(19)
(11) EP 2 133 288 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
16.08.2017 Bulletin 2017/33

(21) Application number: 09162192.0

(22) Date of filing: 08.06.2009
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B65F 3/04(2006.01)
B65F 3/06(2006.01)

(54)

Lifting mechanism for a loading system for emptying containers

Hubmechanik für eine Ladevorrichtung zum Entleeren von Behältern

Mécanisme de levage d'un dispositif de chargement pour vider des récipients


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 10.06.2008 NL 1035561

(43) Date of publication of application:
16.12.2009 Bulletin 2009/51

(73) Proprietor: Terberg Machines B.V.
3403 NL Ijsselstein (NL)

(72) Inventor:
  • Versteeg, Jan Paul
    6708 RV, Wageningen (NL)

(74) Representative: Verdijck, Gerardus et al
Arnold & Siedsma Bezuidenhoutseweg 57
2594 AC The Hague
2594 AC The Hague (NL)


(56) References cited: : 
DE-A1- 3 809 134
FR-A- 2 528 810
GB-A- 1 545 555
DE-A1- 10 221 371
GB-A- 1 334 213
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a loading system for emptying containers according to the preamble of claim 1. There are many types and dimensions of containers. The loading system according to the invention is particularly suitable for containers with a volume varying from 70 to about 1,700 litres.

    [0002] Containers such as refuse bins are usually emptied at the user location using a refuse truck. Such refuse trucks are provided at the rear with a loading system. This loading system comprises a lifting mechanism for engaging a container and picking up and rotating this container such that it is emptied into the refuse truck. The engaging mechanism of such a lifting mechanism can be provided with a comb or toothed edge which engages under an edge of the container. This edge is clamped on the other side by a plate. The lifting movement is realized by making use of cylinders. These cylinders are mounted at a first outer end on an additional lifting frame and at a second outer end on a lifting arm. A certain overall depth is required for the lifting mechanism with the additional lifting frame. This depth lengthens the refuse truck or reduces the loading capacity thereof. Since the lifting mechanism is situated at the rear of a refuse truck, i.e. behind the rear(most) axle thereof, the pressure on the front axle of the refuse truck is reduced due to the lifting mechanism. This front axle hereby tends to move upward such that in an extreme case the wheels of a refuse truck can leave the ground. The result hereof is that the loading capacity of a refuse truck is limited in order to prevent this. This therefore reduces the loading capacity of the refuse truck.

    [0003] FR 2 528 810 discloses a loading system of a refuse truck according to the preamble of claim 1.

    [0004] The present invention has for its object to provide a loading system with which goods such as refuse can be collected in a more efficient manner.

    [0005] This object is achieved with a loading system for emptying containers according to claim 1.

    [0006] By providing the cylinders directly on or close to the uprights of the loading system it is possible to substantially dispense with an additional lifting frame on which these cylinders have to be mounted. By dispensing with this frame the mass of the overall lifting mechanism, and thereby the whole loading system, is reduced. This achieves that a greater loading capacity of the refuse truck is realized. By reducing the mass behind the rearmost axle of a refuse truck as a result of dispensing with this frame, more load can instead be placed in the space behind this axle without the pressure on the front axle of the refuse truck falling below the limit value. In addition, placing of the cylinders preferably directly on or at least in the immediate vicinity of the uprights of the loading system achieves that the lifting shaft extends over substantially the whole width of the loading system. This is realized in that the uprights of the loading system are placed substantially in the line of the sides of a refuse truck. A loading system is hereby provided over the whole width of the refuse truck. Through placing of the cylinders on the uprights of the loading system, which are thus situated substantially in line with the side of the refuse truck, the lifting shaft can extend over substantially the whole width of the refuse truck. This achieves that a maximum opening is obtained in which containers can be emptied using the lifting mechanism. By dispensing with the additional lifting frame, the opening for emptying of the containers is greater in vertical direction. One significance hereof is that the containers have to be lifted less high with the lifting mechanism. Refuse bags can also be placed more easily in the opening since they need lifting or throwing less high in order to be deposited in the refuse truck. Such refuse bags have to be thrown less far owing to the smaller overall depth which is realized by the lifting mechanism. A container for emptying is tilted inward at a comparatively high position relative to other known mechanisms. The enlarged loading opening is hereby utilized optimally. According to the invention the at least two cylinders are operatively connected to a pressure-relief valve with which the lifting mechanism can be placed a greater distance from a ground surface for the purpose of protection thereof in the case of obstacles and/or a road surface.

