Patent Application
20240352684
This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. ยง 119 (a)-(d) to European patent application number EP 23168434.1, filed Apr. 18, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The disclosure relates to a screed assembly for a road paver.
From EP 2199467 A1, a paving screed for a road paver is known, which comprises a base screed and extending screeds. The extending screeds are displaceable relative to the base screed in a displacement direction in order to change the working width. The extending screeds are each supported by an extending guide structure on a guide fixed to the base screed. Screed plates are arranged at the bottom of the base screed and the extending screeds. The extending screed has a frame that comprises the screed plate for the extending screed. Between the extending guide structure and the frame of the extending screed, vertical adjustment devices that can be actuated via a drive are provided for adjusting the elevation of the frame relative to the extending guide structure.
Other paving screeds with a base screed and extending screeds that can be displaced relative to the base screed are known, for example, from EP 1031660 A1, EP 2199466 A1 and EP 2218824 A1.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a screed assembly for a road paver is provided. The screed assembly comprises a main screed and a secondary screed. The main screed comprises a main screed plate for contact with paving material. The secondary screed includes a screed plate carrier and a secondary screed plate. The secondary screed plate is configured to contact the paving material. The secondary screed plate is attached to the screed plate carrier so as to be tiltable about a tilting axis. The screed assembly comprises a height adjustment device and a tilting device. The height adjustment device is configured to lower or raise the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed. The tilting device is configured to change a tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis. According to a first variant, the height adjustment device and the tilting device are functionally coupled such that the tilting device is automatically actuated to change the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis when the screed plate carrier is lowered or raised relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device. According to a second variant, the height adjustment device and the tilting device are functionally coupled such that the height adjustment device is automatically actuated to lower or raise the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed when the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis is changed by the tilting device. The functional coupling of the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be configured in accordance with the first variant and/or the second variant.
The screed assembly may be configured to form a road paver together with a towing vehicle. The screed assembly may be attachable to the towing vehicle to be towed by the towing vehicle. The screed assembly may be configured to be towed behind the towing vehicle in the paving direction.
The screed assembly can be configured to compact paving material, in particular bituminous paving material, on a subgrade. The screed assembly can be configured to smooth paving material, in particular bituminous paving material, on a subgrade.
A transverse direction is defined as a direction that extends in a horizontal plane and is perpendicular to the paving direction. A lateral direction or a width direction can be a direction parallel to the transverse direction.
The tilting axis can run transverse to the paving direction. The tilting axis can run parallel to the transverse direction.
The secondary screed plate can extend at least partially laterally outside the main screed plate. The secondary screed can be configured to provide an increased paving width compared to the paving width of the main screed.
The secondary screed can be configured to be displaceable along the transverse direction relative to the main screed. The secondary screed can be configured as an extending part, which can be extended outwards from the main screed in the transverse direction to widen the overall paving width of the screed assembly. The screed assembly can comprise a screed width adjustment which is configured to move the secondary screed in a transverse direction relative to the main screed.
As an alternative to a secondary screed that can be moved in the transverse direction relative to the main screed, the secondary screed can be attached to the main screed so that it cannot be moved in the transverse direction. At least part of the secondary screed can be rigidly connected to the main screed.
The secondary screed can be arranged completely or partially in front of the main screed with respect to the paving direction. The secondary screed can be arranged completely or partially behind the main screed with respect to the paving direction. The secondary screed can extend beyond the main screed along the paving direction. The secondary screed can extend beyond the main screed in the opposite direction to the paving direction.
The secondary screed plate can be arranged completely or partially in front of the main screed plate with respect to the paving direction. The secondary screed plate can be arranged completely or partially behind the main screed plate with respect to the paving direction. The main screed plate and the secondary screed plate can be arranged strictly one behind the other (without overlap) or with an overlap along the paving direction. The secondary screed plate can connect directly to the main screed plate along or against the paving direction. A distance between the main screed plate and the secondary screed plate along the paving direction may, for example, be less than 50 cm, or less than 20 cm, or less than 10 cm, or less than 5 cm, or between 15 cm and 90 cm. In particular, a distance between the main screed plate and the secondary screed plate along the paving direction may comprise, for example, 20 cm or 40 cm or 55 cm or 85 cm.
A length of the main screed plate along the paving direction may differ from a length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction. The length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction can be shorter than the length of the main screed plate along the paving direction. The length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction can be a maximum of 80%, or a maximum of 70%, or a maximum of 60%, or a maximum of 50% of the length of the main screed plate along the paving direction. The length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction can be at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50% of the length of the main screed plate along the paving direction. The length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction can be between 30% and 70%, or between 40% and 60%, or between 45% and 55% of the length of the main screed plate along the paving direction. The length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction can be at least essentially 50% of the length of the main screed plate along the paving direction.
