FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to conveyors and, more particularly, to extendable conveyors having a platform.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The loading and unloading of packages from truck trailers or the like is typically a physically challenging task for which typically extendable conveyors are used.

[0003] Extendable conveyors often have a base unit and multiple extendable conveyor sections which are nested within each other. The total length of the extendable conveyor can be adjusted by extending or retracting the nested extendable conveyor sections. The end of the extendable conveyor, for example, an outmost extendable conveyor section, can move, for example, into a truck at a loading dock for loading and/or unloading goods. Such known extendable conveyors usually have a control panel at the front end of the extendable conveyor for controlling the conveyor.

[0004] The control panel at the front end typically allows control of the extendable conveyor to start and stop conveying of articles in order to load and/or unload articles (e.g. from a truck). Moreover, such control typically allows for the extension of the extendable conveyor.

[0005] However, personnel controlling the extension of the extendable conveyor with a control located, for example, at an outmost end of the conveyor have to carefully observe and follow the movement the extendable conveyor.

SUMMARY

[0006] In some examples, an extendable conveyor to convey articles includes a base unit and a mechanically extendable section adjustably positionable incrementally between a fully nested position within the base unit and a fully extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. The mechanically extendable section may be an outmost mechanically extendable section. A frame is coupled to the base unit and is adapted to adjust an inclination of the base unit and the mechanically extendable section. A conveying surface to convey articles extends at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. A platform is coupled to the mechanically extendable section. An inclination adjuster is to adjust the inclination of the platform with respect to the inclination of the mechanically extendable section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Examples of the disclosure are explained by way of example with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Fig. la illustrates a side view of an example extendable conveyor having a platform at an outmost end in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and shown in different working positions.

[0009] Fig. lb illustrates the example extendable conveyor of Fig. 1 shown in a parked position.

[0010] Fig. 2a illustrates the outmost end of the example extendable conveyor with the platform shown in a top view.

[0011] Fig. 2b illustrates the outmost end of the example extendable conveyor with the platform in a side view.

[0012] Fig. 3 illustrates the outmost end of the example extendable conveyor showing the platform in a perspective view.

[0013] Fig. 4a illustrates in a side view the outmost end of the example extendable conveyor with the platform in an operating position such that the example extendable conveyor is inclined and the platform is horizontally aligned relative to the inclined extendable conveyor.

[0014] Fig. 4b illustrates in a side view of the outmost end of the example extendable conveyor with the platform in an operating position where both the platform and the extendable conveyor are horizontally aligned.

[0015] Fig. 5a illustrates side elements of the example platform positioned in operating positions. [0016] Fig. 5b illustrates the side elements of the example platform positioned in parking positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Figs, la and lb illustrate an example extendable conveyor 1 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Some known extendable conveyors typically have a base unit and multiple extendable conveyor sections which are nested within each other. The total length (e.g., a horizontal length or extension) of the extendable conveyor can be adjusted by extending or retracting the nested extendable conveyor sections. An end of the extendable conveyor (e.g., the outmost extendable conveyor section) can move, for example, into a truck at a loading dock for loading and/or unloading goods. Such known extendable conveyors usually have a control panel at the front end (e.g., an outmost end) of the extendable conveyor to control the conveyor.

[0018] The control panel at the front end typically allows control of the extendable conveyor to start and stop conveyance of articles when loading and/or unloading articles (e.g. from a truck). Moreover, such a control typically allows control of the extension of the extendable conveyor.

[0019] The example extendable conveyors disclosed herein include a platform (e.g., a working platform) at a front end of an extendable conveyor that enables personnel to operate the extendable conveyor (e.g., while standing on the platform) during unloading and/or loading operations.

[0020] Additionally, by enabling personnel to stand and/or operate the example extendable conveyors disclosed herein, the example platforms increase personnel comfort during loading and/or unloading operations.

