Scraper assembly associated with a machine

Abstract

A squeegee assembly associated with a machine, comprising a squeegee disposed at the rear end of the machine and at least one control panel assembly coupled to the squeegee. The at least one control panel assembly includes a control panel, the control panel including a groove and a support structure, the support structure being adapted to be removably coupled to the control panel. The support structure includes a first structure defining a first axis. The first structure is movable along the first axis and rotatable about the first axis. The support structure further includes a second structure movably coupled to the first structure. The second structure defines a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The second structure is rotatable about the second axis and includes a locking member adapted to be slidably received within the groove of the control panel to removably couple the control panel to the support structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a squeegee assembly associated with a machine. Background Art

[0002] Machines such as asphalt pavers include a squeegee for heating and / or compressing paving materials such as asphalt, concrete, or other suitable material aggregates. Typically, a pair of control panels are provided on either side of the squeegee. The control panels can be used to provide inputs for the operation of the squeegee or the machine. The control panels are typically used by operators of different heights. When the operator is on the walkway of the squeegee or on the ground near the squeegee, the operator can access the control panels. Thus, changes in the horizontal or vertical position from the walkway to the ground on either side of the squeegee may make it difficult for the operator to use the control panels.

[0003] In some cases, when the control panels are not in use, it may be necessary to remove the control panels from the squeegee for storage purposes. Currently available control panels on the market use fasteners to couple the control panels to a portion of the squeegee. Thus, one or more tools may be required to remove and install such control panels.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,783,056 describes an operator platform for construction machinery and a construction machinery having an operator platform, particularly road construction machinery such as a road milling machine or a road paver. The operator platform includes an operator platform base, an operation panel, and an operator seat, wherein an operation panel mount having a pivoting device is provided, by means of which the operation panel can pivot between a first pivoting position and a second pivoting position about a vertical pivot axis. The operation panel mount includes a height adjustment device configured such that the operation panel can be locked at different height positions independently of the pivoting position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a squeegee assembly associated with a machine. The squeegee assembly includes a squeegee disposed at the rear end of the machine. The squeegee assembly further includes at least one control panel assembly coupled to the squeegee. The at least one control panel assembly includes a control panel that includes a groove defined at its rear surface. The at least one control panel assembly further includes a support structure adapted to removably couple with the control panel. The support structure includes a first structure defining a first axis. The first structure is movable along the first axis and rotatable about the first axis. The support structure further includes a second structure movably coupled to the first structure. The second structure defines a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The second structure is rotatable about the second axis. In addition, the second structure includes a locking member adapted to be slidably received within the groove of the control panel for removably coupling the control panel to the support structure.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support structure for a control panel associated with a machine blade. The support structure includes a first structure defining a first axis. The first structure is movable along the first axis and rotatable about the first axis. The support structure further includes a second structure movably coupled to the first structure. The second structure defines a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The second structure is rotatable about the second axis. Additionally, the second structure includes a locking member adapted to be slidably received within a groove of the control panel to removably couple the control panel to the support structure by a dovetail joint.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control panel assembly associated with a machine blade. The control panel assembly includes a control panel having a groove defined at its rear surface. The control panel assembly further includes a support structure adapted to be removably coupled to the control panel. The support structure includes a first structure defining a first axis. The first structure is movable along the first axis and rotatable about the first axis. The support structure further includes a second structure movably coupled to the first structure. The second structure defines a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. The second structure is rotatable about the second axis. Additionally, the second structure includes a locking member adapted to be slidably received within the groove of the control panel for removably coupling the control panel to the support structure by a dovetail joint.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a blade assembly associated with a Figure 1 machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a control panel assembly associated with a Figure 2 blade assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 4 is a Figure 2 side view of the blade assembly;

[0013] Figure 5 shows the rear end of a display associated with a Figure 3 control panel assembly;

[0014] Figure 6 shows the Figure 3a support structure associated with the control panel assembly of; and

[0015] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a control panel assembly associated with Figure 2 the screed assembly of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In all the figures, the same reference numerals are used, wherever possible, to designate the same or similar components. Refer to Figure 1 , which shows a machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The machine 100 is implemented as a paver, and more specifically, as an asphalt paver that can be used to lay asphalt on a ground 102 such as a road surface. Alternatively, the machine 100 disclosed herein can be implemented as, for example, a concrete paver or another paver that can be used to lay aggregates of other suitable base materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0017] The machine 100 defines a front end 104 and a rear end 106. The machine 100 includes a tractor 108 to propel the machine 100 on the ground 102. In the present embodiment, the tractor 108 is a wheeled tractor and includes a plurality of wheels 110 for providing traction between the tractor 108 and the ground 102. In another embodiment, the tractor 108 can have tracks instead of the wheels 110 disclosed herein. These tracks, also referred to as track traction devices, provide traction between the tractor 108 and the ground 102. In yet another embodiment, the tractor 108 can further include a combination of tracks and wheels for providing traction between the tractor 108 and the ground 102.

