FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: “AN APPARATUS FOR DISCHARGING PAYLOAD FROM A VEHICLE
AND A METHOD THEREOF”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, having address at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD:
Present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for discharging payload from a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to the apparatus that aids in discharging payload from a dump body of the vehicle completely without leaving any residue and traces of material carried or transported and a method of discharging the payload.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE:
Automobiles such as heavy trucks, tippers, tractors and some passenger vehicles like pick-up trucks, panel trucks etc. are mostly used to carry and deliver a payload from one place to another. The pick-up trucks or mini trucks can carry a small amount of payload which can be manually discharged from the vehicle. On the contrary, the heavy trucks and tippers generally include a tilting mechanism for discharging the payload. The tilting mechanism is equipped under a chassis of the vehicle and is connected to a storage container at a bottom portion of the storage container which carries the payload. The storage container is connected to the chassis at a rear end of the vehicle by a king pin to enable pivoting movement of the storage container about the chassis while discharging the payload. Mostly, the tilting mechanism comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic system having a telescopic rod that is coupled to the container at one end, the telescopic rod is actuated by a lever, or a switch disposed inside a cabin of the vehicle. The telescopic rod is expanded upon actuation of the lever to tilt the container in an angular or tilted position to discharge the payload from the vehicle. After discharging the payload, the lever is again actuated (or) released causing the telescopic rod to collapse and return to an initial resting position.
Conventionally, while discharging the payload such as sand, or mud having high moisture content, tends to stick within an inner surface of the storage container. In such cases, additional truck or towing means should be used to completely discharge the material of the payload which is stuck inside the storage container. The use of external means to discharge the payload may cause heavy loads on the trucks carrying the payload. These loads may damage major components of the truck, especially the tilting mechanism and consequently the performance of the trucks will be reduced. Other methods include imparting jerks to the storage container which is done by sudden braking of the vehicle. Although, the sudden braking of the truck discharges a considerable amount of the payload. However, this may generate stress on the tilting mechanism and a connecting means

which connects the storage container to the chassis at one end. This may damage the operation of the tilting mechanism of the vehicle, which is very costly to repair and increases down time of the vehicle which is not desirable. Therefore, a need exists for a system to completely discharge the payload from the vehicle without damaging the tilting mechanism vehicle and without requiring additional assistance for discharging the payload.
The present disclosure is intended to overcome one or more above stated limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
One or more shortcomings of a conventional payload discharging process or systems in automobiles are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through an apparatus, a vehicle, and a method of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the arrangement of the components of the apparatus to completely discharge the payload without leaving any traces within the dump body. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for discharging payload from a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dump body defined with a base mounted on a chassis of the vehicle. The dump body is configured to carry the payload. A rail frame is mounted to a periphery of a top portion of the dump body. A support structure is movably mounted on the rail frame. The support structure comprises a sweeping panel coupled to the support structure. The sweeping panel extends downwardly towards the base of the dump body. Further, at least one actuation mechanism is disposed between the rail frame, and opposite ends of the support structure to movably couple the rail frame and the support structure. At least one motor is mounted on the support structure to couple with the at least one actuation mechanism. The at least one motor is configured to displace the support structure axially along axis A-A of the rail frame from a first position to a second position, within the dump body. The sweeping panel is configured to discharge the payload from the dump body upon displacement of the support structure from the first position to the second position.
In an embodiment, the sweeping panel comprises a sweeping tool connected at a bottom portion of the sweeping panel.

In an embodiment, the rail frame comprises a platform extending from the periphery of the dump body at the top portion. At least two guide pillars extend upwardly from either ends of the platform. At least one rail is connected to the at least two guide pillars, the at least one rail is disposed above the platform to define a space therebetween to accommodate the at least one actuation mechanism.
In an embodiment, the at least one actuation mechanism comprises a rack member disposed on the platform of the rail frame. The rack member is defined with a plurality of teeth. A pinion is engageable with the plurality of teeth of the rack member and the pinion is displaceable on the rack member in a lengthwise direction. The pinion is movably coupled to the at least one motor. The at least one motor is configured to actuate the pinion on the rack member to displace the support structure along with the sweeping panel from the first position to the second position.
In an embodiment, the at least one actuation mechanism comprises at least one of a linear guide roller mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, and a sliding carriage, each mounted on the rail frame to displace the support structure on the rail frame.
In an embodiment, the at least one motor is at least one of a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a servo motor, and a linear actuator.
In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cover member mounted on the rail frame to enclose the at least one actuation mechanism, wherein the cover member is defined with a plurality of covers interconnected with each other. In an embodiment, the cover member is at least one of a telescopic cover and an elastic cover. The cover member is configured to expand and contract upon activation of the at least one actuation mechanism to enclose the rack member.
Present disclosure also discloses a vehicle comprising a chassis. A dump body is defined with a base mounted on the chassis of the vehicle. The dump body is configured to carry a payload and selectively tiltable about the chassis from a rest position to a stowed position. An apparatus for discharging the payload from the dump body. The apparatus comprises a rail frame mounted to a periphery of a top portion of the dump body. A support structure is movably mounted on

