EP1967486B1 - Mobile work platform - Google Patents

Mobile work platform Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1967486B1
EP1967486B1 EP08004188A EP08004188A EP1967486B1 EP 1967486 B1 EP1967486 B1 EP 1967486B1 EP 08004188 A EP08004188 A EP 08004188A EP 08004188 A EP08004188 A EP 08004188A EP 1967486 B1 EP1967486 B1 EP 1967486B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mobile work
work platform
electric motor
pump
platform according
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Application number
EP08004188A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1967486A1 (en
Inventor
Frank Roger Bowden
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Nifty Lift Ltd
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Nifty Lift Ltd
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F11/00—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for
    • B66F11/04—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
    • B66F11/044—Working platforms suspended from booms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/20—Means for actuating or controlling masts, platforms, or forks
    • B66F9/22—Hydraulic devices or systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F11/00—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for
    • B66F11/04—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
    • B66F11/042—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations actuated by lazy-tongs mechanisms or articulated levers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B65/00—Adaptations of engines for special uses not provided for in groups F02B61/00 or F02B63/00; Combinations of engines with other devices, e.g. with non-driven apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mobile work platform.
  • Mobile work platforms typically include a cage or platform that is designed to receive one or more human operators.
  • the cage is mounted on a lift mechanism, such as a hydraulic boom or a scissor lift mechanism, that allows its height to be adjusted.
  • the mobile work platform also includes a wheeled or tracked chassis, which allows it to be moved easily to a desired location.
  • Various types of mobile work platform are available, including self-propelled, self-drive, trailer and vehicle-mounted platforms.
  • the present invention is concerned in particular, but not exclusively, with larger mobile work platforms, for example having a working height of 14m or more (typically up to 30-40m) and a load carrying capacity of over 200kg (typically up to 1000kg). However, it is also applicable to smaller mobile work platforms, such as those with a load carrying capacity of less than 200kg and a working height in the range 9-12m.
  • variable displacement pumps are much more expensive than fixed displacement pumps and generally it is not commercially viable to employ a two pump system as described above. Larger platforms therefore usually have only one pump, which is driven directly by an internal combustion engine.
  • the internal combustion engine must of course have sufficient capacity to meet the peak power requirement of the hydraulic drive system. For example, a mobile work platform with a carrying capacity of 200kg may typically require a peak input power of 10kW. Most of the time, the power requirement will be much lower than this.
  • IC engines are inefficient when operating at low power or when idling, this leads to unnecessarily high fuel consumption and high levels of noise and exhaust emissions. Larger IC engines also have higher capital cost and higher maintenance charges.
  • EP1736433A describes a cargo handling device including an engine, a generator-motor, a cluth, a battery and a loading pump for driving a fork.
  • the generator-motor can be set in either generator mode or motor mode.
  • a mobile work platform that includes an operator platform, a base having a plurality of wheels, a lift mechanism for lifting the operator platform relative to the base, and a hydraulic drive system for operating the lift mechanism, said hydraulic drive system including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a hydraulic pump, wherein the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are constructed and arranged so as to be capable of driving the hydraulic pump either separately or together; characterised in that the hydraulic drive system is also operable to drive the wheels and has a plurality of selectable operational modes for operating the lift mechanism and for driving the wheels, including an electric mode in which power is supplied exclusively from the electric motor, an IC engine mode in which power is supplied exclusively from the IC engine, and a boost mode in which power is supplied from both the electric motor and the IC engine.
  • the system provides the advantage that it is possible to select the drive motor according to the circumstances.
  • the electric motor may be used to drive the pump during indoor operation (when exhaust fumes may be unacceptable), and the internal combustion engine may be used to drive the pump during operation outdoors, or to recharge the batteries when the platform is outside (for example during a break).
  • both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor may be used in tandem to drive the pump. This means that a less powerful internal combustion engine can be used, while still meeting the peak power requirement of the pump, This provides savings both in the capital and maintenance costs of the IC engine, and in its fuel consumption. Exhaust emissions and noise may also be reduced. Only one pump is required, providing further cost savings.
