US20130168166A1 - Inverter Mounting on an Electric Drive Loader - Google Patents
Inverter Mounting on an Electric Drive Loader Download PDFInfo
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- US20130168166A1 US20130168166A1 US13/338,519 US201113338519A US2013168166A1 US 20130168166 A1 US20130168166 A1 US 20130168166A1 US 201113338519 A US201113338519 A US 201113338519A US 2013168166 A1 US2013168166 A1 US 2013168166A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/04—Arrangement of batteries
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an electric drive loader, and in particular to mounting an inverter to an electric drive loader.
- a loader can be used in construction for loading material into and onto other types of machinery.
- a conventional loader e.g., front loader, bucket loader, front end loader, etc.
- the loader can include front and rear wheels, or in alternative forms, it may include tracks.
- the loader can also include a hydraulically-actuated pivot point disposed between the front and rear axes to provide articulated steering. Articulated steering can provide enhanced maneuverability for a given wheelbase.
- a conventional loader such as the John Deere 844K Wheel Loader, can include a conventional fuel-injection engine and transmission with a torque converter.
- An example of a powertrain and drive assembly for a conventional loader is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the powertrain and drive assembly 100 includes a conventional engine 102 and torque converter transmission 104 .
- the transmission 104 can be a 5-speed transmission with torque converter lockup in different gear ranges for better acceleration, speed cycles, power and fuel efficiency during transport, and ramp climbing.
- One or more hydraulic pumps 112 can be mounted to the transmission 104 and operated at engine speed.
- the conventional loader further includes a front axle 106 and a rear axle 108 to which wheels or tracks can be mounted.
- a driveline 110 is disposed between the transmission 104 and front axle 106 and rear axle 108 for transferring power thereto.
- New technology is being introduced to provide an electric drive loader.
- new hardware and additional components are required for the electrification of the loader.
- an inverter is required for an electric drive loader to converter direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
- DC direct current
- AC alternating current
- the layout and space restrictions of the loader make it difficult to find a location for the inverter that provides adequate protection from surrounding elements.
- a work machine having a frame and a front and rear wheel axle.
- the machine includes a cab coupled to the frame such that the cab is configured to include controls for controlling the operation of the work machine.
- the machine also includes an electrically-powered drive assembly coupled to the frame and front and rear axles and an inverter electrically coupled to the electrically-powered drive assembly.
- a platform assembly is disposed adjacent the cab and coupled to the frame. The platform assembly comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.
- the outer wall substantially encloses the inverter.
- the outer wall comprises a plurality of outer walls that form an outer enclosure such that the outer enclosure defines an interior space into which the inverter is disposed.
- the outer wall can form a top step adjacent the cab.
- the electrically-powered drive assembly can include an engine; a generator coupled to the engine and adapted to convert mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy; an electric motor adapted to receive the electrical energy from the generator and convert to mechanical energy; a hybrid transmission coupled to the electric motor and adapted to receive the mechanical energy from the electric motor; and a first driveline coupled between the transmission and front wheel axle and a second driveline coupled between the transmission and rear wheel axle.
- a first electric cable can be coupled between the inverter and generator and a second electric cable coupled between the inverter and electric motor.
- a splitter box can be coupled between the engine and generator.
- a staircase entry can be provided to the cab.
- the staircase entry can include a plurality of steps and support frame coupled to the frame of the machine.
- the staircase entry can also be coupled to the platform assembly.
- the platform assembly can be disposed on the same side of the machine as an entrance to the cab.
- the outer wall of the platform assembly can include a plurality of removably coupled panels.
- the outer wall can also define a plurality of openings through which electric cables pass for coupling the inverter to the electrically-powered drive assembly.
- an electric drive loader in another embodiment, includes a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly, wherein the front frame assembly and rear frame assembly are adapted to be coupled to one another about an articulation joint.
- a front axle and a rear axle are also provided such that front ground engaging wheels are coupled to the front axle and rear ground engaging wheels are coupled to the rear axle.
- a cab is coupled to the front or rear frame and includes an entrance opening on at least one side of the loader.
- the loader further includes an engine configured to produce mechanical energy, a generator coupled to the engine and configured to convert the mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and an electric motor configured to receive the electrical energy from the generator and convert to mechanical energy.
- a hybrid transmission is coupled to the electric motor and is adapted to receive the mechanical energy from the electric motor.
- the loader includes an inverter electrically coupled to the generator and motor and a platform assembly disposed adjacent the entrance opening.
