阅读说明：本技术 用于控制铺路机压实系统的操作的控制系统 (Control system for controlling operation of a compacting system of a paving machine ) 是由 J·R·埃尔文 于 2019-08-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于控制铺路机压实系统的操作的控制系统。一种用于控制铺路机的振动系统和夯土机系统的操作的控制系统,包括第一输入装置、第二输入装置和控制器。第一输入装置可操作以提供第一速度信号,用于以所期望的第一旋转速度操作振动系统。第二输入装置可操作以提供第二速度信号,用于以所期望的第二旋转速度操作夯土机系统。控制器从第一输入装置和第二输入装置中相应的一个接收第一速度信号和第二速度信号,并比较所期望的第一旋转速度和所期望的第二旋转速度。基于该比较,控制器确定所期望的第一旋转速度和所期望的第二旋转速度是否位于彼此的预定义范围内。基于该确定,控制器调制第一速度信号和第二速度信号中的至少一个。(The present invention relates to a control system for controlling the operation of a compaction system of a paving machine. A control system for controlling the operation of a vibration system and a tamper system of a paving machine includes a first input device, a second input device, and a controller. The first input device is operable to provide a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed. The second input device is operable to provide a second speed signal for operating the tamper system at a desired second rotational speed. The controller receives the first and second speed signals from a respective one of the first and second input devices and compares the desired first rotational speed to the desired second rotational speed. Based on the comparison, the controller determines whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other. Based on the determination, the controller modulates at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal.)

1. A control system for controlling the operation of a vibration system and a tamper system of a paving machine, the control system comprising:

a first input device operable to provide a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed;

a second input device operable to provide a second speed signal for operating the tamper system at a desired second rotational speed; and

a controller in independent coupled communication with each of the first and second input devices and the vibration system and the compactor system, the controller configured to:

receive the first and second speed signals from respective ones of the first and second input devices,

comparing the desired first rotational speed with the desired second rotational speed,

determining, based on the comparison, whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of distance from each other, and

modulating at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal based on the determination.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to modulate at least one of the first and second speed signals such that a desired first rotational speed and a desired second rotational speed for operating respective ones of the vibration system and the tamper system are separated from each other by at least the predefined range.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a rotational speed of at least one of the vibration system and the tamper system by modulating at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal to prevent harmonic oscillations from subsequent operation of the vibration system and the tamper system from occurring in the paving machine.

4. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a third input device operable to provide a third speed signal for operating a pressure bar system of the paving machine at a desired third rotational speed.

5. The control system of claim 4, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the third input device, the controller configured to:

receiving a third speed signal from the third input device,

comparing the desired third rotational speed to each of the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed,

determining whether the desired third rotational speed is within a predefined range from each of the first and second rotational speeds based on the comparison, and

modulating at least one of the first, second, and third speed signals based on the determination.

6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the first input device and the second input device are user-operable input devices.

7. The control system of claim 1, wherein the first input device and the second input device are autonomously operated by the controller for providing the first speed signal and the second speed signal, respectively.

8. A paving machine comprising:

a frame;

a vibration system mounted to the frame;

a tamper system mounted to the frame;

a first input device operable to provide a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed;

a second input device operable to provide a second speed signal for operating the tamper system at a desired second rotational speed; and

a controller in independent coupled communication with each of the first and second input devices and the vibration system and the compactor system, the controller configured to:

receive the first and second speed signals from respective ones of the first and second input devices,

comparing the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed from corresponding ones of the first speed signal and the second speed signal,

determining, based on the comparison, whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of distance from each other, and

modulating at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal based on the determination.

9. The paving machine of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to modulate at least one of the first and second speed signals such that the desired first and second rotational speeds for operating the corresponding ones of the vibration and tamper systems are separated from each other by at least the predefined range.

10. The paving machine of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a rotational speed of at least one of the vibration system and the tamper system by modulating at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal to prevent harmonic oscillations from subsequent operation of the vibration system and the tamper system from occurring in the paving machine.

11. The paving machine of claim 8 further comprising:

a pressure bar system; and

a third input device operable to provide a third speed signal for operating the pressure bar system at a desired third rotational speed.

12. The paving machine of claim 11, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the third input device, the controller configured to:

receiving the third speed signal from the third input device,

comparing the desired third rotational speed to each of the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed,

determining, based on the comparison, whether the desired third speed signal is within a predefined range from each of these first and second rotational speeds, and

modulating at least one of the first, second, and third speed signals based on the determination.