the rail frame. The support structure comprises a sweeping panel coupled to the support structure. The sweeping panel extends towards the base within the dump body. Further, at least one actuation mechanism is disposed between the rail frame, and opposite ends of the support structure to movably couple the rail frame and the support structure. At least one motor is mounted on the support structure to couple with the at least one actuation mechanism. The at least one motor is configured to displace the support structure axially along axis A-A of the rail frame from a first position to a second position, within the dump body. A control unit is communicatively coupled with the at least one motor. The control unit activates the at least one motor to displace the support structure and the sweeping panel from a first position to a second position, upon displacement of the dump body between the rest position and the stowed position to discharge the payload.
In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a tilting mechanism mounted on the chassis and coupled to the dump body. The tilting mechanism is configured to selectively tilt the dump body from the rest position to the stowed position for unloading the payload.
In an embodiment, at least one lever is communicatively coupled to the control unit and the tilting mechanism. The at least one lever is configured to actuate the tilting mechanism and provide a first actuation signal to the control unit to activate the at least one motor.
Present disclosure also discloses a method for discharging payload from a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of initially operating at least one lever coupled to a tilting mechanism to actuate a dump body from a rest position to a stowed position. The tilting mechanism is coupled to the dump body. Then, the control unit receives a first signal from the at least one lever upon operation of the at least one lever corresponding to the actuation of the tilting mechanism to displace the dump body. Later, the control unit actuates at least one motor to displace a support structure from a first position to a second position on a rail frame based on the first signal. The support structure is movably disposed on the rail frame. Further, the sweeping panel discharges the payload from the dump body upon displacement of the support structure. The sweeping panel is connected to the support structure at one end. The at least one lever is operated to actuate the tilting mechanism to displace the dump body from the stowed position to the rest position. Followed by receiving by the control unit, a second signal from the at least one lever

corresponding to a de-actuation of the tilting mechanism. Lastly, the control unit actuates the at least one motor from the second position to the first position to receive the payload based on the second signal.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising an apparatus for discharging the payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the vehicle depicting a tilting mechanism and a container in a stowed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2b is a side view of the vehicle of Fig. 2 depicting a sweeping panel of the apparatus in a middle position and a second position for discharging the payload;
Fig. 3 is a rear view of the vehicle of Fig. 1 depicting the apparatus for discharging the payload;
Fig. 4a is a top view of the vehicle depicting an actuation mechanism of the apparatus for discharging the payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4b is a sectional view of Fig. 4a depicting a rack and pinion arrangement of the actuation mechanism of the apparatus for discharging the payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle depicting the apparatus for discharging the payload, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a block diagram depicting connections of components of the apparatus for discharging the payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 7 discloses a flow diagram depicting a method of discharging payload from the vehicle by the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify an apparatus and a method for the purpose of discharging the payload from the vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the present disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, a method, an apparatus or a device, that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, apparatus, or the device. In other words, one or more elements in the system or the apparatus preceded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system, the method, or the apparatus.
In the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that, changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses an apparatus for discharging payload from a vehicle. Conventionally, heavy trucks, tippers, tractors and some passenger vehicles like pick-up trucks, panel trucks etc. are mostly used to carry and deliver a payload from one place to another. The heavy trucks and tippers generally include a tilting mechanism for discharging the payload. The tilting mechanism is equipped under a chassis of the vehicle and is connected to a storage container at a bottom portion of the storage container which carries the payload. The storage container is connected to the chassis at a rear end of the vehicle by a connecting means to enable pivoting movement of the storage container about the chassis while discharging the payload. The tilting mechanism is actuated by a lever positioned within a cabin of the vehicle to discharge the payload. However, while discharging the payload such as sand or mud having high moisture content, the payload tends to stick within an inner surface of the storage container. In such a scenario, additional truck or towing means should be used to completely discharge the material of the payload which is stuck inside the storage container. The use of external means to discharge the payload may cause heavy loads on the trucks carrying the payload. These loads may damage major components of the truck, especially the tilting mechanism and consequently the performance of the trucks will be reduced. Other methods include imparting jerks to the storage container which