[0018] The machine 100 further includes a power source (not shown) for propelling the tractor 108. The power source can be disposed within the tractor 108 to drive the plurality of wheels 110 for propelling the tractor 108. The power source can be, but is not limited to, an internal combustion engine or a hybrid engine using a battery or other power source. The machine 100 can further include a generator (not shown) coupled to the power source. The generator can supply power to various electrical components of the machine 100.

[0019] The tractor 108 includes a frame 112 that supports various components of the machine 100, including but not limited to an operator station 114, a hopper 116, and a screed assembly 118. When the machine 100 is implemented as a manual or semi-autonomous machine, an operator of the machine 100 can sit or stand at the operator station 114 to operate the machine 100. The operator station 114 can include various input devices, such as control levers and switches for an operator to control various parameters associated with the paving operation of the machine 100.

[0020] In addition, the hopper 116 is coupled to the frame 112 at the front end 104 of the machine 100. The hopper 116 can receive paving materials from another machine such as a truck. The hopper 116 may include a conveyor (not shown) for conveying the paving materials toward the rear end 106 of the machine 100. A auger (not shown) may also be mounted at the rear end 106 to evenly distribute the paving materials in front of the screed assembly 118.

[0021] In addition, the screed assembly 118 is associated with the machine 100. The screed assembly 118 includes a screed 120 disposed at the rear end 106 of the machine 100. The screed 120 spreads and compacts the paving materials deposited on the ground 102. As Figure 2 shown, the screed 120 includes a screed frame 122 and a screed plate (not shown) mounted on the screed frame 122. The screed frame 122 is movably coupled to the frame 112 via a pair of arms 124 ( Figure 1 one arm 124 is shown in Figure 1 ). The screed plate compacts the paving materials deposited on the ground 102. Specifically, the screed plate contacts the paving materials deposited on the ground 102 to level the deposited paving materials relative to the ground 102.

[0022] In one embodiment, the screed 120 further includes a pair of screed extension assemblies 126 disposed on opposite sides 130, 132 of the screed frame 122. Each screed extension assembly 126 is movably coupled to the screed frame 122. The screed extension assemblies 126 can contact the paving materials deposited on the ground 102 together with the screed plate to level the deposited paving materials relative to the ground 102.

[0023] The machine 100 is also equipped with a rearwardly extending walkway 128 that extends laterally along the rear end of the machine 100. An operator or personnel can stand on the walkway 128 and observe the paving operation, discharging, and leveling of asphalt or other paving products while the machine 100 moves forward on the ground 102. When the machine 100 travels forward, the operator on the walkway 128 can also operate the controls of the machine 100 and communicate continuously with the operator at the operator station 114 that drives the machine 100 throughout the paving operation.

[0024] In addition, the squeegee assembly 118 includes a control panel assembly 200 coupled to the squeegee 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the squeegee assembly 118 includes a first control panel assembly 200 disposed at a first side 130 of the squeegee 120 and a second control panel assembly 200 disposed at a second side 132 of the squeegee 120. An operator or a person or machine 100 responsible for the paving operation may use the control panel assembly 200 to perform one or more machine-related operations. It should be noted that each of the first control panel assembly 200 and the second control panel assembly 200 is similar in construction and operation. Therefore, only the first control panel assembly 200 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 7 However, it should be noted that the description provided below applies equally to the second control panel assembly 200 without any limitation. In addition, the first control panel assembly 200 may be interchangeably referred to as the control panel assembly 200 hereinafter.

[0025] Reference Figure 3 , the control panel assembly 200 includes a control panel 202 and a support structure 204 detachably coupled to the control panel 202. The control panel 202 is implemented as a user interface that allows an operator or a maintenance / repair person to provide inputs for performing one or more machine tasks. In addition, the control panel 202 can also provide various notifications to the operator or the person to help improve the handling of the machine 100 (see Figure 1 ).

