EP3386294A1

EP3386294A1 - Battery-powered feed or straw strewing wagon, especially for use on fur farms

Info

Publication number: EP3386294A1
Application number: EP16859113.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus Strøm KRISTENSEN
Original assignee: Ksk Finans Aps
Current assignee: Ksk Finans Aps
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2018-10-17
Also published as: DK179795B1; EP3386294A4; WO2017071718A1; DK201500669A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck, particularly for use on fur farms, specifically of the kind where the truck is equipped with a set of permanent, rechargeable batteries for electric propulsion of the truck and with operational functions such as feed pump, feed mixer, bedding dispensing apparatus etc. that can be driven hydraulically by means of a hydraulic pump. The invention is peculiar in that in addition to the permanent set of propulsion batteries the feed or bedding distributing truck is equipped with a replaceable high capacity battery (10) of rechargeable type, and that the various operational functions of the truck are driven electrically by means of this battery via one or more electric motors that are either coupled directly to the respective operational functions or are operating indirectly via a hydraulic system, the hydraulic pump of which being driven by an electric motor.

Description

BATTERY-POWERED FEED OR STRAW STREWING WAGON, ESPECIALLY

FOR USE ON FUR FARMS

The present invention concerns a battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck, in particular for use on fur farms, and specifically of the kind indicated in the preamble of claim 1.

The prior art trucks of the mentioned type are usually equipped with a set of permanent, rechargeable batteries for electric propulsion of the truck. The other power-demanding functions of the truck such as feed pump, feed mixer, bedding dispensing apparatus etc. are driven hydraulically by means of a hydraulic pump connected to a diesel engine incorporated in the truck.

Modern fur farms, in particular mink farms, are often constructed as steel halls with closed sides. Steel halls of this type are therefore less ventilated that the previously used open mink farms where the stable wings were completely open. The closed steel halls give rise to a serious air pollution problem when feed or bedding trucks with engine driven functions are used, such as is common today. The engine driven functions may e.g. be feed pumps, feed mixer screws, bedding dispensing units and sweeping units, and the engines used for the purpose are mainly diesel engines. These engines cause emission of harmful exhaust gases polluting the air in the stable.

Another problem associated with use of diesel and petrol engines in closed stables, in particular on mink farms, is the hair waste given off to the surroundings by the animals by natural loss of hair. The hair waste consists of ultra-fine hairs that have the unfortunate tendency of settling in the air and fuel filters of the engines, resulting in clogging thereof. The result is that the engines more often than what is normal are to be serviced, i.e. have the filters cleaned or replaced.

With the object of solving the above mentioned problems, according to the invention it is suggested to completely electrify the feed or bedding distributing trucks, so that not only the propulsion but also the various operating functions of the trucks are powered electrically. In this way, air pollution in the stables and problems with recurring clogging of the filters of the combustion engines is avoided. According to the invention, the solution to the problem is achieved by adapting the feed or bedding distributing truck as indicated in the characterising part of claim 1.

The invention is peculiar in that in addition to the permanent set of propulsion batteries the feed or bedding distributing truck is equipped with a replaceable high capacity battery of a rechargeable type. Furthermore, in that the various mechanical functions of the truck are driven electrically by means of this battery via one or more electric motors either coupled directly to the respective mechanical functions of the truck or are operating indirectly via a hydraulic system. The pump function in the hydraulic system is then driven by an electric motor. By completely electrifying the feed or bedding distributing truck in this way, the intended improvement of the air quality in the stable buildings is achieved while at the same time minimising the service requirements of the truck. Moreover, thanks to the electric operation, a far lower noise level is achieved compared with corresponding diesel powered vehicles, and the heat emission from a diesel engine is avoided. Both factors highly contribute to improving the work environment in the stable in connection with feeding and distributing bedding.

The hydraulic system is purposefully adapted as indicated in claim 2. As a minimum the hydraulic system includes: a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor supplied with electric current from the power pack, one or more hydraulic solenoid valves with short response time, a hydraulic motor driving the feed pump of the feed truck and which can be activated and deactivated by means of the hydraulic solenoid valves, and an oil tank for hydraulic oil. In addition, the system includes a bypass connection inserted between the hydraulic pump and the oil tank for direct pressure relief of the hydraulic pump in periods of time where the hydraulic motor of the feed pump is deactivated, i.e. in periods of time where no feed is discharged.

