RAILING ARRANGEMENT FOR ROAD PAVER

Abstract

A guardrail assembly (200) for a road paver (100) comprising a central guardrail section (202) that is detachably connected to a plank walkway (124) of a plank assembly (110) of the road paver (100). The central guardrail section (202) defines a first end (204) and a second end (206). The guardrail assembly (200) also includes a first guardrail section (214) that is detachably connected to the plank walkway (124) and to the central guardrail section (202) near the first end (204) of the central guardrail section (202). The first guardrail section (214) is movable relative to the central guardrail section (202). The railing arrangement (200) further comprises a second railing section (222) which is detachably connected to the plank walkway (124) and the central railing section (202) near the second end (206) of the central railing section (202).The second railing section (222) is movable relative to the central railing section (202). The central railing section (202), the first railing section (214), and the second railing section (222) are movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a road paver machine, a plank arrangement for the road paver machine and a railing arrangement for the road paver machine. State of the art

[0002] A screed assembly includes a paving machine. The screed assembly has a screed walkway. During paving, the screed walkway is wide open on all sides, which is convenient for entering and exiting the walkway from the sides or, if necessary, from the rear. However, it is desirable that the operator does not accidentally step backward onto a hot-paved corner of the track while the paving machine is in operation. In another situation, movement of the paving machine could cause the operator to lose their balance and step off the screed walkway.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,119,248 describes a guardrail for construction machinery whose overall height can be adjusted, for example, to comply with height restrictions when a cargo ship is loaded with construction machinery, thereby increasing the amount of construction machinery that can be loaded and reducing transportation costs. To this end, the present invention provides a guardrail for construction machinery comprising: a lower guardrail attached to the edge of the upper body of the construction machinery; an upper guardrail connected to the lower guardrail; and a connecting element formed between the lower and upper guardrails to link the lower and upper guardrails and to allow movement of the upper guardrail toward the lower guardrail, thereby adjusting the overall height of the lower and upper guardrails. Summary of Revelation

