. The container and lifting device according to claim 5, characterised by a locking element (53) movably mounted on the container pivoting device (19), which, in a first setting, enables overtaking of the slide (18) by an output element (43) of the spindle drive (26) and at a same time blocks pivoting movements of the container pivoting device (19), whereas in a second setting, blocks overtaking of the slide (18) by the output element (43) of the spindle drive (26) and, at a same time, enables pivoting movements of the container pivoting device (19), wherein a switchover between the two settings of the locking element (53) is provided in a mechanically positively controlled manner as a function of the vertical position of the slide (18).

7. The container and lifting device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised by a brake (60) designed to stop the slide (18) in a mechanically controlled manner in the event of a removal of the output element (43) of the spindle drive (26) from the slide (18).

8. The container and lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the slide (18) is driven by an electrically operated traction means (65), wherein a device for monitoring the traction means (65) for tension is coupled to the electrical traction drive.

9. The container and lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the movable frame (2) is designed for gripping around two container stacks (6, 7) positioned next to one another.