    [0007] Owing to the provision of this pressure relief valve, the cylinders can be moved such that a great distance can be realized between these cylinders and the ground surface. This is realized in that, in the case an obstacle exerts a determined force, the hydraulic pressure in the cylinders will rise. The pressure-relief valve is then opened so that the lifting mechanism moves upward without damage occurring to the system. This is particularly advantageous in the case obstacles such as a kerb or speed bumps are provided on or in the ground surface. Damage to the cylinders and the mechanism can hereby be prevented or reduced. In addition, this also reduces the risk of something or someone being caught between the lifting mechanism with the cylinders and the ground surface. The use of the pressure-relief valve increases the safety of the mechanism and also reduces maintenance costs resulting from damage. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention the at least two cylinders are operatively connected in a master-slave configuration for the purpose of preventing torsional forces.

    [0008] By providing the cylinders preferably directly on an upright, or at least in the vicinity thereof, of the loading system a greater moment effect will be exerted on the lifting mechanism during lifting of a container compared to a known loading system in which the cylinder is situated very closely to the container for lifting and is mounted on the lifting frame. The lifting shaft is therefore under relatively great strain of torsion and of bending. Providing the cylinders in a master-slave configuration prevents the lifting shaft as it were becoming asymmetrically suspended and the container for emptying not remaining sufficiently horizontal. This achieves that the lifting mechanism does not need to be given an unnecessarily stiff form. One of the advantages of such a master-slave configuration is that the lifting shaft can be given a relatively light form. This reduction in weight can then be utilized for a greater loading capacity as described above. By connecting the hydraulic drive cylinders in series in a master-slave configuration, and herein selecting the volume dimensions such that the desired ratio is achieved, the cylinders move substantially synchronously. This prevents the lifting shaft and/or the lifting mechanism twisting and/or bending. Compared to other systems, such as hydraulic synchronizing valves or electronic synchronizing controls, the master-slave configuration has the advantage that it can be embodied more cheaply and is less susceptible to malfunction. It is additionally the case that during performing of a lifting movement the outer end of the cylinders will be fully extended, whereby both cylinders, for instance in the case of a leakage or fouling, can be placed in synchronized position (reset) in the unlikely event a deviation occurs.

    [0009] For safety purposes one or more springs are preferably provided on or close to the lifting shaft in order to protect the lifting mechanism. While the lifting mechanism tilts or rotates a container, this latter exerts a force on, among other parts, the lifting shaft. Partly depending on the mass in such a container, this load may be not inconsiderable. The springs are therefore provided to damp this peak load. Other spring members and/or damping members can be provided instead of these springs.

    [0010] A cover or refuse slide-off plate rotatable relative to the engaging mechanism is preferably also provided for the purpose of covering the engaging mechanism. This cover is rotatable and covers the comb or teeth of the engaging mechanism. This increases the safety of the lifting mechanism. An additional advantage hereby is that, when refuse bags are for instance being placed in the refuse truck, they cannot hook behind a comb. This prevents the possibility of these bags tearing and the content thereof ending up in the wrong place. It is also a possibility to provide the cylinders with a length measuring system for the purpose of determining the position of the lifting mechanism. This increases the controllability of the whole lifting mechanism, which further enhances the safety of the system.

    [0011] In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the loading system is provided with a weighing system for weighing a container to be emptied.

    [0012] Providing a weighing system achieves that the content of an individual container can be measured. The overall load on the system can for instance hereby be monitored. It is also possible to track how much a user discards by means of the container. Such a container can be provided for this purpose with an identification, for instance in the form of an RFID chip, which is read during the operation. This weighing system can be used manually, semi-automatically or fully automatically. This is also the case for the loading system itself.

    [0013] In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the loading system comprises a guide for opening a lid of a container.

    [0014] By providing the loading system with a guide at the correct position a lid of a container to be emptied can be opened in automatic manner. This is important in the case of, among others, so-called EN-840 type containers. This reduces the manual operations which have to be performed, whereby the containers can be emptied in more efficient manner.

    [0015] In a further advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention a loading system comprises a stop member for stopping a container during emptying thereof.