13. The paving machine of claim 8, wherein the first and second input devices are user-operable input devices.

14. The paving machine of claim 8, wherein the first and second input devices are autonomously operated by the controller for providing the first and second speed signals, respectively.

15. A method for controlling operation of a vibration system and a tamper system associated with a paving machine, the method comprising:

providing, by a first input device, a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed;

providing, by a second input device, a second speed signal for operating the tamper system at the desired second rotational speed; and

receiving, by a controller, the first and second speed signals from respective ones of the first and second input devices,

comparing, by means of the controller, the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed with corresponding ones of the first speed signal and the second speed signal,

determining, by means of the controller, whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range from each other, and

modulating, by means of the controller, at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal based on the determination.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising modulating, by means of the controller, at least one of the first and second speed signals such that the desired first and second rotational speeds for operating respective ones of the vibration and tamper systems are separated from each other by at least the predefined range.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a rotational speed of at least one of the vibration system and the tamper system by modulating at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal to prevent harmonic oscillations from subsequent operation of the vibration system and the tamper system from occurring in the paving machine.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

providing, via a third input device, a third speed signal for operating a pressure bar system of the paving machine at a desired third rotational speed;

receiving, by the controller, the third speed signal from the third input device;

comparing, by means of the controller, the desired third rotational speed with each of the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed,

determining, by means of the controller, whether the desired third rotational speed is within a predefined range from each of the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, and

modulating, by means of the controller, at least one of the first, second, and third speed signals based on the determination.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the first input device and the second input device are user-operable input devices.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first input device and the second input device are autonomously operated by the controller for providing the first speed signal and the second speed signal, respectively.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a road paver. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to control systems and methods for controlling the operation of a compaction system (i.e., a vibration system, a tamper system, and/or a compression bar system of a paving machine).

Background

Conventionally, asphalt pavers having screed plates are sometimes known to include a vibration system for vibrating the screed plate during operation. For example, U.S. publication 2018/0073204 discloses a paving machine having a screed plate, and a vibration system for vibrating the screed plate during operation. In many cases, such asphalt pavers may also include tamper bars driven by a tamper system. In this case, the vibration system and the tamper system will operate independently of each other to vibrate the screed plate and the tamper bar, respectively.

However, in some cases, while operating the asphalt paving machine, the tamper system and vibration system may be operated such that their operating speeds may be very close to each other, causing undesirable harmonic vibrations within the screed. These vibrations, in turn, can adversely affect the performance of the screed and/or cause discomfort to the operator.

Accordingly, there is a need for a control system that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages by preventing the operating frequencies of the vibration system and the tamper system from aligning with one another.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect of the present invention, a control system for controlling the operation of a vibration system and a tamper system of a paving machine includes a first input device, a second input device, and a controller. The first input device is operable to provide a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed. The second input device is operable to provide a second speed signal for operating the tamper system at a desired second rotational speed. The controller is configured to receive the first and second speed signals from respective ones of the first and second input devices and compare the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed. Based on the comparison, the controller determines whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other. Based on the determination, the controller modulates at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal.

In another aspect of the invention, a paving machine includes a frame, a vibration system, and a tamper system, each of which is mounted to the frame. In addition, the paving machine also includes a first input device operable to provide a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed and a second input device operable to provide a second speed signal for operating the tamper system at a desired second rotational speed. In addition, the paving machine includes a controller in independent communicative connection with each of the first and second input devices and the vibration system and the tamper system. The controller is configured to receive a first speed signal and a second speed signal from respective ones of the first input device and the second input device, and to compare the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed from respective ones of the first speed signal and the second speed signal. Based on the comparison, the controller is configured to determine whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other. Based on the determination, the controller is configured to modulate at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the operation of a vibration system and a tamper system associated with a paving machine is provided. The method includes providing, via a first input device, a first speed signal for operating the vibratory system at a desired first rotational speed. The method also includes providing a second speed signal via a second input device for operating the tamper system at a desired second rotational speed. Further, the method comprises: receiving, by the controller, first and second speed signals from respective ones of the first and second input devices; and comparing, by means of the controller, the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed from respective ones of the first speed signal and the second speed signal. Furthermore, the method comprises determining, by means of the controller, whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other. Further, the method includes modulating, by means of the controller, at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal based on the determination.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a paving machine having a vibration system, a tamper system, and a control system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system for separately controlling the operation of the vibration system and the tamper system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for controlling the operation of a vibration system and a tamper system associated with a paving machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a paving machine 100. Paving machine 100 may be used to lay asphalt on a work surface 102, such as a roadway. Although paving machine 100 is depicted as an asphalt paving machine, it should be understood that paving machine 100 may be any other type of paving machine for laying any type of paving material to form a layer of paving material on work surface 102.

