Hybrid power system for hydraulic pump for concrete mixer

Abstract

A concrete mixer system, a concrete mixer vehicle, and a controller system for a concrete mixer are provided. The systems and mixer vehicles include a hybrid hydraulic pump power system including an electrical power source and internal combustion engine power source. The hybrid pump power system is configured to power the drive of the pump of the hydraulic circuit that powers rotation of the concrete mixer drum. In an example of the system, a gearbox transmits power to the hydraulic circuit. Clutches are operated to select and control the feed of the power to the gearbox from the internal combustion engine and from the electrical power source, based on commands from the controller system.

Description

HYBRID POWER SYSTEM FOR HYDRAULIC PUMP FOR CONCRETE MIXERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 564,773 filed March 13, 2024, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 658,547 filed June 11, 2024. The contents of all of the foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems for powering hydraulic circuits and hydraulic pumps in concrete mixer machines and concrete mixer vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0003] There is a continuing need for improvement in energy efficiency, and selection of electrical versus internal combustion power in the operation of concrete mixer vehicles and machinery. Such concrete mixer vehicles are generally described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,239,403 issued March 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present disclosure includes an improved vehicle, device, system, and controller system for concrete mixer applications.

[0005] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further examples, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a concrete mixer system according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a concrete mixer system according to a second exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] For the purposes of clearly, concisely and exactly describing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner, and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain examples, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the examples as would occur to one skilled in the art.

[0009] A concrete mixer, whether a stationary concrete mixer machine or a concrete mixer vehicle, may include an internal combustion engine (ICE) that provides an output power, which may be motive power for the vehicle. The ICE may also provide output power to other systems, such as motors used to drive rotation of a concrete mixer drum in a mixer drum assembly that includes the mixer drum and components for operating the rotation of the drum. The ICE typically may combust diesel fuel and / or compressed natural gas (CNG) to generate the output power. In a conventional concrete mixer system, a power take-off unit (PTO) from an ICE may provide power directly, via a driveshaft, to drive a main pump of a hydraulic system.

[0010] The overall operation of the concrete mixer system and / or vehicle typically may be controlled by a controller in the nature of a controller system. The controller system may include computer hardware and software configured to execute computer-readable instructions in order to provide operating commands, via wired and wireless communications, to direct operations of the vehicle and its associated devices and components.

[0011] FIG. l is a diagram of a concrete mixer system according to a first exemplary embodiment as disclosed herein. As seen in FIG. 1, an internal combustion engine (ICE) 2 may provide an output power. The output power may be transmitted to other systems in the concrete mixer systemvia a power take-off unit (PTO) 4. A main pump 10 of a main hydraulic circuit (designated as HC in FIG. 1) may be driven by the PTO 4 via a driveshaft. The main pump 10 may pump hydraulic fluid in the main hydraulic circuit HC.

[0012] The main hydraulic circuit HC may supply hydraulic fluid to drive operation of a hydraulic motor (hydromotor) 12. The fluid driven within the main hydraulic circuit HC may drive the rotation of a driveshaft of the hydraulic motor 12. The driveshaft of the hydraulic motor 12 in turn may supply power to drive rotation of a concrete mixer drum 16. The concrete mixer drum 16 holds and agitates a concrete mix during rotation of the drum 16. The driveshaft of the hydraulic motor 12 may drive rotation of the drum 16via a gearbox, which may be in the form of a gear reducer 14. The reducer 14 operates to reduce speed of rotation or adjust torque as needed to rotate the drum 16 in accord with overall system controls governed by a controller system (not shown in the figures).

[0013] In embodiments, a gearbox 8 may be interposed between the PTO 4 and the main pump 10. In embodiments, a clutch 6 of the ICE drive system is interposed between the gearbox 8 and the PTO 4. In embodiments, the clutch 6 of the ICE drive system permits engagement or disengagement of the PTO 4 from the gearbox 8 in accord with commands from the controller system, thus either engaging or disengaging the drive of the PTO 4 to operate, or not operate, the drive of the gearbox 8, in accord with commands received from the controller.

[0014] As further seen in embodiments in accord with FIG. 1, an electric pump drive system (EDS) is provided. The electric pump drive system EDS may drive operation of the main pump 10 instead of the ICE 2, or optionally, may be controlled to provide complementary power to drive operation in coordination with the ICE 2 in accord with commands supplied by a control system. In this regard, the electric pump drive system EDS and the ICE 2 powered drive system may be operated as a hybrid drive system to selectively power the main pump 10 of the hydraulic circuit 10.

