ROAD CONSTRUCTION MACHINE WITH BLOWER SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a road construction machine with a blower device according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a blower device according to claim 13, which is used as an attachment module for generating an air barrier on a road construction machine.

[0002] It is known that extraction systems are used on road construction machines, in particular on asphalt pavers for laying a new asphalt layer. These systems extract vapors generated during the lateral distribution of hot paving material, especially from a screw chamber positioned in front of the screed, and expel them above the operator's platform of the asphalt paver. Such an extraction system is disclosed in EP 0 843 044 A1.

[0003] Furthermore, fumes are also generated on road pavers in the area of ​​the material hopper, where the hot paving material is stored. The operator of the road paver is particularly exposed to these fumes. To extract these fumes, EP 0 843 044 A1 proposes an additional extraction device. This extraction device also releases the fumes extracted from the material hopper area above the roof.

[0004] In practice, especially during a material transfer process where the road paver is supplied with fresh paving material, for example by a feeder vehicle driving ahead or by means of a truck, vapors are generated in the area of ​​the material bunker that drift towards the rear towards the driver's operating station.

[0005] DE 10 2020 123 723 A1 discloses a road paver with an operator's platform that includes an air nozzle unit designed to generate an air curtain around the platform. The air nozzle unit can be integrated into the roof of the operator's platform. This is intended to prevent fumes generated during paving from entering the operator's area.

[0006] The extraction / blowing systems described above require significant design effort, as they are built differently for each machine type. This results in various custom-made components across different machine series, thereby increasing manufacturing costs.

[0007] WO2022 / 044586A1 discloses a blower device that can be mounted inside a vehicle as a blower module on a headrest of a vehicle seat.

[0008] EP3636466A1 discloses an air purification device which can be attached to the back of a headrest of a vehicle seat by means of an adapter plate.

[0009] JP2014012933A discloses a road paver with a blower device mounted on a plank body to form an air curtain above a screw chamber, so that vapors generated below by the lateral distribution can be extracted more effectively.

[0010] DE9407112U1 discloses a compact air curtain system for building openings, such as gates, entrances and the like.

[0011] FR3067789A3 discloses an air outlet nozzle configured in the entrance area of ​​cafes or restaurants to form an air curtain.

[0012] DE102014001488A1 discloses a road paver with a closed cabin structure, from whose surroundings air can be drawn in, filtered and expelled as fresh air inside the cabin structure.

[0013] The object of the invention is to provide a road construction machine, in the form of a road paver or a feeder vehicle for a road paver, which improves the air quality on the operator's platform.

[0014] This problem is solved by means of a blower device according to claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved by the use of a blower device as described in claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given by the respective subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention relates to a road construction machine, in the form of a paver or a feeder vehicle for a paver, and which has a blower system. The blower system comprises a blower unit for generating an airflow and an air output unit connected to the blower unit, which is designed to form an air barrier for an operator positioned at an operator's station on the road construction machine from the airflow generated by the blower unit. According to the invention, the blower system is at least partially designed as a modular attachment configured for detachable mounting on the operator's station of the road construction machine. Thus, the blower system according to the invention can be used as an independent functional unit, i.e.,The blower unit according to the invention can be used to create an air barrier independently of the operation of a blower and / or suction unit integrated into the road construction machine, particularly one used for extracting vapors from the auger chamber. In contrast to such blower and / or suction units already integrated into the road construction machine, the blower unit according to the invention forms a self-contained attachment module that can be easily mounted by the operator on the construction site, regardless of the specific type of road construction machine, i.e., across different model series. This means that the blower unit, as a self-contained attachment module, can be used as standard on various road construction machines, i.e., it is versatile, which also reduces manufacturing costs.

[0016] A suitable operating platform for the detachable attachment of the blower unit is, in particular, the operator's platform of the road construction machine. However, it would also be conceivable for the blower unit to be detachably attached to the operator's platform of the paving screed of a road paver, i.e., to the external operator's platform of the road paver.

[0017] The blower unit forms a standard module that can be attached to various machine types and, despite its standardized, modular design, offers significant potential for customized use on road construction machinery. In particular, thanks to its modular design and self-contained operation, the blower unit can be easily adjusted by the operator to suit the prevailing weather conditions without having to adjust any integrated components within the machine. Essentially, it is possible to establish independent operation between the blower unit according to the invention and other machine components, i.e., to run them in isolation.