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a guardrail arrangement for a road paver is provided. The guardrail arrangement comprises a central guardrail section that is detachably connected to a plank walkway of a plank assembly of the road paver. The central guardrail section defines a first end and a second end. The central guardrail section comprises a pair of first elements extending along a vertical axis. The two first elements are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the vertical axis. The central guardrail section also comprises a second element extending orthogonally to the pair of first elements. The guardrail arrangement further comprises a first guardrail section that is detachably connected to the plank walkway. The first guardrail section is also detachably connected to the central guardrail section proximal to the first end of the central guardrail section.The first railing section is movable relative to the central railing section. The first railing section comprises a third element extending along the vertical axis and a fourth element extending orthogonally to the third element. The railing assembly also includes a second railing section, which is detachably connected to the plank walkway. The second railing section is further detachably connected to the central railing section near its far end. The second railing section is movable relative to the central railing section. The second railing section comprises a fifth element extending along the vertical axis and a sixth element extending orthogonally to the fifth element. The central railing section, the first railing section, and the second railing section are movable between an extended position and a retracted position.The railing arrangement is positioned at one rear end of the plank walkway.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a screed assembly for a road paver is provided. The screed assembly comprises a main screed. The screed assembly also comprises a first screed extension connected to the main screed. The screed assembly further comprises a second screed extension connected to the main screed. The first screed extension and the second screed extension are arranged at opposite ends of the main screed. The screed assembly comprises a screed walkway with a main walkway section connected to the main screed, a first walkway section connected to the first screed extension, and a second walkway section connected to the second screed extension. The screed assembly also comprises a guardrail arrangement for the screed walkway.The railing assembly comprises a central railing section that is detachably connected to the main walkway section. The central railing section defines a first end and a second end. The central railing section comprises a pair of first elements extending along a vertical axis. The pair of first elements is spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the vertical axis. The central railing section also comprises a second element extending orthogonally to the pair of first elements. The railing assembly further comprises a first railing section that is detachably connected to the first walkway section. The first railing section is also detachably connected to the central railing section near its first end. The first railing section is movable relative to the central railing section.The first railing section comprises a third element extending along the vertical axis and a fourth element extending orthogonally to the third element. The railing assembly further comprises a second railing section, which is detachably connected to the second walkway section. The second railing section is also detachably connected to the central railing section near its second end. The second railing section is movable relative to the central railing section. The second railing section comprises a fifth element extending along the vertical axis and a sixth element extending orthogonally to the fifth element. The central railing section, the first railing section, and the second railing section are movable between an extended position and a retracted position.The railing arrangement is positioned at one rear end of the plank walkway.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a road paver machine is provided. The road paver machine comprises a frame. The road paver machine also comprises a screed assembly connected to the frame. The screed assembly comprises a main screed. The screed assembly also comprises a first screed extension connected to the main screed. The screed assembly further comprises a second screed extension connected to the main screed. The first screed extension and the second screed extension are arranged at opposite ends of the main screed. The screed assembly comprises a screed walkway with a main walkway section connected to the main screed, a first walkway section connected to the first screed extension, and a second walkway section connected to the second screed extension.The guardrail assembly is positioned at one rear end of the plank walkway. The plank assembly also includes a guardrail assembly for the plank walkway. The guardrail assembly comprises a central guardrail section that is detachably connected to the main walkway section. The central guardrail section defines a first end and a second end. The central guardrail section comprises a pair of first elements extending along a vertical axis. The pair of first elements is spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the vertical axis. The central guardrail section also comprises a second element that extends orthogonally to the pair of first elements. The guardrail assembly also includes a first guardrail section that is detachably connected to the first walkway section.The first railing section is detachably connected to the central railing section near its first end. The first railing section is movable relative to the central railing section. The first railing section comprises a third element extending along the vertical axis and a fourth element extending orthogonally to the third element. The railing arrangement further comprises a second railing section, which is detachably connected to the second walkway section. The second railing section is also detachably connected to the central railing section near its second end. The second railing section is movable relative to the central railing section. The second railing section comprises a fifth element extending along the vertical axis and a sixth element extending orthogonally to the fifth element.The central railing section, the first railing section and the second railing section can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0007] Further features and aspects of this revelation will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary road paver machine; Fig. 2 shows a plank arrangement made of Fig. 1 with a railing arrangement according to an example in the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 shows the railing arrangement in a retracted position; Fig. Figure 4 shows part of the railing arrangement. Fig. 2 according to an example from the present revelation; Fig. Figure 5 shows part of the railing arrangement. Fig. 2 according to another example of the present revelation; and Fig. Figure 6 shows the railing arrangement with two railing sections connected by corresponding plank extensions of the plank arrangement, according to an example in the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0008] Where possible, the same reference symbols are used within the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a road paver 100. The road paver 100 can be used to construct roads, bridges, and the like by spreading and compacting a layer of road surface material. The road surface material can include bituminous aggregate mixtures or asphalt. The road paver 100 comprises a frame 102. The frame 102 supports various components of the road paver 100. The road paver 100 includes a housing 104, which is mounted on the frame 102. The housing 104 contains a power source (not shown) for the road paver 100. The power source can be an engine, for example, an internal combustion engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, etc. The power source supplies the road paver 100 with energy for its operational and mobility requirements.

[0010] The road paver 100 also includes a set of ground engagement elements 106. The ground engagement elements 106 are functionally connected to the frame 102. In the example shown, Fig. In one example, the ground engagement elements 106 comprise wheels. In other examples, the ground engagement elements 106 may comprise crawler tracks. The ground engagement elements 106 support the road paver 100 on a ground surface and provide it with mobility.

[0011] The road paver 100 also includes a machine operator station 108, which is mounted on the frame 102. An operator present at the machine operator station 108 can control various functions of the road paver 100 and, in some examples, functions of a screed assembly 110 of the road paver 100.

[0012] The road paver 100 also includes a hopper assembly 112, which is functionally connected to the frame 102. The hopper assembly 112 holds a quantity of road surface material (not shown) on the road paver 100, which is received from an external source (not shown), such as a truck or transfer vehicle. The hopper assembly 112 also transfers the road surface material from one part of the road paver 100 to another. As such, the hopper assembly 112 can include one or more components (not shown), such as one or more conveyor belts, augers, sensors, etc., based on the application requirements.

