AU2015201768A1 - Concrete mixing transport truck improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lifting means for a concrete mixing transport truck (in-transit mixer), wherein in one aspect, the concrete mixing transport truck comprising a chassis, a drum, and an outlet for concrete discharged from the drum, and the lifting means comprises at least one actuator for moving at least the drum and the outlet into a position for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump. In a further aspect, there is an in-transit mixer comprising the lifting means.

Description

1 CONCRETE MIXING TRANSPORT TRUCK IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITY DOCUMENTS The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901283 titled "CONCRETE MIXING TRANSPORT TRUCK IMPROVEMENTS" and filed on 8 April 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates to improvements for concrete mixing transport trucks, otherwise known as in-transit mixers. BACKGROUND [0002] A concrete pump is a machine used for transferring liquid concrete by pumping. Concrete pumps are commonly truck mounted, and comprise a hopper to receive a supply of concrete - typically from a concrete mixing transport truck (or in-transit mixer), and, in many cases, an articulating boom carrying a flexible conduit having an outlet positioned at or near the end of the boom. [0003] Where a concrete pump truck comprises an integrated mixer, the mixer and the pump must compete for space on the chassis of the truck, and so both functions are compromised. It is more common therefor for a dedicated concrete mixer truck to discharge into a hopper of a dedicated concrete pump truck. [0004] Many applications, including those where access is restricted, require a smaller concrete mixing transport truck, typically one based on a short wheel base truck chassis with a single rear axle. Presently however, a limitation of these smaller concrete mixer trucks is that they are physically unable to discharge to a standard concrete pump truck. [0005] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. [0006] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

2 SUMMARY [0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a concrete mixing transport truck comprising a drum, an outlet for concrete from the drum, and a lifting means comprising at least one actuator for moving at least a portion of the drum and the outlet in turn into a position for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump. [0008] According to a second aspect, there is provided a concrete mixing transport truck comprising a chassis, a drum, and an outlet for concrete from the drum, the truck having a driving configuration, and further comprising a lifting means comprising at least one actuator for changing the truck from its driving configuration into a configuration for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump. [0009] According to a further aspect, there is provided a lifting means for a concrete mixing transport truck, the concrete mixing transport truck comprising a drum, and an outlet for concrete discharged from the drum, and the lifting means comprising at least one actuator for moving at least the drum and the outlet in turn into a position for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump. [0010] In one form, the concrete mixing transport truck is a dedicated concrete mixing transport truck. That is to say, it does not also comprise a concrete pump. [0011] In one form, the lifting means is adapted for retrofit to the concrete mixing transport truck. [0012] In one form, the truck comprises a chassis, and the lifting means lifts at least a portion of the chassis, and the drum and outlet in turn. In one form, the lifting means lifts the portion of the chassis disposed beneath the drum. [0013] In one form, in an alternative, the lifting means lifts at least a portion of the drum relative to the chassis. This can be effected by pivotally attaching one end of the drum to the chassis, and employing the lifting means to lift a further end of the drum with respect to the chassis. [0014] In one form, the lifting means depends from the chassis. [0015] In one form, the lifting means comprises at least one jack. [0016] In one form, the lifting means comprises a pair of jacks. In one form, in an alternative the lifting means comprises more than two jacks, and possibly four or more jacks.