[0018] Furthermore, the blower unit, especially as a whole, can be easily removed from the road construction machine due to its detachable mounting. For example, the blower unit can be removed overnight, during transport, or for service and / or cleaning purposes in just a few steps.

[0019] The blower unit, primarily as a modular attachment, forms a compact module that can be easily and visibly mounted on the road paver in a compact design, thus making it easy to check its functionality.

[0020] Preferably, the blower unit includes at least one radial fan. This fan draws in air axially along its motor axis and expels the air at a 90° angle. Such a radial fan has a high efficiency and is particularly suitable for upstream and / or downstream units operating at increased pressures. Furthermore, the radial fan is suitable for quiet operation. It would also be conceivable for the blower unit to use an axial fan instead of the radial fan. Due to its compact design, this would reduce the weight of the blower unit, making it easier for a single operator to handle as an attachment.

[0021] One option involves the blower unit having an electric motor, specifically a speed-controlled electric motor. The electric motor could be equipped with its own speed control module, making the blower unit even more suitable for various machine types.

[0022] Preferably, the blower unit can be controlled via an operating console of the road construction machine, for example, via an Ethernet, WLAN, and / or Bluetooth connection between the blower unit and the operating console. In this context, it would be possible for the electric motor of the blower unit to be dynamically controlled based on one or more measured process values ​​during operation of the road construction machine. This function could be accessed, for example, via the operating console of the road construction machine. However, the dynamic speed control could also be accessed directly on the blower unit.

[0023] It would be possible to adjust the fan speed using a control element provided on the fan itself, for example, a rotary knob with a potentiometer. Alternatively or additionally, the fan speed could be adjusted using a control element provided on the operator's station, for example, a rotary knob with a potentiometer.

[0024] A simple option involves having at least two power levels for operating the blower unit that can be activated directly on the blower unit itself. It would also be conceivable to equip the blower unit with its own control module. This control module could feature a display, particularly a touchscreen, for controlling and / or monitoring the operation of the blower unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the operator could control the blower unit using a mobile device, for example, a smart device. The smart device could be a smartphone, tablet PC, wearable, and / or smart glasses.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blower unit is configured for networked operation with at least one other attachment module mounted on the road construction machine, for example, a thermography module and / or a weather module. In particular, it would be possible for the speed control of the blower unit to be dependent on at least one process value measured at the other attachment module.

[0027] The intake effect could be improved by incorporating an inlet nozzle with a cross-section that decreases in the direction of airflow. This inlet nozzle reduces turbulence on the intake side, thus optimizing the airflow and reducing noise emissions. The air drawn in through the inlet nozzle can then be directed to the radial fan and accelerated further towards the air outlet unit.

[0028] It would be helpful if the blower unit had a filter at its blower inlet. This could, for example, be positioned in a nozzle opening of the inlet nozzle. It is possible that a protective cover is installed upstream of the filter. This cover may also be present even if no filter is installed on the blower unit. The filter primarily prevents contamination of the blower unit and also ensures that the resulting air barrier provides improved air quality.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blower unit can be connected to a power supply source of the road construction machine. It would be conceivable for the blower unit to have a mains plug that can be connected to a socket mounted on the road construction machine in order to supply the blower unit with power.

[0030] Preferably, the blower unit has at least one dedicated battery, for example a lithium-ion battery, for operating the blower unit. In terms of power supply, the blower unit is thus completely self-sufficient. One variant provides that the battery can be charged using the power supply of the road construction machine.

[0031] One variant provides that the blower unit includes an air steering unit which, acting as a flow converter, directs the radial airflow generated by the blower unit axially into the air outlet unit. Specifically, the air steering unit is designed to convert a radially distributed airflow drawn in axially by the blower unit into an axial airflow that is offset by 90° to the axial inlet flow and to direct it in this direction into the air outlet unit. This makes it possible to achieve high compression within the air outlet unit, so that the resulting air barrier forms a stable laminar flow that does not separate, i.e., is completely impermeable to vapors. Thus, a high degree of containment can be achieved.

[0032] Preferably, the air steering unit forms a housing for the blower unit. The air steering unit can thus fulfill a dual function, namely, in addition to the flow converter function described above, also a protective function for the blower unit. The blower unit's operating module described above could be integrated into a surface formed by the air steering unit.

[0033] It is advantageous if the air steering unit, the air distribution unit, and / or the blower unit are made primarily of plastic. This contributes to a lightweight design. In particular, the air steering unit and the air distribution unit can be made entirely of plastic, for example, each assembled from two injection-molded shells. Apart from the electronics it contains, the blower unit can also be assembled entirely of plastic parts.

