Patent Application
20090218327
The present invention relates generally to work vehicles, and more particularly to arrangements for providing auxiliary support systems in such work vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a flexible arrangement for providing electrical power, compressed air service, and/or hydraulic service in a work vehicle.
Existing work vehicles often integrate auxiliary resources, such as electrical power, compressed air service, and/or hydraulic service, directly to the mechanical power of the main vehicle engine. Specifically, the main vehicle engine may drive a power take-off shaft, which in turn drives the various integrated auxiliary resources. This is common in many applications where the auxiliary systems are provided as original equipment, either standard with the vehicle or as an option. The work vehicles also may include a clutch or other selective engagement mechanism to enable the selective engagement and disengagement of the integrated auxiliary resources.
Unfortunately, these integrated auxiliary resources rely on operation of the main vehicle engine. The main vehicle engine is typically a large engine, which is particularly noisy, significantly over powered for the integrated auxiliary resources, and fuel inefficient. For example, the main vehicle engine may be a spark ignition engine or a compression ignition engine (e.g., diesel engine) having 8, 10, or 12 cylinders. The main vehicle engine may have over 200 horsepower, while the integrated auxiliary resources may only need about 20-40 horsepower. Unfortunately, an operator typically leaves the main vehicle engine idling for extended periods between actual use of the integrated auxiliary resources, simply to maintain the option of using the resources without troubling the operator to start and stop the main vehicle engine. Such operation reduces the overall life of the engine and drive train for vehicle transport needs.
A system, in one embodiment, includes a first service pack module and a second service pack module, wherein the first and second service pack modules are separate from one another. The first service pack module includes a hydraulic motor, an air compressor drivingly coupled to the hydraulic motor, and a generator drivingly coupled to the hydraulic motor. The second service pack module includes an engine, and a hydraulic pump drivingly coupled to the engine. The hydraulic pump also may be configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor of the first service pack module. A system, in another embodiment, includes a first enclosure, a hydraulic motor, an air compressor drivingly coupled to the hydraulic motor, and a generator drivingly coupled to the hydraulic motor, wherein the hydraulic motor, the air compressor, and the generator are self-contained within the first enclosure without an engine and a hydraulic pump.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Turning now to the drawings,
The main vehicle engine 12 may include a spark ignition engine (e.g., gasoline fueled internal combustion engine) or a compression ignition engine (e.g., a diesel fueled engine), for example, an engine with 8, 10, or 12 cylinders with over 200 horsepower. The vehicle engine 12 includes a number of support systems. For example, the vehicle engine 12 consumes fuel from a fuel reservoir, typically one or more liquid fuel tanks, which will be addressed later. Further, the vehicle engine 12 may include or couple to an engine cooling system, which may include a radiator, circulation pump, thermostat controlled valve, and a fan. The vehicle engine 12 also includes an electrical system, which may include an alternator or generator along with one or more system batteries, cable assemblies routing power to a fuse box or other distribution system, and so forth. The vehicle engine 12 also includes an oil lubrication system. Further, the vehicle engine 12 also couples to an exhaust system, which may include catalytic converters, mufflers, and associated conduits. Finally, the vehicle engine may feature an air intake system, which may include filters, flow measurement devices, and associated conduits.
The service pack modules 18 and 22 may have a variety of resources, such as electrical power, compressed air, hydraulic power, and so forth. These service pack modules 18 and 22 also may operate alone or in combination with one another, e.g., dependent on one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first service pack module 18 includes a service pack engine 14 and a hydraulic pump 16. The service pack engine 14 may include a spark ignition engine (e.g., gasoline fueled internal combustion engine) or a compression ignition engine (e.g., a diesel fueled engine), for example, an engine with 1-4 cylinders with 10-80 horsepower. The hydraulic pump 16 is configured to provide hydraulic power (e.g., pressurized hydraulic fluid) to one or more devices in the vehicle or elsewhere. The hydraulic pump 16 may be based on any suitable technology, such as piston pumps, gear pumps, vane pumps, with or without closed loop control of pressure and/or flow.
As illustrated in the embodiment of
The hydraulic motor 24 contained in second service pack module 22 may be coupled to air compressor 26 as well as generator 28. The air compressor 26 and the generator 28 may be driven directly, or may be belt, gear, or chain driven, by the hydraulic motor 24. The generator 28 may include a three-phase brushless type, capable of producing power for a wide range of applications. However, other generators may be employed, including single phase generators and generators capable of producing multiple power outputs. The air compressor 26 may also be of any suitable type, although a rotary screw air compressor is presently contemplated due to its superior output to size ratio. Other suitable air compressors might include reciprocating compressors, typically based upon one or more reciprocating pistons.
