LIFTING ARM FOR A WASTE COLLECTION VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lifting arm for a waste collection vehicle according to claim 1.

[0002] Waste collection vehicles have a body with a collection container into which the collected waste is emptied. To empty the container itself, it is mounted on a swiveling mechanism on the chassis of the waste collection vehicle. The rear section, which is attached to the back of the container and may be equipped with a lifting and tipping device and / or a compaction mechanism, is swung away so that the waste inside can fall out.

[0003] The EP 2 583 915 A1 shows a waste collection vehicle with a collection container and a rear section closing off this at the rear, which can be pivoted into an open position by means of an actuator arrangement with hydraulic cylinders.

[0004] The rear section is connected to the collection container via a lifting arm, to which an actuator is attached to pivot the rear section. To meet diverse customer requirements, collection containers are kept in various sizes, i.e., different volumes. From a manufacturing perspective, it is advantageous to use rear sections that are as identical as possible, despite the different dimensions of the collection containers. If the collection containers vary in height, it is not always possible to position the rear section higher as well, since standard regulations regarding the filling capacity must be observed. This results in a height difference between the rear section and the collection container, which must be compensated for by an additional adapter component. This incurs additional production and assembly costs.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a lifting arm with which identical rear sections can be adjusted to different heights of collection containers.

[0006] This problem is solved by a lifting arm with the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a lifting arm for a waste collection vehicle, comprising two side walls with recesses arranged in pairs aligned with each other, which are designed to form attachment points, with a first attachment point A, at which the lifting arm can be connected to an actuator, a second attachment point B, at which the lifting arm can be connected to a collection container, file number KF-23 012FP, a third attachment point C, at which the lifting arm can be connected to a rear section, and a fourth attachment point D, at which the lifting arm can be connected to a pull lever, wherein the second attachment point B and the third attachment point C are spaced apart vertically, the distance being adapted to a height difference between the rear section and the collection container, and the first attachment point A and the fourth attachment point D are spaced apart vertically, the distance being adapted to a height difference between the rear section and the collection container.

[0008] The lifting arm is a component preferably made of a metallic material.

[0009] When installed, the lifting arm is positioned at the rear end of the collection container and connected to it via the second attachment point B. An actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, is attached to the first attachment point A.

[0010] The actuator moves the lifting arm around a pivot point, causing the lifting arm to pivot upwards. Preferably, the lifting arm is rotatably mounted at the second attachment point B, which thus also forms the pivot point.

[0011] This rotation of the lifting arm causes the rear section to move backward and upward away from the collection container without immediately pivoting upward. This initially releases the seal located between the rear section and the collection container without causing damage, and releases a locking mechanism of the rear section, thus making it possible for the rear section to pivot upward in the first place.

[0012] The pull lever located at the fourth attachment point D is also connected to the rear section. The pull lever has a longitudinally extending elongated slot through which a bolt of the rear section passes. When the lifting arm is moved by the actuator, the pull lever is also pulled upwards. It slides over the bolt until the bolt abuts the lower end of the elongated slot in the pull lever. The pull lever then pulls the rear section with it, which pivots around its axis to open the collection container at the corner.

[0013] By adjusting the distance between the second attachment point B and the third attachment point C, and the distance between the first attachment point A and the fourth attachment point D, to the height difference between the rear section and the collection container, it is possible to eliminate the need for an adapter. This simplifies assembly and makes production more efficient.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the first attachment point A and the second attachment point B are spaced apart longitudinally. The longitudinal direction refers to the direction that corresponds to the vehicle's longitudinal axis when the lifting arm is installed. This ensures optimal transmission of the actuator's tensile force. Preferably, the first attachment point A and the second attachment point B are also spaced apart vertically such that a pull rod of the actuator, which engages the first attachment point, can be guided over the second attachment point B.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side walls are connected to each other via a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is particularly preferably a sheet metal component. The reinforcing element provides the lifting arm with stability and rigidity, thereby saving material and weight compared to a lifting arm made from a single piece.

[0016] Preferably, the side walls are connected to the reinforcing element at least partially by a material bond, particularly preferably by welding, and / or by a form-fit, particularly preferably by means of projections of the reinforcing element engaging in initial openings in the side walls. The material bond, especially the welding, allows for a quick and automated, stable, and durable connection of the individual parts. The form-fit offers the advantage of a straightforward connection between the individual parts. In combination with the material bond, the individual parts can initially be arranged in a fixed position relative to each other, so that the subsequent material bond can be executed flawlessly.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing element extends substantially between the first attachment point A and the second attachment point B. The reinforcing element can, for example, be designed as a sheet metal strip extending substantially between these attachment points. This strengthens the lifting arm so that the tensile force applied by the actuator can be absorbed by the lifting arm.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a console is arranged between the side walls. The console serves as a stop for an adjusting screw, the positioning of which is used to adjust the gap between the rear section and the collection container, at least in sections. The arrangement of the screw and console is such that, depending on how the screw is positioned, the lifting arm comes to rest in a lower or higher position when the rear section is closed, viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This pivots the rear section closer or closer to the collection container, thus adjusting the gap width.

