Concrete pump vehicle

Abstract

To provide a concrete pump vehicle that can improve the discharge capacity of ready-mix concrete. [Solution] The concrete pump vehicle comprises a pump unit that pumps and discharges ready-mix concrete, a plurality of drive sources that drive the pump unit, and a control device that controls the plurality of drive sources. The control device selectively drives some or all of the plurality of drive sources so that the ready-mix concrete discharged from the pump unit is at a desired discharge volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a concrete pump vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a concrete pumping device including a concrete pumping pump and a drive mechanism for driving the concrete pumping pump.

[0003] By the way, there is a desire to increase the discharge amount of fresh concrete discharged from the concrete pumping device, but Patent Document 1 does not disclose any configuration for improving the discharge capacity of fresh concrete.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the problem is to provide a concrete pump vehicle capable of improving the discharge capacity of fresh concrete.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The concrete pump vehicle includes a pump unit that pumps and discharges fresh concrete, a plurality of drive sources for driving the pump unit, and a control device for controlling the plurality of drive sources, wherein the control device selectively drives some or all of the plurality of drive sources so that the fresh concrete discharged from the pump unit has a desired discharge amount.

[0007] Another concrete pump vehicle, A pump unit that pressurizes and discharges ready-mix concrete, Multiple drive sources for driving the pump unit, The system includes a control device for controlling the plurality of drive sources, The control device simultaneously controls the output of each of the multiple drive sources so that the amount of ready-mixed concrete discharged from the pump unit is the desired amount. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a concrete pump vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Left side view of a concrete pump vehicle according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Plan view of the pump unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic plan view showing the pump unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] schematic diagram of the pump unit, drive unit, and control device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of a pump unit, drive unit, and control device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of a pump unit, drive unit, and control device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of a pump unit, drive unit, and control device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In each drawing, the dimensions of components may be enlarged or reduced from their actual dimensions for the sake of clarity, and the dimensional ratios between drawings may not be consistent. Furthermore, in each drawing, some components may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0010] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., are used to describe various components, but these terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. Furthermore, the number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited; for example, there may be only one. Also, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0011] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the first direction (first horizontal direction) D1 is also called the front-back direction D1, and of the first direction D1, the direction of the arrow in the diagram is defined as the front direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in the diagram is defined as the back direction. Also, the second direction (second horizontal direction) D2 is also called the left-right direction D2, and of the second direction D2, the direction of the arrow in the diagram is defined as the left direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in the diagram is defined as the right direction. Also, the third direction D3 is also called the up-down direction D3, and of the third direction D3, the direction of the arrow in each diagram is defined as the up direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in each diagram is defined as the down direction.

[0012] The following description will explain one embodiment of a concrete pump vehicle with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the concrete pump vehicle, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the concrete pump vehicle.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the concrete pump vehicle 1 may include a frame 2, a pump unit 3 mounted on the frame 2 for pumping ready-mix concrete, a drive device 4 for driving the pump unit 3, a control device 5 for controlling each of the parts 3 and 4, and a running section 6 rotatably attached to the frame 2. In this embodiment, the concrete pump vehicle 1 does not have a power source for driving and is a towed vehicle that is towed by another towing vehicle.

[0014] The running gear 6 may include a pair of left and right wheels 61, 61 and an axle 62 connecting the wheels 61, 61. The axle 62 is freely rotatably supported at the bottom of the frame 2. That is, the wheels 61, 61 are non-driven wheels. As shown in FIG. 2, the running gear 6 is disposed slightly rearward of the center in the front-rear direction D1 of the frame 2.

[0015] The frame 2 may include a pair of main frames 21, 21 extending in the front-rear direction D1 and a front frame 22 connecting the front ends of the main frames 21, 21. Further, the frame 2 may include a plurality of cross frames 23 (see FIG. 2) extending in the left-right direction D2 and connecting the pair of main frames 21, 21. The cross frame 23 is fixed, for example, to the lower surface of the main frame 21 by welding or the like.

[0016] Also, the frame 2 may include legs 24 fixed to the side surfaces of the main frames 21. The legs 24 may be, for example, jacks that extend to the ground during the concrete placement work. A plurality of legs 24 may be provided in the front-rear direction D1 as in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the legs 24 are provided at the same position as the cross frame 23 in the front-rear direction D1.