[0021] An extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a base unit and a mechanically extendable section that is adjustably positionable incrementally between a fully nested position within the base unit and a fully extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. In some examples, the mechanically extendable section may be an outmost mechanically extendable section. In some examples, an extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a frame coupled to the base unit. The frame is to adjust an inclination of the base unit and the mechanically extendable section. In some examples, an extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a conveying surface to convey articles that extends at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. In some examples, an extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a platform coupled to the mechanically extendable section. In some examples, an extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes an inclination adjuster adapted to adjust the inclination of the platform relative to the inclination of the mechanically extendable section.

[0022] In some examples, the base unit can be suspended in the frame. For example, a rear end of the base unit at which the mechanically extendable section is not attached can be fix and suspended from the frame, while a front end of the base being opposite to the rear end can be suspended from the frame and adjustable relative to the frame (e.g., vertically adjustable to increase or decrease a height, etc.). Thus, the height of the front end of the base unit can be adjusted relative to the rear end of the base unit. In some examples, the rear end can be pivotably suspended from the frame such that the rear end pivots when the height of the front end is adjusted relative to the rear end. Adjusting the height of the front end of the base unit enables adjustment or variation of an inclination of the base unit and/or the extendable section.

[0023] In some examples, the base unit and/or the frame is configured to be moveable on the floor in the direction of the mechanically extendable section(s) and/or transversely to the movement of the direction of the mechanically extendable section(s).

[0024] In some examples, a height of the front end of the base unit can be adjusted, for example, with a beam from which the front end of the base unit is suspended. In some examples, the beam can be adjusted, for example, with a hydraulic system, pneumatic system and/or the like.

[0025] In some examples, the conveying surface can extend at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. In some examples the conveying surface also extends on the base unit. In some examples, the conveying surface can be formed by a belt or multiple rollers or the like. In the case of an extendable roller conveyor, in some examples, the conveyor may be inclined during unloading such that articles are conveyed in the direction of the base unit due to gravitation force.

[0026] In some examples, the extendable conveyor includes two or more mechanically extendable sections that are nested within each other and are telescopically adjustable incrementally between a fully nested position within the base unit and a fully extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. In some such examples, the last mechanically extendable section at an end opposite to the base unit is an outmost mechanically extendable section (or briefly "outmost section"). In some such examples, the mechanically extendable section(s) between the base unit and the outmost mechanically extendable section are also referred to as intermediate mechanically extendable sections (or briefly "intermediate section"). In examples where the extendable conveyor only has one mechanically extendable section, the "intermediate" and the "outmost" mechanically extendable section are the same.

[0027] In some examples, the mechanically extendable sections can be moved via a motor drive located in the base unit (e.g. via a transmission, drive chains interconnecting the sections such that the mechanically extendable sections perform a telescopic movement by driving the motor drive).

[0028] In some examples, a platform can be pivotably connected to an outmost mechanically extendable section. For example, the outmost section can include a frame or the like to which the platform can be pivotably attached.

[0029] In some examples, a platform can include a bottom, a front and/or side elements that can be configured as a working platform for personnel.

[0030] In some examples, an inclination adjuster enables inclination of the platform with respect to an inclination of the outmost mechanically extendable section. For instance, the inclination (e.g., a degree of inclination relative to a horizontal reference) of the platform can be adjusted independently from an inclination (e.g., a degree of inclination relative to a horizontal reference) of the outmost section. For example, a bottom of the platform may be adjusted relative to horizontal independent from an inclination of the outmost section to which the platform is connected. In some examples, the platform can also have a predefined inclination with respect, for example, to the ground such that the predefined inclination is kept independent from an inclination of the outmost section.

[0031 ] Hence, when the inclination of the base unit and the mechanically extendable conveyor section is adjusted, the inclination adjuster also adjusts the inclination of the platform in accordance with a presetting (e.g. to keep the platform horizontal). [0032] In some examples, adjustment of the inclination of the base unit and the mechanically extendable conveyor section(s) and the adjustment of the inclination of the platform are (e.g., automatically) performed simultaneously. In some such examples, the platform may be held at a predefined inclination (e.g. at horizontal) during adjustment of the inclination of the base unit and the mechanically extendable conveyor section(s).

