A road paver equipped with an operating unit

Abstract

To provide a road paving machine with improved operation performance.SOLUTION: A road paving machine 1 comprises a control system 3, a main operator control stand 5, a height control type roof 7, a main drive part 9, at least one lighting element 11 and a paving screed 13. The road paving machine 1 comprises an operation unit 21 that is disposed at an outside of the main operator control stand 5 and has multiple operation elements. In the multiple operation elements, an operation element can be operated so as to switch on and / or off the control system 3, the operation element can be operated so as to move up and down the roof 7, the operation element can be operated so as to start up and / or stop the main drive part 9, the operation element can be operated so as to switch on and / or off the at least one lighting element 11, and the operation element can be operated so as to move up and down the paving screed 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a road paver for paving a road surface.

Background Art

[0002] Before starting the paving work, a number of preparatory works must be carried out to prepare for operating the road paver. For example, the roof of the main operator control stand that is lowered must be raised, the paving screed must be lowered, the main drive unit must be started, and the control system must be set to the operation mode. Correspondingly, after the work is completed, complementary work is carried out, especially to protect the road paver from the weather and vandalism, to move it, or to load it for transportation.

[0003] From European Patent No. 3 214 223 B1, by operating a single switch of an operation unit arranged on the chassis side of a road paver, the roof is lowered, the paving screed and the auger are raised, and when it is an extended screed, the process of storing the paving screed is automatically started to set the road paver to the loading state, which is known.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a road paver having improved operating performance.

[0005] This object is solved by the road paver according to claim 1 and the operation method of the road paver according to claim 13. Advantageous further embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The road paver according to the present invention includes a control system, a main operator control stand, an adjustable-height roof, a main drive unit, at least one lighting element, and a paving screed. Further, the road paver includes an operation unit that is disposed outside the main operator control stand and includes a plurality of operation elements. Among the plurality of operation elements, the operation elements are operable to switch the control system on and / or off, the operation elements are operable to raise and lower the roof, the operation elements are operable to start and / or stop the main drive unit, the operation elements are operable to switch at least one lighting element on and / or off, and the operation elements are operable to raise and lower the paving screed.

[0007] The operating elements can be configured in various ways, such as in the form of a switch, button, control knob, lever, touch-sensitive touch screen, an ignition lock operable by an insertable key, etc., and according to their functions. The functions, and thus the operations, can be adapted to suit the physical design of each operating element. One, two or more operating elements may be provided for each function. For example, with the same button, it is possible to switch the function of the paver on when first pressed and switch the function off again when pressed a second time. Similarly, one button can give a reverse control command depending on the status of the function at that time, i.e., it can be switched on when the motor is off and vice versa. Similarly, it is possible to change the function of the paver according to the frequency and / or duration of the operation of the operating element. For example, by pressing and holding a button, it is possible to dim the lighting and increase the brightness. On the other hand, if the button is quickly pressed twice in succession and held when pressed the second time, the brightness is reduced. Similarly, separate buttons can be provided for complementary functions or for states of the function, for example, a button to raise the roof and a button to lower the roof. One button can not only be switched between two independent states (e.g., on / off, raise / lower position), but can also be adapted so that intermediate states can be continuously set, such as lowering or raising the roof continuously or stepwise depending on how long the operating element is actuated. Similarly, it is also possible to provide three or more buttons for different states of the function. For example, the first button can move the paving screed to the topmost position, the second button can move the paving screed to an intermediate position, and the third button can move the paving screed to the lowermost position.

[0008] These buttons preferably do not have an opening into the interior of the operating unit, but instead are adapted to be provided, for example, with an elastic cover that simply transmits pressure to the electronic components below it.

[0009] In the operating unit according to the present invention, here, it is possible to perform the preparation or final work of the paver from the outside of the main operator control stand. In particular, the operating unit is provided at a position on the paver that can be reached by a standing operator. Since all relevant adjustment options can be separately addressed by their respective operating elements, the operator can activate the relevant functions at a given time. This shortens the required time and enhances the safety for the people present.