[0015] The electric pump drive system EDS may, in embodiments, include an electrical power storage and supply source such as a battery 18. An inverter 20 of the electric pump drive system EDS may be electrically coupled by wiring to the battery 18. The inverter 20 may convert electrical energy supplied from the battery 18, and / or electrical energy supplied to the battery 18, as discussed further below. It is noted that, throughout this description, the terms electric / electrical energy, current, and power are used and applied interchangeably.

[0016] An electric motor / generator 22 as shown in FIG. 1 is included as a component of the electric pump drive system EDS. The electric motor / generator 22may be electrically coupled by wiring to the battery 18, to convert electrical power or energy supplied by the battery 18 into mechanical power, such as rotation of a driveshaft 26 of the electric pump drive system EDS. The electric pump drive system EDS driveshaft 26 may in turn be mechanically coupled to the gearbox 8. Powered by the rotation of the driveshaft 26 of the electric pump drive system EDS, the gearbox 8 in turn may supply mechanical power to drive rotation of a pump driveshaft (not shown) that drives operation of the main pump 10.

[0017] In embodiments, a clutch 24 of the electric pump drive system EDS is provided, disposed between the electric motor / generator 22 of the EDS and the EDS driveshaft 26 that is mechanically connected to the gearbox 8. The clutch 24 of the electric pump drive system permits engagement or disengagement of the mechanical drive between the electric motor / generator 22 of the EDS and the gearbox 8 in accord with commands from the controller system.

[0018] In embodiments, the electric pump drive system EDS may include ancillary charging devices, and / or heating / cooling elements needed for the electric circuit.

[0019] Benefits of the disclosed embodiments may arise from interposition of a gearbox 8 between the PTO 4 and the main pump 10. This feature permits selection, in compliance with commands by a controller system, to have power provided to the main pump 10 by the ICE 2 as well as by the electric pump drive system EDS. The addition of a clutch 6 of the ICE drive system and a gearbox 8 interposed between the PTO 4 and the main pump 10 permits compliance with commands from a controller system to selectively increase, reduce, or cut off entirely, power from the ICE 2, and / or power from the electric pump drive system EDS, to the assembly that drives rotation of the drum 16. Thus, the embodiments may feature a hybrid pump drive system that may be powered either by power from the ICE or from an electric pump drive system EDS. The selection of power source, ICE or electrical, may be made according to commands from the controller system that may be issued based on operational parameters and demands. Such parameters and demands may include need to reduce ICE fuel consumption, to reduce ICE combustion exhaust, and / or to select the ICE power source or electric power source, and power ratios from the two sources, in order to manage energy supply, or to satisfy drum operational speed and / or torque demands.

[0020] In an efficient manner, the disclosed features permit control of the feed of power from the ICE 2 to the drum 16 without a need for changes to the auxiliary hydraulic circuitry of the conventional drive system for a drum 16. In embodiments, a concrete mixer system includes an auxiliary hydraulic circuit HC2. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit HC2 may provide power to lift chutes, lower axles, and perform other such hydraulic system functions, other than turning the drum. An example of such an auxiliary hydraulic circuit is represented as secondary hydraulic circuit HC2 in FIG. 1. In embodiments, a secondary hydraulic pump 110 is provided, that pumps hydraulic fluid in the main hydraulic circuit HC and also may pump hydraulic fluid to power the secondary hydraulic circuit HC2 in order to perform such other hydraulic system functions such as lifting chutes, lowering axles, and the like. Thus, a benefit of the exemplary embodiments provided herein is use of additional electronic control logic to control operation via the electric pump drive system EDS, instead of having to use the more complicated and costly approach of adding new hydraulic circuits.

[0021] Due to the interposition of a clutch 6 of the ICE drive system and a gearbox 8 between the PTO 4 of the ICE 2 and the main pump 10, energy is put through the existing hydraulic system, as contrasted with putting energy into the system close to the reducer 14 attached to the drum 16. This means that parasitic energy is not lost though unnecessary rotation of the hydraulic motor (hydrostatic motor or hydromotor) 12 attached to the reducer 14 that would generate unnecessary flow in the hydraulic system. Use of gearbox 8 may provide an advantageous gear ratio allowing a lower voltage system which would have a lower maximum torque of the hydraulic motor 12 driving the drum 16.

