The present disclosure relates generally to line striping systems, such as those used for applying painted stripes to roadways and athletic fields. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to control systems for self-propelled line striping systems.
Line striping systems typically comprise carts that include a gas-operated engine that drives a pump. The pump is fed a liquid, such as paint, from a container disposed on the cart and supplies pressurized fluid to spray nozzles mounted so as to discharge toward the ground. Conventional line striping systems comprise walk-behind carts that are pushed by the operator, who simultaneously operates the spray nozzles with levers mounted to a handlebar for the cart. Such a handlebar typically comprises a fixed pair of handles that are used to orientate swivel-mounted wheels at the front of the cart. These handlebars require the operator to manually actuate the spray nozzles to determine the length of each stripe and the interval between stripes, while physically pushing and turning the entire system.
Line striping carts can be pushed by self-propelled trailers that attach to the rear of the carts, such as at a ball and socket hitch. Each trailer includes a gas-operated engine, separate from the pumping engine, that drives a hydrostatic propulsion system. An operator sits on the trailer and grasps the handlebar of the cart. The hydrostatic propulsion system is typically operated with foot pedals that leave hands of the operator free to manipulate the spray nozzle levers of the cart. In order to facilitate application of straight-line stripes, the front swivel-mounted wheels can be locked to promote straight-line movement of the cart. The pivot-point between the cart and the trailer at the hitch still allows for steering of the system by “wiggling” the cart relative to the trailer. These systems reduce operator fatigue, but still require operator judgment in applying the stripes and are bulky and difficult to maneuver.
There is a continuing need to increase the accuracy of lines produced by the striping system, while at the same time reducing operator fatigue.
The present disclosure is directed to spray systems, such as those that can be used as self-propelled line stripers. A line striping system comprises a chassis, wheels, a spray system, a propulsion system and a steering system. The wheels are mounted under the chassis. The spray system is mounted on the chassis. The propulsion system is mounted on the chassis to drive the wheels. The steering system is coupled to the chassis. The steering system comprises a handlebar rotatatable to steer a wheel, and a speed bar pivotable to control the propulsion system.
Power wheels 36A and 36B and steering wheel 38 are mounted to chassis 14 so as to support line striper 10 and allow line striper 10 to roll under power from hydraulic system 18. Power wheels 36A and 36B are coupled to one or more hydraulic motors 42 (
Steering wheel 38 is connected to handlebar 26 of steering system 12 via cables 30A and 30B to rotate steering wheel 38 relative to chassis 14. Cables 30A and 30B are pushed and pulled by rotation of handlebar 26. Centering device 32 pulls steering wheel 38 to center when handlebar 26 is not subject to rotational force. Alignment system 34 adjusts the position of centering device 32 so as to allow for tuning of steering system 12, such as may be needed to accommodate stretching of cables 30A and 30B or wear of wheel 38.
Engine 16 provides motive power to pump 40 of hydraulic system 18, which drives both wheels 36A and 36B and paint system 19. Fluid pump 20 receives an unpressurized fluid, such as paint, from fluid container 21 and provides pressurized fluid to spray guns 22A and 22B. In one embodiment, fluid pump 20 comprises a hydraulically operated double-acting piston pump. Spray guns 22A and 22B are mechanically operated by hydraulic actuators 23 (
Controller 25 comprises a computer system that is configured to operate spray guns 22A and 22B based on operator inputs. For example, stand-on line striper 10 is configured to apply two parallel stripes of fluid from container 21 using spray guns 22A and 22B. Controller 25 controls when either or both of spray guns 22A and 22B are operated so that either one or two stripes are applied. Controller 25 also controls if the stripes are to be continuous or intermittent. If the stripes are to be intermittently applied, as specified by the operator, controller 25 controls the length of each stripe and the interval between stripes by controlling the length of time each spray gun is actuated. An operator of system 10 activates spray guns 22A and 22B with push-button 49 via controller 25, after setting desired parameters (e.g. single stripe, double stripe, stripe length, interval length) at controller 25.