3 [0017] In one form, the or each actuator is a linear actuator. In one form, the or each linear actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder. In one form, in an alternative, the or each linear actuator comprises a power screw. [0018] In one form, the lifting means comprises a subframe. In one form, the or each jack depends from the subframe. In one form, the lifting means further comprises a means for powering and controlling the or each actuator. [0019] In one form, in a further alternative, the lifting means may be disposed between an axle disposed beneath the drum, and the chassis, so as to raise the chassis relative to the axle. [0020] In one form, the lifting means comprises an airbag suspension adapted to provide the necessary amount of lift, this being considerably more lift than a typical air bag suspension is generally able to provide. [0021] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. [0022] In order to further understand the invention, preferred embodiments, will now be described. However, it will be realised that the scope of the invention is not to be confined or restricted to the details of the embodiments described below. Variations and alterations that would be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are deemed as being incorporated within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0024] Figure 1 is a side view of both a concrete mixer truck and a concrete pump truck of the prior art; [0025] Figure 2 is a side view of a concrete mixer truck according to the present disclosure, configured for driving; 4 [0026] Figure 3 is a side view of the concrete mixer truck of Figure 2, configured for discharge to a concrete pump truck; [0027] Figure 4 is a side view of the concrete mixer truck of Figure 3, discharging to a concrete pump truck; [0028] Figure 5 is a side view of an hydraulic cylinder from the concrete mixer truck of Figure 2; [0029] Figure 6 is an end view of the hydraulic cylinder of Figure 5; [0030] Figure 7 is a side view of a subframe from the concrete mixer truck of Figure 2; [0031] Figure 8 is a top view of the subframe of Figure 7; and [0032] Figure 9 is a hydraulic circuit diagram for a hydraulic system from the concrete mixer truck of Figure 2. [0033] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0034] Referring now to Figure 1, where there is shown a concrete mixer truck of the prior art 100, and a concrete pump truck 200. [0035] The concrete pump truck 200 comprises a multi-axle chassis 202, a cab 204, a hopper 206 for receiving a supply of concrete, and an articulating boom 208 carrying a flexible conduit 210 with an outlet 212 depending from the end of the boom 208. Concrete pump truck 200 further comprises a set of four stabilisers 214, which are deployed to prevent tipping of the truck 200 when the boom 208 is deployed. [0036] The concrete mixer truck of the prior art 100 is one of the type commonly referred to as a 'mini' concrete mixer truck, and it comprises a chassis 102 with a single rear axle 104, a cab 106, a drum 108 of up to approximately 2.5m 3 , and a chute 110 for discharging concrete from the drum 108. However, it will be apparent from Figure 1, that chute 110 cannot discharge into the hopper 206 of the concrete pump truck 200, because the hopper 206 is too high. This difficulty is exacerbated when the concrete pump truck 200 uses its stabilisers 214, and it generally must.

5 [0037] Referring now to Figure 3, where there is illustrated a concrete mixer truck 1 according to the present disclosure. Concrete mixer truck 1 is also one of the type commonly referred to as a 'mini' concrete mixer truck, so it too comprises a chassis 2 with a single rear axle 4, a cab 6, a drum 8 of up to approximately 2.5m 3 in capacity, and a chute 10 for discharging concrete from the drum 8. [0038] Concrete mixing transport truck 1 comprises a lifting means, without which the concrete mixing transport truck 1 is unable to supply concrete from the drum 8 to the concrete pump truck 200. [0039] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that in the case of this illustrated embodiment, the lifting means is a system which comprises a subframe 20 comprising a cross member 22 which extends beneath and to either side of a pair of chassis rails 2A of the chassis 2 of the truck 1, a pair of chassis connection plates 24 via which the subframe 20 is secured to the chassis rails 2A, a jack attachment plate 26 at or toward each end of the cross member 22, and reinforcing plates 28 extending between each of these, on each side of the chassis 2. [0040] Use of a subframe 20 permits retrofit of a lifting system to an existing concrete mixing transport truck. [0041] To each jack attachment plate 26 there is secured (by bolting) a jack 40. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that each jack 40 comprises a double acting hydraulic cylinder, each cylinder comprising a cylinder barrel 42 comprising mounting flanges 44 via which the cylinder 40 is secured with respect to the jack attachment plate 26, and a downwardly directed piston 46 which carries a foot 48 lined with rubber tread mounted on a ball joint 50 at its lowermost end. [0042] The lifting system further comprises a means for powering and controlling each of the jacks 40. [0043] The means for powering each of the jacks 40 is a hydraulic system including a variety of components, where exemplary components may include a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic manifold, hydraulic fluid control valves 52 and non-return valves 54, and hydraulic fluid lines for connecting the aforementioned components. [0044] The control means comprises a control system that generally governs operation of and interface with the lifting means. Accordingly, the control system may include a variety of components, where exemplary components may include those that monitor electric signals, switch electric signals, perform sensing functions, and govern activation and deactivation of components such as the hydraulic pump. [0045] Further, the control system may comprise a processor, a memory, storage, and a user interface (i.e. a control panel or box). The control system may be controlled by software. The control system may 6 provide users with precise control, diagnostic information and performance information about the lifting system. [0046] With reference to Figure 4, in use, mixing transport truck 1 will be reversed into position behind the concrete pump truck 200, the brakes will be applied, and preferably the front wheels of the truck 1 will be chocked on at least the front sides thereof. The lifting system can then be employed, with the jacks (or cylinders) 40 being extended until the feet 48 are lowered into contact with the ground, and then further extended until the rear end of the truck 1 is raised to such a height that the extended discharge chute 10 can discharge concrete from the drum 8 into the feed hopper 206 of the concrete pump truck 200. [0047] The control system may comprise inclinometer type sensors which measure the angle of slope (or tilt) of the truck chassis 2 both longitudinally and laterally, and the processor may comprise programming which shuts off the hydraulic pump when a predetermined angle of tilt is reached. In this way, tipping of the entire truck 1 and its load can be avoided. [0048] The control system may further compensate for uneven ground by automatically extending one jack 40 more than the other. [0049] When unloading of mixing transport truck 1 is complete, the chute 10 is retracted, and the jacks 40 are retracted until the feet 48 are well clear of the ground, and the chocks removed from the front wheels. The mixing transport truck 1 can then be driven away. [0050] It will be apparent then that the present disclosure permits a concrete mixing transport truck which would be otherwise unable, to discharge to a concrete pump. [0051] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0053] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated 7 that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A concrete mixing transport truck comprising a drum, an outlet for concrete from the drum, and a lifting means comprising at least one actuator for moving at least the drum and the outlet in turn into a position for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump.