[0022] By disconnecting the ICE 2 by use of a clutch 6 of the ICE drive system, commands provided by a controller system can select for the use of the electric motor / generator 22 of the electric pump drive system EDS to power the main pump 10, and therefore, to rotate the drum 16 and operate the secondary hydraulic circuit. This avoids problems when a secondary hydraulic pump 110 is used to power the main hydraulic circuit HC where that secondary hydraulic pump 110 also has to power the secondary hydraulic circuit HC2 with additional valves and control logic. This system is complicated when switching functions or operating more than one function at a time. This complexity may lead to instability and control difficulties. The clutch 24 of the EDS that is provided between the gearbox 8 and the electric motor / generator 22 of the EDS provides the option to comply with commands from a controller system to isolate the electricmotor / generator 22 from the ICE during periods of high torque demand imposed by operation of the drum 16.

[0023] Benefits of the disclosed embodiments arise from the use of the gearbox 8 to supply power to drive the electric motor / generator 22 of the EDS to operate as a generator. In an example, ICE 2 supplies rotational energy to the gearbox 8. In turn, the rotational energy in the gearbox 8 may be conveyed as mechanical energy via the driveshaft 26 of the electric pump drive system EDS to drive the electric motor / generator 22 of the EDS to generate electrical energy. Such generated electrical energy may be transmitted from the generator 22 via electrical wire coupling to the inverter 20 for conversion. In turn, the converted electrical energy may then be transmitted from the inverter 20 via wired connection to the battery 18 for storage. This generating feature may improve overall efficiency of energy use in the concrete mixer system, and on a smaller scale, may reduce the amount of battery storage capacity that is needed to support operation of the electric pump drive system EDS.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a concrete mixer system according to a second exemplary embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0025] In embodiments as shown in FIG. 2, the ICE 2 provides rotational power to a PTO 4, which in turn drives rotation of an ICE driveshaft 5. The driveshaft 5 may be a Cardan driveshaft. The driveshaft 5 is operably connected to a clutch 6 that transmits the rotational energy from the ICE driveshaft 5 to a motor / generator / inverter unit (MGI unit) 28 to drive operation of the MGI unit 28. The clutch 6 may be an overrunning clutch. The MGI unit 28 is a unit that may function as a motor to supply rotational power to the drum assembly to operate the drum 16. The MGI unit is a unit that also may function as a generator to convert rotational power from the ICE driveshaft 5 to generate electrical power. The MGI unit 28 also is a unit that may function as an inverter to convert electrical power into a form for storage in a battery 18, or to convert electrical current from the battery for use as electrical power to drive the drum assembly to turn the drum 16. Electrical energy generated by operation of the MGI unit 28 may be transmitted from the generator of this unit 28, via electrical coupling, to the inverter of this unit 28, for conversion for storage. In turn, the converted electrical energy may then be transmitted via the inverter of this unit 28 by wired connection to the battery 18 for storage. In an embodiment, the MGI unit may be a motor / generator, and a separate inverter. In this example, the system comprises both amotor / generator and a separate inverter, and the respective components perform their respective functions as described herein.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 2, the MGI unit 28 may be directly coupled to, or connected via an intermediate driveshaft 9 to, a main hydraulic pump 10 of a hydraulic drive system to drive the main hydraulic pump 10 by rotational power. An auxiliary pump (not shown in FIG. 2, see example in FIG. 1) may be coupled to the main pump 10 to drive operation of an auxiliary hydraulic circuit HC2 (not shown in FIG. 2; see example in FIG. 1).

[0027] In operation according to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the ICE 2 may be operated to power the motive drive of the concrete mixer vehicle. Also, the ICE 2 may be operated to power working conditions, such as a loading / unloading condition, wherein concrete is loaded into or out of the drum 16, while the ICE 2 is operating but the vehicle itself is stationary. During a period when the vehicle is moving under power of the ICE 2, or when the vehicle is stationary but the concrete mixer system is operating in a loading / unloading condition, rotational power provided by the ICE 2 may be conveyed via the driveshaft 5 to the clutch 6 and in turn to the MGI unit 28. In this operational condition, the MGI unit 28 may operate as a generator to convert the rotational power from the ICE driveshaft 5 into electrical current. The electrical current then may be transmitted into the inverter in the MGI unit 28 to be converted for storage in the battery 18. Thus, power may be stored in the battery 18 during operation of the ICE 2 for use when the ICE 2 is deactivated.

