US20210139245A1 - Trajectory control of discharge conveyor - Google Patents
Trajectory control of discharge conveyor Download PDFInfo
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- US20210139245A1 US20210139245A1 US16/677,397 US201916677397A US2021139245A1 US 20210139245 A1 US20210139245 A1 US 20210139245A1 US 201916677397 A US201916677397 A US 201916677397A US 2021139245 A1 US2021139245 A1 US 2021139245A1
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- conveyor
- conveyor section
- section
- folding mechanism
- signal
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G21/00—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors
- B65G21/10—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof
- B65G21/14—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of length or configuration of load-carrier or traction element
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G23/00—Driving gear for endless conveyors; Belt- or chain-tensioning arrangements
- B65G23/44—Belt or chain tensioning arrangements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G15/00—Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration
- B65G15/22—Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising a series of co-operating units
- B65G15/24—Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising a series of co-operating units in tandem
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G21/00—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors
- B65G21/10—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof
- B65G21/12—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of position of load-carrier or traction element as a whole
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G37/00—Combinations of mechanical conveyors of the same kind, or of different kinds, of interest apart from their application in particular machines or use in particular manufacturing processes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G41/00—Supporting frames or bases for conveyors as a whole, e.g. transportable conveyor frames
- B65G41/001—Supporting frames or bases for conveyors as a whole, e.g. transportable conveyor frames with the conveyor adjustably mounted on the supporting frame or base
- B65G41/002—Pivotably mounted
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C23/00—Auxiliary devices or arrangements for constructing, repairing, reconditioning, or taking-up road or like surfaces
- E01C23/06—Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road
- E01C23/08—Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road for roughening or patterning; for removing the surface down to a predetermined depth high spots or material bonded to the surface, e.g. markings; for maintaining earth roads, clay courts or like surfaces by means of surface working tools, e.g. scarifiers, levelling blades
- E01C23/085—Devices or arrangements for working the finished surface; Devices for repairing or reconditioning the surface of damaged paving; Recycling in place or on the road for roughening or patterning; for removing the surface down to a predetermined depth high spots or material bonded to the surface, e.g. markings; for maintaining earth roads, clay courts or like surfaces by means of surface working tools, e.g. scarifiers, levelling blades using power-driven tools, e.g. vibratory tools
- E01C23/088—Rotary tools, e.g. milling drums
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
- B65G2201/04—Bulk
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2203/00—Indexing code relating to control or detection of the articles or the load carriers during conveying
- B65G2203/02—Control or detection
- B65G2203/0266—Control or detection relating to the load carrier(s)
- B65G2203/0283—Position of the load carrier
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2207/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional details, configuration and additional features of a handling device, e.g. Conveyors
- B65G2207/14—Combination of conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2814/00—Indexing codes relating to loading or unloading articles or bulk materials
- B65G2814/03—Loading or unloading means
- B65G2814/0301—General arrangements
- B65G2814/0326—General arrangements for moving bulk material upwards or horizontally
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to cold planer machines and, more particularly, relates to conveyors associated with cold planer machines.
- Cold planer machines are a type of road construction vehicle and generally include a machine frame and a cutting drum rotatably mounted on the machine frame.
- the cutting drum facilitates removing material from a roadbed, such as asphalt.
- the machine also includes a conveyor used for transporting the asphalt to a discharge location such as a truck bed of a dump truck.
- They conveyor typically has a first section connected to the main frame and a second section that is pivotally connected to the first section, and the conveyor is adapted to be folded for transportation of the cold planer between job sites.
- the conveyor is folded by pivotally moving the second section with respect to the first section, such that, the second section is folded from
- U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0218762 entitled “Automotive Milling Machine, and a Method for Unloading Milled Material” discloses an automotive milling machine.
- the automotive milling machine of the '762 patent application publication includes a transport conveyor pivotable relative to a machine frame and a controller that has a detection and control system. Furthermore, the control system is used to continuously locate an alterable position of a transport vehicle and continuously control position on the point of impingement of the milled material onto the transport vehicle.
- the present disclosure relates to a conveyor system for a cold planer that has a first conveyor and a second conveyor.
- the second conveyor can convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, and is made of a first and a second conveyor sections and a conveyor belt that rotates around both sections.
- a folding mechanism has a pivoted connection between the first and second conveyor sections and may be used to provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and to provide vertical movement of the second conveyor section in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer.
- the conveyor system may have a belt tensioner that may provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is moved stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section.
- the present disclosure relates to a method of adjusting the position of a cold planer discharge conveyor.
- the method may include providing a conveyor system that has a frame, a first conveyor that may convey a milled material away from a milling drum, a second conveyor that has a first and a second conveyor section and may convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, a conveyor belt that rotates around the first and second conveyor sections, a folding mechanism that has a pivoted connection between the first and second conveyor sections and may provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and a belt tension that may provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section.
- the method may further include receiving a signal at a control system from an operator control, the conveyor system automatically adjust a conveying angle between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section by directing the folding mechanism to vertically move the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer.