    [0016] Placing a stop member in the form of a rod in width direction in the loading opening of for instance the refuse truck prevents the container being as it were catapulted into the interior of for instance the refuse truck during the lifting movement, and particularly the rotation of the container during this movement. This catapulting movement of the container causes damage to the interior of for instance the refuse truck. The stop member will in that case stop the container for emptying and prevents the container disappearing, with its possible content, into for instance the refuse truck.

    [0017] The invention also relates to a refuse truck provided with a loading system as described above according to claim 8, and to a method for emptying a container according to claim 9.

    [0018] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • Figure 1 shows a rear view of a refuse truck with loading system according to the invention;
    • Figure 2 shows a view of the loading system of figure 1;
    • Figure 3 shows a detail of the outer end of the lifting shaft;
    • Figure 4 shows a view of the mounting of the clamping plate on the lifting shaft;
    • Figure 5 shows a detail of figure 4 without resilient elements;
    • Figure 6 shows of view of the engaging mechanism;
    • Figures 7A and B show tilting of a container in the loading system of figure 1; and
    • Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the coacting cylinders for the lifting arms.


    [0019] A refuse collection truck 2 (figure 1) provided with a loading system 4 is used to empty containers 6. Containers 6 are, among others, containers of the type EN 840-1, -2, -3 and -4 with respective volumes of 80-360 litres, 500-1200 litres, 770, 1100 and 1300 litres, and 750-1700 litres. In addition, it is also possible using loading system 4 to place refuse bags in refuse truck 2. Refuse truck 2 is provided for this purpose with a large loading opening 8. This loading opening 8 is bounded on the sides by side walls 10 of refuse truck 2. Loading system 4 is provided for this purpose with the same width as refuse truck 2, whereby uprights 12 of loading system 4 are situated substantially in line with side wall 10 of refuse truck 2. Mounted on uprights 12 are lifting arms 14 with which engaging mechanism 16 can be moved for the purpose of lifting a container 6. When a container 6 is emptied, engaging mechanism 16 makes a pivoting movement with lifting shaft 18, wherein container 6 is carried upside down into loading opening 8. Refuse truck 2 is provided with two footboards 20 on which for instance a dustman can take up position during movement of refuse truck 2. Refuse truck 2 is also provided with two rubber buffers or cushions 22 on which a container 6 rests during the pivoting movement. These cushions 22, with the plate on which they are mounted, are also embodied such that they can yield to some extent when they come into contact with obstacles on ground surface 24. Loading system 4 is also provided with two guides 26 attached to the top part of loading system 4. The lid of a container can be pushed open with these guides 26 during the pivoting movement such that the content of container 6 disappears into loading opening 8. Likewise arranged on the top part of loading system 4 is a stop member 28, substantially along the whole width of the loading opening 8. This stop member 28 prevents container 6 continuing to rotate during the pivoting movement. In the case of such a continued rotation container 6 would, without stop member 28, disappear completely into loading opening 8, and thereby into the interior of refuse truck 2.

    [0020] Engaging mechanism 16 (figure 2) engages using a comb 30 under the edge of container 6. During lifting of container 6 with comb 30 the clamping plate or enclosing plate 32 closes, whereby the container edge is clamped between comb 30 and clamping plate 32. Container 6 cannot detach from comb 32 due to clamping plate 32. Lifting shaft 18 extends along the whole width of loading opening 8, and therefore over the whole width of refuse truck 2. Lifting shaft 18 is connected at an outer end to an outer end 34 (figure 3) of lifting arm 14. Lifting shaft 18 is provided at the outer end with an end stop 36. Clamping plate 32 is mechanically connected close to a first outer end with two fixing brackets 38 (figure 4) to lifting shaft 18. Situated in this bracket 38 is a spring or resilient element 40 so that shocks can be partially absorbed without the whole lifting shaft 18 having to be unnecessarily heavily loaded. The resilient elements 40 ensure that container 6 and loading system 4 are not damaged if an obstacle, such as wood, refuse etc., comes between them. Resilient elements 40 also make it possible for container 6 to be shaken without the container edge being unnecessarily heavily loaded. Container 6 herein continues to rotate in the tilting movement and is braked by the resilient action of resilient elements 40. Lifting shaft 18 is provided with a number of contact surfaces 42 (figure 5) to which resilient elements 40 are connected. Lifting arm 14 (figure 2) is mounted at a first outer end on upright 12 via shaft 44. Lifting shaft 18 is mounted on the other outer end of lifting arm 14. The pivoting movement of lifting arm 14 is realized using a first cylinder 46. Cylinder 46 is mounted at one outer end for rotation around shaft 48 and connected on the other extendable part to lifting arm 14 via shaft 50. When first cylinder 46 is extended lifting arm 14 will make a pivoting movement, whereby it is possible to empty a container 6. Provided on the other side of loading system 4 is a second cylinder 52 which is mounted in the same manner on lifting arm 14 on this side of loading system 4.

