Auger channel cover for a road paver

Abstract

Screw channel cover (200) for a road paver (100), comprising: - a tarpaulin (210) for covering a screw channel (S) of the road paver (100) and - a large number of magnets (220) which: - are firmly attached to the tarpaulin (210) and are equipped for this purpose, - to arrange the tarpaulin (210) reversibly on the road paver (100), in particular above the screw channel (S), in particular so that the screw channel (S) is covered.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a screw channel cover for a road paver and to a road paver with such a screw channel cover.

[0002] A road paver (also called an asphalt paver) is a machine used to produce unbound and bound layers such as sand, gravel, asphalt, and concrete. In addition to conventional machines, specialized models have been developed for specific paving methods (such as the compact asphalt paver). A fundamental distinction is made between tracked and wheeled pavers. In common parlance, this type of machine is also referred to as a surface paver or simply a paver. The term "tar machine" is also sometimes mistakenly used.

[0003] A road paver is known, for example, from EP 2 822 711 B1.

[0004] When asphalt is applied as a road surface using a road paver, fumes and aerosols are released which may contain potentially toxic substances.

[0005] Particularly in the area of ​​the distribution auger, the so-called auger channel, which is usually located below the operator's cab, a significant amount of gas is released, containing potentially toxic substances that can harm the machine operator and / or the screed walkers. The term auger channel refers specifically to the area of ​​a road paver that—viewed from the paving direction—is preferably located in front of the screed and behind the rear wall of the paver, and in which the distribution auger or conveying auger is located.

[0006] To protect the machine operator and / or the track walkers from the potentially toxic substances, the road pavers usually have an extraction device that extracts the fumes and aerosols so that the machine operator or the track walkers are protected from the potentially toxic substances.

[0007] However, such extraction systems appear to be insufficient to adequately and permanently protect the machine operator or the track walkers from the released fumes and aerosols. In particular, the known extraction systems only work in a limited area around the asphalt paver, meaning that the machine operator or the track walkers can still be exposed to the fumes and released aerosols.

[0008] To further protect the machine operator or the plank walkers, it would be conceivable, for example, to: - to change the airflow, which would be technically very difficult to implement and probably not retrofittable; - to provide a rigid enclosure for the screw channel, which seems impractical in relation to the moving parts on the screw channel; - to shift the work locations of machine operators and plank walkers, which would result in a novel machine concept; - to provide a hermetically sealed cabin, which would probably only be feasible for the machine operator; - to operate the machine remotely or autonomously, which would be extremely costly; or - to implement a job rotation between machine operator and plank walker in order to reduce the exposure time, which, however, requires correspondingly multi-qualified personnel.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve upon the known state of the art and, in particular, to provide a solution for protecting the machine operator or the walkers on a road paver. In particular, a solution is to be proposed that is cost-effective and / or robust and / or retrofittable.

[0010] According to the invention, a screw channel cover for a road paver is thus proposed, comprising a tarpaulin for covering a screw channel of the road paver and a plurality of magnets which are connected to the tarpaulin and are arranged to reversibly position the tarpaulin on the road paver, in particular above the screw channel, in particular such that the screw channel is covered.

[0011] A cover made of a tarpaulin is therefore proposed, designed to cover the auger channel of a road paver, particularly to protect personnel, i.e., the machine operator or track walkers, from the fumes and aerosols released by the paver. Preferably, the tarpaulin covers at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, and even more preferably at least 90% of the auger channel. The tarpaulin also preferably has openings through which machine parts of the road paver, such as hydraulic hoses, can be routed.

[0012] Preferably, the tarpaulin is made of a material that has the following properties and / or is coated to have one of the following properties: waterproof and / or airtight and / or durable and / or tear-resistant and / or stable and / or long-lasting and / or weather-resistant and / or temperature-resistant and / or flexible and / or processable and / or cuttable and / or flexible and / or dimensionally stable and / or non-stretchable and / or UV-resistant and / or UV-stabilized.

[0013] In this context, "tarpaulin" refers in particular to a textile cover or cloth. The tarpaulin is preferably made of a plastic or film. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tarpaulin is transparent, especially so that the flow of material through the screw channel is visible.