  • the system includes a clutch mechanism for disconnecting the internal combustion engine from the pump, so that it can be driven by the electric motor when the IC engine is inoperative.
  • the clutch is designed to disconnect the IC engine automatically when it is inoperative.
  • the system may include a battery for powering the electric motor.
  • the electric motor is operable as a generator to charge the battery. This allows any spare capacity of the IC engine, for example when it is idling or the load on the pump is low, to be put to useful purpose, so improving fuel efficiency.
  • the stored energy may subsequently be used to drive the electric motor, so reducing the load on the internal combustion engine or allowing it to be turned off.
  • the hydraulic drive system includes a control device for controlling the transfer of power between the internal combustion engine, the electric motor and the hydraulic pump.
  • the control device may be constructed and arranged to select boost mode when the power requirement of the pump exceeds a predetermined value.
  • control device has a regeneration mode in which the electric motor is driven by the IC engine and operates as a generator to charge the battery.
  • control device controls the transfer of electric power between the battery and the motor.
  • the internal combustion engine has a power in the range 5-50kW, preferably approximately 10-20kW.
  • the internal combustion engine may for example be a diesel engine, a petrol engine or an engine that runs on liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
  • LPG liquified petroleum gas
  • the pump is preferably a variable displacement pump.
  • the internal combustion engine, the electric motor and the hydraulic pump may be arranged co-axially. This provides a compact and mechanically simple arrangement.
  • the pump and the electric motor may be mounted on a common drive shaft, which is offset from an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, the drive shaft and the output shaft being connected by a drive transfer mechanism.
  • This arrangement may be preferred in certain circumstances, for example when packaging requirements do not permit a coaxial arrangement.
  • the operator platform preferably has a working height of 10m or more and a load capacity in the range 100-1000kg, and more preferably 200-500kg, the drive system being particularly well suited to larger mobile work platforms having a load carrying capacity in this range.
  • FIG. 3 shows a typical mobile work platform according to an embodiment of the invention, which includes a wheeled base unit 2, a lift mechanism comprising a hydraulically operated boom 4 and a platform (or cage) 6 for a human operator 8.
  • the boom 4 which is shown here in various operating configurations, may be retracted and folded onto the base unit 2 for transportation or storage. Movement of the boom 4 is controlled by various hydraulic cylinders 10, which are connected by hydraulic hoses (not shown) to a hydraulic drive system. Hydraulic motors may also be provided for driving the wheels.
  • the components shown in Figure 3 are all conventional and will not therefore be described in detail. It should be understood that the mobile work platform may take various alternative forms. For example, it may include a scissor lift mechanism.
  • FIG. 1 A hydraulic drive system according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 .
  • This includes a support frame 12 on which is mounted an internal combustion (IC) engine 14, for example a diesel engine, having an output shaft 16, which is connected via a clutch 18 and a flexible coupling 20 to a drive shaft 28, on which is mounted an electric motor/generator 24 and a variable displacement hydraulic pump 26.
  • the drive shaft 28 is coaxial with the internal combustion engine output shaft 16.
  • the pump 26 is connected via hydraulic pipes (not shown) to other components of the hydraulic system, which are all conventional.
  • the clutch 18 is designed to disengage the IC engine 14 automatically from the drive shaft 28 whenever the engine is inoperative, to allow free rotation of the drive shaft.
  • the flexible coupling 20 is designed to absorb misalignments and transient shocks when engaging or disengaging the clutch 18.
  • the electric motor/generator 24 may be used either as a motor or as a generator, which can be used to generate electricity by driving the rotor mechanically through the drive shaft 28.
  • the motor/generator 24 is electrically connected via a control device 30 to a battery 32 of electric cells.
  • the control device 30 controls operation of the motor/generator 24, either supplying electrical power to the battery 32 to recharge it when the motor/generator is in generator mode, or supplying electrical power from the battery 32 to the motor/generator 24 when it is in motor mode.