[0019] Furthermore, it is provided that the side walls are connected to the console, at least partially, by a material bond, preferably by welding, and / or by a form-fit, particularly preferably by means of projections of the console engaging in secondary openings in the side walls. The material bond, especially the welding, allows for a quick and automated, stable, and durable connection of the individual parts. The form-fit offers the advantage of a straightforward connection between the individual parts. In combination with the material bond, the individual parts can initially be arranged in a fixed position relative to each other, so that the subsequent material bond can be executed flawlessly.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a longitudinal extension projects from the third attachment point C towards the fourth attachment point D. This means that there is no continuous, direct material connection between the third attachment point C and the fourth attachment point D. This is kinematically unnecessary, and weight is saved by eliminating the material.

[0021] Preferably, the bracket is positioned in the area of ​​the extension. This results in a material-efficient design for the lifting arm. The bracket is preferably located in a lower and a middle section of the lifting arm, allowing for easy alignment with the adjusting screw. This design ensures that the lifting arm uses material only where it is needed, namely to support the bracket.

[0022] A bracket made of angle bracket material is still preferred. Such a bracket can be easily manufactured as a simple sheet metal stamping subjected to a basic bending process, resulting in low manufacturing costs.

[0023] Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the recesses forming the connection points are at least partially provided with stiffening elements. The connection points connect the lifting arm to other components, collection containers, or the rear section. This is preferably achieved via corresponding recesses which, like the recesses of the connection points, are penetrated by bolts. Strong forces act on the recesses, which can lead to cracks and wear. To prevent this, or to improve the service life of the lifting arms, stiffening elements are provided that locally reinforce the side walls of the lifting arm.

[0024] Preferably, the stiffening elements are connected to the side walls, at least partially, by a material bond, preferably by welding. The stiffening elements are manufactured as individual components that are simple to produce and are joined to the side walls by a material bond. The tooling, material, and assembly processes are efficient and cost-effective.

[0025] The recesses forming the first connection point A are particularly preferably provided with annular stiffening elements. The first connection point A is connected to the actuator and is therefore regularly subjected to high forces, so a stiffening element reduces the associated wear. An annular stiffening element is easy to manufacture, and its geometry reduces stresses in the material.

[0026] The recesses forming the second and third attachment points B and C are particularly preferred, being provided with a one-piece, material-seam stiffening element. The section of the lifting arm connecting the second attachment point B and the third attachment point C forms the pivot arm for the initial movement of the rear section away from the collection container, as described above, without the rear section immediately pivoting upwards to open the collection container from the rear. To meet this additional requirement for the aforementioned attachment points, in addition to the wear aspects already mentioned directly in the area of ​​the recesses, a stiffening element is provided for each of these points. This element reinforces both the recesses forming the second and third attachment points B and C and extends between these attachment points to stiffen the lifting arm in this entire area, thus improving the stability and durability of the lifting arm.A single-piece, material-based stiffening element allows these tasks to be integrated into just one component, simplifying production and assembly.

[0027] A lifting arm according to the invention integrates the functionalities of several components and can be adapted with minimal effort to different combinations of collection containers with a rear section. At the same time, the lifting arm is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0028] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the figures shown below and the accompanying description.

[0029] They show: Figure 1 shows a lifting arm according to the invention in perspective view, Figure 2 shows a lifting arm in a further perspective view, Figure 3 shows a lifting arm in a top view from the front, Figure 4 shows a lifting arm in a top view from above, Figure 5 shows a side wall of a lifting arm, Figure 6 shows lifting arms in the installed state with the rear section closed, Figure 7 shows a lifting arm in the installed state with the rear section closed, Figure 8 shows a lifting arm during the opening of the rear section, Figure 9 shows a lifting arm with the rear section fully open.

[0030] Fig. 1 and 2Figure 1 shows a lifting arm 1 for a waste collection vehicle. The lifting arm 1 comprises a first side wall 2 and a second side wall 3. The lifting arm 1 has a first connection point A, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to an actuator (not shown), a second connection point B, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to a collection container 8, a third connection point C, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to a rear section 9, and a fourth connection point D, at which the lifting arm 1 can be connected to a pull lever 11. The connection points A, B, C, D are formed by recesses 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b in the side walls 2, 3, arranged in pairs aligned with each other.