- the platform assembly is coupled to the frame and comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.
- the outer wall substantially encloses the inverter.
- the outer wall comprises a plurality of outer walls that form an outer enclosure, the outer enclosure defining an interior space into which the inverter is disposed.
- the outer wall forms a top step adjacent the entrance opening of the cab.
- the electric drive loader can include a first electric cable coupled between the inverter and generator and a second electric cable coupled between the inverter and electric motor.
- the outer wall of the platform assembly can define a plurality of openings through which the first and second electric cables pass for coupling the inverter to the generator and electric motor, respectively.
- the loader can further include a staircase to the cab, where the staircase entry comprises a plurality of steps and support frame coupled to the platform assembly.
- the platform assembly is disposed on the same side of the loader as the entrance opening.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional powertrain and drive assembly of a loader
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electric drive loader
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a packaging layout of a powertrain and drive assembly of the electric drive loader of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging layout of a powertrain and drive assembly of the electric drive loader of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a cab entrance and front platform of the loader of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of the front platform and inverter mounting location of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the cab entrance and inverter mounting location of FIG. 5 .
- a work vehicle such as a front loader 200 is shown.
- the vehicle 200 includes a front frame 202 and a rear frame assembly 204 that are pivotally joined together at an articulation pivot or joint (not shown).
- Front ground engaging wheels 206 are coupled to the front frame 202 and rear ground engaging wheels 208 are coupled to the rear frame 204 for supporting and propelling the vehicle 200 .
- the present disclosure illustrates a front loader 200 , it is not limited to such and may include other suitable work vehicles.
- the front frame assembly 102 is provided with a work implement in the form of a loader bucket 214 that is controllably coupled to the front frame assembly 202 by a coupler or mechanical linkage 216 .
- the bucket 214 can be actuated by a hydraulic cylinder 218 which is coupled to the coupler 216 .
- the front frame assembly 102 can be coupled with a pair of forks, a blade, a rotary tiller, a roller level, a rotary cutter, a trencher, and other known work implements.
- the rear frame assembly 204 can include an operator cab 210 in which an operator controls the vehicle 200 using vehicle controls 212 .
- the vehicle controls 212 can include a joystick or steering wheel for controlling movement of the front ground engaging wheels 206 and rear ground engaging wheels 208 and articulating the front frame assembly 202 relative to the rear frame assembly 204 .
- the work vehicle 200 can include a cab entrance 220 defined as an opening in the cab 210 .
- a set of steps and front platform 222 provide easy access to the operator's cab 210 .
- a rear platform 224 is also shown in FIG. 2 mounted to the rear frame 204 .
- FIG. 3 an embodiment is provided illustrating the layout of an electric powertrain and drive assembly 300 of the work vehicle 200 .
- the assembly 300 includes an engine 302 which is disposed near the rear frame 204 of the vehicle 200 .
- the engine 300 is designed to operate at an approximately constant speed for improved fuel efficiency and consistent boom and bucket response.
- the engine 300 is structured to provide power to a generator 308 and hydraulic pump 306 .
- the generator 308 and hydraulic pump 306 are disposed adjacent to one another in FIG. 3 , but in an alternative embodiment, the two components can be arranged in axial alignment or otherwise.
- a splitter box assembly 304 is coupled between the engine 302 and hydraulic pump 306 and generator 308 .
- the splitter box 304 is structured to enable the hydraulic pump 306 and generator 308 to be packaged adjacent to one another.
- the generator 308 can convert mechanical energy from the engine 302 into electrical energy.
- the generator 308 can produce alternating current (AC).
- An inverter 310 which is coupled to the generator 308 via cables 314 , can then convert the alternating current (AC) from the generator 308 into direct current (DC).
- the direct current can be used for controlling an electric motor 312 , which is also coupled to the inverter 310 via another set of cables 314 .
- the inverter 310 can converter the direct current (DC) back to alternating current (AC) and supply this to the generator 308 .
- the electric motor 312 can convert the electrical energy supplied by the generator 308 into mechanical energy to drive an electric drive transmission 316 .
- the transmission 316 can be a three-speed transmission, for example, that provides speed reduction from the motor 312 to the vehicle's driveline.
- the vehicle includes a front driveline 318 that is coupled between the transmission 316 and front axle 322 .
- the vehicle 200 includes a rear driveline 320 that is coupled between the transmission 316 and rear axle 324 .
- the packaging layout of the components in FIG. 3 is such that the inverter 310 is coupled on the opposite side of the vehicle 200 from the cab entrance 220 .
