Heating control for planks
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC
- Filing Date
- 2012-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical area
[0001] The present disclosure relates to pavers and, more particularly, to paving slabs used in pavers. background
[0002] Pavers are commonly used for laying heated pavement material, such as concrete mixes containing pitch or asphalt, on a pavement bed. After heated asphalt is dumped, it is typically spread, leveled and compacted so that when cooled, a road is achieved with a uniform, smooth surface that is passable for vehicles. A paver, known as a screed, is typically used to spread the heated asphalt. Such piles can be pulled by a tractor, truck or the like, or can be self-propelled. The truck or tractor unit carries the asphalt and the screed heats, vibrates and then processes the asphalt into a smooth, even surface. A screed generally employs a screed arrangement with one or more screed elements.
[0003] Each screed element can have a device for heating the asphalt. Often times, screed members have two main members provided in the center of the screed and hydraulically extendable booms connected to the sides of the two main members to increase the overall paving capability of the screed assembly. In addition to the main elements and brackets, bolt-on extensions can be connected to the brackets for laying even larger areas. To lay an area greater than five meters, for example, six plank elements with two main elements, two brackets and two bolted extensions can be used, all of which can be heated to simplify the processing and distribution of the heated asphalt.
[0004] In order to heat such screed elements, they are generally operated by a generator under the control of a control system. The control system directs power to the different sections of the screed elements by reading inputs from temperature sensors located on each of the screed elements. Traditionally, while the screed elements are warming up, the control system continuously operates (heats) the two main elements while alternating between the booms and the bolted extensions. Thus, when the main elements reach a desired temperature, the power to the main elements is interrupted while the alternation between the brackets and the bolted extensions is continued until they also reach the desired temperature.
[0005] While the above method of heating the plank elements is effective, it suffers from several disadvantages. For example, the booms and bolted extensions are only heated at half power (e.g. due to the power switching), while the main elements are heated at full power (e.g. due to receiving continuous power). This leads to a heating of the main elements before the boom and the screwed-on extensions are heated, which not only leads to an increased warm-up time of the screed elements, but also to potentially cold screed elements and in particular cold main elements that affect the boom and the screwed-on extensions to reach the desired temperature before using them. It can also result in uneven heating of the screed elements, longer paving times and unnecessary waste of power.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be advantageous if an improved apparatus for effectively controlling the heating of the screed elements were developed. Summary of the revelation
[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling heating of a screed assembly is disclosed. The method can include providing a plurality of plank elements which are connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of circuit breakers by a corresponding one of a plurality of relays. The method may further include providing a control system in communication with the plurality of screed members and a plurality of relays and receiving inputs from the control system and generating an output signal based on the inputs. The method may additionally include heating each of the plurality of screed elements in response to the output signal.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a paver finisher is disclosed. The paver may have a screed assembly with multiple screed elements, a generator with multiple circuit breakers, each of the multiple circuit breakers being in communication with a corresponding screed element of the plurality of screed elements, and multiple relays in communication with a respective one of the plurality of circuit breakers. The paver finisher may also include a control system capable of receiving a plurality of inputs and generating an output for activating at least two of the plurality of relays.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of heating a screed assembly is disclosed. The method may include providing a screed assembly having six screed elements, each of the six screed elements being connected to a respective circuit breaker through a respective relay, providing a control system that receives inputs from each of the six screed elements, and determining four coldest of the six screed elements exhibit. The method can also include activating the relays of the four coldest of the six screed elements and heating the four coldest of the six screed elements by means of their respective circuit breakers. Brief description of the drawings
[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary screed constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
[0011] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the screed of Fig. 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a sequence control of a control system for heating a screed arrangement of the screed of Fig. 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the operational steps of the control system of Fig. 3 when heating the plank arrangement of Fig. 1 shows, and
[0014] Fig. Figure 5 is a graph showing the heating results of the screed assembly heated under the control of the control system.