[0034] It is conceivable that the air steering unit consists of several housing parts which, when assembled, form a recess for fixing the blower unit within, ensuring it assumes a predetermined orientation. According to one variant, the housing parts of the air steering unit can be assembled without tools, for example, by snapping them together using integrated locking mechanisms. The snap-in mechanism ensures that the blower unit is fixed without play, eliminating the need for additional fasteners.

[0035] In particular, it would be possible for an extension cable of the blower unit, at the end of which the mains plug for connecting the blower unit to the power supply of the road construction machine is attached, to be wound and unwound around the circumference of the air steering unit. With this variant, the air steering unit could also be used as a cable reel.

[0036] In order not to restrict the operator's view of the road construction machine, it would be advantageous if the air output unit and / or the air steering unit were made of a transparent plastic.

[0037] One option involves the blower unit having at least one light source, for example, at least one integrated LED. In particular, it would be possible for the light source to at least partially illuminate the air distribution unit and / or the air guidance unit. It would also be conceivable for at least some of the components installed on the blower unit to serve as spotlights for night work.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the air output unit and / or the air guidance unit can be illuminated in different colors. For example, the air output unit and / or the air guidance unit can be used as a signal light for a material transfer process. Green indicates to a preceding material delivery vehicle, such as a feeder vehicle or a truck, that sufficient paving material is available in the material hopper. Red indicates that the paving material in the material hopper is almost depleted, i.e., replenishment is needed. Thus, the blower unit forms a multifunctional add-on module that fulfills several purposes. Based on its ability to output color signals, it could also indicate to a preceding material delivery vehicle whether it is driving at a desired distance from the road construction machine.

[0039] It would be possible for the blower unit to have a potentially extendable bracket configured to position it at a desired distance from the operator's station, particularly laterally from a support beam of the driver's cab. Such a bracket would be especially useful if the blower unit were used on smaller road construction machines as a signal light or guide light for a material transfer process. This would allow the blower unit, configured as a signal light, to be positioned at a sufficient distance to the side of the driver's cab so that it is clearly visible to the driver of the material delivery vehicle.

[0040] It would be conceivable for the air output unit to include at least one outlet nozzle, designed as an elongated fan nozzle or a flat nozzle, to generate a linear outlet flow acting as an air barrier. This would create a consistently fast, laminar outlet flow, forming an effective air barrier for the operator. The outlet nozzle, whether a flat or elongated nozzle, could produce a thin, shallow, laminar air jet—essentially a thin air wall—effectively isolating an area exposed to vapors from the area where the operator of the road construction machine is positioned.

[0041] Preferably, the outlet nozzle, designed as a flat nozzle, has an elongated, tube-like body whose geometry, in particular its length, diameter and / or circumference, is selected with regard to the size of a component of the operator's platform, for example, approximately the size of a frame component used to support the roof of the operator's platform. For example, the outlet nozzle designed as a flat nozzle can have a length that essentially corresponds to the length of a front frame mounted on the operator's platform of the road construction machine.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the air output unit, in particular its outlet nozzle, has at least a section of a tubular-round, tubular-square or tubular-oval body, i.e. an elongated tube body whose tube cross-section can have different geometries.

[0043] The air dispensing unit, in particular the outlet nozzle designed as a flat nozzle, can, as mentioned, be made of plastic. This results in a lightweight design. Preferably, the air dispensing unit is assembled from several (plastic) shell parts. This allows it to be easily disassembled for servicing and / or cleaning.

[0044] In particular, the air output unit is mounted on a pivot, for example, a rotatable bearing relative to the blower unit, to adjust the orientation of the air barrier it generates. For this purpose, the air output unit can be attached to an outlet of the air steering unit by means of a radial bearing. The radial bearing can be a swivel joint designed for stepless adjustment. Alternatively, the air output unit could be attached to the outlet of the air steering unit at several predetermined angles. For example, the air output unit could be a tubular attachment that can be mounted at different angles on the outlet of the air steering unit to define the corresponding orientation of the outlet nozzle.

[0045] A particularly useful feature in practice is the telescopic design of the air output unit, which allows for varying the area of ​​the air barrier it creates. This makes the blower system even more adaptable to different sized operator stations. For example, this telescopic air output unit could have two sliding pipe sections to adjust the area of ​​the air barrier.