[0033] In some examples, the inclination adjuster is adapted to adjust the inclination of the platform to (e.g., nearly) a horizontal orientation irrespective of the inclination position of the outmost section. Thus, personnel can stand on the platform while the extendable conveyor is inclined (e.g., relative to the platform).

[0034] In some examples, the inclination adjuster can include an inclination sensor to detect a deviation from a horizontal alignment between of the platform, the base unit, and/or the mechanically extendable section(s).

[0035] In some examples, the inclination sensor can include a gyro sensor, a tilt sensor and/or any other type of sensor to detect an inclination (e.g., relative to a horizontal reference).

[0036] The inclination sensor can be located at any part of the extendable conveyor which is inclined in correspondence to the inclination of the base unit and the mechanically extendable section(s), respectively. In some examples, the inclination sensor is located at the platform and, thus, can directly detect the inclination of the platform. In some examples, where the inclination sensor is not located at the platform, the inclination of the platform can be indirectly determined, for example, based on the angle between the platform and the outmost section to which the platform is mounted and the inclination detected by the inclination sensor.

[0037] In some examples, the inclination adjuster includes a control which is located together with the inclination sensor in a housing adjacent the platform. In some examples, the control can include a processor (e.g. a microprocessor), and a memory. In some examples, the control can be connected to the inclination sensor and processes signals received from the inclination sensor in order to adjust the inclination of the platform accordingly.

[0038] In some examples, the inclination adjuster can include an actuator adapted to adjust an angle between the platform and the outmost mechanically extendable section. In some examples, the actuator can include a linear actuator which can be driven electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or the like and/or any combination thereof.

[0039] In some examples, the actuator can be connected to the outmost section and/or the platform and can define an angle between the outmost section and the platform based on an extended position of the outmost section in a lengthwise direction., In some such examples, adjustment of a length of the actuator causes adjustment of an angle between the outmost section and the platform.

[0040] In some examples, the inclination adjuster (e.g. the control of the inclination adjuster) is adapted to control the actuator in response to the deviation from a horizontal alignment or reference detected by the inclination sensor. In some such examples, the inclination sensor can output a respective inclination signal which directly or indirectly represents a deviation from a horizontal alignment or reference. The inclination adjuster receives the inclination signal and controls the actuator such that, for example, the detected deviation is compensated and the platform is kept horizontally (or at a predefined inclination).

[0041] In some examples, the platform includes a side element. The side element extends vertically from the bottom of the platform. In some such examples, the at least one side element provides a barrier for personnel standing on the platform hindering personnel from falling off the platform.

[0042] The side element can be pivotable between a working position and a parking position. In the working position, the side element forms a side wall of the platform. In the parking position, the side element is, for example, parallel to a rear element of the platform, such that the sides of the platform are not limited by the side element. Thereby, the bottom of the platform can be moved in places which have a height which is lower than a height of the side element. Moreover, personnel can also enter the platform from the side, when the side element is in the parking position.

[0043] In some examples, the platform includes a side elements positioned on each side of the platform. The side elements define a working gap when positioned in the parking position. The working gap can be adapted to a width of the conveying surface. Thereby, the side elements do not hinder personnel (un)loading articles when the side elements are in the parking position. Moreover, the side elements typically have such a distance to each other that they can be pivoted between the operating and the parking position without being hindered by a worker standing on the platform.

[0044] In some examples, the platform includes at least one storage bin. The storage bin can be attached to a rear wall of the platform and the storage bin can be adapted to receive tools or other items personnel uses/needs when working on the platform.

[0045] In some examples, the outmost mechanically extendable section includes a (conveyor) control adapted to control the extension and/or the inclination of the base unit and the at least one mechanically extendable section. The control can be such located at the outmost mechanically extendable section to enable operation of the extendable conveyor from the platform (e.g. by personnel standing on the platform). Hence, personnel standing on the platform do not have to follow the movement of the extendable conveyor, but the platform moves together with the outmost section. As personnel can operate the extendable conveyor while standing on the platform there is also no risk that personnel can be hurt by a movement of the extendable conveyor.