[0013] The road paver 100 further comprises the screed assembly 110, which is connected to the frame 102. The screed assembly 110 comprises a main screed 114. The screed assembly 110 comprises a first screed extension 116, which is connected to the main screed 114. The screed assembly 110 also comprises a second screed extension 118, which is connected to the main screed 114. The first screed extension 116 and the second screed extension 118 are arranged at opposite ends 120, 122 of the main screed 114. The screed assembly 110 further comprises a screed walkway 124. The screed walkway 124 comprises a main walkway section 126, which is connected to the main screed 114. The plank walkway 124 also includes a first walkway section 128, which is connected to the first plank extension 116. The plank walkway 124 further includes a second walkway section 130, which is connected to the second plank extension 118.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to a guardrail arrangement 200 for the road paver machine 100. In particular, the plank arrangement 110 comprises, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the guardrail assembly 200 for the plank walkway 124. The guardrail assembly 200 also serves as a safety railing. The guardrail assembly 200 is positioned at a rear end 136 of the plank walkway 124. The guardrail assembly 200 comprises a central guardrail section 202, which is detachably connected to the plank walkway 124 of the plank assembly 110 of the paving machine 100. In particular, the central guardrail section 202 is detachably connected to the main walkway section 126. The central guardrail section 202 defines a first end 204 and a second end 206. The central guardrail section 202 comprises a pair of first elements 208, 210, which extend along a vertical axis A1. The pair of first elements 208, 210 is spaced apart from each other in a direction A2 that runs orthogonally to the vertical axis A1.The central railing section 202 also includes a second element 212, which extends orthogonally to the pair of first elements 208, 210. Each of the first elements 208, 210 and the second element 212 are shown with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the first elements 208, 210 and the second element 212 can have any other cross-section, for example, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, and the like.

[0015] The railing arrangement 200 also comprises a first railing section 214, which is detachably connected to the bean-shaped walkway 124. In particular, the first railing section 214 is detachably connected to the first walkway section 128. The first railing section 214 is further detachably connected to the central railing section 202 near the first end 204 of the central railing section 202. The first railing section 214 is movable relative to the central railing section 202. The first railing section 214 comprises a third element 216 extending along the vertical axis A1 and a fourth element 218 extending orthogonally to the third element 216. Each of the third elements 216 and each of the fourth elements 218 is shown with a circular cross-section.Alternatively, the third element 216 and the fourth element 218 can have any other cross-section, for example a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section and the like.

[0016] The fourth element 218 of the first railing section 214 is connected to the second element 212 of the central railing section 202 via a first telescopic joint 220. During movement of the first plank extension 116 relative to the main plank 114, a distance D1 between the first element 208 of the central railing section 202 and the third element 216 of the first railing section 214 varies based on a displacement of the fourth element 218 relative to the second element 212.

[0017] The railing arrangement 200 further comprises a second railing section 222, which is detachably connected to the plank walkway 124. In particular, the second railing section 222 is detachably connected to the second walkway section 130. The second railing section 222 is also detachably connected to the central railing section 202 near the second end 206 of the central railing section 202. The second railing section 222 is movable relative to the central railing section 202.

[0018] The second railing section 222 comprises a fifth element 224 extending along the vertical axis A1, and a sixth element 226 extending orthogonally to the fifth element 224. Each of the fifth elements 224 and each of the sixth elements 226 is shown with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the fifth element 224 and the sixth element 226 can have any other cross-section, for example, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, and the like.

[0019] The sixth element 226 of the second railing section 222 is coupled to the second element 212 of the central railing section 202 via a second telescopic joint 228. During movement of the second plank extension 118 relative to the main plank 114, a distance D2 between the first element 210 of the central railing section 202 and the fifth element 224 of the second railing section 222 varies based on a displacement of the sixth element 226 relative to the second element 212.

[0020] The central railing section 202, the first railing section 214, and the second railing section 222 are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The central railing section 202, the first railing section 214, and the second railing section 222 are in Fig. 2 shown in the extended position. With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows the central railing section 202, the first railing section 214, and the second railing section 222 in their retracted positions. In some examples, each of the central railing sections 202, the first railing section 214, and the second railing section 222 is at least partially stowed below the plank walkway 124 in the retracted position. In such examples, the railing assembly 200 can have pivot points that allow the entire railing assembly 200 to move into the folded position. Furthermore, each of the central railing sections 202, the first railing section 214, and the second railing section 222 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to arrange the central railing section 202, the first railing section 214, and the second railing section 222 in the retracted position.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in one example, each pair of the first elements 208, 210, the third element 216, and the fifth element 224 comprises a pair of railing sections 230, 232 and a bolt 234 connecting the pair of railing sections 230, 232. The pair of railing sections 230, 232 is displaceable relative to each other to move the corresponding central railing section 202, the corresponding first railing section 214, and the corresponding second railing section 222 between the extended and retracted positions. Each bolt 234 can, for example, include a fixed bolt. When the bolts 234 are connected to the corresponding railing sections 230, 232, the pair of first elements 208, 210, the third element 216, and the fifth element 224 are in the extended position.When the bolts 234 are removed, the first pair of elements 208, 210, the third element 216, and the fifth element 224 can be moved into the retracted position. In some examples, the railing assembly 200 may have suitable bolt joints or pivot joints that allow movement of the railing assembly 200 into the retracted position.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in another example, each of the first elements 208, 210, the third element 216, and the fifth element 224 comprises a pair of railing sections 530, 532, which are connected to each other via a telescopic joint 534. The pair of railing sections 530, 532 is displaceable relative to each other in order to move the corresponding central railing section 202, the corresponding first railing section 214, and the corresponding second railing section 222 between the extended position and the retracted position. In particular, the railing sections 530, 532 slide away from each other to position the pair of first elements 208, 210, the third element 216, and the fifth element 224 in the extended position. Furthermore, the railing sections 530, 532 slide towards each other to arrange the pair of first elements 208, 210, the third element 216 and the fifth element 224 in the retracted position.In some examples, each of the first elements 208, 210, the third element 216 and the fifth element 224 can have a locking mechanism (not shown) to hold the pair of first elements 208, 210, the third element 216 and the fifth element 224 in the extended position.