[0017] The frame 2 may include a towing portion 25 provided at the front end of the front frame 22. The towing portion 25 may be, for example, an annular hitch as shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the pump unit 3 may include a concrete pump 7 and a valve device 8 disposed behind the concrete pump 7.

[0019] The concrete pump 7 includes a first concrete cylinder 71 on the left side and a second concrete cylinder 72 on the right side arranged in the left-right direction D2.

[0020] Furthermore, the concrete pump 7 includes a first drive cylinder 73 that is axially connected to the base (front) end of the first concrete cylinder 71 via a center frame 75 and drives the first concrete cylinder 71. Similarly, the concrete pump 7 includes a second drive cylinder 74 that is axially connected to the base (front) end of the second concrete cylinder 72 via a center frame 75 and drives the second concrete cylinder 72.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the concrete pump 7 includes first and second concrete pistons 71a and 72a slidably fitted into first and second concrete cylinders 71 and 72, and first and second drive pistons 73a and 74a slidably fitted into first and second drive cylinders 73 and 74. The first concrete piston 71a and the first drive piston 73a are connected by a first piston rod 76 that slidably passes through the center frame 75, and the second concrete piston 72a and the second drive piston 74a are connected by a second piston rod 77 that slidably passes through the center frame 75. Each drive piston 73a and 74a divides the drive cylinders 73 and 74 into rod-side hydraulic oil chambers 73b and 74b and head-side hydraulic oil chambers 73c and 74c. The front (rear end) of each concrete cylinder 71, 72 is open as a discharge end 71b, 72b. The discharge ends 71b, 72b of each concrete cylinder 71, 72 are connected to and communicate with the front of the valve device 8.

[0022] The concrete pump 7 may include a center box 78 surrounding the first and second concrete cylinders 71 and 72, as shown in Figure 3. The center box 78 is a rectangular tube extending in the front-rear direction D1. The front end of the center box 78 is connected to the center frame 75, and the rear end is connected to the valve device 8.

[0023] The valve device 8 comprises a valve casing 81, a bottom cover 82, an S-shaped valve 83, an S-shaped valve driving means 84, and a discharge pipe 85. The valve casing 81 is formed in a frame shape, and its lower part is open by an opening. A hopper 86 (see Figure 2) for receiving ready-mix concrete is connected to the upper part of the valve casing 81. The bottom cover 82 opens and closes the opening at the bottom of the valve casing 81, for example, by a cylinder 87 (see Figure 2).

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a curved tubular S-shaped valve 83 is housed in the lower part of the valve casing 81. This S-shaped valve 83 is integral with the S-shaped valve 83 and is rotatable around the axis of a pivot shaft 83a that is parallel to the axis of each concrete cylinder 71, 72, and is configured to alternately switch the discharge ends 71b, 72b of the pair of concrete cylinders 71, 72 and the intake port 83b into communication.

[0025] The pivot shaft 83a is connected to an S-shaped valve driving means 84 for rotating the pivot shaft 83a in synchronization with the operation of both concrete pistons 71a and 72a to drive the S-shaped valve 83 in a switching manner. This S-shaped valve driving means 84 is configured such that the tips of a left-side single-acting valve driving cylinder 84a and a right-side single-acting valve driving cylinder 84b, which work together, are connected via a connecting arm (not shown) that extends integrally from the pivot shaft 83a, and the base ends of both valve driving cylinders 84a and 84b are rotatably connected to the valve casing 81.

[0026] During operation of the pump unit 3, the pair of valve drive cylinders 84a and 84b alternately connect the first and second concrete cylinders 71 and 72 that are in the concrete suction state to the valve casing 81, and the one that is in the concrete pumping state to the suction port 83b, thereby smoothly pumping the concrete. Specifically, the S-shaped valve 83 is capable of reciprocating (oscillating) between a first switching position (shown by a solid line in Figure 4) where the suction port 83b is connected to the discharge end 71b of the first concrete cylinder 71, and a second switching position (shown by a dashed line in Figure 4) where the suction port 83b is connected to the discharge end 72b of the second concrete cylinder 72. The first switching position is achieved by the extension of the left valve drive cylinder 84a, and the second switching position is achieved by the extension of the right valve drive cylinder 84b.