    [0021] Engaging mechanism 16 (figure 6) has a cover or refuse slide-off plate 54 which in a rest position lies over clamping plate 32 and comb 30 such that these are covered. This increases safety. It is likewise possible to place refuse bags in loading opening 8 of refuse truck 2 when cover 54 is closed. Mechanism 56 controls the relative movements of comb 30 and clamping plate 32 in a per se known manner. This relative movement between comb 30 and clamping plate 32 (figures 7A and 7B) takes place during the pivoting movement of container 6.

    [0022] The configuration of first cylinder 46 and second cylinder 52 (figure 8) is shown schematically. These cylinders 46, 52 are not placed at the location of the greatest load resulting from the pivoting movement with containers 6. Cylinders 46, 52 are on the contrary placed at the outer end of lifting shaft 18, substantially in line with side wall 10 of refuse truck 2. Although the lifting shaft is in principle under greater strain of torsion and bending as a result, the hydraulic drive cylinders 46, 52 are connected in series. By correctly selecting the volume dimensions of cylinders 46, 52 in known manner cylinders 46, 52 always move synchronously. Torsion of the frame, and bending thereof, are hereby prevented. Using this relatively inexpensive configuration a robust system is obtained compared to known drive systems for loading systems 4 of refuse trucks 2. Using the master-slave configuration with first cylinder 46 as master and second cylinder 52 as slave, the movement of these cylinders 46, 52 are controlled using valve 58. The hydraulic fluid is transported through conduits 60 to and from cylinders 46, 52 by means of this valve 58. The desired pivoting movement of loading system 4 can hereby be realized in synchronous manner. Valve 58 can be operated manually as well as electrically via a central control. First cylinder 46 is also provided with a valve 62. Second cylinder 52 is also provided with a valve 64. Valves 62, 64 are operated mechanically when cylinders are fully retracted or extended. In the unlikely event of a synchronization difference a correction can be made by means of valves 62, 64. By means of pressure-relief valve 66 the loading system 4 can move upward as soon as it makes contact with an obstacle in ground surface 24 in order to prevent damage to loading system 4. Valve 66 limits the downward force of the lifting mechanism. Valve 68 limits the lifting force and can be operated electrically by a central control. Hydraulic pump 70 is mounted on refuse truck 2. The oil is in communication with a central reservoir 72 mounted on refuse truck 2. The shut-off valve 74 ensures that the mechanism does not descend in the case of insufficient pump pressure, and also serves as safety in the case of a broken conduit.

    [0023] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiment. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.


    Claims

    1. Loading system (4) for emptying containers (6), the loading system (4) comprising uprights (12) and a lifting mechanism that further comprises:

    - two lifting arms (14) mounted on the uprights (12);

    - a lifting shaft (18) mounted between the two lifting arms (14) and extending over substantially the whole width of the loading system (4);

    - an engaging mechanism (16) attached to the lifting shaft (18) for picking up a container (6); and

    - at least two cylinders (46, 52) placed on or close to the uprights (12) for moving the lifting arms (14), characterized in that the at least two cylinders (46, 52) are operatively connected to a pressure-relief valve (66), wherein in case an obstacle exerts a determined force on the lifting mechanism such that the pressure in the at least two cylinders (46, 52) rises, the pressure-relief valve (66) opens so that the lifting mechanism moves upward and is placed a greater distance from a ground surface to protect the lifting mechanism.


     
    2. Loading system (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two cylinders (46, 52) are operatively connected in a master-slave configuration.
     
    3. Loading system (4) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a clamping plate (32) connected with brackets (38) to the lifting shaft (18) for clamping an edge of the container (6) onto the engaging mechanism (16), wherein the brackets (38) are provided with one or more springs (40) to partially absorb shocks.
     
