FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of specialist vehicles, and more particularly to multi-service vehicles for use on spaced-constrained construction sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spaced-constrained construction sites, such as tunnels, railways, mines or corridor-like sites, impose restrictions on the freedom of movement of vehicles. Specialist vehicles may therefore be provided for specific construction sites.

Multi-service vehicles are specialist vehicles designed for use on tunnel construction sites or rail construction site. Such vehicles are typically wheeled special vehicles that are used on sites to transport personnel, lining segments, extracted material and other rolling stock within a tunnel (or a similarly space-restricted mine or narrow corridor) or along a railway.

By way of example, a conventional multi-service vehicle for heavy-duty transport has a loading capacity of 15,000 kg - 40,000 kg, is self-propelled and equipped with double driver cabins. One driver cabin is positioned at a first end of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in a first direction, and the other driver cabin is positioned at a second, opposite end of the vehicle for driving the vehicle in second direction opposite to the first direction. That is, to facilitate easy driving of the vehicle in opposite directions (e.g. forwards and backward) along a tunnel or railway track, it is known to provide a vehicle with two driver cabins (one at each end facing in opposite directions). However, due to the provision of two (i.e. dual) drive cabins, such multi-service vehicles are prohibitively expensive.

In an attempt to avoid the need to purchase/hire such expensive multi-service vehicles, relatively small 4x4 vehicles (e.g. gators) have been utilised on tunnel construction sites for transporting personnel, material and/or products. However, such vehicles are severely limited in load capacity. It has also been found that can be easily rolled over in the event of a collision (or even due to the invert of the tunnels they are driven in). They also require a driver to reverse, meaning the driver puts the vehicle in reverse and then has to look back in the direction of travel while manoeuvring, increasing the chance of a crash or collision. There is therefore a need to provide a multi-service vehicle for transporting personnel, lining segments, extracted material and other rolling stock at spaced-constrained construction sites and which is preferably cheaper than a conventional multi-service vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-service vehicle for a space-constrained construction site comprising: a dual view dumper vehicle having a chassis and a drive control unit that is adapted to rotate at least 180 degrees for enabling a user to drive the vehicle while facing in either of two opposing driving directions, wherein the dual view dumper vehicle comprises a coupling arrangement for releasably coupling a carrier module to chassis.

Proposed concepts thus aim to provide schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems pertaining to a multi-service vehicle for transporting personnel, lining segments, extracted material and other rolling stock in a space constrained construction site (such as a tunnel, mine, railway line, or the like). In particular, embodiments of the invention propose re-purposing a dual view dumper vehicle so that it can releasably couple with a carrier module for carrying personnel, material and/or equipment. In this way, a multi-service tunnel vehicle can be provided which supports driving in opposite directions without needing to be turned around or requiring a driver to look backwards in the direction of backward travel. That is, to facilitate easy driving of the vehicle in opposite directions (e.g. forwards and backward) along a narrow corridor-like space or track, and to eliminate a need to turn the vehicle around in a restricted space, it proposed to modify an existing dual view dumper vehicle so that is can be used to support and convey a carrier module for carrying personnel, material and other rolling stock. By modifying/repurposing a dual view dumper vehicle, a cheaper multi-service vehicle space-restricted construction site can be provided which still caters for heavy-duty transport (e.g. has a loading capacity of over 5000 kg).

Purely by way of example, a proposed embodiment may be realized by modifying an existing dual view dumper that is currently manufactured by Wacker Neuson (such as DV60 dumper or a DV90 dumper). Such a dual view dumper is designed to carry materials in a tip skip and provides a user (i.e. driver) with dual view functionality by employing a 180-degree rotatable drive control unit (i.e. operator’s platform) (e.g. driver’s seat and control console). The dual view functionality provided by the 180-degree rotatable drive control unit enables a driver to always sit facing the direction of travel, and it has been realized that this dual-view functionality can be leveraged to provide a multi-service vehicle that does not require double driver cabins (e.g. at opposite ends of the vehicle).