- one aspect of the present disclosure may include a cold planer that has a milling drum, a frame, a first conveyor that may convey a milled material away from a milling drum, a second conveyor that has a first and a second conveyor section and may convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, a conveyor belt that rotates around the first and second conveyor sections, a folding mechanism that has a pivoted connection between the first and second conveyor sections and may provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and a belt tension that may provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section.
- the cold planer may further have a control that may receive a signal and use the folding mechanism to vertically move and adjust the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of a conveyor system for the machine of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a second conveyor for the conveyor system of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a second conveyor, in accordance with another embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the second conveyor of FIG. 4 in a folded position according to aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary conveyor system according to aspects of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for controlling the trajectory of a second conveyor of a cold planer.
- FIG. 1 a machine consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is generally referred to by reference numeral 1 .
- the machine 1 is illustrated as a cold planer, the machine 1 is shown primarily for illustrative purposes to assist in disclosing features of various embodiments, in that FIG. 1 does not depict all of the components of a machine. Moreover, the readings of this disclosure can be employed on other earth moving and construction machines as well.
- the machine 1 may comprise a frame 2 supported by traction devices 4 . Although traction devices 4 are shown as tracks, traction devices 4 may be wheels or of any other type. Mounted on the frame 2 may be a milling drum 6 and the conveyor system 8 . As an example, the milling drum 6 may be configured to mill a road surface, while the conveyor system 8 may be configured to transfer the milled material from the milling drum 6 to a discharge location (reference number 38 as discussed below), such as, a bed of a dump truck (not shown).
- a discharge location reference number 38 as discussed below
- the conveyor system 8 may comprise a first conveyor 12 and second conveyor 14 .
- the first conveyor 12 may be configured to convey the milled material away from the milling drum 6 to the second conveyor 14
- the second conveyor 14 may be configured to convey the milled material from the first conveyor 12 to the discharge location.
- the first conveyor 12 may be connected within to the frame 2 and positioned within a frame housing 16 , extending from a first end 18 to a second end 20 . More specifically, the first end 18 of the first conveyor 12 may be proximate the milling drum 6 , and the second end 20 of the first conveyor 12 may be proximate an end 22 of the frame 2 .
- the second conveyor 14 has a first conveyor section 30 and a second conveyor section 32 . Extending from a first end 33 to a second end 34 of the first conveyor section 30 , the second conveyor 14 may be pivotally connected relative to the second end 20 of the first conveyor 12 .
- the conveyor system 8 may include a first pivoted connection 36 between the first end 33 of the second conveyor 14 and the end 22 of the frame 2 .
- the first pivoted connection 36 between the second conveyor 12 and the frame 2 may provide the conveyor system 8 a first range of motion for positioning of the second conveyor 14 while the machine 1 is in an operating state. In so doing, the milled material may be conveyed to the discharge location 38 without having to align the machine 1 with the discharge location 38 . This may be particularly beneficial in accommodating dump trucks of different heights.
- the term “operating state” may refer to a condition of the machine 1 when the machine is performing work operations, such as, milling.
- first pivoted connection 36 may provide vertical movement of the second conveyor 14 relative to the first conveyor 12 , as well as lateral movement of the second conveyor 14 relative to the first conveyor 12 about a vertical axis 39 .
- Vertical movement of the first pivoted connection 36 may provide an inclination angle ⁇ between a horizontal axis 40 and the second conveyor 14 .
- Lateral movement of the first pivoted connection 36 may provide a side-to-side or rotation angle ⁇ about the vertical axis 39 .
- the inclination angle ⁇ may be between an inclusive range of zero degrees to ninety degrees
- the rotation angle ⁇ may be between an inclusive range of negative 30 degrees to thirty degrees.
- a hydraulic cylinder 41 that attaches to both the frame 2 and the second conveyor 14 may be used to adjust height inclination angle ⁇ or the rotation angle ⁇ .
- the conveyor system 8 may include a folding mechanism 42 within the second conveyor 14 in order to provide the conveyor system 8 a second range of motion for positioning of the second conveyor 14 while the machine 1 is in the operating state.
- the folding mechanism 42 includes a second pivoted connection 44 and a hydraulic system 46 .
- the second pivoted connection 44 may be disposed between the first conveyor section 30 and the second conveyor section 32 . More specifically, the first conveyor section 30 may extend from the first end 33 to the second end 34 , and the second conveyor section 32 may extend from a first end 47 to a second end 48 .
- the second pivoted connection 44 may pivotally connect the second end 34 of the first conveyor section 30 to the first end 47 of the second conveyor section 32 .
- the folding mechanism 42 may provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section 32 around an axis (not shown) of the second pivoted connection 44 .
- the second pivoted connection 44 of the folding mechanism 42 provides controlled articulation, vertical movement, and positioning of the second conveyor section 14 relative to the first conveyor section 12 during operating state of the machine 1 . In so doing, precise angling of the milled material into the discharge location 38 , or conveyor height, during an operating state of the machine 1 , may be achieved, such as, when maneuvering the second conveyor 14 to a tall dump truck.