[0026] The control panel 202 includes a keypad 206 and a display 208 removably coupled to the keypad 206. The operator can provide inputs through the keypad 206, and the notifications can be displayed on the display 208. In some examples, the display 208 can also be used to provide user inputs. In such examples, the display 208 can be implemented as a touch screen. In other examples, the control panel 202 can omit the display 208 and include only the keypad 206. The display 208 is removably coupled to the keypad 206. In addition, the position of the display 208 relative to the keypad 206 can be adjusted based on application requirements. More specifically, the display 208 can be moved in direction "A1" or in a direction opposite to direction "A1". In the illustrated example, the display 208 includes a third clamp 210 for adjusting the position of the display 208 relative to the keypad 206. The third clamp 210 can be loosened to allow the display 208 to move along direction "A1" or in a direction opposite to direction "A1". In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the display can be moved in direction "A1", and once the display 208 is positioned at a desired angle relative to the keypad 206, the third clamp 210 (see Figure 3 ) can be tightened to restrict any further movement of the display 208.

[0027] As Figure 5 shown, the control panel 202 includes a groove 212 defined at its rear surface 214. More specifically, the groove 212 is provided at the rear surface 214 defined by the keypad 206 of the control panel 202. The groove 212 is defined by a first side surface 216, a second side surface 218, and a bottom surface 220 extending between the first and second side surfaces 216, 218. In addition, each of the first and second side surfaces 216, 218 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface 220. Each of the first and second side surfaces 216, 218 defines a first thickness "T1". The rear surface 214 also defines a pair of cavities 222 at the rear surface 214. The cavities 222 can provide a gripping surface for a person when the control panel 202 is coupled to or separated from the support structure 204.

[0028] Now referring Figure 6 , the support structure 204 described herein is movably coupled to the squeegee 120 such that the entire control panel assembly 200 can be adjusted to a desired orientation according to application requirements. In addition, the support structure 204 includes a first structure 224 that defines a first axis 226. The first structure 224 is movable along the first axis 226 and rotatable about the first axis 226. Based on the vertical movement of the first structure 224 along the first axis 226, the first structure 224 can be disposed at different heights relative to the squeegee 120. In addition, based on the rotational movement of the first structure 224 about the first axis 226, the first structure 224 can be disposed in different orientations relative to the squeegee 120. More specifically, the first structure 224 can be rotated in a clockwise direction "C1" or a counterclockwise direction "C2" to adjust the orientation of the first structure 224.

[0029] The first structure 224 includes a first portion 228 that defines the first axis 226 and a second portion 230 that is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 228. The first portion 228 is implemented as a cylindrical member that is removably coupled to a portion of the squeegee 120. In some examples, the first portion 228 can be coupled to the squeegee 120 by a threaded arrangement to allow the first structure 224 to move along the first axis 226. The first portion 228 defines a first upper end 232 and a first lower end 234. In addition, the second portion 230 is implemented as an elongated hollow rod member. The second portion 230 defines a first end 236 and a second end 238. The width of the second portion 230 tapers from the second end 238 towards the first end 236. In addition, the first upper end 232 of the first portion 228 is fixedly coupled to the second portion 230 near the first end 236 of the second portion 230.

[0030] In addition, the support structure 204 includes a first clamp 240 to restrict or permit movement of the first structure 224 relative to the squeegee 120. The first clamp 240 is aligned and received through a through hole (not shown) provided in the side surface 134 of the squeegee 120 and a pupil (not shown) provided near the first lower end 234 of the first portion 228. The first clamp 240 can be loosened to allow the support structure 204 to move vertically along the first axis 226 or to rotate the first structure 224 about the first axis 226. In addition, once the first structure 224 is positioned as needed, the first clamp 240 can be tightened to restrict any further movement of the first structure 224.

[0031] The support structure 204 includes a second structure 242 movably coupled to the first structure 224. The second structure 242 defines a second axis 244 that is substantially parallel to the first axis 226. In addition, the second structure 242 is rotatable about the second axis 244. More specifically, the second structure 242 can rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction “C1”, “C2”. The second structure 242 includes a third portion 246 that defines the second axis 244. The third portion 246 is implemented as a cylindrical member. The third portion 246 defines a second upper end 250 and a second lower end 252. In addition, the third portion 246 is fixedly coupled to a locking member 248. More specifically, the second upper end 250 of the third portion 246 is fixedly coupled to the locking member 248. In some examples, the locking member 248 is coupled to the third portion 246 such that the locking member 248 is slightly inclined relative to the third portion 246.