- the inverter 310 can be disposed in a location previously occupied by the vehicle's battery box (not shown).
- FIG. 4 a different packaging configuration 400 of the components is shown in FIG. 4 .
- the inverter 310 is disposed on the same side of the vehicle 200 as the cab entrance 220 .
- the inverter 310 can be disposed in a partially enclosed compartment defined by the front platform 222 .
- the routing of the high voltage cables 314 between the inverter 310 and generator 308 and motor 312 , respectively, can be desirably short.
- a brake resistor 402 Also shown in FIG. 4 is .
- the brake resistor 402 can dissipate braking energy not being used for boom and bucket functionality and further reduces brake wear and usage.
- the packaging and layout of the vehicle included tight spacing requirements for accommodating the inverter 310 .
- the inverter 310 can have approximate dimensions of 1′ ⁇ 21 ⁇ 2′ ⁇ 10′′.
- the inverter 310 can have different dimensions depending on type of vehicle and space requirements.
- the cab entrance 220 of the vehicle 200 is shown in greater detail.
- the cab entrance 220 is configured on the left side of the vehicle 200 and includes a defined opening 500 in one side of the operator's cab 210 to allow entry and exit therefrom.
- the cab entrance 220 includes the staircase entry 220 formed by a first step 504 , a second step 506 , and a third step 508 .
- the staircase entry 220 can include additional or fewer steps to gain entry to the cab entrance 220 .
- the staircase entry also includes a frame 510 to provide support to the steps.
- the front platform 222 is disposed at the top of the staircase entry 220 and adjacent to the defined cab opening 500 .
- a handle or handrail 502 can be provided for ascending/descending the steps and assisting assistance to and from the cab 210 .
- the front platform 222 can be defined by a top surface 512 , a pair of side surfaces 516 , a front surface 514 , a rear surface 600 ( FIG. 6 ), and a bottom surface 602 ( FIG. 6 ).
- the top surface 512 can include a plurality of raised dimples to provide better traction when climbing into and out of the cab 210 .
- a handle 518 can be coupled to the front surface 514 to assist with traversing the staircase entry 220 .
- the plurality of surfaces of the front platform 222 can define an interior compartment into which the inverter 310 is disposed.
- the inverter 310 can be at least partially enclosed by the plurality of surfaces to protect the inverter 310 from the surrounding environment.
- the front platform 222 also allows the inverter 310 to be disposed in a convenient location in the event it needs to be serviced or replaced. It is also conveniently located for assembly purposes.
- the rear surface 600 can define a plurality of openings through which the cables 314 can pass for coupling to the inverter 310 .
- the staircase entry frame 510 can include flanges 604 , 606 for coupling to the side of the vehicle 200 .
- a lateral frame member 610 can provide further support to the staircase entry frame 510 .
- Fasteners 608 such as bolts, screws, etc., can be used to mount the flanges 604 , 606 to the side of the vehicle 200 .
- similar fasteners 700 can be used for coupling the inverter 310 to the bottom surface 602 of the front platform 222 .
- the inverter 310 can include threaded openings for coupling to the bottom surface 602 .
- the inverter 310 can also be coupled to one of the two side surfaces 516 , top surface 512 , front surface 514 , or the rear surface 600 .
- Each of the front surface 514 , rear surface 600 , side surfaces 516 , bottom surface 602 and top surface 512 can be removably coupled panels thereby forming the front platform 222 .
- any one of the panels can be removed to perform service actions on the inverter 310 .
- the inverter 310 can be stably coupled to the platform 222 to prevent it from being damaged during vehicle operation.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
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- Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an electric drive loader, and in particular to mounting an inverter to an electric drive loader.
- Work vehicles such as a loader can be used in construction for loading material into and onto other types of machinery. A conventional loader, e.g., front loader, bucket loader, front end loader, etc., is a type of tractor with a front-mounted bucket connected to the end of two booms for scooping material from the ground. The loader can include front and rear wheels, or in alternative forms, it may include tracks. The loader can also include a hydraulically-actuated pivot point disposed between the front and rear axes to provide articulated steering. Articulated steering can provide enhanced maneuverability for a given wheelbase.