- the folding mechanism 42 is configured to provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section 32 around an axis (not shown) of the pivoted connection from a folded position (the second conveyor 14 as shown in FIG. 5 ) to an unfolded position (the second conveyor 14 as shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the unfolded position is when the second conveyor section 32 is extended outwards away from the machine 1 , best shown in FIG. 3 , as to allow the conveyor system 8 to convey a milled material to the discharge location 38 .
- the folding mechanism 42 may provide vertical movement of the second conveyor section 32 relative to the first conveyor section 30 , and this vertical movement may provide a conveying angle ⁇ between the second conveyor section 32 and an axis 49 parallel to the longitudinal top surface of the first conveyor section 30 .
- the second conveyor section 32 defaults to a home position in which the conveying angle ⁇ is about 8-15 degrees.
- the folding mechanism 42 is capable of moving the second conveyor from the folded position, as shown in FIG. 5 , and the unfolded position, as shown in FIG. 3 , and vice versa.
- the folded position is beneficial for transport of the machine 1 to allow the second conveyor 14 to be more compact.
- the conveyor 14 includes the hydraulic system 46 that includes one or more hydraulic cylinders 51 operably coupled to the first conveyor section 30 and the second conveyor section 32 .
- the hydraulic system 46 may be used to vertically move the second conveyor section 32 rotatably around the second pivoted connection 36 when moving the second conveyor 14 from the folded position to the unfolded position.
- the hydraulic system 46 may also include one or more pumps, valves, cylinders, accessories, and the like.
- the second pivoted connection 36 may include hydraulic cylinders 51 , on each side of the second conveyor 14 .
- other mechanisms and configurations may be used.
- the folding mechanism 42 may be used to provide vertical movement to the second conveyor section 32 around the axis (not shown) of the second pivoted connection 44 during an operating state of the machine 1 .
- the vertical movement of the second conveyor section 32 in the unfolded position using the folding mechanism 42 allows the conveyor system 8 to raise the second conveyor section 32 from the home position, having a conveying angle ⁇ of around 8-15 degrees, up to a conveying angle ⁇ of 0 degrees, in which the second conveyor section 32 is longitudinal parallel to the first conveyor section.
- the second conveyor can be raised to better convey the milled material into a truck bed of taller dump truck having (not shown) the discharge location 38 in its truck bed (not shown) that may be unreachable without this movement.
- the folding mechanism 42 may increase the conveying angle ⁇ by lowering the second conveyor section 32 relative to the first conveyor section 30 .
- the conveying angle ⁇ may be increased from around 8-15 degrees in the home position to 90 degrees, but in other examples this value can be different depending on the operational requirements of the machine 1 .
- the second conveyor 14 may further include a conveyor belt 52 adapted to rotate around both of the first conveyor section 12 and second conveyor section 14 . More specifically, the conveyor belt 52 may rotate around support structures 53 , 54 of the first conveyor section 30 and the second conveyor section 32 , respectively, in a continuous loop.
- the conveyor belt 51 may include one or more belt tensioners, such as first belt tensioner 56 configured to provide a constant load to the conveyor belt 51 when the second conveyor section 32 is stationary, or moved, relative to the first conveyor section 30 .
- the second conveyor section 32 may include a second belt tensioner 57 for the conveyor belt 51 in addition to for the first belt tensioner 56 .
- the second belt tensioner 57 may be configured to apply an additional load to the conveyor belt 51 to maintain a tension when the second conveyor section 32 is moved relative to the first conveyor section 30 . For instance, after vertical movement of the second conveyor section 32 due to the folding mechanism 42 , the second belt tensioner 57 may adjust the tension of the conveyor belt 51 .
- the conveyor system 8 may be associated with the machine 1 and include elements to monitor, analyze, and control the conveying of the milled material to the discharge location 38 .
- the conveyor system 8 may include an operator control 60 in communication with a control system 61 , configured to receive an input 62 and send an electronic signal 63 associated with that input 62 to the control system 61 .
- the operator control 60 may be a joystick or any other type.
- the control system 61 after receiving the electronic signal 63 associated with the input 62 from the operator control 60 , sends a second electronic signal 64 or a third electronic signal 65 to the first pivoted connection 36 and the second pivoted connection 44 , respectively.
- the first pivoted connection 36 vertically moves the first conveyor section 30 relative to the frame
- the second pivoted connection 44 uses the folding mechanism 42 to vertically move the second conveyor section 32 relative to the first conveyor section 30 .
- the control system 61 analyzes the first electronic signal 61 , processes it, and automatically and continuously moves the second conveyor section 32 relative to the first conveyor section 30 , and may also move the first conveyor section 30 relative to the frame 2 , directed by the electronic signal 61 based on the input 62 .
- the input 62 can be a desired discharge location 38 , or the desired vertical positioning of the of the second conveyor section 32 relative to the first conveyor section 30 , or the desired vertical positioning of the conveyor height.
- control system automatically and continuously adjusts the conveying angle ⁇ through vertical movement of the second conveying section 32 relative to the first conveying section 30 , as well as continuously adjusting the inclination angle ⁇ through vertical movement of the first conveyor section 30 relative to the frame 2 based on the input 63 .
- the second conveyor 14 may continue to receive the milled material from the first conveyor 12 during the adjusting of the second conveyor section 32 in the unfolded position.
