GB2496294A - System monitoring rotational direction of mixing drum mounted on a vehicle - Google Patents
System monitoring rotational direction of mixing drum mounted on a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2496294A GB2496294A GB1219339.7A GB201219339A GB2496294A GB 2496294 A GB2496294 A GB 2496294A GB 201219339 A GB201219339 A GB 201219339A GB 2496294 A GB2496294 A GB 2496294A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- text
- drum
- monitoring device
- rotation
- indication
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005043 peripheral vision Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28C—PREPARING CLAY; PRODUCING MIXTURES CONTAINING CLAY OR CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28C5/00—Apparatus or methods for producing mixtures of cement with other substances, e.g. slurries, mortars, porous or fibrous compositions
- B28C5/42—Apparatus specially adapted for being mounted on vehicles with provision for mixing during transport
- B28C5/4203—Details; Accessories
- B28C5/4206—Control apparatus; Drive systems, e.g. coupled to the vehicle drive-system
- B28C5/422—Controlling or measuring devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/16—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying mixed concrete, e.g. having rotatable drums
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Preparation Of Clay, And Manufacture Of Mixtures Containing Clay Or Cement (AREA)
- Indicating Or Recording The Presence, Absence, Or Direction Of Movement (AREA)
Abstract
A system for indicating the direction of rotation of a truck-mounted concrete mixer drum 12 is disclosed. The system comprises at least one monitoring device 14, 16 adapted to sense a condition indicative of the direction of the rotation of a truck-mounted concrete mixer drum 12 and at least one indication device 18 adapted to indicate the drum is rotating in a discharge and/or charge direction. The at least one indicator 18 device being adapted to be located within the cab of the truck-mounted concrete mixer. The indicator may be a light, LED, audible or tactile / haptic device such as a vibrator or a heat source. The monitoring device may be adapted to monitor a drum control system, the flow of oil to a drum control system, hydraulic pressure, a change in direction of a fluid. There may be a plurality of monitoring devices.
Description
Improved Indication System
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved indication system for a truck-mounted concrete mixer. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an indication system for indicating the direction of rotation of the mixer drum.
Background to the Invention
Truck-mounted concrete mixers are widely used in the construction industry for delivering concrete to a construction site in a ready mixed form. The drum of the truck-mounted concrete mixer can rotate in either a clockwise direction or an anticlockwise direction depending on whether or not the drum is being charged with concrete or concrete is to be discharged from the drum.
Inside the drum there are a series of blades which, when the drum is rotating in one direction will mix the concrete to prevent separation and draw the concrete in to the body of the drum, and when the drum is rotating in the opposite direction will blade the concrete to the drum outlet and discharge the concrete from the drum.
During transit of a load of concrete by a truck-mounted concrete mixer, it is necessary to agitate the load of concrete to prevent separation of the component parts. The direction of rotation of the drum s normally controlled by movement of a lever in the driver's cab from a neutral position in which the drum is stationary to one of two rotation positions relating to charge and discharge.
In alternative configurations the mixer pump is electrically operated and if the pump malfunctions it can change drum direction without the operator being aware of the change.
The driver, whilst in transit, can normally check his mirrors to see if the drum is turning and in which direction. However, if he is incorrect in his assessment of the direction of rotation of the drum, he could be discharging concrete onto the road as he is driving.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for indicating the direction of rotation of a truck-mounted concrete mixer drum, the system comprising: at least one monitoring device adapted to sense an environmental condition indicative of the direction of the rotation of a truck-mounted concrete mixer drum, and at least one indication device adapted to indicate the drum is rotating in a discharge and/or charge direction, the at least one indicator device being adapted to be located within the cab of the truck-mounted concrete mixer.
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided which will indicate to the driver of the truck-mounted concrete mixer that the drum is rotating in the charge direction and that it is safe to drive without depositing concrete on the road. Providing the indicator device inside the cab removes the possibility of error which can occur by observation of rotation by the driver in his wing mirrors and can also be positioned within the truck cab so that the driver can receive this indication in his peripheral vision, without the need to take his eyes off the road.
The at least one indication device may comprise a light source. The light source maybe a bulb, LED or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the indication device may be audible. Further alternatively or additionally, the indication device may be tactile such as a variable heat source or vibration transmitted to the driver.
In one embodiment there may be a plurality of indication devices. The at least one indication device may indicate the drum is rotating in the discharge direction.
The at least one indication device may indicate the drum is rotating in the charge direction. The at least one indication device may indicate the drum is stationary or in neutral.
