End gate loading apparatus for screed of a paver

Abstract

According to one example, a screed assembly for a paving machine is disclosed. The screed assembly can include an end gate, a screed extension, and a loading device. The screed extension can be selectively connected to the end gate by one or more first quick attach mechanisms. When connected, the screed extension can be configured to operably position the end gate relative to a main screed. The loading device can have one or more second quick attach mechanisms for selectively coupling the loading device to the end gate. During operation of the paving machine, the loading device can be moved from a first position, where the end gate is coupled to the loading device and the end gate is positioned behind the main screed, to a second position, where the end gate is uncoupled from the loading device and the loading device is positioned adjacent to the main screed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to apparatus, methods, and systems capable of loading end gates for transport of leveler assemblies. More specifically, this application relates to apparatus, methods, and systems for quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting end gates to achieve loading, and their uses. Background Technology

[0002] A paver, or paving machine, is a piece of machinery used in the paving process to create a new road surface. This type of paver helps to pour and spread paving materials to form a new road surface or mat. Using an asphalt paver, an asphalt mixture containing filler aggregates for paving materials is spread while hot and then compacted, allowing it to harden into a road surface upon cooling. Pavers typically use a heavy assembly called a "screed" towed behind the paving machine. The screed assembly consists of one or more replaceable screed plates to spread a smooth, uniform layer of paving material on the prepared subgrade. The weight and / or vibration of the screed assembly helps to compact the paving material and perform initial compaction of the paving material layers.

[0003] To facilitate the laying of paving materials, screed assemblies may have multiple components, including multiple screed plates. These can be separated from each other and can extend and retract laterally relative to the paver's direction of travel. This ability to cover larger lateral areas using multiple screed plates allows for more efficient paving of larger areas with fewer passes. Furthermore, having multiple independent screed plates as part of the screed assembly allows for individual changes to the relative angles of the screeds. This allows the pavement in certain areas to have desired angles, curvatures, or gradients. For example, this can allow for the introduction of drainage gradients into the pavement. Various screed assemblies with multiple screed plates are known, including front-mounted screed extension assemblies and rear-mounted screed extension assemblies. Using a front-mounted screed extension assembly, one or more side screed plates are positioned on the sides and front of the main screed plate. Using a rear-mounted screed extension assembly, one or more side screed plates are positioned on the sides and rear of the main screed plate.

[0004] When transporting construction equipment, local laws and restrictions must be followed, some of which stipulate the maximum width of the equipment that can travel on public roads. However, these regulations contradict the expectation that asphalt paver screed assemblies should have a maximum lateral width to improve efficiency when paving roads. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to load certain components of the asphalt paver screed assembly during transport to meet transportation requirements.

[0005] U.S. Patent 7,121,763 discloses a method for loading leveler assembly components (e.g., end gates) to reduce the lateral width of the leveler assembly. However, this loading design does not utilize loading equipment to facilitate the loading of end gates. Instead, each end gate must be removed from the leveler extension and reattached to the leveler assembly in another location. This process can be lengthy and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one example, a screed assembly for a paver is disclosed. The screed assembly may include an end gate, a screed extension, and a loading device. The screed extension may be selectively attached to the end gate via one or more first quick-attach mechanisms. When attached, the screed extension may be configured to operatively position the end gate relative to a main screed. The loading device may have one or more second quick-attach mechanisms for selectively attaching the loading device to the end gate. During operation of the paver, the loading device may be moved from a first position for transporting the paver to a second position, in which the end gate is attached to the loading device and positioned behind the main screed, and in the second position, the end gate is disengaged from the loading device and the loading device is positioned near the main screed.

[0007] In another example, a system for a paver is disclosed. The system may include a main screed, end gates, a screed extension, a loading device, and multiple quick-attachment mechanisms. The screed extension may be configured to selectively engage with the end gates. The loading device may be configured to selectively engage with both the end gates and the main screed. During operation of the paver, the loading device may be configured to move from a first position for transporting the paver to a second position, in which the end gates are engaged with the loading device and positioned behind the main screed; and in the second position, the end gates are disengaged from the loading device, and the loading device is positioned near the main screed. The multiple quick-attachment mechanisms are capable of selectively engaging at least one of the end gates with the screed extension or with the loading device.