- the operator control 60 may provide the necessary controls and machine boundary conditions that can be operated during the operating state of the machine 1 .
- the machine boundary conditions may be the conditions or limitations the machine 1 may be operated in, and can include the maximum and minimum conveying angle ⁇ when the second conveyor 14 is in the unfolded position, or in the folded position.
- control system 61 may further be coupled to the first or second belt tensioner 56 , 57 , or any other belt tensioning devices.
- the control system 61 may receive a signal (not shown) from a monitoring device (not shown) that monitors the tension in the conveyor belt 52 .
- the first and second belt tensioner 56 , 57 may function as the monitoring device.
- the control device may send a second signal (not shown) to the first or second belt tensioner 56 , 57 , to adjust the tension in the conveyor belt 52 by increasing or decreasing the applied load. Further, the control system 61 may send this signal based on a vertical movement of the first or second conveyor sections 30 , 62 .
- control system 61 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors that include a means for monitoring operator and sensor input, and responsively adjusting operational characteristics of machine 1 based on the input 62 .
- control system 61 may include a memory, a secondary storage device, a clock, and a processor, such as a central processing unit or any other means for accomplishing a task consistent with the present disclosure.
- Numerous commercially available microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions of control system 61 .
- control system 61 could readily embody a general machine controller capable of controlling numerous other machine functions.
- Various other known circuits may be associated with control system 61 , including signal-conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, and other appropriate circuitry.
- Control system 61 may be further communicatively coupled with an external computer system, instead of or in addition to including a computer system, as desired.
- the foregoing disclosure finds utility in various applications, such as, in earthmoving, construction, industrial, agricultural, mining, transportation, and forestry machines.
- the disclosed convey system may be used by cold planer machines and other applications, such as, a quarry conveyor and the like.
- optimum placement of the discharge conveyor may be achieved.
- the disclosed conveyor system provides a second pivoted connection or articulation joint to the secondary conveyor that is driven by a folding mechanism.
- the control system associated with the conveyor system allows the operator of the machine to enter or select an input within the machine boundary conditions that can be operated while automatically varying the angle between a first and second conveyor section of the second conveyor.
- the second conveyor may be positioned automatically based on a signal from the control system.
- FIG. 7 a flowchart illustrating an example process 100 for positioning a second conveyor 14 of a machine 1 in order to convey a milled material from a first conveyor 12 to a discharge location 38 by automatically varying the conveying angle ⁇ is disclosed.
- the machine 1 may be positioned relative to the discharge location 38 .
- the discharge location 38 may be the best of a dump truck (not shown), and the obstacle could be the walls surrounding the bed of the dump truck.
- process 100 proceeds to block 106 .
- the machine 1 may continue to convey milled material. If, at block 104 , the second end of the second conveyor is not above an obstacle of obstacle in front of the discharge location, process 100 proceeds to block 108 .
- an operator of the machine 1 would enter an input 62 on the operator control 60 , within machine boundary conditions, and the operator control 60 would send a signal 63 to the control system 61 . The machine would then automatically adjust the conveying angle ⁇ at block 110 , and may also automatically adjust the inclination angle ⁇ and for any tension in the conveyor belt 52 .
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Abstract
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclose, a conveyor system for a cold planer is provided. The convey system may have a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a folding mechanism, and a belt tensioner. The second conveyor may have a first and a second conveyor sections, and the second conveyor section is vertically movable relative to the first conveyor section by the folding mechanism from a folded to an unfolded position, and while in the unfolded position.
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to cold planer machines and, more particularly, relates to conveyors associated with cold planer machines.
- Cold planer machines are a type of road construction vehicle and generally include a machine frame and a cutting drum rotatably mounted on the machine frame. The cutting drum facilitates removing material from a roadbed, such as asphalt. The machine also includes a conveyor used for transporting the asphalt to a discharge location such as a truck bed of a dump truck. They conveyor typically has a first section connected to the main frame and a second section that is pivotally connected to the first section, and the conveyor is adapted to be folded for transportation of the cold planer between job sites. The conveyor is folded by pivotally moving the second section with respect to the first section, such that, the second section is folded from
- U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0218762, entitled “Automotive Milling Machine, and a Method for Unloading Milled Material” discloses an automotive milling machine. The automotive milling machine of the '762 patent application publication includes a transport conveyor pivotable relative to a machine frame and a controller that has a detection and control system. Furthermore, the control system is used to continuously locate an alterable position of a transport vehicle and continuously control position on the point of impingement of the milled material onto the transport vehicle.
- However, there is still a need for an effective way to adjust the tensioning system of a conveyor to accommodate for a hinge movement and automatically adjusting a conveying angle.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a conveyor system for a cold planer that has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The second conveyor can convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, and is made of a first and a second conveyor sections and a conveyor belt that rotates around both sections. A folding mechanism has a pivoted connection between the first and second conveyor sections and may be used to provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and to provide vertical movement of the second conveyor section in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer. Further, the conveyor system may have a belt tensioner that may provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is moved stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of adjusting the position of a cold planer discharge conveyor. The method may include providing a conveyor system that has a frame, a first conveyor that may convey a milled material away from a milling drum, a second conveyor that has a first and a second conveyor section and may convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, a conveyor belt that rotates around the first and second conveyor sections, a folding mechanism that has a pivoted connection between the first and second conveyor sections and may provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and a belt tension that may provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section. The method may further include receiving a signal at a control system from an operator control, the conveyor system automatically adjust a conveying angle between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section by directing the folding mechanism to vertically move the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer.