    4. Loading system (4) as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-3, wherein a cover (54) rotatable relative to the engaging mechanism (16) is provided on the lifting shaft (18) for covering the engaging mechanism (16).
     
    5. Loading system (4) as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising a weighing system for weighing a container (6) to be emptied.
     
    6. Loading system (4) as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising a guide (26) attached to a top part of the loading system (4) such that during the pivoting movement of the container (6), wherein the container (6) is carried upside down for emptying, a lid of the container (6) is pushed open by the guide (26).
     
    7. Loading system (4) as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising a stop member (28) attached to a top part of the loading system (4), such that during the pivoting movement of the container (6), wherein the container (6) is carried upside down for emptying, the stop member (28) prevents the container (6) continuing to rotate.
     
    8. Refuse truck (2) provided with a loading system (4) as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims.
     
    9. Method for emptying a container (6), comprising of:

    - providing a refuse truck (2) with a loading system (4) as claimed in claim 8;

    - engaging a container (6) to be emptied using the loading system (4);

    - emptying the container (6) with the loading system (4); and

    - setting down the emptied container (6).


     
    10. Method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of :

    - opening the pressure-relief valve (66) in case an obstacle exerts a determined force on the lifting mechanism and pressure in the at least two cylinders (46, 52) rises; and

    - moving the lifting mechanism upward.


     


    Ansprüche

    1. Lade-System (4) zum Leeren von Behältern (6), wobei das Lade-System (4) Träger (12) und einen Hebemechanismus umfasst, der ferner umfasst:

    - zwei Hebearme (14), welche an den Stützen (12) montiert sind;

    - einen Hebewelle(18), die zwischen den beiden Hebearmen (14) montiert ist und sich im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Breite des Lade-Systems (4) erstreckt;

    - einen Aufnahme-Mechanismus (16), der an der Hebewelle (18) angebracht ist, um einen Behälter (6) aufzunehmen; und

    - mindestens zwei Zylinder (46, 52), die an oder nahe den Trägern (12) platziert sind, um die Hebearme (14) zu bewegen,

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mindestens zwei Zylinder (46, 52) betriebsfähig mit einem Druck-Entlastungs-Ventil (66) verbunden sind, wobei, wenn ein Hindernis eine bestimmte Kraft auf den Hebemechanismus ausübt, sodass der Druck in den mindestens zwei Zylindern (46, 52) ansteigt, sich das Druck-Entlastungs-Ventil (66) öffnet, so dass sich der Hebemechanismus nach oben bewegt und in einer größeren Entfernung zu einer Bodenfläche platziert wird, um den Hebemechanismus zu schützen.
     
    2. Lade-System (4) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mindestens zwei Zylinder (46, 52) betriebsfähig in einer Master-Slave-Konfiguration verbunden sind.
     
    3. Lade-System (4) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, ferner mit einer Klemmplatte (32), die mit Klammern (38) an der Hebewelle (18) angebracht ist, um einen Rand des Behälters (6) an den Aufnahme-Mechanismus (16) zu klemmen, wobei die Klammern (38) mit einer oder mehreren Federn (40) versehen sind, um Stöße teilweise zu absorbieren.
     
    4. Lade-System (4) nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei eine relativ zum Aufnahme-Mechanismus (16) drehbare Abdeckung (54) an der Hebewelle (18) vorgesehen ist, um den Aufnahme-Mechanismus (16) abzudecken.
     
    5. Lade-System (4) nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner mit einem Wiege-System zum Wiegen eines zu entleerenden Behälters (6).
     
    6. Lade-System (4) nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner mit einer Führung (26), die an einem oberen Teil des Lade-Systems (4) angebracht ist, so dass bei der Schwenkbewegung des Behälters (6), wobei der Behälter (6) zum Entleeren umgedreht bewegt wird, ein Deckel des Behälters (6) durch die Führung (26) geöffnet wird.
     
    7. Lade-System (4) nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner mit einem Anschlag (28), der an einem oberen Teil des Lade-Systems (4) angebracht ist, so dass bei der Schwenkbewegung des Behälters (6), wobei der Behälter (6) zum Entleeren umgedreht bewegt wird, das Anschlagglied (28) verhindert, dass sich der Behälter (6) weiter dreht.
     