[0008] In another example, a method for loading an end gate of a leveler assembly for transport is disclosed. The method may include attaching the end gate to a loading device using one or more quick-connect mechanisms, detaching the end gate from a leveler extension, and pivoting the loading device to position the end gate behind the main leveler. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an asphalt paving machine, showing a leveling assembly according to an example of this application.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a leveler assembly according to an example of this application, wherein the loading device is folded to a first position during the paving operation of the paver.

[0011] Figure 2A Based on the example in this application Figure 2 A top view of a portion of the leveler assembly, with the loading device in the first position.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a top view of a leveler assembly according to an example of this application, wherein a loading device is connected to an end gate, and the end gate and the loading device are moved to a second position for transporting the paver on a public road.

[0013] Figure 3A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the leveler assembly.

[0014] Figure 3B yes Figure 3 Side view of the leveler component.

[0015] Figure 3C This is a top view of a locking mechanism for loading equipment, as exemplified in this application.

[0016] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a leveler assembly according to an example of this application, wherein a loading device is connected to an end door, and the end door and the loading device are moved to a third position so that the end door is adjacent to the leveler extension.

[0017] Figure 4B This is a top view of a portion of a leveler assembly according to an example of this application, wherein the loading device extends to a third position, in which the end door engages and connects with the leveler extension via one or more quick-connect mechanisms.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of some connecting mechanisms of the end gate and leveler extension according to an example of this application.

[0019] Figure 5A This is a top view of some connecting mechanisms of the end gate and loading device according to the example of this application.

[0020] Figure 5B This is a side perspective view of the connection mechanism of the end gate according to an example of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 and 6A Perspective and side views of an example of one of the quick-connect mechanisms are shown, respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic side view of an asphalt paving machine 10, showing the leveler assembly 14 located behind the auger conveyor system 16. The asphalt paving machine 10 may include a vehicle section 18, which can be connected to the leveler assembly 14 via a towing arm 20A. The leveler assembly 14 may also include an end gate 14A and a main leveler plate 13. In some cases, a second towing arm (not shown) may also be provided. The vehicle section 18 may also include a propulsion element 22, a conveyor system 24, and a hopper 26.

[0023] The paving material 30 can be asphalt, aggregate, or concrete. In various embodiments, the paving material 30 can be deposited directly into the hopper 26 of the paving machine 10. The paving machine 10 can travel in direction D, while the conveyor system 24 can move the paving material from the hopper 26 to the auger conveyor system 16 in the opposite direction.

[0024] Conveyor system 24 can be located inside or below hopper 26. Conveyor 26 can transport loose paving material 30 through vehicle section 18 toward screw conveyor system 16. Leveling tools such as leveler assembly 14 can be attached to the rear of vehicle section 18 to receive paving material 30 from screw conveyor system 16. Leveler assembly 14 can be pulled by traction arm 20A. Figure 1 Only one is shown in the diagram. Propulsion system 22 may include ground-engaging elements, such as... Figure 1 The annular tracks, wheels, etc. shown are used to advance the paving machine 10 along the working surface 32. Loose paving material 30 can be deposited by the conveyor system 24 in front of the auger conveyor system 16. The auger conveyor system 16 can move along the width of the leveler assembly 14 (entering...). Figure 1 The loose paving material 30 is dispersed on the plane. The leveler assembly 14 can compact the loose paving material 30 into a layer 34 behind the paving machine 10.

[0025] More specifically, to facilitate the formation of the layup 34, the layup machine 10 is equipped with a main leveler plate 13 and additional side leveler plates (not shown). These side leveler plates can be connected to the rest of the leveler assembly 14 via leveler extensions. End doors 14A can be attached to the leveler extensions. Thus, end doors 14A can be fixed or otherwise connected to the ends of the leveler extensions and the side leveler plates.