  • the control device 30 controls the voltage supply to the battery 32 during recharging, and controls the speed of the motor when it is being driven by electric power drawn from the battery 32.
  • the control device 30 is preferably located adjacent the motor/generator 24, while the battery 32 may be located remotely.
  • the hydraulic drive system has various operational modes, including IC engine operation mode, electrical operation mode, regeneration mode and boost mode. Each of these operational modes will now be described.
  • the internal combustion engine 14 drives the pump 26 via the output shaft 16, the clutch 18 and the drive shaft 28.
  • the pump 26 provides hydraulic fluid to the drive components (for example the hydraulic cylinders and motors) of the system so as to operate the lift and drive functions of the mobile work platform.
  • the rotor of the electric motor/generator 24 rotates with the drive shaft 28 but it does not generate electricity, this function being controlled by the control device 30.
  • the pump 26 is driven directly by the electric motor/generator 24, which operates in motor mode and draws power from the battery 32.
  • the pump 26 thus provides hydraulic fluid to operate the lift and drive functions of the mobile work platform.
  • the control device 30 controls the power delivered to the motor.
  • the internal combustion engine 14 is inoperative and the clutch 18 is automatically disengaged to disconnect the output shaft16 of the IC engine 14 from the drive shaft 28.
  • the IC engine 14 drives the electrical motor/generator 24 via the clutch 18 and the drive shaft 28, to generate electricity which is stored in the battery 32.
  • the control device 30 controls the delivery of current to the battery 32 and prevents overcharging. Regeneration may take place either when the hydraulic system is idle and the pump 26 is inoperative, or when the pump 26 is operating at a low output level. In the latter case, the spare output capacity of the IC engine 14, beyond that required to operate the pump 26, is used to generate electricity. This excess energy is stored in the battery and saved for later use during electric operation, thus improving fuel efficiency.
  • the drive system enters boost mode, in which the IC engine 14 and the electric motor 24 operate in tandem to drive the pump 26.
  • the electric motor 24 therefore supplements the power output of the IC engine 14, thereby providing a greater output power than can be supplied by the IC engine 14 operating on its own. This in turn allows a smaller capacity IC engine to be used, which is smaller and lighter, less expensive, more economical and causes less noise and pollution.
  • the system may be designed to enter boost mode automatically whenever the power requirement of the pump exceeds a certain predetermined level.
  • FIG. 2 A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2 .
  • the hydraulic drive system is similar in most respects to the first drive system described above, and where appropriate like reference numbers have been used to indicate equivalent components.
  • the main difference is that the drive shaft is divided lengthwise into two parts 28a, 28b.
  • the first part 28a of the drive shaft is coaxial with the output shaft 16 of the IC engine and is connected to the clutch 18 and the flexible coupling 20.
  • the second part 28b of the drive shaft carries the electric motor/generator 24 and the pump 26, and is offset from the axis of the IC engine output shaft 16.
  • Drive is transferred from the first part 28a of the drive shaft to the second part 28b of the drive shaft by a drive transfer mechanism 34, which in this case consists of a drive belt mounted on a pair of pulleys.
  • Various alternative drive transfer mechanisms may of course be used, including gears, toothed belts or a chain and sprockets, and this mechanism may be located at different positions within the drive chain, such as between the IC engine 14 and the clutch 18.
  • the second part of the drive shaft may also be set at an angle relative to the first part of the shaft (for example, it may be perpendicular). These arrangements may be useful where packaging requirements prevent the use of the co-axial drive system of the first embodiment described above. Operation of the second drive system is essentially identical to that of the first drive system, as described above.
  • the drive system may include a charging circuit that is designed to recharge the battery 32 or operate the electric motor 24 directly from a mains electricity supply, where one is available.
  • a charging circuit that is designed to recharge the battery 32 or operate the electric motor 24 directly from a mains electricity supply, where one is available.