Paving machine 100 includes a tractor 104, where tractor 104 is configured to propel paving machine 100 over work surface 102. In the present embodiment, tractor 104 is a wheeled tractor that includes a plurality of wheels 106 for providing traction between tractor 104 and work surface 102. In another embodiment, the tractor 104 may have tracks in place of the wheels 106 disclosed herein. These tracks, also referred to as caterpillar traction devices, provide traction between the tractor 104 and the work surface 102. In yet another embodiment, tractor 104 may also include a combination of tracks and wheels for providing traction between tractor 104 and work surface 102.

Paving machine 100 also includes a power source (not shown) for propelling tractor 104. A power source may be disposed in the tractor 104 and configured to drive a plurality of wheels 106 to propel the tractor 104. The power source may be, but is not limited to, an internal combustion engine, or a hybrid engine using a battery or other power source. Paving machine 100 may also include an electric generator (not shown) coupled to the power source. The generator may be configured to provide power to various electrical components of paving machine 100.

Tractor 104 includes a frame 108, and frame 108 is configured to support various components of paving machine 100, including but not limited to an operator station 110, a hopper 112, and a screed 118. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the operator station 110 is disposed adjacent a rear end 114 of the tractor 104. Operator station 110 includes control levers and switches for an operator to control various parameters of a paving operation associated with paving machine 100.

The hopper 112 is coupled to the frame 108 adjacent a front end 116 of the tractor 104. Hopper 112 may be configured to receive paving material from another machine, such as a truck. Hopper 112 may include a conveyor (not shown) for conveying paving material to a rear end 114 of tractor 104. An auger (not shown) may also be mounted on the rear end 114 of the tractor 104 to evenly distribute paving material in front of the screed 118.

A screed plate 118 is provided at the rear end 114 of the tractor 104. The screed plate 118 is configured to spread and compact paving material deposited on the work surface 102. The screed plate 118 includes a screed plate frame 122 and a screed plate 126 mounted on the screed plate frame 122. Screed frame 122 is connected to frame 108. In one embodiment, the screed frame 122 is movably connected to the frame 108 by a pair of arms 120 (one of the arms 120 being shown in fig. 1). The screed frame 122 is secured to a pair of arms 120, which arms 120 are in turn connected to the frame 108 by one or more actuators 124. The actuators 124 may be configured to raise, lower, move, and/or tilt the screed frame 122 to adjust the position and/or orientation of the screed frame 122 relative to the work surface 102.

The screed plate 126 is configured to compact paving material deposited on the work surface 102. Specifically, the screed plate 126 contacts paving material deposited on the work surface 102 to level the deposited paving material relative to the work surface 102.

In one embodiment, screed 118 may further include a plurality of extension plates (not shown) disposed laterally with respect to screed 126. Each extension plate may be supported on an extension frame (not shown). The extension boards may be configured to contact paving material deposited on the work surface 102, which is associated with the screed 126 to level the deposited paving material relative to the work surface 102.

The screed plate 118 also includes a vibration system 130 mounted on the screed plate frame 122. The vibration system 130 is configured to vibrate the screed frame 122, and thus the screed plate 126. Specifically, the vibration system 130 assists in compacting paving material deposited on the work surface 102 by providing vibratory forces (i.e., vibrations of the screed plate 126). Due to the vibration of the screed plate 122, the screed plate 126 impacts the paving material after it is deposited on the work surface 102, thereby compacting the paving material, such as asphalt, to form an asphalt mat 136 on the work surface 102. In one embodiment, asphalt mat 136 may be defined as a layer of paving material having a predetermined thickness, a predetermined width, and a predetermined solidity deposited on work surface 102.