is done by sudden braking of the vehicle. Although, the sudden braking of the truck discharges a considerable amount of the payload. However, this may generate stress on the tilting mechanism and the connecting means which connects the storage container to the chassis at one end. This may damage the tilting mechanism of the vehicle which is very costly to repair and increases the down time of the vehicle which is not desirable.
In view of the above, an apparatus for discharging payload from a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dump body defined with a base mounted on a chassis of the vehicle. The dump body is configured to carry the payload. A rail frame is mounted to a periphery of a top portion of the dump body. A support structure is movably mounted on the rail frame. The support structure comprises a sweeping panel coupled to the support structure. The sweeping panel extends downwardly towards the base of the dump body. Further, at least one actuation mechanism is disposed between the rail frame, and opposite ends of the support structure to movably couple the rail frame and the support structure. At least one motor is mounted on the support structure to couple with the at least one actuation mechanism. The at least one motor is configured to displace the support structure axially along axis A-A of the rail frame from a first position to a second position, within the dump body. The sweeping panel is configured to discharge the payload from the dump body upon displacement of the support structure from the first position to the second position. This configuration of the support structure being displaced on the rail frame enables the sweeping panel to completely discharge the payload without leaving any residue or traces of the payload. Advantageously, this eliminates the use of additional trucks or towing means to discharge a material that remains after unloading the payload. This reduces the down time and keeps the truck free from loads that may be subjected by the additional trucks on the truck carrying the payload. Further, the apparatus can be easily installed in any vehicle for automatically discharging the payload.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, a vehicle (200) having an apparatus (100) for discharging payload from the vehicle (200) is disclosed. The vehicle (200) comprises a chassis (205) configured to support secured mounting of body panels and mechanisms required for operating the vehicle. Further, the chassis (205) is configured to withstand weight of the body panels and mechanisms of the vehicle (200) along with a payload. The vehicle (200) comprises a dump body (102) which is configured to carry the payload therewithin. The dump body (102) is defined with a

base (104) that is mounted on a chassis (205) of the vehicle (200). The base (104) is connected to the chassis (205) at a rear end of the vehicle (200). At least two side walls (102a) extend from either ends of the base (104) and a front wall (102b) connects the at least two side walls (102a) to form a storage area (109) to contain/store the payload. The at least two side walls (102a) and the front wall (102b) are connected to the base (104) at one end and an other end extends perpendicularly from the base (104). In an embodiment, the dump body (102) may include a tail gate (not shown in Figs.) connected to the at least two side walls (102a) at a rear end of the vehicle. The tailgate is located opposite to the front wall (102b) and is configured to retain the payload within the storage area (109) of the dump body (102) while the vehicle is moving. In an embodiment, the dump body (102) is pivotally coupled to the chassis (205) at one end by a king pin (not shown in Figs.). The kingpin allows the dump body (102) to pivot about the chassis (205) while discharging the payload from the vehicle. However, this cannot be construed as a limitation and the base (104) may be connected to the chassis (205) by any connecting means that allows pivoting of the base (104) of the dump body (102) with respect to the chassis (205).
Referring to Fig. 2a, the vehicle (200) further comprises a tilting mechanism (134) coupled to the chassis (205) and the dump body (102). In an embodiment, the tilting mechanism (134) may comprise a hydraulic cylinder (not shown in Figs.) which accommodates a telescopic rod (not shown in Figs.). In an embodiment, the tilting mechanism (134) is communicatively coupled to a vehicle electronic control unit (VECU) (135) and the tilting mechanism (134) is actuated by the VECU (135). At least one lever (136) is provided within a cabin of the vehicle (200) and the at least one lever (136) is communicatively coupled to the VECU (135). The at least one lever (136) generates and transmits an actuation signal to the VECU (135). The VECU (135) receives the signal and actuates the tilting mechanism to actuate the dump body from a rest position (RP) to a stowed position (SP). In an embodiment, the a least one lever (136) may be operated by a driver to actuate the tilting mechanism for discharging the payload from the vehicle (200).
Further, the apparatus (100) is mounted on the dump body (102) of the vehicle (200). The apparatus (100) comprises a rail frame (106) that is mounted to a periphery of a top portion (103) of the dump body (102). The top portion (103) is defined above the at least two side walls (102a) and the front wall (102b). The rail frame (106) is coupled to a top surface of the at least

