WO2014163502A1

WO2014163502A1 - Hybrid power take-off, vehicle provided therewith and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2014163502A1
Application number: PCT/NL2014/050213
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rein Pieter WIERDA
Original assignee: Transportmiddelen Im- En Export Friesland B.V.
Priority date: 2013-04-04
Filing date: 2014-04-04
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Also published as: NL2010570C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid power take-off, an assembly and vehicle provided therewith and a method therefor. The hybrid power take-off according to the invention comprises: - a coupling for coupling the power take-off to a gearbox or reduction gearbox of the vehicle via a first drive such that a separately connectable output is provided hereon for a machine actuable by a first power source formed by a motor of the vehicle as first drive system; a second power source suitable for enabling additional as well as separate driving of the output via a second drive, wherein the power source comprises an energy source and a motor as second drive system; and a controller operatively connected to both the first and second power source and configured to automatically control both the first and second power source.

Description

HYBRID POWER TAKE-OFF, VEHICLE PROVIDED THEREWITH AND METHOD

THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a hybrid power take-off, wherein a power take-off (PTO) is known in practice. Such power take-offs arc usually applied in vehicles such as trucks and tractors wherein a machine has to be driven. Such a machine is for instance a gripper, crane, concrete mixer, cooling installation and the like.

Power take-offs known in practice comprise a coupling with which the power take-off is coupled to a gearbox, reduction gearbox or combustion engine of the vehicle. A separately connectable output is hereby provided with which a machine such as a crane, gripper, concrete mixer and so on is drivable with the combustion engine of the truck. This means that the combustion engine must remain active while a truck provided with for instance a gripper or concrete mixer loads or unloads product at a building site. This results in consumption of fuel, production of C0₂ and fine dust, and noise emission.

It is further known in practice to drive the machine, such as the gripper and the concrete mixer, from a battery using an electrical drive. It is hereby possible to reduce the production of fine dust and C0₂ at a location. It has been found in practice that such an electrical drive is not usually used in correct manner, so that the (theoretical) effect thereof is at the very least not fully realized in practice.

The present invention has for its object to provide a power take-off for a vehicle with which the above stated problems are obviated or at least reduced.

The present invention provides for this purpose a hybrid power take-off for a vehicle, such as a truck, wherein the power take-off according to the invention comprises:

a coupling for coupling the power take-off to a gearbox or reduction gearbox of the vehicle via a first drive such that a separately connectable output is provided hereon for a machine actuable by a first power source formed by a motor of the vehicle as first drive system; a second power source suitable for enabling additional as well as separate driving of the output via a second drive, wherein the power source comprises an energy source and a motor as second drive system; and

- a controller operatively connected to both the first and second power source and configured to automatically control both the first and second power source.

A conventional power take-off is usually referred to in practice as a PTO. Within the context of the present invention the term hybrid power take-off is understood to mean a power take-off which can be actuated by at least two power sources. These power sources are for instance a combustion engine which is powered from the fuel tank, an electric motor which is powered from a battery, and/or optional other drives. The first drive system is the vehicle motor, usually a combustion engine. This first drive system can drive a machine, for instance in conventional manner using a conventional PTO as first drive. The second drive system is an additional drive, such as a separate drive shaft and/or hydraulic pump, preferably coupled to an electric motor connected to a battery. The second drive system operates independently here of the first drive system and docs not for instance engage on the conventional PTO of the first drive system. According to the invention both the first drive system and the second drive system can drive the machine. The two drive systems can drive the machine here separately or optionally together.

A flexibly usable hybrid system is provided by means of individually providing the first and second drive systems with a separate drive. This system can advantageously be applied in modular manner in existing vehicles.

A machine relates to, among others, a crane, gripper, lifting mechanism, concrete mixer, cooling installation and other machines which can be applied on a vehicle such as a truck and/or tractor or can be driven in a stationary apparatus using the hybrid power take-off according to the invention.