[0015] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof are shown and described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to be limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents within the scope of the present disclosure. Detailed description
[0016] The present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling the heating of a screed assembly in pavers with improved efficiency, speed, and uniformity, as described in detail below. With reference to Fig. 1 is an exemplary paver finisher 2 shown schematically in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that only those components that are essential for a better understanding of the present disclosure are shown and / or described herein. Nonetheless, various other components that are commonly used in combination or in conjunction with such pavers are incorporated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, the paver 2 as shown, a tractor 4 having a plank arrangement 6 pulls. The tractor 4 can use a motor 5 , a gearbox 7 and wheels, chains or other drive devices 9 to move the plank arrangement 6 exhibit. In addition, the tractor 4 a hold 19 for receiving and temporarily storing an asphalt supply as well as feed conveyors or screw conveyors 17 for moving the asphalt from the hold 19 for plank arrangement 6 exhibit. If the asphalt has the screed arrangement 6 When achieved, the screed assembly can level and shape the asphalt into a layer of desired thickness, size and uniformity. To achieve this, the plank arrangement 6 a number of plank elements 13 (see Fig. 2) as described herein, as well as various leveling arms, shaping boards, torches and vibrators, which in the brevity of the description are not described herein. The plank arrangement 6 can also have several gangways 21 to facilitate the movement of workers thereon when working.
[0017] With reference to the plank elements 13 In at least some embodiments it may be a main screed plate 14 , left or right arm 16 or 18 and respective left and right screwed-on extensions (BOE) 20 and 22 (see Fig. 2). The main screed plate 14 can also be left or right main screed elements 24 or 26 exhibit. The left boom 16 and the left BOE 20 can with the left of the left main screed element 24 and the right arm 18 and the right BOE 22 can be used with the right of the right main sheet pile element 26 be connected. In at least some embodiments, both the left and right arms can 16 or 18 in front of or behind the main screed plate 14 deployed in a conventional manner and can be hydraulically controlled. Similarly, both the left and right BOE 20 or 22 also hydraulically operated and can also be in front of or behind the respective left and right boom 16 and 18 be connected. Despite the fact that in the present embodiment, six of the plank elements 13 (the left main screed element 24, the right main screed element 26, the left boom 16, the right boom 18, the left BOE 20 and the right BOE 22) The plank arrangement 6 have been shown, in at least some embodiments, the number of these sections may vary particularly depending on the width of the road surface.
[0018] With reference to the Fig. 2 in connection with the Fig. 1 can be any plank element 13 also temperature sensors 28 for determining the temperature as well as warmers or heaters or tamper elements 30 for heating the respective plank element. In the Fig. 2 can also be seen that the tractor 4 in addition to other components described above, a control system 8 includes that at least indirectly with a generator 10 through a set of relays 12 (see Fig. 3) for heating the plank arrangement 6 communicated in a manner described below. In particular, the plank elements 13 and especially the warmers 30 from the generator 10 through circuit breaker 11 operated under the control of the relay 12 work, which in turn can be done by the control system 8 to be activated.
[0019] In at least some embodiments, and as in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 3, an associated circuit breaker can be circuit breaker 11 as well as an associated relay of the relays 12 for each of the plank sections 13 be provided. As a result, each of the six plank sections 13 directly with the generator 10 by means of a corresponding circuit breaker of the circuit breaker 11 and a corresponding relay of the relays 12 be connected. Accordingly, for six plank sections 13 six of the circuit breakers 11 and six of the relays 12 to heat these plank sections as described below.
[0020] In addition, although only the temperature sensors 28 and the heater 30 than on the plank elements 13 As shown and described, at least in some embodiments, other components commonly associated with such plank members may nonetheless be present and used in conjunction with and combination therewith.
[0021] In at least some embodiments, the control system may 8 be a microprocessor with a memory that is in wired or wireless connection with the relays 12 and the generator 10 stands. The generator 10 can be any type of a variety of alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) generators commonly used in pavers. Additionally, in some embodiments, the generator 10 be a 25 kW generator, although other sized generators may be used in alternative embodiments. In addition, the generator 10 the set of circuit breakers 11 insert the one with the plank arrangement 6 for heating various of the plank elements 13 through a corresponding relay of the relays 12 , as described below, can be directly related. The relays 12 again, in at least some embodiments, bipolar single or double throw relays may be used, although other types of relays, such as single throw relays, may be used in other embodiments.