Although the example of re-purposing/modifying a Wacker Neuson dual view dumper has been detailed above as providing a multi-service vehicle for a space-constrained construction site according to an embodiment, the proposed concept(s) may be employed with other makes or models of dual view dumper vehicle that have a dual view functionality (i.e. cater for rotation of the operator’s platform so that a driver can sit facing a direction of travel in either of two opposing directions). Also, the proposed concept(s) may be employed by re-purposing/modifying other types of dumper vehicle to provide dual view functionality. That is, it is foreseen that embodiments may be realised by adding dual view functionality to a conventional dumper vehicle, in addition to providing a coupling arrangement for releasably coupling to a carrier module for carrying personnel, material and/or equipment.

Embodiments may thus be employed in combination with conventional/existing dual view dumper vehicles. In this way, embodiments may improve, alter and/or extend their functionality and capabilities. An improved yet cheaper multiservice vehicle may therefore be provided by proposed embodiments.

Further, by modifying an existing plant vehicle to cater for carrying a purposespecific carrier module, proposed embodiments may eliminate a need for driving the vehicle in a direction opposite to that in which the driver’s seat is facing, thus reducing a risk of collision/incident at a space-constrained construction environment (such as a tunnel, carriageway or railway line).

Proposed embodiments may also have the benefit of providing a single, prime/base vehicle that can fulfil many different tasks/duties on a space-constrained construction site through the addition of (e.g. coupling to) purpose-built carrier modules.

By way of further example, a proposed embodiment of a multi-service vehicle may be formed by modifying/adapting a dual view dumper vehicle that has a drive control unit that is rotatable about a vertical axis between a first, fore-facing direction and a second, aft-facing direction (i.e. rotatable between two opposing directions) so that a user can drive the vehicle in either (fore or aft) direction whilst facing in the same direction. In particular, the dual view dumper vehicle may be modified to have a coupling arrangement for releasably coupling to a carrier module for carrying personnel, material and/or equipment.

In some embodiments the coupling arrangement may comprise: a sub-frame coupled to the chassis of the dual view dumper vehicle; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the sub-frame and configured to clamp to a carrier module. For instance, the clamping mechanism may comprise a quick-release clamping mechanism that is configured to enable attachment of different carrier modules to the dumper in a secure manner.

Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the coupling arrangement may further comprise a hydraulic drive arrangement adapted to hydraulically drive clamping of the clamping mechanism. In this way, the clamping mechanism may be hydraulically driven and facilitate quick/rapid exchanging of carrier modules (e.g. within less than 5-10 minutes). The clamping mechanism may be designed to have a geometry that matches or complements an interface part of a carrier module, and may also be configured facilitate (e.g. guide) correct alignment between the clamping mechanism and the carrier module.

The drive control unit may, for example, comprise: a seat for a user; and a control console for facilitating user control of driving of the vehicle. The drive control unit may then be adapted to rotate the seat and control console at least 180 degrees about a substantially vertical axis.

In some embodiments, the dual view dumper vehicle may be devoid of a skip. For example, a dual view dumper vehicle may be re-purposed to provide a proposed embodiment through removal of skip from the dumper vehicle.

By way of further example, the dual view dumper vehicle may be devoid of a slew-ring. For instance, the coupling arrangement may be installed in place of a slew-ring of the dual view dumper vehicle, thus not requiring additional space in or on the body of the dumper vehicle.

Some embodiments may further comprise a carrier module releasably coupled to the chassis by the coupling arrangement. The carrier module may, for example, comprise a platform configured to support at least one of personnel; construction equipment; and material. In this way, embodiments may provide a modular system, wherein different carrier modules may be configured and employed for different purposes. An exemplary carrier module, may be for personnel transport, for example, whereas another carrier module may be adapted to carrying materials and equipment. Other examples of carrier modules may include: a crane module; a refuelling module; a water bowser module; and an access platform.

Yet another proposed embodiment may further comprise a camera system configured to display a driving view to the user while the user is facing in at least one of the two opposing driving directions. In this way, a camera system may be provided to aid the driver when driving and facing in the direction of a coupled carrier module that is obstructing his/her view. According to examples in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a multi-service vehicle for a space-constrained construction site, the method comprising: modifying a dual view dumper vehicle having a chassis and a drive control unit that is adapted to rotate at least 180 degrees for enabling a user to drive the vehicle while facing in either of two opposing driving directions, wherein modifying the dual view dumper vehicle comprises attaching a coupling arrangement to the dual view dumper vehicle, the coupling arrangement being configured to releasably couple a carrier module to chassis.