By providing a hybrid power take-off according to the invention the machine, or optionally several machines, can be driven from the first power source formed by a motor of the vehicle and/or from a second power source. In a currently preferred embodiment the second power source is an electric motor which is operatively connected to a separate battery. This second power source is preferably integrated with the power take-off such that a modular system is hereby obtained. An advantage of such a modular system is that it can be built into for instance existing trucks in relatively simple manner. The modular system comprising the hybrid power take-off and the second power source can be operatively connected here to the first power source formed by the combustion engine of the vehicle. The assembly is operatively connected here to the vehicle, in particular to the combustion engine thereof, using a coupling.

An effective control of the drive of the machine is realized by providing the hybrid power take-off according to the invention with a controller which is connected to both the first and second power sources, and which is configured here to automatically control both the first and second power sources. The automatic control thereof by the controller achieves that, depending on the conditions in which the machine is used, the correct power source or combination of power sources is used.

In the case of for instance a concrete mixer, the fir st power source is automatically deactivated by the controller during loading and unloading of the product without the intervention of for instance the driver of the truck and/or the machine. The second power source is also automatically activated for driving puiposes. This achieves that no fossil fuels are used at this location, so that there is no production of fine dust and C0₂ or fuel consumption at this location. Achieved in addition by providing the second power source, formed preferably by an electric motor and a separate battery, is that the noise production is also significantly reduced.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the controller of the hybrid power take-off is provided with activating means for automatically activating the controller and/or automatically monitoring the state of the vehicle and the machine.

Providing activating means achieves that the controller is activated automatically, i.e. without intervention by the driver of the vehicle, such that the desired drive for the machine is selected subject to the specific conditions in which the vehicle is located. In the case of the building site already mentioned above, for a concrete mixer the second power source, which is preferably integrated in the hybrid power take-off, is thus activated and the combustion engine of the vehicle is deactivated automatically without the intervention of the driver. This achieves that the most suitable power source is used for the machine, irrespective of for instance the attentiveness of the driver. The advantages achievable by selection of a specific drive are hereby also realized in practice.

Additionally or alternatively, automatic monitoring of the state of the vehicle and the machine is realized by providing activating means.

In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention the activating means are operatively connected to a handbrake of the vehicle. A driver of the vehicle will engage the handbrake of the vehicle upon arrival at for instance the building site or other location at which the machine has to be activated. This results in an automatic switch to a mode in which fuel consumption is reduced, noise emission is reduced and/or production of C0₂ and fine dust is reduced. By operatively connecting the activating means of the hybrid power take-off according to the invention to preferably the handbrake the activating means become automatically active in order to start the second power source and to preferably automatically deactivate the first power source, formed in this case for instance by the combustion engine of the vehicle. According to the invention no additional operations by the driver of the vehicle are required here so that the most optimal drive of the machine is guaranteed at all times.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the controller is provided with switch means for additionally activating or revving or deactivating the first and/or second power source.

Providing the controller of the hybrid power take-off with switch means achieves that a first power source can temporar ily be additionally activated in the case of for instance a heavy load on the machine. This has the advantage that the second power source need not be overdimensioned. This therefore results in a cost-effective realization of this power source, and thereby of the hybrid power take-off according to the invention.

The controller is preferably provided with switch-over means for gradual switch-over from the first to the second power source and vice versa. The switch-over means are likewise preferably also utilized in additionally activating or revving a power source. This avoids the machine being driven in jolting manner. This has the effect that machine operation safety is increased and can also be guaranteed.

The switch means and/or switch-over means are optionally provided with a sensor or detector for the purpose of determining that an (excessively) heavy load is being exerted on the machine and additional power is necessary. A timely response to such a high load is hereby possible.

In a currently preferred embodiment the motor, preferably the electric motor, of the second power source can also be utilized as generator. The electric motor is driven here by the first power source, preferably the combustion engine of the vehicle, such that the energy source, such as a battery, can be charged. This can for instance be applied during displacement of the vehicle between locations.

There are a number of options when the motor of the second drive system is used as generator driven by the first power source of the first drive system. The combustion engine can for instance thus drive the (electric) motor of the second drive system as generator via a coupling or transmission. This driving can if desired also be performed via a hydraulic pump.

