GB977871A - Improvements in or relating to mobile cranes and other vehicles having a movable superstructure - Google Patents

Abstract

977,871. Motor vehicle driving arrangements; controlling vehicles. J. N. A. BLATCHFORD. June 15, 1962 [March 15, 1961], No. 9480/61. Heading B7H. A vehicle having a movable superstructure e.g. a mobile crane, truck-mounted service platform or a fire engine, has a mechanical transmission and an alternative hydraulic transmission controlled from the hoisting device, e.g. the crane jib. As shown, the vehicle comprises an engine 6 having a change-speed gear 2 from which a drive is taken through a transfer gear-box 1 to the vehicle wheels. The change-speed gear 2 has a power-take-off device 8 from which an hydraulic pump 7 is driven, fluid being supplied from a reservoir 9 through a filter 10 and delivered to a valve assembly 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e, the latter controlling the delivery through lines 19 to an hydraulic motor 3 connected to the gear-box 1, the connections of motor 3 and change-speed gear 2 to gear-box 1 each including a disconnectible coupling 4, e.g. a dog clutch or sliding gear, operable simultaneously by a lever 5 so that both drives cannot be connected together. The valves 11a-11d control hydraulic devices 12, 13, 14 and 15, operating various apparatus of the lift mechanism and are situated on the lift device together with an auxiliary steering wheel which operates a reversible pump 21 operating a motor 22 connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle may incorporate power-assisted steering which may be disconnected by electromagnetic means upon actuation of the handle 5. Auxiliary controls 27 and 24 for the throttle and brakes respectively may also be situated on the lift device and operate hydraulically through master and slave cylinders 28 and 24. The fluid lines 23, 30 and 26 for the auxiliary steering and driving controls, and the power lines 17, 18 and 19 may all pass through a rotary distributer 20 arranged on the axis of rotation of the lift means. In a modification, Fig. 2, an axuiliary prime mover 31 driving a pump 7a, and an associated reservoir 9a, are located in the superstructure and the auxiliary apparatus 12 to 15, and the vehicle transmission are operated through a valve bank 1 1a to 11e, the lines to the transmission passing through a rotary distributer. The vehicle steering is hydraulically powerassisted, an auxiliary system in the superstructure comprising a pump 35, reservoir 33, filter 34 and control valve 36. A locking valve 37 is provided to isolate the system not in use. The auxiliary steering system may be pneumatic and powered by an auxiliary compressor 38 provided for the vehicle's brakes.