Road machinery

Abstract

To visually convey various information to workers working around an asphalt finisher 100.SOLUTION: An asphalt finisher 100 includes a tractor 1, a hopper 2 installed in front of the tractor 1 to receive paving material PV, a conveyor CV that feeds the paving material PV in the hopper 2 behind the tractor 1, a screw SC that spreads the paving material PV fed by the conveyor CV behind the tractor 1, a screed 3 that spreads evenly behind the screw SC the paving material PV spread by the screw SC, and an irradiation device LS that transmits information by irradiating light onto the road surface in at least one of the longitudinal direction (vehicle length direction) and the width direction (vehicle width direction) of the asphalt finisher 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to road machinery.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an asphalt finisher that enables an operator of the asphalt finisher to visually recognize the situation around the asphalt finisher by using an image acquired by a camera attached to the asphalt finisher (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above-mentioned asphalt finisher can visually inform the operator of the asphalt finisher that an operator working around the asphalt finisher and the asphalt finisher are approaching.

[0005] However, the above-mentioned asphalt finisher cannot visually convey various information such as the fact that an operator and the asphalt finisher are approaching to the operator.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for providing a road machine that can visually convey various information to an operator working around a road machine such as an asphalt finisher.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A road machine according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a tractor, a hopper installed in front of the tractor for receiving paving material, a conveyor for feeding the paving material in the hopper to the rear of the tractor, a screw for spreading the paving material fed by the conveyor at the rear of the tractor, and a machine for leveling the paving material spread by the screw at the rear of the screw. Expandable in the width direction Screeed and, To be able to communicate information about restricted areas to people in the vicinity, The longitudinal direction of the road machinery and car On the road surface in at least one direction in the width direction visible It includes an illumination device that transmits information by emitting light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The aforementioned road construction machinery can visually convey various information to workers performing tasks around it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view of an asphalt finisher during construction. [Figure 2] This is a top view of an asphalt finisher during construction. [Figure 3] This is a top view of an asphalt finisher in motion. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of a control system configuration. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of an example of irradiation control processing. [Figure 6] This is a top view of an asphalt finisher during construction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Figure 1 is a side view of an asphalt paver 100, which is an example of a road machine according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The road machine may be a base paver, a tack paver, or a multi-asphalt paver, etc. Figures 2 and 3 are top views of the asphalt paver 100. Specifically, Figure 2 is a top view of the asphalt paver 100 during construction (laying the paving material PV), and Figure 3 is a top view of the asphalt paver 100 while driving (moving) when not in construction. The asphalt paver 100 mainly consists of a tractor 1, a hopper 2, and a screed 3. For convenience, in the following, the direction of the hopper 2 as seen from the tractor 1 (+X direction) will be considered the front, and the direction of the screed 3 as seen from the tractor 1 (-X direction) will be considered the rear.

[0011] Tractor 1 is a mechanism for driving the asphalt finisher 100. In the illustrated example, tractor 1 moves the asphalt finisher 100 by rotating the rear wheels 5 using a rear-wheel hydraulic motor and rotating the front wheels 6 using a front-wheel hydraulic motor. The rear-wheel hydraulic motor and the front-wheel hydraulic motor rotate by receiving hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump. The rear wheels 5 and the front wheels 6 may be replaced with crawler tracks.

[0012] The controller 50 is a control device that controls the asphalt paver 100. In the illustrated example, the controller 50 consists of a microcomputer including a CPU, memory, volatile memory device, and non-volatile memory device, and is mounted on the tractor 1. The various functions of the controller 50 are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the non-volatile memory medium.

[0013] The hopper 2 is a mechanism for receiving paving material PV. In the illustrated example, the hopper 2 is installed in front of the tractor 1 and includes a hopper wing 2W. The hopper wing 2W is configured to open and close in the Y-axis direction (width direction, vehicle width direction) by a hopper cylinder 7. Specifically, the hopper wing 2W includes a left hopper wing 2WL that can be opened and closed to the left by a left hopper cylinder 7L, and a right hopper wing 2WR that can be opened and closed to the right by a right hopper cylinder (not shown).

[0014] The asphalt finisher 100 normally receives paving material PV from the bed of a dump truck with the hopper wing 2W fully open. In the illustrated example, the paving material PV is an asphalt mixture, also called "asphalt asphalt mix." In Figures 1 and 2, the hopper wing 2W is fully open, while in Figure 3, the hopper wing 2W is fully closed. Note that in Figures 2 and 3, the illustration of the paving material PV received in the hopper 2 is omitted for clarity. The paving material PV received in the hopper 2 is fed to the rear of the tractor 1 by a conveyor CV located in the center of the hopper 2. When the amount of paving material PV in the hopper 2 decreases, the hopper wing 2W is closed, and the paving material PV that was near the inner wall of the hopper 2 is gathered in the center of the hopper 2. This is so that the conveyor CV can feed the paving material PV to the rear of the tractor 1. The paving material PV, fed to the rear of tractor 1, is spread in the vehicle width direction by screw SC behind tractor 1 and in front of screed 3. In the illustrated example, screw SC is in a state where the left extension screw SCL and the right extension screw SCR are connected. In Figures 1 and 2, the paving material PV spread by screw SC is shown with a coarse dot pattern, and the newly laid pavement NP leveled by screed 3 is shown with a fine dot pattern.