The first and/or second service pack modules 18 and 22 include conduits, wiring, tubing, and so forth for conveying the services/resources (e.g., electrical power, compressed air, and hydraulic power) generated by these modules to an access panel 30. The access panel 30 may be located on any portion of the vehicle 10, or on multiple locations in the vehicle, and may be covered by doors or other protective structures. In one embodiment, all of the services may be routed to a single/common access panel 30. The access panel 30 may include various control inputs, indicators, displays, electrical outputs, pneumatic outputs, and so forth. In an embodiment, a user input may include a knob or button configured for a mode of operation, an output level or type, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second service pack modules 18 and 22 supply electrical power, compressed air, and hydraulic power to a range of applications designated generally by arrows 32.
As depicted, air tool 34, torch 36, and light 38 are applications connected to the access panel 30 and, thus, the resources/services provided by the service pack modules 18 and 22. The various tools may connect with the access panel 30 via electrical cables, gas (e.g., air) conduits, and so forth. The air tool 34 may include a pneumatically driven wrench, drill, spray gun, or other types of air-based tools, which receive compressed air from the access panel 30 and compressor 26 via a supply conduit (e.g., a flexible rubber hose). The torch 36 may utilize electrical power and compressed gas (e.g., air or inert shielding gas) depending on the particular type and configuration of the torch 36. For example, the torch 36 may include a welding torch, a cutting torch, a ground cable, and so forth. More specifically, the welding torch 36 may include a TIG (tungsten inert gas) torch or a MIG (metal inert gas) gun. The cutting torch 36 may include a plasma cutting torch and/or an induction heating circuit. Moreover, a welding wire feeder may receive electrical power from the access panel 30. Moreover, a hydraulically powered vehicle stabilizer 40 may be powered by the hydraulic system, e.g., hydraulic pump 16, to stabilize the work vehicle 10 at a work site. In the illustration, a hydraulically powered crane 42 is also coupled to and powered by the hydraulic pump 16. Again, the service pack modules 18 and 22 provide the desired resources/services to run various tools and equipment without requiring operation of the main vehicle engine 12.
As noted above, the disclosed service pack modules 18 and 22 may be designed to interface with any desired type of vehicle. Such vehicles may include cranes, manlifts, and so forth, which can be powered by the service pack modules 18 and/or 22. In the embodiment of
The vehicle 10 and/or the service pack modules 18 and 22 may include a variety of protective circuits for the electrical power, e.g., fuses, circuit breakers, and so forth, as well as valving for the hydraulic and air service. For the supply of electrical power, certain types of power may be conditioned (e.g., smoothed, filtered, etc.), and 12 volt power output may be provided by rectification, filtering and regulating of AC output. Valving for hydraulic power output may include by way example, pressure relief valves, check valves, shut-off valves, as well as directional control valving. Moreover, the hydraulic pump 16 may draw fluid from and return fluid to a fluid reservoir, which may include an appropriate vent for the exchange of air during use with the interior volume of the reservoir, as well as a strainer or filter for the hydraulic fluid. Similarly, the air compressor 26 may draw air from the environment through an air filter.
The first and second service pack modules 18 and 22 may be physically positioned at any suitable location in the vehicle 10. In a presently contemplated embodiment, for example, the service pack modules 18 and 22 may be mounted on, beneath or beside the vehicle bed or work platform rear of the vehicle cab. In many such vehicles, for example, the vehicle chassis may provide convenient mechanical support for the engine and certain of the other components of the service pack modules 18 and 22. For example, steel tubing, rails or other support structures extending between front and rear axles of the vehicle may serve as a support for the service pack modules 18 and 22 and, specifically, the components self-contained in those modules. Depending upon the system components selected and the placement of the service pack modules 18 and 22, reservoirs may be provided for storing hydraulic fluid and pressurized air as noted above. However, the hydraulic reservoir may be placed at various locations or even integrated into the service pack modules 18 and/or 22. Likewise, depending upon the air compressor selected, no reservoir may be used for compressed air. Specifically, if the air compressor 26 includes a non-reciprocating or rotary type compressor, then the system may be tankless with regard to the compressed air.