[0010] The switching on and off of the control system can have a function similar to the switching on and off of the ignition in a passenger car. This enables the operator to start the machine control system even before getting on the machine. Therefore, functions based on power supply such as lighting can be activated without the need to operate the main drive unit such as a diesel engine. For example, by pressing a start / stop button, this main drive unit can then be started and stopped. Similarly, the ignition and the main drive unit can be started according to the orientation of the key in the ignition lock. Ideally, the ignition lock is equivalent to that of the main operator control stand. The fact that this is possible already from the outside of the main operator control stand of the paver at this point means that it is possible to raise and lower the roof, in particular using a hydraulic system operated by a main drive unit such as a main hydraulic system. Similarly, at this point, it is possible to raise and lower the paving screed from the outside of the main operator control stand using a hydraulic system powered by a diesel engine. This means that no additional electro-hydraulic power unit is required. The functions of this machine can be made available earlier, resulting in time savings.

[0011] The operator no longer needs to climb onto the main operator control stand to operate the above functions, which saves time on the one hand. On the other hand, since the paving screed has been raised as before and / or it was extremely difficult to work when the roof was lowered, the work becomes easier and the safety is enhanced. Here, before starting the work, it is possible to lower the paving screed to ground level, which makes it easier to climb onto the machine. After the work is completed, it is possible to raise the paving screed, which makes it more difficult to climb onto the machine and, therefore, more difficult to perform vandalism.

[0012] In addition, it is possible to fully light the work lighting immediately when the motor is operated. On the one hand, this means that the necessary setup work can be started immediately even at night. On the other hand, this brings about an improvement in safety in all locations around the road paver.

[0013] Preferably, this operation unit is detachably arranged on the road paver. The operation unit can be screwed, snap-fastened, inserted, or fixed to the road paver by means of a magnet or the like. In this way, the operation unit can be removed from the road paver at the end of the work and can be safely stored elsewhere. Therefore, unauthorized operation is impossible. This eliminates the need for a key or a similar identification system that might be provided in other cases. In addition, for example, the operation unit may usually be located on the paving screed, but when the paving screed is removed from the road paver, it may be replaced on the support part at the back of the road paver.

[0014] In an advantageous variant, the operating unit is connected to the control system by means of a cable, in particular a detachable plug connection. It is possible to transmit data for controlling the functions of the operating unit via a wired connection. In addition, it is possible to provide the power supply required for the operation of the operating unit via a wired connection, whereby the operating unit can be charged via a wired connection, in particular it is also possible to have an energy storage unit such as a secondary battery.

[0015] It is advantageous for the operating unit to be connected to the control system by means of a wireless connection. Thereby, the operating unit can be used even when removed from the road paver. This enables the operator to operate its functions remotely from the road paver and thus with a better overview. When the operating unit is attached to the road paver, it is also possible to exchange data via a wireless or wired connection. To eliminate the need for a wired connection, it is also possible to charge a current or voltage storage unit in the operating unit by means of electromagnetic induction. This completely eliminates the need for a plug-in connection that could be damaged by weather conditions.

[0016] Preferably, the operating unit is arranged on the paving screed. In this case, the operating unit can be arranged on the existing components of the paving screed so as to be easily accessible. In particular, when loading the road paver onto a low-floor loader, only the area behind the paving screed is accessible, so it is inconvenient to install it beside the chassis of the paver.

[0017] In another advantageous variant, the operating unit is arranged at the paving screed loading opening. The paving screed loading opening is a passage to the main operator control stand, which is usually above the paving screed at the rear of the road paver, and is characterized, for example, by flat steps and handrails or rails. Here, especially when the operating unit is located in the lower part of the paving screed, the driver has easy access to the operating unit. Since the driver ultimately has to climb onto the main operator control stand later, there is no passage around the road paver. This is symmetrical to the case where the operating unit is arranged laterally in the road paver. This results in further time savings.