  • Various alternative kinds of clutch may be used including, for example, an electrically actuated clutch.
  • the system may also be reconfigured, for example so that the pump is located between the IC engine and the electric motor.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Vehicle Engines Or Engines For Specific Uses (AREA)
  • Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
  • Operation Control Of Excavators (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Drives, Propulsion Controls, And Safety Devices (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a mobile work platform.
  • Mobile work platforms typically include a cage or platform that is designed to receive one or more human operators. The cage is mounted on a lift mechanism, such as a hydraulic boom or a scissor lift mechanism, that allows its height to be adjusted. The mobile work platform also includes a wheeled or tracked chassis, which allows it to be moved easily to a desired location. Various types of mobile work platform are available, including self-propelled, self-drive, trailer and vehicle-mounted platforms.
  • The present invention is concerned in particular, but not exclusively, with larger mobile work platforms, for example having a working height of 14m or more (typically up to 30-40m) and a load carrying capacity of over 200kg (typically up to 1000kg). However, it is also applicable to smaller mobile work platforms, such as those with a load carrying capacity of less than 200kg and a working height in the range 9-12m.
  • Most mobile work platforms have a hydraulic drive system. In smaller platforms (for example those with a working height of less than 15m), it is common to use two fixed displacement hydraulic pumps, one of which is driven by an internal combustion (IC) engine (for example a diesel engine) and the other being driven by a DC electric motor, powered from batteries. Either pump may be used to operate the hydraulic drive system. For example, it may be preferable to use the electrically driven pump when the mobile work platform is being operated indoors, where the noise and exhaust fumes of the internal combustion engine might be undesirable. At other times, for example when the mobile work platform is being operated outdoors, it may be preferable to use the pump driven by the internal combustion engine, since this can provide continuous operation for a much longer period of time than the battery powered electric motor. When the IC engine is operating, it may also be used to recharge the batteries, using its alternator. A work platform such as this is disclosed in Document WO 98/33672 .
  • With larger mobile work platforms (for example those with a working height of 14m or more and a load carrying capacity greater than 200kg), a more complicated variable displacement hydraulic pump is generally required. Variable displacement pumps are much more expensive than fixed displacement pumps and generally it is not commercially viable to employ a two pump system as described above. Larger platforms therefore usually have only one pump, which is driven directly by an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine must of course have sufficient capacity to meet the peak power requirement of the hydraulic drive system. For example, a mobile work platform with a carrying capacity of 200kg may typically require a peak input power of 10kW. Most of the time, the power requirement will be much lower than this. As IC engines are inefficient when operating at low power or when idling, this leads to unnecessarily high fuel consumption and high levels of noise and exhaust emissions. Larger IC engines also have higher capital cost and higher maintenance charges.
  • EP1736433A describes a cargo handling device including an engine, a generator-motor, a cluth, a battery and a loading pump for driving a fork. The generator-motor can be set in either generator mode or motor mode.
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile work platform that mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.
  • According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile work platform that includes an operator platform, a base having a plurality of wheels, a lift mechanism for lifting the operator platform relative to the base, and a hydraulic drive system for operating the lift mechanism, said hydraulic drive system including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a hydraulic pump, wherein the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are constructed and arranged so as to be capable of driving the hydraulic pump either separately or together; characterised in that the hydraulic drive system is also operable to drive the wheels and has a plurality of selectable operational modes for operating the lift mechanism and for driving the wheels, including an electric mode in which power is supplied exclusively from the electric motor, an IC engine mode in which power is supplied exclusively from the IC engine, and a boost mode in which power is supplied from both the electric motor and the IC engine.