[0015] The screed 3 is a mechanism for leveling the paving material PV. In the illustrated example, the screed 3 includes a front screed 30 and a rear screed 31. The screed 3 is a floating screed that is towed by the tractor 1 and is connected to the tractor 1 via a leveling arm 3A. The rear screed 31 includes a left rear screed 31L configured to be telescopically extended to the left and a right rear screed 31R configured to be telescopically extended to the right. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the screed 3 is in the most extended (widest) state, and in FIG. 3, the screed 3 is in the most contracted state, that is, in a state of being housed in the central portion.

[0016] A side plate 41 is attached to the distal end of the rear screed 31. In the illustrated example, a left side plate 41L is attached to the left end of the left rear screed 31L, and a right side plate 41R is attached to the right end of the right rear screed 31R.

[0017] A tread plate 32 is attached to the rear of the screed 3. Specifically, the tread plate 32 is attached to the rear of the screed 3 so that an operator can move back and forth in the vehicle width direction without stepping on the newly paved surface NP behind the screed 3. In the illustrated example, the tread plate 32 includes a central tread plate 32C attached to the rear of the front screed 30, a left tread plate 32L attached to the rear of the left rear screed 31L, and a right tread plate 32R attached to the rear of the right rear screed 31R.

[0018] A mold board 42 is attached to the front of the rear screed 31. The mold board 42 is configured to be able to move up and down so as to adjust the amount of the paving material PV staying in front of the rear screed 31. The paving material PV reaches under the screed 3 through the gap between the lower end of the mold board 42 and the roadbed RB.

[0019] Specifically, the mold board 42 includes a left mold board 42L disposed in front of the left rear screed 31L and a right mold board 42R disposed in front of the right rear screed 31R.

[0020] A screw SC is arranged in front of the mold board 42, and a retaining plate 43 is arranged in front of the screw SC. Specifically, the retaining plate 43 includes a left retaining plate 43L arranged in front of the left extension screw SCL and a right retaining plate 43R arranged in front of the right extension screw SCR. Note that the retaining plate 43 may be omitted.

[0021] An imaging device 51 and an irradiation device LS are attached to the upper part of the tractor 1. The imaging device 51 is configured to image the periphery of the asphalt finisher 100. In the illustrated example, the imaging device 51 is a monocular camera capable of imaging the periphery of the asphalt finisher 100. Note that a lighting device may be attached to the asphalt finisher 100. The lighting device is a device for illuminating the periphery of the asphalt finisher 100 during night work or the like.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the imaging device 51 includes a rear camera 51B for imaging the rear of the asphalt finisher 100, a front camera 51F for imaging the front of the asphalt finisher 100, a left camera 51L for imaging the left side of the asphalt finisher 100, and a right camera 51R for imaging the right side of the asphalt finisher 100.

[0023] The irradiation device LS is configured to irradiate light onto a wall or a road surface around the asphalt finisher 100 so as to visually convey information to people around. In the illustrated example, the irradiation device LS is a visible light semiconductor laser, which is positioned to irradiate light onto the road surface around the asphalt finisher 100 and is connected to the controller 50 wirelessly or by wire. Note that the irradiation device LS may be a device using other light sources such as light emitting diodes as long as it can irradiate a limited linear area.

[0024] Specifically, the irradiation device LS includes a first irradiation device LS1 that irradiates the road surface in front of the hopper 2 with laser light, a second irradiation device LS2 that irradiates the road surface behind the screed 3 with laser light, a third irradiation device LS3 that irradiates the road surface to the side of the hopper 2 with laser light, a fourth irradiation device LS4 that irradiates the road surface to the side of the tractor 1 with laser light, and a fifth irradiation device LS5 that irradiates the road surface to the side of the screed 3 with laser light.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the irradiation device LS is configured to irradiate a linear irradiation range IR set on the road surface around the asphalt finisher 100 in order to visualize the boundary of the no-entry zone NE set around the asphalt finisher 100. Specifically, the no-entry zone NE includes the first no-entry zone NE1 to the fifth no-entry zone NE5, and the irradiation range IR includes the first irradiation range IR1 to the fifth irradiation range IR5.