Alternatively and preferably additionally, a vehicle dynamo for charging the energy source of the second drive system is operatively connected thereto. An energy source, for instance a battery, of the second drive system can hereby be charged, for instance during travel of the vehicle. As further alternative and preferably as further addition, the energy source of the second drive system is provided with one or more external connections for external charging, for instance using mains voltage. These charging options are preferably additionally provided so as to thereby have diverse options available for charging purposes.

The first drive preferably comprises a PTO shaft of the vehicle. The PTO shaft is the conventional PTO of the vehicle. The second drive is a separate second drive shaft. The second drive does not therefore engage on the first drive, and the second drive more particularly operates independently of the first drive and the PTO thereof. This embodiment relates for instance to an application for a concrete mixer. By providing a separate drive shaft for the second drive system a modular system is obtained with which the second drive system can be applied in relatively simple manner on existing vehicles. This is also the case with an alternative embodiment in which the first drive comprises a first hydraulic pump of the vehicle and the second drive comprises a separate, second hydraulic pump. This embodiment relates for instance to a loading crane.

The invention also relates to an assembly of a hybrid power take-off and a second power source provided with an electric motor and a battery, wherein the assembly comprises coupling means for connecting the assembly to a vehicle, and to a vehicle provided with such an assembly or hybrid power take-off. Such an assembly and/or vehicle provide the same effects and advantages as described for the hybrid power take-off. The assembly according to the invention has the particular advantage that it can also be applied on existing vehicles without great modifications to this vehicle being required here.

The assembly is more particularly configured for mounting on an existing vehicle such that the vehicle motor functions without significant modifications thereto as first drive system for the machine. When the assembly is for instance applied to a concrete mixer as vehicle, only a gear (transmission) need be inserted into the drive line just upstream of the machine, in this case the mixer. When applied to a crane as machine, it is possible to suffice with an additional hydraulic connection for the hydraulic pump of the second drive system. This also makes possible application of the assembly, with the associated advantages in respect of fuel consumption and emissions, to existing conventional vehicles.

The present invention further also relates to a method for driving a machine of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a hybrid power take-off, assembly and/or vehicle as according to one or more of the foregoing claims;

activating the controller of the take-off with activating means; and

driving the machine wholly or partially with the second power source.

Such a method provides the same effects and advantages as described for the hybrid power take-off, the assembly and/or the vehicle.

It has been found particularly that through activation of the controller in automatic manner, i.e. without intervention of a driver or other user, this controller deactivates the first power source wholly or partially and, in the same automatic manner, uses the second power source to drive the machine. An optimal choice of the most suitable power source is hereby realized. Depending on the location where the vehicle is situated, the local production of C0₂ and fine dust is hereby prevented, as is the production of noise. A gradual switch-over from the first power source to the second power source preferably takes place using switch-over means. Shocks in the drive which are transmitted to the machine are hereby avoided. Such switch-over means make use here for instance of proportional control. A second drive for instance is hereby started first, and only once this has fully started up is it set into operation for the machine. A so-called hiccup is hereby avoided, and machine use safety is increased.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of the preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a view of a vehicle provided with a hybrid power take-off according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of the vehicle with the power take-off of figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a schematic overview of the operation of the power take-off according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows an elaboration of the overview of figure 2 for a concrete mixer; and Figure 5 shows an elaboration of the overview of figure 2 for a loading crane.

A truck 2 (figure 1), in particular a concrete mixer, is provided with a cab 4 and a mixer 6

(figure 1).

In the shown embodiment truck 2 is provided with hybrid power take-off system 8 (figure 2). System 8 has a power take-off/PTO 10 driven from combustion engine 12 which is provided with fuel from fuel tank 14 of truck 2. PTO 10 drives machine 16. In the shown embodiment machine 16 is a mixer 6. It will be apparent to the skilled person that a gripper, crane, cooling and so on can also be applied as machine 16 instead of a mixer 6.