The length of the main screed plate along the paving direction can at least essentially correspond to the length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction.
The length of the main screed plate along the paving direction can be shorter than the length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction.
The secondary screed can be configured to be inclined overall about an axis extending parallel to the paving direction. The secondary screed can be configured to be inclined in relation to the main screed about an axis extending parallel to the paving direction. Inclining the secondary screed about an axis extending parallel to the paving direction can, for example, simplify the installation of a roof profile or an inclined road surface.
The screed assembly may be configured to be tiltable as a whole about an overall axis extending parallel to the transverse direction. A tilting position of the screed assembly as a whole about the overall axis may define an angle of attack of the main screed plate relative to a horizontal plane. The angle of attack of the main screed plate can influence the degree of compaction by the main screed. A larger angle of attack of the main screed plate can result in a greater degree of compaction.
If the screed assembly is tilted about the overall axis, a height offset can occur between a rear edge of the main screed plate and a rear edge of the secondary screed plate. Such a height offset can lead to an undesirable offset in the installed pavement during paving operation. By lowering or raising the screed plate carrier of the secondary screed relative to the main screed using the height adjustment device, a height offset between a rear edge of the main screed plate and a rear edge of the secondary screed plate can be compensated for.
When the screed plate carrier is lowered or raised by the height adjustment device, the tilting axis can also be lowered or raised. When the screed plate carrier is lowered or raised by the height adjustment device, the secondary screed plate can also be lowered or raised. The height adjustment device can be configured to lower or raise the screed plate carrier, the secondary screed plate and the tilting axis together relative to the main screed. The height adjustment device can be configured to lower or raise the screed plate carrier, the secondary screed plate and the tilting axis together as a unit relative to the main screed.
A height difference between a front edge of the main screed plate and a rear edge of the main screed plate can be referred to as the draw-in height of the main screed. A height difference between a front edge of the secondary screed plate and a rear edge of the secondary screed plate can be referred to as the draw-in height of the secondary screed.
For example, tilting the screed assembly as a whole about the overall axis and/or raising or lowering the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device can result in the draw-in height of the secondary screed plate differing from the draw-in height of the main screed plate. This can undesirably result in the paving material being compacted to different degrees in the area of the main screed and in the area of the secondary screed.
The tilting device can be configured to change an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate by changing the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis. The tilting device can be configured to change a draw-in height of the secondary screed plate, in particular to match a draw-in height of the main screed plate, by changing the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis. The tilting device can be configured to change an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate and thus also a draw-in height of the secondary screed plate by changing the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis.
Due to the coupling of the height adjustment device with the tilting device, an adjustment process of the secondary screed can be simplified during operation. By coupling the height adjustment device and the tilting device, operating errors can be avoided or reduced.
The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled in such a way that the lowering or raising of the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device and the associated change in the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate by the tilting device take place simultaneously. The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that changing the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate by the tilting device and the associated lowering or raising of the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed are carried out simultaneously by the height adjustment device. If the lowering or raising of the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed and the changing of the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis are carried out simultaneously, the duration of an adjustment process of the secondary screed plate can be shortened, which can lead in particular to an improved paving result.
The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that the lowering or raising of the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device is in a fixed ratio to the changing of the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis by the tilting device. The fixed ratio can be suitably selected based on a geometry of the main screed and the secondary screed and a mutual arrangement of the main screed and the secondary screed.
The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that when the screed plate carrier is lowered or raised relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device, the tilting device is automatically actuated to change the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis such that a difference between a draw-in height of the main screed plate and a draw-in height of the secondary screed plate is partially or completely compensated for.
The automatic actuation of the tilting device when lowering or raising the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed can simplify the adjustment process of the secondary screed during operation. Due to the coupling of the height adjustment device with the tilting device, lowering or raising the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed can always change the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis. Separate setting of the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis can be omitted or simplified.
In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially in front of the main screed plate along the paving direction, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that a lowering of the screed plate carrier by the height adjustment device actuates the tilting device for tilting the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to increase an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade. In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially in front of the main screed plate along the paving direction, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that raising the screed plate carrier by the height adjustment device actuates the tilting device for tilting the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to reduce an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade.
In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially behind the main screed plate along the paving direction, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that a lowering of the screed plate carrier by the height adjustment device actuates the tilting device for tilting the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to reduce an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate with respect to a subgrade. In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially behind the main screed plate along the paving direction, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that raising the screed plate carrier by the height adjustment device actuates the tilting device for tilting the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to increase an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade.