[0014] For example, the tarpaulin consists of a plastic and / or a film and / or a fabric and is alternatively or additionally reinforced by a keder.

[0015] Preferably, the tarpaulin is adapted to the auger channel of the asphalt paver, particularly in height and / or width, preferably in such a way that little to no fumes and / or released aerosol can reach the asphalt paver operator. For this purpose, the tarpaulin has a cut or tarpaulin cut that is adapted to the corresponding auger channel of the respective asphalt paver.

[0016] Preferably, a large number of magnets are arranged on the tarpaulin, particularly irreversibly. For example, the magnets are welded, sewn, or glued into the tarpaulin.

[0017] The magnets on the cover allow for easy and convenient attachment to the paver, particularly to a metal frame and / or metal component, especially above the paver's auger channel. The magnets also allow for easy and convenient removal of the cover when needed, for example, for maintenance or cleaning of the auger channel. Furthermore, the magnets allow for a certain degree of play or sliding of the cover on the paver's frame. This is particularly advantageous because the auger channel and its surroundings typically contain moving parts, the movement of which places high mechanical stress on the cover.

[0018] A particularly advantageous feature of the auger channel cover described herein is its ease of retrofitting to pavers already in operation. By simply cutting a suitable tarpaulin to size and inserting magnets, the auger channel cover described herein can be custom-made to fit pavers and retrofitted. If the paver in operation does not have a metal frame around the auger channel, a metal sheet can, for example, be attached to the paver's frame. The magnets will then attach to this sheet according to their magnetic force, thus holding the tarpaulin in position and, in particular, above the auger channel.

[0019] As an alternative to magnets, hooks, elastic bands, or straps can also be used to attach the tarpaulin to the paver. However, the disadvantage of these methods is that they usually require modifications to the paver's pull arm and screed. Ideally, the tarpaulin should be weather-resistant, UV-resistant, temperature-resistant, durable, and / or tear-resistant.

[0020] The tarpaulin is particularly preferably designed to be essentially gas-tight but water-permeable, especially in such a way that vapors cannot escape upwards from the screw channel but rainwater can penetrate downwards through the tarpaulin.

[0021] For example, the tarpaulin is made of PVC or PE and / or coated.

[0022] Preferably, the tarpaulin is a PVC tarpaulin.

[0023] Preferably, the tarpaulin has a cut or tarpaulin cut that is adapted to the screw channel of the road paver.

[0024] The cover can be made in one piece or in multiple pieces. Preferably, the cover is made from a single piece and / or has openings with fasteners for attaching it to the paver, particularly without loosening or disassembling any paver equipment. The fastener can be, for example, a magnetic closure or a hook-and-loop fastener. Preferably, the cover has at least one opening, preferably two, and in particular exactly two, openings for paver equipment.

[0025] For example, the opening is designed as a feed-through opening for the paver's operating equipment. Cables or similar components can then be routed through these openings. Preferably, these openings, and in particular their shape and / or size, are adapted to the specific operating equipment of the paver. Depending on the type of paver, zero, one, two, three, four, or more openings may be required within the tarpaulin. Preferably, the feed-through openings for the operating equipment are designed in such a way that the equipment does not need to be disassembled to attach the tarpaulin to the paver. Particularly preferred is the feed-through opening created by a slit in the tarpaulin and a corresponding closure, such as a magnet or Velcro fastener.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the tarpaulin can also have openings to drain water, especially standing water or rainwater, for example, rainwater that accumulates on the tarpaulin during rain. Preferably, the magnets are arranged at least partially, and more preferably substantially, in an edge region of the tarpaulin.

[0027] It is therefore suggested that the magnets be attached as close to the outer edge of the tarpaulin as possible, particularly to minimize the amount of material protruding from the tarpaulin's attachment point to the paver. The edge area could be, for example, 30 cm, 25 cm, or 20 cm.

[0028] Preferably the magnets are spaced apart from each other, in particular at a distance between 10 and 40 cm, preferably between 20 and 30 cm.

[0029] It was discovered that a continuous hem of magnets required too much material and was too inflexible. By distributing and spacing the magnets, the tarpaulin becomes significantly more flexible, and fewer magnets are needed to attach it to the paver.