two side walls (102a) and the front wall (102b) using suitable fastening means such as nut and bolts, studs, screws, or studs based on the requirement. In an embodiment, the rail frame (106) may be removably connected to the dump body (102). The rail frame (106) is defined with a platform (116) extending from the periphery of the dump body (102) at the top portion (103). In an embodiment, the rail frame (106) is mounted along the periphery of the dump body (102) based on the dimensions of the dump body (102). In an embodiment, the rail frame (106) may be manufactured by at least one of a stainless steel, aluminium and various grades of Mild steel materials.
Referring to Figs. 4a and 4b, at least one actuation mechanism (110) is disclosed. The at least one actuation mechanism (110) is mounted on the rail frame (106). The at least one actuation mechanism (110) comprises a rack member (122) disposed on the platform (116) of the rail frame (106) along an axis (A-A). The rack member (122) is defined with a plurality of teeth (124) spaced equidistantly from each other. A pinion (126) is engageable with the plurality of teeth (124) of the rack member (122) and the pinion (126) is displaceable on the rack member (122) in a lengthwise direction of the rail frame (106) along the axis (A-A). At least two guide pillars (118) extend upwardly from either ends of the platform (116). In an embodiment, the at least two guide pillars (118) may extend perpendicularly with respect to the platform (116). Each of the at least two guide pillars (118) are defined with a provision (not shown in figs.) to receive at least one rail (120). The at least one rail (120) is connected to the at least two guide pillars (118). The at least one rail (120) is disposed above the platform (116) to define a space therebetween to accommodate the at least one actuation mechanism (110). In an embodiment, the at least one rail (120) may be a hollow longitudinal structure capable of bearing load of any moving structure.
A support structure (108) is movably mounted on the rail frame (106) such that the support structure (108) is displaceable from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP) along the axis (A-A). The support structure (108) comprises a top plate (108a) extending in a traverse direction of the at least one rail (120). The top plate (108a) is movably mounted on the at least one rail (106) proximate to the at least two guide pillars (118). The top plate (108a) is configured to traverse on the at least one rail (120) along the axis (A-A) of the rail frame (106). A sweeping panel (112) is coupled to the top plate (108a) at one end and an other end of the sweeping panel

(112) extends downwardly towards the base (104) of the dump body (102). In an embodiment, the sweeping panel (112) is disposed within the storage area (109) of the dump body (102). A sweeping tool (114) is connected to the other end of sweeping panel (112). The sweeping tool (114) extends in a traverse direction of the dump body (102) and the sweeping tool (114) is structured with a same dimensions (length) as that of a width of the dump body (102) to fit within the dump body (102). In an embodiment, the sweeping tool (114) may be manufactured of a high strength material such as stainless steel compared to the sweeping panel (114). In an embodiment, the sweeping tool (114) may be configured to be in contact with the base (104) and is configured to discharge the payload from the vehicle (200) upon displacement of the support structure (108). The support structure (108) is configured to linearly actuate on the rail frame (106) having at least one actuation mechanism (110).
In an embodiment, the at least one actuation mechanism (110) may include a linear guide-roller mechanism (not shown in Figs.) whereby at least two linear guides (not shown in Figs.) are mounted on the rail frame (106) and a roller/carriage (not shown in Figs.) is allowed to track on the linear guides to displace the support structure (108) on the rail frame (106). In an embodiment, a lead screw (not shown in Figs.) may be connected to the support structure (108) to traverse the support structure (108) upon actuation of the lead screw along the axis (A-A). In an embodiment, the at least one actuation mechanism (110) may be a simple slider mechanism (not shown in Figs.), whereby the support structure (108) includes a sliding member (not shown in Figs.) which may be connected to a top plate (108a) and the sliding member may slide on the guide plate for the displacement of the support structure (108). In an embodiment, a cover member (130) may be mounted on the rail frame (106) to enclose the actuation mechanism (110) (as shown in Fig. 4). The cover member (130) comprises a plurality of elastic or flexible covers (103a, 130b, 130c, 130d) that are interconnected with each other. In an embodiment, the cover member (130) may be a telescopic cover which is configured to expand and contract upon actuation of the at least one motor (128) and the displacement of the support structure (108) to enclose the rack member (122). In an embodiment, the cover member (130) may be manufactured by at least one of a synthetic Rubber, Teflon, Rubber, and a PVC coated fabric.
Referring back to Fig. 2, the apparatus (100) further comprises at least one motor (128) mounted on the support structure (108) to couple with the at least one actuation mechanism (110). The