The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that when the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis is changed by the tilting device, the height adjustment device is automatically actuated to lower or raise the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed so that a height difference between a rear edge of the main screed plate and a rear edge of the secondary screed plate is partially or completely compensated for.
The automatic actuation of the height adjustment device when changing the tilting angle of the screed plate about the tilting axis can simplify the adjustment process of the screed plate during operation. Due to the coupling of the height adjustment device with the tilting device, changing the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis can always immediately cause the screed plate carrier to be lowered or raised relative to the main screed. Separate lowering or raising of the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed can be omitted or simplified.
In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially in front of the main screed plate along the paving direction, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that tilting of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to increase an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade by the tilting device actuates the height adjustment device for lowering the screed plate carrier. In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially in front of the main screed plate along the direction of installation, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that tilting of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to reduce an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade by the tilting device actuates the height adjustment device for raising the screed plate carrier.
In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially behind the main screed plate along the paving direction, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that tilting of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to reduce an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade by the tilting device actuates the height adjustment device for lowering the screed plate carrier. In particular, if the secondary screed plate lies completely or partially behind the main screed plate along the direction of installation, the height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that tilting of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to increase an angle of attack of the secondary screed plate in relation to a subgrade by the tilting device actuates the height adjustment device for raising the screed plate carrier.
Preferably, an area of the secondary screed plate located at the rear in the paving direction is mounted on the tilting axis. For example, a connection between the tilting axis and the secondary screed plate can be provided at the rear 20%, or at the rear 10% or at the rear 5% of a length of the secondary screed plate in the paving direction. The further to the rear the secondary screed plate is mounted on the tilting axis, the less the height of the rear edge of the secondary screed plate changes when the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis is changed.
The tilting device can be configured to raise or lower an end of the secondary screed plate opposite the tilting axis to change the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate relative to the screed plate carrier. The end of the secondary screed plate opposite the tilting axis can be a front end of the secondary screed plate with respect to the installation direction. By raising or lowering the front end of the secondary screed plate, the degree of compaction achieved by the secondary screed can be changed.
The tilting device can include an actuating connection. The actuating connection can be connected to the secondary screed plate. The actuating connection can be configured to automatically rotate the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis when the screed plate carrier is lowered or raised by the height adjustment device.
The actuating connection can be connected to a front area, in particular a front end, of the secondary screed plate in relation to the paving direction.
A connection position between the secondary screed plate and the actuating connection can be spaced along or against the paving direction from a connection position between the secondary screed plate and the tilting axis, in particular by at least 80%, or at least 70%, or at least 50%, or at least 40%, or at least 30% of a length of the secondary screed plate along the paving direction. Due to a leverage effect, the spaced connection positions can favor a transmission of force through the actuating connection to the secondary screed plate for changing the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis.
The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that lowering or raising the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed by a carrier adjustment length actuates the tilting device to lower or raise a front end of the secondary screed plate relative to the screed plate carrier by a screed plate adjustment length.
The height adjustment device and the tilting device can be coupled such that lowering or raising a front end of the secondary screed plate relative to the screed plate carrier by a screed plate adjustment length actuates the height adjustment device to lower or raise the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed by a carrier adjustment length.
The screed plate adjustment length can be proportional to the carrier adjustment length.
A proportionality factor between the screed plate adjustment length and the carrier adjustment length can be selected such that a draw-in height of the secondary screed plate is adjusted to a draw-in height of the main screed plate by lowering or raising the front end of the secondary screed plate when the screed plate carrier is lowered or raised by the carrier adjustment length by the height adjustment device.
A proportionality factor between the screed plate adjustment length and the carrier adjustment length can be selected such that a height of a rear edge of the secondary screed plate is adjusted to a height of a rear edge of the main screed plate by lowering or raising the screed plate carrier when the front end of the secondary screed plate is lowered or raised.
The proportionality factor between the carrier adjustment length and the screed plate adjustment length can at least essentially correspond to a ratio between a length of the main screed plate in the paving direction and a length of the secondary screed plate in the paving direction. For example, if the length of the main screed plate in the paving direction corresponds to twice the length of the secondary screed plate in the paving direction, the carrier adjustment length can correspond to twice the screed plate adjustment length. In particular, the secondary screed plate can be directly connected to the main screed plate along the paving direction.
The screed assembly may include a drive. The drive may be configured to lower or raise the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed. The drive may, for example, comprise a spindle drive.