[0027] The discharge pipe 85 has its front end connected to the rear wall of the valve casing 81 and is in constant communication with the S-shaped valve 83, and its rear end is connected to a hose or the like (not shown).

[0028] The drive unit 4 may also include a hydraulic pump 10 that supplies hydraulic fluid to the concrete pump 7, a valve 11 (see Figure 5) that connects the hydraulic pump 10 and the concrete pump 7, and motors 4a and 4b connected to the hydraulic pump 10. The concrete pump vehicle 1 may also include an oil tank 12 for storing hydraulic fluid and an oil cooler 13 for cooling the hydraulic fluid (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0029] The hydraulic pump 10 may include a pump 10a for a first drive cylinder and a pump 10b for a second drive cylinder. The hydraulic pump 10 may also include auxiliary pumps 10c, 10c connected coaxially to the first and second drive cylinder pumps 10a, 10b, respectively. The auxiliary pumps 10c supply hydraulic fluid to, for example, an S-shaped valve drive mechanism 84 (valve drive cylinders 84a, 84b).

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the pumps 10a and 10b for the first and second drive cylinders are connected to the first and second drive cylinders 73 and 74 by valves 11, and the hydraulic fluid discharged from the pumps 10a and 10b for the first and second drive cylinders operates the first and second drive cylinders 73 and 74.

[0031] Motors 4a and 4b drive the hydraulic pump 10. Specifically, motors 4a and 4b drive the first and second drive cylinder pumps 10a and 10b, and the auxiliary pump 10c. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, motors 4a and 4b may include a first motor 4a connected to the first drive cylinder pump 10a and a second motor 4b connected to the second drive cylinder pump 10b. Motors 4a and 4b are electric motors. In this embodiment, motors 4a and 4b are powered by power sources 9a and 9b. Power sources 9a and 9b may be external power sources or batteries.

[0032] Motors 4a and 4b are fixed to the frame 2, as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, motors 4a and 4b are fixed to brackets that connect the upper surfaces of a pair of main frames 21, 21.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, motors 4a and 4b are positioned at the front of the frame 2. That is, in the longitudinal direction D1, motors 4a and 4b are positioned between the towed section 25 and the running section 6. By positioning the heavy motors 4a and 4b close to the towed section 25, the load is applied to the towed section 25, so that the concrete pump vehicle 1 is towed in a stable state.

[0034] Furthermore, the motors 4a and 4b may be positioned directly above the legs 24 attached to the frame 2. In this embodiment, the motors 4a and 4b are positioned directly above the front legs 24. Here, positioning the motors 4a and 4b directly above the legs 24 means that the motors 4a and 4b and the legs 24 overlap in the vertical direction D3. Note that it is sufficient if the motors 4a and 4b and the legs 24 overlap even slightly in the vertical direction D3 when viewed from the side. By positioning the motors 4a and 4b directly above the legs 24, a load is placed on the legs 24, thereby stabilizing the concrete pump vehicle 1 during concrete pouring operations.

[0035] The control device 5 controls at least the pump unit 3 and the drive unit 4. The control device 5 may include first and second control panels 51 and 52 arranged in the left-right direction D2, as shown in Figure 1. The control panels 51 and 52 are equipped with inverters, etc. The control device 5 (control panels 51 and 52) is positioned behind the running unit 6, as shown in Figure 2. As a result, the heavy drive unit 4 and the control device 5 are positioned so as to sandwich the running unit 6 in the front-rear direction D1, thus achieving good balance between the front and rear of the running unit 6.

[0036] The control device 5 can control the outputs of the first and second motors 4a and 4b. The control device 5 may include inverters 5a and 5b and a control unit 5c. The inverters 5a and 5b may include a first inverter 5a connected to the first motor 4a to control the drive of the first motor 4a, and a second inverter 5b connected to the second motor 4b to control the drive of the second motor 4b. The inverters 5a and 5b are connected to power supplies 9a and 9b, respectively. The control unit 5c rotates the motors 4a and 4b by outputting drive signals to the inverters 5a and 5b. The control unit 5c may include, for example, an electronic control unit for the motors.