[0028] In an operating condition of an embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the clutch 6 may be engaged so the driveshaft 5 coming from the operating ICE 2 rotates the motor section of the MGI unit 28, and in turn, may operate, via rotational power, the main pump 10 (and optionally an auxiliary pump 110, see FIG.l) of hydraulic circuit HC of the mixer vehicle. When the moving vehicle arrives on a jobsite, and the vehicle is stationary, the clutch 6 may be disengaged so that the MGI unit 28 may work as a motor to power the main pump 10, and optionally an auxiliary pump 110, using electrical power from the battery 18. In this condition, the system is able to power rotation of the drum 16 and operate the concrete conveying chutes (not shown) while the ICE 2 is deactivated. In embodiments, the clutch 6 is configured as a one-way clutch that prevents the driveshaft 5 from turning during such an operating condition. In embodiments, the MGI unit 28 may be controlled to run the pump 10 at a higher speed with a smaller pump displacement.

[0029] The operations as described above provide the benefit of allowing the concrete mixer vehicle and system to function in loading / unloading condition, while eliminating idling of the ICE 2, so as to reduce fuel consumption and reduce unnecessary generation of combustion exhaust. The simplifications in the embodiments described above eliminate the need for an additional pump in the system, as in known examples. The MGI unit 28 is expected to supply enough power to reduce the requirement for a larger size of the battery 18, as the power needs will be recovered faster in this system, as contrasted with known examples that employ large batteries requiring overnight charging, as is the case with prior hybrid vehicles. This system of the embodiments as described herein will not need to be connected to outside electrical power sources to charge overnight, but will be able to work from the start each day without the requirement for additional electrical power infrastructure to be provided at the operating location, for example, at a concrete plant.

[0030] In embodiments, the electric pump drive system includes ancillary charging devices, and / or heating / cooling elements needed for the electric circuit.

[0031] In embodiments, components are controlled through an electronic controller system of the vehicle or system, which provides operating commands to the components.

[0032] In embodiments and examples as set forth herein, there may be provided a concrete mixer system comprising: a mixer drum for mixing concrete; a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic circuit being configured to provide power to drive operation of the drum; a power take-off unit configured to provide power to drive operation of the pump; an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of the power take-off unit; and a gearbox interposed between the power take-off unit and the pump, the gearbox being operatively connected to transmit power between the power take-off unit and the pump.

[0033] In embodiments, the motor / generator / inverter unit may be split into two components of a separate motor / generator and an inverter.

[0034] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system comprising a clutch interposed between the power take-off unit and the gearbox, wherein the clutch is operatively connected to the power take-off unit and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the power take-off unit in response to a command from a controller.

[0035] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system comprising an electric pump drive system configured to drive operation of the pump in response to a command from the controller.

[0036] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical power storage and supply source.

[0037] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

[0038] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an inverter electrically coupled to the battery, and configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the battery.

[0039] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the electric pump drive system is configured to convert electrical power from the battery into mechanical power to drive operation of the gearbox.

[0040] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical system clutch interposed between the battery and the gearbox, wherein the electrical system clutch is operatively connected to the battery and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the battery in response to a command from the controller.

[0041] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer vehicle comprising: a mixer drum for mixing concrete; a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic circuit being configured to provide power to drive operation of the drum; a power take-off unit configured to provide power to drive operation of the pump; an internal combustion engine configured to provide motive power to the vehicle and to provide power to drive operation of the power take-off unit; and a gearbox interposed between the power take-off unit and the pump, the gearbox being operatively connected to transmit power between the power take-off unit and the pump.

[0042] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle comprising a clutch interposed between the power take-off unit and the gearbox, wherein the clutch is operatively connected to the power take-off unit and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the power take-off unit in response to a command from a controller.

[0043] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle comprising an electric pump drive system configured to drive operation of the pump in response to a command from the controller.

[0044] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle according wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical power storage and supply source.

[0045] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

[0046] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an inverter electrically coupled to the battery, and configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the battery.

[0047] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle wherein the electric pump drive system is configured to convert electrical power from the battery into mechanical power to drive operation of the gearbox.

[0048] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a vehicle comprising an electrical system clutch interposed between the battery and the gearbox, wherein the electrical system clutch is operatively connected to the battery and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the battery in response to a command from the controller.

[0049] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system for a concrete mixer system configured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operations of: a mixer drum for mixing concrete; a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic circuit being configured to provide power to drive operation of the drum; a power take-off unit configured to provide power to drive operation of the pump; an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of the power take-off unit; and a gearbox interposed between the power take-off unit and the pump, the gearbox being operatively connected to transmit power between the power take-off unit and the pump.