In one embodiment, engine 16, pump 40, motors 42, reservoir 44, wheels 36A and 36B and valve 50 comprise a hydrostatic system, as is known in the art. Although only one motor 42 is shown in
Pump 40 (or another pump within system 18) additionally provides fluid power directly to fluid pump 20, which receives a fluid from container 21. Pump 40 pressurizes the fluid from container 21 and pumps the pressurized fluid to spray guns 22A and 22B. In one embodiment, pump 20 comprises piston pump, such as the Viscount® 4-Ball piston pump commercially available from Graco Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. Spray guns 22A and 22B are lever actuated nozzles that are connected to cables 48A and 48B. Cables 48A and 48B are mechanically pulled by actuators 23. Actuators 23 comprise hydraulic cylinders that are pressurized using high pressure hydraulic fluid bled from between pumps 40 and 20. Actuators 23 are activated using electric solenoids 24 that are powered and activated by controller 25. Controller 25 includes push-button 49 (
Steering system 12, which includes handlebar 26 and speed bar 28 (
Returning to
Chassis 14 provides a frame upon which the various systems of line striper 10 and wheels 36A, 36B and 38 are mounted. In the embodiment shown, chassis 14 is fabricated from rectangular tubing bent into a rectilinear shape. Steering wheel 38 is mounted proximate a forward end of chassis 14 on post 51. Steering wheel 38 is positioned midway between the sides of chassis 14 in bar 52. Power wheels 36A and 36B are mounted proximate an aft end of chassis 14. In one embodiment, power wheels 36A and 36B are mounted directly onto shafts from motors 42 (
Centering device 32 includes spring 80 that applies force to carriage 58 to return steering wheel 38 to a “straight” position. Alignment system 34 includes guide 60 that slides on bar 52 to reorient centering device 32, as will be discussed in greater detail with reference to
Handlebar 26 and speed bar 28 are mounted on post 62, which is connected to chassis 14 through frame 64. Frame 64 provides a structure for mounting platform 65 upon which an operator of line striper 10 may stand. In one embodiment, post 62 extends telescopically from stud 67 connected to frame 64 such that the height of handlebar 26 relative to platform 65 can be adjusted. Thus, an operator is positioned above power wheels 36A and 36B behind post 62, in position to grasp handlebar 26.
Post 62 provides pivot point 63 for handlebar 26. Pivot point 63 extends along axis A1, which extends generally perpendicularly to both the plane of chassis 14 and axis A2 along which power wheels 36A and 36B rotate. An operator of line striper 10 can rotate handlebar 26 about axis A1 to control the position of steering wheel 38 via cables 30A and 30B. Speed bar 28 is connected to handle bar 26 at pivot point 66. Pivot point 66 extends along axis A3, which extends generally parallel to the plane of chassis 14 and perpendicular to axis A2. Cable 46 extends from speed bar 28 to valve 50 that controls output of hydraulic pump 40 to hydraulic motors 42 (
Handlebar 26 includes handles that can be grasped to rotate handlebar about axis A1. As handlebar 26 is rotated cables 30A and 30B are pushed or pulled to rotate steering wheel 38. Cables 30A and 30B are cross-wired between handlebar 26 and wheel 38. Specifically, cable 30A extends from the right side of handlebar 26 to the left side of wheel 38, and cable 30B extends from the left side of handlebar 26 to the right side of wheel 38. Thus, for example, if handlebar 26 were rotated clockwise about axis A1, relative to the orientation of
Cables 30A and 30B extend from fairing 68, are routed along post 62 and into frame 64 and turned back through chassis 14 to couple to carriage 58. Cables 30A and 30B extend within protective sleeves 71A and 71B, respectively, that are anchored to chassis 14 at flanges 70 and 72, thus facilitating pushing and pulling of the cables as handlebar 26 is rotated. Additionally, cables 30A and 30B include adjustable linkages that couple to carriage 58 and fairing 68. For example, cable 30B includes linkages 74B and 76B. Each linkage includes a threaded coupler that permits axial adjustment of the length of cable, and a ball joint that permits a swiveling fastening point. Fairing 68 is rigidly connected to handlebar 26 such that cables 30A and 30B rigidly connect handlebar 26 and carriage 58. Thus, rotation of handlebar 26 about axis A1 causes cables 30A and 30B to push and pull carriage 58. Cables 30A and 30B are sufficiently stiff such that each cable will push on carriage 58 when so moved. Thus, steering system 12 is operable with only one of cables 30A and 30B. However, the use of two cables provides redundancy, removes play from steering system 12 and facilitates re-centering of wheel 38.