[0026] The first illumination device LS1 is configured to illuminate a linear first illumination range IR1 extending along the Y-axis on the road surface in front of the hopper 2 in order to visualize the front boundary of the first no-entry area NE1 set in front of the hopper 2. In the illustrated example, the length (width) of the first illumination range IR1 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length (width) of the hopper wing 2W in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) when it is open. However, the length (width) of the first illumination range IR1 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) may be set to be longer by a predetermined distance than the length (width) of the hopper wing 2W in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) when it is open. Also, in the illustrated example, the first illumination device LS1 is attached to the front of the front frame F1 which constitutes the lower structure of the hopper 2. The front frame F1 is the member to which the push roller PR is fixed. However, the first illumination device LS1 may be attached to other parts.

[0027] The second illumination device LS2 is configured to illuminate a linear second illumination range IR2 extending along the Y-axis on the road surface behind the screed 3, in order to visualize the rear boundary of the second no-entry area NE2 set behind the screed 3. In the illustrated example, the length (width) of the second illumination range IR2 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length (width) of the screed 3 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) when extended (widened). However, the length (width) of the second illumination range IR2 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than the length (width) of the screed 3 in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) when extended (widened). Also, in the illustrated example, the second illumination device LS2 is attached to the rear surface of the central footplate 32C provided behind the screed 3. However, the second illumination device LS2 may be attached to other parts.

[0028] The third irradiation device LS3 is configured to irradiate a linear third irradiation range IR3 extending along the X-axis on the road surface to the side of the hopper 2 in order to visualize the outer boundary of the third no-entry zone NE3 set to the side of the hopper 2. Specifically, the third irradiation device LS3 includes a third left irradiation device LS3L and a third right irradiation device LS3R, the third no-entry zone NE3 includes a third left no-entry zone NE3L and a third right no-entry zone NE3R, and the third irradiation range IR3 includes a third left irradiation range IR3L and a third right irradiation range IR3R. The third left illumination device LS3L is configured to illuminate a linear third left illumination range IR3L extending along the X-axis on the road surface to the left of the left hopper wing 2WL, in order to visualize the left boundary of the third left no-entry area NE3L, which is set to the left of the left hopper wing 2WL. The third right illumination device LS3R is configured to illuminate a linear third right illumination range IR3R extending along the X-axis on the road surface to the right of the right hopper wing 2WR, in order to visualize the right boundary of the third right no-entry area NE3R, which is set to the right of the right hopper wing 2WR. In the illustrated example, the lengths of the third left illumination range IR3L and the third right illumination range IR3R in the longitudinal direction (vehicle length direction, X-axis direction) are the same as the length of the hopper wing 2W in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). However, the lengths of the third left irradiation range IR3L and the third right irradiation range IR3R in the longitudinal direction (vehicle length direction, X-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the hopper wing 2W in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Also, in the illustrated example, the third left irradiation device LS3L is attached to the left side of the left frame F2 which constitutes the lower structure of the hopper 2, and the third right irradiation device LS3R is attached to the right side of the right frame (not shown) which constitutes the lower structure of the hopper 2. However, the third irradiation device LS3 may be attached to other parts.

[0029] The fourth irradiation device LS4 is configured to irradiate a linear fourth irradiation range IR4 extending along the Y-axis on the road surface in front of the screw SC (retaining plate 43) in order to visualize the front boundary of the fourth no-entry area NE4 set in front of the screw SC (retaining plate 43). Specifically, the fourth irradiation device LS4 includes the fourth left irradiation device LS4L and the fourth right irradiation device LS4R, the fourth no-entry area NE4 includes the fourth left no-entry area NE4L and the fourth right no-entry area NE4R, and the fourth irradiation range IR4 includes the fourth left irradiation range IR4L and the fourth right irradiation range IR4R. The fourth left irradiation device LS4L is configured to irradiate a linear fourth left irradiation range IR4L extending along the Y axis on the road surface in front of the left extension screw SCL (left retaining plate 43L) in order to visualize the front boundary of the fourth left no-entry area NE4L which is set in front of the left extension screw SCL (left retaining plate 43L). The fourth right irradiation device LS4R is configured to irradiate a linear fourth right irradiation range IR4R extending along the Y axis on the road surface in front of the right extension screw SCR (right retaining plate 43R) in order to visualize the front boundary of the fourth right no-entry area NE4R which is set in front of the right extension screw SCR (right retaining plate 43R). In the illustrated example, the length (width) of the fourth left illumination range IR4L in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length (width) of the left rear screed 31L in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction), and the length (width) of the fourth right illumination range IR4R in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length (width) of the right rear screed 31R in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction). However, the length (width) of the fourth left illumination range IR4L in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than the length (width) of the left rear screed 31L in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction), and the length (width) of the fourth right illumination range IR4R in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than the length (width) of the right rear screed 31R in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction). In the illustrated example, the fourth left irradiation device LS4L is attached to the upper end of the left mold board 42L, and the fourth right irradiation device LS4R is attached to the upper end of the right mold board 42R. However, the fourth left irradiation device LS4L may be attached to other parts.For example, the fourth left illumination device LS4L may be mounted on the left side of the tractor 1, and the fourth right illumination device LS4R may be mounted on the right side of the tractor 1.