[0022] In addition, the relays 12 Part of the generator 10 or can be on board the tractor 4 separately. or the plank arrangement 6 be housed. In a similar way, the circuit breakers 11 standardized ground terminal circuit breakers for limiting leakage currents, although other types of circuit breakers can be used.
[0023] In addition, although the control system 8 and the generator 10 than inside the tractor 4 of the road paver 2 this need not always be the case. In other embodiments the control system and / or the generator 8 or 10 rather away from the tractor 4 be arranged and can communicate with each other at least indirectly. The control system 8 may be in a remote location to control the generator 10 and the relay 12 be positioned.
[0024] With reference to Fig. 3 is a sequencer 32 of the control system 8 for heating the plank elements 13 shown in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the control system takes 8 Entries 34 and generates an output 36 . The entries 34 can be used for a variety of inputs, such as temperature measurements from the temperature sensors 28 from each of the six plank elements 13 , a load factor for conveying the load on the engine and a target temperature for determining the desired heating temperature of the screed elements, be representative. If the entries 34 are received, the control system generates 8 the output 36 , which are used to activate the relays 12 to control the heating of the plank elements 13 can be transmitted. Each of the relays 12 in turn controls the respective assigned circuit breaker 11 as through the connecting lines 38 shown what in turn the respective plank elements 13 by the generator 10 drives and heats up, as through the connection lines 40 shown. The number and which of the relays 12 by the control system 8 is to be activated is determined on the basis of a logic existing in the control system, as described below with reference to Fig. 4 will be described. Commercial applicability
[0025] In general, the present disclosure continues a control system for controlling heating of a screed assembly used in pavers. In particular, the screed arrangement has a plurality of screed elements and in particular six screed elements, each of which is connected to a circuit breaker within a generator via a relay. The control system reads the temperature signal from the temperature sensors of each of the six screed elements and the control system intelligently distributes the power for heating the screed elements based on the temperature of these screed elements, as in Fig. 4 shown.
[0026] With reference to Fig. 4 is a flow chart of 50 shown that the steps of operation (or logic) of the control system 8 for heating the plank elements 13 according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the process begins at step 52 at which the control system is switched on. The control system 8 can be switched on automatically when the paver finisher 2 is switched on, or the control system 8 can alternatively be switched on if the heating of the screed arrangement 6 is desirable. After switching on the control system 8 the process goes to steps 54 , 56 and 58 , each of which is an input to the control system at step 60 is. Although only the three inputs from steps 54 to 58 As described herein, it is to be understood that the control system 8 additional inputs in other embodiments for controlling other aspects of the paver 2 can receive.
[0027] In particular at step 54 can the control system 8 the outputs of the temperature sensors 28 received (or otherwise read) from each of the six screed elements. The temperature sensors 28 represent the current temperatures of their respective plank elements 13 ready. It is understood that during the initial launch, although each of the six plank elements 13 at a substantially similar temperature, very small (e.g. 1 / 10 of a degree or less) temperature differences may still exist between the six screed elements that the temperature sensors 28 measure and the control system 8 can provide.
[0028] In addition to determining the temperature to which each of the six screed elements should be heated, at step 56 a setpoint temperature can be entered into the control system. The target temperature can be user-defined (or possibly defined by a computer), depending on various factors, such as the size of the screed arrangement 6 , the size of the generator driving the screed elements 10 as well as the environmental conditions of the area where the paver 2 (and the plank arrangement 6) is used. In at least some embodiments, the setpoint temperature can be specified as a low, medium or high temperature, the values of which can be predetermined, or in other embodiments a temperature value can be entered directly into the control system 8 can be entered.