  • The system provides the advantage that it is possible to select the drive motor according to the circumstances. Thus, for example, the electric motor may be used to drive the pump during indoor operation (when exhaust fumes may be unacceptable), and the internal combustion engine may be used to drive the pump during operation outdoors, or to recharge the batteries when the platform is outside (for example during a break). Alternatively, for maximum power, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor may be used in tandem to drive the pump. This means that a less powerful internal combustion engine can be used, while still meeting the peak power requirement of the pump, This provides savings both in the capital and maintenance costs of the IC engine, and in its fuel consumption. Exhaust emissions and noise may also be reduced. Only one pump is required, providing further cost savings.
  • Advantageously, the system includes a clutch mechanism for disconnecting the internal combustion engine from the pump, so that it can be driven by the electric motor when the IC engine is inoperative. Preferably, the clutch is designed to disconnect the IC engine automatically when it is inoperative.
  • The system may include a battery for powering the electric motor. Advantageously, the electric motor is operable as a generator to charge the battery. This allows any spare capacity of the IC engine, for example when it is idling or the load on the pump is low, to be put to useful purpose, so improving fuel efficiency. The stored energy may subsequently be used to drive the electric motor, so reducing the load on the internal combustion engine or allowing it to be turned off.
  • Advantageously, the hydraulic drive system includes a control device for controlling the transfer of power between the internal combustion engine, the electric motor and the hydraulic pump. The control device may be constructed and arranged to select boost mode when the power requirement of the pump exceeds a predetermined value.
  • Advantageously, the control device has a regeneration mode in which the electric motor is driven by the IC engine and operates as a generator to charge the battery. Preferably, the control device controls the transfer of electric power between the battery and the motor.
  • Advantageously, the internal combustion engine has a power in the range 5-50kW, preferably approximately 10-20kW.
  • The internal combustion engine may for example be a diesel engine, a petrol engine or an engine that runs on liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
  • The pump is preferably a variable displacement pump.
  • The internal combustion engine, the electric motor and the hydraulic pump may be arranged co-axially. This provides a compact and mechanically simple arrangement.
  • Alternatively, the pump and the electric motor may be mounted on a common drive shaft, which is offset from an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, the drive shaft and the output shaft being connected by a drive transfer mechanism. This arrangement may be preferred in certain circumstances, for example when packaging requirements do not permit a coaxial arrangement.
  • The operator platform preferably has a working height of 10m or more and a load capacity in the range 100-1000kg, and more preferably 200-500kg, the drive system being particularly well suited to larger mobile work platforms having a load carrying capacity in this range.
  • Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a mobile work platform drive system according to a first embodiment of the invention;
    • Figure 2 is a block diagram of a mobile work platform drive system according to a second embodiment of the invention, and
    • Figure 3 is a front elevation of a mobile work platform according to an embodiment of the invention, in various operating configurations.
  • Figure 3 shows a typical mobile work platform according to an embodiment of the invention, which includes a wheeled base unit 2, a lift mechanism comprising a hydraulically operated boom 4 and a platform (or cage) 6 for a human operator 8. The boom 4, which is shown here in various operating configurations, may be retracted and folded onto the base unit 2 for transportation or storage. Movement of the boom 4 is controlled by various hydraulic cylinders 10, which are connected by hydraulic hoses (not shown) to a hydraulic drive system. Hydraulic motors may also be provided for driving the wheels. The components shown in Figure 3 are all conventional and will not therefore be described in detail. It should be understood that the mobile work platform may take various alternative forms. For example, it may include a scissor lift mechanism.
  • A hydraulic drive system according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. This includes a support frame 12 on which is mounted an internal combustion (IC) engine 14, for example a diesel engine, having an output shaft 16, which is connected via a clutch 18 and a flexible coupling 20 to a drive shaft 28, on which is mounted an electric motor/generator 24 and a variable displacement hydraulic pump 26. The drive shaft 28 is coaxial with the internal combustion engine output shaft 16. The pump 26 is connected via hydraulic pipes (not shown) to other components of the hydraulic system, which are all conventional.
  • The clutch 18 is designed to disengage the IC engine 14 automatically from the drive shaft 28 whenever the engine is inoperative, to allow free rotation of the drive shaft. The flexible coupling 20 is designed to absorb misalignments and transient shocks when engaging or disengaging the clutch 18.