The drive can be coupled to the tilting device. The drive can drive the tilting device. If the drive drives both the height adjustment device and the tilting device, the height adjustment device can be coupled to the tilting device in a particularly cost-effective, efficient and reliable manner.
The drive can be configured to drive the height adjustment device with a first transmission ratio. The drive can be configured to drive the tilting device with a second transmission ratio. The first transmission ratio may differ from the second transmission ratio. The first transmission ratio and/or the second transmission ratio may be adaptable, in particular adjustable. The first transmission ratio and/or the second transmission ratio can be adjustable according to installation conditions or default values.
The functional coupling of the height adjustment device and the tilting device can comprise a mechanical coupling. Alternatively or additionally, the functional coupling of the height adjustment device and the tilting device may comprise a non-mechanical coupling.
The functional coupling of the height adjustment device and the tilting device can comprise a coupling implemented in the control system. A coupling implemented in terms of control technology can, for example, actuate the height adjustment device and additionally the tilting device based on a user input for controlling the height adjustment device. A coupling implemented in terms of control technology can, for example, actuate the tilting device and additionally the height adjustment device based on a user input for controlling the tilting device. A coupling implemented in the control system can, for example, actuate both the height adjustment device and the tilting device based on a user input, in particular a single user input, and in particular actuate them in a coordinated manner. Separate actuation of the height adjustment device and the tilting device by a separate user input can be omitted.
The functional coupling of the height adjustment device and the tilting device can comprise an electronic coupling or a hydraulic coupling.
The height adjustment device may be configured to increase a distance between a support frame and a support structure mounted at a fixed height relative to the main screed by a first length in order to lower the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed, and, in particular simultaneously, to increase a distance between the support frame and the screed plate carrier by a second length. The height adjustment device may be configured to reduce a distance between the support frame and the support structure by a third length to raise the screed plate carrier relative to the main screed and, in particular simultaneously, to reduce the distance between the support frame and the screed plate carrier by a fourth length. A ratio of the first length to the second length may correspond to a ratio of the third length to the fourth length.
The tilting device can include an actuating connection. The actuating connection can connect the support frame to the secondary screed plate.
The actuating connection can be connected to the support frame at a first attachment point. The actuating connection can be connected to the secondary screed plate at a second attachment point. The actuating connection can connect the support frame to the secondary screed plate such that a distance between the first attachment point and the second attachment point is kept constant.
When the screed plate carrier is lowered relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device, the second attachment point can be raised relative to the screed plate carrier by a distance corresponding to the second length. When the screed plate carrier is raised relative to the main screed by the height adjustment device, the second attachment point can be lowered by a distance corresponding to the second length.
A ratio of the first length to the second length can be 1:1.
The screed assembly can include a tilt adjustment device. The tilt adjustment device can allow the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate about the tilting axis to be changed without actuating the height adjustment device. The tilt adjustment device can allow the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate to be readjusted about the tilting axis, for example to adjust the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate relative to the subgrade. The tilt adjustment device can allow the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate to be set offset about the tilting axis.
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a road paver is provided. The road paver comprises a towing vehicle and the screed assembly described. The towing vehicle may comprise a hopper for receiving paving material. The hopper is preferably located at the front of the towing vehicle in the paving direction. The screed assembly is preferably attached to the rear of the towing vehicle in the paving direction.
The road paver can include a material transport device. The material transport device can be configured to transport paving material from the hopper to the rear against the paving direction and present it to the paving screed. The road paver can comprise a transverse distribution device, in particular a distributing auger. The transverse distribution device can be configured to distribute paving material in front of the paving screed in the transverse direction.
In the following, embodiments according to the disclosure are explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings:
The towing vehicle 3 comprises a hopper 11 located at the front with respect to the paving direction 9 for receiving paving material. The paving material is transported to the rear by a material transport device of the towing vehicle 3 against the paving direction 9 and presented to the screed assembly 7. A transverse distribution device 13 in the form of a distributing auger is provided at the rear of the towing vehicle 3, which distributes the paving material in front of the screed assembly 7 along a transverse direction 14, which is parallel to a horizontal plane and perpendicular to the paving direction 9.
In the embodiment shown in
The secondary screeds 17 each comprise a secondary screed plate 21, which comes into contact with the paving material in order to compact and smooth it. Correspondingly, the main screed 15 comprises a main screed plate 23, which comes into contact with the paving material in order to compact and smooth it. In the embodiment shown, a length of the main screed screed plate 23 in the paving direction 9 corresponds to twice the length of the secondary screed plate 21 in the paving direction 9.
