Claims:Claims
1. Discharge tippler support arrangement (10) for a side discharge tippler device (100) for discharging at least two wagons (2), wherein the side discharge tippler device (100) comprises or is configured for accommodating:
- at least one floating platform (103) configured for accommodating at least one or two of the wagons;
- at least one hopper (104) for receiving material (1) discharged from the wagons, wherein the at least one hopper is arranged in laterally displaced manner with respect to the at least one floating platform, especially in lateral distance of at least the width of the wagons or the width of the floating platform;
wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement (10) comprises at least one support and discharge unit (11) configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons for lateral displacement such that the at least two wagons can be laterally discharged together to the at least one hopper (104), especially discharged to the same lateral discharge position (P2) for all wagons.

2. Discharge tippler support arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement exhibits at least one pivot shaft (13), the at least one support and discharge unit (11) being configured for displacing the at least two wagons on a circular path of motion around the pivot shaft (13); and/or wherein the at least one support and discharge unit (11) is configured to pivot the at least two wagons around a pivot axis (X13) arranged laterally between the at least one floating platform (103) and the at least one hopper (104); and/or wherein the at least one support and discharge unit (11) is configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons such that the wagons (2) can be discharged by turning the wagons upside down and by laterally displacing the wagons from a first lateral position (P1) to a second lateral position (P2), the first and second lateral positions being laterally displaced at least twice or three times the width (y2) of the wagon(s).

3. Discharge tippler support arrangement according to claim 1 or to any further of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support and discharge unit (11) exhibits a plurality of support devices (12), especially support rings, each support device defining a/the path of motion for discharging at least one of the wagons; and/or wherein the at least one support and discharge unit exhibits a plurality of support devices (12), especially support rings, wherein the support devices are dimensioned and arranged such that a center of gravity of the respective loaded or unloaded wagon is arranged within a circumferential line (12.4) defined by the support device(s); and/or wherein the at least one support and discharge unit exhibits at least three support devices (12) each configured as or comprising a support ring, namely two outer support rings (12b) and at least one inner support ring (12a), wherein the at least one inner support ring exhibits at least one guiding (12.1) defining a circular path of motion for the discharging process.

4. Discharge tippler support arrangement according to claim 1 or to any further of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement (10) is configured for discharging the material to a height level at least approximately corresponding to the height level of the at least one floating platform (103) or corresponding to a level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m with respect to the floating platform.

5. Discharge tippler support arrangement according to claim 1 or to any further of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement (10), especially the at least one support and discharge unit (11), further exhibits at least one moveable side wall arrangement (20) configured for supporting at least one of the wagons in lateral direction, especially by interacting with a side wall of the wagon while the wagon is pivoted for being discharged upside down.

6. Discharge tippler support arrangement according to claim 1 or to any further of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement (10) provides for material discharge capacity per discharge cycle of at least factor 2 or 3 of the capacity of a single wagon (2), the factor especially corresponding to the number of wagons discharged by the discharge tippler support arrangement (10) at the same time.

7. Side discharge tippler device (100) comprising at least one discharge tippler support arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or to any further of the preceding claims, especially with the discharge tippler device in configuration of a twin side discharge wagon tippler accommodating two wagons (2) in series one behind the other.

8. Side discharge tippler device according to claim 7, the discharge tippler device exhibiting at least two independent floating platforms (103) each configured for accommodating at least one of the wagons (2), each floating platform including a measuring device (40) for measuring the weight of the respective wagon accommodated on the floating platform; and/or wherein the side discharge tippler device (100) is configured for accommodating rail mounted wagons, the side discharge tippler device exhibiting rails (101), especially rails provided on the at least one floating platform.

9. Side discharge tippler device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one hopper (104) is arranged in lateral displacement without any lateral overlap with the floating platform(s) (103); and/or wherein the at least one hopper exhibits a sieve or grid (105) for sieving discharged material, the sieve or grid being arranged at ground level (33) or at ground level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m; and/or wherein at least one hopper (104) is arranged laterally with respect to a/the at least one pivot shaft (13) of the discharge tippler support arrangement (10), especially without laterally overlapping the pivot shaft.

10. Method for discharging material (1) from at least two wagons (2) by means of a side discharge tippler device (100), wherein the at least two wagons are placed on at least one floating platform (103), wherein the material is discharged to at least one hopper (104) arranged laterally with respect to the at least one floating platform, wherein for the discharge process the at least two wagons are handled and supported by a discharge tippler support arrangement (10), especially by a discharge tippler support arrangement according to claim 1 or to any further of the claims 1 to 6, in such a manner that the material of the at least two wagons (2) is discharged laterally to the at least one hopper, especially by discharging the at least two wagons to the same lateral discharge position (P2), especially by simultaneously discharging the at least two wagons at the same time, especially to a level plus minus maximum 0.5m of the height level of the at least one floating platform (103).

11. Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein the at least two wagons (2) are displaced on a circular path of motion around at least one pivot shaft (13) of the discharge tippler support arrangement, especially by at least one support and discharge unit (11); and/or wherein the at least two wagons (2) are handled and supported such that the wagons are discharged together by handling the at least two wagons at a time without de-coupling them from each other, especially by (the) at least one support and discharge unit (11); and/or wherein the wagons are discharged by turning the wagons upside down and by laterally displacing the wagons by at least the width of the wagons or the width of the floating platform (103).