  • The electric motor/generator 24 may be used either as a motor or as a generator, which can be used to generate electricity by driving the rotor mechanically through the drive shaft 28. The motor/generator 24 is electrically connected via a control device 30 to a battery 32 of electric cells. The control device 30 controls operation of the motor/generator 24, either supplying electrical power to the battery 32 to recharge it when the motor/generator is in generator mode, or supplying electrical power from the battery 32 to the motor/generator 24 when it is in motor mode. The control device 30 controls the voltage supply to the battery 32 during recharging, and controls the speed of the motor when it is being driven by electric power drawn from the battery 32. The control device 30 is preferably located adjacent the motor/generator 24, while the battery 32 may be located remotely.
  • The hydraulic drive system has various operational modes, including IC engine operation mode, electrical operation mode, regeneration mode and boost mode. Each of these operational modes will now be described.
  • During IC engine operation, the internal combustion engine 14 drives the pump 26 via the output shaft 16, the clutch 18 and the drive shaft 28. The pump 26 provides hydraulic fluid to the drive components (for example the hydraulic cylinders and motors) of the system so as to operate the lift and drive functions of the mobile work platform. During this operational mode, the rotor of the electric motor/generator 24 rotates with the drive shaft 28 but it does not generate electricity, this function being controlled by the control device 30.
  • During electrical operation mode, the pump 26 is driven directly by the electric motor/generator 24, which operates in motor mode and draws power from the battery 32. The pump 26 thus provides hydraulic fluid to operate the lift and drive functions of the mobile work platform. The control device 30 controls the power delivered to the motor. During electrical operation, the internal combustion engine 14 is inoperative and the clutch 18 is automatically disengaged to disconnect the output shaft16 of the IC engine 14 from the drive shaft 28.
  • During regeneration mode, the IC engine 14 drives the electrical motor/generator 24 via the clutch 18 and the drive shaft 28, to generate electricity which is stored in the battery 32. The control device 30 controls the delivery of current to the battery 32 and prevents overcharging. Regeneration may take place either when the hydraulic system is idle and the pump 26 is inoperative, or when the pump 26 is operating at a low output level. In the latter case, the spare output capacity of the IC engine 14, beyond that required to operate the pump 26, is used to generate electricity. This excess energy is stored in the battery and saved for later use during electric operation, thus improving fuel efficiency.
  • In certain circumstances, more power may be required by the hydraulic pump 26 than can be supplied individually by either the IC engine 14 or the electric motor 24. In this case, the drive system enters boost mode, in which the IC engine 14 and the electric motor 24 operate in tandem to drive the pump 26. The electric motor 24 therefore supplements the power output of the IC engine 14, thereby providing a greater output power than can be supplied by the IC engine 14 operating on its own. This in turn allows a smaller capacity IC engine to be used, which is smaller and lighter, less expensive, more economical and causes less noise and pollution. The system may be designed to enter boost mode automatically whenever the power requirement of the pump exceeds a certain predetermined level.
  • A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the hydraulic drive system is similar in most respects to the first drive system described above, and where appropriate like reference numbers have been used to indicate equivalent components. The main difference is that the drive shaft is divided lengthwise into two parts 28a, 28b. The first part 28a of the drive shaft is coaxial with the output shaft 16 of the IC engine and is connected to the clutch 18 and the flexible coupling 20. The second part 28b of the drive shaft carries the electric motor/generator 24 and the pump 26, and is offset from the axis of the IC engine output shaft 16. Drive is transferred from the first part 28a of the drive shaft to the second part 28b of the drive shaft by a drive transfer mechanism 34, which in this case consists of a drive belt mounted on a pair of pulleys.