[0029] For the embodiments where the setpoint temperature has been set as low, medium, or high, an exemplary “low” setpoint temperature can be set to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, an intermediate setpoint temperature can be set to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, and a high setpoint temperature can be set to 270 degrees Fahrenheit. In other embodiments, these target temperature values can vary. According to the predetermined values of the target temperature, the target temperature can be 13 during the heating of the screed elements. can only be specified and entered as "low", "medium" or "high". In at least some other embodiments, the target temperature need not be set as low, medium, or high. Rather, a temperature value can be entered directly into the control system 8 entered during operation. In addition, in each of the two cases mentioned above, the target temperature can be entered directly into the control system 8 can be entered, for example via a keyboard connected to the control system, or alternatively this can be supplied to the control system by a separate unit or read out by the latter.
[0030] In addition to the temperature measurements of the temperature sensors 28 and the target temperature in steps 54 or 56 can the control system 8 at step 58 receive an input of the load factor. In particular, the load factor is a percentage value generated by the engine (not shown) of the paver 2 to illustrate the load applied to it. Depending on the load on the motor, the control system 8 on the number of heaters to be activated 30 decide. In other words, if the load factor is high (e.g. 75%), which indicates a higher load on the engine, the control system can then 8 the performance of one or more of the plank elements 13 or alternatively can only reduce the heater 30 less at the beginning. drive fewer plank elements at the same time to heat. Similarly, if the load factor is low (e.g. 25%) the control system can 8 several of the warmers 30 for heating several of the plank elements 13 drive at once.
[0031] The values of the load factor and the corresponding number of heaters to be activated for each of the load factor values 30 can be predetermined. For example, in at least some embodiments, in the case of six plank elements 13 a load factor of 75% only two of the heaters 30 drive, while three of the heaters are driven for a load factor of 50%. Similarly, for a 25% load factor, four of the heaters 30 for heating four of the six plank elements 13 are driven simultaneously. It is understood that the above values of the load factor and the corresponding number of heaters for activation are exemplary and may differ in other embodiments. Due to the control of the heating of the plank elements 13 based on the load factor, the paver engine can 2 can be kept going and can be prevented from running out and failing during higher loads.
[0032] As a result, the control system receives 8 at step 60 the temperatures of the plank elements 13 from the temperature sensors 28 from step 54 , the setpoint temperature from step 56 and the load factor from step 58 . When the aforementioned inputs are received, the control system determines 8 at a step 62 whether the target temperature of each of the screed elements 13 has been achieved or not. During the initial commissioning of the screed arrangement 6 the temperature of the plank elements can be 13 the plank arrangement 6 typically not be at the set temperature. However, this need not always be the case, especially if the screed arrangement has been switched on shortly after it has been switched off and the screed elements have been heated to the setpoint temperature in the previous cycle.
[0033] Accordingly, the process ends at step 64 if the control system 8 at step 62 determines that the temperature of each of the plank elements 13 is already at the target temperature. On the other hand, the process comes to step 66 . At step 66 , in the case of the six plank elements 13 , determines the control system 8 the coldest of these six plank elements. Depending on the step 58 received load factor value varies the number of coldest elements that the control system 8 certainly. Consequently, for example for a load factor of 25%, the control system can 8 determine that four of the warmers 30 can be activated and accordingly four of the plank elements 13 can be heated at the same time. Thus, the control system can 8 four of the coldest plank elements 13 determine. The four coldest plank elements 13 can be determined by comparing the temperature of each of the six screed elements obtained from their respective temperature sensors at step 54 be received.
[0034] After determining the number (for example four) of the plank elements 13 For simultaneous heating based on the load factor and determining the coldest of the number (for example four) of the plank elements, the process goes to step 68 where the control system 8 the relays 12 activated. The number of relays to be activated 12 depends on the number of plank elements to be heated at the same time 13 , which are available in step 66 was determined. Hence, in the case of four of the coldest plank elements 13 that was performed at step 66 have been specified as overheating, four of the relays 12 that are assigned to the selected coldest screed elements of the screed elements are activated. As described above, the selected relays can 12 by the output signal 36 activated by the control system 8 in response to the inputs received thereby 34 is produced. After activating the selected relays 12 these relays heat their respective plank elements 13 via the respective circuit breaker 11 by the generator 10 , the heater 30 drives, as through the connecting lines 38 and 40 in the Fig. 2 shown.