12. Method according to claim 10 or to any further of the preceding method claims, wherein a path of motion for discharging at least one of the wagons (2) is defined by a plurality of support devices, especially support rings (12a, 12b); and/or wherein during handling and supporting the wagons (2), especially during the discharging process, a center of gravity of the respective loaded or unloaded wagon (2) is arranged within a circumferential line defined by a plurality of support devices, especially support rings (12a, 12b).

13. Method according to claim 10 or to any further of the preceding method claims, wherein the material is discharged to a height level at least approximately corresponding to the height level of the at least one floating platform (103) or corresponding to a level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m with respect to the floating platform.

14. Method according to claim 10 or to any further of the preceding method claims, wherein during the discharging process, at least one of the wagons (2) is supported in lateral direction by at least one moveable side wall (25), especially by interacting with a side wall of the wagon; and/or wherein the at least one moveable side wall (25) is positioned in contact with a side wall of the wagon.

15. Method according to claim 10 or to any further of the preceding method claims, wherein discharging the wagons (2) is carried out in synchronous manner for at least two of the wagons, the wagons (2) being arranged in the same angular position with respect to a/the pivot axis (X13) of the discharging motion.

16. Method according to claim 10 or to any further of the preceding method claims, wherein discharging the wagons (2) is carried out at the rate of minimum 25 cycles per hour.

17. Use of a side discharge tippler support arrangement (10) exhibiting at least one support and discharge unit (11) comprising at least three support rings (12a, 12b) configured and arranged for handling and supporting at least two wagons (2) respectively arranged between two of the support rings (12b) in series one after another for discharging the at least two wagons to at least one hopper (104) arranged laterally with respect to the wagons by turning the wagons upside down, especially in a side discharge tippler device (100) according to any of the preceding device claims and/or in a method according to any of the preceding method claims.

18. Use of a side discharge tippler support arrangement (10) for laterally and simultaneously discharging at least two wagons (2), wherein the support arrangement (10) exhibits at least one support and discharge unit (11) comprising at least one moveable side wall (25) configured for supporting at least one of the wagons (2) in lateral direction, especially by interacting with a side wall of the wagon, for discharging the wagons to at least one hopper (104) arranged laterally with respect to the wagons by turning the wagons upside down, especially in a side discharge tippler device (100) according to any of the preceding device claims and/or in a method according to any of the preceding method claims.

Dated this 7th day of April, 2020.

(SOUMEN MUKHERJEE)
IN/PA - 214
Applicants’ Agent
for seenergi IPR
, Description:Discharge tippler support arrangement for a side discharge tippler for discharging at least two wagons as well as method for discharging

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a discharge tippler support arrangement for a side discharge tippler for discharging wagons, and further relates to a method for discharging the wagons. The present invention further relates to a discharge tippler device. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and methods according to the independent claims.

BACKGROUND
For discharging wagons, e.g. rail-mounted lorries or trolleys (tip trucks, push cars, tubs, or the like), side discharge wagon tipplers are commonly used in several areas of application, e.g. for discharging coal or likewise bulk material. Several industries, especially coal mining industries, require wagon tipplers allowing for fast unloading rates, for example minimum 25 discharges per hour (nearly one discharge action every two minutes) for discharging coal wagons or tippers or the like. Presently, rotary tipplers are already used to achieve high unloading rates, however, in many arrangements, this type of tipplers is mounted or used or arranged in suboptimal manner. In particular, it seems as if high output may only be achieved when material flow and logistics is optimized for subsequent process steps also, e.g. material handling by pay loaders or the like. Thus, an efficient arrangement should favor both efficient discharge process and efficient material handling downstream from discharge process.

Especially in order to efficiently discharge material like coal from wagons or other vehicles, especially rail-mounted wagons, an arrangement for ensuring an efficient method for both the discharging process and subsequent material handling steps (especially comprising material selection and sorting) is required.

For example, the processed material is primary crushed coal (particle size especially 0 to 300mm or even greater). In particular, the material may contain 1 to 5%, especially 2 to 3% (especially percent in weight) of oversize lumps, especially in case no secondary crushing being carried out. Especially for such material exhibiting quite broad spectrum of material characteristics, there is a need for a concept allowing for efficiently discharging as well as for efficiently handling and selecting discharged material.

In prior art, the skilled person may find devices exhibiting quite good practicability with respect to the discharge process per se, e.g. devices configured as C-frame type rotary tipplers which can efficiently be tipped over laterally, following a path of motion defined by the C-frame geometry. However, such devices usually may not ensure both efficient discharge and favorable material handling for a plurality of charges. Rather, the whole process may be delayed already due to one single charge, and efficiency (output) may be reduced, especially in case there are quite a lot of oversize lumps (broad spectrum of particle size). Thus, there is a need for improvements allowing for optimization of the whole process of material handling, including discharge process and handling and selecting processes, especially in order to increase the output or at least in order to maintain a good level of output in all circumstances.