[0026] During operation, end gate 14A can be configured to restrict the spread of paving material 30 beyond a specified lateral limit. Therefore, end gate 14A can be used in conjunction with side leveler plates to form the desired pavement width. The side leveler plates, together with the main leveler plate 13, can be configured to spread a smooth, uniform layer of paving material as pavement 34 on the precast subgrade. The weight and / or vibration of the leveler assembly 14 helps to compact the paving material and initially compact the paving material layer into pavement 34. To facilitate the laying of paving material 30 as pavement 34, the main leveler plate 13 and other plates can be heated to a temperature range of approximately 82°C to 171°C (180°F to 340°F). Heating helps the paving material 30 flow beneath the main leveler plate 13 and side leveler plates and reduces adhesion of the paving material 30 to the main leveler plate 13 and side leveler plates.

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of a leveler component 14 according to an example is shown. Figure 2A A top view of a portion of the leveler assembly 14 is shown. Figure 2 and 2A A leveler assembly 14 is shown, configured to perform a layup operation to form a layup. Therefore, in Figure 2 The image shows an end gate 14A connected to the leveler extension 50. The leveler extension 50 and the end gate 14A are... Figure 2 and 2A The ply is not shown in its fully extended position, but it can be recognized that it can extend laterally outward during the laying operation to extend the lateral width of the ply as described above. Figure 2 and 2A A leveler assembly 14 is shown configured as a front-mounted leveler extension assembly. This arrangement positions portions of the leveler extension 50 and end gate 14A in front of the main leveler plate 13. However, other configurations, such as a rear-mounted leveler extension assembly, are also conceivable.

[0028] like Figure 2 and 2A As shown, the leveler assembly 14 includes an end gate 14A and a leveler extension 50 (only on the side of the end gate 14A). Figure 2 (As shown in the figure) includes a main leveler assembly 52, a channel 54, and a loading device 56, comprising a main leveler plate 13.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, end gate 14A can be selectively connected to leveler assembly 14 via leveler extension 50. According to some examples, this connection can be via one or more first quick-connect mechanisms. The operation and construction of one or more first quick-connect mechanisms will be discussed in more detail later.

[0030] Figure 2The leveler extension 50 is shown to extend or retract laterally as indicated by arrow A. Therefore, the leveler extension 50 and end door 14A are movable relative to the main leveler assembly 52 to extend and retract, thereby operatively positioning the end door 14A relative to the main leveler 13. As discussed, the leveler extension 50 and end door 14A can be positioned in front of the main leveler assembly 52 and the main leveler plate 13.

[0031] Figure 2 and 2A Channel 54 is shown. It extends laterally behind the main leveler plate 13, roughly along the rear side of the main leveler assembly 52. ​​Channel 54 can be used by workers during the laying operation to monitor the laying of the layers and perform various operations. Figure 2 and 2A As shown, the loading device 56 can be connected at its first end to the main leveler assembly 52. ​​This connection can be, for example, via a linkage, joint, pin, or other type of connection that allows the loading device 56 to pivot. Figure 2A As best shown, the loading device 56 may include a plurality of linkage arms 60A and 60B and a base. These linkage arms 60A and 60B may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to each other. The configuration of the loading device 56 allows the linkage arms 60A and 60B to pivot or otherwise move to fold or position adjacent to each other and / or adjacent to the main leveler assembly 52. ​​Although two linkage arms 60A and 60B are shown, it is contemplated that the loading device 56 may include relatively more or fewer linkage arms (e.g., three, four, five, etc.). Figure 2 and 2A As shown, the loading device 56 can pivot or move to a first position adjacent to the rear of the main leveler assembly 52. ​​For example, in the first position, the loading device 56 may be located inside the channel 54 or at the trailing edge 54A of the channel 54. Figure 2A Inside the paver 56. For example, in the first position, the loading device 56 can typically be positioned so as not to obstruct workers using the access road 54 during paver operation.