[0037] The control device 5 may selectively drive some or all of the multiple motors 4a and 4b so that the amount of ready-mixed concrete discharged from the pump unit 3 is the desired amount. For example, when the desired discharge amount is large, the discharge capacity of ready-mixed concrete can be improved by driving both motors 4a and 4b. On the other hand, when the desired discharge amount is small, energy saving can be achieved by, for example, stopping the second motor 4b and driving only the first motor 4a. Also, when the desired discharge amount is very small, the output of the first motor 4a can be reduced. Furthermore, when the desired discharge amount is small, for example, the first motor 4a can be stopped and only the second motor 4b can be driven, and when the desired discharge amount is very small, for example, the output of the second motor 4b can be reduced.

[0038] Based on the above, the concrete pump vehicle 1, as in this embodiment, is preferably configured to include a pump unit 3 that pumps and discharges ready-mix concrete, a plurality of drive sources (motors in this embodiment) 4a, 4b that drive the pump unit 3, and a control device 5 that controls the plurality of drive sources (motors in this embodiment) 4a, 4b, and to selectively drive some or all of the plurality of drive sources (motors in this embodiment) 4a, 4b so that the ready-mix concrete discharged from the pump unit 3 is at a desired discharge rate.

[0039] With this configuration, when a large amount of concrete is desired to be discharged, the discharge capacity of ready-mixed concrete can be improved by driving all the drive sources (motors in this embodiment) 4a and 4b. On the other hand, when a small amount of concrete is desired to be discharged, energy can be saved by, for example, stopping some of the drive sources (motors in this embodiment) 4b and driving only some of the drive sources (motors in this embodiment) 4a.

[0040] It should be noted that the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the effects and benefits described above. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the concrete pump vehicle 1 can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, one or more of the configurations and methods described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations and methods of the embodiment described above.

[0041] (A) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the vehicle comprises a pump unit 3 for pumping and discharging fresh concrete, a plurality of motors 4a, 4b for driving the pump unit 3, and a control device 5 for controlling the plurality of motors 4a, 4b. The control device 5 is configured to selectively drive some or all of the plurality of motors 4a, 4b so that the amount of fresh concrete discharged from the pump unit 3 is a desired amount. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0042] The concrete pump vehicle 1 may be configured to include a pump unit 3 that pumps and discharges ready-mix concrete, a plurality of motors 4a, 4b that drive the pump unit 3, and a control device 5 that controls the plurality of motors 4a, 4b, and the control device 5 simultaneously controls the output of each of the plurality of motors 4a, 4b so that the ready-mix concrete discharged from the pump unit 3 is at a desired discharge rate. Here, simultaneously controlling the output of each of the plurality of motors 4a, 4b means controlling the output of each of the plurality of motors 4a, 4b at the same timing in a time series.

[0043] With this configuration, when a large amount of concrete is desired to be discharged, the output of multiple motors 4a and 4b can be increased simultaneously to improve the discharge capacity of ready-mixed concrete. In addition, since the load is not concentrated on only some of the multiple motors 4a and 4b, motors 4a and 4b are less likely to fail.

[0044] Furthermore, when controlling the outputs of multiple motors 4a and 4b simultaneously, it is sufficient to ensure that at least one of the motors 4a and 4b drives the auxiliary pump 10c.

[0045] (B) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the hydraulic pump 10 is configured to include a first drive cylinder pump 10a and a second drive cylinder pump 10b. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the hydraulic pump 10 may be configured to include a drive cylinder pump 10a, and the drive cylinder pump 10a may be driven by two motors 4a and 4b. In addition to the power supply 9b, a power supply 9a may also be connected to the inverter 5b. This allows, for example, the power supply 9b to be deactivated and power to be supplied from the power supply 9a to the two motors 4a and 4b.

[0046] (C) Alternatively, for example, as shown in Figure 7, power may be supplied to the motor 4a from two power sources 9a and 9c.

[0047] (D) In ​​the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the configuration includes a pump unit 3 for pumping and discharging ready-mix concrete, a plurality of motors 4a, 4b for driving the pump unit 3, and a control device 5 for controlling the plurality of motors 4a, 4b. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the concrete pump vehicle 1 may be configured to include a pump unit 3 for pumping and discharging ready-mix concrete, a plurality of engines 40a, 40b for driving the pump unit 3, and a control device 5 for controlling the plurality of engines 40a, 40b. Fuel tanks 90 are connected to the engines 40a, 40b. Furthermore, the control unit 5c of the control device 5 includes, for example, an electronic control unit for the engines. The multiple engines 40a and 40b may be dedicated engines for driving the drive cylinder pumps 10a and 10b, but either engine 40a or 40b may be used as the drive engine for the concrete pump vehicle 1. For example, the concrete pump vehicle 1 may be made self-propelled by engine 40a, which is the drive engine, and during concrete placement work, engine 40a may be connected to the PTO to drive the drive cylinder pump 10a, while engine 40b drives the drive cylinder pump 10b.