Swivel post 51 of carriage 58 is inserted into socket 92 in bar 52 of frame 14. Steering wheel 38, which in one embodiment may comprise an inflatable tire, is connected to carriage 58 via shaft 93. Swivel post 51 may be provided with bearings 94A and 94B to facilitate rotation of carriage 58. Swivels 96A and 96B are connected to carriage 58 and provide rotatable joints for coupling with cables 30A and 30B. Cables 30A and 30B are anchored at flange 72 via collars 98A and 98B on sleeves 71A and 71B. Collar 98A and 98B are threaded onto cables 30A and 30B to adjust the length between flange 72 and carriage 58. Sleeves 71A and 71B are connected to flange 72 opposite collars 98A and 98B to provide a pathway for cables 30A and 30B to slide when moved by handlebar 26 (
As handlebar 26 is rotated, cables 30A and 30B apply direct rotational force to carriage 58, which rotates within socket 92 on swivel post 51. Caliper arms 78A and 78B include bores that are positioned around swivel post 51. Rearward extending portions of caliper arms 78A and 78B are linked by spring 80, and forward extending portions of caliper arms 78A and 78B squeeze centering post 82 and stop post 84 under force from the spring. Thus, caliper arms 78A and 78B operate as a scissor-type clamp. Stop post 84 is anchored to chassis 14 via alignment device 34. Thus, caliper arms 78A and 78B will rotate about swivel post 51 to align with stop post 84. Centering post 82 is also located between caliper arms 78A and 78B to bring carriage 58 into a center position tied to the position of stop post 84. Specifically, centering post 82 is pushed by the spring action of caliper arms 78A and 78B toward alignment with stop post 84. As such, centers of swivel post 51, stop post 84 and centering post 82 will be aligned along a straight line. Orientation of the straight line relative to chassis 14 can be controlled with alignment device 34.
Guide 60 sits on bar 52 of chassis 14 and includes window 100 through which socket 92 extends. Guide 60 can slide upon bar 52 to adjust the position of stop post 84 relative to chassis 14. Movement of guide 60 can be precisely controlled using fastener 88 which extends through flanges 86A and 86B. For example, fastener 88 can be threaded into flange 86A to adjust the distance between flanges 86A and 86B in conjunction with a flange on fastener 88. Fastener 90 extends through a bore in guide 60 and a slot (not shown) in bar 52 in order to immobilize stop post 84 relative to chassis 14. Repositioning of stop post 84 adjusts the orientation of caliper arms 78A and 78B on swivel post 51, which then adjusts where caliper arms 78A and 78B push alignment post 82 under force of spring 80.
The disclosure describes a self-propelled, stand-on cart upon which a line striping system can be mounted. The cart and line striping system are operated utilizing a control system that incorporates a steering system having ergonomic, easy-to-use controls. For example, a handlebar can be positioned at a comfortable height for an operator to stand behind. The handlebar includes controls for paint, steering and propulsion systems such that painting, turning and speed controls are all accessible to an operator without lifting his or her hands from the handlebar. Additionally, rotation of the handlebar provides intuitive steering control, while pivoting of a speed bar provides intuitive speed control, including forward and reverse movements. The paint system is easily operated using a push-button system mounted to the handlebar. An operator of the line striping system need not apply force to move or steer the cart, as it is self-propelled. Thus, an operator of the line striping system can apply more accurate stripes with less fatigue.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/629,408 filed Jun. 21, 2017 entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SELF-PROPELLED LINE STRIPER,” which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/400,197 filed Nov. 10, 2014 entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SELF-PROPELLED LINE STRIPER” which claims benefit to International Application No. PCT/US2013/040371 filed May 9, 2013 entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SELF-PROPELLED LINE STRIPER” which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/645,268, filed May 10, 2012, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SELF-PROPELLED LINE STRIPER,” which are incorporated herein.
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20190024330 A1 | Jan 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61645268 | May 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15629408 | Jun 2017 | US |
Child | 16143203 | US | |
Parent | 14400197 | US | |
Child | 15629408 | US |