In use, the service pack modules 18 and 22 provide various resources/services (e.g., electrical power, compressed air, hydraulic power, etc.) for the on-site applications completely independent of vehicle engine 12. For example, the service pack engine 14 generally may not be powered during transit of the vehicle from one service location to another, or from a service garage or facility to a service site. Once located at the service site, the vehicle 10 may be parked at a convenient location, and the main vehicle engine 12 may be shut down. The service pack engine 14 may then be powered to provide auxiliary service from one or more of the service systems described above. Where desired, clutches, gears, or other mechanical engagement devices may be provided for engagement and disengagement of one or more of the generator 28, the hydraulic pump 16, and the air compressor 26, depending upon which of these service are desired. Moreover, as in conventional vehicles, where stabilization of the vehicle or any of the systems is require, the vehicle may include outriggers, stabilizers, and so forth which may be deployed after parking the vehicle and prior to operation of the service pack modules. The disclosed embodiments thus allow for a service to be provided in several different manners and by several different systems without the need to operate the main vehicle engine 12 at a service site.
Several different arrangements are envisaged for the components of the first service pack module 18 and the second service pack module 22.
In some embodiments, each module 18 and 22 may be described as consisting essentially of the components shown in
Moreover, the service pack modules 18 and 22 may be used independently or in combination with one another. For example, the first service pack module 18 may be used to provide hydraulic power for any type of hydraulically driven system, which may or may not include the second service pack module 22. In certain embodiments, the first service pack module 18 may be described as dependent only on a source of fuel, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, to operate the engine 14 and provide the hydraulic power. By further example, the second service pack module 22 may be hydraulically driven by any suitable source of hydraulic power, which may or may not include the hydraulic pump 16 of the first service pack module 18. Thus, in certain embodiments, the second service pack module 22 may be described as hydraulically dependent on some source of hydraulic power, or more specifically, only hydraulic power dependence.
As appreciated, the separation of these various components (e.g., 14, 16, 24, 26, 28, 50, and 50) into multiple stand-alone modules (e.g., 18 and 22) enables a more flexible use of these services/resources in various applications. For example, if the application already has a source of hydraulic power, then the second service pack module 22 is particularly useful without the need for the first service pack module 18. Similarly, if the application already has a source of electrical power and/or compressed air but no source of hydraulic power, then the first service pack module 18 is particularly useful without the need for the second service pack module 18. In contrast, if a single unit incorporated all of the components (e.g., 14, 16, 24, 26, 28, 50, and 50), then the application may end up with redundant resources. As a result, the separation of the components (e.g., 14, 16, 24, 26, 28, 50, and 50) into the modules 18 and 22 not only provides for a more flexible approach, but it also reduces the cost, size, weight, and complexity of each individual module 18 and 22.
Turning now to the details of
As further illustrated in
As appreciated, the generator 28 and/or circuit 58 may be configured to provide AC power, DC power, or both, for various applications. Moreover, the circuit 58 may function to provide constant current or constant voltage regulated power suitable for a welding or cutting application. Thus, the torch 36 may be a welding torch 36, such as a MIG welding torch, a TIG welding torch, and so forth. The torch 36 also may be a cutting torch, such as a plasma cutting torch. The generator 28 and/or circuit 58 also may provide a variety of output voltages and currents suitable for different applications. For example, a 12 volt DC output of the module 22 may also serve to maintain the vehicle battery charge, and to power any ancillary loads that the operator may need during work (e.g., cab lights, hydraulic system controls, etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, the access panel 52 may include several hydraulic output couplings 52 as well as hydraulic and power controls to monitor and configure settings for service pack engine 14 and hydraulic pump 16. The access panel 52 may also permit, for example, starting and stopping of the service pack engine 14 by a keyed ignition or starter button. The access panel 52 may also include a stop, disconnect, or disable switch that allows the operator to prevent starting of the service pack engine 14, such as during transport. The access panel 52 may also include hydraulic pressure gauge 74, engine RPM gauge 76, engine fuel gauge 78, engine temperature gauge 80, and various inputs and outputs as generally depicted by numeral 82.
Referring to
Several different scenarios are envisaged for arrangement of the components of the service pack modules 18 and 22, and for integrating or separating the support systems and components of the service pack modules from those of the vehicle 10. Thus, the elements contained in the modules discussed above may be added or removed, and/or rearranged, depending upon application-specific and other constraints. For example, second service pack module 22 of
In some embodiments, which are not illustrated, some of the support systems for the vehicle engine 12 may be used to support the service pack engine 14, and vice-versa. For example, at least the fuel supply and electrical systems may be at least partially integrated to reduce the redundancy of these support systems in the work vehicle. The electrical system of the service pack modules may service certain support needs when the vehicle engine 12 is turned off, such as providing 12V power to vehicle accessories and charging the vehicle batteries. Similarly, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems may be supported by the service pack engine 14, to provide heating of the vehicle cab when the vehicle engine 12 is turned off. Finally, a fuel conduit may draw fuel from the reservoir/tank of the vehicle engine 12 to supply fuel to the service pack engine 14. Further, more or less integration and removal of redundancy is possible.
While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