- A conventional loader, such as the John Deere 844K Wheel Loader, can include a conventional fuel-injection engine and transmission with a torque converter. An example of a powertrain and drive assembly for a conventional loader is shown in
FIG. 1 . The powertrain anddrive assembly 100 includes aconventional engine 102 andtorque converter transmission 104. Thetransmission 104 can be a 5-speed transmission with torque converter lockup in different gear ranges for better acceleration, speed cycles, power and fuel efficiency during transport, and ramp climbing. One or morehydraulic pumps 112 can be mounted to thetransmission 104 and operated at engine speed. The conventional loader further includes afront axle 106 and arear axle 108 to which wheels or tracks can be mounted. Adriveline 110 is disposed between thetransmission 104 andfront axle 106 andrear axle 108 for transferring power thereto. - New technology, however, is being introduced to provide an electric drive loader. As technology pushes toward electric drive, and away from torque converter transmissions, new hardware and additional components are required for the electrification of the loader. As a result, there are challenges in packaging the new hardware and components within the loader without changing or modifying the design of the loader. For example, an inverter is required for an electric drive loader to converter direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The layout and space restrictions of the loader, however, make it difficult to find a location for the inverter that provides adequate protection from surrounding elements.
- A need therefore exists to provide a packaging layout of an electric drive loader with an inverter that meets the space requirements of the loader and provides adequate protection to the inverter. In addition, it is desirable to package the inverter in a location that provides easy accessibility thereto for servicing, easy assembly, and a short routing of high voltage cables between the inverter and generator.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a work machine is provided having a frame and a front and rear wheel axle. The machine includes a cab coupled to the frame such that the cab is configured to include controls for controlling the operation of the work machine. The machine also includes an electrically-powered drive assembly coupled to the frame and front and rear axles and an inverter electrically coupled to the electrically-powered drive assembly. A platform assembly is disposed adjacent the cab and coupled to the frame. The platform assembly comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.
- In one aspect of this embodiment, the outer wall substantially encloses the inverter. In a different aspect, the outer wall comprises a plurality of outer walls that form an outer enclosure such that the outer enclosure defines an interior space into which the inverter is disposed. The outer wall can form a top step adjacent the cab.
- In another aspect of this embodiment, the electrically-powered drive assembly can include an engine; a generator coupled to the engine and adapted to convert mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy; an electric motor adapted to receive the electrical energy from the generator and convert to mechanical energy; a hybrid transmission coupled to the electric motor and adapted to receive the mechanical energy from the electric motor; and a first driveline coupled between the transmission and front wheel axle and a second driveline coupled between the transmission and rear wheel axle. In addition, a first electric cable can be coupled between the inverter and generator and a second electric cable coupled between the inverter and electric motor. A splitter box can be coupled between the engine and generator.
- Related to this embodiment, a staircase entry can be provided to the cab. The staircase entry can include a plurality of steps and support frame coupled to the frame of the machine. The staircase entry can also be coupled to the platform assembly. In addition, the platform assembly can be disposed on the same side of the machine as an entrance to the cab. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the outer wall of the platform assembly can include a plurality of removably coupled panels. The outer wall can also define a plurality of openings through which electric cables pass for coupling the inverter to the electrically-powered drive assembly.
- In another embodiment, an electric drive loader is provided. The electric drive loader includes a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly, wherein the front frame assembly and rear frame assembly are adapted to be coupled to one another about an articulation joint. A front axle and a rear axle are also provided such that front ground engaging wheels are coupled to the front axle and rear ground engaging wheels are coupled to the rear axle. A cab is coupled to the front or rear frame and includes an entrance opening on at least one side of the loader. The loader further includes an engine configured to produce mechanical energy, a generator coupled to the engine and configured to convert the mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and an electric motor configured to receive the electrical energy from the generator and convert to mechanical energy. A hybrid transmission is coupled to the electric motor and is adapted to receive the mechanical energy from the electric motor. The loader includes an inverter electrically coupled to the generator and motor and a platform assembly disposed adjacent the entrance opening. The platform assembly is coupled to the frame and comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.
- In one aspect of this embodiment, the outer wall substantially encloses the inverter. In another aspect, the outer wall comprises a plurality of outer walls that form an outer enclosure, the outer enclosure defining an interior space into which the inverter is disposed. In a different aspect, the outer wall forms a top step adjacent the entrance opening of the cab.
- The electric drive loader can include a first electric cable coupled between the inverter and generator and a second electric cable coupled between the inverter and electric motor. The outer wall of the platform assembly can define a plurality of openings through which the first and second electric cables pass for coupling the inverter to the generator and electric motor, respectively. The loader can further include a staircase to the cab, where the staircase entry comprises a plurality of steps and support frame coupled to the platform assembly. In addition, the platform assembly is disposed on the same side of the loader as the entrance opening.