2. The concrete mixing transport truck of claim 1, wherein the truck comprises a chassis, and the lifting means lifts at least a portion of the chassis, and the drum and outlet in turn.

3. The concrete mixing transport truck of claim 2, wherein the lifting means lifts the portion of the chassis disposed beneath the drum.

4. The concrete mixing transport truck as in either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the lifting means depends from the chassis.

5. The concrete mixing transport truck as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means comprises at least one jack, where the or each jack comprises at least one actuator.

6. The concrete mixing transport truck as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means comprises a pair of jacks.

7. The concrete mixing transport truck as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means is adapted for retrofit to the concrete mixing transport truck.

8. The concrete mixing transport truck of claim 7, wherein the lifting means comprises a subframe.

9. The concrete mixing transport truck of claim 1, wherein the lifting means lifts at least a portion of the drum relative to the chassis.

10. The concrete mixing transport truck of claim 9, wherein the drum is pivotally attached at one end to the chassis, and the lifting means is employed to lift a further end of the drum with respect to the chassis.

11. The concrete mixing transport truck of claim 1, wherein the truck comprises an axle, and the lifting means lifts at least a portion of the chassis relative to the axle.

12. The concrete mixing transport truck as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means further comprises a means for powering and controlling the or each actuator. 9

13. A concrete mixing transport truck comprising a drum, and an outlet for concrete from the drum, the truck having a driving configuration, and further comprising a lifting means comprising at least one actuator for changing the truck from its driving configuration into a configuration for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump.

14. A lifting means for a concrete mixing transport truck, the concrete mixing transport truck comprising a drum, and an outlet for concrete discharged from the drum, and the lifting means comprising at least one actuator for moving at least the drum and the outlet in turn into a position for supplying concrete from the drum to a concrete pump.

15. The lifting means of claim 14, wherein in use, the lifting means lifts at least a portion of the chassis, the drum and the outlet in turn.

16. The lifting means of claim 15, wherein in use, the lifting means lifts the portion of the chassis disposed beneath the drum.

17. The lifting means as in any one of claims 14 through 16, wherein the lifting means depends from the chassis.

18. The lifting means as in any one of claims 14 through 17, further comprising at least one jack.

19. The lifting means as in any one of claims 14 through 18, further comprising a pair of jacks.

20. The lifting means as in any one of claims 14 through 19, wherein the lifting means is adapted for retrofit to the concrete mixing transport truck.

21. The lifting means as in any one of claims 14 through 20, further comprising a means for powering and controlling the or each actuator.