Construction machine

Abstract

An engineering machine is disclosed. The engineering machine includes a frame. The engineering machine also includes one or more ground engaging tools coupled to the frame and configured to perform an operation of the engineering machine. The engineering machine also includes a plurality of propulsion devices configured to propel the engineering machine over a work surface. The engineering machine also includes one or more non-combustible power sources configured to provide power to at least one of the one or more ground engaging tools and the plurality of propulsion devices. The one or more non-combustible power sources are positioned on the frame based on a desired weight distribution on the engineering machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a type of engineering machinery, and more specifically, to a type of engineering machinery powered by hydrogen or electricity, such as a cold milling machine / paving machine. Background Technology

[0002] Operating machinery (such as cold milling machines, road recycling machines, road shaping machines, lane milling machines, rotary mixers, etc.) is designed to loosen, remove, mix, or recycle materials from the ground. Such machinery typically has a rotor that can be mechanically coupled to a power source to drive it. Currently, operating machinery may use internal combustion engines to power the rotor of a cold milling machine. Internal combustion engines can contribute to noise and air pollution through emissions from the combustion process. Furthermore, due to the placement of the internal combustion engine, it may impose encapsulation constraints on the operating machinery. Therefore, the internal combustion engine may be mounted on one side where the rotor is located. The placement of the power source (internal combustion engine) may cause the overall weight distribution of the operating machinery to be concentrated on one side of the machine.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0395938 relates to a milling machine having a power source that generates output power for performing one or more work operations. The milling machine also includes a rotor that receives a portion of the output power from the power source for its operation. The milling machine also includes a welding device disposed on the milling machine for repairing one or more mechanical parts of the milling machine. The welding device is powered by the power source. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to an engineering machine. The engineering machine includes a frame. The engineering machine also includes one or more grounding tools coupled to the frame and configured to perform operations on the engineering machine. The engineering machine also includes a plurality of propulsion devices configured to propel the engineering machine across a work surface. The engineering machine also includes one or more non-flammable power sources configured to provide power to at least one of the following: the one or more grounding tools and the plurality of propulsion devices. The one or more non-flammable power sources are positioned on the frame based on a desired weight distribution on the engineering machine. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a side view of an exemplary construction machine including a non-flammable power source according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a side view of an exemplary engineering machine including a non-flammable power source according to another embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3This is a side view of an exemplary engineering machine including a non-flammable power source according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a side view of an exemplary engineering machine including a non-flammable power source according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure; and Figure 5 This is a side view of an exemplary engineering machine including a non-flammable power source according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0006] Specific embodiments or features will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts; for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101, and 201 may refer to one or more equivalent components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0007] refer to Figure 1 An exemplary construction machinery 100 is illustrated. Construction machinery 100 may include a milling machine 100'. As an example, milling machine 100' may include a cold milling machine 104. Construction machinery 100 may be used to perform milling operations to modify a work surface 108. For example, a milling operation may mean or include loosening, removing, mixing, and / or recycling material from the work surface 108 for use in laying a new surface. Although reference to milling machine 100' has been used, aspects of this disclosure may also be applied to other machinery, such as mobile machinery, such as excavators, loaders, graders, off-highway trucks, etc., and the reference to milling machine 100' in this disclosure is considered purely exemplary.

[0008] Construction machinery 100 may define a front end 112 and a rear end 116 opposite to the front end 112. The front end 112 and rear end 116 may be defined relative to an exemplary direction of travel of the construction machinery 100 (indicated by an arrow "T"), wherein the direction of travel is defined from the rear end 116 toward the front end 112. Furthermore, construction machinery 100 may include two lateral sides, namely, a first lateral side 120 (or left side) and a second lateral side (or right side) opposite the first lateral side 120 (not shown). The two lateral sides may be laterally positioned relative to the exemplary direction of travel "T" of the construction machinery 100. Additionally, construction machinery 100 may include a frame 124, a set of traction devices 128, one or more grounding tools 130, a milling assembly 132, and an operator station 136.

[0009] The traction device 128 can support and advance the frame 124 (or construction machinery 100) above the work surface 108. Exemplarily, the construction machinery 100 may include four traction devices 128 (e.g., one traction device at each corner of the frame 124), however, fewer or more traction devices 128 are contemplated. The construction machinery 100 may also include a grounding tool 130 coupled to the frame 124. The grounding tool 130 may be configured to contact the work surface 108 to perform operations on the work surface 108, such as milling operations of the construction machinery 100.

[0010] The milling assembly 132 may be supported by the frame 124 and may be configured to facilitate milling operations. The milling assembly 132 may include a mixing chamber 140 and a rotor 144 (e.g., a grounding tool 130) disposed within the mixing chamber 140. The rotor 144 may include a cutting element 148 arranged around its periphery to engage, grind, and / or crush the working surface 108 as the construction machinery 100 moves over the working surface 108 (e.g., in the direction T). The milled material generated by the milling operation may be conveyed to a conveyor 150, which may then transport the milled material to the unloading body of a transport vehicle (e.g., a dump truck) (not shown), which may move in front of the construction machinery 100.