SUMMARY AND GENEAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide for improved method and device for discharging wagons and for handling discharged material.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide for improved method and device for unloading resp. discharging material from wagons at high output.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide for improved method and device for handling or processing discharged material, especially with regard to flow of material and/or material handling and/or material selection, especially with regard to handling of oversize lumps of discharged material.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide for a method and device for realizing high output (high discharge rates) in material discharging processes and also for realizing improved access of pay loaders to the discharged material in hoppers, especially in conjunction with filtering or sieving or removing oversize particles of material discharged from the wagon.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide for a method and device for both high discharge efficiency and high efficiency in handling material discharged from wagons.

In particular, the above mentioned object is solved by a discharge tippler support arrangement for a side discharge tippler device for discharging at least two wagons, wherein the side discharge tippler device comprises or is (at least) configured for accommodating: at least one floating platform, preferably at least two floating platforms, configured for accommodating at least one or two of the wagons; at least one hopper, preferably at least two hoppers, for receiving material discharged from the wagons, wherein the at least one hopper is arranged in laterally displaced manner with respect to the at least one floating platform, especially in lateral distance of at least the width of the wagons or the width of the floating platform; wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement comprises at least one support and discharge unit configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons (resp. at least two of the wagons) for lateral displacement such that the at least two wagons can be laterally discharged together to the at least one hopper, especially discharged to the same lateral discharge position for all wagons. This provides for high efficiency and improved material flow and material handling. In particular, scaling up the number of wagons, especially without the need of decoupling the wagons, allows for a process handling two or even more wagons at the same time, especially in synchronous manner, and allowing for saving setup time during handling of the wagons also.

In particular, the at least one support and discharge unit is configured for respectively supporting two wagons at an axial intermediate position between face sides of axially adjacent wagons. In other words: the at least one support and discharge unit can be arranged (or may at least interfere/intervene) at an axial position between the wagons, especially at a respective face side coupling of two wagons coupled to each other. Preferably, the two adjacent wagons may remain in a coupled state, being coupled to each other.

In contrast, in prior art, especially in standard C-frame type rotary tipplers, each charge has to be processed separately, and discharged material may block subsequent process steps. Further, the wagon resp. the wagon platform usually is arranged above the hopper. Such an arrangement may not favor good access to the hopper.

The inventive discharge tippler support arrangement may also be designated as side discharge tippler support arrangement, which term is pointing out that the discharging process can be carried out laterally, thus locally separating the discharged material and the wagon.

In particular, the present invention relates to side discharge type tipplers handling at least two wagons simultaneously without decoupling them. It has been found that central support units may improve control of the deflection of machine components. According to one embodiment, two independent floating platforms provide for individual weighing of loaded and empty (discharged) wagons. Further advantageous aspects of the invention refer to at least one movable side wall as well as to a top clamping arrangement adaptable resp. configured for a plurality of categories of wagons. The present invention facilitates to achieve minimum 25 tips per hour (discharge processes per hour) and may even allow for multiple of 25 tips per hour (especially 50, 75 or even more tips per hour).

In particular, the configuration of the present side discharge tippler concept also enables to arrange the receiving hopper’s top at least approximately at ground level and at the side of the tippler device, which arrangement also facilitates easy access of pay loaders to the hopper grid, especially for oversize lumps removal.

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler support arrangement exhibits at least one pivot shaft, optionally also two pivot shafts, the at least one support and discharge unit being configured for displacing the at least two wagons on a circular path of motion around the pivot shaft(s). Such an arrangement also allows for scale up.

In particular, the discharge tippler support arrangement exhibits at least two pivot shafts which are interconnected by a side beam. It has been found that for heavy-duty wagons, two interconnected pivot shafts provide some advantages for the technical arrangement and transfer of forces.

In particular, the at least one support and discharge unit is configured to pivot the at least two wagons around a pivot axis arranged laterally between the at least one platform and the at least one hopper.

In particular, the at least one support and discharge unit is configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons such that the wagons can be discharged together by handling the at least two wagons at a time without de-coupling them from each other.

In particular, the at least one support and discharge unit is configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons such that the wagons can be discharged by turning the wagons upside down and by laterally displacing the wagons from a first lateral position to a second lateral position, the first and second lateral positions being laterally displaced at least twice or three times the width (lateral extension) of the respective wagon(s).

According to one embodiment, the at least one support and discharge unit exhibits a plurality of support devices, especially support rings, each support device defining a path of motion for discharging at least one of the wagons. In particular, the support devices are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal extension of the arrangement.

In particular, the at least one support and discharge unit exhibits a plurality of support devices, especially support rings, wherein the support devices are dimensioned and arranged such that a center of gravity of the respective loaded or unloaded wagon is arranged within a circumferential line defined by the respective support device(s).

In particular, the at least one support and discharge unit exhibits at least three support devices each configured as or comprising a support ring, namely two outer support rings and at least one inner support ring, especially a center support ring, wherein the at least one inner support ring exhibits at least one guiding, especially rail, defining a circular path of motion for the discharging process.

Preferably, the inner support ring does not provide any coupling function; rather, the wagons may remain in a coupled state. Thus, the inner support ring (mainly, only) provides for guiding and supporting function.

In particular, the discharge tippler support arrangement, especially the at least one support and discharge unit, may further comprises at least one drive, especially including one or several wheels, the drive interacting with at least one support device, especially support ring, the drive being arranged and configured for positioning the support device, especially for rotation of the support ring, and thereby for controlling lateral inclination of the at least two wagons.