The at least one indication device may indicate the speed of rotation of the drum in a discharge or charge direction. This is particularly useful as the speed of rotation can vary depending on the engine speed. If the driver is driving with the drum rotating slowly in the charge direction, and he speeds up, the hydraulic system which controls the drum also pumps more quickly and unless the driver manually restricts the flow of oil in the hydraulic control system then the drum will rotate more quickly. The life of the drum is directly related to the speed of rotation and fast rotation results in increased wear on the drum and the blades. The speed of rotation of the drum may be indicated by an increase or decrease in intensity of the indication to the driver. For example the brightness of lights, the number of lights, an increase in vibration or sound or the like.
The at least one monitoring device may be adapted to monitor an input to a drum control system. For example, the at least one monitoring device may be adapted to monitor the flow of oil to the drum control system. In such an embodiment, the at least one monitoring device may be adapted to detect a change in hydraulic pressure and/or the at least one monitoring device may be adapted to detect a change in the direction of movement of a liquid. Particularly, the at least one monitoring device may detect a change in the direction of oil flow as the direction of rotation changes.
Alternatively the at least one monitoring device may be adapted to monitor the drum control system. The speed and direction of the motor which drives the drum can be monitored using a proximity monitoring device.
In a further alternative, the at least one monitoring device may be adapted to monitor the drum itself. The speed and direction of the drum can also be monitored using a proximity monitoring device.
In one embodiment, the system utilises a plurality of monitoring devices. At least one monitoring device may be associated with a different indicator of drum rotation. In such an arrangement, information from the monitoring devices can be analysed to check for problems and to ensure the correct information has been provided to the driver.
The system may further comprise a drum speed regulator. In such an arrangement, as the driver varies the speed of the vehicle, system may counter the associated increase or decrease in the flow of oil to the drum control system to maintain a constant drum speed.
The system may be adapted to isolate the engine to prevent the vehicle being driven when the drum rotation is in the charge direction.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic of an improved indication system for indicating the direction of rotation of a drum mounted concrete mixer drum, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a front view of the indicator panel of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic of an improved indication system for indicating the direction of rotation of a drum mounted concrete mixer drum, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a schematic of an improved indication system for indicating the direction of rotation of a drum mounted concrete mixer drum, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Reference is firstly made to Figure 1 is a schematic of an improved indication system, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, for indicating the direction of rotation of a drum mounted concrete mixer drum, 12. The mixer drum 12 is controlled by a drum motor 50. Drum motor itself is controlled by the flow of hydraulic fluid from hydraulic pump 52 which in turn is driven by the engine 54 of the truck-mounted concrete mixer. As the engine 54 runs, the hydraulic pump 52 pumps oil to the drum motor 50. The hydraulic pump 52 includes a swash plate 56 which is manually controlled by the truck driver from the cabin. Movement of the swash plate 56 directs the flow of oil down a first conduit 58 or a second conduit 60, both conduits 58, 60, leading to the drum motor 50. The rotation of the drum 12 is determined by which conduit 58, 60 is delivering a flow of oil to the drum motor 50 and the pressure of said oil flaw.
The system 10 comprises a monitoring device 14 in the form of a proximity sensor 16, an indication device 18 and a data processor 20. The sensor l6is adapted to register the movement of markings (not shown) on the drum surface and teed this information back to the data processor 20 which processes the information and displays a visual representation of this information on indication device 18.
Referring to Figure 2, a front view of the indication device 18, the device 18 comprises seven lights 21-27. The central light 2lis a neutral light used to indicate that the drum 12 is stationary and the proximity sensor 16 is detecting no movement of the drum markings. Should the proximity sensor 16 detect a movement, this information is fed to the data processor 20 which extinguishes the neutral light 21 and illuminates one or more ot either of a set of charge lights 25 -27 or discharge lights 22-24 depending on the direction and speed of the drum 12 rotation. There are three discharge lights 22, 23, 24 and three charge lights 25, 26, 27. When the charge or discharge light 22,25 closest to the neutral light 21 is illuminated, this indicates the drum 12 is rotating at a speed below a predetermined lower threshold speed, in the one of the charge or discharge directions respectively. Once the lower threshold speed of rotation has been exceeded but is below a higher threshold speed, the relevant middle charge or discharge light 23, 26 will also be illuminated and once the drum 12 exceeds the higher predetermined threshold speed, all three charge lights 22, 23, 24 or discharge lights 25, 26, 27 will be illuminated depending on the direction of rotation. In this way the driver of the truck mounted concrete mixer can tell the direction and speed of the drum rotation from an indication device mounted to his dashboard or some appropriate place.