[0030] The fifth irradiation device LS5 is configured to illuminate a linear fifth irradiation range IR5 extending along the X-axis on the road surface to the side of the screed 3 in order to visualize the outer boundary of the fifth no-entry zone NE5 set to the side of the screed 3. Specifically, the fifth irradiation device LS5 includes the fifth left irradiation device LS5L and the fifth right irradiation device LS5R, the fifth no-entry zone NE5 includes the fifth left no-entry zone NE5L and the fifth right no-entry zone NE5R, and the fifth irradiation range IR5 includes the fifth left irradiation range IR5L and the fifth right irradiation range IR5R. The fifth left irradiation device LS5L is configured to illuminate a linear fifth left irradiation range IR5L extending along the X-axis on the road surface to the left of the screed 3 (left side plate 41L) in order to visualize the left boundary of the fifth left no-entry area NE5L, which is set to the left of the screed 3 (left side plate 41L). The fifth right irradiation device LS5R is configured to illuminate a linear fifth right irradiation range IR5R extending along the X-axis on the road surface to the right of the screed 3 (right side plate 41R) in order to visualize the right boundary of the fifth right no-entry area NE5R, which is set to the right of the screed 3 (right side plate 41R). In the illustrated example, the length of the fifth left irradiation range IR5L in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) is the same as the length of the left side plate 41L in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), and the length of the fifth right irradiation range IR5R in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) is the same as the length of the right side plate 41R in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). However, the length of the fifth left irradiation range IR5L in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the left side plate 41L in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), and the length of the fifth right irradiation range IR5R in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the right side plate 41R in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). Also, in the illustrated example, the fifth left irradiation device LS5L is attached to the left side of the left side plate 41L, and the fifth right irradiation device LS5R is attached to the right side of the right side plate 41R. However, the fifth irradiation device LS5 may be attached to other parts.

[0031] The illumination device LS is configured to illuminate a linear illumination range IR set on the road surface around the asphalt finisher 100, but it may also be configured to visualize letters, figures, or combinations thereof on the road surface. Furthermore, the illumination device LS may be configured to simultaneously illuminate light with at least one different characteristic, such as light intensity (brightness) and wavelength (color).

[0032] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the control system SYS mounted on the asphalt finisher 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control system SYS. The control system SYS mainly consists of a controller 50, an imaging device 51, an information acquisition device 53, and an irradiation device LS. In the illustrated example, the controller 50, imaging device 51, information acquisition device 53, and irradiation device LS receive power from a power supply unit 60. The power supply unit 60 converts AC power generated by a generator 62 driven by an engine 61, which is an example of a power source, into DC power. The power supply unit 60 may also receive power from a battery (not shown). In Figure 4, thick dotted lines represent power lines, thin solid lines represent signal lines, and double lines indicate that the engine 61 and the generator 62 are mechanically connected.

[0033] The controller 50 includes an irradiation control unit 50a as a functional element. The irradiation control unit 50a is composed of software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof, and controls the irradiation device LS. In the illustrated example, the irradiation control unit 50a determines whether irradiation is necessary based on the output of the imaging device 51 and the information acquisition device 53, etc. Then, if the irradiation control unit 50a determines that irradiation is necessary, it outputs a command to the irradiation device LS to start irradiation. The irradiation device LS may be configured to change at least one of the following in response to the command from the irradiation control unit 50a: light quantity (brightness) and wavelength (color).

[0034] The information acquisition device 53 is configured to acquire information and output the acquired information to the controller 50. The information acquisition device 53 includes, for example, at least one of a driving speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a pavement width sensor. The driving speed sensor detects the driving speed of the asphalt finisher 100. The steering angle sensor detects the steering angle of the asphalt finisher 100. The pavement width sensor detects the amount of extension of the rear screed 31 and calculates the pavement width. The information acquisition device 53 may also be an input device such as a touch panel or a switch.

[0035] Next, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the process by which the irradiation control unit 50a controls the irradiation device LS (hereinafter referred to as "irradiation control process") will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of the irradiation control process. In the example shown in Figure 5, the irradiation control unit 50a repeatedly executes this irradiation control process at a predetermined control cycle while the asphalt finisher 100 is in operation. The irradiation control unit 50a starts executing the irradiation control process, for example, when the power supply unit 60 receives power or when the engine 61 is started. The irradiation control unit 50a may also be configured to execute this irradiation control process only once when a predetermined operation is performed via an input device, such as the operation of a switch.