[0046] In some examples, lights are located on the platform and/or on the outmost section to illuminate the platform.

[0047] Figs, la and lb illustrate an example extendable conveyor 1 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The extendable conveyor 1 of the illustrated example has a base unit 2 and multiple mechanically extendable sections 3 a, 3b, 4. In the illustrated example, the example extendable conveyor 1 includes intermediate sections 3a and 3b and an outmost section 4, which are mechanically extendable and are nested relative to each other. A conveying surface in the form of a belt 6 extends over all mechanically extendable sections 3a, 3b and 4. The belt 6 is driven by a belt drive located in the base unit 2.

[0048] Fig. la illustrates the extendable conveyor 1 telescopically extended in two different operating positions. Fig. lb illustrates the extendable conveyor 1 retracted in a parking position.

[0049] The base unit 2 is suspended from a frame 5. A rear end of the base unit 2 is pivotably suspended in a rear suspension 7a of the frame 5 and a front end of the base unit 2 is suspended by a front suspension 7b of the frame 5. The front suspension 7b is adapted to adjust the height (e.g., a vertical height) of the base unit 2 and an inclination (e.g., angle) of the extendable conveyor l(e.g., an inclination of the base unit 2, the intermediate sections 3a and 3b and the outmost section 4). By adjusting the height of the base unit 2, the base unit 2 pivots around a horizontal axis at the suspension of the rear suspension 7a of the frame 5.

[0050] An inclination adjustable platform, such as a gyro platform 8 is attached at a pivot joint at the outmost section 4 of the extendable conveyor 1. The gyro platform 8 is kept in a horizontal orientation by an inclination adjuster 9, which is described in further detail below. Referring to Figs, la and lb, a position (e.g., a horizontal position) of the gyro platform 8 is kept or held independently from a position (e.g., an inclination) of the base unit 2, the intermediate sections 3a and 3b and/or the outmost section 4.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 2a, 2b and 3, the gyro platform 8 has a bottom 8a, a rear element 8b and two side elements 12a and 12b, which are each formed as frames having a diagonal beam. The rear element 8b and the side elements 12a and 12b each extend (e.g., vertically) from the bottom 8a. The rear element 8a is located adjacent to the outmost section 4 and forms a wall (e.g., at the rear end of the gyro platform 8). Hence, the side elements 12a and 12b and the rear element 8a form a limitation or wall at three sides of the gyro platform 8 in order to hinder personnel from falling off the gyro platform 8. Only the front side of the gyro platform 8 is open in the illustrated example. However, in other embodiments, the front side of the gyro platform 8 can include (e.g., pivotable or removable) front elements or doors. Additionally, storage bins 14a and 14b are attached to the rear element 8b of the gyro platform 8. Personnel can put articles, tools and/or other items into the storage bins 14 and 14b.

[0052] The belt 6 of the example of Figs. 2a, 2b and 3 does not extend to an outmost end of the outmost section 4, but ends spaced apart therefrom. Pop-out rollers 16 are positioned adjacent an end of the belt 6 such that articles which are conveyed by the belt 6 can roll over the pop-out rollers 16.

[0053] Moreover, each side of the outmost section 4 includes a sidepart 18 adapted to control the extendable conveyor 1. The sidepart 18 includes a control 15 that can include a keyboard, a navigation pad to control movement of the belt 6 and/or of the extendable conveyor 1 as well as elements to control other functions, such as switching on/off lights to illuminate the gyro platform 8, etc. The sideparts 18 with the control 15 are mechanically connected to the outmost section 4 and are electrically connected to an internal electric and data bus system of the extendable conveyor 1 (e.g. a Modbus).