[0011] Operator station 136 may be supported above frame 124. Operator station 136 may facilitate the residence of one or more operators to monitor the operation of construction machinery 100. Additionally, operator station 136 may house various components and controls of construction machinery 100, and proximity to one or more of these components and controls may assist the operator in controlling the movement and / or operation of the machine. For example, operator station 136 may include input devices (not shown) that can be used and / or actuated to generate inputs to facilitate the control of various systems or devices associated with construction machinery 100.

[0012] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The construction machinery 100 may include a propulsion system 160. The propulsion system 160 may be configured to propel the construction machinery 100 on a working surface 108 (e.g., along direction T). For example, the propulsion system 160 may include a plurality of propulsion devices 162 configured to propel the construction machinery 100 on the working surface 108. For example, the propulsion devices 162 may be configured to rotate a traction device 128 for propulsing the construction machinery 100 on the working surface 108.

[0013] The construction machinery 100 may also include one or more power sources 164. Power sources 164 are configured to provide power to at least one of the following: one or more grounding tools 130 and multiple propulsion devices 162. For example, power source 164 may power propulsion devices 162 to rotate traction device 128 to propel the construction machinery 100. Power source 164 may also power grounding tools 130 (such as rotor 144) to perform cutting operations on the construction machinery 100.

[0014] Power source 164 can be a non-flammable power source 164', such as an electric power source, a hydrogen fuel cell, a motor (e.g., driven by electricity, wind, wave, fluid flow, etc.), or any other type of non-flammable power source. In one example, non-flammable power source 164' can power motor 166, which can be configured to rotate rotor 144 for performing cutting operations of engineering machinery 100. In another example, non-flammable power source 164' can power motor 166 via one or more cables 168 coupled to power source 164 and motor 166. In one example, motor 166 can be an electric motor, etc.

[0015] The power source 164 is positioned on the frame 124 based on the desired weight distribution on the construction machinery 100. For example, if the weight of the construction machinery 100 is less towards the front end 112 than towards the rear end 116, the power source 164 can be positioned towards the front end 112 of the construction machinery 100. Alternatively, the power source 164 can be positioned close to the front end 112 and away from the rear end 116. Therefore, if the desired weight distribution of the construction machinery 100 is achieved by positioning the power source 164 at the rear end 116, the power source 164 can be positioned towards the rear end 116.

[0016] The construction machinery 100 may also include a storage tank 170 positioned on a frame 126 of the construction machinery 100. The storage tank 170 may be configured to store fluids (e.g., hydraulic fluids, such as water). The storage tank 170 may also be positioned on the frame 124 based on a desired weight distribution on the construction machinery 100. For example, if the weight of the construction machinery 100 towards the second end 116 is less than that towards the front end 112, the storage tank 170 may be positioned towards the rear end 116 of the construction machinery 100.

[0017] Fluid may be supplied / sprayed (e.g., via a pump not shown) from storage tank 170 to mixing chamber 140 of milling assembly 132, and typically supplied / sprayed onto portions of rotor 144 and cutting element 148 to dissipate heat from the operation of rotor 144 and cutting element 148. Additionally or optionally, such fluid supply may also be used to suppress and settle a certain amount of dust generated from working surface 108 as the cutting element 148 may engage working surface 108 to perform milling operations.

[0018] It should be noted that the storage tank 170 of the construction machinery 100 may need to be replenished with water periodically, because a low or no fluid level may result in insufficient fluid supply to the rotor 144 and cutting element 148, which may lead to poor heat dissipation, reduced dust suppression, and potentially component failure. Therefore, the fluid level in the storage tank 170 may be raised when the storage tank 170 can be replenished, or when fluid can be introduced into the storage tank 170 by any suitable method.

[0019] Now for reference Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a construction machinery 200. Construction machinery 200 may include a milling machine 200'. Construction machinery 200 may be similar to construction machinery 100 in all respects, but may differ from construction machinery 100 in the positioning of the power source 164 and the storage tank 170 on construction machinery 200. The power source 164 may be positioned toward the rear end 116 of construction machinery 200. For example, the power source 164 may be positioned close to the rear end 116 and away from the front end 112. The storage tank 170 may be positioned toward the front end 112 of construction machinery 200. For example, the storage tank 170 may be positioned close to the front end 112 and away from the rear end 116. The positions of the power source 164 and the storage tank 170 may be determined based on the desired weight distribution of construction machinery 200.

[0020] Now for reference Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a construction machinery 300. Construction machinery 300 may include a milling machine 300'. Construction machinery 300 may be similar to construction machinery 100 in all respects, but may differ from construction machinery 100 in the positioning of the power source 164 and the storage tank 170 on construction machinery 300. Construction machinery 300 may include a first power source 164a and a second power source 164b. The first power source 164a may be positioned toward the front end 112 of construction machinery 300, and the second power source 164b may be positioned toward the rear end 116 of construction machinery 300.

[0021] The first power source 164a can be configured to transmit power to the electric motor 166 via a first set of cables 168a. Similarly, the second power source 164b can be configured to transmit power to the electric motor 166 via a second set of cables 168b. Furthermore, the construction machinery 300 may include a first tank 170a and a second tank 170b. The first tank 170a may be positioned towards the front end 112 of the construction machinery 300, and the second tank 170b may be positioned towards the rear end 116 of the construction machinery 300. The positions of the first power source 164a, the second power source 164b, the first tank 170a, and the second tank 170b can be determined based on the desired weight distribution of the construction machinery 300.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a construction machinery 400. Construction machinery 400 may include a rotary mixer 400'. Construction machinery 400 may be similar to construction machinery 100, but may differ from it, as construction machinery 400 can eliminate the need for any storage tanks. Construction machinery 400 may also differ from construction machinery 100 in the positioning of its power source 164. Power source 164 may be positioned toward the rear end 116. For example, power source 164 may be positioned close to the rear end 116 and away from the front end 112. The position of power source 164 may be determined based on the desired weight distribution of construction machinery 400. For example, power source 164 may be positioned toward the rear end 116 to balance the weight of operator station 136, which is positioned toward the front end 112 of construction machinery 400.

[0023] Now for reference Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a construction machinery 500. Construction machinery 500 may include an asphalt paver 500'. Construction machinery 500 may be similar to, but may differ from, construction machinery 100 because construction machinery 500 can eliminate the need for milling assembly 132 and any storage tanks. Construction machinery 500 may include a screed and screw conveyor assembly 504 attached to the rear end 116 of construction machinery 500. The screed and screw conveyor assembly 504 may be configured to spread and compact paving material into a pavement or subbase 508 having desired thickness, dimensions, uniformity, tread profile, and lateral slope.

[0024] Power source 164 can be configured to power the screed and screw conveyor assembly 504 to spread and compact the paving material. Power source 164 can be positioned at the center portion 510 of the construction machinery 500. The position of power source 164 can be determined based on the desired weight distribution of the construction machinery 500. For example, power source 164 can be positioned towards the center portion 510 to balance the weight of the screed and screw conveyor assembly 504, which is positioned towards the rear end 116 of the construction machinery 500.

[0025] Industry Applicability The construction machinery 100, including the non-flammable power source 164', can be configured to eliminate the use of a larger mechanical transmission system for transmitting power from a conventional power source (e.g., an internal combustion engine) to a grounding tool 130 (such as a rotor 144). Due to the positioning of the transmission system coupled to the internal combustion engine and the grounding tool 130, the use of the non-flammable power source 164' without a larger mechanical transmission system can facilitate flush cutting on both sides of the construction machinery 100 (e.g., a milling machine 100'), rather than the conventional one-sided flush cutting.

[0026] Eliminating such a transmission system also allows the power source 164 to be positioned in a non-traditional location / orientation within the construction machinery 100, thereby providing the desired weight distribution of the construction machinery 100. Positioning the non-flammable power source 164' on the construction machinery 100 allows the elimination of counterweights that might be used to achieve the desired weight distribution of the construction machinery 100 due to the positional constraints of conventional power sources on the construction machinery 100.

[0027] Therefore, the use of a non-flammable power source 164' allows for the flexibility to position one or more components of the construction machinery 100 as needed. For example, the non-flammable power source 164' can be positioned toward the front end 112 of the construction machinery 100, and the storage tank 170 can be positioned toward the rear end 116 of the construction machinery 100 (see...). Figure 1 This configuration of the construction machinery 100 can facilitate the filling of the storage tank 170, since filling is usually carried out from the rear end 116 of the construction machinery 100.

[0028] The flexibility in positioning one or more components of the construction machinery 100 can also help reduce the overall size of the construction machinery 100 and improve operator visibility. Furthermore, the use of a non-flammable power source 164' eliminates carbon emissions caused by combustion power sources (such as, but not limited to, internal combustion engines). The use of a non-flammable power source 164' also helps reduce the noise level of the construction machinery 100 during operation. For example, the noise generated by the milling machine 100' during the cutting process, material feeding, and conveying can be reduced.

[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the systems and / or methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the methods and / or systems disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An engineering machinery, the engineering machinery comprising: frame; One or more grounding tools are coupled to the frame and configured to perform the operation of the engineering machinery; Multiple propulsion devices are configured to propel the engineering machinery on a working surface; and One or more non-flammable power sources, said one or more non-flammable power sources being configured to provide power from at least one of the following: the one or more grounding tools and the plurality of propulsion devices; The one or more non-flammable power sources are positioned on the frame based on the desired weight distribution on the engineering machinery.

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