[0048] (E) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the running section 6 is positioned towards the rear end of the frame 2, relative to the center in the longitudinal direction D1. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the running section 6 may be positioned towards the front end of the frame 2, relative to the center in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0049] (F) Alternatively, for example, the running section 6 may be positioned in the center of the frame 2 in the front-to-rear direction D1.

[0050] (G) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the frame 2 is provided with legs 24, and the motors 4a and 4b are positioned directly above the legs 24. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the motors 4a and 4b may be positioned at different locations from the legs 24 in the front-rear direction D1.

[0051] (H) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the legs 24 are configured as jacks. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the legs 24 may be configured as outriggers that can extend and retract in the left-right direction D2 and the up-down direction D3.

[0052] (I) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the running section 6 is configured to have a pair of left and right wheels 61, 61. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the running section 6 may be configured to have a pair of left and right crawlers.

[0053] (J) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the towed portion 25 is a hitch. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the towed portion 25 may be a hole formed in the frame 2 (specifically, the front frame 22). For example, the forks of a forklift may be inserted into the hole to tow the concrete pump vehicle 1.

[0054] (K) In the concrete pump vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the pump unit 3 is configured to pump fresh concrete using concrete pistons 71a and 72a. However, the concrete pump vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pump unit 3 may be configured to pump fresh concrete by squeezing a flexible tube (pumping tube) with rollers. In other words, the method of pumping fresh concrete may be either piston type or squeeze type. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1…Concrete pump vehicle, 2…Frame, 3…Pump unit, 4…Drive unit, 4a…First motor, 4b…Second motor, 5…Control device, 5a…First inverter, 5b…Second inverter, 5c…Control unit, 6…Traction unit, 7…Concrete pump, 8…Valve device, 9a…Power supply, 9b…Power supply, 9c…Power supply, 10…Hydraulic pump, 10a…Pump for first drive cylinder, 10b…Pump for second drive cylinder, 10c…Auxiliary pump, 11…Valve, 12…Oil tank, 13…Oil cooler, 21…Main frame, 22…Front frame, 23…Side frame, 24…Legs, 25…Towed section, 40a…Engine, 40b…Engine, 51…First control panel, 52…Second control panel, 61…Wheels, 62…Axles, 71…First concrete cylinder, 71a…First concrete piston 71b…Discharge end, 72…Second concrete cylinder, 72a…Second concrete piston, 72b…Discharge end, 73…First drive cylinder, 73a…First drive piston, 73b…Rod side hydraulic oil chamber, 73c…Head side hydraulic oil chamber, 74…Second drive cylinder, 74a…Second drive piston, 74b…Rod side hydraulic oil chamber, 74c…Head side hydraulic oil chamber, 75…Center frame, 76…First piston rod, 77…Second piston rod, 78…Center box, 81…Valve casing, 82…Bottom cover, 83…S-shaped valve, 83a…Rotating pivot shaft, 83b…Inlet, 84…S-shaped valve driving means, 84a…Valve driving cylinder, 84b…Valve driving cylinder, 85…Discharge piping, 86…Hopper, 87…Cylinder, 90…Fuel tank, D1…Front-back direction, D2…Left-right direction, D3…Up-down direction

Claims

1. A pump unit that pressurizes and discharges ready-mix concrete, Multiple drive sources for driving the pump unit, The system includes a control device for controlling the plurality of drive sources, The control device selectively drives some or all of the multiple drive sources so that the amount of ready-mixed concrete discharged from the pump unit is a desired amount, in a concrete pump vehicle.

2. A pump unit that pressurizes and discharges ready-mix concrete, Multiple drive sources for driving the pump unit, The system includes a control device for controlling the plurality of drive sources, The control device simultaneously controls the output of each of the multiple drive sources so that the amount of ready-mixed concrete discharged from the pump unit is a desired amount, in a concrete pump vehicle.

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