- The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional powertrain and drive assembly of a loader; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electric drive loader; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a packaging layout of a powertrain and drive assembly of the electric drive loader ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging layout of a powertrain and drive assembly of the electric drive loader ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a cab entrance and front platform of the loader ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of the front platform and inverter mounting location ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the cab entrance and inverter mounting location ofFIG. 5 . - Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
- The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.
- With reference to
FIG. 2 of the present disclosure, a work vehicle such as afront loader 200 is shown. Thevehicle 200 includes afront frame 202 and arear frame assembly 204 that are pivotally joined together at an articulation pivot or joint (not shown). Frontground engaging wheels 206 are coupled to thefront frame 202 and rearground engaging wheels 208 are coupled to therear frame 204 for supporting and propelling thevehicle 200. Although the present disclosure illustrates afront loader 200, it is not limited to such and may include other suitable work vehicles. - The
front frame assembly 102 is provided with a work implement in the form of aloader bucket 214 that is controllably coupled to thefront frame assembly 202 by a coupler ormechanical linkage 216. Thebucket 214 can be actuated by ahydraulic cylinder 218 which is coupled to thecoupler 216. In other embodiments, thefront frame assembly 102 can be coupled with a pair of forks, a blade, a rotary tiller, a roller level, a rotary cutter, a trencher, and other known work implements. Therear frame assembly 204 can include anoperator cab 210 in which an operator controls thevehicle 200 using vehicle controls 212. The vehicle controls 212 can include a joystick or steering wheel for controlling movement of the frontground engaging wheels 206 and rearground engaging wheels 208 and articulating thefront frame assembly 202 relative to therear frame assembly 204. - The
work vehicle 200 can include acab entrance 220 defined as an opening in thecab 210. A set of steps andfront platform 222 provide easy access to the operator'scab 210. Arear platform 224 is also shown inFIG. 2 mounted to therear frame 204. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , an embodiment is provided illustrating the layout of an electric powertrain and drive assembly 300 of thework vehicle 200. Theassembly 300 includes anengine 302 which is disposed near therear frame 204 of thevehicle 200. Theengine 300 is designed to operate at an approximately constant speed for improved fuel efficiency and consistent boom and bucket response. Theengine 300 is structured to provide power to agenerator 308 andhydraulic pump 306. Thegenerator 308 andhydraulic pump 306 are disposed adjacent to one another inFIG. 3 , but in an alternative embodiment, the two components can be arranged in axial alignment or otherwise. InFIG. 3 , asplitter box assembly 304 is coupled between theengine 302 andhydraulic pump 306 andgenerator 308. Thesplitter box 304 is structured to enable thehydraulic pump 306 andgenerator 308 to be packaged adjacent to one another. - During operation, the
generator 308 can convert mechanical energy from theengine 302 into electrical energy. Thegenerator 308 can produce alternating current (AC). Aninverter 310, which is coupled to thegenerator 308 viacables 314, can then convert the alternating current (AC) from thegenerator 308 into direct current (DC). The direct current can be used for controlling anelectric motor 312, which is also coupled to theinverter 310 via another set ofcables 314. Theinverter 310 can converter the direct current (DC) back to alternating current (AC) and supply this to thegenerator 308. Theelectric motor 312 can convert the electrical energy supplied by thegenerator 308 into mechanical energy to drive anelectric drive transmission 316. Thetransmission 316 can be a three-speed transmission, for example, that provides speed reduction from themotor 312 to the vehicle's driveline. InFIG. 3 , the vehicle includes afront driveline 318 that is coupled between thetransmission 316 andfront axle 322. Similarly, thevehicle 200 includes arear driveline 320 that is coupled between thetransmission 316 andrear axle 324. - The packaging layout of the components in
FIG. 3 is such that theinverter 310 is coupled on the opposite side of thevehicle 200 from thecab entrance 220. Here, theinverter 310 can be disposed in a location previously occupied by the vehicle's battery box (not shown). - In an alternative embodiment, a
different packaging configuration 400 of the components is shown inFIG. 4 . In thisconfiguration 400, theinverter 310 is disposed on the same side of thevehicle 200 as thecab entrance 220. In particular, and as will be further described, theinverter 310 can be disposed in a partially enclosed compartment defined by thefront platform 222. In this location, the routing of thehigh voltage cables 314 between theinverter 310 andgenerator 308 andmotor 312, respectively, can be desirably short. Also shown inFIG. 4 is abrake resistor 402. Thebrake resistor 402 can dissipate braking energy not being used for boom and bucket functionality and further reduces brake wear and usage. - With the conventional torque converter transmission being replaced by an electric
