DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A SYSTEM FOR HOIST CONTROL OF A DUMPER

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present invention claims priority from Indian patent application numbered IN 202241045107 filed on 08th August, 2022.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a dump body hoist control system and more particularly relates to a relay-based system to control the dump body hoist movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[003] A conventional dump truck is generally used to transport materials such as dirt, sand or gravel from one location to another and then "dumped" on a ground. The material is dumped by elevating one end of a dump bed such that the material slides down to an other end. The dump bed is elevated by means of a hoist operated by a hydraulic pump. The hoist is basically a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which a rope or chain wraps. It may be manually operated, electrically or pneumatically driven and may use chain, fiber or wire rope as its lifting medium. A hoist control system is used to control a raising, lowering, floating & holding condition of the dump body through a joystick or through a dashboard mounted pushbutton switch.
[004] Currently, the hoist system consists of integrated circuits or printed circuit board based systems, which are prone to failure during harsh environmental conditions, which in turn affect the dump body operation. Further, due to such failure, even if any single component in the integrated circuit or printed circuit board (IC/PCB) fails, the entire IC/PCB needs to be replaced which affects a reliability of system. Moreover, malfunctioning of the hoist system can cause safety related issues to operator and nearby persons or equipment’s. In addition, the dump body operation is critical, and any failure will affect a productivity rate at mine sites.
[005] Hence, there is a need to develop a system for hoist control which works for an individual component and in case of failure of single component, other components will work normally.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a relay-based control system for carrying out a dumper hoist operation.
[007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a relay-based system with a replaceable single component on failure of said component.
[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to eliminate the use of a controller for controlling movement of a dump body hoist.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide better operator comfort and reduce fatigue of an operator.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a system for hoist control of a dumper comprising a joystick, a plurality of relays R1, R2, R3, R4 and a plurality of solenoids S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 configured to be connected to said relays in a predefined manner adapted to facilitate an individual part replacement on failure of said part. The solenoid S1 is configured for raising the hoist, combination of solenoids S2, S3, S5 are for lowering the hoist and combination of solenoids S3, S4, S5 are for floating the hoist on movement of said joystick. The solenoid S1 is configured to be energized through a body up limit switch for raising the hoist and, on full extension of the hoist, the solenoid S1 is configured to be de-energized. Further, for raising the hoist on movement of the joystick, the relay R3 is configured to be in a set position and the relays R1, R2 and R4 are configured to get energized. For lowering the hoist, the relay R3 is configured to be in reset position wherein the solenoid S2 gets energized through said relay R3, the relay R4 is configured to be de-energized and the relay R1 is configured to be energized wherein said relay R1 de-energizes the solenoid S4 and the relay R2 is configured to be in de-energized state which energizes the solenoids S3 and S5. For floating the hoist, the relay R1 is configured to be in de-energized state which energizes the solenoid S4, and the relay R2 is also configured to be in de-energized state which energizes solenoids S3 and S5. A relay-based circuit of the present invention is adapted for quick replacement of non-functional individual parts. Furthermore, the system is configured with a plurality of indicators to indicate the raising, lowering or floating position of the hoist and an audio signal for alerting about raising, lowering and floating of said hoist. Said relay R3 is a latch relay configured with a set and a reset coil. Further, a hydraulic valve is configured to be actuated via solenoid output to allow hydraulic fluid flow for the hoist movement.
SUMMARY
[0011] Before the present system and method are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine or an apparatus, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system which uses relay-based logic control for performing hoisting operation of dumper, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detail description.

