Patent Grant
10316475
This patent disclosure relates generally to paving machines and, more particularly, to an arrangement for controlling the operation of a paving machine auger having multiple zones.
Paving machines are used to apply, spread and compact a “mat” of material relatively evenly over a desired surface. These machines are used regularly in the construction of roads, parking lots and other areas where a smooth durable surface is required for cars, trucks and other vehicles to travel. An asphalt paving machine, for example, generally includes a hopper for receiving asphalt material from a truck and a conveyor system for transferring the asphalt rearwardly from the hopper for discharge onto a roadbed. Transversely-disposed screw augers may be used to spread the asphalt material transversely across the roadbed in front of a screed plate. The screed plate smoothes and somewhat compacts the asphalt material and ideally leaves a roadbed of uniform depth and smoothness.
In order to help achieve the desired uniform depth and smoothness as well as to accommodate different job site conditions and different desired roadbed configurations, the screed assembly can include a variety of adjustments. These adjustments can be used to vary, for example, the width and thickness of the mat as well as the degree of any crown. Such an auger arrangement is disclosed, for example, in Chinese Publication CN1070707A, which discloses a plurality of parallel augers that may be individually clutch controlled to provide a desired thickness and width of paving material. Providing a desired thickness of the mat may be more difficult during wide width paving, however, inasmuch as the material demands may be different through the length of the screed because of varying job site conditions and desired roadbed configurations. That is, some areas along the length may require more material, while other areas require less.
Some paving machines may be adapted to provide a wider span of material by the addition of screed plate and auger extensions. Presently, however, only left and right halves of auger, including the extensions, can be independently controlled. Accordingly, present arrangements may not be sufficient for distributing varied amount of paving material along the entire length of a screed and may lead to overfill in some regions of the road surface. For example, the amount of material distributed may be high in the center of the screed, low in the middle of the left side of the screed and high at the end of the screed. Turning the entire auger, i.e., both left and right halves or all the sections of the auger, may force material into the low filling portion, but may also force more paving material towards the ends of the screed. Thus, this delivery of material may cause an over fill of the paving material on the road surface on the side receiving an excess of material at the end of the screed. It would be desirable to provide an arrangement that would permit an operator to distribute paving materials in a manner consistent with a desired road surface.
In one aspect, the disclosure describes a paving machine including an auger drive system, a rotatably-mounted primary auger shaft coupled to the auger drive system for selective rotation, and a primary auger section including a primary auger sleeve, the primary auger sleeve being disposed about the primary auger shaft. A primary auger clutch is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. The primary auger section is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch engaged position. The primary auger section is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. The paving machine further includes at least a first auger extension, and at least a first auger extension clutch. The first auger extension clutch is actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position. The first auger extension is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position.
In another aspect, the disclosure describes an auger assembly adapted for coupling to an auger drive system in a paving machine. The auger drive system provides a rotational force about an axis of rotation disposed transversely to the paving machine. The auger assembly includes a rotatably-mounted primary auger shaft adapted to be coupled to the auger drive system for rotation about the axis of rotation by the auger drive system, a primary auger section including a primary auger sleeve disposed about the primary auger shaft, and a primary auger clutch. The primary auger clutch is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. The primary auger section is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch engaged position. The primary auger section is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. The auger assembly further includes at least a first auger extension selectively rotatable about the axis of rotation, and at least a first auger extension clutch. The first auger extension clutch is actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position. The first auger extension is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position.
In yet another aspect, the disclosure describes an auger assembly adapted for coupling to an auger drive system in a paving machine, the auger drive system providing a rotational force about an axis of rotation disposed transversely to the paving machine. The auger assembly includes a rotatably-mounted primary auger shaft adapted to be coupled to the auger drive system for rotation about the axis of rotation by the auger drive system, a primary auger section including a primary auger sleeve disposed about the primary auger shaft, and a primary auger clutch. The primary auger clutch is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. The primary auger section is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch engaged position. The primary auger section is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the primary auger clutch is disposed in the primary auger clutch disengaged position. The auger assembly further includes at least a first auger extension selectively rotatable about the axis of rotation, and at least a first auger extension clutch. The first auger extension clutch actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The first auger extension is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position. The first auger extension is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. The second auger extension includes at least one of the following: the first auger extension being secured with a first auger extension shaft, wherein actuation of the first auger extension clutch between the first auger extension clutch engaged position and the first auger extension clutch disengaged position engages or disengages the first auger extension shaft from rotation with the primary auger shaft; and the first auger extension including a first auger extension sleeve, the first auger extension sleeve being disposed for selective rotation about a first auger extension shaft, the first auger extension shaft being secured for rotation with the primary auger shaft, wherein the first auger extension sleeve is coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, and the first auger extension sleeve is not coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft when the first auger extension clutch is disposed in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position.