[0032] Figure 3 A top view of the screed assembly 14 is shown, wherein the loading device 56 is moved to a second position for transporting the screed assembly 14 and / or the paver between working positions. Figure 3A and 3B Perspective and side views of the leveler assembly 14 are shown respectively. Figure 3-3B As shown, end gate 14A has been selectively separated (disconnected) from leveler extension 50 and selectively connected to loading device 56. According to some examples, this connection may be via one or more second quick-connect mechanisms. The operation and construction of one or more second quick-connect mechanisms will be discussed in more detail later.

[0033] Figure 3-3B Various components constituting one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 are shown. Recall that one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 can selectively connect the end gate 14A to the leveler extension 50.

[0034] exist Figure 3-3B In the second position, the loading device 52 and the end door 14A can be positioned behind the main leveler assembly 52 and the main leveler plate 13, and in fact, for example, behind the channel 54 (which may be tilted upward as shown). In the second position, the lateral width of the leveler assembly 14 is reduced because the end door 14A no longer extends laterally from it.

[0035] In the second position, the end gate 14A and the loading device 56 can pivot from opposite sides of the leveler assembly 14 to a position adjacent to the second end gate and the second loading device. Figure 3 A locking mechanism 61A, such as a screw fastener, is shown, which can be used to connect end gate 14A and a second end gate together for transporting the paver. Locking mechanism 61A can also connect multiple arms 60B ( Figure 2A The second one in the second position remains in the second position. Locking mechanism 61A may include a member, linkage, rod or other component, which may be pinned or otherwise connected to hold loading device 56 and / or these end gates in place.

[0036] Figure 3C Other components of the locking mechanism, including pin 61C and hole 61B, are also shown. Pin 61C and hole 61B can secure the first of a plurality of arms 60A to a position such as... Figure 3-3B The second position shown. Figure 3C The first of a plurality of arms 60A pivoted away from the second position is shown to illustrate one of the holes 61B. Arm 60A may form this hole. The base 59 of the loading device 56 may form the second of the holes 61B. Hole 61B is configured to receive a pin 61C. Hole 61B receives pin 61C upon alignment and locks the first of the plurality of arms 60A in the desired second position.

[0037] Figure 4A A perspective view of the leveler assembly 14 is shown, in which the loading device 56 is moved to the third position. Figure 4B A top view of the leveler assembly 14 is shown, with the loading device 56 in the third position. Figure 4A and 4BA loading device 56 is shown, which can be used to assist in installing the end door 14A to the leveler extension 50. Specifically, the loading device 56 can be manipulated to move the end door 14A to engage with the leveler extension 50. In this position, a worker can attach the end door 14A to the leveler extension 50 and can detach the end door 14A from the loading device 56. Such engagement and disengagement can be achieved using one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 as further described herein. Figure 4A This can be performed by one or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62. However, according to some examples, it is also conceivable that workers could use more conventional mechanical connectors (such as nuts and bolts that must be tightened with tools) to achieve this connection and disconnection.

[0038] like Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the loading device 56 can be configured to align the end gate 14A with the leveler extension 50 as needed, as described further below. Figure 4A and 4B End gate 14A is shown, which is manipulated to be positioned relative to the leveler extension 50 as needed, with the loading device 56 in a third position. In the third position, end gate 14A engages with and aligns with the leveler extension 50 as needed, such that end gate 14A can be coupled to the leveler extension 50. The coupling and disengagement of the various components can be performed via one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 and one or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 5-5B ,in particular Figure 5 To connect the end gate 14A to the leveler extension 50, one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 can be properly aligned and then engaged to achieve the connection between the end gate 14A and the leveler extension 50. Then, the end gate 14A is connected to one or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62 of the loading device 56. Figure 5A It can then be disengaged. For example, loading device 56 can retract and pivot to move to... Figure 2 and 2A The first position.