    8. Müllwagen (2) ausgestattet mit einem Lade-System (4) nach in einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche.
     
    9. Verfahren zur Entleerung eines Behälters (6), umfassend:

    - Bereitstellen eines Müllwagens (2), mit einem Lade-System (4) nach Anspruch 8;

    - Aufnehmen eines zu leerenden Behälters (6) unter Verwendung des Lade-Systems (4);

    - Entleeren des Behälters (6) mit dem Lade-System (4); und

    - Absetzen des geleerten Behälters (6).


     
    10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, ferner mit den Schritten:

    - Öffnen des Druck-Entlastungs-Ventils (66), wenn ein Hindernis eine bestimmte Kraft auf den Hebemechanismus ausübt und der Druck in den mindestens zwei Zylindern (46, 52) ansteigt; und

    - Bewegen des Hebemechanismus aufwärts.


     


    Revendications

    1. Système de chargement (4) pour vider des conteneurs (6), le système de chargement (4) comprenant des montants (12) et un mécanisme de levage qui comprend en outre :

    - deux bras de levage (14) montés sur les montants (12) ;

    - un arbre de levage (18) monté entre les deux bras de levage (14) et s'étendant sensiblement sur la totalité de la largeur du système de chargement (4) ;

    - un mécanisme d'enclenchement (16) fixé à l'arbre de levage (18) pour ramasser un conteneur (6) ; et

    - au moins deux vérins (46, 52) placés sur ou près des montants (12) pour déplacer les deux bras de levage (14),

    caractérisé en ce que les au moins deux vérins (46, 52) sont raccordés opérationnellement à une soupape de décharge (66), dans lequel, au cas où un obstacle exerce une force déterminée sur le mécanisme de levage telle que la pression dans les au moins deux vérins (46, 52) augmente, la soupape de décharge (66) s'ouvre pour que le mécanisme de levage se déplace vers le haut et soit placé à une distance plus grande à partir d'une surface de sol pour protéger le mécanisme de levage.
     
    2. Système de chargement (4) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les au moins deux vérins (46, 52) sont raccordés opérationnellement dans une configuration maître-esclave.
     
    3. Système de chargement (4) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, comprenant en outre une plaque de serrage (32) raccordée avec des supports (38) à l'arbre de levage (18) pour serrer un bord du conteneur (6) sur le mécanisme d'enclenchement (16), dans lequel les supports (38) sont munis d'un ou plusieurs ressorts (40) pour absorber partiellement les chocs.
     
    4. Système de chargement (4) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel un capot (54) rotatif par rapport au mécanisme d'enclenchement (16) est prévu sur l'arbre de levage (18) pour couvrir le mécanisme d'enclenchement (16).
     
    5. Système de chargement (4) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un système de pesée pour peser un conteneur (6) à vider.
     
    6. Système de chargement (4) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un guide (26) fixé à une partie supérieure du système de chargement (4) tel que pendant le mouvement pivotant du conteneur (6), où le conteneur (6) est entraîné la tête en bas pour vidage, un couvercle du conteneur (6) est poussé à s'ouvrir par le guide (26).
     
    7. Système de chargement (4) selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un organe de butée (28) fixé à une partie supérieure du système de chargement (4), de sorte que pendant le mouvement pivotant du conteneur (6), dans lequel le conteneur (6) est entraîné la tête en bas pour vidage, l'organe de butée (28) empêche le conteneur (6) de continuer à tourner.
     
    8. Camion à ordures (2) pourvu d'un système de chargement (4) tel que revendiqué dans une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes.
     
    9. Procédé de vidage d'un conteneur (6), comprenant :

    - l'équipement d'un camion à ordures (2) avec un système de chargement (4) tel que revendiqué dans la revendication 8 ;

    - l'engagement d'un conteneur (6) qui doit être vidé à l'aide du système de chargement (4) ;

    - le vidage du conteneur (6) avec le système de chargement (4) ; et

    - la dépose du conteneur (6) vidé.


     
    10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant en outre les étapes de :

    - ouverture de la soupape de décharge (66) au cas où un obstacle exercerait une force déterminée sur le mécanisme de levage et une pression dans les au moins deux vérins (46, 52) augmenterait ; et

    - déplacement du mécanisme de levage vers le haut.


     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description