The step of modifying the dual view dumper vehicle may comprise the preceding step of removing a skip of the dual view dumper vehicle.

By way of further example, modifying the dual view dumper vehicle may comprise the preceding step of removing a slew-ring of the dual view dumper vehicle.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 A is a simplified side view of a multi-service vehicle according to an embodiment (without a carrier module coupled thereto);

Figure IB depicts (an isometric view) of the coupling arrangement of the multi-service tunnel vehicle of Figure 1 A;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the multi-service vehicle according to another embodiment (with a personnel carrier module coupled thereto);

Figures 3 A & 3B depict an isometric view and end view of the personnel carrier module of Figure 2, respectively;

Figure 4 depicts an example of the multi-service vehicle of Figure 2 being used to carry a material carrier module; and

Figures 5A & 5B depict an isometric view and end view of the material carrier module of Figure 4, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will be described with reference to the Figures. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

The invention proposes concepts for a multi-service vehicle for a space- constrained construction site that supports driving in opposite directions along a tunnel without needing to be turned around and without requiring a driver to look backwards in the direction of backward travel. In particular, to facilitate easy driving of the vehicle in opposite directions (e.g. forwards and backward) within a relatively narrow, corridor-like space, and to eliminate a need to turn the vehicle around in the restricted space, it proposed to modify an existing dual view dumper vehicle so that it can be used to support and convey a carrier module for carrying personnel, material and other rolling stock in the space-constrained construction site.

It has been realized that dumper vehicles with dual view functionality exist and that they may be re-purposed (i.e. modified or adapted) to support and convey a carrier module for carrying personnel, equipment and/or material along a space-restricted passage, corridor or railway. Such dual view functionality is provided by employing a 180-degree rotatable drive control unit (e.g. operator supporting a driver’s seat and control console) that enables a driver to always sit facing the direction of travel of the dumper vehicle. The inventor’s propose to leverage this functionality to provide a multi-service vehicle that does not require double driver cabins (e.g. at opposite ends of the vehicle).

For instance, embodiments of the invention propose re-purposing a dual view dumper vehicle so that it can releasably couple with a carrier module for carrying personnel, material and/or equipment within a space-restricted area (e.g. along a narrow corridor-like space or railway). Such embodiments may also have the benefit of providing a single, base vehicle that can fulfil many different tasks/duties on a construction site by being adapted to releasably couple with different purpose-built carrier modules according to requirements.

Accordingly, proposed is an approach for provisioning a multi-service vehicle for a space-restricted construction site through the modification/adaptation of a dual view dumper vehicle (i.e. dual view dumper truck) so that it can be coupled with a carrier module for carrying personnel, equipment and/or material within a tunnel. Embodiments may include the provision of a coupling mechanism which facilitates connection of different purposespecific carrier modules to the dual view dumper vehicle.

Such proposals may thus facilitate simple and cheap modification of functionality of an existing dual view dumper vehicle so that is particularly advantageous for use at a tunnel construction site, highway site and/or a railway site.

Embodiments of the present invention are therefore directed toward providing a cheaper and/or improved multi-service vehicle space-restricted construction site.

By way of example only, illustrative embodiments may be utilized in many different types of space-restricted construction environments, such as tunnels, mines, railways, corridors, highway construction sites, etc.

Referring now to Figures 1 A and IB, an example of a multi-service tunnel vehicle 10 according to a proposed embodiment will be described. Figure 1 A is a simplified side view of the multi-service tunnel vehicle 10 (without a carrier module coupled thereto). Figure IB depicts (an isometric view) of the coupling arrangement of the multi-service tunnel vehicle of Figure 1A.

More specifically, the embodiment of Figures 1A and IB is realized by modifying an existing dual view dumper that is currently manufactured by Wacker Neuson. Such a dual view dumper is designed to carry materials in a swivel and tip skip (or in a fixed skip), but the skip (and its slew ring) has been removed in the proposed embodiment.