[0036] First, the irradiation control unit 50a determines whether or not construction is underway (step ST1). In the illustrated example, the irradiation control unit 50a determines whether or not construction is underway based on whether or not the screed 3 has been lowered toward the roadbed RB. Specifically, the irradiation control unit 50a determines whether or not the screed 3 has been lowered toward the roadbed RB based on the output of the information acquisition device 53 (pressure sensor) that acquires the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the lift cylinder 8 (see Figure 1) for lifting the screed 3. More specifically, the irradiation control unit 50a determines that construction is underway when the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the rod-side oil chamber of the lift cylinder 8 falls below a predetermined value, and the lift cylinder 8 has extended and the screed 3 has been lowered toward the roadbed RB. Note that the irradiation control unit 50a may also determine whether or not construction is underway based on other arbitrary information, as long as it can distinguish between driving and construction.

[0037] If it is determined that construction is in progress (YES in step ST1), the irradiation control unit 50a activates all irradiation devices LS (step ST2). In the illustrated example, the irradiation control unit 50a outputs a command to start irradiation to each of the first irradiation devices LS1 to the fifth irradiation devices LS5. As a result, each of the first irradiation devices LS1 to the fifth irradiation devices LS5 irradiates each of the first irradiation ranges IR1 to IR5, as shown in Figure 2, to visualize the boundaries of the first no-entry zones NE1 to the fifth no-entry zones NE5. Note that if the irradiation control unit 50a determines that construction is in progress, it may output a command to start irradiation to some of the irradiation devices LS, rather than all of them. For example, the irradiation control unit 50a may output a command to start irradiation to each of the third irradiation devices LS3 to the fifth irradiation devices LS5. In this case, the first irradiation range IR1 is not irradiated by the first irradiation device LS1, and the second irradiation range IR2 is not irradiated by the second irradiation device LS2.

[0038] On the other hand, if it is determined that construction is not underway (NO in step ST1), the irradiation control unit 50a determines whether or not the machine is in motion (step ST3). In the illustrated example, the irradiation control unit 50a determines whether or not the machine is in motion based on the output of the information acquisition device 53 (driving speed sensor) that acquires the driving speed of the asphalt finisher 100. Specifically, the irradiation control unit 50a determines that the machine is in motion if the driving speed of the asphalt finisher 100 is above a predetermined speed. The irradiation control unit 50a may also determine whether or not the machine is in motion based on other arbitrary information.

[0039] If it is determined that the vehicle is in motion (YES in step ST3), the irradiation control unit 50a activates some of the irradiation devices LS (step ST4). In the illustrated example, the irradiation control unit 50a outputs commands to the first irradiation device LS1 and the second irradiation device LS2 to start irradiation. As a result, the first irradiation device LS1 and the second irradiation device LS2 each irradiate the second irradiation range IR2 and the second irradiation range IR2, respectively, as shown in Figure 3, to visualize the boundaries of the first no-entry area NE1 and the second no-entry area NE2. In this case, the length of the first no-entry area NE1 and the second no-entry area NE2 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) may be set to increase as the travel speed of the asphalt finisher 100 increases. In this case, the third irradiation range IR3 is not irradiated by the third irradiation device LS3, the fourth irradiation range IR4 is not irradiated by the fourth irradiation device LS4, and the fifth irradiation range IR5 is not irradiated by the fifth irradiation device LS5.

[0040] With the above configuration, the asphalt finisher 100 can visually recognize the presence of the no-entry zone NE to workers working around the asphalt finisher 100.

[0041] Specifically, during construction, the asphalt finisher 100 illuminates the third left irradiation range IR3L, which is set on the road surface to the left of the left hopper wing 2WL, with the third left irradiation device LS3L, thereby allowing the worker to visually recognize the presence of the third left no-entry area NE3L. As a result, the asphalt finisher 100 can prevent the worker from entering the third left no-entry area NE3L without noticing its presence, and consequently, can prevent the worker from coming into contact with the left hopper wing 2WL when the left hopper wing 2WL is opened. The same applies to the third right no-entry area NE3R, the fourth no-entry area NE4, and the fifth no-entry area NE5.

[0042] Next, with reference to Figure 6, another example of irradiation control processing will be described. The irradiation control processing described with reference to Figure 6 differs from the irradiation control processing described above in that it changes the irradiation pattern of light by the irradiation device LS depending on whether or not there are objects around the asphalt finisher 100.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 6, the controller 50 is configured to detect objects present around the asphalt paver 100 based on images acquired by the imaging device 51. In other words, the imaging device 51 is configured to function as an object detection device.

[0044] Furthermore, the controller 50 may be configured to distinguish between people and non-human objects by applying various image processing to the images acquired by the imaging device 51. In this case, the worker may wear an armband or helmet with a predetermined marker. This is to make them easier to recognize in image recognition processing. In this case, the controller 50 can detect the worker's position by finding the image of the predetermined marker.

[0045] Furthermore, the controller 50 may be configured to detect the positions of workers present around the asphalt finisher 100. In this case, the controller 50 may be configured to calculate the distance between the detected worker and the no-entry zone NE.