The hydraulic pump runs continuously as long as the truck is operating. The solenoid valves enable controlling the feed pump motor in such a way that the feed is pumped out in precisely measured portions. The pumping occurs in short intervals during the passage of the feed truck of the mink cages set up in the mink farm. The feed hose is constantly open during the feeding process; it is only the feed pump that determines the amount of feed given off at each pumping interval. The short reaction time of the solenoid valves provides the pumping system with an extremely rapid response, which is a condition for achieving the intended precision in the dosage of feed. An exact feed apportioning to the individual cages is decisive for the economy of mink farming and for the welfare of the animals. In the intermediate periods where no feed is pumped out, the solenoid valves and the bypass connection of the hydraulic system ensure circulation to tank. In that way it is avoided that the hydraulic pump consumes power for unnecessary idle running under counterpressure. The principle of the hydraulic system thereby contributes to the most efficient use of the available ampere-hours in the power pack, i.e. the operating time of a power pack is extended as much as possible.

Operation of the various functions of the feed or bedding distributing truck is relatively energy-demanding, why according to the invention for a high capacity battery it is expedient to choose a battery of the lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium type, or a corresponding rechargeable type of battery with high capacity relative to size and weight. A battery of this type allows a relatively long operating time between each battery exchange. The permanently mounted propulsion batteries of the feed or bedding distributing truck are in most cases sufficient to ensure 8 - 10 hours of driving time for the truck as trucks of the type in question usually drive on a flat, horizontal concrete floor that does not put great power demands on the propulsion motor of the truck.

In a preferred embodiment, the replaceable high capacity battery is encapsulated as a separate unit constituting a compact power pack, and this power pack is expediently mounted easily accessible, preferably externally of the truck, for example at the front or rear end of the truck. By encapsulating the high capacity battery in this way, there is achieved a practical and easily manageable battery unit which is quickly exchanged. In particular if the unit at the same time as indicated is disposed easily accessible externally of the truck.

As indicated in claim 5, in a preferred embodiment the truck is provided with a carrier frame by which the replaceable power pack can be suspended. The power pack is retained in the carrier frame by means of one or more quick-acting fasteners of a type that may be operated manually without use of tools. Other fixing and securing methods for the power pack are of course possible as well.

According to the invention, at least one battery charging station and at least one extra power pack are associated with each feed or bedding distributing truck. Moreover, for handling and transporting the power pack when replacing it there is provided a wheeled transport auxiliary appliance provided with a hydraulic or mechanical lifting device that enables unencumbered handling and transport of the power pack back and forth between the truck and the battery charging station. The auxiliary transport tool enables rapid and easy exchange of the battery. The battery charging station and the extra power pack will enable setting the battery to recharge while the feed or bedding distributing truck is still operating with the other recently charged power pack. In this way, the work with feeding and bedding can continue independently of the time it takes to recharge the power pack.

In a particular embodiment, the truck is equipped with an electric coupling device that enables performing connection of the power pack to the electric propulsion system. In this way, the power pack achieves a supplementing function as backup for the propulsion battery in cases where the latter is discharged or almost discharged. In such extreme situations the feeding and bedding work can be performed without unnecessary interruptions for recharging the propulsion batteries.

For very demanding tasks, e.g. with feeding or bedding work on very large mink or fur farms, according to the invention it can be an advantage to equip the feed or bedding distributing truck with a trailer coupled to the rear of the truck. Up to several power packs can be carried on the trailer, and via a flexible electric cable the former can be connected with the electric drive system of the truck. The truck can thereby attain an almost unlimited range, both with regard to driving distance and with regard to operating capacity.

A somehow corresponding property can be achieved by a feed or bedding distributing truck of the hybrid type indicated in claim 10. The hybrid drive system of the truck includes, besides the permanent, rechargeable propulsion batteries and the replaceable power pack, a relatively small combustion engine driving an electric generator. The engine can be a petrol, diesel or gas engine. The power pack and/or rechargeable propulsion batteries of the truck can by means of the engine-driven generator be recharged in a way known per se simultaneously with operating the truck. The result is that the range of the truck becomes unlimited, both with regard to driving distance and with regard to operating capacity.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following in connection with the drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an electrified feed truck in a first embodiment according to the invention, shown schematically in a side view;

Fig. 2 shows the same feed truck from the front;

Fig. 3 shows a power pack carrier frame belonging to the feed truck, in a separate perspective view;

Fig. 4 shows the power pack obliquely in a perspective view from the side;

Fig. 5 shows an auxiliary tool for manual handling of the power pack at battery exchange in a schematic side view; and

Fig. 6 shows an electrified feed truck in a second embodiment where a number of power packs are carried in a trailer coupled to the feed truck, in a side view.