Reference is now made to Figure 3, a schematic of an improved indication system 110 according to a second embodiment ot the present invention. The system 110 is similar to the system 10 of the first embodiment, the primary difference being the inclusion of two monitoring devices 114 in the form a first flow meter 11 6a and a second flow meter 11 6b. The first and second flow meters 116 measure the flow of oil through the first and second conduits 158, 160 respectively, a flow through one conduit 158, 160 indicating the drum 112 is rotating in one direction and the flow in the other conduit 158, 160 indicating the drum 112 is rotating in the other direction.
Flow in neither conduit 158, 160 indicates that the drum 112 is not rotating and is, therefore, in neutral.
Referring to Figure 4, a further embodiment of an improved indication system 210 is shown schematically. The system of the third embodiment incorporates the features of the first and second embodiments. There are therefore three monitoring devices; the first and second flow meters 21 6a, 21 6b which monitor the flow of oil to the drum motor 250, and the proximity sensor 21 6c which detects movement of the drum 250 through monitoring markings on the drum surface (not shown).
The advantage of the this system 210 is that it is monitoring both the input to the drum motor 250 and the outputs from the drum 212 itself, providing information which the data processor 220 can compare to check the monitoring devices 214 are working correctly. For example should the proximity sensor 216c indicate the drum 250 is moving, but neither of the flow meters 21 6a, 21 6b are indicating a flow of oil, there is a problem with one of the flow meters 21 6a, 21 6b. Similarly, if there is a flow of oil to the drum motor 250 but the proximity sensor 21 6c is not registering movement of the drum 212, this suggests the proximity sensor 21 6c has malfunctioned or, more seriously, the transmission between the drum motor 250 and the drum 212 has failed.
Various modifications and improvements may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the data processor could be linked to the engine transmission to prevent the vehicle being driven above a pre-determined speed whilst the concrete is discharging. In other alternative embodiments, sound or vibration could be used to indicate to the driver that the concrete drum is rotating in the discharge direction.
Claims (1)
- <claim-text>Claims A system for indicating the direction of rotation of a truck-mounted concrete mixer drum, the system comprising: at least one monitoring device adapted to sense an environmental condition indicative of the direction of the rotation of a truck-mounted concrete mixer drum, and at least one indication device adapted to indicate the drum is rotating in a discharge and/or charge direction, the at least one indicator device being adapted to be located within the cab of the truck-mounted concrete mixer.</claim-text> <claim-text>2 The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one indication device comprises a light source.</claim-text> <claim-text>3 The system of claim 2, wherein the light source is a bulb, LED or the like.</claim-text> <claim-text>4 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the indication device is audible.</claim-text> <claim-text>The system of any preceding claim, wherein the indication device is tactile such as a variable heat source or vibration transmitted to the driver.</claim-text> <claim-text>6 The system of any preceding claim, wherein there is a plurality of indication devices.</claim-text> <claim-text>7 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one indication device indicates the drum is rotating in the discharge direction.</claim-text> <claim-text>8 The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one indication device indicates the drum is rotating in the charge direction.</claim-text> <claim-text>9 The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one indication device indicates the drum is stationary or in neutral.</claim-text> <claim-text>The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one indication device indicates the speed of rotation of the drum in a discharge or charge direction.</claim-text> <claim-text>11 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to monitor an input to a drum control system.</claim-text> <claim-text>12 The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to monitortheflowofoiltothedrum control system.</claim-text> <claim-text>13 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to detect a change in hydraulic pressure 14 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to detect a change in the direction of movement of a liquid.The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one monitoring device detects a change in the direction of oil flow as the direction of rotation changes.16 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to monitor the drum control system.17 The system of claim 16, wherein the system comprises a proximity monitoring device adapted to monitor the speed and direction of a drum motor.18 The system of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one monitoring device is adapted to monitor the drum itself.19 The system of any preceding claim wherein the system utilises a plurality of monitoring devices.The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a drum speed regulator.21 The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is adapted to isolate a mixer engine to prevent the mixer being driven when the drum rotation is in the discharge direction.</claim-text>