[0050] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the concrete mixer system comprises a clutch interposed between the power take-off unit and the gearbox, wherein the clutch is operatively connected to the power take-off unit and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the power take-off unit in response to a command from the controller system.

[0051] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the concrete mixer system comprises an electric pump drive system configured to drive operation of the pump in response to a command from the controller system.

[0052] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical power storage and supply source.

[0053] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

[0054] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an inverter electrically coupled to the battery, and configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the battery.

[0055] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the electric pump drive system is configured to convert electrical power from the battery into mechanical power to drive operation of the gearbox.

[0056] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical system clutch interposed between the battery and the gearbox, wherein the electrical system clutch is operatively connected to the battery and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the battery in response to a command from the controller system.

[0057] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system comprising: an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of a power take-off unit; a driveshaft configured to transmit rotational power from the power take-off unit to a clutch; and a motor / generator / inverter unit configured to convert rotational power from the clutch into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is selectively supplied by the motor / generator / inverter unit to power operation of a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump in response to a command from a controller, and the hydraulic pump is configured to provide power to drive operation of a mixer drum.

[0058] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the motor / generator / inverter unit is electrically coupled to an electrical power storage and supply source, and is configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the electrical power storage and supply source.

[0059] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

[0060] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein the clutch is engaged in response to a command from the controller to supply power to the motor / generator / inverter unit and the motor / generator / inverter unit supplies power to the hydraulic pump.

[0061] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer system wherein, in response to a command from the controller, the clutch is disengaged, and electrical power is supplied from the electrical power storage and supply source to the motor / generator / inverter unit to operate the hydraulic pump.

[0062] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a concrete mixer vehicle comprising: an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of a power take-off unit; a driveshaft configured to transmit rotational power from the power take-off unit to a clutch; and a motor / generator / inverter unit configured to convert rotational power from the clutch into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is selectively supplied by the motor / generator / inverter unit to power operation of a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump in response to a command from a controller, and the hydraulic pump is configured to provide power to drive operation of a mixer drum.

[0063] In any of the foregoing examples, there may be provided a controller system for a concrete mixer system configured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operations of: an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of a power take-off unit; a driveshaft configured to transmit rotational power from the power take-off unit to a clutch; and a motor / generator / inverter unit configured to convert rotational power from the clutch into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is selectively supplied by the motor / generator / inverter unit to power operation of a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump in response to a command from a controller, and the hydraulic pump is configured to provide power to drive operation of a mixer drum.

[0064] While illustrative examples of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain examples have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimedinvention are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and examples lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0065] One of skill in the art may appreciate from the foregoing that unexpected benefits may be derived from the disclosed features of the subject design and features, without the need for additional components or parts, or other changes in the configuration of a conventional machine or system. Changes to configuration as disclosed may add costs, weight, and complexity to manufacture, operation, and maintenance of a machine or system. A key benefit contemplated by the inventors is improvement in features and design, while excluding any additional components or changes in structural features. In this exclusion, maximum cost containment may be affected. Accordingly, the substantial benefits of simplicity of manufacture, operation, and maintenance of may reside in an example of the invention consisting of, or consisting essentially of, features of the apparatus disclosed herein. Thus, examples of the invention explicitly contemplate the exclusion of features, parts, and components beyond those set forth herein.

[0066] REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A concrete mixer system comprising: a mixer drum for mixing concrete; a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic circuit being configured to provide power to drive operation of the drum; a power take-off unit configured to provide power to drive operation of the pump; an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of the power take-off unit; and a gearbox interposed between the power take-off unit and the pump, the gearbox being operatively connected to transmit power between the power take-off unit and the pump.

2. The concrete mixer system according to claim 1, comprising a clutch interposed between the power take-off unit and the gearbox, wherein the clutch is operatively connected to the power take-off unit and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the power take-off unit in response to a command from a controller.

3. The concrete mixer system according to claim 2, comprising an electric pump drive system configured to drive operation of the pump in response to a command from the controller.

4. The concrete mixer system according to claim 3, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical power storage and supply source.

5. The concrete mixer system according to claim 4, wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

6. The concrete mixer system according to claim 5, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an inverter electrically coupled to the battery, and configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the battery.

7. The concrete mixer system according to claim 5, wherein the electric pump drive system is configured to convert electrical power from the battery into mechanical power to drive operation of the gearbox.

8. The concrete mixer system according to claim 7, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical system clutch interposed between the battery and the gearbox, wherein the electrical system clutch is operatively connected to the battery and the gearbox, andis configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the battery in response to a command from the controller.