[0040] It should be noted that the third position can also be used to connect the end gate 14A to the loading device 56 and to disconnect the end gate 14A from the leveler extension 50 in the reverse of the process described above. Once the end gate 14A is installed on the loading device 56, the loading device 56 and the end gate 14A can be moved, for example... Figure 3-3B The second position shown.

[0041] According to one example, this application contemplates the use of one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 and / or one or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62. However, as discussed, such mechanisms are not contemplated in all examples. The term "quick" as used herein refers to a mechanism that does not require a worker to use tools such as wrenches, drills, etc., to connect and / or disconnect the mechanism. Such quick-connect mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, pins, bosses, latches, clamps, catches, casters, snaps, hooks, etc. Therefore, although in some cases a quick-connect mechanism can achieve connection or disconnection faster than other connection features, the term "quick connection mechanism" as used herein is intended to include connection mechanisms that do not require a worker to use tools to connect and / or disconnect the mechanism. Instead, the connection and disconnection of the mechanism can be done manually.

[0042] Figure 5-5B One or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 and one or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62 are shown, each potentially including a boss and / or a pin 64. These bosses and / or pins 64 have previously been shown in the various figures. The boss and / or pin 64 (in some cases, a single boss or a single pin) can be configured to insert into the mating recess 66 of the end gate 14A (in... Figure 5 and 5B (As shown in the figure) it is used to bear the shear force caused by the weight of the end gate 14A. Figure 5 A boss and / or pin 64 located on the leveler extension 50 are shown. (See diagram.) Figure 5B As shown, a boss and / or pin 64 may also be located on the end door 14A and / or loading mechanism 56. The end door 14A and / or loading mechanism 56 may include a recess 66. However, it is contemplated that such a configuration could be reversed, such that the end door 14A and / or loading mechanism 56 may have a boss and / or pin, and the leveler extension 50 may have a recess. Additionally, according to a further embodiment, a combination of pins / boobs and recesses for one or more articles is contemplated. Thus, the end door 14A may, for example, have a boss and / or pin and a recess that can be used to mate with mating features of the leveler extension 50 and the loading device 50.

[0043] In addition to the boss and / or pin 64 and / or recess 66, one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 and one or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62 may include specific features such as Figure 5A The clamp or latch 68 shown. Examples of clamps or latches 68 that may be used in this application are shown throughout the figures, but... Figure 5B The best illustration is shown in the figure. The clamp or latch 68 may include, for example, a latch clamp, a hinged clamp, a clamping bolt, a pneumatic clamp, etc. The clamp or latch 68 may be configured to engage with one or more features on the leveler extension 50.

[0044] like Figure 6 and 6A As shown, an example of a clamp or latch 68 is illustrated in further detail. According to... Figure 6 and 6A For example, clamp or latch 68 may include an eccentric clamping clamp 70. The eccentric clamp 70 may include a pull hook 72 and a latching mechanism 74. The latching mechanism 74 may be pin-connected to a handle 76. Figure 6A As shown, movement of handle 76 extends the position of the latch 72 and locking mechanism 74 from a first position where the locking mechanism 72 and element 74 are compressively engaged to a second unlocking / unlocking configuration. In the first position, the latch mechanism 72 and latch 74 apply a compressive load to a mating feature (not shown) such as a hook or other component. An example of a suitable eccentric clamp 70 or latch clamp includes the MTP-D latch clamp manufactured by ELESA USA, Twinsburg, Ohio.

[0045] Industrial applicability

[0046] The exemplary machine according to the invention can be used in a variety of industrial, construction, commercial or other applications, including paving. Such a paver may have a leveling assembly 14 including a main leveling plate 13, side leveling plates, and other components. The side leveling plates and end gates 14A / 14A may be held and positioned by leveling extensions 50.

[0047] When transporting the screed assembly 14 and / or paver 10 between work site locations, local adjustments to the machine width may require the removal of end gates 14A and / or 14A. This application envisions a loading device 56 that can be used to securely hold end gates 14A and / or 14A behind the main screed plate 13 to reduce the width of the screed assembly 14 during transport. The loading device 56 may also be configured to fold up when not in use without obstructing personnel on the screed assembly 14.