In particular, at least one support device, especially support ring, of the discharge tippler support arrangement is supported by a support wheel assembly which is controlled by a control unit for defining the position and lateral inclination of the wagons, the support wheel assembly preferably being controllable in two directions of motion.

A center support ring is a support ring which is arranged at least approximately centrally with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the whole arrangement. For example, in an arrangement for handling two wagons, the center support ring is arranged at a longitudinal (x) position corresponding to a coupling between the wagons.

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler support arrangement is configured for discharging the material to a height level at least approximately corresponding to the height level of the at least one floating platform or corresponding to a level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m with respect to the floating platform. This also allows for good access.

In contrast thereto, in prior art, discharged material is often lying at a height level ca. 1m below ground level, especially oversize lumps being arranged on a hopper grid. This can be quite obstructive with regard to efficiently removing the material.

According to one embodiment, the at least one hopper is arranged laterally with respect to a/the at least one pivot shaft of the discharge tippler support arrangement, especially without laterally overlapping the pivot shaft. This also allows for a favorable arrangement of the hopper(s) with respect to the platform(s).

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler support arrangement, especially the at least one support and discharge unit, further exhibits at least one moveable side wall arrangement configured for supporting at least one of the wagons in lateral direction, especially by interacting with a side wall of the wagon while the wagon is pivoted for being discharged upside down. This also provides for reliable lateral support during discharge processes.

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler support arrangement is configured for a first motion of the wagons along a circular path for moving the wagons from an initial position to the discharging position, and is further configured for a second motion along a circular path for moving the wagons back to the initial position. This may also ensure an intermediate discharge process which can be carried out on a route of the wagons from A to B or back to A, wherein the wagons can be re-positioned on the platform, especially on rails. Such a configuration also allows for an efficient discharge process interposed on a continuous route for the wagons from A to B (no turning back). Thus, discharged wagons may drive on, and charged wagons may drive or can be driven or conveyed to the discharge position defined by the discharge tippler support arrangement.

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler support arrangement provides for material discharge capacity per discharge cycle (discharge loop) of at least factor 2 or 3 of the capacity of a single wagon, the factor especially corresponding to the number of wagons discharged by the discharge tippler support arrangement at the same time. Such an increase in efficiency may even be scaled up by an even higher number of wagons handled simultaneously.

ITEM In particular, the above mentioned object is also solved by a discharge tippler support arrangement for a side discharge tippler device for discharging at least two wagons, wherein the side discharge tippler device comprises or is configured for accommodating: at least one floating platform, preferably at least two floating platforms, configured for accommodating at least one or two of the wagons; at least one hopper, preferably at least two hoppers, for receiving material discharged from the wagons, wherein the at least one hopper is arranged in laterally displaced manner with respect to the at least one floating platform, especially in lateral distance of at least the width of the wagons or the width of the floating platform; wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement comprises at least one support and discharge unit configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons for lateral displacement such that the at least two wagons can be laterally discharged together to the at least one hopper, especially discharged to the same lateral discharge position for all wagons, especially by respectively supporting two wagons at an axial intermediate position between face sides of axially adjacent wagons; wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement exhibits at least one pivot shaft, the at least one support and discharge unit being configured for displacing the at least two wagons on a circular path of motion around the pivot shaft; wherein the at least one support and discharge unit is configured to pivot the at least two wagons around a pivot axis arranged laterally between the at least one platform and the at least one hopper; wherein the at least one support and discharge unit is configured for handling and supporting the at least two wagons such that the wagons can be discharged by turning the wagons upside down and by laterally displacing the wagons from a first lateral position to a second lateral position, the first and second lateral positions being laterally displaced at least twice or three times the width of the wagon(s); wherein the at least one support and discharge unit exhibits a plurality of support devices, especially support rings, each support device defining a/the path of motion for discharging at least one of the wagons; wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement is configured for discharging the material to a height level at least approximately corresponding to the height level of the at least one floating platform or corresponding to a level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m with respect to the floating platform; wherein the discharge tippler support arrangement provides for material discharge capacity per discharge cycle of at least factor 2 or 3 of the capacity of a single wagon, the factor especially corresponding to the number of wagons discharged by the discharge tippler support arrangement at the same time. This provides for a plurality of advantages mentioned above.

In particular, the above mentioned object is also solved by a side discharge tippler device comprising at least one discharge tippler support arrangement as described above, especially with the discharge tippler device in configuration of a twin side discharge wagon tippler accommodating two wagons in series one behind the other. This also provides for an improved method and process chain of material handling both with regard to discharge and further material processing downstream of a hopper, especially in context with previously mentioned advantages.

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler device exhibits at least two independent floating platforms each configured for accommodating at least one of the wagons, each floating platform including a measuring device for measuring the weight of the respective wagon accommodated on the floating platform. This also facilitates monitoring of material flow.

According to one embodiment, the discharge tippler device is configured for accommodating rail mounted wagons, the discharge tippler device exhibiting rails, especially rails provided on the at least one floating platform. This also facilitates processing of wagons charged with coal or the like, especially heavy-duty wagons.

According to one embodiment, the at least one hopper is arranged in lateral displacement without any lateral overlap with the floating platform(s).

In particular, the at least one hopper exhibits a sieve or grid for sieving discharged material, the sieve or grid being arranged at ground level or at ground level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m.