[0046] Furthermore, the controller 50 may be configured to detect objects present around the asphalt finisher 100 based on the output of another object detection device such as a stereo camera, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic sensor, laser radar, infrared sensor, or LIDAR, and may also be configured to calculate the distance between the detected object and the asphalt finisher 100 or a no-entry zone NE, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, changing the irradiation pattern of light by the irradiation device LS includes, for example, starting irradiation by the irradiation device LS, stopping irradiation by the irradiation device LS, changing the wavelength (color) of the light emitted by the irradiation device LS, flashing the light emitted by the irradiation device LS, or changing the amount (brightness) of the light emitted by the irradiation device LS.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 6, as explained with reference to Figure 5, when the asphalt paver 100 is in operation, the controller 50 continuously irradiates the first irradiation range IR1 to the fifth irradiation range IR5 with the first irradiation device LS1 to the fifth irradiation device LS5, regardless of whether or not there are objects around the asphalt paver 100.

[0049] Based on these premises, in the example shown in Figure 6, the controller 50 is configured to change the light irradiation pattern of the irradiation device LS depending on whether or not there are people such as workers around the asphalt finisher 100.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, when the controller 50 detects a worker WK to the right of the right hopper wing 2WR based on the image acquired by the front camera 51F, it calculates the distance DS between the third right no-entry area NE3R and the worker WK. Then, if the value of the distance DS is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the controller 50 outputs a blinking command to the third right illumination device LS3R, causing the light emitted by the third right illumination device LS3R to blink. In other words, the controller 50 causes the third right illumination range IR3R to be illuminated by the third right illumination device LS3R at predetermined time intervals. The range represented by the eight cross pattern blocks in Figure 6 represents the third right illumination range IR3R that is illuminated at predetermined time intervals. That is, the eight cross pattern blocks represent the blinking of the third right illumination device LS3R that illuminates the third right illumination range IR3R.

[0051] With this configuration, worker WK can recognize the boundary of the third right no-entry zone NE3R by seeing the linear third right illumination range IR3R visualized on the road surface, and recognize that they should not approach the right hopper wing 2WR. In addition, because the third right illumination range IR3R is illuminated intermittently, worker WK can easily notice that the third right illumination range IR3R is being illuminated.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 6, the controller 50 continuously irradiates the asphalt finisher 100 with the irradiation range IR using the irradiation device LS, regardless of whether or not there are objects around it.

[0053] However, the controller 50 may be configured to start irradiation of the irradiation range IR by the irradiation device LS when an object approaches the asphalt finisher 100, and not to perform irradiation of the irradiation range IR by the irradiation device LS when there are no objects around the asphalt finisher 100.

[0054] For example, the controller 50 may be configured to start irradiating the first irradiation range IR1 with the first irradiation device LS1 when the distance between the first no-entry zone NE1 and the worker falls below a predetermined value, and to not perform irradiation of the first irradiation range IR1 with the first irradiation device LS1 when the distance exceeds the predetermined value. The same applies to the second no-entry zones NE2 to the fifth no-entry zones NE5.

[0055] Alternatively, the controller 50 may be configured to irradiate the third irradiation range IR3 with the third irradiation device LS3 when the hopper wing 2W is moving in the opening direction. That is, the controller 50 may be configured not to irradiate the third irradiation range IR3 with the third irradiation device LS3 when the hopper wing 2W is not moving in the opening direction, regardless of whether or not there is a worker in or near the third no-entry area NE3.

[0056] Alternatively, the controller 50 may be configured to irradiate the fifth irradiation range IR5 with the fifth irradiation device LS5 when the rear screed 31 is moving in the direction of extension. That is, the controller 50 may be configured not to irradiate the fifth irradiation range IR5 with the fifth irradiation device LS5 when the rear screed 31 is not moving in the direction of extension, regardless of whether or not there is a worker in or near the fifth no-entry area NE5.

[0057] Alternatively, the controller 50 may be configured to output a command to an unillustrated sound output device when a worker enters the restricted area NE, thereby sounding an alarm to the worker. This is to inform the worker that they have entered the restricted area NE.

[0058] Alternatively, the controller 50 may be configured to output a command to an audio output device (not shown) and issue an alarm to the worker when the distance between the worker and the restricted area NE falls below a predetermined value. This is to inform the worker that they are getting too close to the restricted area NE.

[0059] As described above, the asphalt finisher 100, an example of road machinery, comprises a tractor 1, a hopper 2 installed in front of the tractor 1 to receive paving material PV, a conveyor CV that feeds the paving material PV in the hopper 2 to the rear of the tractor 1, a screw SC that spreads the paving material PV fed by the conveyor CV at the rear of the tractor 1, a screed 3 that levels the paving material PV spread by the screw SC at the rear of the screw SC, and an illumination device LS that emits light to transmit information to the road surface around the asphalt finisher 100 in at least one of the longitudinal direction (vehicle length direction) and the width direction (vehicle width direction).

[0060] This configuration allows the asphalt finisher 100 to visually communicate various information to workers working around it.