In the embodiment shown on Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, the feed truck essentially comprises a chassis 1, a set of front wheels 2 and a set of rear wheels 3, a feed hopper 4, a driver position 5 with seat 6 and steering wheel 7, a flexible feed dosing hose 8, and a front-mounted carrier frame 9 for a power pack 10. The feed truck is articulated in that the chassis is two-part with a front end la and a rear end lb. The two chassis parts are connected in a common pivot joint 11 located about at the middle of the chassis. The feed hopper 4 is mounted at the rear chassis part lb, and the driver's seat 6 is located on the front chassis part la. An inclined stand 12 is provided immediately in front of the seat 6, serving as dashboard and as support for the wheel 7.

The chassis 1 is made of plate welded into a box-shape. In this way, inside the chassis appear a front and a rear cavity in which the feed pump, hydraulic system, hydraulic pump with associated electric motor, propulsion battery and other technical components of the feed truck are provided. The components in question are not shown on the drawing.

The carrier frame 9 for the power pack 10 is mounted at the front of the chassis 1. The carrier frame 9 is constituted by a rectangular sectional steel frame 13 provided with a bottom piece 14 at each side, and where at the two side members 15 of the frame at each side of the frame there is provided a pivotable retainer member 16. The two retainer members can be opened laterally (not shown) whereby the power pack 10 can be inserted into or removed from the carrier frame 9. In the closed condition (as shown on the drawing) the retainer members grip around the power pack, whereby the power pack is retained. The retainer members 16 are provided with not shown locking mechanisms that secure the closed position of the retainer members.

A power pack 10 of the type mentioned here is usually composed of a number of individual batteries in order to achieve the required electric voltage and capacity. The individual batteries are encapsulated in a closed housing 17 of plate metal. In this case, the housing 17 is designed as a flat box that fits into the carrier frame 9. At the top of the housing 17 there is provided a coupling device 18 where electrical connection to the feed truck itself is provided by means of a not shown cable.

The propulsion system of the feed truck includes a wheel motor mounted internally of the rear chassis part lb. The wheel motor is supplied with electricity from a set of permanently mounted lead-acid batteries provided in the front or the rear chassis part la or lb. The batteries provide the truck with a total driving time of 8 - 10 hours, which in most cases is quite sufficient for the task to be performed by the truck.

The truck is provided with a hydraulic system, the hydraulic pump of which is driven by an electric motor supplied with electric current from the power pack. The hydraulic pump runs continuously as long as the truck is operating. The hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic motor driving the feed pump of the truck. Furthermore, the hydraulic system includes one or more solenoid valves by which the hydraulic feed pump motor can be activated and deactivated. The solenoid valves enable controlling the feed pump motor in such a way that the feed is pumped out in precisely measured portions. The pumping occurs in short intervals during the passage of the feed truck of the mink cages set up in rows on the mink farm. The feed hose 8 is constantly open during the feeding process; it is only the feed pump that determines the amount of feed given off at each pumping interval via the feed hose.

The short reaction time of the solenoid valves provides the pumping system with an extremely rapid response, which is a condition for achieving the intended precision in the feed dosage. An exact feed apportioning to the individual cages is decisive for the economy of mink farming and for the welfare of the animals. In the intermediate periods where no feed is pumped out, the solenoid valves of the hydraulic system together with a bypass connection ensure circulation from hydraulic pump to tank. In this way it is avoided that the hydraulic pump consumes power for unnecessary idle running under counterpressure. The principle of the hydraulic system contributes to the most efficient use of the available ampere-hours of the power pack 10 so that the operating time of each power pack is extended as much as possible.

The auxiliary tool 20 shown in Fig. 5 is used when the power pack 10 is to be exchanged. The tool is essentially comprised of a sectional steel frame 21 having a horizontal base frame 22 with a vertical column 23 mounted thereon. A fork member 24 is arranged vertically slidable on the column. The fork member 24 can be moved up and down by means of a manually operated grip 25. In use, the tool with the fork member 24 is moved in under the power pack 10 which is then lifted off the carrier frame 9 by means of the grip 25. The power pack can now be moved up to the charging station and placed therein.