[0048] This application also envisions the use of one or more quick-connect mechanisms 58 and / or 62, which may be used in some embodiments. These mechanisms can be used by workers without additional tools and can facilitate the quick and efficient connection or disconnection of end gates 14A or 14A. For example, one or more first quick-connect mechanisms 58 can connect end gate 14A and leveler extension 50. One or more second quick-connect mechanisms 62 can connect end gate 14A and loading device 56. In addition to other features such as clamps or levers 70, quick-connect mechanisms may include bosses and / or pins 66. Quick-connect mechanisms can reduce the time and complexity associated with removing end gates 14A / 14A from leveler extension 50 and connecting end gates 14A / 14A to loading device 56, and vice versa.

[0049] The quick-connect mechanism and loading device 56 further reduce time and complexity because, using the loading device 56, the end gate 14A can be simply aligned correctly and then pushed laterally to engage the boss and / or pin 66. The end gate 14A can then be engaged and connected to the leveler extension 50 or the loading device 56 using a hand-actuated clamp or lever 70. This eliminates the need for tightening nuts or inserting fasteners, and further eliminates the need for workers to carry the end gate 14A and use nuts and bolts or other tool-required connection features to properly position and secure it.

[0050] The detailed description above is illustrative, not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their authorized equivalents. For supporting purposes, the claims should be considered an integral part of the specification.

Claims

1. A screed assembly for a paver, comprising: Duanmen; A leveler extension, which is selectively connected to the end gate via one or more first quick-connect mechanisms, wherein the leveler extension is configured, when connected, to operably position the end gate relative to the main leveler. as well as A loading device comprising a plurality of linkage arms movably coupled together, the loading device having one or more second quick-connect mechanisms for selectively coupling the loading device to the end gate, wherein the loading device is movable from the first position for a transport process of the paver to the second position for an operation process of the paver by means of the linkage arms, in the first position the end gate is coupled to the loading device and the end gate is positioned after the main leveler, and in the second position the end gate is disengaged from the loading device and the loading device is positioned near the main leveler.

2. The leveler assembly of claim 1, wherein the loading device is movable to a third position to engage the end door with the leveler extension, thereby allowing the end door to be selectively connected to the leveler extension.

3. The leveler assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the one or more first quick-connect mechanisms and the one or more second quick-connect mechanisms comprise a combination of a clamp and a boss or a combination of a clamp and a pin.

4. The leveler assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the one or more first quick-connect mechanisms and the one or more second quick-connect mechanisms comprise one or more eccentric clamping clamps.

5. The leveler assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least two of the linkage arms are configured to pivot to fold into adjacent positions when in the second position.

6. The screed assembly of claim 5, wherein at the second position, the loading device is located within the trailing edge of the rear passage of the paver, the trailing edge being located behind the main screed.

7. The leveler assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the loading device is pivotally coupled to the main leveler at its first end and includes one or more locking mechanisms to lock the loading device in the second position.

8. A method for facilitating the transport of a loading screed assembly by a paver, the method comprising: The end gate is connected to a loading device using one or more quick-connect mechanisms, the loading device comprising a plurality of linkage arms movably coupled together; Disconnect the end gate from the leveler extension; and The loading device is pivoted using a linkage arm to position the end gate behind the main leveler.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein connecting the end door to the loading device using the one or more quick-connect mechanisms comprises one or more of the following: clamping the end door to the loading device and inserting one or more protrusions of the end door or the loading device into one or more recesses of the loading device or the end door; and clamping the end door to the loading device using one or more eccentric clamping fixtures.

10. The method of any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein disconnecting the end door from the leveler extension comprises one or more of the following operations: unlocking the end door from the leveler extension by removing one or more bosses of the end door or the leveler extension from one or more recesses of the leveler extension or the end door; and unlocking one or more eccentric clamping clamps that engage the end door to the leveler extension.

Images