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB1118629.3A GB201118629D0 (en) | 2011-10-28 | 2011-10-28 | Improved indicator device |
GBGB1118951.1A GB201118951D0 (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2011-11-03 | Improved indicator device |
GBGB1210618.3A GB201210618D0 (en) | 2012-06-14 | 2012-06-14 | Improved indication system |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB201219339D0 GB201219339D0 (en) | 2012-12-12 |
GB2496294A true GB2496294A (en) | 2013-05-08 |
GB2496294B GB2496294B (en) | 2018-12-19 |
Family
ID=47358737
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB1219339.7A Active GB2496294B (en) | 2011-10-28 | 2012-10-27 | Improved indication system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2496294B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140198599A1 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2014-07-17 | Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. | Mixer truck |
CN105269685A (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2016-01-27 | 洛阳市黄河软轴控制器股份有限公司 | Electronic control system for mixing drum of mixing truck |
CN105442851A (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2016-03-30 | 河海大学 | Real-time and intelligent judgment device and method for valid vibration depth and state of concrete |
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JPS59209930A (en) * | 1983-05-12 | 1984-11-28 | Shin Meiwa Ind Co Ltd | Rotation control device for driven bodies for vehicle |
EP1961538A2 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2008-08-27 | Eugenio Bonilla Benegas | Automatic system for monitoring the mixing of conglomerates |
CN201784053U (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2011-04-06 | 三一重工股份有限公司 | Mixer truck unloading monitoring system and concrete mixer truck with same |
CN102314155A (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2012-01-11 | 三一重工股份有限公司 | Mixer truck discharging monitoring system and concrete mixer truck with system |
FR2964745A1 (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-16 | Ijinus | Parameter i.e. rotation direction, measuring device for concrete mixer of concrete transit mix vehicle, has sensor measuring rotation direction of concrete mixer, and storing unit recording measurements measured by sensor |
CN202439115U (en) * | 2012-01-12 | 2012-09-19 | 中国国际海运集装箱(集团)股份有限公司 | Online monitoring device and system for rotating speed and rotating direction of agitating lorry tank body |
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US3219804A (en) * | 1962-06-13 | 1965-11-23 | Connecticut Res Associates Inc | Control instrument |
US3496343A (en) * | 1966-06-27 | 1970-02-17 | Jaeger Machine Co | Apparatus for counting revolutions within a predetermined speed range |
CA2555628C (en) * | 2004-02-13 | 2014-12-02 | Rs Solutions, Llc | Method and system for calculating and reporting slump in delivery vehicles |
US8020431B2 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2011-09-20 | Verifi, LLC | Method and system for calculating and reporting slump in delivery vehicles |
JP5688208B2 (en) * | 2009-03-26 | 2015-03-25 | カヤバ工業株式会社 | Mixer truck |
CN101941245A (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2011-01-12 | 三一重工股份有限公司 | Mixing station and mixing vehicle state monitoring system and method thereof |
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2012
- 2012-10-27 GB GB1219339.7A patent/GB2496294B/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS59209930A (en) * | 1983-05-12 | 1984-11-28 | Shin Meiwa Ind Co Ltd | Rotation control device for driven bodies for vehicle |
EP1961538A2 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2008-08-27 | Eugenio Bonilla Benegas | Automatic system for monitoring the mixing of conglomerates |
CN201784053U (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2011-04-06 | 三一重工股份有限公司 | Mixer truck unloading monitoring system and concrete mixer truck with same |
CN102314155A (en) * | 2010-07-02 | 2012-01-11 | 三一重工股份有限公司 | Mixer truck discharging monitoring system and concrete mixer truck with system |
FR2964745A1 (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-03-16 | Ijinus | Parameter i.e. rotation direction, measuring device for concrete mixer of concrete transit mix vehicle, has sensor measuring rotation direction of concrete mixer, and storing unit recording measurements measured by sensor |
CN202439115U (en) * | 2012-01-12 | 2012-09-19 | 中国国际海运集装箱(集团)股份有限公司 | Online monitoring device and system for rotating speed and rotating direction of agitating lorry tank body |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140198599A1 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2014-07-17 | Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. | Mixer truck |
CN105269685A (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2016-01-27 | 洛阳市黄河软轴控制器股份有限公司 | Electronic control system for mixing drum of mixing truck |
CN105442851A (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2016-03-30 | 河海大学 | Real-time and intelligent judgment device and method for valid vibration depth and state of concrete |
CN105442851B (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2017-11-03 | 河海大学 | Effectively vibrate depth and state real-time intelligent of concrete judges device and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2496294B (en) | 2018-12-19 |
GB201219339D0 (en) | 2012-12-12 |
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