at least one motor (128) is configured to displace the support structure (108) axially along the axis (A-A) of the frame (106) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) such that the sweeping panel (112) is displaced within the dump body (102). The at least one motor (128) is movably coupled to the pinion (126). The at least one motor (128) is configured to actuate the pinion (126) on the rack member (122) to displace the support structure (108) along with the sweeping panel (112) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). The sweeping panel (112) is configured to discharge the payload from the dump body (102) upon displacement of the support structure (108) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).
With reference to Fig. 6, a block diagram depicting the connectivity of the components of the apparatus and their function is disclosed. Accordingly, a control unit (132) may be communicatively coupled to the at least one lever (136) and the at least one motor (128). The at least one lever (136) is also communicatively coupled to the tilting mechanism (134). The at least one lever (136) is configured to actuate the tilting mechanism (134) such that the dump body (102) is tilted from the rest position (RP) to the stowed position (SP) to discharge the payload. Simultaneously, the control unit (132) also receives an actuation signal from the at least one lever (136) upon actuation of the at least one lever (136). The control unit (132) is configured to actuate the at least one motor (128) upon receipt of the actuation signal to displace the support structure (108) on the rail frame (106) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) (as shown in Fig. 2b). Consequently, the sweeping tool (114) remains in contact with the payload and discharges the payload from the vehicle (200) at the second position (SP). After discharging the payload, the at least one lever (136) is again operated to de-actuate the tilting mechanism (134) such that the dump body (102) reaches to the rest position (RP). At this position, the control unit (132) actuates the at least one motor (128) in an opposite direction to return the support structure (108) to the first position (FP). In an embodiment, the control unit (132) may be communicatively coupled with VECU and may receive the actuation signal from the VECU corresponding upon actuation of the at least one lever (136).
Now referring to Fig. 7, a method (300) of operation of the apparatus to discharge the payload from the vehicle (200) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) is mounted on the top portion (103) of the dump body (102) of the vehicle (200) from which the payload is to be discharged. In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) may be integrated to the vehicle (200) by a permanent joining

means such as welding or riveting. For discharging the payload from the vehicle (200), initially, at step 301, the at least one lever (136) may be operated by a driver to actuate the tilting mechanism (134) such that the dump body (102) is tilted from the rest position (RP) to the stowed position (SP). Simultaneously, at step 302, a control unit (132) receives a first signal from the at least one lever (136) upon operation of the at least one lever (136). The first signal corresponds to the actuation of the tilting mechanism (134) to displace the dump body (102). At step 303, the control unit (132) actuates the at least one motor (128) to displace the support structure (108) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). The support structure (108) is actuated on the rail frame (106) along the axis (A-A). Later, at step 304, the sweeping panel (112) discharges the payload from the dump body (102) upon displacement of the support structure (108). The sweeping tool (114) connected to the sweeping panel (112) contacts the base of the dump body (102) and completely discharges the payload from the vehicle (200). After discharging the payload, the at least one lever (136) is again operated to de-activate the tilting mechanism (134) at step 305. This aids the dump body (102) to return to the rest position (RP) from the stowed position (SP). At step 306, the control unit (132) receives a second signal from the at least one lever (136) corresponding to the de-actuation of the tilting mechanism (134). Lastly, after receiving the second signal the control unit (132) actuates the at least one motor (128) in the opposite direction to return the support structure (108) to return to the first position (FP) from the second position (SP) at step 307. After completion of the step 307, the vehicle (200) is again loaded with the payload and the steps 301 through 307 are performed continuously to discharge the payload from the vehicle (200) as and when needed.
In an embodiment, the vehicle (200) comprises a display unit which is electronically connected to the control unit (132) and VECU (135). The display unit is configured to provide a visual indication corresponding to the actuation of the at least one lever (136) and alert the user regarding the position of the dump body (102) as well as the support structure (108).
In an embodiment, the at least one lever (136) may be operated automatically by the VECU upon giving the actuation signal from a remote location by an electronic device.