Fig. 6 shows the electrified feed truck in a second embodiment where a number of power pack batteries 10 are carried in a trailer 30, which is coupled to the rear of the feed truck. The drawing is immediately intelligible and will therefore not be explained in detail here.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown on the drawings and described above. Other design details and other constructive solutions for the individual components of the feed truck and accessories may be envisaged within the scope of the present invention, as well as application of the truck may be envisaged extended to other areas than the one indicated. Other electrically powered work tools and vehicles of corresponding nature, e.g. trucks for bedding distribution, sweeping and transport tasks in the stable, can be adapted according to the same concept as described above, i.e. with both drive line and operating functions fully electrified.

Claims

1. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck, particularly for use on fur farms, specifically of the kind where the truck is equipped with a set of permanent, rechargeable batteries for electric propulsion of the truck, and where other mechanical functions of the truck such as feed pump, feed mixer, bedding dispensing apparatus etc. are driven hydraulically by means of a hydraulic pump coupled to a petrol-, diesel- or gas-driven auxiliary engine incorporated in the truck, characterised in that apart from the permanent set of propulsion batteries, the feed or bedding distributing truck is equipped with a replaceable high capacity battery (10) of rechargeable type, and that the various operating functions of the truck are powered electrically by means of this battery via one or more electric motors that are either coupled directly to the respective mechanical operating function or are operating indirectly via a hydraulic system, the pump function of which being driven by an electric motor powered by the high capacity battery (10).

2. A battery-powered feed truck according to claim 1, characterised in that the feed truck is adapted with a hydraulic system at least including:

- a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor supplied with electric current from the power pack (10);

- one or more hydraulic solenoid valves with short response time;

- a hydraulic motor driving the feed pump of the feed truck and which can be activated and deactivated by means of the hydraulic solenoid valves;

- an oil tank for hydraulic oil; and

- a bypass connection between the hydraulic pump and the oil tank for direct pressure relief of the hydraulic pump in periods of time where the hydraulic motor of the feed pump is deactivated, i.e. in periods of time where no feed is discharged.

3. A battery-powered feed truck according to claim 1, characterised in that the replaceable high capacity battery (10) is a battery of the lithium- ion or nickel-ion type, or of a corresponding rechargeable type of battery with high capacity relative to size and weight.

4. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that the replaceable high capacity battery is encapsulated as a separate unit in the form of a compact power pack (10), and that this power pack is mounted easily accessible, preferably externally of the truck, for example at the front or rear end of the truck.

5. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to claim 4, characterised in that the replaceable power pack (10) is suspended by a carrier frame (9) formed on the truck and secured thereon by means of one or more quick-acting fasteners (16) of a type that may be operated manually without use of tools, or secured to the carrier frame in other suitable ways.

6. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterised in that at least one battery charging station and at least one extra power pack (10) are associated with each feed or bedding distributing truck, and that for handling and transporting the power pack for replacement thereof there is provided a wheeled transport auxiliary appliance (20) provided with a hydraulic or mechanical lifting device (25), enabling unencumbered handling and transport of the power pack back and forth between the truck and the battery charging station.

7. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to one or more of claims 1-6, characterised in that the truck is equipped with an electric coupling device that enables performing coupling of the power pack (10) to the electric propulsion system such that the power pack achieves a supplementary function as backup for the propulsion battery in cases where the latter has been discharged or almost discharged of power.

8. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to one or more of claims 1-7, characterised in that the truck is equipped with a double set of power packs (10), and that the two power packs in this double set can be coupled to the electric system of the truck and are separately replaceable.

9. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to claim 1, characterised in that a trailer (30) is associated with the truck, coupled to the truck at the rear, and that the trailer is adapted to carry one or more power packs (10) coupled to the electric drive system of the truck via a flexible electric cable.

10. A battery-powered feed or bedding distributing truck according to claim 1, characterised in that the truck is adapted with a hybrid drive system where besides the permanent, rechargeable propulsion batteries and the replaceable power pack (10) there is inserted a relatively small combustion engine (petrol-, diesel or gas engine) driving an electric generator, by which the power pack and/or rechargeable propulsion batteries are continually charged while the truck is operating.