In particular, the at least one hopper exhibits a sieve or grid which is arranged at the level of the at least one floating platform or at a level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m with respect to the floating platform.

In particular, at least one hopper is arranged laterally with respect to a/the at least one pivot shaft of the discharge tippler support arrangement, especially without laterally overlapping the pivot shaft.

In particular, the above mentioned object is also solved by a method for discharging material from at least two wagons by means of a side discharge tippler device, wherein the at least two wagons are placed on at least one floating platform, preferably on at least two floating platforms, wherein the material is discharged to at least one hopper, preferably to at least two hoppers, arranged laterally with respect to the at least one floating platform, wherein for the discharge process the at least two wagons are handled and supported by a discharge tippler support arrangement, especially by a discharge tippler support arrangement as described above, in such a manner that the material of the at least two wagons is discharged laterally to the at least one hopper, especially by discharging the at least two wagons to the same lateral discharge position, especially by simultaneously discharging the at least two wagons at the same time, especially to a level plus minus maximum 0.5m of the height level of the at least one floating platform, especially by respectively supporting two wagons at an axial intermediate position between face sides of axially adjacent wagons. This provides for high efficiency and improved material flow, especially in context with previously mentioned advantages.

In order to allow for weighing each wagon individually, individual platforms for each wagon provide favorable weighing possibilities. Nonetheless, weighing may not necessarily be required, or weighing can be carried out also before arranging the wagons on the platform(s). Thus, the design may exhibit either one or several platforms.

According to one embodiment, in one specific application, about 59-60 wagons being aligned in a line of a train of wagons are provided to the side discharge tippler device. The wagons are then decoupled in pairs, and each pair of wagon is going to be arranged (in a coupled state) on the respective platform(s). In other words: Decoupling as to be carried out only for each second wagon, i.e., only 30 times, but not 59 times.

For example, the wagon’s coupling is designed in the form of a detachable coupling.

According to one embodiment, the at least two wagons are displaced/moved on a circular path of motion around at least one pivot shaft of the discharge tippler support arrangement, especially by at least one support and discharge unit.
In particular, the at least two wagons are pivoted around a pivot axis arranged laterally between the at least one platform and the at least one hopper, especially by (the) at least one support and discharge unit.

In particular, the at least two wagons are handled and supported such that the wagons be discharged together by handling the at least two wagons at a time without de-coupling them from each other, especially by (the) at least one support and discharge unit.

In particular, the at least two wagons are handled and supported in such a manner that the material of the at least two wagons is discharged laterally to a lateral position in lateral distance of at least the width of the wagons or the width of the floating platform.

In particular, the wagons are discharged by turning the wagons upside down and by laterally displacing the wagons by at least the width of the wagons or the width of the floating platform.

In particular, the at least two wagons are handled and supported such that the wagons be discharged by turning the wagons upside down and by laterally displacing the wagons from a first lateral position to a second lateral position, the first and second lateral positions being laterally displaced at least twice or three times the width (lateral extension) of the wagons.

According to one embodiment, a path of motion for discharging at least one of the wagons is defined by a plurality of support devices, especially support rings.

In particular, during handling and supporting the wagons, especially during the discharging process, a center of gravity of the respective loaded or unloaded wagon is arranged within a circumferential line defined by a plurality of support devices, especially support rings.

In particular, a circular path of motion for the discharging process is defined by at least three support rings, namely two outer support rings and at least one inner support ring, especially a center support ring, wherein the at least one inner support ring exhibits defines the circular path of motion by at least one rail.

In particular, for or during the discharging process, at least one support wheel is interacting with at least one support ring, wherein the support wheel is controlling lateral inclination of at least one of the wagons.

In particular, for or during the discharging process, at least one support wheel assembly is controlled by a control unit for defining the position and lateral inclination of the wagons.

According to one embodiment, the material is discharged to a height level at least approximately corresponding to the height level of the at least one floating platform or corresponding to a level plus minus maximum 0.5 or 0.3m with respect to the floating platform.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the wagons is supported in lateral direction by at least one moveable side wall during the discharging process, especially by interacting with a side wall of the wagon. In particular, the at least one moveable side wall is positioned in contact with a side wall of the wagon.

According to one embodiment, discharging the wagons is carried out at the same time simultaneously for all wagons arranged in the discharge tippler support arrangement.

Discharging the wagons can be carried out in synchronous manner for at least two of the wagons, the wagons being arranged in the same angular position with respect to a/the pivot axis of the discharging motion (path of motion for discharging the wagons).

According to one embodiment, wherein discharging the wagons is carried out at the rate of minimum 25 cycles per hour (i.e., at least 50 wagons per hour).

In particular, the above mentioned object is solved by use of a side discharge tippler support arrangement exhibiting at least one support and discharge unit comprising at least three support rings configured and arranged for handling and supporting at least two wagons respectively arranged between two of the support rings in series one after another for discharging the at least two wagons to at least one hopper arranged laterally with respect to the wagons by turning the wagons upside down, especially in a device as described above and/or in a method as described above. This provides for advantages mentioned above.

In particular, the above mentioned object can also be solved by use of at least two floating platforms in a side discharge tippler support arrangement for laterally and simultaneously discharging at least two wagons, each floating platform accommodating and securing at least one of the wagons, wherein the floating platforms are coupled by means of a floating platform coupling, especially in a device as described above and/or in a method as described above. This provides for advantages mentioned above. The floating platform coupling can also comprise a floating pin, wherein the coupling can provide for a connection to support rings, and thus, can also provide support for the platform(s). In case where one single platform is accommodating two or more wagons, the platform can be supported by means of support ring and floating pin.