This disclosure generally relates to paving machines. More specifically, certain disclosed embodiments provide a generally transversely-disposed auger assembly with rotational control over multiple zones along the length of the auger. Referring to
The paving machine 10 may further include a hopper 26 adapted for storing a paving material, and a conveyor system including one or more conveyors 28 configured to move paving material from the hopper 26 to the screed assembly 18 at the rear of the paving machine 10. The conveyors 28 may be arranged at the bottom of the hopper 26 and, if more than one is provided, may be positioned side-by-side and run parallel to one another back to the rear of the paving machine. The speed of the one or more conveyors 28 may be adjustable in order to control the rate at which paving material may be delivered to the screed assembly 18. More specifically, the height of the pile of paving material delivered to the screed assembly 18 may be increased or decreased by varying the conveyor speed relative to the speed at which the paving machine 10 is traveling. To the extent that more than one conveyor 28 is provided, the speed of each conveyor 28 may be independently variable in order to adjust the amount of paving material delivered to each side of the screed assembly 18. While an endless path conveyor is shown, one or more feed augers or other material feed components may be used instead of or in addition to the conveyor.
The screed assembly 18 may be any of a number of configurations known in the art such as a fixed width screed, screed extender or a multiple section screed that includes extensions. The screed assembly 18 is provided with a screed plate 30. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the screed assembly 18 may include, for example, a main screed section with left and right screed sections (not visible in the figures). The screed assembly 18 may also include a tamper bar 32 positioned forward of a main screed section and extending transversely to the direction of travel of the paving machine 10, as shown in
One or more auger assemblies 40 including one or more auger sections may be arranged near the forward end of the screed assembly 18 to receive the paving material supplied by the conveyor 28 and spread the material evenly beneath the screed assembly 18. The one or more auger assemblies 40 are generally transversely disposed relative to the paving machine 10 such that they distribute material transversely in front of the screed assembly 18. The height of the auger assembly 40 may be adjusted in order to position the auger assembly 40 at the proper height to sufficiently spread the paving material via one or more height adjustment actuators 42. For example, if the auger assembly 40 is too high, the paving material may not be sufficiently spread and the screed assembly 18 may not be able to smooth it out completely. On the other hand, if the auger assembly 40 is too low, it may disrupt the paving material such that there may not be enough material for the screed assembly 18 to smooth and compact. The height adjustment actuators 42 for the auger assembly 40 may be any suitable actuator, such as, for example, hydraulic cylinders.
As shown in
Although only one auger assembly 40 is visible in the side elevational view of
Turning to
In accordance with this disclosure, the primary auger section 60 and the first auger extension 62 may be rotated in conjunction with one another, independently rotated, or independently not rotated in order to control the output of paving material provided transversely before the screed assembly 18. For example, one or the other of the primary auger section 60 and the first auger extension 62 may be driven separately or not driven, or the primary auger section 60 and the first auger extension 62 may be driven at the same time to compensate for desired imbalances in the delivery of paving material to the screed assembly 18 or create desired imbalances in the output of the paving machine 10. Moreover, while this disclosure refers to one or more auger extensions, such auger extensions may be provided as supplements to an auger assembly associate with a paving machine 10, or may be provided in conjunction with an unextended screed assembly 18. That is, a primary auger section 60 in conjunction with one or more auger extensions 62 may be part of the auger assembly 40 provided in conjunction with an unextended screed assembly 18 of a paving machine 10.
The primary auger section 60 includes a primary auger sleeve 66 that is mounted for selective rotation about a primary auger shaft 64. One or more spiral fins or blades 65 extend outward from a peripheral surface of the primary auger sleeve 66. The primary auger shaft 64 may be supported at either end by any appropriate arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary auger shaft 64 is supported at one end by a drive output shaft 68 and at the other end by a support 70. Both the primary auger shaft 64 and the primary auger sleeve 66 are disposed for rotation about an auger axis 72. That is, the primary auger shaft 64 and the primary auger sleeve 66 are coaxially disposed for rotation about the auger axis 72. The primary auger sleeve 66 is rotatably mounted on the primary auger shaft 64 by a plurality of bearings 74, 76. The bearings 74, 76 may be of any appropriate design that permit the rotation of the primary auger sleeve 66 relative to the primary auger shaft 64.
In order to provide for selective rotation of the primary auger sleeve 66 with or about the primary auger shaft 64, a primary auger clutch 78 is provided. While the primary auger clutch 78 is disposed at the inward edge of the of the primary auger sleeve 66, the primary auger clutch 78 may be alternatively disposed, for example, along the outward edge of the primary auger sleeve 66. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the primary auger clutch 78 and any clutch discussed in this disclosure may be of any appropriate design and operated by any appropriate mechanism.
The primary auger clutch 78 is actuable between a primary auger clutch engaged position and a primary auger clutch disengaged position. When the primary auger clutch 78 is in the primary auger clutch engaged position, the primary auger sleeve 66 is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft 64 about the auger axis 72. Conversely, when the primary auger clutch 78 is in the primary auger clutch disengaged position, the primary auger sleeve 66 is decoupled from the primary auger shaft 64 such that the primary auger sleeve 66 and the primary auger shaft 64 are not coupled for rotation together. That is, the primary auger shaft 64 is free to rotate within the primary auger sleeve 66 when the primary auger clutch 78 is in the primary auger clutch disengaged position.