  • Various alternative drive transfer mechanisms may of course be used, including gears, toothed belts or a chain and sprockets, and this mechanism may be located at different positions within the drive chain, such as between the IC engine 14 and the clutch 18. The second part of the drive shaft may also be set at an angle relative to the first part of the shaft (for example, it may be perpendicular). These arrangements may be useful where packaging requirements prevent the use of the co-axial drive system of the first embodiment described above. Operation of the second drive system is essentially identical to that of the first drive system, as described above.
  • Numerous modifications of the drive system are of course possible. For example, the drive system may include a charging circuit that is designed to recharge the battery 32 or operate the electric motor 24 directly from a mains electricity supply, where one is available. Various alternative kinds of clutch may be used including, for example, an electrically actuated clutch. The system may also be reconfigured, for example so that the pump is located between the IC engine and the electric motor.

Claims (13)

  1. A mobile work platform that includes an operator platform (6), a base (2) having a plurality of wheels, a lift mechanism (4) for lifting the operator platform relative to the base, and a hydraulic drive system for operating the lift mechanism, said hydraulic drive system including an internal combustion engine (14), an electric motor (24) and a hydraulic pump (26), wherein the internal combustion engine (14) and the electric motor (24) are constructed and arranged so as to be capable of driving the hydraulic pump (26) either separately or together; characterised in that the hydraulic drive system is also operable to drive the wheels and has a plurality of selectable operational modes for operating the lift mechanism and for driving the wheels, including an electric mode in which power is supplied exclusively from the electric motor (24), an IC engine mode in which power is supplied exclusively from the IC engine (14), and a boost mode in which power is supplied from both the electric motor (24) and the IC engine (14).
  2. A mobile work platform according to claim 1, including a clutch mechanism (18) for disconnecting the internal combustion engine (14) from the pump (26),
  3. A mobile work platform according to claim 1 or claim 2, including a battery (32) for powering the electric motor (24).
  4. A mobile work platform according to claim 3, wherein the electric motor (24) is operable as a generator to charge the battery (32).
  5. A mobile work platform according to any one of the preceding claims, including a control device (30) for controlling the transfer of power between the internal combustion engine (14), the electric motor (24) and the hydraulic pump (26).
  6. A mobile work platform according to claim 5, wherein the control device (30) is constructed and arranged to select boost mode when the power requirement of the pump (26) exceeds a predetermined value.
  7. A mobile work platform according to claim 5 or claim 6 when dependent upon claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the control device (30) has a regeneration mode in which the electric motor (24) is driven by the IC engine (14) and operates as a generator to charge the battery (32).
  8. A mobile work platform according to claim 7, in which the control device (30) controls the transfer of electric power between the battery (32) and the motor (14).
  9. A mobile work platform according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal combustion engine (14) has a power in the range 5-50kW.
  10. A mobile work platform according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (26) is a variable displacement pump.
  11. A mobile work platform according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal combustion engine (14), the electric motor (24) and the hydraulic pump (26) are arranged co-axially.
  12. A mobile work platform according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pump (26) and the electric motor (24) are mounted on a common drive shaft (24b), which is offset from an output shaft (16) of the internal combustion engine (14), the drive shaft (24b) and the output shaft (16) being connected by a drive transfer mechanism (34).
  13. A mobile work platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the operator platform (6) has a working height of 10m or more and a load capacity in the range 100-1000kg.
EP08004188A 2007-03-07 2008-03-06 Mobile work platform Active EP1967486B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0704353A GB2447229B (en) 2007-03-07 2007-03-07 Mobile work platform with multiple mode drive system

Publications (2)

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EP1967486A1 EP1967486A1 (en) 2008-09-10
EP1967486B1 true EP1967486B1 (en) 2012-09-05

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US (1) US20100068071A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1967486B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2447229B (en)
WO (1) WO2008107685A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0704353D0 (en) 2007-04-11
GB2447229A (en) 2008-09-10
EP1967486A1 (en) 2008-09-10
WO2008107685A1 (en) 2008-09-12
GB2447229B (en) 2011-11-02
US20100068071A1 (en) 2010-03-18

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