[0046] In particular, the blower unit could have at least one fastening means by which it can be attached to a support beam of the operator station, for example, a front frame or a rear frame. The fastening means can be designed to create a locking effect, thereby automatically aligning the air output unit in a predetermined direction, for example, along the support beam. Both force-fit and form-fit connections are suitable as fastening means.

[0047] A compact design would be achieved particularly if a support beam of the operator's platform on the road construction machine, for example, a front frame of the operator's roof, a swiveling console of the operator's seat, a seat console of the operator's seat, or a frame component of the external operator's platform, itself forms the air output unit. In this integrated design, the blower system uses a component already present on the operator's platform of the road construction machine as the air output unit. For this purpose, at least one connection could be provided on such a component, for example, on the support beam of the operator's roof, on the swiveling console of the operator's seat, on the seat console of the operator's seat, or on a frame component of the external operator's platform, to which the blower unit, in particular the air steering unit provided for this purpose, can be detachably attached, with the component itself being configured as a fan nozzle or flat nozzle.It has an elongated outlet opening to form the air barrier.

[0048] According to one variant, the blower unit at the operator's station can be attached to a control panel guide integrated into it, which allows the operator's control panel to be moved transversely to the direction of travel of the road construction machine, in such a way that the airflow from this system forms a windshield at the operator's station. This application is particularly suitable for operator's stations without a physical windshield made of glass or a similar material.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air dispensing unit comprises at least one outlet nozzle configured as an air barrier to generate a radial outlet flow. In particular, the resulting airflow can be generated in a 360° radius, creating a particularly large air barrier at the operator's station to protect them from fumes generated during installation. Despite this advantageous shielding effect, the air dispensing unit itself can be designed in a compact form.

[0050] According to a practical design, the air outlet unit is assembled from two (plate-shaped) shell sections, which, when assembled, define a gap around their circumference as a circumferential outlet opening. This allows an air barrier, an air wall, to be formed from a radial airflow. It would be conceivable for the outlet opening to not be completely circumferential, but rather only along a section of the circumference. The outlet opening could, for example, be shaped like a circular segment, or more specifically, a semicircular arc.

[0051] One advantageous variant provides that the outlet opening formed between the plate-shaped shell sections can be closed at least partially, either continuously or in segments. This makes it possible to vary the outlet direction as well as the area of ​​the airflow generated as an air barrier.

[0052] In particular, the blower unit is arranged as a radial fan between the two disc-shaped shell sections. The disc-shaped shell sections can thus also serve as the housing for the blower unit. The axial inlet flow generated by the radial fan can be drawn in through an opening in one of the two shell sections, which in particular has a cross-section that tapers in the direction of flow, and directed radially to the outlet opening.

[0053] The assembled, disc-shaped shell sections enclose an air space that narrows in the radial direction. This forms a nozzle for creating the radial airflow. With this design, an additional air deflector is unnecessary. The blower unit is therefore essentially a disc-shaped attachment that requires minimal installation space.

[0054] It is conceivable that the saucer-shaped shell components could form flow channels within the air space to guide the radial airflow generated by the radial fan directly to the outlet. This would help create a radial air barrier. For a lightweight design, the saucer-shaped shell components could be made of plastic. To minimize their impact on the operator's visibility, the saucer-shaped shell components are preferably made of a transparent plastic.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blower unit is configured for tool-free assembly and disassembly. For example, the blower unit can be easily attached by hand to a support beam or frame component of the road construction machine using a quick-release fastener integrated into it, which may be a toggle lever, bayonet or magnetic fastener.

[0056] In particular, the blower unit is designed to generate an air outlet velocity between 20 m / s and 30 m / s. This allows for the creation of an air barrier with sufficient sealing effect. However, air outlet velocities outside this range would also be conceivable. The blower unit can be attached, in particular, to a front frame of a roof-mounted structure of the operator's station of the road construction machine. It would be conceivable for several blower units according to the invention to be attached to the front frame simultaneously in order to form parallel air barriers.

[0057] In particular, the blower unit can be mounted in such a way that its air outlet, in the form of a tube, extends at least partially, but especially completely, along the front frame. In this manner, the blower unit could also be mounted on a rear frame of the operator's station to create an air curtain either forwards in the direction of travel, to the side of the operator's station, or behind the operator's station, transversely to the direction of travel. The latter air curtain could be used to seal off vapors from the screw chamber.