- Further, one aspect of the present disclosure may include a cold planer that has a milling drum, a frame, a first conveyor that may convey a milled material away from a milling drum, a second conveyor that has a first and a second conveyor section and may convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, a conveyor belt that rotates around the first and second conveyor sections, a folding mechanism that has a pivoted connection between the first and second conveyor sections and may provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and a belt tension that may provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section. The cold planer may further have a control that may receive a signal and use the folding mechanism to vertically move and adjust the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer.
- These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of a conveyor system for the machine ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a second conveyor for the conveyor system ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a second conveyor, in accordance with another embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the second conveyor ofFIG. 4 in a folded position according to aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary conveyor system according to aspects of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for controlling the trajectory of a second conveyor of a cold planer. - While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof will be shown and described in detail. The disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but instead includes all modification, alternative constructions, and equivalents thereof.
- Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to
FIG. 1 , a machine consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is generally referred to byreference numeral 1. Although themachine 1 is illustrated as a cold planer, themachine 1 is shown primarily for illustrative purposes to assist in disclosing features of various embodiments, in thatFIG. 1 does not depict all of the components of a machine. Moreover, the readings of this disclosure can be employed on other earth moving and construction machines as well. - The
machine 1 may comprise aframe 2 supported by traction devices 4. Although traction devices 4 are shown as tracks, traction devices 4 may be wheels or of any other type. Mounted on theframe 2 may be a milling drum 6 and theconveyor system 8. As an example, the milling drum 6 may be configured to mill a road surface, while theconveyor system 8 may be configured to transfer the milled material from the milling drum 6 to a discharge location (reference number 38 as discussed below), such as, a bed of a dump truck (not shown). - Referring to
FIGS. 2-5 , with continued reference toFIG. 1 , theconveyor system 8 may comprise afirst conveyor 12 andsecond conveyor 14. Thefirst conveyor 12 may be configured to convey the milled material away from the milling drum 6 to thesecond conveyor 14, while thesecond conveyor 14 may be configured to convey the milled material from thefirst conveyor 12 to the discharge location. - In one example, the
first conveyor 12 may be connected within to theframe 2 and positioned within aframe housing 16, extending from afirst end 18 to asecond end 20. More specifically, thefirst end 18 of thefirst conveyor 12 may be proximate the milling drum 6, and thesecond end 20 of thefirst conveyor 12 may be proximate anend 22 of theframe 2. As best shown inFIG. 3 , thesecond conveyor 14 has afirst conveyor section 30 and asecond conveyor section 32. Extending from afirst end 33 to asecond end 34 of thefirst conveyor section 30, thesecond conveyor 14 may be pivotally connected relative to thesecond end 20 of thefirst conveyor 12. For instance, theconveyor system 8 may include a firstpivoted connection 36 between thefirst end 33 of thesecond conveyor 14 and theend 22 of theframe 2. - The first
pivoted connection 36 between thesecond conveyor 12 and theframe 2 may provide the conveyor system 8 a first range of motion for positioning of thesecond conveyor 14 while themachine 1 is in an operating state. In so doing, the milled material may be conveyed to thedischarge location 38 without having to align themachine 1 with thedischarge location 38. This may be particularly beneficial in accommodating dump trucks of different heights. As used herein, the term “operating state” may refer to a condition of themachine 1 when the machine is performing work operations, such as, milling. - More specifically, the first
pivoted connection 36 may provide vertical movement of thesecond conveyor 14 relative to thefirst conveyor 12, as well as lateral movement of thesecond conveyor 14 relative to thefirst conveyor 12 about avertical axis 39. Vertical movement of the firstpivoted connection 36 may provide an inclination angle α between a horizontal axis 40 and thesecond conveyor 14. Lateral movement of the first pivotedconnection 36 may provide a side-to-side or rotation angle β about thevertical axis 39. In one example, the inclination angle α may be between an inclusive range of zero degrees to ninety degrees, and the rotation angle β may be between an inclusive range of negative 30 degrees to thirty degrees. However, other numerical ranges for the inclination angle α and the rotation angle β may be used. In another example, ahydraulic cylinder 41 that attaches to both theframe 2 and thesecond conveyor 14 may be used to adjust height inclination angle α or the rotation angle β. - Furthermore, the
conveyor system 8 may include afolding mechanism 42 within thesecond conveyor 14 in order to provide the conveyor system 8 a second range of motion for positioning of thesecond conveyor 14 while themachine 1 is in the operating state. Thefolding mechanism 42 includes a second pivotedconnection 44 and ahydraulic system 46. The second pivotedconnection 44 may be disposed between thefirst conveyor section 30 and thesecond conveyor section 32. More specifically, thefirst conveyor section 30 may extend from thefirst end 33 to thesecond end 34, and thesecond conveyor section 32 may extend from afirst end 47 to asecond end 48. - The second