In particular, the multi-service tunnel vehicle 10 comprises a dual view dumper vehicle having a chassis 12 and a drive control unit 14 that is adapted to rotate at least 180 degrees for enabling a user to drive the vehicle while facing in either of two opposing driving directions. More specifically, in this embodiment, the drive control unit 14 comprises: a seat 16 for a user; and a control console 18 for facilitating user control of driving of the vehicle. The drive control unit 14 is adapted to rotate the seat 16 and control console 18 together 360 degrees about a substantially vertical axis Z (as indicated by the dashed arrow labelled “R”).

By employing a 360-degree rotatable drive control unit 14, the dumper vehicle enables a driver to always sit facing the direction of travel of the dumper vehicle. For example, when driving the vehicle in a first direction (as indicated by the arrow labelled “A” in Figure 1 A) the drive control unit 14 is oriented with the seat facing in the first direction A (as is depicted in Figure 1 A). Conversely, when driving the vehicle is to be driven in second, opposite direction (as indicated by the arrow labelled “B” in Figure 1 A) the drive control unit 14 can be rotated 180-degree about axis Z so that it is oriented with the seat facing in the second direction A (i.e. in an opposite direction to which it is depicted in Figure 1 A). This functionality that enables a driver to always sit facing the direction of travel of the dumper vehicle is referred to as ‘dual view’ functionality, because it caters for two, opposing operating orientations of a driver (i.e. dual views) using the same drive control unit.

The dual view dumper vehicle of the embodiment also comprises a coupling arrangement 20 for releasably coupling a carrier module to chassis. In this way, the multiservice tunnel vehicle 10 is adapted to receive and securely support a carrier module for carrying personnel, equipment, and/or material. Further, such a releasable coupling arrangement enables a first carrier module (designed/adapted for a first purpose) to be released from the vehicle and replaced with a second, different carrier module (designed/adapted for a second, different purpose).

More specifically, the coupling arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 1A is provisioned by the removal of a skip and slew-ring of the dual view dumper vehicle. In this way, the embodiment can be considered to be different from a conventional dual view dumper vehicle in that it is devoid of a tip and a slew-ring. The coupling arrangement is connected to the chassis 12 in place of the slew ring, and is depicted in more detail in Figure IB.

Referring to Figure IB the coupling arrangement 20 comprises: a sub-frame 22 that is coupled to the chassis 12; and a clamping mechanism 24 that is coupled to the subframe and configured to clamp to a carrier module. The clamping mechanism 24 has a geometry that matches or complements an interface part of a carrier module. More specifically, the coupling arrangement employs a hydraulic drive arrangement 26 that is adapted to hydraulically drive clamping of the clamping mechanism 24. Hydraulic driving of the clamping mechanism 24 facilitates quick/rapid exchange of carrier modules (e.g. within less than 15 minutes). Also, although a hydraulically-driven clamping mechanism is employed in the embodiment of Figures 1A & IB, other coupling arrangements may be employed by alternative embodiments. Purely by way of example, other embodiments may employ a mechanical arrangement for winding down a clamping mechanism to be in the locked position and a physical locking pin to secure the module to the clamp.

Further, although the above-described exemplary embodiment is based on re- purposing/modifying a Wacker Neuson dual view dumper, it is to be understood that the proposed concept(s) may be employed with other makes or models of dual view dumper vehicles that have a dual view functionality (i.e. cater for rotation of the operator’s platform so that a driver can sit facing a direction of travel in either of two opposing directions). Proposed concepts thus aim to provide a multi-service vehicle for transporting personnel, lining segments, extracted material and other rolling stock within a tunnel through the reengineering (i.e. physical modification) of an existing dual view dumper vehicle.

Yet further, although the above-described exemplary embodiment is configured for use in a tunnel. Other embodiments may be configured for use at other space- restricted construction sites (such as a passageway, highway or railway line) by minimal (or no) modification.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3 A & 3B, an example of a multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 according to another embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 with a personnel carrier module 51 coupled thereto. Figures 3 A & 3B depict an isometric view and end view of the personnel carrier module 51 of Figure 2, respectively.

More specifically, the embodiment of Figures 2, 3 A & 3B is realized by modifying an existing dual view dumper that is currently manufactured by Wacker Neuson, wherein the skip (and its slew ring) has been removed.

The multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 of Figure 2 is similar to the multi-service tunnel vehicle 10 of Figure 1 in that is comprises a dual view dumper vehicle having a chassis 52 and a drive control unit 54 that is adapted to rotate at least 180 degrees for enabling a user to drive the vehicle while facing in either of two opposing driving directions.