[0032] In addition, the second lower end 252 of the third portion 246 is movably coupled to the second portion 230 near the second end 238 of the second portion 230. The third portion 246 is coupled to the second portion 230 by a mechanical fastener 254. The mechanical fastener 254 can be embodied as a screw or a bolt. In addition, a pair of washers 256 (one washer 256 is shown herein) can restrict any movement of the third portion 246 along the second axis 244. In addition, the support structure 204 includes a second clamp 258 to restrict or permit rotation of the second structure 242 relative to the first structure 224. The second clamp 258 is aligned and received through a through hole (not shown) provided in the second portion 230 and a through hole (not shown) provided near the second lower end 252 of the third portion 246. The second clamp 258 can be loosened to allow the second structure 242 to rotate about the second axis 244. In addition, once the second structure 242 is positioned as needed, the second clamp 258 can be tightened to restrict any further rotation of the second structure 242.

[0033] In addition, the second structure 242 includes a locking member 248 that is slidably received within a groove 212 of the control panel 202 for removably coupling the control panel 202 to the support structure 204. In the illustrated example, the control panel 202 is removably coupled to the support structure 204 by a dovetail joint 268 (shown in Figure 7 ). The dovetail joint 268 is defined by the locking member 248 and the groove 212. The locking member 248 is generally trapezoidal. The locking member 248 defines an upper surface 260 and a lower surface 262 that is disposed opposite the upper surface 260 (shown in Figure 7 ).

[0034] As Figure 7 shown, a third portion 246 is fixedly attached to the lower surface 262 of the locking member 248. A second thickness “T2” of the locking member 248 is defined between the upper surface 260 (see Figure 6 ) and the lower surface 262. The second thickness “T2” of the locking member 248 is substantially equal to a first thickness “T1” defined by each of the first and second side surfaces 216, 218 (see Figure 5 ).

[0035] In addition, the locking member 248 defines a third side surface 264 and a fourth side surface 266. The third and fourth side surfaces 264, 266 are wedge-shaped. More specifically, the third and fourth side surfaces 264, 266 taper from the upper surface 260 of the locking member 248 toward the lower surface 262. When the locking member 248 is received within the groove 212, the inclination of the third and fourth side surfaces 264, 266 relative to the upper surface 260 is the same as the inclination of the first and second side surfaces 216, 218 relative to the bottom surface 220. This feature of the locking member 248 and the groove 212 allows the locking member 248 to be received within the groove 212 and also allows the locking member 248 to slide into and out of the groove 212 during coupling and removal of the control panel 202, respectively.

[0036] It should be understood that the individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with the individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The implementations described above do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Thus, it should be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present invention in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0037] Industrial Applicability

[0038] The control panel assembly 200 associated with the squeegee assembly 118 described herein provides a simple, effective, and cost-effective solution for moving the control panel assembly 200 to a desired orientation. More specifically, the control panel assembly 200 includes a support structure 204 such that the support structure 204 can be moved vertically or the support structure 204 can be rotated to adjust the position of the control panel assembly 200. The control panel assembly 200 described herein has an ergonomic design. When an operator stands on the walkway 128 or on the ground 102 adjacent to the squeegee 120, the operator can easily access the control panel 202 of the control panel assembly 200. In addition, the design of the support structure 204 allows the control panel 202 to be in front of the operator when the operator stands on the ground 102 near the squeegee 120.

[0039] In addition, the control panel assembly 200 described herein can be used by operators of different heights because the height adjustment feature provided by the first structure 224 allows the entire control panel assembly 200 to be raised or lowered relative to the squeegee 120. In addition, in the case where there is a change in the distance between the walkway 128 and the ground 102, the height adjustment feature of the first structure 224 also allows the operator to access the control panel 202.

[0040] In addition, the rotational feature of the support structure 204 can allow the control panel assembly 200 to rotate inward to provide clearance when performing a paving operation against a building or other obstacle. In addition, the control panel 202 includes a display 208 removably coupled to a keypad 206. The display 208 can be moved in the direction "A1", thereby allowing multiple viewing angles to be provided in combination with the height adjustment feature provided by the support structure 204.

