System having automated lift assembly and process for loading and unloading cargo from delivery vehicle

A cargo loading or unloading system for a delivery vehicle, the system comprising:

• a storage compartment of an associated vehicle that stores associated cargo received from or delivered through an opening to the storage compartment, wherein the storage compartment comprises an array of compartment portions;
• a storage compartment system located in each compartment portion configured to assist in the delivery or receipt of the associated cargo from or into the compartment portion;
• a lift assembly movably mounted to the storage compartment and configured to receive associated cargo from a compartment portion, the lift assembly including a lift assembly conveyor that receives associated cargo from or delivers associated cargo to a compartment portion, the lift assembly includes a platform that receives associated cargo from or delivers associated cargo to one of the compartment portions;
• and
• a mounting assembly that movably secures the lift assembly to the storage compartment, the mounting assembly including first and second vertical guide members positioned at horizontally spaced locations of the storage compartment, and first and second horizontal guide members at vertically spaced locations that each includes first and second ends that are interconnected to the vertical guide members and movable vertically relative thereto, the platform secured to the first and second horizontal guide members and movable there along between the first and second vertical guide members whereby the platform can be positioned at a selected compartment portion of the array;
• wherein the lift assembly conveyor is operatively associated with the platform;
• and
• wherein the lift assembly conveyor includes first and second conveyor portions separated by a gap, and a pusher bar that extends through the gap and configured to engage the associated cargo received on the platform and facilitate movement of a first associated cargo component relative to a second associated cargo component.

A process for loading or unloading associated cargo to or from an associated delivery vehicle that includes storage compartment comprising an array of at least two high by two wide compartment portions dimensioned to receive cargo there in, a first motor operatively associated with a conveyor of at least one of the compartment portions, and a lift assembly having a platform with a lift assembly conveyor where the lift assembly is secured via a mounting assembly to the storage compartment, a sensor, a second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, and a controller communicating with the lift assembly, the mounting assembly, the sensor, the first motor operatively associated with the compartment portions and the second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, the process comprising:

• deploying and storing the platform;
• moving the platform vertically and horizontally among the array of compartment portions;
• and
• transferring the associated cargo from a compartment portion to the platform, and/or to a ground surface.

A process for loading or unloading associated cargo to or from an associated delivery vehicle that includes storage compartment having compartment portions dimensioned to receive cargo there in, a first motor operatively associated with a conveyor of at least one of the compartment portions, and a lift assembly having a platform with a lift assembly conveyor where the lift assembly is secured via a mounting assembly to the storage compartment, a sensor, a second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, and a controller communicating with the lift assembly, the mounting assembly, the sensor, the first motor operatively associated with the compartment portions and the second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, the process comprising:

• deploying and storing the platform;
• moving the platform among the compartment portions;
• and
• transferring the associated cargo from a compartment portion to the platform, and/or to a ground surface;
• wherein the lift assembly conveyor is operated at a faster speed than the compartment portion conveyor to separate a first associated cargo from an adjacent second cargo.

A process for loading or unloading associated cargo to or from an associated delivery vehicle that includes storage compartment having compartment portions dimensioned to receive cargo there in, a first motor operatively associated with a conveyor of at least one of the compartment portions, and a lift assembly having a platform with a lift assembly conveyor where the lift assembly is secured via a mounting assembly to the storage compartment, a sensor, a second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, and a controller communicating with the lift assembly, the mounting assembly, the sensor, the first motor operatively associated with the compartment portions and the second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, the process comprising:

• deploying and storing the platform;
• moving the platform among the compartment portions;
• and
• transferring the associated cargo from a compartment portion to the platform, and/or to a ground surface;
• wherein the lift assembly conveyor includes first and second conveyor portions separated by a gap, and a pusher bar, the process further including engaging associated cargo with the pusher bar to assist with movement of the associated cargo received on the lift assembly conveyor.

A process for loading or unloading associated cargo to or from an associated delivery vehicle that includes storage compartment having compartment portions dimensioned to receive cargo there in, a first motor operatively associated with a conveyor of at least one of the compartment portions, and a lift assembly having a platform with a lift assembly conveyor where the lift assembly is secured via a mounting assembly to the storage compartment, a sensor, a second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, and a controller communicating with the lift assembly, the mounting assembly, the sensor, the first motor operatively associated with the compartment portions and the second motor operatively associated with the lift assembly conveyor, the process comprising:

• deploying and storing the platform;
• moving the platform among the compartment portions;
• and
• transferring the associated cargo from a compartment portion to the platform, and/or to a ground surface;
• wherein the storage compartment conveyor includes rollers supported by support rails on opposite ends thereof, and at least first and second fences, and the process comprises pushing associated cargo over the rollers into or out of the compartment with the first fence;
• said process further comprising independently driving the first and second fences for independent movement of the first and second fences relative to each other.