[0023] With reference to Fig. In some examples, the railing arrangement 200 comprises one or more fourth railing sections 236, 238, which are detachably connected to one or more of the first railing sections 214 and the second railing sections 222. The one or more fourth railing sections 236, 238 are detachably connected to one or more plank extensions 132, 134 of the plank arrangement 110. The one or more plank extensions 132, 134 are detachably connected to the first plank extension 116 and / or the second plank extension 118. In the example shown, Fig.6 comprise one or more plank extensions 132, 134, the first plank extension 132, which is detachably connected to the first plank extension 116, and the second plank extension 134, which is detachably connected to the second plank extension 118. The first plank extension 132 is detachably connected to the first plank extension 116 by bolts, and the second plank extension 134 is detachably connected to the second plank extension 118 by bolts.

[0024] Furthermore, the one or more fourth railing sections 236, 238 comprise the fourth railing section 236, which is detachably connected to the first plank extension 132. In particular, if the first plank extension 132 is connected to the first plank extension 116, the fourth railing section 236 is detachably connected to the first railing section 214. The fourth railing section 236 is also detachably connected to the first railing section 214. The fourth railing section 236 can be detachably connected to the first railing section 214 using bolts, screws, pins, and the like.

[0025] The one or more fourth railing sections 236, 238 also include the fourth railing section 238, which is detachably connected to the second plank extension 134. In particular, when the second plank extension 134 is connected to the second plank extension 118, the fourth railing section 238 is detachably connected to the second railing section 222. The fourth railing section 238 is also detachably connected to the second railing section 222. The fourth railing section 238 can be detachably connected to the second railing section 222 using bolts, screws, pins, and the like.

[0026] It is understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The implementation described above does not in any way limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of this disclosure in connection with functional segments, they may be omitted from the scope of this disclosure without deviating from the meaning of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Industrial applicability

[0027] The present disclosure relates to a guardrail arrangement 200 for the screed walkway 124 of a road paver 100. The guardrail arrangement 200 described in the present disclosure has a simple construction and can be cost-effective. Furthermore, the central guardrail section 202, the first guardrail section 214, and the second guardrail section 222 can be easily moved between the retracted and extended positions, depending on the application requirements. The guardrail arrangement 200 also functions as a safety barrier, which can prevent operators from accidentally stepping onto the ground surface. Furthermore, the first and second guardrail sections 214, 222 move laterally relative to the central guardrail section 202 when the first and second screed extensions 116, 118 move into or out of the main screed 114 due to the provision of the first and second telescopic joints 220, 228.The telescopic joints compensate for changes in the installation width to ensure a continuous guardrail barrier across the entire plank walkway 124. To keep the plank walkway 124 completely open in all directions for operator entry and exit, the central guardrail section 202, the first guardrail section 214, and the second guardrail section 222 can be moved into the retracted position. Thus, the guardrail assembly 200 can be moved into the retracted position when not in use, yet remains readily available for immediate deployment. When the bolted first and second plank extensions 132, 134 are connected to the first and second plank extensions 116, 118, the guardrail assembly 200 also includes the fourth guardrail sections 236, 238, which can be detachably connected to the first and second guardrail sections 214, 222, thereby providing a complete barrier for operators.

[0028] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been shown and described in particular with reference to the embodiments described above, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that various additional embodiments can be considered by modifying the disclosed working machines, systems, and methods without deviating from the meaning and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined on the basis of the claims and all equivalents thereof. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10.119.248

[0003]

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