pivoted connection 44 may pivotally connect thesecond end 34 of thefirst conveyor section 30 to thefirst end 47 of thesecond conveyor section 32. Moreover, thefolding mechanism 42 may provide vertical movement to rotate thesecond conveyor section 32 around an axis (not shown) of the secondpivoted connection 44. Thus, the second pivotedconnection 44 of thefolding mechanism 42 provides controlled articulation, vertical movement, and positioning of thesecond conveyor section 14 relative to thefirst conveyor section 12 during operating state of themachine 1. In so doing, precise angling of the milled material into thedischarge location 38, or conveyor height, during an operating state of themachine 1, may be achieved, such as, when maneuvering thesecond conveyor 14 to a tall dump truck. - In one example, the
folding mechanism 42 is configured to provide vertical movement to rotate thesecond conveyor section 32 around an axis (not shown) of the pivoted connection from a folded position (thesecond conveyor 14 as shown inFIG. 5 ) to an unfolded position (thesecond conveyor 14 as shown inFIG. 3 ). The unfolded position is when thesecond conveyor section 32 is extended outwards away from themachine 1, best shown inFIG. 3 , as to allow theconveyor system 8 to convey a milled material to thedischarge location 38. In moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, thefolding mechanism 42 may provide vertical movement of thesecond conveyor section 32 relative to thefirst conveyor section 30, and this vertical movement may provide a conveying angle γ between thesecond conveyor section 32 and anaxis 49 parallel to the longitudinal top surface of thefirst conveyor section 30. Once moved to the unfolded position, thesecond conveyor section 32 defaults to a home position in which the conveying angle γ is about 8-15 degrees. - The
folding mechanism 42 is capable of moving the second conveyor from the folded position, as shown inFIG. 5 , and the unfolded position, as shown inFIG. 3 , and vice versa. The folded position is beneficial for transport of themachine 1 to allow thesecond conveyor 14 to be more compact. Theconveyor 14 includes thehydraulic system 46 that includes one or morehydraulic cylinders 51 operably coupled to thefirst conveyor section 30 and thesecond conveyor section 32. Thehydraulic system 46 may be used to vertically move thesecond conveyor section 32 rotatably around the second pivotedconnection 36 when moving thesecond conveyor 14 from the folded position to the unfolded position. Thehydraulic system 46 may also include one or more pumps, valves, cylinders, accessories, and the like. For example, the second pivotedconnection 36 may includehydraulic cylinders 51, on each side of thesecond conveyor 14. However, other mechanisms and configurations may be used. - After the
second conveyor 14 is in the unfolded position, shown inFIG. 3 , thefolding mechanism 42 may be used to provide vertical movement to thesecond conveyor section 32 around the axis (not shown) of the second pivotedconnection 44 during an operating state of themachine 1. As best shown inFIG. 4 , the vertical movement of thesecond conveyor section 32 in the unfolded position using thefolding mechanism 42 allows theconveyor system 8 to raise thesecond conveyor section 32 from the home position, having a conveying angle γ of around 8-15 degrees, up to a conveying angle γ of 0 degrees, in which thesecond conveyor section 32 is longitudinal parallel to the first conveyor section. In this example, the second conveyor can be raised to better convey the milled material into a truck bed of taller dump truck having (not shown) thedischarge location 38 in its truck bed (not shown) that may be unreachable without this movement. Further, thefolding mechanism 42 may increase the conveying angle γ by lowering thesecond conveyor section 32 relative to thefirst conveyor section 30. In one example, the conveying angle γ may be increased from around 8-15 degrees in the home position to 90 degrees, but in other examples this value can be different depending on the operational requirements of themachine 1. - The
second conveyor 14 may further include aconveyor belt 52 adapted to rotate around both of thefirst conveyor section 12 andsecond conveyor section 14. More specifically, theconveyor belt 52 may rotate aroundsupport structures first conveyor section 30 and thesecond conveyor section 32, respectively, in a continuous loop. Theconveyor belt 51 may include one or more belt tensioners, such asfirst belt tensioner 56 configured to provide a constant load to theconveyor belt 51 when thesecond conveyor section 32 is stationary, or moved, relative to thefirst conveyor section 30. - The
second conveyor section 32 may include asecond belt tensioner 57 for theconveyor belt 51 in addition to for thefirst belt tensioner 56. Thesecond belt tensioner 57 may be configured to apply an additional load to theconveyor belt 51 to maintain a tension when thesecond conveyor section 32 is moved relative to thefirst conveyor section 30. For instance, after vertical movement of thesecond conveyor section 32 due to thefolding mechanism 42, thesecond belt tensioner 57 may adjust the tension of theconveyor belt 51. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6 , theconveyor system 8 may be associated with themachine 1 and include elements to monitor, analyze, and control the conveying of the milled material to thedischarge location 38. Theconveyor system 8 may include anoperator control 60 in communication with acontrol system 61, configured to receive aninput 62 and send anelectronic signal 63 associated with thatinput 62 to thecontrol system 61. Theoperator control 60 may be a joystick or any other type. Thecontrol system 61, after receiving theelectronic signal 63 associated with theinput 62 from theoperator control 60, sends a secondelectronic signal 64 or a thirdelectronic signal 65 to the first pivotedconnection 36 and the second pivotedconnection 44, respectively. The first pivotedconnection 36 vertically moves thefirst conveyor section 30 relative to the frame, and the second pivotedconnection 44 uses thefolding mechanism 42 to vertically move thesecond conveyor section 32 relative to thefirst conveyor section 30. In one example, thecontrol system 61 analyzes the firstelectronic signal 61, processes it, and automatically and continuously moves thesecond conveyor section 32 relative to thefirst conveyor section 30, and may also move thefirst conveyor section 30 relative to theframe 2, directed by theelectronic signal 61 based on theinput 62. In this example, theinput 62 can be a desireddischarge location 38, or the desired vertical positioning of the of thesecond conveyor section 32 relative to thefirst conveyor section 30, or the desired vertical positioning of the conveyor height. Further, in this example, the control system automatically and continuously adjusts the conveying angle γ through vertical movement of the second conveyingsection 32 relative to the first conveyingsection 30, as well as continuously adjusting the inclination angle α through vertical movement of thefirst conveyor section 30 relative to theframe 2 based on theinput 63. During operation, thesecond conveyor 14 may continue to receive the milled material from thefirst conveyor 12 during the adjusting of thesecond conveyor section 32 in the unfolded position. - The
operator control 60 may provide the necessary controls and machine boundary conditions that can be operated during the operating state of themachine 1. The machine boundary conditions may be the conditions or limitations themachine 1 may be operated in, and can include the maximum and minimum conveying angle γ when thesecond conveyor 14 is in the unfolded position, or in the folded position. - In another example, the
control system 61 may further be coupled to the first orsecond belt tensioner control system 61 may receive a signal (not shown) from a monitoring device (not shown) that monitors the tension in theconveyor belt 52. In one example, the first andsecond belt tensioner second belt tensioner conveyor belt 52 by increasing or decreasing the applied load. Further, thecontrol system 61 may send this signal based on a vertical movement of the first orsecond conveyor sections - The
control system 61 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors that include a means for monitoring operator and sensor input, and responsively adjusting operational characteristics ofmachine 1 based on theinput 62. For example,control system 61 may include a memory, a secondary storage device, a clock, and a processor, such as a central processing unit or any other means for accomplishing a task consistent with the present disclosure. Numerous commercially available microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions ofcontrol system 61. It should be appreciated thatcontrol system 61 could readily embody a general machine controller capable of controlling numerous other machine functions. Various other known circuits may be associated withcontrol system 61, including signal-conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, and other appropriate circuitry.Control system 61 may be further communicatively coupled with an external computer system, instead of or in addition to including a computer system, as desired. - In general, the foregoing disclosure finds utility in various applications, such as, in earthmoving, construction, industrial, agricultural, mining, transportation, and forestry machines. In particular, the disclosed convey system may be used by cold planer machines and other applications, such as, a quarry conveyor and the like. By applying the disclosed conveyor system to a cold planer machine, optimum placement of the discharge conveyor may be achieved.
- In particular, the disclosed conveyor system provides a second pivoted connection or articulation joint to the secondary conveyor that is driven by a folding mechanism. Furthermore, the control system associated with the conveyor system allows the operator of the machine to enter or select an input within the machine boundary conditions that can be operated while automatically varying the angle between a first and second conveyor section of the second conveyor. In so doing, the second conveyor may be positioned automatically based on a signal from the control system.
- Turning now to
FIG. 7 , with continued references toFIGS. 1-6 , a flowchart illustrating anexample process 100 for positioning asecond conveyor 14 of amachine 1 in order to convey a milled material from afirst conveyor 12 to adischarge location 38 by automatically varying the conveying angle γ is disclosed. Atblock 102, themachine 1 may be positioned relative to thedischarge location 38. Atblock 104, it is determined whether thesecond end 48 of thesecond conveyor section 32 above any obstacle in front of thedischarge location 38. For example, thedischarge location 38 may be the best of a dump truck (not shown), and the obstacle could be the walls surrounding the bed of the dump truck. - If, at
block 104, thesecond end 48 of thesecond conveyor section 32 is above any obstacle in front of thedischarge location 38, theprocess 100 proceeds to block 106. Atblock 106, themachine 1 may continue to convey milled material. If, atblock 104, the second end of the second conveyor is not above an obstacle of obstacle in front of the discharge location,process 100 proceeds to block 108. Atblock 108, an operator of themachine 1 would enter aninput 62 on theoperator control 60, within machine boundary conditions, and theoperator control 60 would send asignal 63 to thecontrol system 61. The machine would then automatically adjust the conveying angle γ atblock 110, and may also automatically adjust the inclination angle α and for any tension in theconveyor belt 52. - While the preceding text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of protection is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the scope of protection.
- It should also be understood that, unless a term was expressly defined herein, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to herein in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.