[0030] Preferably, the magnets are sewn into the tarpaulin, in particular arranged in pockets. In one embodiment, the magnets and the pockets are rectangular. Preferably, the magnets have dimensions of less than 10 cm.

[0031] In another embodiment, the magnets and pockets are circular. The magnets then preferably have dimensions of less than 10 cm, for example, 3 cm to 8 cm in diameter. Preferably, the magnets also have a countersunk hole, so that they have a disc shape.

[0032] Preferably, the magnets have a force of less than 200N, for example between 50N and 150N.

[0033] Preferably, the magnets are made of iron, boron, or neodymium and / or contain these materials. Preferably, the magnets have a rubber coating and / or are zinc-plated.

[0034] According to the invention, a road paver is further proposed, comprising a screw channel and a screw channel cover described herein, wherein the screw channel cover is fastened above the screw channel by means of magnets and / or a screw channel cover comprising a tarpaulin for covering and a plurality of spring elements which are firmly connected to the tarpaulin and are arranged to position the tarpaulin above a laterally extendable part, in particular an extension screed, of the screw channel.

[0035] Preferably, the road paver further comprises a sheet which is horizontally attached to a rear side of a frame of the road paver and to which at least some of the plurality of magnets of the screw channel cover come into contact by a magnetic force.

[0036] A sheet metal plate is preferably attached horizontally to the rear of the paver's frame. Openings for connecting the dust extraction system, for example, are incorporated into the plate. A PVC tarpaulin is attached to the side of the plate to cover the area between the plate and the screed or the towing arm. The tarpaulin is secured to the plate, the screed, and the towing arm using magnets sewn into the hem of the tarpaulin.

[0037] Preferably, the sheet metal also has magnets, for example as described herein for the tarpaulin. Particularly preferably, the sheet metal has small neodymium magnets, which are especially encased in rubber. The rubber encasement increases the impact resistance of the device.

[0038] The use of magnets and PVC tarpaulin allows for flexible fastening that withstands the movements and forces encountered during operation. When asphalt is laid, the screed is adjusted to different heights and widths depending on the road surface; the auger channel cover must adapt to these movements, folding the tarpaulin in a manner similar to an accordion. This accordion effect is particularly noticeable between the base screed and the machine frame of the paver.

[0039] The cover can be quickly installed and removed for cleaning or repair work on the machine. Furthermore, magnets allow for easy retrofitting to machines already in operation, without requiring additional manufacturing effort.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary side view of a road paver. Fig. Figure 2a shows a schematic and exemplary cross-section of a screw channel cover. Fig. Figure 2b shows a schematic and exemplary embodiment of a screw channel cover. Fig. Figure 2c shows schematically and exemplarily an additional embodiment of a screw channel cover. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic and exemplary side view of a road paver with a screw channel cover.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary side view of a road paver 100 with a chassis 2 supporting a driver's cab 1, a running gear 3, at least one drive unit 4, a hydraulic system, a screed 5, an asphalt supply arrangement comprising a storage hopper 6 and a longitudinal conveying device 8 conveying from the storage hopper 6 to a transverse distributor 7. This is a typical design of a road paver.

[0042] The plank 5 can be moved via the drawbar 5', which preferably connects the machine and the plank.

[0043] The chassis 3 is typically a tracked chassis, but can also be a wheeled chassis or another type of chassis. The longitudinal conveying device 8 preferably comprises two parallel conveyor belts to allow separate feeding of the right and left sections of the transverse distributor.

[0044] The transverse distributor 7 is preferably designed as a distribution screw with a screw drive 9 preferably arranged centrally. The transverse distributor 7 together with the screw drive 9 is arranged in a so-called screw channel S.

[0045] The road paver preferably comprises a steam extraction system 10 operated by a blower with at least one airflow path X, the exhaust line 11 of which has an intake opening 12 above the cross distributor 7 and an outlet opening 18 at a height above the driver's cab 1.

[0046] This steam extraction system 10 is used in particular for extracting vapors and aerosols, such as bituminous vapor, smoke and the like.

[0047] The steam extraction system 10, operated by a blower, includes a blower 13 located in the area of ​​the intake opening 12 of the exhaust duct 11 of the at least one airflow path X. The blower 13 has an intake nozzle which, standing freely in the room, forms an intake surface as the intake opening 12.