[0041] In addition, the control panel 202 is locked to the locking member 248 by a dovetail joint 268, thereby eliminating the removal of the control panel 202 from the support structure 204. Additionally, this technique of locking the control panel 202 with the locking member 248 allows the control panel 202 to slide into and out of the groove 12 without the use of tools or fasteners. Thus, when the control panel 202 is not in use, the control panel 202 can be easily removed and stored. In addition, the support structure 204 is easy to design and manufacture. The control panel assembly 200 can be easily retrofitted on an existing machine with limited modifications, thereby providing flexibility and compatibility.

[0042] Although aspects of the present invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be envisioned by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A squeegee assembly associated with a machine, the squeegee assembly comprising: A squeegee disposed at the rear end of the machine; And At least one control panel assembly coupled to the squeegee, wherein the at least one control panel assembly comprises: A control panel including a groove defined at its rear surface; and A support structure adapted to be removably coupled to the control panel, wherein the support structure comprises: A first structure defining a first axis, wherein the first structure is capable of moving along the first axis and rotating about the first axis; and A second structure movably coupled to the first structure, the second structure defining a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the second structure is capable of rotating about the second axis, and Wherein the second structure includes a locking member adapted to be slidably received within the groove of the control panel to removably couple the control panel to the support structure.

2. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the control panel is adapted to be removably coupled to the support structure by a dovetail joint.

3. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the groove is defined by a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom surface extending between the first side surface and the second side surface, and wherein each of the first side surface and the second side surface is inclined relative to the bottom surface.

4. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking member defines a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and wherein each of the third and fourth side surfaces is wedge-shaped.

5. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first structure includes a first portion defining the first axis and a second portion perpendicular to the first portion.

6. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second structure includes a third portion defining the second axis, the third portion being fixedly coupled to the locking member.

7. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a first clamp adapted to restrict and permit at least one of the movement of the first structure relative to the squeegee.

8. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a second clamp adapted to restrict and permit at least one of the rotation of the second structure relative to the first structure.

9. The squeegee assembly according to claim 1, wherein the control panel includes a keyboard and a display removably coupled to the keyboard, and wherein the display includes a third clamp for adjusting the position of the display relative to the keyboard.

10. A support structure for a control panel associated with a machine squeegee, the support structure comprising: A first structure defining a first axis, wherein the first structure is capable of moving along the first axis and rotating about the first axis; And A second structure movably coupled to the first structure, the second structure defining a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the second structure is capable of rotating about the second axis, and Wherein the second structure includes a locking member, and the locking member is adapted to be slidably received within a groove of the control panel to removably couple the control panel to the support structure via a dovetail joint.

11. The support structure according to claim 10, wherein the groove is defined by a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom surface extending between the first and second side surfaces, and wherein each of the first and second side surfaces is inclined relative to the bottom surface.

12. The support structure according to claim 10, wherein the locking member defines a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and wherein each of the third and fourth side surfaces is wedge-shaped.

13. The support structure according to claim 10, wherein the first structure includes a first portion defining the first axis and a second portion perpendicular to the first portion.

14. The support structure according to claim 10, wherein the second structure includes a third portion defining the second axis, and the third portion is fixedly coupled to the locking member.

15. A control panel assembly associated with a machine scraper, the control panel assembly comprising: A control panel including a groove defined at its rear surface; And A support structure adapted to be removably coupled to the control panel, wherein the support structure includes: A first structure defining a first axis, wherein the first structure is movable along the first axis and rotatable about the first axis; And A second structure movably coupled to the first structure, the second structure defining a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the second structure is rotatable about the second axis, and Wherein the second structure includes a locking member, and the locking member is adapted to be slidably received within a groove of the control panel to removably couple the control panel to the support structure via a dovetail joint.

16. The control panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the groove is defined by a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom surface extending between the first and second side surfaces, and wherein each of the first and second side surfaces is inclined relative to the bottom surface.

17. The control panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the locking member defines a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and wherein each of the third and fourth side surfaces is wedge-shaped.

18. The control panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first structure includes a first portion defining the first axis and a second portion perpendicular to the first portion.

19. The control panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the second structure includes a third portion defining the second axis, and the third portion is fixedly coupled to the locking member.

20. The control panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the control panel includes a keyboard and a display removably coupled to the keyboard, and wherein the display includes a third clamp for adjusting the position of the display relative to the keyboard.

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