The vibration system 130 is mounted on the screed frame 122. In this embodiment, the vibration system 130 may be implemented by means of a hydraulic motor connected to a vibration pod (not shown). The vibration pod may include a mass (not shown) eccentrically mounted on a rotating shaft supported by bearings. The vibration system 130 includes an eccentric mass that rotates and (not shown) is coupled to the screed frame 122, thereby inducing an oscillating or vibratory force to the screed frame 122, which is in turn transmitted to the screed 126. When the screed 126 vibrates, vibration or vibratory forces are applied to the paving material deposited on the work surface 102 for forming the asphalt mat 136. In various embodiments, the vibration system 130 may also be coupled directly to the screed plate 126 for vibrating the screed frame 122. Additionally or alternatively, each of the screed plate 126 and the plurality of extension plates may be coupled to a separate vibration system 130 to vibrate the screed frame 122.

Additionally, paving machine 100 may include tamper bars 132 for facilitating the pre-compaction or compaction of the paving material. Tamper stick 132 may include an elongated member having a flat surface (not shown) for engaging paving material. Tamper bar 132 may be movably coupled to frame 108 and operatively driven by tamper system 134 such that tamper bar 132 is actuated in a generally vertical direction to strike a surface of the paving material for compacting the paving material.

Paving machine 100 also includes a control system 200 for controlling the operation of vibration system 130 and tamper system 134. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control system 200 for controlling the operation of the vibration system 130 and the tamper system 134 on the asphalt mat 136. As shown, the control system 200 includes a first input device 202, a second input device 204, and a controller 206. The first input device 202 is operable to provide a first speed signal for operating the vibration system 130 at a desired first rotational speed. The second input device 204 is operable to provide a second speed signal for operating the tamper system 134 at a desired second rotational speed.

The controller 206 is independently coupled in communication with each of the first and second input devices 202, 204 and the vibration system 130 and the tamper system 134. The controller 206 is configured to receive the first and second speed signals from a respective one of the first and second input devices 202 and 204. The controller 206 is further configured to compare the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed with each other.

Based on the comparison, the controller 206 determines whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other. In one embodiment, the predefined range may be ± 100 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). In this embodiment, the controller 206 would be configured to determine whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within 100RPM of each other. In another embodiment, the predefined range may be ± 50 RPM. In this embodiment, the controller 206 would be configured to determine whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within 50RPM of each other.

Based on a determination that the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other, the controller 206 modulates at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal. In embodiments herein, the controller 206 will be configured to modulate at least one of the first and second speed signals such that the desired first and second rotational speeds for operating the respective one of the vibration system 130 and the tamper system 134 are separated from each other by at least a predefined range, i.e., 100RPM, or at least 50RPM, as previously disclosed in the embodiments previously described herein. It is contemplated that with embodiments herein, controller 206 will be configured to adjust the rotational speed of at least one of vibration system 130 and tamper system 134 by modulating at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal to prevent harmonic oscillations from subsequent operation of vibration system 130 and tamper system 134 from occurring in paving machine 100. In the embodiments herein, although the predefined range is disclosed as ± 50RPM or ± 100RPM, it may be noted that these values are not limitations of the present invention. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the predefined ranges may vary from one machine configuration to another and/or may depend on other specific requirements of the application.

In the embodiments herein, the first input device 202 and the second input device 204 disclosed herein are user-operable input devices. In such an embodiment, first input device 202 and second input device 204 would be operated by an operator of paving machine 100, either physically or remotely. However, in another embodiment, the first input device 202 and the second input device 204 may also be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously by the controller 206 for providing the first speed signal and the second speed signal, respectively. In such other embodiments, the controller 206 along with the first and second input devices 202 and 204 would be configured to form part of a closed feedback loop, with or without additional equipment, such as speed sensors (not shown) that may be associated with the vibration system 130 and the tamper system 134, respectively.

Additionally, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the paving machine 100 may include a pressure bar system 138, the pressure bar system 138 being configured to operatively drive a pressure bar 140 for compacting paving material adjacent the screed 126. Further, in this embodiment, the control system 200 may also include a third input device 208. The third input device 208 may be operable to provide a third speed signal for operating the pressure bar system 138 at a desired third rotational speed.