[0058] Another possible mounting location for the blower device according to the invention would be a swivel bracket for a driver's seat in the operator's station of the road construction machine. The direction of airflow through the barrier thus depends on the setting of the swivel bracket. In the swiveled position, the laminar airflow is directed transversely to the direction of travel of the road construction machine, allowing any vapors from the operator's station to be blown away laterally.

[0059] In the swung-out position, the laminar airflow is directed more towards the material hopper, thus better blocking vapors coming from this area. A road construction machine with at least one mounted blower unit is conceivable. The blower unit is attached to the operator's station, to a front frame of a roof-mounted structure formed therewith, to a swiveling console for a driver's seat, to a seat console of the driver's seat, or to a frame component of an external operator's station of the road construction machine. The front frame, swiveling console, seat console, or frame component forms the air output unit of the blower unit, to which the blower unit is detachably attached.

[0060] It would be conceivable for the blower unit on the road construction machine to be attached to a fall protection barrier on the driver's seat of the operator's station. The air output unit, which is designed as an air barrier to generate the radial airflow, i.e., a disc-shaped attachment module, is particularly suitable for this mounting location.

[0061] According to the invention, the blower unit is mounted on the operator's platform of the road construction machine in such a way that air can be extracted from an interior area of ​​the platform. In particular, it is possible for the air outlet unit to be oriented on the operator's platform in such a way that a negative pressure can be generated in the interior area, i.e., within the operator's platform, by means of the air barrier it creates. This allows a suction effect to be generated within the operator's platform to extract the atmosphere present therein, thereby improving the air quality within the operator's platform.

[0062] In this context, it would be particularly conceivable to use the air output unit of a blower mounted on the swivel console to extract air from the floor area of ​​the operator platform. The air from the floor area could then be drawn into the laminar airflow to form the air barrier by means of the negative pressure, via the air output unit, i.e., along its surface, and then released from the operator station along with it.

[0063] The invention further relates to a use according to claim 13, i.e., the use of a blower device configured as a modular attachment for detachable mounting on a road construction machine to create an air barrier by means of which fumes generated during the operation of the road construction machine are kept away from an operator. The blower device according to the invention can be used as an independent functional unit, i.e., a self-contained attachment module on the road construction machine, which essentially functions independently of other blower or intake units of the road construction machine, if any such units are present, in order to effectively keep fumes away from the operator.

[0064] It would be conceivable that the modular blower unit, when attached to the road construction machine, could also be used as a light source, especially for a material transfer process, in addition to its actual blower function.

[0065] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following example figures. These show: Figure 1: A road construction machine configured as a road paver without a blower system; Figure 2: The road construction machine configured as a road paver made of Figure 1 with a blower unit mounted on it, Figure 3 the road construction machine configured as a road paver made of Figure 1 with several blower units mounted on it, Figure 4 a blower unit in isolated view Figure 5 the blower unit made of Figure 4 with the air dispensing unit extended, Figure 6A; an air dispensing unit shown separately in the retracted position, Figure 6B; the air dispensing unit from Figure 6A in extended position, Figure 6C a cross-section through the air output unit made of Figure 6AFigure 7 shows a blower unit of the blower system in isolated view, Figure 8 shows an air steering unit for the blower unit, Figure 9 shows an inlet nozzle of the blower system, Figure 10 shows a road construction machine configured as a paver with a blower system for generating a radial airflow as an air barrier, Figure 11 shows the road construction machine configured as a paver made of Figure 10 in perspective view without roof structure, Figure 12, which is attached to the road paver. Figure 10 The blower unit used is shown in an isolated sectional view, and Figure 13 is a perspective view of a road construction machine configured as a feeder vehicle.

[0066] Identical technical components are consistently marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0067] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a road construction machine, which is a road paver 2. The road paver 2 has a material hopper 3 in which bituminous paving material can be stored, which is fed by means of a Figure 1 The material is transported from the material bunker 3, against the direction of travel R, by a longitudinal conveying device (not shown) to a paving screed (not shown) towed by the road paver 2, and processed by this screed into a new road surface.

[0068] The road paver 2 includes an operator's platform 4 on which a driver's seat 5 is positioned. This is particularly important during a material transfer process in which paving material is transferred into the material hopper 3, for example by means of a feeder vehicle 6 (see Figure 13Whether the material is transported by hand or by truck, vapors rise from the material bunker 3 and can enter the operator's station 4. In particular, it has been shown that when the material bunker 3 is open, vapors can penetrate the outer sides of the operator's station 4 and reach the operator positioned in the driver's seat 5.