[0031] The second attachment point B and the third attachment point C are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, the distance being adapted to a height difference between the rear section 9 and the collection container 8, and the first attachment point A and the fourth attachment point D are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, the distance being adapted to a height difference between the rear section 9 and the collection container 8.

[0032] The recesses 4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b are penetrated by a bolt in the installed state and the lifting arm 1 is thus attached to the intended components.

[0033] The first attachment point A and the second attachment point B are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction L. A reinforcing element 12 extends essentially between the first attachment point A and the second attachment point B. It reaches from below the first attachment point A to just before the second attachment point B. The reinforcing element 12 is a sheet metal component with projections that engage in the first openings 13a, 13b of the side walls 2, 3. This positive fit, along with additional welded connections, permanently fixes the reinforcing element 12 and the side walls 2, 3 to one another. The welds 14, 15 of the reinforcing element 12 are shown in the illustration of the second side wall 3. Fig. 5 depicted.

[0034] The lifting arm 1 also has a bracket 16, which is arranged in the area of ​​an extension 17. The extension 17 projects from the third attachment point C in the longitudinal direction L towards the fourth attachment point D. The bracket 16 is an angle bracket with extensions that engage positively in second openings 18a, 18b in the side walls 2, 3. A welded connection can also be provided here in addition to the positive fit.

[0035] The recesses 4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b are partially provided with stiffening elements 19a,19b,20a,20b.

[0036] The recesses 4a, 4b, which form the first connection point A, are provided with annular first stiffening elements 19a, 19b. These are welded to the respective side walls 2, 3, forming a material bond. The associated circular weld 21 is in Fig. 5 to see.

[0037] The recesses 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, which form the second attachment point B and the third attachment point C, are provided on each side wall 2, 3 with a second stiffening element 20a, 20b. These stiffening elements 20a, 20b each surround the two corresponding recesses 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and are designed as a single-piece, material-uniform component. They are also welded to the respective side wall 2, 3. Fig. 5 The welds 22, 23, 24 of the stiffening element 20a on the second side wall 3 are shown.

[0038] The Fig. 3 and 4 The figures show the lifting arm 1 from the front, i.e., in its installed state looking towards the collection container, or from above, i.e., in its installed state looking towards the vehicle's base.

[0039] The Figs. 6 to 9Figure 1 shows the lifting arm 1 according to the invention in its installed state in a waste collection vehicle in various opening stages of the rear section 9. Fig. 6 Two lifting arms 1 can be seen, arranged at the rear end of a collection container 8, to the right and left of its rear opening, which is closed here by the rear section 9. One of the lifting arms 1 is in Fig. 7 presented in more detail and from a different perspective.

[0040] An actuator is attached to the first connection point A. This actuator is a hydraulic cylinder whose piston engages the lifting arm 1. The other end of the cylinder is rotatably mounted on the roof of the collection container 8. The cylinder piston extends over the second connection point B.

[0041] Not visible here is console 16, which is connected to an adjusting screw located on the rear section 9. The lower the adjusting screw is positioned, the lower the lifting arm 1 can be pivoted, and thus the lower the rear section 9 is positioned relative to the collection container 8. The positions of the adjusting screws on both lifting arms 1 of the waste collection vehicle therefore determine the position of the rear section 9 in the vehicle's vertical direction and thus – in addition to any other adjustment devices – the gap size between the collection container 8 and the rear section 9.

[0042] In the Figures 6 to 9 It can be seen that the top of the collection container 8 is higher than the top of the rear section 9, meaning there is a height difference between the two vehicle components. Since the actuators are located on the roof of the collection container 8, this height difference must be compensated for.

[0043] The second attachment point B and the third attachment point C, as well as the first attachment point A and the fourth attachment point D, are spaced apart in the vertical direction H such that the distance is adapted to a height difference between the rear section 9 and the collection container 8. This makes it possible to attach identical rear sections 9 to collection containers 8 of different heights by simply providing different lifting arms 1, which are significantly simpler and less expensive to design and manufacture than complete rear sections.

[0044] When the actuator is activated ( Fig. 8), he pulls the lifting arm 1 towards the collection container 8. Since the lifting arm 1 is rotatably mounted at the second attachment point B, where it is connected to the collection container 8, the lifting arm rotates upwards around this pivot point. The third attachment point C is located below the second attachment point B. There, the lifting arm 1 is connected to the rear section 9. The rotation of the lifting arm 1 also causes the rear section 9 to pivot slightly away from the collection container 8 via the small lever arm between the two attachment points B and C, moving it approximately 50 millimeters upwards and approximately 30 millimeters backwards. This releases the seal on the collection container 8. Simultaneously, a setting hook located at the bottom of the rear section 9 is released from a locking bolt on the collection container 8, allowing the rear section 9 to be fully opened.