[0048] According to an embodiment not shown, a stub nozzle can be arranged upstream of the intake opening 12 in order to influence the intake behavior around the intake opening 12.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the road paver 100 has a sheet 300 which is substantially horizontally attached to a rear side of a frame or chassis 2 of the road paver and on which at least some of the plurality of magnets 220 of the screw channel cover 200 come into contact by a magnetic force.

[0050] Fig. 2a shows schematically and exemplarily a section C of a screw channel cover 200.

[0051] The screw channel cover comprises a tarpaulin 210 and a plurality of magnets 220. The plurality of magnets 220 are arranged around the perimeter of the tarpaulin 210; in particular, the magnets are sewn or welded into corresponding pockets in the tarpaulin.

[0052] Furthermore, the tarpaulin 210 has two through-openings 230 for operating equipment of the road paver.

[0053] In addition, the tarpaulin 210 has a slit 240 with magnetic closure 242, by means of which the tarpaulin can be placed around the equipment of the road paver.

[0054] The auger channel cover described herein can therefore be mounted on a road paver without requiring the dismantling or loosening of any operating components on the paver. The auger channel cover described herein can thus be easily and conveniently retrofitted to any road paver.

[0055] Fig. Figure 2b schematically and exemplarily shows an embodiment of a screw channel cover, as in Fig. 2a shown, in an installed state (without road paver).

[0056] Fig. Figure 2c shows schematically and exemplarily an additional embodiment of a screw channel cover 250.

[0057] The screw channel cover 250 comprises a tarpaulin 270 for covering and four spring elements 260, which are arranged parallel to each other and are firmly connected to the tarpaulin 270.

[0058] The spring elements 260 are designed to position the tarpaulin 260 above a laterally extendable part, in particular an extension plank, of the screw channel.

[0059] The tarpaulin 260 can be rolled out and in by means of the spring elements 260, in particular rolled out and in over the auger channel of the exit screed. This rolling out is illustrated by reference file A.

[0060] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic and exemplary side view of a road paver, such as in Fig. 1 shown, with a screw channel cover, as in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shown.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the screw channel is the area of ​​the paver that – viewed from the installation direction – extends preferably in front of the screed and behind the paver's rear wall, and in which the distribution screw / conveyor screw is located, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 1 shown.

[0062] When installed, essentially only the tarpaulin 210 of the screw channel cover is visible. 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] EP 2 822 711 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Screw channel cover (200) for a road paver (100), comprising: - a tarpaulin (210) for covering a screw channel (S) of the road paver (100) and - a large number of magnets (220) which: - are firmly attached to the tarpaulin (210) and are equipped for this purpose, - to arrange the tarpaulin (210) reversibly on the road paver (100), in particular above the screw channel (S), in particular so that the screw channel (S) is covered. [2] Screw channel cover (200) according to claim 1, wherein - the tarpaulin (210) is weather-resistant and / or UV-resistant and / or temperature-resistant and / or durable and / or tear-resistant. [3] Screw channel cover (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the tarpaulin (210) is a PVC tarpaulin. [4] Screw channel cover (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the tarpaulin (210) has a cut (C) that is adapted to the screw channel of the road paver. [5] Screw channel cover (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the tarpaulin (210) has at least one opening (230), preferably two openings, for equipment of the road paver. [6] Screw channel cover (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the magnets (220) are arranged at least sectionally, preferably substantially, in an edge region of the plane. [7] Screw channel cover (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the magnets (220) are spaced apart from each other, in particular at a distance between 15 and 40 cm, preferably between 20 and 30 cm. [8] Screw channel cover (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the magnets are sewn into the tarpaulin, especially in pockets. [9] Road paver (100) with: - a snail channel and - a screw channel cover (200) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or - comprising a screw channel cover (250) - a tarpaulin (270) for covering and - a plurality of spring elements (260) which are firmly connected to the tarpaulin (270) and are arranged to position the tarpaulin (260) above a laterally extendable part, in particular an extension plank, of the screw channel. [10] Road paver (100) according to claim 9, further comprising: - a sheet (300) which is substantially horizontally attached to a rear side of a frame of the road paver and to which at least some of the multitude of magnets (220) of the screw channel cover (200) are brought into contact by a magnetic force.

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