[0069] To keep these fumes away from the operator, according to Figure 2 A blower unit 7 is arranged on the road paver 2. The blower unit 7 is configured as a separate attachment M and is mounted on a front frame 8 of the operator's platform 4. According to Figure 2By means of the blower unit 7, an air barrier 9 oriented transversely to the direction of travel R of the road paver 2 is formed by means of a laminar airflow exiting the blower unit 7. This effectively shields the operator positioned on the driver's seat 5 from fumes rising laterally from the road paver 2, with the air barrier 9 simultaneously blowing the fumes reaching it transversely to the direction of travel R, i.e., away from the operator.

[0070] The in Figure 2 The blower unit 7 shown is available as a self-contained, modular attachment M for the road paver 2. The blower unit 7 can be easily attached to the front frame 8 of the road paver 2 and can be, as shown in Figure 2 shown, aligned in a compact manner along the front frame 8 so that the driver's visibility is not restricted.

[0071] Furthermore, it suggests Figure 3This indicates that the blower unit 7 is rotatable with respect to an axis A, which runs essentially in the direction along the front frame 8. This makes it possible to adjust the direction of propagation of the air barrier 9 relative to the operator station 4.

[0072] Figure 3 shows the road paver 2 from Figure 1 with two attached blower devices 7. One of them is according to Figure 2 The first blower unit is attached to the front frame 8. The second blower unit 7 is mounted on a swivel bracket 10, on which the driver's seat 5 is mounted. This blower unit 7 creates a substantially horizontal air barrier 11 next to the driver's seat 5, which, like a carpet, covers rising vapors from the sides of the asphalt paver 2.

[0073] The blower unit 7, attached to the swivel bracket 10, is rotatable about an axis B, which runs essentially in the direction of travel R, in order to adjust the direction of spread of the air barrier 11 relative to the operator's station 4. For example, the blower unit 7 could be adjusted so that the air barrier 11 is directed diagonally upwards, so that construction site personnel working to the side of the paver 2 are not blown towards it.

[0074] According to the in Figure 3 The air barriers 9 and 11 allow for effective air shielding of the driver's seat 5. The two air barriers 9 and 11 form an air barrier positioned laterally to the operator's station 4. In particular, the respective air barriers 9 and 11 can shield the operator from any vapors reaching them and direct them away from the operator.

[0075] Figure 4Figure 1 shows the blower unit 7 configured as an attachment M in an isolated view. As such a module, the blower unit 7 can be used on various types of construction machinery. The blower unit 7 has an air output unit 12, which has a tubular shape and is designed as a flat nozzle, the length of which determines the formation of air barriers 9, 11.

[0076] Furthermore, it indicates Figure 4This schematically indicates that, by means of a negative pressure U resulting from the air barrier 9, 11 in a region 13 located on the side of the air output unit 12 facing away from the air barrier 9, 11, an atmosphere present in region 13 can be extracted. The air from region 13, for example from the floor area of ​​the operator station 4, is drawn into the flow of the air barrier 9, 11 by the prevailing negative pressure U. The linear airflow exiting the air output unit 12 thus creates a suction effect in region 13, so that atmosphere, including any vapors that may have accumulated therein, can be extracted from it.

[0077] Furthermore, the air from area 13 is also drawn into the airflow via the blower device 7 to form the air barrier 9, 11 and can flow away from the operating station 4 together with this barrier.

[0078] With regard to Figure 3Would it then be possible to use the blower unit 7, which is attached to the front frame 8, to extract air from the area 13 located behind it, within the operator's platform 4? Similarly, the blower unit 7, which is attached to the swivel bracket 10 of the paver 2, could be used to extract air from the floor area of ​​the operator's platform 4. In this way, the blower units 7 can further improve the air quality within the operator's platform 4 of the paver 2. The suction capacity of the blower unit 7 can be adjusted according to the capacity of the blower unit 7 required to create the air barriers 9, 11.

[0079] Figure 5 Figure 7 shows the blower unit 7 with the air output unit 12 mounted on it in an extended position. According to Figure 5The air dispensing unit 12 is configured to be telescopic. The length L of the air dispensing unit 12 is therefore variable. This makes it possible to adapt the length L of the air dispensing unit 12 to the length of the front frame 8 or to the length of the swivel console 10, in order to use it on various types of road pavers and feed vehicles, adapted to their specific design.