[0035] Next, the selected plank elements 13 at step 70 heated until there is no set temperature difference between the heated screed elements and the next colder screed element. The predetermined temperature is a temperature value (e.g. 5 degrees Fahrenheit) that is also entered in the control system 8 can be entered to determine if one of the heated plank elements 13 has reached the predetermined temperature above the next colder of the remaining plank elements. For example, in the case of the four coldest plank elements 13 , monitors the control system 8 at step 68 continuously the temperature of their respective temperature sensors 28 to determine if one of these screed elements has a temperature difference of the predetermined temperature with the remaining (two) coldest screed elements 13 has reached.
[0036] Consequently, if one of the heated plank elements 13 reaches the predetermined temperature difference with the remaining cold screed elements, the process goes to step 62 back to determine again whether the target temperature for each of the six screed elements 13 has been achieved or not. If not, the control system selects 8 again the four coldest plank elements in step 66 and heats it up in step 68 . On the other hand, if at step 70 none of the heated plank elements 13 has reached the predetermined temperature above the next colder screed element, the screed elements are still in step 72 heated and for the predetermined temperature difference at step 70 supervised. The above process of selectively heating four of the coldest plank elements 13 continues in smaller steps (based on the predetermined temperature) until all of the six screed elements have been heated to the set temperature.
[0037] Due to the phased heating of the plank elements 13 The present disclosure prevents the plank elements from alternating stress (from heat) every few seconds. In addition, the aforementioned technique of heating the plank elements ensures 13 that all screed elements are heated uniformly while the load management is implemented and more than an allowable power consumption is prevented from a given generator size and without unduly stressing the engine. This additionally avoids the disadvantages of the traditional systems mentioned above which potentially suffer from cold screed elements due to continuous heating of the main elements as the performance alternates between the booms and the BOE elements. In addition, the desired heating of the plank elements 13 can be achieved using a smaller, comparatively cheaper generator, which in addition leads to fuel savings and a generally lighter weight paver.
[0038] It is understood that although the above process is performed with the screed assembly 6 with six of the plank elements 13 has been described, this is only exemplary. The above process is equally applicable to screed assemblies with more than six screed elements, or possibly fewer than six. For those cases in which the number of plank elements is either greater or less than six, the load factor values can vary and accordingly the number of coldest plank elements, which is determined in step 66 intended for simultaneous heating also vary. Further, although the above flowchart 50 with the steps 52 to 72 has been described in a certain order, this need not always be the case. In at least some embodiments, the order of steps can vary.
[0039] With reference to Fig. 5 shows a graphical representation 74 the results of heating the plank elements 13 using the logic 50 described above. . In particular, the graphic representation draws 74 the temperature in degrees Celsius on the Y-axis versus the time in minutes on the X-axis. For each of the six plank elements 13 the increase in temperature over time is shown. It can be seen that each of the plank elements 13 is heated consistently, the control system 8 each of those screed elements is effectively heated by not allowing a large temperature variation when the power is distributed between different sections. It can also be seen that for a target temperature 76 of 132.2 degrees Celsius each of the plank elements 13 can be reached in 43 minutes. This is at least two minutes faster than traditional heating devices.
[0040] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an effective and efficient apparatus and control system for heating the screed assembly, and in particular the screed elements of the screed assembly. Not only does the above method always achieve consistent heating performance, but it also provides savings in power consumption, fuel consumption, and laying time, all achieved while using smaller-sized generators and motors.
[0041] While only certain embodiments have been described herein, alternatives and modifications from the above description will become apparent to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.