In particular, the above mentioned object is solved by use of a side discharge tippler support arrangement for laterally and simultaneously discharging at least two wagons, wherein the support arrangement exhibits at least one support and discharge unit comprising at least one moveable side wall configured for supporting at least one of the wagons in lateral direction, especially by interacting with a side wall of the wagon, for discharging the wagons to at least one hopper arranged laterally with respect to the wagons by turning the wagons upside down, especially in a device as described above and/or in a method as described above. This provides for advantages mentioned above.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention is exemplarily illustrated by referring to embodiments shown in the following figures.
Fig. 1, 2 show a side view and a front view of a discharge tippler support arrangement resp. of a side discharge tippler device according to one embodiment;
Fig. 3, 4 respectively show a side view of mechanical components of a discharge tippler support arrangement resp. of a side discharge tippler device according to one embodiment;
Fig. 5 shows a sectional view at an inner support ring (intermediate ring) of a support wheel arrangement and a floating pin arrangement of a discharge tippler support arrangement resp. of a side discharge tippler device according to one embodiment;
Fig. 6A, 6B show a side view and a plan view of two wagons in a coupled position in an arrangement on a floating platform of a discharge tippler support arrangement resp. of a side discharge tippler device according to one embodiment;
Fig. 7 shows a side view of a discharge tippler support arrangement resp. of a side discharge tippler device respectively in a tilted position (150°), according to one embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In the following, all reference signs are described in masse. Specific aspects of the present invention are described in more detail by referring to each figure.

Wagons 2 are provided for transport of material 1. Two wagons can respectively be coupled by a coupling 15. A discharge tippler support arrangement 10 exhibits at least one support and discharge unit 11 with several support devices 12, especially support rings, namely at least one inner support ring 12a, especially arranged centrally resp. arranged at an axial intermediate position x12a, and two outer support rings 12b, especially arranged frontally on the face side. The support rings exhibit or are coupled to guidings 12.1, especially rails, and gear racks 12.2 resp. gear rack segments. A counterweight 12.3 is provided on the side opposite to the wagons. The support rings define a circumferential line (resp. path of motion) 12.4. A pivot shaft 13 (resp. pivot shaft assembly) and bearings 13.1 (resp. bearing housing) allow for a pivot motion of the rings 12. A side beam 14 is supported at/by the pivot shaft 13.

A support wheel assembly 16 allows for support of the rings 12. A drive pinion arrangement 17 allows for rotational positioning of the rings 12. A centering device 18 allows for exact positioning of the wagons 2 with respect to the platform(s) 103.

A moveable side wall arrangement 20 exhibits several actuators 21, especially hydraulic cylinders for actuation of moveable side walls, and further exhibits at least one supporting bracket 22 for moveable side wall(s). A plurality of protecting covers 23, 23a, 23b can especially be provided on the side beam and the side wall(s) 25. A plurality of liners 24, 24a, 24b can especially be provided on the side beam and the side wall(s) 25.

A wagon clamping arrangement 30 exhibits at least one supporting bracket 31 for wagon clamping, at least one clamping arm 32, at least one cross balancer 33, several wagon clamps 34 and rubber pads 35 as well as several actuator 36, especially hydraulic cylinder for top clamping.

At least one measuring device 40 configured for measuring also the weight may comprise a plurality of sensors arranged at different positions within the arrangement. A control unit 50 communicating with the measuring device 40 allows for process optimization and control.

The complete arrangement can be designated as side discharge tippler device 100, optionally also comprising rails 101, floating platform(s) 103, and a hopper 104 exhibiting a grid 105 provided/arranged at ground level resp. platform level 3. One or more weigh bridges 106 and wheel grippers 107 may ensure even broader functionality.
The length, width, and height are generally designated by reference signs x, y, z.

In the following, the present invention is further described in general, by referring to each individual figure.

Figure 1 shows a plurality of aspects of the whole side discharge tippler device 100. Two wagons 2 are arranged on a platform 103 supported by weigh bridges 106. The pivot shaft 13 is pivotably supported around pivot axis X13. The whole arrangement is configured for being turned upside down by rotation and lateral displacement.

Fig. 1 illustrates the arrangement of the support devices 12 in longitudinal direction x, namely respectively an arrangement at longitudinal positions at least approximately corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the face sides of the wagons. This allows for support at favorable locations, especially in order to minimize any tilting effects or breakdown torques. The inner support ring 12a is arranged at least approximately centrally at an axial intermediate position x12a, the intermediate position x12a at least approximately corresponding to the coupling position of the wagons at the wagons’ face sides.

Preferably, the inner support ring 12a is not driven, but only supported (especially by support wheels). Preferably, only one or both of the outer support rings 12b are driven by one or two drives, respectively.

Figure 2 illustrates an end ring 12 (outer support ring 12b). Fig. 2 shows that the diameter of the support rings 12a, 12b is at least twice the width y2 of the respective wagon, approximately least factor three the width y2. This allows for favorable lateral displacement during pivot motion for turning the wagons upside down.