[0080] Figure 6A The figure shows the air output unit 12 in an isolated view. The air output unit 12 is in Figure 6A in a retracted position, in which an inner pipe section 14 is inserted into an outer pipe section 15. This makes the air output unit 12 short overall and ideally suited for mounting on short frame components, for example on the rear frame 16 of the operator's station 4 (see Figure 3 ).

[0081] Figure 6BFigure 1 shows the air output unit 12 in an extended position. In the extended position, the air output unit 12 has a maximum length L. With this length L, a particularly large air barrier 9, 11 could be created by means of the blower device 7.

[0082] The in the Figures 6A and 6B The telescopic air output unit 12 shown can be used on road construction machines 1 of various sizes, in particular on a compact class road paver 2.

[0083] Figure 6C The diagram shows a cross-section of the air output unit 12. The air output unit 12 has, according to... Figure 6CThe air outlet unit 12 has a substantially round cross-section. This cross-section could also have a different geometry, for example, square, oval, or similar. The air outlet unit 12 is assembled from two shell parts 17a, 17b. The two shell parts 17a, 17b can be made of plastic. In the assembled state, the two shell parts 17a, 17b form an outlet nozzle 19 in the shape of a flat nozzle 18. The air, accelerated to form the air barrier 9, 11, flows from the outlet nozzle 19 in a linear direction.

[0084] Figure 7Figure 20 shows a blower unit 20. The blower unit 20 is a radial fan. It comprises a fan wheel 21 and an electric motor 22 to drive the fan wheel 21. By setting the fan wheel 21 in rotation, an axial intake flow 23 is generated in the direction of the fan wheel 21. The axial intake flow 23 is converted into a radial airflow 24 by the fan wheel 21. The fan wheel 21 can be made of plastic.

[0085] Figure 8 Figure 1 shows an air steering unit 25 in an isolated representation. The air steering unit 25 is located as a housing for the in Figure 7 The blower unit 20 shown is shown. The blower unit 20 can be installed in the air steering unit 25 in such a way that the in Figure 7The radial airflow 24 generated by the blower unit 20, as shown, is converted into a newly formed axial airflow 26 by means of the air steering unit 25. The air steering unit 25, together with the blower unit 20 incorporated therein, thus forms a unit to draw in air axially from the surroundings of the air steering unit 25 and discharge it essentially perpendicular to the intake.

[0086] Like the air output unit 12, the air steering unit 25 can also be made of plastic, in particular assembled from two shell parts 27a, 27b. The air steering unit 25 can even be made of a transparent plastic.

[0087] Furthermore, it shows Figure 7 that the air steering unit 25 has a pipe section 40. This serves to attach the air output unit 12. In particular, it shows Figure 7, that the pipe section 40 forms fastening projections 41 by means of which the air output unit 12 can be mounted in different orientations with respect to the axis A, B.

[0088] Figure 9 Figure 28 shows an inlet nozzle 28. The inlet nozzle 28 is positioned at the inlet of the air steering unit 25 in the assembled state of the blower assembly 7 in order to optimize the intake flow 23 and minimize noise emission.

[0089] Figure 10 Figure 2 shows the road paver 2 with an additional blower unit 29 configured as an attachment M, which is mounted on a fall protection barrier 30 of the operator's platform 4. The blower unit 29 is designed to generate a radial airflow as an air barrier 31, which spreads radially to the side of the operator's platform 4. The blower unit 29 can also be used on both sides of the operator's platform 4.

[0090] Figure 11shows the road paver 2 from Figure 10 without roof structure. Figure 11 This shows that the blower unit 29 attached to the fall protection 30 is configured to extract air directly from the operator station 4 and distribute it radially along the open side of the operator station to form the air barrier 31. The blower unit 20 used in the blower unit 29 can extract air from the operator station 4 to the side of the driver's seat 5 particularly effectively.

[0091] Figure 12Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional, isolated view of the blower assembly 29. The blower assembly 29 comprises two disc-shaped switching parts 32a, 32b, which, when assembled, form an air output unit 32 that simultaneously serves as a housing for the blower unit 20. In the assembled state, the two shell parts 32a, 32b enclose an air space 33 in which the blower unit 20 is housed. The axial inlet flow 23 generated by the blower unit 20 is deflected radially by the fan wheel 21 and accelerated outwards to form the air barrier 31 by means of the resulting linear airflow.