Claims
[1] Procedure ( 50 ) to control the heating of a plank arrangement ( 6 ), wherein the procedure ( 50 ) shows, Provision of several plank elements ( 13 ), which is controlled by a corresponding set of several relays ( 12 ) with a corresponding one of several circuit breakers ( 11 ) are connected, Provision of a control system ( 8 ), which has several plank elements ( 13 ) and the several relays ( 12 ) is connected, Received ( 54 , 56 , 58 ) of inputs ( 34 ) through the control system ( 8 ), which has a load factor ( 58 ) included, which places a load on a motor ( 5 ) one with the plank arrangement ( 6 ) connected tractor unit ( 4 ) displays, Determine ( 62 , 66 ) through the control system ( 8 ) based on the load factor (58 ) a number of the coldest of the several plank elements ( 13 ), which are to be heated simultaneously, and generating an output signal ( 36 ), simultaneous heating ( 68 ) the respective coldest of the several plank elements ( 13 ) in response to the output signal ( 36 ), Determine ( 70 ) through the control system ( 8 ), whether one of the number of coldest of the several simultaneously heated plank elements ( 13 ), to a preset temperature difference to the remaining of the several plank elements ( 13 ) has been heated, and Substitute ( 70 ) those of the several plank elements ( 13 ), whose preset temperature has been reached, by at least one of the remaining next colder of the several plank elements ( 13 ). [2] Procedure ( 50 ) according to claim 1, wherein the heating (68 ) the several plank elements ( 13 ) shows: Activating the corresponding of the multiple relays ( 12 ), which are the several heated plank elements ( 13 are assigned, and Activating the corresponding of the multiple circuit breakers ( 11 ), which activate the corresponding one of the multiple relays ( 12 are assigned. [3] Method according to claim 1, further comprising: continuous, selective heating of the multiple plank elements ( 13 ) until all of the several plank elements ( 13 ) a target temperature ( 56 ) to reach. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the determining ( 70 ) a number of the coldest of the several plank elements ( 13 ) receiving a temperature measurement ( 54 ) of each of the several plank elements ( 13 ) exhibits. [5] Road pavers ( 2 ) with: a plank arrangement ( 6 ) with several plank elements ( 13 ), a generator ( 10 ), which is powered by a motor ( 5 ) is driven and several circuit breakers ( 11 ) has, each of the multiple circuit breakers ( 11 ) with one of the corresponding plank elements ( 13 ) is connected, multiple relays ( 12 ), which are connected to one of the several circuit breakers ( 11 ) are connected, and a control system ( 8 ), which is used to receive multiple inputs ( 34 ) and to generate an output ( 36 ) for selectively activating multiple relays ( 12 is able to process the multiple inputs ( 34 ) a load factor ( 58 ) included, which puts a load on the motor ( 5 ) displays, and the optional activation of multiple relays ( 12 ) a determination ( 66) a number of the coldest of the several plank elements to be heated simultaneously ( 13 ) based on the load factor ( 58 ) until a preset temperature difference is reached with the remaining several plank elements ( 13 ) is achieved, exhibiting the control system ( 8 ) furthermore to replace ( 70 ) from that of the several plank elements ( 13 ), whose preset temperature is reached, by at least one of the remaining next colder of the several plank elements ( 13 is able to. [6] Road pavers ( 2 ) according to claim 5, wherein the multiple plank elements ( 13 ) a main plank plate ( 14 ) exhibit, wherein the main plank plate ( 14 ) a left main plank element ( 24 ) and a right main plank element ( 26 ) exhibits. [7] Road pavers ( 2) according to claim 6, wherein the multiple plank elements ( 13 ) furthermore right and left outriggers ( 16 , 18 ) and left and right screwed-on extensions ( 20 , 22 ) exhibits. [8] Road pavers ( 2 ) according to claim 5, wherein each of the multiple plank elements ( 13 ) an associated temperature sensor ( 28 ) exhibits. [9] Road pavers ( 2 ) according to claim 5, wherein the multiple inputs ( 34 ) into the control system ( 8 ) a temperature measurement ( 54 ) of each of the several plank elements ( 13 exhibit. [10] Road pavers ( 2 ) according to claim 5, wherein the multiple inputs ( 34 ) into the control system ( 8 ) a target temperature ( 56 exhibit.