[0061] Furthermore, the area illuminated by the illumination device LS during construction may differ from the area illuminated by the illumination device LS while moving. In the example shown in Figure 2, the area illuminated by the illumination device LS during construction is the entirety of the first illumination range IR1 to the fifth illumination range IR5, while the area illuminated by the illumination device LS while moving is a part of the first illumination range IR1 to the fifth illumination range IR5 (first illumination range IR1 and second illumination range IR2).

[0062] This configuration prevents the asphalt finisher 100 from irradiating a large area of ​​the road surface, including relatively unimportant areas, making it difficult for workers to notice that relatively important areas are being irradiated.

[0063] Furthermore, the information transmitted by the irradiation device LS may also be the location of the boundary of the no-entry zone NE. In this case, the irradiation device LS may visualize the boundary of the no-entry zone NE by irradiating the road surface with light. In the example shown in Figure 2, the first irradiation device LS1 visualizes the front boundary of the first no-entry zone NE1 by irradiating a linear first irradiation range IR1 with laser light. The same applies to the second irradiation device LS2 to the fifth irradiation device LS5.

[0064] This configuration allows workers working around the asphalt finisher 100 to easily recognize the location and size of the no-entry zone NE. Therefore, the asphalt finisher 100 can prevent workers from entering the no-entry zone NE.

[0065] Furthermore, the asphalt finisher 100 may further include an imaging device 51 as an object detection device for detecting people around the asphalt finisher 100, and a controller 50 as a control device for controlling the illumination device LS. The controller 50 may change the illumination pattern of the illumination device LS when it detects a person based on the output of the imaging device 51 as an object detection device. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the controller 50 may blink the light emitted by the third right illumination device LS3R when it detects a worker WK to the right of the right hopper wing 2WR based on the output of the front camera 51F.

[0066] This configuration allows worker WK to easily notice the presence of the third right-side no-entry zone NE3R. Therefore, the asphalt finisher 100 can more reliably prevent worker WK from entering the third right-side no-entry zone NE3R.

[0067] Furthermore, in the asphalt finisher 100, the controller 50 may be configured to visualize the boundary of the no-entry area NE using light emitted by the illumination device LS when a person is detected within a predetermined distance from the no-entry area NE based on the output of the imaging device 51, which acts as an object detection device. In other words, the controller 50 may be configured not to visualize the boundary of the no-entry area NE using light emitted by the illumination device LS when no person is detected within a predetermined distance from the no-entry area NE.

[0068] This configuration highlights the difference between the illumination state before the worker approaches the restricted area NE and the illumination state after the worker approaches the restricted area NE, thus making it easier for the worker to notice that they are approaching the restricted area NE.

[0069] Furthermore, in the asphalt finisher 100, the controller 50 may change the pattern of light irradiation by the irradiation device LS according to the distance between the person detected based on the output of the imaging device 51 as an object detection device and the no-entry zone NE. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the controller 50 outputs a blinking command to the third right irradiation device LS3R to blink the light emitted by the third right irradiation device LS3R when the distance DS between the worker WK and the third right no-entry zone NE3R is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the controller 50 may change the color (wavelength) of the light emitted by the third right irradiation device LS3R as the distance DS between the worker WK and the third right no-entry zone NE3R decreases, such as from green, yellow-green, yellow, and orange. The controller 50 may also change the color of the light emitted by the third right irradiation device LS3R to red when the worker WK enters the third right no-entry zone NE3R.

[0070] This configuration allows the worker WK to be informed that the level of danger increases as they approach the third right-hand no-entry zone NE3R. Therefore, the asphalt finisher 100 can effectively deter the worker WK from approaching the third right-hand no-entry zone NE3R.

[0071] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or the embodiments described later. Various modifications, substitutions, etc., can be applied to the embodiments described above or later without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the embodiments described above or later may be combined as appropriate, as long as it does not conflict with technical standards.