[0045] The fourth attachment point D is rotatably connected to a pull lever 11. The pull lever 11 is an elongated component with a slotted hole. This slotted hole is penetrated by a bolt located on the rear section 9. Before the actuator-driven movement of the lifting arm 1 begins, the pull lever 1 rests on the bolt with the upper end of the slotted hole (in its installed position). As the lifting arm 1 rotates, it pulls the pull lever 11 with it, and the pull lever 11 slides over the bolt with its slotted hole. The pull lever 11, and in particular the slotted hole, are dimensioned such that the bolt comes into contact with the lower end of the slotted hole when the seal and the setting hook are released. The rotational movement of the lifting arm 1 is then transmitted to the rear section 9, and the rear section 9 pivots upwards, pulled by the lifting arm 1 and pull lever 11. This situation is described in Fig. 8 shown.

[0046] Reaching the final position of the rear section 9 ( Fig. 9The condition is detected by a sensor, for example an inductive sensor, and the actuator is stopped. This opens the rear of collection container 8, allowing it to be emptied and / or serviced.

[0047] The lifting arm 1 shown forms an integral adapter to compensate for height differences between the rear section 9 and differently designed collection containers 8 without requiring additional components. At the same time, further functions, such as the stop for the adjusting screw, are integrated. The lifting arm 1 consists of simple sheet metal components that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Reference sign

[0048] 1 Lifting arm 2 First side wall 3 Second side wall 4a, 4b Recess of A 5a, 5b Recess of B 6a, 6b Recess of C 7a, 7b Recess of D 8 Collection container 9 Rear section 10 Actuator 11 Pull lever 12 Reinforcing element 13a, 13 Top opening 14 Weld of 12 15 Weld of 12 16 Console 17 Extension 18a, 18b Second opening 19a, 19 Top stiffening element 20a, 20b Second stiffening element 21 Weld of 19a 22 Weld of 20a 23 Weld of 20a 24 Weld of 20a First connection point Second connection point Third connection point Fourth connection point Vertical direction Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. Lifting arm (1) for a waste collection vehicle, comprising two side walls (2,3) having cutouts (4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b) which are aligned with each other in pairs and are designed to form attachment points, with a first attachment point A at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to an actuator, a second attachment point B at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a collection container (8), a third attachment point C at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a rear part (9) and a fourth attachment point D at which the lifting arm (1) can be connected to a pull lever (11), wherein the second attachment point B and the third attachment point C are spaced apart in the vertical direction H, wherein the distance apart is adapted to a height difference between the rear part (9) and the collection container (8), and the first attachment point A and the fourth attachment point D are spaced apart in the vertical direction, wherein the distance apart is adapted to a height difference between the rear part (9) and the collection container (8).

2. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting arm (1) is rotatably mounted in the second attachment point B.

3. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first attachment point A and the second attachment point B are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction L.

4. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (2,3) are connected to each other via a reinforcing element (12).

5. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the side walls (2,3) are connected to the reinforcing element (12), at least in portions, by material bonding, particularly preferably by welding, and / or in an interlocking manner, particularly preferably by means of projections of the reinforcing element (12) engaging in first through-openings (13a, 13b) in the side walls (2,3).

6. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the reinforcing element (12) extends substantially between the first attachment point A and the second attachment point B.

7. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bracket (16) is arranged between the side walls (2,3).

8. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the side walls (2,3) are connected to the bracket (16), at least in portions, by a material bond, particularly preferably by welding, and / or in an interlocking manner, particularly preferably by means of projections of the bracket (16) engaging in second through-openings (18a, 18b) in the side walls (2,3).

9. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an extension (17) extends in the longitudinal direction L from the third attachment point C towards the fourth attachment point D.

10. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the bracket (16) is arranged in the region of the extension (17).

11. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the bracket (16) is an angle plate.

12. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutouts (4a,4b,5a,5b,6a,6b,7a,7b) forming the attachment points are at least partially provided with reinforcing elements (19a, 19b,20a,20b).

13. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the reinforcing elements (19a,19b,20a,20b) are connected to the side walls (2,3), at least in regions, by a material bond, preferably by welding.

14. Lifting arm (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cutouts (4a,4b) forming the first attachment point A are provided with annular reinforcing elements (19a, 19b).

15. Lifting arm (1) according to at least one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the cutouts (5a,5b,6a,6b) forming the second and third attachment points B and C are provided with an integrally-formed, materially-uniform reinforcing element (20a,20b).