In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) may be installed in vehicles such as mini-trucks and tempos which do not have a tilting mechanism (134) to discharge the payload from the vehicle (200) by actuating the sweeping panel.
The apparatus (100) of the present disclosure can be easily installed in a variety of the vehicles such as commercial as well as passenger vehicles to completely discharge the payload from the vehicle (200). Advantageously, this makes the apparatus reliable irrespective of different types of payload having high moisture content.
The apparatus (100) of the present disclosure can be easily operated along with the tilting mechanism (134) of the vehicle (200) such that no additional vehicles or discharging means is required. This reduces the down time for discharging the payload.
The apparatus (100) of the present disclosure can discharge the payload without having to apply sudden braking of the vehicle (200) which is generally done with the conventional discharging process. Further, external cranes or trucks are not required to discharge the payload which remains in the dump body. Advantageously, this minimizes load on the dump body and also improves life of the components associated with the tilting mechanism (134) and thereby ensuring safety of the tilting mechanism (134).
The method (300) of the present disclosure enables the discharge of the payload without causing any accidents while discharging the payload. Consequently, this reduces overloading of the dump body (102) and improves the performance of the vehicle.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
Reference numerals:

Part Numeral
Apparatus 100
Vehicle 200
Method 300
Dump body 102
Top portion 103
Base 104
Chassis 205
Rail frame 106
Opposite ends 107
Support structure 108
Storage area 109
Actuation mechanism 110
Sweeping panel 112
Sweeping tool 114
Platform 116
At least two guide pillars 118
At least one rail 120
A rack member 122
A plurality of teeth 124
Pinion 126
At least one motor 128
Cover member 130

A plurality of cover members 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d
Control unit 132
Tilting mechanism 134
Telescopic rod 134a
Vehicle electronic control unit 135
At least one lever 136

We Claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for discharging payload from a vehicle (200), the apparatus (100)
comprising:
a dump body (102) defined with a base (104) mounted on a chassis (205) of the vehicle (200) and the dump body (102) is configured to carry the payload;
a rail frame (106) mounted to a periphery of a top portion (103) of the dump body (102);
a support structure (108) movably mounted on the rail frame (106), the support structure (108) comprises:
a sweeping panel (112) coupled to the support structure (108) and extending downwardly towards the base (104) of the dump body (102);
at least one actuation mechanism (110) disposed between the rail frame (106), and opposite ends (107) of the support structure (108) to movably couple the rail frame (106) and the support structure (108);
at least one motor (128) mounted on the support structure (108) to couple with the at least one actuation mechanism (110), wherein the at least one motor (128) is configured to displace the support structure (108) axially along axis A-A of the rail frame (106) from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP), within the dump body (102); and
wherein the sweeping panel (112) is configured to discharge the payload from the dump body (102) upon displacement of the support structure (108) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sweeping panel (112) comprises a sweeping tool (114) connected at a bottom portion of the sweeping panel (112).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rail frame (106) comprises:
a platform (116) extending from the periphery of the dump body (102) at the top portion (103);
at least two guide pillars (118) extending upwardly from either ends of the platform (116);

at least one rail (120) connected to the at least two guide pillars (118), the at least one rail (120) is disposed above the platform (116) to define a space therebetween to accommodate the at least one actuation mechanism (110).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one actuation mechanism
(110) comprises:
a rack member (122) disposed on the platform (116) of the rail frame (106);
wherein the rack member (122) is defined with a plurality of teeth (124);
a pinion (126) engageable with the plurality of teeth (124) of the rack member
(122), the pinion (126) is displaceable on the rack member (122) in a lengthwise
direction;
wherein the pinion (126) is movably coupled to the at least one motor (128) and, the at least one motor (128) is configured to actuate the pinion (126) on the rack member (122) to displace the support structure (108) along with the sweeping panel (112) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one actuation mechanism (110) comprises at least one of a linear guide roller mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, and a sliding carriage, each mounted on the rail frame (106) to displace the support structure (108) on the rail frame (106).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one motor (128) is at least one of a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a servo motor, and a linear actuator.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprises a cover member (130) mounted on the rail frame (106) to enclose the at least one actuation mechanism (110), wherein the cover member (130) is defined with a plurality of covers (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) interconnected with each other.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cover member (130) is at least one of a telescopic cover and an elastic cover, the cover member (130) is configured to expand and contract upon activation of the at least one actuation mechanism (110) to enclose the rack member (122).