PTO 10 can likewise be driven by a second motor 18 which is formed in the shown embodiment by an electric motor powered from separate battery 20. Battery 20 can be charged from an external source, such as the electricity grid, or can be charged in combination or in addition from first motor 12 via PTO 10 by using second motor 18 as generator and/or recovered braking energy and/or other energy sources.

Controller 22 is operatively connected to first motor 12, PTO 10 and second motor 18. Controller 22 is activated in the shown embodiment by transmitting an activation signal 26 from handbrake 24. It will be apparent to the skilled person that, instead of activating means in the form of handbrake 24, other activation is also possible, for instance via an automatic association with lights, ignition lock, presence of driver and so on. It has however been found that use of handbrake 24 for activation of controller 22 guarantees a stable, robust operation usable in practice. Following activation control signals 28 are transmitted from controller 22 to first motor 12 and control signals 30 to second motor 18. In the shown embodiment it is further possible to transmit feedback signals 32 from PTO 10 to controller 22, for instance as indication of the load being exerted on machine 16. In the shown embodiment controller 22 also comprises the switch means 34 and switch-over means 36 which, in the shown currently preferred embodiment, are fully integrated into controller 22.

Assembly 38 of controller 22, PTO 10, second motor 18 and battery 20 can be applied as a module on vehicle 2, for instance also on existing vehicles 2.

During use of system 8 and/or assembly 38 the diverse process steps 40 (figure 3) are performed. Vehicle 2 is started here in initiation phase 42. In a first mode 44 vehicle 2 is in a displacing mode so that vehicle 2 can be displaced between the locations. Depending on the type of machine 16, machine 16 can be driven during travel 44 from combustion engine 12 and/or electric motor 18. This is for instance the case when machine 16 is formed by mixer 6 in which concrete is present. Charging mode 46 can be set during travel, whereby battery 20 can be charged from combustion engine 12. Upon arrival at the desired location, for instance for loading and unloading of vehicle 2, the vehicle will be parked during parking step 48 and handbrake 24 will be engaged. In the currently preferred embodiment, vehicle 2 then enters a second machine mode 50 in which product can for instance be loaded or unloaded. Machine 16 is preferably activated here from controller 22 in order to be driven by electric motor 18. In the shown embodiment the changeover takes place smoothly here by making use of switch-ovcr means 36, wherein combustion engine 12 can if desired optionally be additionally activated in machine mode 50 using switch means 34. After completion of the work on site, machine mode 50 is ended in shutdown phase 52, wherein vehicle 2 can be started in the shown embodiment by disengaging handbrake 24, and the transition is made to the first displacing mode 44.

A concrete mixer 2 can be provided with drive system 54 (figure 4) for machine 16. Just as the general system 8, system 54 consists of two separately usable drive systems. A hybrid drive system for a machine 16 is hereby provided.

The first drive system 54a comprises fuel supply 56, fuel tank 14 and combustion engine 12. Vehicle 2 can be propelled by combustion engine 12. Machine 16 can also be driven with combustion engine 12 via transmission 58, for instance a gearbox.

The second drive system 54b comprises first charging option 60 for charging battery 20 from the mains electricity (e.g. 230 V) and second charging option 62 for charging battery 20 from three-phase current (e. g. 380 V, 16 A). Electric motor 18, which can drive machine 16 via transmission 58, is powered from battery 20. Battery 20 can optionally be charged via combustion engine 12 and the vehicle dynamo 64 already present in existing vehicles, for instance during travel of vehicle 2. Battery 20 can further be charged with charging current 66 by operating electric motor 18 as generator via driving by combustion engine 12 and transmission 58. These different options for charging battery 20 are optionally available as desired and can be utilized subject to conditions. Other energy sources can additionally or alternatively also be utilized, for instance solar panels on the roof of vehicle 2 or at the garage/car park.

A loading crane can be provided with hybrid drive system 68 (figure 5) for machine 16. First drive system 68a comprises fuel supply 56, tank 14, combustion engine 12 and first hydraulic pump 70. Machine 16 is driven from first pump 70.

Second drive system 68b comprises battery 20, electric motor 18 for driving second hydraulic pump 72 with which machine 16 is driven. Battery 20 can be charged via first and second external charging options 60, 62. Battery 20 can optionally also be charged via vehicle dynamo 64.