To lower the screed plate carrier 27 in relation to the main screed 15, the drive 33 drives the spindles 35 to increase the distance between the screed plate carrier 27 and the support frame 37 and the distance between the support frame 37 and the support structure 25. When the distance between the support frame 37 and the support structure 25 is increased by a first length, the distance between the support frame 37 and the screed plate carrier 27 is increased by a second length. The ratio between the first length and the second length results from a thread ratio of the corresponding spindle sections and is 1:1 in the embodiment shown.
To raise the screed plate carrier 27 relative to the support structure 25 and thus relative to the main screed 15, the drive 33 drives the spindles 35 to reduce the distance between the support frame 37 and the support structure 25 and the distance between the support frame 37 and the screed plate carrier 27. When the distance between the support frame 37 and the support structure 25 is reduced by a third length, the distance between the support frame 37 and the screed plate carrier 27 is reduced by a fourth length. The ratio between the third length and the fourth length results from a thread ratio of the corresponding spindle sections and is 1:1 in the embodiment shown.
As can be seen in
Due to the fact that the actuating connection 43 is connected to the support frame 37, the height adjustment device 31 and the tilting device 45 are coupled.
When the screed plate carrier 27 is lowered by the height adjustment device 31, the support frame 37 moves downwards by the first length relative to the support structure 25. Thus, the front area of the secondary screed plate 21, which is connected to the support frame 37 via the actuating connection 43, also moves downwards relative to the support structure 25 by the first length. The screed plate carrier 27 and the tilting axis 41, and thus also the rear end of the secondary screed plate 21 with respect to the paving direction 9, on the other hand, move downwards by the sum of the first length and the second length. This results in the front end of the secondary screed plate 21 being raised relative to the rear end of the secondary screed plate 21 by the second length. When the screed plate carrier 27 is lowered, this results in a simultaneous tilting of the secondary screed plate 21 about the tilting axis 41 to increase an angle of attack between the secondary screed plate 21 and a horizontal plane or a subgrade.
When the screed plate carrier 27 is raised by the height adjustment device 31, the support frame 37 moves upwards by the third length relative to the support structure 25. Thus, the front area of the secondary screed plate 21, which is connected to the support frame 37 via the actuating connection 43, also moves upwards by the third length relative to the support structure 25. The screed plate carrier 27 and the tilting axis 41, and thus also the rear end of the secondary screed plate 21 with respect to the paving direction 9, on the other hand, move upwards by the sum of the third length and the fourth length. This results in a relative lowering of the front end of the secondary screed plate 21 relative to the rear end of the secondary screed plate 21 by the fourth length. When the screed plate carrier 27 is raised, this results in a simultaneous tilting of the secondary screed plate 21 about the tilting axis 41 to reduce an angle of attack between the secondary screed plate 21 and a horizontal plane or a subgrade.
Part B of
By actuating the height adjustment device 31 to raise the screed plate carrier 27, the rear edge 53 of the secondary screed plate 21 can be brought to the height level 61 of the rear edge 51 of the main screed plate 23 in order to produce a flat surface again. As explained above, when the screed plate carrier 27 is raised, both the secondary screed plate 21 is raised overall (arrow 65 in part B of
Part C of
In the embodiments described above, the coupling between the height adjustment device 31 and the tilting device 45 is mechanical.
In the embodiment of
The embodiment according to
According to another variant, the control device 84 may receive an operator input for adjusting the tilting angle of the secondary screed plate 21 about the tilting axis 41. The control device 84 may control the tilting device 45 based on the operator input to change the tilting angle. In addition, the control device 84 may control the height adjustment device 31 based on the same operator input to raise or lower the screed plate carrier 27 relative to the main screed 15.
A ratio between changing a height of the screed plate carrier 27 in relation to the main screed 15 and changing the tilting angle can be predefined, in particular predefined in a variable manner.
As one skilled in the art would understand, the control device 84, as well an any other control, controller, control system, unit, sensor, device, system, subsystem, arrangement, or the like described herein may individually, collectively, or in any combination comprise appropriate circuitry, such as one or more appropriately programmed processors (e.g. one or more microprocessors including central processing units (CPU)) and associated memory, which may include stored operating system software and/or application software executable by the processor(s) for controlling operation thereof and/or for performing the particular algorithms represented by the various functions and/or operations described herein, including interaction and/or cooperation between any such control device, control, controller, control system, unit, sensor, device, system, subsystem, arrangement, or the like. One or more of such processors, as well as other circuitry and/or hardware, may be included in a single ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuitry), or several processors and various circuitry and/or hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23168434.1 | Apr 2023 | EP | regional |