[0018] In a preferred variant, the road paver has a lockable cover that prevents access to the operating unit when locked. This can be, for example, a hinged flap that can be opened and closed. In this way, the operating unit is protected from dust and weather influences. This cover can be equipped with a locking mechanism that can be locked and unlocked, for example, with a suitable key. For this purpose, the operating unit can be arranged in a recess that is locked by a box-shaped cover. This cover is made of stable sheet metal. The cover is easily accessible to the operating unit at the corresponding position during use, and can be arranged on the paving screed so that only opening the cover is required for this purpose. Similarly, the cover can also be arranged, for example, at a position where the operating unit is only moved for storage when the operating unit is not required, such as at the chassis of the road paver, for example, at the end of the work.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the operation unit has one or more display elements each displaying information regarding one of the components adjustable by the operation elements. For example, light points of colors such as red, green, and yellow can be provided to indicate the operation status of the main drive unit or the control system, or the locked state of the paving screed or the roof. Similarly, numbers or characters can also be displayed on one or more suitable displays. Thereby, it is possible to provide the operator with information regarding the status of each functional element and the settings that can be made.

[0020] Preferably, at least one lighting element is configured to turn off after a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation element is operated to switch at least one lighting element on or off. Thereby, the operator can safely leave the road paver. The time can be of any length such as 10, 30, or 60 seconds. The operation element may be configured such that when operated, a lighting element that is already on is turned off after a predetermined time. Similarly, the lighting element may be first switched on and switched off again only after a predetermined time. It is also possible to switch a plurality of lighting elements in the same manner via the same operation element. In addition, different switching times can be set according to the operation of the operation element. For example, by quickly pressing the operation element twice in succession, it is possible to start a lighting period twice as long as when it is pressed once. For example, it may also be considered to control the irradiation intensity, i.e., the brightness, according to the period during which the operation element is pressed. It is also possible to turn off one or more lighting elements with a time delay when the ignition is switched off, either at the main operator control stand or at the operation unit.

[0021] In a further embodiment variant, a lifting mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roof, which has an end position lock that can be automatically released and automatically locked. This means that there is no longer a need for the main worker to climb onto the control stand to manually fix the roof in its end position, such as the raised operating position, for example with bolts. This makes the work easier and saves time. The automatic locking of the roof can be done in various ways. For example, bolting is possible with the assistance of additional actuators such as hydraulic cylinders or electric servo motors. Forced locking is also possible by using suitable clamping elements. It is also envisaged to make the chamber of the roof lifting cylinder airtight using suitable valves. The latter two solutions offer the additional advantage that the roof can be locked in any position. Suitable hydraulic cylinders can be used in the previously described embodiment variants.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, the control system is configured such that the main drive unit can be started even before the control system itself has fully entered the operating mode after power-on. The control system may have a program such that, for example, after the power is first turned on by turning the ignition key, the control system enters the startup mode. This mode is characterized in that only a small software part is loaded into the working memory or already exists in the working memory, and thus its function becomes available relatively quickly without a significant time delay. In this startup mode, the function of starting the main drive unit is available, whereby, for example, it is possible to start by pressing the start button or by continuing to turn the ignition key. Following the startup mode, further software parts can then be reloaded or started, and thus the control system transitions to the operating mode in which all machine functions are available. The transition to the operating mode may include a control system query interface for identifying, for example, which paving screed is mounted on the paver or what configuration the paver is set to. This makes it possible to fully start the control system in parallel with the preparation work for boarding and operating the machine and with the main drive unit already started, resulting in a significant time saving.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the operating unit has operating elements provided for controlling the functions of the paver in the paving mode. In this way, corresponding controls such as, for example, changing the paving screed settings can also be carried out from the same operating unit. This reduces the amount of wiring and maintenance required.

[0024] The operation method according to the present invention for a paver comprising a control system, a main operator control stand, an adjustable-height roof, a main drive unit, at least one lighting element, a paving screed, and an operating unit having a plurality of operating elements is - Operating an operating element to switch at least one lighting element on and / or off; - Operating an operating element to raise and lower a roof; - Operating an operating element to start and / or stop a main drive unit; - Operating an operating element to raise and lower a paving screed; and - Operating an operating element to switch a control system on and / or off are included.