In this embodiment, the controller 206 is also communicatively coupled to a third input device. Further, the controller 206 will be configured to receive a third speed signal from the third input device 208, compare the desired first rotational speed to each of the first desired rotational speed and the second desired rotational speed. Based on the comparison, the controller 206 will determine whether the desired third rotational speed is within a predefined range from each of the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed. Further, based on the determination, the controller 206 will modulate at least one of the first, second, and third speed signals.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a method 300 for controlling the operation of the vibration system 130 and the tamper system 134. As shown at step 302, the method 300 includes providing, by the first input device 202, a first speed signal for operating the vibration system 130 at a desired first rotational speed. At step 304, the method 300 includes providing a second speed signal by the second input device 204 for operating the tamper system 134 at a desired second rotational speed.

Further, at step 306, the method 300 includes receiving, by the controller 206, the first and second speed signals from a respective one of the first and second input devices 202 and 204. At step 308, the method 300 includes comparing, by means of the controller 206, the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed from a respective one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal.

Further, at step 310, the method 300 comprises determining, by means of the controller 206, whether the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed are within a predefined range of each other. Further, at step 312, the method 300 includes modulating, by means of the controller 206, at least one of the first speed signal and the second speed signal based on the determination.

As disclosed in previous embodiments herein, the controller 206 may modulate at least one of the first and second speed signals such that the desired first and second rotational speeds for operating the respective one of the vibration system 130 and the tamper system 134 are separated from each other by at least a predefined range. In this way, harmonic oscillations from subsequent operation of vibration system 130 and tamper system 134 may be prevented from occurring in paving machine 100.

Furthermore, as disclosed in previous embodiments herein, if paving machine 100 includes pressure bar system 138 and pressure bar 140, control system 200 may be further configured to include a third input device 208, which third input device 208 may be operable to provide a third speed signal for operating pressure bar system 138 at a desired third rotational speed. In such embodiments, the method 300 further includes receiving, by the controller 206, a third speed signal from the third input device 208. The method 300 further comprises comparing, by means of the controller 206, the desired third rotational speed with each of the desired first rotational speed and the desired second rotational speed. Based on the comparison, the method 300 will further include determining, by means of the controller 206, whether the desired third rotational speed is within a predefined range from each of the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed. Further, the method 300 will also include modulating, by means of the controller 206, at least one of the first, second, and third speed signals based on the determination.

The various embodiments disclosed herein are to be understood in an illustrative and explanatory sense, and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. All connection references (e.g., mounted, associated, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader in understanding the present invention, and may not be limiting, particularly with respect to the location, orientation, or use of the components disclosed herein. Accordingly, the conjunctive references, if any, will be broadly construed. Furthermore, such a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected to each other.

In addition, all positional terms, such as, but not limited to, "front", "back", "down", "first", "second", or any other common and/or numerical terms, should also be used merely as identifiers to assist the reader in understanding the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present invention, and may not create any limitations. Particularly as to the order or preference of any element relative to or over another element.

It should be understood that various features shown or described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with various features shown or described with respect to another embodiment. The above embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. It is therefore to be understood that although certain features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the invention in the context of functional elements, such features may be omitted from the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Industrial applicability

The invention is suitable for use and implementation in the use of vibration systems and tamper systems of road pavers to prevent harmonic oscillations in the road pavers. The need for sufficient pre-compaction when paving may force operators to use the vibration system and the tamper system in tandem. However, if the operating speeds of the vibration system and the tamper system are close to each other when used together, harmonic oscillations may occur and the mass of the paving operation may deteriorate as a result. Moreover, if the frequencies from the vibration system and the tamper system operating at such speeds resonate with the natural frequency of the overall machine, the stability of the machine will also be negatively affected, further reducing the mass of the paving operation.

By using the embodiments disclosed herein, the manufacturer of the machine may implement a control system for preventing the speed, and thus the frequency of operation from the vibration system and the tamper system, from being within a predefined range of each other. In this way, the occurrence of harmonic oscillation can be prevented, and the stability of the machine can be maintained. Thus, the paving work block may be maintained at an optimal level over the operating speed range associated with each vibration system and tamper system. With such an embodiment, it is also contemplated that the manual tamper previously required by the operator of the machine to ensure that harmonic oscillations do not occur will now be avoided, thereby making the operator of the machine less fatigued than previously known operating techniques.

While aspects of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be devised by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, methods, and processes without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments are to be understood as falling within the scope of the present invention as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof.