ROOFING SYSTEM FOR A WORK MACHINE

Abstract

Canopy system (200) for a work machine (100), the canopy system (200) comprising: a canopy arrangement (124) that is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the canopy arrangement (124) in the lowered position is arranged in front of an operator station (122) of the working machine (100) with respect to a machine travel direction (D1) and does not obstruct a line of sight from the operator station (122), wherein in the raised position at least a part of the canopy arrangement (124) is arranged above the operator station (122), and wherein the canopy arrangement (124) includes a main canopy panel (126) and at least one canopy wing (138, 140) such that the canopy wing (138, 140) is movable relative to the main canopy panel (126) between an extended position and a retracted position; a sensor system (202) designed to generate a detection signal (S1) indicating the presence of at least one object (104) in the vicinity of the working machine (100); and a controller (208) that is communicatively coupled with the roof arrangement (124) and the sensor system (202), wherein the controller (208) includes at least one memory (210) and at least one processor (212) communicatively coupled with the memory (210), wherein the processor (212) is designed to: Receiving the detection signal (S1) from the sensor system (202); Determining the location of the object (104) near the work machine (100) based on the detection signal (S1); and Generating a first control signal (C1) to move the canopy assembly (124) at least partially in the direction of the lowered position and away from the operator station (122) or at least partially to move the canopy wing (138, 140) in the direction of the retracted position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roofing system for a working machine and a method for preventing collisions of a roofing arrangement of the working machine with objects in the vicinity of the working machine. State of the art

[0002] A construction machine, such as a milling machine or a paver, can be used to remove, mix, recultivate, or replace material on various surfaces. Typically, such machines include a canopy that extends over the operator station to protect the operator and the machine controls / devices located in the station from environmental factors such as sunlight and precipitation. However, under certain operating conditions, the canopy can impair the machine's maneuverability. In particular, while traveling, the machine may encounter obstacles along its path. These obstacles can include overhead structures such as branches or power lines that may come into contact with the canopy.Furthermore, damage to the roof can occur if it comes into contact with such obstacles, thereby increasing machine downtime, repair costs and / or replacement costs.

[0003] In some cases, the operator may lower the canopy to prevent it from coming into contact with obstacles near the machine. Operators may also need to manually move the canopy between raised and lowered positions, which can disrupt machine operation. Typically, when lowering, the canopy tends to land on the operator station, potentially obstructing the operator's movement. Furthermore, as the canopy passes over the operator station, operators must be vigilant and may need to reposition themselves to avoid being struck.In some cases, the machine operator may decide not to use the canopy at all due to the aforementioned defects, which can result in a reduction in the value of the canopy and also inconvenience for the machine operator.

[0004] US 10 822 041 B2 and DE 10 2017 221 053 A1 describe an earthmoving machine, for example, a road milling machine, a recycler, a stabilizer, or a surface miner, comprising a drive unit and a machine frame. The earthmoving machine includes a working implement for earthmoving and an operator platform, which has an operator platform floor and at least one operating device provided on the machine frame. The earthmoving machine includes a protective canopy that is height-adjustable relative to the floor of the operator platform between a raised operating position and a lowered transport position, as well as a sensor system for detecting objects near the earthmoving machine.The earthmoving machine comprises a plate assembly with an upper edge located closer to the protective canopy, a lower edge located further away from the protective canopy at a distance from the upper edge, and two side edges bridging the gap between the upper and lower edges. The plate assembly is connected to the protective canopy at an upper connection point located closer to its upper edge than to its lower edge, and to the machine frame and / or the operator platform floor, forming a connection base, at a lower connection point located closer to its lower edge than to its upper edge. The plate assembly is designed to be raising and lowering together with the protective canopy, and is mounted on the earthmoving machine such that its lower edge is movable towards and away from the floor of the operator platform.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2020 / 0193179A1 discloses a cold milling system comprising a machine frame, a milling rotor arranged in a milling chamber, a first and a second sensor, and a control module with a processor and a controller. The processor receives a first signal indicating the direction of movement of the machine and a second signal indicating whether an object is within an object detection area. The processor processes the signals to generate a control signal. The controller receives the control signal from the processor and initiates a rotor collision avoidance mode if an object is within an object detection area.

[0006] DE 20 2013 006 878 U1 teaches a folding cabin roof for a cold milling machine.

[0007] DE 20 2016 100 093 U1 teaches a road paver with a projector as a navigation aid. The present invention is aimed at overcoming one or more of the problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art. Summary

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a canopy system for a machine according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention. According to the invention, a canopy system for a machine is provided. The canopy system comprises a canopy arrangement that is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the canopy arrangement is positioned in front of an operator station of the machine with respect to a machine travel direction and does not obstruct the line of sight from the operator station. In the raised position, at least a part of the canopy arrangement is positioned above the operator station.The canopy assembly comprises a main canopy panel and at least one canopy wing, such that the canopy wing is movable relative to the main canopy panel between an extended position and a retracted position. The canopy system further comprises a sensor system designed to generate a detection signal indicating the presence of at least one object near the machine. The canopy system also comprises a controller that is communicatively coupled to the canopy assembly and the sensor system. The controller comprises at least one memory and at least one processor that is communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is designed to receive the detection signal from the sensor system. The processor is also designed to determine the location of the object near the machine based on the detection signal.The processor is further designed to generate an initial control signal to move the canopy assembly at least partially towards the lowered position and away from the operator station, or at least partially to move the canopy wing towards the retracted position.

[0009] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a working machine, wherein a roof arrangement of the working machine is in a raised position, according to an example of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective side view of the working machine of Fig. 1, illustrating the roof arrangement in a lowered position; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic top view showing a pair of canopy wings of the canopy assembly of Fig. 1 illustrated in an extended position according to an example of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing the roof wings of Fig. 3 illustrated in a retracted position according to an example of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a roofing system that is connected to the working machine of Fig. 1 according to an example of the present invention; and In Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preventing a collision between the roofing arrangement of the working machine and an object near the working machine according to an example of the present invention. Detailed description

[0010] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings to designate identical or similar parts.

[0011] Referring to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side view of an exemplary working machine 100. The working machine 100 can perform one or more operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, or any other industry known in engineering. The working machine 100 operates on a construction site 102. The construction site 102 may contain one or more objects 104 located there. Furthermore, the objects 104 may also include objects in the air, such as tree branches, cranes, or other such machinery, and / or power lines. The working machine 100 is here designed as a cold milling machine. The working machine 100 can be used to remove, mix, or recover material from a surface 106. The surface 106 may, for example, be a roadway.Alternatively, the work machine 100 can include, without restrictions, a road paver or other work machine with a roof.

[0012] The working machine 100 defines a first page 108 (shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) and a second page 110 (shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) compared to the first page 108. The working machine 100 has a frame 112 which supports various machine components. The working machine 100 also includes a power source (not shown) that generates power. The power source can be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine (e.g., a compression-ignition diesel engine), a gas turbine engine, and the like. The power source is mounted on the frame 112. The power source is housed within a casing 114. The working machine 100 also includes a number of ground engagement elements 116. Each ground engagement element 116 is represented here as a chain. Alternatively, the working machine 100 can have wheels or rollers instead of chains.

[0013] The machine 100 further includes a rotatable working tool 118 for milling the surface 106. The rotatable working tool 118 can comprise a rotatable roller (or rotor) and a number of tools arranged on the rotatable roller. The machine 100 also has a feed conveyor 120. After cutting by the rotatable working tool 118, the material removed from the surface 106 can enter the feed conveyor 120, which can transfer the removed material into a dump truck (not shown) or another suitable machine for transporting the material. If necessary, the removed material can also be deposited to the side for collection or reuse on the construction site.

[0014] The machine 100 further includes an operator station 122 supported by the frame 112. An operator of the machine 100 can sit or stand in the operator station 122 to monitor the machine's operation. The operator station 122 can also include various control devices that can be used to control one or more operations of the machine 100. The various control devices can include, but are not limited to, pedals, levers, switches, buttons, wheels, and other known devices.

[0015] The work machine 100 also has a canopy system 200. The canopy system 200 includes a canopy assembly 124, which is coupled to the frame 112. The canopy assembly 124 is movably coupled to the frame 112. The canopy assembly 124 is movable between a lowered and a raised position. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the canopy assembly 124 in the raised position. In the raised position, at least part of the canopy assembly 124 is located above the operator station 122.

[0016] The roofing arrangement 124 further comprises a main roofing panel 126. The main roofing panel 126 has a length “L1” (in the Fig. 3 and Fig. (4 shown) in the lateral direction relative to a front-to-back longitudinal axis of the working machine 100. The main canopy panel 126 can have a generally flat configuration that defines a barrier to block certain environmental effects such as sun, rain, and snow. The main canopy panel 126 can have any shape suitable for covering the operator station 122. Furthermore, the canopy assembly 124 includes a frame system 128. The frame system 128 includes several rods 130 (of which only two are illustrated here). The frame system 128 can be movably coupled between the frame 112 and the main canopy panel 126.

[0017] The roof arrangement 124 further comprises a first actuation system 132 (shown in Fig. 5), which moves the canopy assembly 124 between the lowered position and the raised position. In one example, the first actuation system 132 can actuate an actuator 134 (shown in Fig. 5) which is connected to the linkage system 128. The actuator 134 may include, but is not limited to, any hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator. Furthermore, the first actuation system 132 may include a sensor (not shown) associated with the actuator 134 to receive a signal “I1” (shown in Fig. 5) to generate, which refers to a current position of actuator 134.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the roof arrangement 124 in the lowered position. In particular, the roof arrangement 124 can be lowered based on actuation of the first actuation system 132 (see Figure 2). Fig. 5) Move from the raised position to the lowered position. In an example, the canopy assembly 124 can be moved to the lowered position to avoid a collision of the canopy assembly 124 with the object 104 (see Fig. 1) Furthermore, when the canopy assembly 124 is in the lowered position, it can be located near the frame 112. It should be noted that when the canopy assembly 124 is in the lowered position, it must not interfere with any components positioned on the frame 112. In the lowered position of the canopy assembly 124, the linkage system 128 (see Fig. 1) run essentially parallel to the main roofing slab 126.

[0019] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the canopy assembly 124 is in the lowered position with respect to a machine direction “D1” in front of the operator station 122 of the working machine 100 and does not obstruct a line of sight from the operator station 122. When the canopy assembly 124 moves into the lowered position along a path defined by the linkage system 128 (see Figure 2), the canopy assembly 124 is in the lowered position. Fig. 1) When determined, the canopy assembly 124 moves away from the operator station 122 and does not obstruct the operator from performing work operations. Furthermore, in the lowered position, the canopy assembly 124 can be positioned to provide the operator with good visibility of the area surrounding the machine 100. It should also be noted that the canopy assembly 124 can be positioned at any point between the lowered and raised positions, based on the control of the first actuating system 132. That is, the canopy assembly 124 can be positioned in a partially lowered position.For example, to reduce the impairment of the operator's view by sunlight, the operator can adjust the canopy arrangement 124 so that the canopy arrangement 124 is positioned so that the operator's view is not impaired by sunlight.

[0020] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a schematic top view of a section of the roofing arrangement 124. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the roof arrangement 124 includes one or more roof wings 138, 140. In the illustrated example of Fig. 3 The roofing assembly 124 includes a pair of roofing panels 138, 140. The roofing panels 138, 140 are movable relative to the main roofing panel 126 between an extended and a retracted position. The roofing panels 138, 140 are in Fig. Figure 3 shows the extended position. In the extended position, the canopy wings 138, 140 extend in opposite directions to protect the operator of the work machine 100 (see Figure 3). Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) to further protect against surrounding or environmental influences. Furthermore, each roof wing 138, 140 has a width span “L2”. The span “L2” can be smaller than the length “L1” of the main roof panel 126.

[0021] The roof panels 138, 140 can be slidably connected to the main roof panel 126, so that the roof panels 138, 140 can be extended and retracted relative to the main roof panel 126. The roof assembly 124 includes a second actuation system 142 (shown in Fig. 5), which moves the canopy panels 138, 140 between the retracted and extended positions. The second actuation system 142 can include a pair of actuators (not shown here). In particular, each canopy panel 138, 140 can include a corresponding actuator. Furthermore, the actuators can be arranged within the main canopy panel 126 to move the canopy panels 138, 140 between the extended and retracted positions. In another example, the actuators can be arranged on an underside of the main canopy panel 126. The actuator can be any type of hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuator, without limitation. Furthermore, the second actuation system 142 can include a sensor (not shown) connected to the actuator 144 to receive a signal “I2” (shown in Fig. 5) to generate, which refers to a current position of the actuators 144.

[0022] Furthermore, the canopy leaves 138, 140 can be arranged in any position between the extended and retracted positions based on control of the second actuation system 142. For example, the canopy leaves 138, 140 can be arranged in a partially retracted position (as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 3 shown), to prevent a collision with object 104 (see Fig. 1) Furthermore, depending on the application requirements, it may be possible to arrange only one of the canopy wings 138, 140 in the partially retracted position. For example, canopy wing 138 may be in the partially retracted position if the object 104 is located on the first side 108 of the machine 100, while canopy wing 140 may be in the extended position. It is also possible, depending on the application requirements, to arrange one of the canopy wings 138, 140 in the extended position and the other in the retracted position. For example, canopy wing 140 may be in the retracted position if the object 104 is located on the second side 110 of the machine 100, while canopy wing 138 may be in the extended position.

[0023] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the canopy wings 138, 140 of the canopy assembly 124 in the retracted position. The canopy wings 138, 140 of the canopy assembly 124 can be retracted to prevent a collision of the canopy wings 138, 140 with the object 104 (see Figure 4). Fig. 1) In some examples, in the retracted position, a section of the roof panels 138, 140 may project outwards from the main roof panel 126. Alternatively, the roof panels 138, 140 may be completely enclosed within the main roof panel 126 in the retracted position. Alternatively, the roof panels 138, 140 may be located on the underside of the main roof panel 126 in the retracted position.

[0024] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the roofing system 200. As described above, the roofing system 200 includes the roofing assembly 124, including the main roofing panel 126 and the roofing wings 138 and 140.

[0025] The roofing system 200 also includes a sensor system 202 that generates a detection signal “S1” which indicates the presence of one or more objects 104 (see Fig. 1) indicates near the machine being worked 100 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) It should be noted that the term “nearby,” as used herein, means that the one or more objects 104 may be within a specified distance of the sensor system 202. The specified distance can be, for example, 1 meter, 2 meters, 10 meters, or 20 meters, without restriction. In some cases, the specified distance may be a determined height of a section of the object 104, such as a branch. It should be noted that the maximum value of the specified distance may vary based on the type of sensor connected to the sensor system 202 and its detection range. In some examples, the sensor system 202 may also generate a signal indicating the distance of the objects 104 from the sensor system 202.The sensor system 202 further comprises one or more light detection and distance measurement (LIDAR) sensors, radio detection and distance measurement (RADAR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, photoelectric sensors, magnetic sensors, imaging devices, or a combination thereof. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the type of sensor associated with the sensor system 202.

[0026] The sensor system 202 includes one or more first sensors 204, which are attached to the frame 112 (see Fig. 1) are attached to the working machine 100. The first sensor 204 can be interchangeably referred to as sensor 204. In the example shown, the Fig. In example 5, a single first sensor 204 is mounted on the frame 112 of the working machine 100. In other examples, however, any number of first sensors can be mounted on the frame 112 of the working machine 100 without restriction. Furthermore, the first sensor 204 is implemented here as a camera.

[0027] The sensor system 202 further includes one or more second sensors 206, which are attached to the roof assembly 124. The second sensor 206 can be referred to interchangeably as sensor 206. In the Fig. In the illustrated example 3, the second sensors 206 are mounted around a perimeter and an upper surface of the main canopy panel 126 and each canopy wing 138, 140. It should be noted that the canopy assembly 124 can include any number of second sensors 206 connected to it. In some examples, the second sensors 206 can be mounted near a front end of the canopy assembly 124 relative to the machine's direction of travel "D1" to detect the presence of approaching objects.

[0028] It should be noted that the sensor system 202 can include the first sensors 204 and the second sensors 206. Alternatively, the sensor system 202 can include any one of the first sensors 204 and the second sensors 206. It should also be noted that in some examples, the sensor system 202 can include additional sensors (not shown) connected to it. In another example, the sensor system 202 can include one or more sensors (not shown) connected to the first actuation system 132 and the second actuation system 142 to generate information relating to the current position of the first actuation system 132 and the second actuation system 142.

[0029] The canopy system 200 further comprises a controller 208, which is communicatively coupled to the canopy assembly 124 and the sensor system 202. Furthermore, the controller 208 can be communicatively coupled to the sensors connected to the first and second actuation systems 132, 142, in order to determine the current position of the actuators 134, 144. Although in Fig. 5. While the controller 208 is shown to be communicatively coupled to the roof arrangement 124 via the first actuation system 132 and the second actuation system 142, other coupling methods, including direct coupling, are also conceivable. The controller 208 includes one or more memories 210 and one or more processors 212, which are communicatively coupled to the memories 210 (references below to a plurality of processors 212 do not preclude the use of a single processor 212). The processors 212 can include any device that performs logical operations. It should be noted that the processors 212 can embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various detection signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors can be designed to perform the functions of the processor 212.The processors 212 can include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a controller, a microcontroller, another type of processor, or a combination thereof. The processors 212 can include one or more components capable of executing computer-executable instructions or computer code that can be stored in and retrieved from the memory 210.

[0030] In the illustrated example of Fig. 5. The processors 212 receive the detection signal “S1” from the sensor system 202. It should be noted that the detection signal “S1” can be received by the first sensors 204 and / or the second sensors 206. Based on the detection signal “S1”, the processors 212 also determine the location of one or more objects 104 in the vicinity of the machine 100. For example, the processors 212 can determine whether the object 104 is located on the first side 108 (see Fig. 2) the working machine 100 or on the second page 110 (see Fig. 2) the working machine 100 is located. In some examples, the processors 212 can also determine the distance between the object 104 and the sensor system 202.

[0031] Furthermore, the processors 212 generate a first control signal “C1” to move the roofing arrangement 124 at least partially in the direction of the lowered position and away from the operator station 122 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and / or to move the roof panels 138, 140 at least partially towards the retracted position. Furthermore, before generating the first control signal “C1”, the processors 212 receive the signals “I1”, “I2” to determine the current position of the actuators 134, 144. Therefore, the processors 212 generate the first control signal “C1” based on the detection signal “S1” and the signals “I1”, “I2”.

[0032] The phrase "move the roof assembly 124 at least partially towards the lowered position" means that the roof assembly 124 can either be moved into the lowered position or that the roof assembly 124 can be moved into the partially lowered position. Furthermore, the phrase "move the roof panels 138, 140 at least partially towards the retracted position" means that the roof panels 138, 140 can either be moved in the direction of the retracted position or that the roof panels 138, 140 can be moved in the direction of the partially retracted position. One or both of the roof panels 138, 140 can be moved in this way.

[0033] In some cases, the first control signal "C1" can be generated to prevent a collision between the canopy assembly 124 and / or the canopy panels 138, 140 and the object 104. For example, the first control signal "C1" can be generated to move the canopy assembly 124 into the lowered or partially lowered position. It should be noted that the processors 212 can determine whether the canopy assembly 124 needs to be moved into the lowered or partially lowered position based on the distance between the object 104 and the sensor system 202. In another example, the first control signal "C1" can be generated to move each canopy panel 138, 140 into the retracted or partially retracted position.In another example, the first control signal “C1” can be generated to move only one of the roof panels 138, 140 into the retracted position or the partially retracted position. It should be noted that the processors 212 can determine, based on the distance between the object 104 and the sensor system 202, whether the roof panels 138, 140 need to be moved into the retracted position or the partially retracted position.

[0034] The first control signal “C1” can be transmitted to the first actuating system 132 and / or the second actuating system 142. In one example, upon receiving the first control signal “C1”, the first actuating system 132 moves the canopy assembly 124 towards the lowered position or the partially lowered position. In another example, upon receiving the first control signal “C1”, the second actuating system 142 moves the canopy leaves 138, 140 towards the retracted position or the partially retracted position.

[0035] In some examples, the processors 212 also generate a second control signal “C2” to move the canopy assembly 124 at least partially towards the raised position or to move the canopy panels 138, 140 at least partially towards the extended position. Furthermore, the expression “move the canopy assembly 124 at least partially towards the raised position” means that the canopy assembly 124 can be moved towards the raised position or that the canopy assembly 124 can be moved towards the partially lowered position. Additionally, the expression “move the canopy panels 138, 140 at least partially towards the extended position” means that the canopy panels 138, 140 can be moved towards the extended position or that the canopy panels 138, 140 can be moved towards the partially retracted position.

[0036] In some cases, the second control signal “C2” can be generated based on the absence of object 104. For example, if the processors 212 determine that the working machine 100 is not approaching object 104, the processors 212 can generate the second control signal “C2” to move the canopy assembly 124 towards the raised position or the partially lowered position, or to move the canopy wings 138, 140 towards the extended position or the partially retracted position.

[0037] The processors 212 can transmit the first control signal “C1” and the second control signal “C2” to the first actuation system 132. Alternatively, the processors 212 can transmit the first control signal “C1” and the second control signal “C2” to the second actuation system 142. In one example, upon receiving the second control signal “C2”, the first actuation system 132 moves the canopy assembly 124 towards the raised or partially lowered position. In another example, upon receiving the second control signal “C2”, the second actuation system 142 moves one or both of the canopy leaves 138, 140 towards the extended or partially retracted position. Commercial applicability

[0038] The present invention relates to the canopy system 200 connected to the work machine 100. The canopy system 200 includes the canopy assembly 124, which can be moved automatically between the lowered and raised positions without operator intervention. Furthermore, automating the process of moving the canopy assembly 124 allows an operator to concentrate on other aspects of machine control or other operations on the construction site. The canopy assembly 124 can be moved automatically based on the presence or absence of the object 104 near the work machine 100. In some cases, the canopy assembly 124 can be lowered, at least partially, to prevent a collision between the canopy assembly 124 and the object 104 near the work machine 100.

[0039] Furthermore, one or both of the canopy wings 138, 140 of the canopy assembly 124 can be movable relative to the main canopy panel 126 based on the presence or absence of the object 104. In some cases, one or both of the canopy wings 138, 140 of the canopy assembly 124 can be at least partially retracted to avoid any collision between the canopy wings 138, 140 and the object 104. Thus, the canopy system 200 described herein can prevent damage to the canopy assembly 124 or the canopy wings 138, 140 by preventing a collision between the canopy assembly 124 or the canopy wings 138, 140 and the object 104, thereby reducing machine downtime, repair costs, or replacement costs associated with the canopy assembly 124.

[0040] The control unit 208 of the canopy system 200 identifies the object 104 near the work machine 100. Furthermore, the processors 212 of the control unit 208 generate the first control signal "C1" to automatically lower the canopy assembly 124 and / or retract the canopy wings 138, 140 to prevent damage to the canopy assembly 124 and the canopy wings 138, 140. In the lowered position, the canopy assembly 124 does not obstruct the line of sight from the operator station 122, thus improving the operator's overall experience, efficiency, and comfort. Moreover, the canopy assembly 124 does not obstruct any part of the operator station 122 while moving between the lowered and raised positions. In addition, the roof arrangement 124 does not affect any working area of ​​the operator station 122.This ensures that the operation performed by the operator is not affected by changing the roof arrangement 124 between the lowered and raised positions.

[0041] With reference to Fig.Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart for a method 600 for preventing collisions between the canopy assembly 124 of the machine 100 and the object 104 in the vicinity of the machine 100. In step 602, the controller 208 receives the detection signal “S1”, indicating the presence of the object 104 in the vicinity of the machine 100. In some examples, the sensor system 202 receives the detection signal “S1”. The sensor system 202 includes the sensor 204, 206, which is attached to the frame 112 of the machine 100 or the canopy assembly 124. The sensor system 202 includes the LiDAR sensor, the radar sensor, the ultrasonic sensor, the infrared sensor, the photoelectric sensor, the magnetic sensor, the imaging device, or a combination thereof.

[0042] In step 604, the controller 208 determines the location (or distance) of one or more objects 104 near the machine 100 based on the detection signal “S1”. In step 606, the controller 208 generates the first control signal “C1” to move the canopy assembly 124 at least partially towards the lowered position and away from the operator station 122 of the machine 100, or to move the canopy wing 138, 140 of the canopy assembly 124 at least partially towards the retracted position. In the lowered position, the canopy assembly 124 is positioned in front of the operator station 122 with respect to a machine travel direction “D1” and does not obstruct a line of sight from the operator station 122.In some examples, the controller 208 also generates the second control signal “C2” to move the canopy assembly 124, based on the absence of object 104 near the work machine 100, at least partially towards the raised position, or to move the canopy wing 138, 140 at least partially towards the extended position. In the raised position, the canopy assembly 124 is located above the operator station 122.

[0043] In some examples, the controller 208 transmits the first control signal “C1” and the second control signal “C2” to the first actuating system 132. The first actuating system 132 moves the canopy assembly 124 between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0044] In some examples, the controller 208 transmits the first control signal “C1” and the second control signal “C2” to the second actuation system 142. The second actuation system 142 moves the roof wing 138, 140 between the retracted and extended positions.

[0045] If desired, the canopy system 200 can be provided with control elements (not shown) that allow the operator of the work machine 100 to initiate the retraction and / or extension of one or more of the canopy assembly 124 and / or the canopy wings 138, 140. A control element (not shown) with which the operator can activate or deactivate the canopy system 200 is also being considered.

[0046] While aspects of the present invention have been shown and described, particularly with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the field that various additional embodiments can be considered by modifying the disclosed working machines, systems, and methods without departing from the meaning and scope of the invention. These embodiments shall be understood as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined on the basis of the claims and any correspondences thereto.

[0047] Unless expressly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or process does not preclude the use of multiple such components, structures, or processes, or their equivalents. The use of the terms "a," "one," "an," "a," and "the," "a," "a," and "at least one" or the term "one or more" and similar references in the context of the description of the invention (particularly in the context of the following claims) shall be interpreted as covering both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradictory in the context.The use of the phrase "at least one" followed by a list containing one or more elements (for example, "at least one of A and B" or "one or more of A and B") is to be interpreted as meaning the selection of one element from the listed elements (A or B) or a combination of two or more of the listed elements (A and B, A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradictory in context. Similarly, the word "or" as used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of elements. For example, the phrase "A, B or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiples thereof, such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C; etc.

Claims

[1] Canopy system (200) for a working machine (100), the canopy system (200) comprising: a canopy arrangement (124) which is movable between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the canopy arrangement (124) in the lowered position is arranged in front of an operator station (122) of the working machine (100) with respect to a machine travel direction (D1) and does not obstruct a line of sight from the operator station (122), wherein in the raised position, at least a part of the canopy arrangement (124) is arranged above the operator station (122), and wherein the canopy arrangement (124) comprises a main canopy panel (126) and at least one canopy wing (138, 140) such that the canopy wing (138, 140) is movable relative to the main canopy panel (126) between an extended position and a retracted position; a sensor system (202) designed to generate a detection signal (S1) indicating the presence of at least one object (104) in the vicinity of the working machine (100); and a controller (208) that is communicatively coupled with the roof arrangement (124) and the sensor system (202), wherein the controller (208) includes at least one memory (210) and at least one processor (212) communicatively coupled with the memory (210), wherein the processor (212) is designed to: Receiving the detection signal (S1) from the sensor system (202); Determining the location of the object (104) near the work machine (100) based on the detection signal (S1); and Generating a first control signal (C1) to move the canopy assembly (124) at least partially in the direction of the lowered position and away from the operator station (122) or at least partially to move the canopy wing (138, 140) in the direction of the retracted position. [2] Roofing system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (212) is further configured to generate a second control signal (C2) to move the roofing arrangement (124) at least partially in the direction of the raised position or to move the roofing wing (138, 140) at least partially in the direction of the extended position. [3] Roofing system (200) according to claim 2, wherein the roofing arrangement (124) has a first actuating system (132) designed to move the roofing arrangement (124) between the lowered position and the raised position, and wherein the processor (212) is designed to transmit the first control signal (C1) and the second control signal (C2) to the first actuating system (132). [4] Roofing system (200) according to claim 2, wherein the roofing arrangement (124) has a second actuating system (142) designed to move the roofing wing (138, 140) between the retracted position and the extended position, and wherein the processor (212) is designed to transmit the first control signal (C1) and the second control signal (C2) to the second actuating system (142). [5] Roofing system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system (202) further comprises at least one of a light detection and distance measurement (LIDAR) sensor, a radio detection and distance measurement (RADAR) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an imaging device or a combination thereof. [6] Roofing system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system (202) comprises at least one first sensor (204) which is attached to a frame (112) of the working machine (100). [7] Roofing system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system (202) comprises at least a second sensor (206) attached to the roofing arrangement (124).

Images