The primary auger shaft 64 is driven by a auger drive system 80 of the paving machine 10. The auger drive system 80 may be of any appropriate arrangement and driven by any appropriate system of the paving machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the auger drive system 80 include a drive chain 82, which drives the drive output shaft 68 secured with the primary auger shaft 64. It will be appreciated that the primary auger shaft 64 and the drive output shaft 68 may be formed as a unitary shaft or as a plurality of components that are secured together. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the primary auger shaft 64 includes a central bore 86 that received a portion of the drive output shaft 68. Other arrangements are envisioned. For example, a sleeve could be secured to the periphery of both the primary auger shaft and the drive output shaft, or a pin could be secured within sleeve portions of the primary auger shaft and the drive output shaft.
In order to provide selective rotation of the first auger extension 62, at least a first auger extension clutch 88 is also provided. The first auger extension clutch 88 is selectively actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. When the first auger extension clutch 88 is in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension 62 is coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft 64 about the auger axis 72. Conversely, when the first auger extension clutch 88 is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension 62 is decoupled from the primary auger shaft 64 such that the first auger extension 62 is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft 64. That is, the first auger extension 62 is not driven by the primary auger shaft 64 when the primary auger shaft 64 is driven by the auger drive system 80 when the first auger extension clutch 88 is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. In this way, rotation of the primary auger sleeve 66 of the primary auger section 60 and the first auger extension 62 may be independently controlled in order to provide a desired material distribution profile.
In the embodiment illustrated in
As illustrated in
In order to provide selective rotation of the first and second auger extensions 100, 102, a first auger extension clutch 118 is provided. The first auger extension clutch 118 is selectively actuable between a first auger extension clutch engaged position and a first auger extension clutch disengaged position. When the first auger extension clutch 118 is in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension shaft 108 and associated spiral fins or blades 104 are coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft 64 about the auger axis 72. Conversely, when the first auger extension clutch 118 is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension shaft 108 and associated spiral fins or blades 104 is decoupled from the primary auger shaft 64 such that the first auger extension 100 is not coupled for rotation with the primary auger shaft 64. Further, in view of the second auger extension 102 being secured with the first auger extension 100, the second auger extension 102 is driven by the primary auger shaft 64 only when the first auger extension clutch 118 is engaged, allowing the primary auger shaft 64 driven by the auger drive system 80 to drive the first auger extension 100. It will thus be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, as with the embodiment of
Turning now to the schematic illustration of
In order to provide selective rotation of the first auger extension sleeve 124, at least a first auger extension clutch 132 is selectively actuable to engage or disengage the first auger extension sleeve 124 from the first auger extension shaft 122, which is secured for rotation with the primary auger shaft 64. When the first auger extension clutch 132 is in the first auger extension clutch engaged position, the first auger extension sleeve 124 is coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft 122 and the primary auger shaft 64 about the auger axis 72. Conversely, when the first auger extension clutch 132 is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position, the first auger extension sleeve 124 is decoupled from the first auger extension shaft 122 such that the first auger extension sleeve 124 is not coupled for rotation with the first auger extension shaft 122 and the primary auger shaft 64. That is, the first auger extension sleeve 124 of the first auger extension 120 is not driven by the primary auger shaft 64 when the primary auger shaft 64 is driven by the drive system (as explained above) when the first auger extension clutch 132 is in the first auger extension clutch disengaged position. Thus, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the first auger extension sleeve 124 and the primary auger sleeve 66 may both, either or neither be driven by the primary auger shaft 64.
It will further be appreciated by those of skill in the art that alternate arrangements are envisioned where a plurality of auger extensions may be selectively couplable to a primary auger section. While the embodiment of
By way of example only, as illustrated in
A second auger extension 146 and second auger extension clutch 148 may further be provided in a manner similar to the first auger extension and first auger extension clutch of
By way of further example, as illustrated in
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that additional auger extensions including an auger extension sleeve with a paired rotatably mounted auger extension shaft and accompanying auger extension clutch may be provided. Similarly, additional auger extensions wherein the outer peripheral surface of the auger extension is secured with an auger extension shaft may be provided, with or without an accompanying auger extension clutch. It will be understood that any auger extensions outboard an auger extension wherein the peripheral surface of the auger extension is secured with an auger extension shaft adapted to be selectively coupled by a clutch to an inward auger extension shaft or primary auger shaft would necessarily be controlled by that clutch. For example, in
The present disclosure is applicable to paving machines that include an auger assembly, and may be particularly useful in paving machines that include an auger assembly that may be extended with supplemental auger sections. An arrangement according to teachings of the present disclosure may be utilized to provide a desired distribution of paving material in some embodiments. An arrangement according to teachings of the present disclosure may be utilized to facilitate forcing paving material to a low portion of a distribution while minimizing preventing the driving of additional material to an undesired location along a screed assembly in some embodiments. An arrangement according to the present disclosure may be utilized to tailor a distribution of paving material before a screed assembly in some embodiments.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20190145062 A1 | May 2019 | US |