9. A vehicle (200) comprising:
a chassis (205);
a dump body (102) defined with a base (104) mounted on the chassis (205) of the vehicle (200), the dump body (102) is configured to carry a payload and selectively tiltable about the chassis (205) from a rest position (RP) to a stowed position (SP);
an apparatus (100) for discharging the payload from the dump body (102), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a rail frame (106) mounted to a periphery of a top portion (103) of the dump body (102);
a support structure (108) movably mounted on the rail frame (106), the support structure (108) comprises:
a sweeping panel (112) coupled to the support structure (108) and extends towards the base (104) within the dump body (102);
at least one actuation mechanism (110) disposed between the rail frame (106), and opposite ends of the support structure (108) to movably couple the rail frame (106) and the support structure (108);
at least one motor (128) mounted on the support structure (108) to couple with the at least one actuation mechanism (110), wherein the at least one motor (128) is configured to displace the support structure (108) axially along the rail frame (106) from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP) within the dump body (102);
a control unit (132) communicatively coupled with the at least one motor (128), wherein the control unit (132) activates the at least one motor (128) to displace the support structure (108) and the sweeping panel (112) from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP), upon displacement of the dump body (102) between the rest position (RP) and the stowed position (SP) to discharge the payload.
10. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, comprises a tilting mechanism (134) mounted
on the chassis (205) and coupled to the dump body (102), to selectively tilt the dump

body (102) from the rest position (RP) to the stowed position (SP) for unloading the payload.
11. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 10, comprises at least one lever (136) communicatively coupled to the control unit (132) and the tilting mechanism (134), wherein the at least one lever (136) is configured to actuate the tilting mechanism (134) and provide a first actuation signal to the control unit (132) to activate the at least one motor (128).
12. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sweeping panel (112) comprises a sweeping tool (114) connected to a bottom portion of the sweeping panel (112).
13. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rail frame (106) comprises:
a platform (116) extending beyond the top portion (103) of the dump body (102);
at least two guide pillars (118) extending upwardly from either ends of the platform (116);
at least one rail (120) connected to the at least two guide pillars (118), the at least one rail (120) is disposed above the platform (116) to define a space therebetween to accommodate the at least one actuation mechanism (110).
14. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one actuation mechanism
(110) comprises:
a rack member (122) disposed on the platform (116) of the rail frame (106); wherein the rack member (122) is defined with a plurality of teeth (124);
a pinion (126) engageable with the plurality of teeth (124) of the rack member (122), wherein the pinion (126) is displaceable on the rack member (122) in a lengthwise direction;
at least one motor (128) movably coupled to the pinion (126), wherein the at least one motor (128) is configured to actuate the pinion (126) on the rack member (122) to displace the support structure (108) along with the sweeping panel (112) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).

15. A method (300) for discharging payload from a vehicle (200), the method (300) comprising:
operating at least one lever (136) coupled to a tilting mechanism (134) to actuate a dump body (102) from a rest position (RP) to a stowed position (SP), wherein the tilting mechanism (134) is coupled to the dump body (102);
receiving, by a control unit (132), a first signal from the at least one lever (136) upon operation of the at least one lever (136) corresponding to the actuation of the tilting mechanism (134) to displace the dump body (102);
actuating, by the control unit (132), at least one motor (128) to displace a support structure (108) from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP) on a rail frame (106) based on the first signal, the support structure (108) is movably disposed on the rail frame (106);
discharging, the payload by a sweeping panel (112), from the dump body (102) upon displacement of the support structure (108), wherein the sweeping panel (112) is connected to the support structure (108) at one end;
operating the at least one lever (136) to actuate the tilting mechanism (134) to displace the dump body (102) from the stowed position (SP) to the rest position (RP);
receiving by the control unit (132), a second signal from the at least one lever (136) corresponding to a de-actuation of the tilting mechanism; and
actuating, by the control unit (132), the at least one motor (128) from the second position (SP) to the first position (SP) to receive the payload based on the second signal.