[0012] In present embodiment of the invention, a system for hoist control of a dumper is described. Said system is configured to control hoisting operation of a dump body of the dumper which includes raising, lowering and floating the dump body based on operator requirement. The system of the present invention comprises of a circuit which includes a plurality of relays and solenoids, a joystick, a diode, a body up limit switch and connecting wire harness. The joystick is connected to the relays and solenoids such that on operating the joystick, the dump body can be raised, lowered or can be put on hold position through said relays and solenoids. Said relays and solenoids are connected to each other and can be energized and de-energized based on operation to be performed like raising or lowering the dump body hoist. The hoist control system of the present invention is configured to receive input as joystick movement and is connected to 24V power supply wherein the output of said system comprises of actuation of the solenoids which in turn control a hydraulic valve of the system for performing the dump body operation to raise, lower or float the dump body hoist. Further, the system of the present invention allows replacement of singe failed component and eliminates replacement of an entire controller which is been used in conventional hoist control system. The hoist controller provides more safety features, better operator comfort and higher reliability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiment, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawing.
[0014] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure. In the figure, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawing to refer like features and components.
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a circuit for a dump body hoist control, in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a hoist control system for operating a dumper hoist, in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] Figures depicts various embodiments of the present disclosure for purpose of illustration only. Only skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion 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
[0018] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising”, “having”, and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, systems and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0019] Various modification to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to another embodiment. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0020] The present invention describes a system for hoist control of a dumper or a dump body hoist. The hoist control system mainly includes a joystick, a plurality of relays, a latch relay, a plurality of solenoids and connecting wire harness for operating a dump body hoist. The present invention is configured with a relay-based logic circuit which allows an individual part replacement on failure of said part and eliminates replacement of an entire controller. Said hoist control provides more safety features, better operator comfort and higher reliability.
[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a circuit (100) for hoist control with relay-based logic is shown. The circuit (100) mainly includes a joystick (110), a plurality of relays R1 (102), R2 (104) and R4 (108), a latch relay R3 (106), a plurality of solenoids S1 (112), S2 (114), S3 (116), S4 (118), S5 (120) and connecting wire harness. The hoist control circuit (100) is configured to raise (124), lower (126) and float (128) the dump body through the joystick (110) movement. In the present invention, the solenoid S1 (112) is configured for raising (124) the dump body, solenoids S2 (114), S3 (116), S5 (120) are configured for lowering (126) the dump body and solenoids S3 (116), S4 (118), S5 (120) are configured for float i.e. neutral (128) position of the dump body. When the joystick (110) is moved to the raise position (124), the solenoid S1 (112) will get energized through NC contact of a body up limit switch (130) wherein when the dump body reaches to a maximum position, said switch (130) will become NO, power supply will be cut-off to the solenoid S1 (112) and solenoid S1 (112) will be de-energized i.e. the dump body will be on hold position (128). During the above-mentioned body raise operation, the relay R4 (108) gets energized through coil connected to 24V supply and becomes NO. The latch relay R3 (106) will be in set position wherein the latch relay R3 (106) is connected to a diode (122) and the relay R2 (104). The current flows from latch relay R3 (106) to the diode (122) and the relay R2 (104) wherein the relay R2 (104) gets energized and becomes NO. Further, the relay R1 (102) gets energized through the diode (122) and becomes NO which de-energizes the solenoid S4 (118) and power will be cut off. When the joystick (110) is moved to the lower position (126), the latch relay R3 (106) goes to reset position and solenoid S2 (114) which is directly connected to the latch relay R3 (106) will get energized. Further, the relay R1 (112) is connected to 24V supply through the diode (122) which energizes the relay R1 (112), and it becomes NO which de-energizes the solenoid S4 (118) and the relay R4 (108) and power will be cut off. Furthermore, relay R2 (104) will be in de-energized state through which solenoid S3 (116) and S5 (120) are energized through common point C of the relay R2 (104) which is connected to NC. When the joystick (110) is released to the neutral position (128), the relay R1 (102) and R2 (104) are in de-energized state, which energizes the solenoid S4 (118) through common point C of the relay R1 (102) and solenoids S3 (116) and S5 (120) get energized through common point C of the relay R2 (104) and the dump body will come to the float position (128). In the present invention, failure of any component of circuit (100) will not hamper the operation of whole circuit and the individual component including relays and solenoids can be replaced. The proposed invention also eliminates use of controller for operating the dump body hoist.
[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system for controlling the dump body hoist is shown. The hoist control system is configured to receive input from the joystick (110) which is operated by an operator to actuate a hydraulic valve via solenoid output to allow hydraulic fluid flow for the dump body movement. Said dump body is configured to move to any of the state i.e. raise (124), lower (126) or float (128), through the joystick (110). Based on the input signal received to the hoist control system, the above-mentioned relay logic will actuate the solenoids S1 (112), S2 (114), S3 (116), S4 (118), S5 (120) accordingly, which in turn control the hydraulic valve for performing the dump body operation. Further, the hoist control system is connected to the 24V power supply. Moreover, said hoist control system is also configured with a plurality of indicators to indicate the raise (124), lower (126) or float (128) position of the dump body hoist. The hoist control system is also provided with a buzzer as a warning for dump body raising or lowering.
[0023] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for hoist control of a dumper comprising a joystick (110), a plurality of relays (102, 104, 106, 108) and a plurality of solenoids (112, 114, 116, 118, 120) configured to be connected to said relays (102, 104, 106, 108) in a predefined manner adapted to facilitate an individual part replacement on failure of said part. The solenoid (112) is configured for raising the hoist, combination of solenoids (114, 116, 120) are for lowering the hoist and combination of solenoids (116, 118, 120) are for floating the hoist on movement of said joystick (110). The solenoid (112) is configured to be energized through a body up limit switch (130) for raising (124) the hoist and, on full extension of the hoist, the solenoid (112) is configured to be de-energized. Further, for raising (124) the hoist on movement of the joystick (110), the relay (106) is configured to be in a set position and the relays (104, 108) are configured to get energized. For lowering (126) the hoist, the relay (106) is configured to be in reset position wherein the solenoid (114) gets energized through said relay (106), the relay (108) is configured to be de-energized and the relay (102) is configured to be energized wherein said relay (102) de-energizes the solenoid (118) and the relay (104) is configured to be in de-energized state which energizes the solenoids (116) and (120). For floating (128) the hoist, the relay (102) is configured to be in de-energized state which energizes the solenoid (118), and the relay (104) is also configured to be in de-energized state which energizes solenoids (116) and (120). A relay-based circuit (100) of the present invention is adapted for quick replacement of non-functional individual parts. Furthermore, the system is configured with a plurality of indicators to indicate the raising (124), lowering (126) or floating (128) position of the hoist and an audio signal for alerting about raising (124), lowering (126) and floating (128) of said hoist. Said relay (106) is a latch relay configured with a set and a reset coil. A hydraulic valve is configured to be actuated via solenoid output to allow hydraulic fluid flow for the hoist movement.
[0024] Further, the invention can be used, but not limited to, in the following applications.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[0026] Some embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[0027] Some embodiments of the present invention enhance reliability of a hoist control system for a dumper.
[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention ensure replacement of single failed component.
,CLAIMS:
1. A system for hoist control of a dumper comprises:
a joystick (110);
a plurality of relays (102, 104, 106, 108); and
a plurality of solenoids (112, 114, 116, 118, 120) configured to be connected to said relays (102, 104, 106, 108) in a predefined manner adapted to facilitate an individual part replacement on failure of said part.

2. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solenoid (112) is configured for raising the hoist, combination of solenoids (114, 116, 120) are for lowering the hoist and combination of solenoids (116, 118, 120) are for floating the hoist on movement of said joystick (110).

3. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solenoid (112) is configured to be energized through a body up limit switch (130) for raising (124) the hoist and, on full extension of the hoist, the solenoid (112) is configured to be de-energized.

4. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein for raising (124) the hoist on movement of the joystick (110), the relay (106) is configured to be in a set position and the relays (104, 108) are configured to get energized.

5. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein for lowering (126) the hoist, the relay (106) is configured to be in reset position wherein the solenoid (114) gets energized through said relay (106), the relay (108) is configured to be de-energized and the relay (102) is configured to be energized wherein said relay (102) de-energizes the solenoid (118) and the relay (104) is configured to be in de-energized state which energizes the solenoids (116) and (120).

6. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein for floating (128) the hoist, the relay (102) is configured to be in de-energized state which energizes the solenoid (118), and the relay (104) is also configured to be in de-energized state which energizes solenoids (116) and (120).

7. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein a relay-based circuit (100) is adapted for quick replacement of non-functional individual part.

8. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is configured with a plurality of indicators to indicate the raising (124), lowering (126) or floating (128) position of the hoist and an audio signal for alerting about raising (124), lowering (126) and floating (128) of said hoist.

9. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay (106) is a latch relay configured with a set and a reset coil.

10. The system for hoist control of the dumper as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hydraulic valve is configured to be actuated via solenoid output to allow hydraulic fluid flow for the hoist movement.