[0092] Figure 12 shows that the two housing halves 32a, 32b form an outlet opening 34 on their circumference. Furthermore, shows Figure 12 , that the housing half 32b at the inlet of the blower unit 20 has an inlet nozzle 28' in the shape of the inlet nozzle 28 made of Figure 9forms. To create an effective air barrier 31, it is advantageous that the air space 33 formed between the shell parts 32a, 32b becomes narrower from the blower unit 20 towards the outlet opening 34, thereby creating a sufficient nozzle effect.

[0093] Figure 13 Shows a road construction machine 1 configured as a feeder vehicle 6. The feeder vehicle 6 from Figure 13 It has a material hopper 35 configured to receive paving material 36. The operator's station 37 of the feeder vehicle 6 is essentially constructed like the operator's station 4 of the paver 2. The blower unit(s) 7 can thus be operated in accordance with Figure 3 The blower unit 29 is attached to the front frame 38 and / or to the swivel bracket 39 of the operator station 37. Figure 12 can be attached to the fall protection 41 and / or to a railing 42 of the loading vehicle 6.

[0094] The described blower units 7, 29 each form self-contained attachment modules that can be mounted on the paver 2 and the feeder vehicle 6, enabling them to be operated independently of other vehicle units. These units can be used to create air barriers 9, 11, 31 on the operator platform 4, 37 to shield it from vapors produced by the hot paving material. Furthermore, the respective blower units 7, 29 can be used to extract the atmosphere from the operator platform 4, 37.

Claims

1. Road making machine (1) which is present in the form of a road finishing machine (2) or a charger vehicle (6) for a road finishing machine (2), comprising a blower means (7, 29) with a blower unit (20) for creating an airflow, and with an air discharge unit (12, 32) connected with the blower unit (20), which is designed to form an air barrier (9, 11, 31) from the airflow created by means of the blower unit (20) at a control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1) for an operator positioned therein, wherein the blower means (7, 29) is designed as a modular attachment apparatus (M) configured to be removably attached to the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1) characterized in that the blower means (7, 29) is attached to the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1) such that air can be sucked off from an internal region (13) of the control platform (4, 37).

2. Road making machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the blower unit (20) includes at least one centrifugal fan, comprises an inflow nozzle (28) with a crosssection diminishing in the direction of flow, and / or includes a filter at a blower inlet formed thereat.

3. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower unit (20) can be connected with a power supply source of the road making machine (1), and / or the blower means (7, 29) includes at least one own accumulator for an operation of the blower unit (20).

4. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower means comprises an air directing unit (25) which forms a housing for the blower unit (20), or the air discharge unit (32) forms a housing for the blower unit (20).

5. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air discharge unit (12, 32) and / or the air directing unit (25) are made of plastic.

6. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air discharge unit (12) comprises at least one exit nozzle (19) designed in the form of a flat nozzle (18) for creating a linear exit flow as an air barrier (9, 11), or the air discharge unit (32) comprises at least one exit nozzle (34) for creating a radial exit flow as an air barrier (31).

7. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air discharge unit (12) is mounted, for adapting an orientation of the air barrier (9, 11) created by it, to be rotatable relative to the blower unit (20).

8. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air discharge unit (12) has a telescopic design for varying an area of the air barrier (9, 11) created by it.

9. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower means (7, 29) is configured for an installation and deinstallation without tools.

10. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower means (7, 29) includes at least one light source.

11. Road making machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower means (7, 29) can be controlled by means of an operator control panel of the road making machine, and / or at least two power stages can be activated for the operation of the blower unit (20) directly at the blower means (7, 29).

12. Road making machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blower means (7) is fastened to a front frame (8) of a roof construction of the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1), and the air discharge unit (12) extends longitudinally of the front frame (8) at least in sections, wherein the blower means (7) is fastened to a swivelling console (10, 39) for a driver seat (5) of the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1), and the air discharge unit (12) extends, in the direction of travel (R), along the swivelling console (10) at least in sections, and / or wherein the blower means (29) is fastened to a fall-out protection (30) laterally of the driver seat (5) of the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1), and the air discharge unit (32) is designed for creating a radial airflow as an air barrier (31) laterally of the driver seat (5).

13. Use of a blower means (7, 29) configured as a modular attachment apparatus (M) for removably attaching it to a control station (4,37) of a road making machine (1) for creating an air barrier (9, 11, 31) by means of which fumes produced during the operation of the road making machine (1) are kept away from an operator positioned on the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1), characterized in that the blower means (7, 29) will be attached to the control platform (4, 37) of the road making machine (1) such that air can be sucked off from an internal region (13) of the control platform (4, 37).