Claims (20)
1. A conveyor system for a cold planer, comprising:
a first conveyor,
a second conveyor configured to convey a milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, the second conveyor including a first conveyor section, a second conveyor section, and a conveyor belt adapted to rotate around the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section;
a folding mechanism including a pivoted connection between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, the folding mechanism configured to provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position, and provide vertical movement to the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer; and
a control system configured to automatically adjust a conveying angle of the second conveyor section relative to the first conveyor section.
2. The conveyor system of claim 1 , in which the control system is configured to receive a signal from an operator control and is further configured to provide automatic adjustment of the conveying angle through movement of the second conveyor section in the unfolded position in response to the signal.
3. The conveyor system of claim 2 , in which in a home position, the second conveyor section has a conveyor angle that is between 8 to 15 degrees lower than the first conveyor section.
4. The conveyor system of claim 3 , in which the folding mechanism is configured to vertically raise the second conveyor section from the home position to be parallel with the first conveyor section at a conveyor angle of 0.
5. The conveyor of claim 3 , in which the folding mechanism is configured to increase the conveyor angle by lowering the second conveyor section relative to the first conveyor section.
6. The conveyor of claim 2 , in which the first conveyor section is pivotally connected to the frame, and the control system automatically adjust the conveying angle of the second conveyor section relative to the first conveyor section and an inclination angle of the first conveyor section relative to the frame based on the signal.
7. The conveyor system of claim 1 , further comprising a belt tensioner configured to provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section in the unfolded position, in which the control system monitors the tension in the conveyor belt and controls the belt tensioner to keep the constant load on the conveyor belt constant relative to a constant position of the first and second conveyor sections.
8. The conveyor system of claim 2 , in which the signal is received from the operator control, and the control system processes the signal and automatically and continuously moves the second conveyor section relative to the first conveyor section.
9. The conveyor system of claim 8 , in which the operator control provides the signal within a machine boundary condition.
10. The conveyor system of claim 1 , in which a hydraulic system drives the folding mechanism to rotate the second conveyor section from the folded to the unfolded position.
11. The conveyor of claim 10 , in which the hydraulic system further drives the folding mechanism to provide vertical movement to the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during the operating state of the cold planer.
12. A method of adjusting the position of a cold planer discharge conveyor, the method comprising:
providing a conveyor system, the conveyor system including:
a frame;
a first conveyor operatively configured to convey a milled material away from a milling drum;
a second conveyor configured to convey the milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, the second conveyor including a first conveyor section pivotally connected to the frame, a second conveyor section, and a conveyor belt adapted to rotate around the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section;
a folding mechanism including a pivoted connection between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, the folding mechanism configured to provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position; and
a belt tensioner configured to provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section; and
receiving a signal at a control system from an operator control, the control system automatically adjusting a conveying angle between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section by directing the folding mechanism to provide vertical movement to the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position, and the control system further automatically adjusting an inclination angle of the first conveyor section relative to the frame in response to the signal.
13. The method of claim 12 , in which the signal is sent from an operator control when an input is entered into the operator control.
14. The method of claim 13 , in which the signal is received at the folding mechanism.
15. The method of claim 12 , in which in a home position, the second conveyor section has a conveyor angle that is between 8 to 15 degrees lower than the first conveyor section.
16. The method of claim 15 , in which the second conveyor section moves to the home position after moving from the folded position to the unfolded position.
17. The method of claim 15 , in which when the folding mechanism is configured to vertically raise the second conveyor section from the home position to be parallel with the first conveyor section at a conveyor angle of 0.
18. A cold planer, comprising:
a milling drum;
a frame;
a first conveyor operatively configured to convey a milled material away from the milling drum; and
a second conveyor including,
a second conveyor configured to convey the milled material from the first conveyor to a discharge location, the second conveyor including a first conveyor section, a second conveyor section, and a conveyor belt adapted to rotate around the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section,
a folding mechanism including a pivoted connection between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, the folding mechanism configured to provide vertical movement to rotate the second conveyor section around an axis of the pivoted connection from a folded position to an unfolded position,
a belt tensioner configured to provide a constant load to the conveyor belt when the second conveyor section is stationary or moved relative to the first conveyor section, and
a control configured to receive a signal and utilize the folding mechanism to provide vertical movement to adjust the second conveyor section around the axis of the pivoted connection in the unfolded position during an operating state of the cold planer, and the control system further configured to monitor the tension in the conveyor belt and control the belt tensioner to keep the constant load relative to a constant position of the first and second conveyor sections.
19. The cold planer of claim 18 , in which the signal is sent from an operator control when an input is entered the operator control.
20. The cold planer of claim 18 , in which the second conveyor is configured to receive the milled material from the first conveyor after the adjusting of the second conveyor section.
Priority Applications (3)
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US16/677,397 US11014753B1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2019-11-07 | Trajectory control of discharge conveyor |
CN202011188983.8A CN112777241A (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2020-10-30 | Trajectory control for discharge conveyor |
DE102020128817.4A DE102020128817A1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2020-11-02 | CONTROL OF A TRAVEL OF A DISCHARGE CONVEYOR |
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US16/677,397 US11014753B1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2019-11-07 | Trajectory control of discharge conveyor |
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US11014753B1 (en) | 2021-05-25 |
CN112777241A (en) | 2021-05-11 |
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