[0054] The control 15 is located to enable personnel on the gyro platform 8 to reach the control 15 and enable control of the extendable conveyor 1 while standing on the gyro platform 8. For example, the gyro platform 8 being kept or held horizontally by the inclination adjuster 9 independently from the inclination of the base unit 2, the intermediate 3 a and 3b and/or outmost sections 4enables personnel to comfortably stand on the gyro platform 8.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 4a and 4b, the inclination adjuster 9 has a linear actuator 11 which is connected via a first pivot joint 19a to a frame 17. The frame 17 is mounted to a bottom of the outmost section 4. At the opposite end, the linear actuator 11 is connected via a second pivot joint 19b at a lower portion of the gyro platform 8. Additionally, the inclination adjuster 9 has a control with an inclination sensor, such as a gyro sensor located in a common housing 10 attached at the rear element 8b of the gyro platform 8 (therefore, the control and the gyro sensor are both denoted with reference sign "10"). Moreover, the gyro platform 8 is connected via a pivot joint 21 to the outmost end of the outmost section 4.

[0056] The inclination adjuster 9 (e.g., the control 15) receives inclination signals from the gyro sensor 10 and controls the linear actuator 11 accordingly. The angle between the gyro platform 8 and the outmost section 4 can be adjusted by adapting the length of the linear actuator 1 l(e.g., see Figs. 4a and 4b). Hence, the inclination adjuster 9 provides an automatic and self-alignment of the gyro platform 8 such that the gyro platform 8 is kept horizontal (or at any other predefined inclination).

[0057] In Fig. 4a, the outmost section 4 is inclined and the linear actuator 11 has a longer extension compared to the position of Fig. 4b where the outmost section 4 is shown in a horizontal position. Thus, the angle between the gyro platform 8 and the outmost section 4 is roughly 90°. Hence, by increasing the extension of the linear actuator 11, the angle between the gyro platform 8 and the outmost section 4 is increased and, by decreasing the extension of the linear actuator 11 , the angle between the gyro platform 8 and the outmost section 4 is decreased. Thus, by adapting the extension of the linear actuator 11 in response to the inclination signal received from the gyro sensor, the control 10 can keep the gyro platform 8 horizontally aligned.

[0058] Fig. 4b shows linear actuator 11 in a nearly fully retracted position when the outmost section 4 is horizontally aligned. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited in that regard and the linear actuator 11 can be, for example, in a middle position (or any other position) when the outmost section 4 is horizontally aligned, such that the linear actuator 11 is able to further retract, for example, when the outmost section 4 is raised. Thus, the angle between the gyro platform 8 and the outmost section 4 becomes smaller than 90°.In some embodiments, the linear actuator 11 is adapted to hold the gyro platform 8(e.g., horizontally) when the base unit 2 and/or the outmost section 4 is lowered and raised.

[0059] Referring to Figs. 5a and 5b, the side elements 12a and 12b are connected via a pivot joint 20a and 20b, respectively, to the rear element 8b of the gyro platform 8.

[0060] Fig. 5 a shows the side elements 12a and 12b in a working position extending on each side of the gyro platform 8 to limit or provide a wall to the sides of the gyro platform 8. In the working position, respective spring biased bars 23a and 23b of the side elements 12a and 12b engage a hole in the bottom 8a to maintain the side elements 12a and 12b in the working position.

[0061] The side elements 12a and 12b can be pivoted into a parking position as shown, for example, in Fig. 5b, in which the side elements 12a and 12b extend parallel relative to the rear element 8b and, thus, do not form a limitation or wall at the sides of the gyro platform 8. Magnets 13a and 13b located at the inner side of the rear element 8 are positioned to enable a vertical outer frame element of the side elements 12a and 12b to abut against a corresponding magnet 13 and 13b, respectively. Thereby, the magnets 13a and 13b hold the side elements 12a and 12b in the parking position.

[0062] When the side elements 12a and 12b are in the parking position, a working gap 22 is provided between them having a width that is similar to the width of the conveying surface 6. Hence, the side elements 12a and 12b do not form an obstacle for personnel unloading and/or unloading articles when the side elements 12a and 12b are in the parking position.

[0063] As shown in Fig. lb, as the side elements 12a and 12b are folded back to the rear element 8b in the parking position, the bottom 8a of the gyro platform 8 needs less room than in the case that the side elements 12a and 12b are in their working position.

[0064] Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.