[0025] Before the control system fully enters the operating mode after power-on, it is preferable that the main drive unit is started. As described above, the control system has limited functions, and therefore first enters a start-up mode with a low computational load on the arithmetic processing unit and the working memory, and then it is possible to load or start the complete operating software and enter the operating mode. In the start-up mode, it is already possible to start the main drive unit, which means that secondary systems such as lighting or hydraulic systems can also be made available as early as possible after their operation is permitted by the control system (this may already be the case in the start-up mode).

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a road paver 1 including a control system 3, a main operator control stand 5, an adjustable-height roof 7, a main drive unit 9, a lighting element 11, and a paving screed 13. Here, the control system 3 and the main drive unit 9 are shown in a state hidden under the chassis cover. The main drive unit 9 is typically a diesel engine. The paving screed 13 can have a fixed width or can have an extension part that can widen the paving screed width. A paving screed inlet 19 is formed in the main operator control stand 5 with a rail part 15 and a step 17. An operation unit 21 is arranged on the paving screed 13 in the immediate vicinity of the paving screed inlet 19. Similarly, however, the operation unit 21 can also be provided directly on the rail part 15 or at other suitable positions. The roof 7 is provided so that its height can be adjusted by a lifting mechanism 23.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an operation unit 21 having a plurality of operation elements 25, which in this example are an emergency stop key 25a, an ignition lock 25b for starting the ignition, a start / stop button 25c for the main drive unit, in each case an operation element 25d for raising and lowering the roof 7, in each case an operation element 25e for raising and lowering the paving screed 13, and an operation element 25f for turning off the lighting element 11 in a time-delayed manner. The display elements 27 are provided in the form of light points of a color such as, for example, red, green or yellow, and these indicate the state of the ignition, the state of the main drive unit 9, the locked state of the roof 7 or the locked state of the paving screed 13.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operation unit 21 having the operation elements 25a to 25f and the display element 27. In addition, an operation element 25g for controlling the functions of the road paver 1 in the paving mode, i.e., in particular the functions related to the paving operation itself, is provided. Here, an operation element 25g for adjusting the left and right expansion elements of the paving screed 13 is shown as an example. The operation unit 21 can be detachably attached to the road paver 1, for example by means of magnets, or can be fixedly mounted, or can be made detachable only by means of tools. In this figure, a variant fixedly mounted by means of four screws 29 is shown. In all variants, the operation unit 21 can be connected to the control system 3 of the road paver 1 or to a bus system by means of a wired connection 31 and / or a wireless connection 33 (here, the necessary antennas and components are indicated by symbols since they are usually hidden inside the operation unit 21). A detachable plug connection 35 can be arranged on the cable 31.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the operation unit 21 disposed, for example, at the position shown in FIG. 1 on the paving screed 13 in the road paver 1. The operation unit 21 is disposed in a recess 37 that can be closed by a pivotable cover 39. The cover 39 has a locking mechanism 41 in the form of a rotatable latch that can be locked by a locking mechanism 41 that engages in a recess 43 with the closed cover 39, for example, using a key. In this way, unauthorized access to the operation unit is prevented. The configuration and structure of the operation element 25 may be different from those illustrated in FIG. 3. For raising and lowering the roof 7, a rotary button, for example, the operation element 25d, is provided.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the lifting mechanism 23 for adjusting the roof by the hydraulic cylinder 45 having an integral end position lock. The hydraulic cylinder 45 rotates the upper linkage portion 47 about the rotation axis Z with respect to the base 49 to fold the roof downward and forward. The end position lock in the hydraulic cylinder 45 can be mechanical as described above or, for example, by valve control.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder 45 at the position of the hydraulic piston 51 moved to the left and the position of the hydraulic piston 51 moved to the right. The lock element 53 establishes the end position lock in each case.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the end position lock of the lifting mechanism 23 by the automatic movable bolt 55 that engages with the recess 57 of the disk 59 that rotates with the upper linkage portion 47 when the upper linkage portion 47 is moved by the hydraulic cylinder 45 (not shown) at the end position.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the end position lock by the rotary snap lock 61. Here, at each end position, the bolt 63 of the rotatable linkage portion 47 at the upper part engages with the snap lock 61 of the base 49. The snap lock 61 is approximately equivalent to that of the door lock in a passenger car in its operation mode.