Figure 2 illustrates a first lateral position P1 (initial position of a charged wagon) and a second lateral position P2, resp. discharge position. A wagon having been discharged is rotated back to initial position P1. The width y2 of a wagon is smaller than the lateral distance of the hopper 104 with respect to the initial position P1. In particular, the hopper 104 defines the second position 104, which is laterally displaced at least twice the wagon’s width y2 (with respect to P1).

According to an arrangement as shown in Fig. 2, a center of gravity of the counterweight 12.3 is favorably arranged at a lateral distance to the pivot shaft 13 at least approximately corresponding to the lateral distance of the wagon’s center of gravity to the pivot shaft. In other words: The configuration of the support devices in a ring form with counterweights provided in great lateral distance to the pivot point allows for minimizing required actuation forces and resulting tilting effects. Thus, the ring supports 12a, 12b allow for a safe discharge process also being optimizable in energetic view.

Figure 3, 4 respectively shows some technical details referring to movable side walls. In particular, Fig. 3 provides more details of actuators 36 and relative arrangement of clamping arms and supporting brackets. Fig. 4 further illustrates that/how side beam 14 can be pivoted around pivot shaft 13, wherein the moveable side wall 25 is mounted on the side beam 14 and supported at the side beam. Actuators 21 allow for adjustment of the relative position of the side walls with respect to each specific wagon design, especially in order to ensure large-area contact for minimized peak pressure. Based on this exemplary configuration, the skilled person may provide for appropriate configurations for each individual application and wagon design.

Figure 5 illustrates an arrangement with the wagons 2 being clamped by means of wagon clamps 34. The respective wagon 2 is laterally supported by side wall 25. The platform 103 is coupled to the respective support device/ring 12 via floating pin arrangement 19.

During discharge process, the wagons may remain in a coupled state. Thus, the inventive process saves efforts for de-/coupling the wagons.

Figures 6A, 6B illustrate two wagons in a coupled state. The wagon coupling 15 includes an interlocking connection. According to one embodiment, scale up to three or even more wagons can be realized, depending on the platform’s size and the weight of the material charge provided by the wagon(s).

Figure 7 illustrates the discharge process which is carried out by rotating/tilting both the wagons and the platform(s). Distances disclosed in Fig. 7 are provided in millimeters and may be understood as one specific example, which can be scaled up or scaled down also. Fig. 7 also illustrates favorable accessibility to hopper 104.

In the following, the present invention is described more specifically, by referring to specific aspects of embodiments. Thereby, figure 1 generally illustrates a discharge tippler support arrangement exhibiting a pair of end shields, a pair of side beams, and a support device with a central ring supported on a central support wheel, and six clamping arms with individual wagon clamps, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates hydraulic cylinders for top clamps and moveable side walls in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates hydraulic cylinders for a wagon clamp in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates hydraulic cylinders for a moveable side wall in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In particular, the arrangement shown in figures 1 and 2 can also be designated as twin side discharge type wagon tippler. Two railway wagons are placed on two independent rail platforms, especially by a positioning device. Each platform rests on an end shield and on a central ring and exhibits a floating arrangement for weighing the wagons. A pair of rectangular cross members called side beams are connected to the end shields at outer ends as well as to the central ring in the middle. The end shields are fixed to and rests on a pivot shaft assembly supported by bearing housings. At predefined positions a first, second and third supporting bracket for wagon clamping are bolted on each side beam. On one end, a clamping arm for wagon clamping is hinged at/on the respective bracket. A cross balancer is assembled on the other end. On either side of the cross balancer, a wagon clamp is assembled. The wagon clamp includes a rubber pad arranged in the gripping area for absorbing shocks and vibrations, thereby also providing for cushioning effects. At least one hydraulic cylinder actuates the clamping arm and the wagon clamp for carrying out wagon clamping.

A hydraulic cylinder for wagon clamping is hinged on a supporting bracket for wagon clamping, which is bolted on a side beam. A moveable side wall is actuated by hydraulic cylinders and is supported on the side beam by means of a supporting bracket for the side wall. Protective covers are provided over the top of the side beam, which ensures protection to the hydraulic cylinders, valves, pressure switches and/or hoses during material discharge. Wear liners are provided on the top surface of the protecting covers to protect them from wear due to material flow. Separate protective covers are provided on top of the moveable side wall, providing protection to the hydraulic cylinders, valves, pressure switches and/or hoses, especially by overlapping with the protecting cover even when the moveable side wall is in a most forward position. This arrangement may prevent material lumps from falling and being trapped between the side beam and the moveable side wall, and thus may avoid spillage and blockage. Wear liners are provided on the top surface of the protecting covers, for protect them from wear due to material flow. Wheel grippers on platform ensure to hold the respective wagon in a stationary position when it is placed on the rail platform for discharge. A centering device helps to ensure proper positioning of the platform when coming back to its original position, especially after having discharged the wagon(s). At least one counterweight can be provided, especially for balancing purposes and for reducing tractive efforts. A drive pinion arrangement consists of pinions driven by the motor / gearbox and configured for rotating the wagon tippler by turning/actuating gear rack segments which are, e.g., bolted to end shields. A weigh bridge allows for weighing the wagons on the platform. A receiving hopper is located on the side of twin side discharge tippler, the hopper grid being arranged at ground level.