[0072] For example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the first irradiation range IR1 to the fifth irradiation range IR5 is configured to be linear, but they may be configured to be curved, zigzag, or wavy, or other shapes.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the illumination device LS irradiates light onto the road surface while the asphalt finisher 100 is working or driving. However, the period during which the illumination device LS irradiates light onto the road surface is not limited to during the working or driving of the asphalt finisher 100. For example, the illumination device LS can irradiate light onto the road surface even when the engine 61 is running and the asphalt finisher 100 is not driving. In this case, the illumination device LS may irradiate light onto the road surface after the engine 61, which serves as the power source, has been started and a predetermined operation has been performed on the input device. In particular, since the opening and closing operation of the hopper 2 or the extension and retraction operation of the screed 3 are performed even when the machine is idling, the illumination device LS can improve safety in the idling state by irradiating light onto the road surface.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, each of the first irradiation range IR1 to the fifth irradiation range IR5 is configured to show a portion of the boundaries of the first no-entry area NE1 to the fifth no-entry area NE5. Specifically, the first irradiation range IR1 is configured to show the front boundary of the first no-entry area NE1, and does not show the left, right, and rear boundary of the first no-entry area NE1. However, the first irradiation range IR1 may be configured to show the entire boundary of the first no-entry area NE1. For example, the first irradiation range IR1 may be set to coincide with the first no-entry area NE1. That is, the first irradiation device LS1 may be configured to irradiate the entire area of ​​the first no-entry area NE1. The same applies to each of the second irradiation devices LS2 to the fifth irradiation devices LS5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...Tractor 2...Hopper 2W...Hopper wing 2WL...Left hopper wing 2WR...Right hopper wing 3...Screed 3A...Leveling arm 5...Rear wheel 6...Front wheel 7...Hopper cylinder 7L...Left hopper cylinder 8...Lift cylinder 30...Front screed 31...Rear screed 31L...Left rear screed 31R...Right rear screed 32...Treadle 32C...Center treadle 32L...Left treadle 32R...Right treadle 41...Side plate 41L...Left side plate 41R...Right side plate 42...Mold board 42L...Left mold board 42R...Right mold board 43···Retaining plate 43L···Left retaining plate 43R···Right retaining plate 50···Controller 50a···Irradiation control unit 51···Imaging device 51B···Rear camera 51F···Front camera 51L···Left camera 51R···Right camera 53···Information acquisition device 60···Power supply unit 61···Engine 62···Generator 100···Asphalt finisher CV···Conveyor F1···Front frame F2···Left frame IR···Irradiation range IR1···First irradiation range IR2···Second irradiation range IR3···Third irradiation range IR3L···Third left irradiation range IR3R···Third right irradiation range IR4···Fourth irradiation range IR4L···Fourth left irradiation range IR4R...4th right irradiation range IR5...5th irradiation range IR5L...5th left irradiation range IR5R...5th right irradiation range LS...Irradiation device LS1...1st irradiation device LS2...2nd irradiation device LS3...3rd irradiation device LS3L...3rd left irradiation device LS3R...3rd right irradiation device LS4...4th irradiation device LS4L...Fourth left irradiation device LS4R...Fourth right irradiation device LS5...Fifth irradiation device LS5L...Fifth left irradiation device LS5R...Fifth right irradiation device NE...Prohibited area NE1...First prohibited area NE2...Second prohibited area NE3...Third prohibited area NE3L...Third left prohibited area NE3R...Third right no-entry area NE4...Fourth no-entry area NE4L...Fourth left no-entry areaNE4R...4th right no-entry zone NE5...5th no-entry zone NE5L...5th left no-entry zone NE5R...5th right no-entry zone NP...New pavement PR...Push roller PV...Paving material RB...Subgrade SC...Screw SCL...Left extension screw SCR...Right extension screw SYS...Control system WK...Worker

Claims

1. It is a road machine, Tractor and, A hopper installed in front of the tractor to receive paving material, A conveyor that feeds the paving material in the hopper to the rear of the tractor, A screw for spreading the paving material supplied by the conveyor behind the tractor, A screed that extends and retracts in the vehicle width direction is used to spread the paving material, which has been spread by the screw, behind the screw, The road machine includes an illumination device that illuminates the road surface in at least one of the longitudinal and width directions of the road machine with visible light to visualize straight lines extending in the width direction, so that information about restricted areas can be conveyed to people in the vicinity. The width of the straight line in the vehicle width direction is shorter than the width of the screed in its extended state. Road machinery.

2. An extension screw is connected to the screw, The illumination device illuminates the road surface to the side of the tractor and in front of the extension screw with visible light to visualize the straight line extending in the vehicle width direction, so that information about the no-entry zone can be conveyed to people in the vicinity. The road machine according to claim 1.

3. The illumination device illuminates the road surface behind the screed with visible light to visualize the straight line extending in the vehicle width direction, so that information about the no-entry zone can be conveyed to people in the vicinity. The road machine according to claim 1.

4. An object detection device that detects people around the road machinery, The system further comprises a control device for controlling the irradiation device, The control device, when it detects a person based on the output of the object detection device, changes the mode of light irradiation by the irradiation device. A road machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An object detection device that detects people around the road machinery, The system further comprises a control device for controlling the irradiation device, The aforementioned straight line is the boundary of the no-entry zone. When the control device detects a person within a predetermined distance from the restricted area based on the output of the object detection device, it visualizes the boundary with light emitted by the illumination device so that it can convey information about the restricted area to people in the vicinity. The road machine according to claim 3.

6. An object detection device that detects people around the road machinery, The system further comprises a control device for controlling the irradiation device, The aforementioned straight line is the boundary of the no-entry zone. The control device changes the mode of light irradiation by the irradiation device according to the distance between the person detected based on the output of the object detection device and the restricted area. The road machine according to claim 3.

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