[0037] Based on the embodiment of the road paver 1 shown above, many modifications are possible. For example, the operation unit 21 can be provided at any convenient position in the road paver 1, such as, for example, the side. The operation element 25 may have other convenient functions in addition to those shown, and may have corresponding forms for this purpose, such as, for example, a touch pad or a rotary switch. The delayed automatic switch-off of the lighting element 11 may be associated with any lighting element 11 for which this is convenient, for example, the lighting of the main operator control stand 5 or the external lighting of the road paver 1.

Claims

1. A road paver (1) comprising a control system (3), a master operator control stand (5), an adjustable roof (7), a main drive unit (9), at least one lighting element (11) and a paving screed (13), characterized by an operating unit (21) arranged outside the master operator control stand (5) and having a plurality of operating elements (25), wherein among the plurality of operating elements (25), an operating element (25b) is operable to switch the control system (3) on and / or off, an operating element (25d) is operable to raise and lower the roof (7), an operating element (25c) is operable to start and / or stop the main drive unit (9), an operating element (25f) is operable to switch at least one lighting element (11) on and / or off, and an operating element (25e) is operable to raise and lower the paving screed (13), The control system (3) of the road paver (1) is configured such that the main drive unit (9) can be started even in a start mode before the control system (3) itself is completely set to an operating mode after the power is turned on.

2. The control system (3) is configured to read a first software part that does not include all the operating functions of the road paver (1) into a working memory, or to hold it in the working memory until the main drive unit (9) is started and make it available. The road paver according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The control system (3) is configured to read or operate the remaining software part that enables the operating mode into the working memory after the main drive unit (9) is started. The road paver according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The control system (3) is configured to collate an interface in order to identify the configuration of the road paver (1). The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. The operating unit (21) is detachably arranged on the road paver (1). The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operation unit (21) is connected to the control system (3) by a cable (31).

7. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the operation unit (21) is connected to the control system (3) by a wireless connection (33).

8. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the operation unit (21) is arranged on the paving screed (13).

9. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operation unit (21) is arranged at the paving screed inlet (19).

10. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when the lockable cover (39) of the operation unit (21) is locked, the cover (39) prevents access to the operation unit (21).

11. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the operation unit (21) has one or more display elements (27) for displaying information on components adjustable by the operation elements (25).

12. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one lighting element (11) turns off after a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation of the operation element (25) to switch the at least one lighting element (11) on or off.

13. The lifting mechanism (23) is provided for lifting and lowering the roof (7), and the lifting mechanism (23) is provided with end position locks (53, 55, 61) that can be automatically released to a state where the roof (7) can be lifted and lowered and can be automatically locked to a state where the roof (7) cannot be lifted and lowered. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by this.

14. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the operation unit (21) has an operation element (25g) provided for controlling a function for changing the setting of the paving screed (13) of the road paver (1) in the paving operation.

15. The road paver according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the operation unit (21) is connected to the control system (3) by a detachable plug connection part (35).

16. An operating method for a road paver (1) comprising a control system (3), a main operator control stand (5), an adjustable roof (7), a main drive unit (9), at least one lighting element (11), a paving screed (13), and an operation unit (21) having a plurality of operation elements (25), wherein the operation unit (21) is operable from the outside of the main operator control stand (5), - a step of operating an operation element (25f) to switch at least one lighting element (11) on and / or off, - a step of operating an operation element (25d) to raise and lower the roof (7), - a step of operating an operation element (25c) to start and / or stop the main drive unit (9), - a step of operating an operation element (25e) to raise and lower the paving screed (13), and - a step of operating an operation element (25b) to switch the control system (3) on and / or off, A method in which the main drive unit (9) is started in a start mode before the control system (3) is completely set to an operation mode after power-on.

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