According to one embodiment, two independent floating platforms are incorporated in the twin tippler, in order to accommodate two wagons at a time for unloading without decoupling them. A center ring is provided in between a pair of end shields with central support wheel assembly, in order to control the deflection along the span of two wagons. A pair of side beams is connected with the one end to the center ring (at least approximately in the middle) and with a pair of end shields at outer ends.

According to one embodiment, a pair of platforms are supported by means of a pair of end shields and a center ring, wherein the platforms exhibit a floating feature for individually weighing loaded and discharged wagons independently. Outer ends of the platforms are supported at end shields, and inner ends are supported on/at the center ring, especially by means of a pin and slot arrangement for provide the floating feature. At a parking position, the platform structure is disengaged from the tippler structure, and may thus rest independently on the weigh bridge platform.

According to one embodiment, a pair of movable side walls is provided on the side beam, each side wall being operated/operable by means of e.g. four hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are preferably supported on the side beam at a rear end, and other ends are connected with the movable side wall. The respective movable side wall can be pivoted with the supporting bracket at the bottom of side beam.

According to one embodiment, twelve wagon clamps are operated by means of six clamping arms, especially by incorporating a cross balancer at the end of each clamping arm. This arrangement provides for less obstruction to material flow during discharge processes of the wagon(s). Components on the side beam are placed such that there is no obstruction during rotation even to extreme position, even when there is a heap of material lying on the grid (covering the hopper), especially with respect to hydraulic cylinders and manifold blocks. This arrangement can be scaled up also.

The receiving hopper is located by the side of the twin wagon tippler, the hopper grid being arranged at ground level in order to ensure easy access for pay loaders or the like, for removing oversize lumps from the top of the grid.

Each wagon, especially railway wagon, can be prevented from inadvertent movement while tilting, especially by wheel grippers which may clamp the wheels and may keep the wagon’s position. The respective moveable side wall can be actuated by hydraulic cylinders so as to touch the side wall stanchions of the wagon. Hydraulic cylinders for wagon clamps are actuated to move the clamping arms which enable wagon clamps to grip the wagon’s top coping. The platform is supported at/from the bottom on the end shields on either side by pins. A drive arrangement provides for rotation of a pinion which in turn rotates the wagon tippler (along with the platform and the wagons) by engaging gear rack segments which are bolted to the end shields. After emptying the railway wagons, the wagon tippler is rotated back to its original position. In a subsequent process step, the next two loaded wagons can be brought on the platform, and two empty/discharged wagons are pushed out. This sequence may continue until a complete rake of loaded wagons is discharged. Depending on the number of wagons discharged simultaneously, this process can be scaled up and can be rendered even more efficient.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate views of a wagon tippler with a pair of end shields, a center ring with a support roller and two floating platforms in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The arrangement of hydraulic cylinders, for wagon clamping as well as for the side wall movement, can be designed such that it does not hamper the rigidity of the side beam, while also providing good accessibility for maintenance. This arrangement may ensure protection of the hydraulic cylinders, valves, pressure switches and/or hoses with regard to material flow path of discharged material during the discharge process and may also ensure overlapping of the protection cover even when the moveable side wall is in a most forward position. This also prevents falling and trapping of material lumps between the side beam and the movable side wall, and thus avoids material spillage. All hydraulic cylinders, for wagon clamping as well as for the side wall movement, are arranged on top and bottom faces of the side beam, i.e., not inside the side beam, thereby not hampering the rigidity of the side beam.

All the hydraulic cylinders, for wagon clamping as well as for actuating the moveable side wall, are protected by protective covers with regard to material discharge from the wagons.

In particular, the protective covers are provided with wear liners in material contact areas. The protective covers on the top of moveable side wall have sufficient overlap and proper clearance, with respect to protective covers on/over the side beam, even when the moveable side wall is in a most forward position.

List of reference signs:
1 material
2 wagon
3 ground level resp. platform level
10 discharge tippler support arrangement
11 support and discharge unit
12 support device, especially support ring
12a inner support ring, especially arranged centrally
12b outer support ring, especially arranged frontally on the face side
12.1 guiding, especially rail
12.2 gear rack resp. gear rack segments
12.3 counterweight
12.4 circumferential line (resp. path of motion) defined by the support device
13 pivot shaft (resp. pivot shaft assembly)
13.1 bearing (resp. bearing housing)
14 side beam
15 coupling of/for wagons
16 support wheel assembly
17 drive pinion arrangement
18 centering device
19 floating pin arrangement
20 moveable side wall arrangement
21 actuator, especially hydraulic cylinder for moveable side wall
22 supporting bracket for moveable side wall
23, 23a, 23b protecting cover(s), especially on side beam and side wall
24, 24a, 24b liner(s), especially on side beam and side wall
25 moveable side wall
30 wagon clamping arrangement
31 supporting bracket for wagon clamping
32 clamping arm
33 cross balancer
34 wagon clamp
35 rubber pads
36 actuator, especially hydraulic cylinder for top clamp
40 measuring device
50 control unit
100 side discharge tippler device
101 rail
103 floating platform
104 hopper
105 grid
106 weigh bridge
107 wheel gripper
P1 first lateral position (initial position)
P2 second lateral position, resp. discharge position
X13 pivot axis
x12a axial intermediate position
y2 width of a wagon
x, y, z length, width, height