9. A concrete mixer vehi cl e compri si ng : a mixer drum for mixing concrete; a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic circuit being configured to provide power to drive operation of the drum; a power take-off unit configured to provide power to drive operation of the pump; an internal combustion engine configured to provide motive power to the vehicle and to provide power to drive operation of the power take-off unit; and a gearbox interposed between the power take-off unit and the pump, the gearbox being operatively connected to transmit power between the power take-off unit and the pump.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, comprising a clutch interposed between the power take-off unit and the gearbox, wherein the clutch is operatively connected to the power take-off unit and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the power take-off unit in response to a command from a controller.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, comprising an electric pump drive system configured to drive operation of the pump in response to a command from the controller.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical power storage and supply source.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an inverter electrically coupled to the battery, and configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the battery.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the electric pump drive system is configured to convert electrical power from the battery into mechanical power to drive operation of the gearbox.

16. The vehicle according to claim 15, comprising an electrical system clutch interposed between the battery and the gearbox, wherein the electrical system clutch is operatively connected to the battery and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the battery in response to a command from the controller.

17. A controller system for a concrete mixer system configured to execute computer- readable instructions to control operations of: a mixer drum for mixing concrete; a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic circuit being configured to provide power to drive operation of the drum; a power take-off unit configured to provide power to drive operation of the pump; an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of the power take-off unit; and a gearbox interposed between the power take-off unit and the pump, the gearbox being operatively connected to transmit power between the power take-off unit and the pump.

18. The controller system according to claim 17, wherein the concrete mixer system comprises a clutch interposed between the power take-off unit and the gearbox, wherein the clutch is operatively connected to the power take-off unit and the gearbox, and is configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the power take-off unit in response to a command from the controller system.

19. The controller system according to claim 18, wherein the concrete mixer system comprises an electric pump drive system configured to drive operation of the pump in response to a command from the controller system.

20. The controller system according to claim 19, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical power storage and supply source.

21. The controller system according to claim 20, wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

22. The controller system according to claim 21, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an inverter electrically coupled to the battery, and configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the battery.

23. The controller system according to claim 21, wherein the electric pump drive system is configured to convert electrical power from the battery into mechanical power to drive operation of the gearbox.

24. The controller system according to claim 23, wherein the electric pump drive system comprises an electrical system clutch interposed between the battery and the gearbox, wherein the electrical system clutch is operatively connected to the battery and the gearbox, andis configured to disengage the drive of the gearbox by the battery in response to a command from the controller system.

25. A concrete mixer system comprising: an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of a power take-off unit; a driveshaft configured to transmit rotational power from the power take-off unit to a clutch; and a motor / generator / inverter unit configured to convert rotational power from the clutch into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is selectively supplied by the motor / generator / inverter unit to power operation of a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump in response to a command from a controller, and the hydraulic pump is configured to provide power to drive operation of a mixer drum.

26. The concrete mixer system of claim 25, wherein the motor / generator / inverter unit is electrically coupled to an electrical power storage and supply source, and is configured to convert electrical energy supplied to or by the electrical power storage and supply source.

27. The concrete mixer system according to claim 26, wherein the electrical power storage and supply source is a battery.

28. The concrete mixer system according to claim 26, wherein the clutch is engaged in response to a command from the controller to supply power to the motor / generator / inverter unit and the motor / generator / inverter unit supplies power to the hydraulic pump.

29. The concrete mixer system according to claim 26, wherein, in response to a command from the controller, the clutch is disengaged and electrical power is supplied from the electrical power storage and supply source to the motor / generator / inverter unit to operate the hydraulic pump.

30. A concrete mixer vehi cl e compri si ng : an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of a power take-off unit; a driveshaft configured to transmit rotational power from the power take-off unit to a clutch; anda motor / generator / inverter unit configured to convert rotational power from the clutch into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is selectively supplied by the motor / generator / inverter unit to charge a battery, and the hydraulic pump is configured to provide power to drive operation of a mixer drum.

31. A controller system for a concrete mixer system configured to execute computer- readable instructions to control operations of: an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to drive operation of a power take-off unit; a driveshaft configured to transmit rotational power from the power take-off unit to a clutch; and a motor / generator / inverter unit configured to convert rotational power from the clutch into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is selectively supplied by the motor / generator / inverter unit to power operation of a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic pump in response to a command from a controller, and the hydraulic pump is configured to provide power to drive operation of a mixer drum.