hybrid transmission 316, the packaging and layout of the vehicle included tight spacing requirements for accommodating theinverter 310. In a non-limiting embodiment, theinverter 310 can have approximate dimensions of 1′×2½′×10″. Theinverter 310 can have different dimensions depending on type of vehicle and space requirements. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , thecab entrance 220 of thevehicle 200 is shown in greater detail. Thecab entrance 220 is configured on the left side of thevehicle 200 and includes a definedopening 500 in one side of the operator'scab 210 to allow entry and exit therefrom. In addition, thecab entrance 220 includes thestaircase entry 220 formed by afirst step 504, asecond step 506, and athird step 508. In other embodiments, thestaircase entry 220 can include additional or fewer steps to gain entry to thecab entrance 220. The staircase entry also includes aframe 510 to provide support to the steps. Thefront platform 222 is disposed at the top of thestaircase entry 220 and adjacent to the definedcab opening 500. A handle orhandrail 502 can be provided for ascending/descending the steps and assisting assistance to and from thecab 210. - The
front platform 222 can be defined by atop surface 512, a pair of side surfaces 516, afront surface 514, a rear surface 600 (FIG. 6 ), and a bottom surface 602 (FIG. 6 ). Thetop surface 512 can include a plurality of raised dimples to provide better traction when climbing into and out of thecab 210. In addition, ahandle 518 can be coupled to thefront surface 514 to assist with traversing thestaircase entry 220. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , the plurality of surfaces of thefront platform 222 can define an interior compartment into which theinverter 310 is disposed. Theinverter 310 can be at least partially enclosed by the plurality of surfaces to protect theinverter 310 from the surrounding environment. Thefront platform 222 also allows theinverter 310 to be disposed in a convenient location in the event it needs to be serviced or replaced. It is also conveniently located for assembly purposes. Therear surface 600 can define a plurality of openings through which thecables 314 can pass for coupling to theinverter 310. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thestaircase entry frame 510 can includeflanges vehicle 200. Alateral frame member 610 can provide further support to thestaircase entry frame 510.Fasteners 608, such as bolts, screws, etc., can be used to mount theflanges vehicle 200. InFIG. 7 ,similar fasteners 700 can be used for coupling theinverter 310 to thebottom surface 602 of thefront platform 222. For example, theinverter 310 can include threaded openings for coupling to thebottom surface 602. Theinverter 310 can also be coupled to one of the twoside surfaces 516,top surface 512,front surface 514, or therear surface 600. Each of thefront surface 514,rear surface 600, side surfaces 516,bottom surface 602 andtop surface 512 can be removably coupled panels thereby forming thefront platform 222. In this instance, any one of the panels can be removed to perform service actions on theinverter 310. In any event, theinverter 310 can be stably coupled to theplatform 222 to prevent it from being damaged during vehicle operation. - While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
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US13/338,519 US8474560B1 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2011-12-28 | Inverter mounting on an electric drive loader |
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US13/338,519 US8474560B1 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2011-12-28 | Inverter mounting on an electric drive loader |
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US8474560B1 US8474560B1 (en) | 2013-07-02 |
US20130168166A1 true US20130168166A1 (en) | 2013-07-04 |
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DE102014003375A1 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2015-09-10 | Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar Sas | Work machine, in particular dump truck or truck |
DE102014003203A1 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2015-09-10 | Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar Sas | Work machine, in particular dump truck or truck |
DE102018115036A1 (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2019-12-24 | Weidemann GmbH | Work vehicle with electrical energy storage |
US10913444B2 (en) | 2018-09-25 | 2021-02-09 | Deere & Company | Power system architecture for hybrid electric vehicle |
DE102021209463A1 (en) | 2021-08-30 | 2023-03-02 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Drive train of a work machine and work machine |
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US3952826A (en) * | 1974-04-04 | 1976-04-27 | White Farm Equipment Company | Articulated vehicle |
US7145788B2 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2006-12-05 | Paccar Inc | Electrical power system for vehicles requiring electrical power while the vehicle engine is not in operation |
AT9756U1 (en) * | 2006-12-11 | 2008-03-15 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik Ag | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE HYBRID DRIVE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND CONTROL SYSTEM |
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2011
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102017223158A1 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2019-06-19 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Electric drive arrangement for working machine |
US11473269B2 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2022-10-18 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Electric drive arrangement for work machine |
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