The advantage of hybrid drive system 2, 54, 68 is that both the first and second drive system 54a, 54b, 68a, 68b can drive machine 16 separately or optionally together. This provides a robust system which can continue to operate even in the case of technical failures. This is relevant for instance if machine 16 cannot be driven because of a fuel supply or battery problem and problems may for instance occur with the concrete in concrete mixer 2. A further advantage of hybrid drive system 2, 54, 68 is that second drive system 54b, 68b can be built relatively easily into existing vehicles 2 as a separ ate assembly. The operation of first drive system 54a, 68a does not change. In an application of drive system 54 on concrete mixer 2, only transmission 58 need be added together with the second drive system 54b. The advantages of a hybrid drive system for machines can hereby also be achieved on existing vehicles. In an application of drive system 68 on for instance a loading crane, no modification to first drive system 68a need in principle be made. First and second hydraulic pumps 70, 72 can optionally be combined.

Controller 22, as energy management system, controls first and second drive systems 54a, 54b, 68a, 68b. Part of controller 22 is preferably also the battery management system, for instance for controlling charging of battery 20 with optional selection between the different charging options. Controller 22 selects the desired drive system, for instance on the basis of handbrake 24 as described above and/or other settings. Such settings are for instance determined window periods during which vehicle 2 is in a residential area, and the preferred drive mode for machine 16 is the second electrical drive system 54b, 68b. Tf desired, controller 22 can make use of for instance GPS coordinates or other indicators for presence in a residential area or other area in which emissions must remain limited.

Tests with drive system 2 in practical conditions for concrete mixer 2, to which the assembly with second drive system 54b was added, resulted in a fuel saving of about 30% and a significant C0₂ reduction. In addition, a noise reduction of about 26%, measured at 7 metres from vehicle 2, was realized relative to the conventional vehicle. At a distance of 1 metre the reduction even amounted to about 32%.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1. Hybrid power take-off for a vehicle, such as a truck, the power take-off comprising:

a coupling for coupling the power take-off to a gearbox or reduction gearbox of the vehicle via a first drive such that a separately conncctablc output is provided hereon for a machine actuable by a first power source formed by a motor of the vehicle as first drive system; a second power source suitable for enabling additional as well as separate driving of the output via a second drive, wherein the power source comprises an energy source and a motor as second drive system; and

2. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is provided with activating means for automatically activating the controller and/or automatically monitoring the state of the vehicle and the machine.

3. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in claim 2, wherein the activating means are operatively connected to a handbrake of the vehicle.

4. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the controller is provided with switch means for additionally activating or revving the first and/or second power source.

5. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the controller is provided with switch-over means for gradual switch-over from the first power source to the second power source.

6. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the motor of the second drive system can function as generator driven by the first power source of the first drive system for the purpose of charging the energy source of the second power source.

7. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in claim 6, wherein a vehicle dynamo for charging the energy source of the second drive system is operatively connected thereto.

8. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the energy source of the second drive system is provided with one or more external connections for external charging.

9. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the first drive comprises a PTO shaft of the vehicle and the second drive comprises a separ ate second drive shaft.

10. Hybrid power take-off as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the first drive comprises a first hydraulic pump of the vehicle and the second drive comprises a separate, second hydraulic pump.

11. Assembly of hybrid power take-off and second power source provided with an electric motor and a battery, the assembly comprising coupling means for connecting the assembly to a vehicle.

12. Assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the assembly is configured for mounting on an existing vehicle such that the vehicle motor functions without significant modifications thereto as first drive system for the machine.

13. Vehicle provided with a hybrid power take-off or assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims.

14. Method for driving a machine of a vehicle, comprising of:

providing a hybrid power take-off, assembly and/or vehicle as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims;

- activating the controller of the take-off automatically with activating means;

wholly or partially deactivating the first power source automatically with the controller of the power take-off; and

driving the machine wholly or partially with the second power source.

15. Method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising of gradual switch-over from the first power source to the second power source using switch-over means.