By employing a 180-degree rotatable drive control unit 54, the dumper vehicle enables a driver to always sit facing the direction of travel of the dumper vehicle. This functionality that enables a driver to always sit facing the direction of travel of the dumper vehicle is referred to as ‘dual view’ functionality, because it caters for two, opposing operating orientations of a driver (i.e. dual views) when operating the vehicle. The dual view dumper vehicle of the embodiment also comprises a coupling arrangement 56 for releasably coupling the personnel carrier module 51 to the chassis 52. In this way, the multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 is adapted to receive and securely support the personnel carrier module 51 for carrying personnel.

Referring to Figures 3 A & 3B the personnel carrier module 51 comprises: a support platform 60; a plurality of seats 62 (arranged in rows) supported by the support platform 60; and a cage-like enclosure 64. The cage-like enclosure 64 is formed from a rigid material and configured to protect carried personnel from debris and the like when being carried by tunnel vehicle. The cage-like enclosure 64 is preferably thus shaped and sized so that it covers carried personnel (from the sides and above) yet fits inside a construction tunnel when being carried by the tunnel vehicle.

Referring back to Figure 2, the multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 further comprises a camera system 58 that is configured to display a driving view to the user while the user is facing in at least one of the two opposing driving directions. The camera system comprises a video camera 58A mounted on the cage-like enclosure 64 and facing away from the drive control unit 54. In alterative embodiments, the video camera may be mounted at different locations, such as on the chassis for example. The camera system also comprises a display 58B that is mounted at the drive control unit 54 for easy viewing by a driver of the vehicle. Images/video captured by the video camera 58A are displayed to a driver by the display 58B. In this way, the camera system may assist the driver when driving and facing in the direction of the coupled personnel carrier module that is obstructing his/her view.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is depicted an example of the multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 of Figure 2 being used to carry a material carrier module 71. More specifically, Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 with a material carrier module 51 coupled thereto. That is, the personnel carrier module 51 depicted in Figure 2 has been decoupled from the coupling arrangement 56 and a material carrier module 71 has been coupled to the chassis 52 in its place.

Figures 5A & 5B depict an isometric view and end view of the material carrier module 71 of Figure 4, respectively.

Referring to Figures 5 A & 5B the material carrier module 71 comprises: a flat support platform 72 for supporting heavy material; a plurality of upwardly projecting sides 74 surrounding the periphery of the flat support platform 72. The sides 74 are formed from a rigid material and configured to contain carried material/objects, preventing it from falling from the material carrier module when being carried by tunnel vehicle. Although the above-described embodiment of a multi-service tunnel vehicle 50 has been presented being used to carry two different carrier modules (namely, a personnel carrier module and a material carrier module), it is to be understood that the coupling arrangement may facilitate the releasable connection of other, purpose-specific carrier modules. That is, other purpose-specific carrier modules are envisaged and may be coupled to the chassis of the multi-service tunnel vehicle (by the coupling arrangement). Examples of other carrier modules that may be coupled to and conveyed by proposed embodiment may include: a crane module; a refuelling module; a water bowser module; and an access platform. An improved yet cheaper multi-service tunnel vehicle may therefore be provided.

Also, it is to be understood that proposed embodiments may also provide multi-service vehicles for other types of space-constrained construction sites (such as passageways, highways or railways). For instance, a multi-service rail vehicle (i.e. a railway version) may be provided, wherein the wheels of the dumper vehicle are replaced with rail wheels adapted for use on railway tracks.

Embodiments may be employed in combination with conventional/existing dual view dumper vehicles. Embodiments may therefore improve, alter and/or extend the functionality and capabilities of existing dual view dumper vehicles.

By modifying an existing dual view plant vehicle to cater for carrying a purpose-specific carrier module, proposed embodiments may eliminate a need for driving the vehicle in a direction opposite to that in which the driver’s seat is facing, thus reducing a risk of collision/incident. Proposed embodiments may also provide a single, prime/base dual view vehicle that can fulfil many different tasks/duties on a space-constrained construction site through the addition of (e.g. releasable attachment of) purpose-built carrier modules.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. If a computer program is discussed above, it may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.