EP2695994B1 - Self-propelled construction vehicle - Google Patents

Self-propelled construction vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2695994B1
EP2695994B1 EP13003912.6A EP13003912A EP2695994B1 EP 2695994 B1 EP2695994 B1 EP 2695994B1 EP 13003912 A EP13003912 A EP 13003912A EP 2695994 B1 EP2695994 B1 EP 2695994B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
edge protector
self
ground surface
accordance
construction machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13003912.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2695994A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Berning
Hanjo Held
Philip Verhaelen
Cyrus Dr. Barimani
Günter Dr. Hähn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wirtgen GmbH
Original Assignee
Wirtgen GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=48917323&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2695994(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Wirtgen GmbH filed Critical Wirtgen GmbH
Publication of EP2695994A1 publication Critical patent/EP2695994A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2695994B1 publication Critical patent/EP2695994B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • E01C23/12—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 taking-up, tearing-up, or full-depth breaking-up paving, e.g. sett extractor
    • E01C23/122—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 taking-up, tearing-up, or full-depth breaking-up paving, e.g. sett extractor with power-driven tools, e.g. oscillated hammer apparatus
    • E01C23/127—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 taking-up, tearing-up, or full-depth breaking-up paving, e.g. sett extractor with power-driven tools, e.g. oscillated hammer apparatus rotary, e.g. rotary hammers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
    • E21C25/00—Cutting machines, i.e. for making slits approximately parallel or perpendicular to the seam
    • E21C25/06—Machines slitting solely by one or more cutting rods or cutting drums which rotate, move through the seam, and may or may not reciprocate

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular road milling machine, stabilizer, recycler or surface miner, with a machine frame and a work roll, wherein the work roll is arranged in a downwardly open roll housing, which is closed on both sides by an adjustable height edge protection , Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating such a construction machine.
  • the above-mentioned construction machines have a rotating work roll for processing soil material, which may be a milling or cutting roll.
  • a rotating work roll for processing soil material which may be a milling or cutting roll.
  • work roll z For example, damaged road layers are removed, existing road surfaces are reconditioned, the terrain is prepared for road construction or minerals are mined.
  • the work roll of the known self-propelled construction machines is arranged in a downwardly open roll housing, which is closed by a working direction in front of the work roll arranged hold-down and a working direction behind the roller arranged scraper.
  • the roller housing is closed by extending in the direction of plates, which are referred to as edge protection.
  • the edge protection of the known self-propelled construction machines is adjustable in height.
  • a device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is provided.
  • the lowering of the edge protection can be done alone under the effect of the weight of the edge protection or be supported by an additional pressure force. In both cases, the edge protection exerts a pressure force on the soil surface.
  • the edge protection stands with its lower edge on the ground surface.
  • the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is actuated by the machine operator in particular when the work roll is to be made accessible. During operation of the construction machine, however, the edge protection is always lowered. Therefore, self-propelled construction machines have a circuit that does not allow the edge protection to be locked in the raised position during operation of the machine.
  • the operation of the machine is characterized by a floating bearing of the edge protection, in which the edge protection rests on the ground surface with a defined pressure force.
  • the invention is based on the object to provide a self-propelled construction machine, especially road milling machine, stabilizer, recycler or surface miner, in which there is no risk of digging the edge protection in loose ground and allows a more user-friendly and ergonomic operation.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method by which a self-propelled construction machine can be operated user friendly and ergonomic and without the risk of digging the edge protection in loose ground.
  • the construction machine according to the invention has a device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection, which provides a floating position in which the edge protection is floating, so that the height of the edge protection can automatically adjust. This allows the edge protection to follow the terrain surface during operation of the machine.
  • the Device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection basically in the floating position.
  • the construction machine has a control unit for the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector, the means for detecting the distance between a reference point on the edge protector and the ground surface and means for driving the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector having.
  • the control unit is designed such that when falling below a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the bottom surface, the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is switched from the floating position, so that the edge protection is raised.
  • the predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the ground surface should be dimensioned such that the edge protection rests on the ground surface and seals the roll housing laterally.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the control unit is designed such that when reaching or exceeding a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the bottom surface, the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is controlled such that it again assumes the floating position.
  • the automatic control of the edge protection has the decisive advantage that during operation it does not constantly observe the height of the edge protector and does not have to correct it. This is advantageous in that the height of the edge protector is difficult to assess from the control station and digging in of the edge protector is not always recognizable.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the means for detecting the distance between the reference point and the bottom surface of a probe element for sensing the soil surface.
  • the probe element is attached to the edge protector in such a way that the probe element is deflected when it falls below a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the bottom surface.
  • the means for driving the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector comprise a sensor with which the deflection of the probe element is detected when digging the edge protector into the ground surface.
  • the sensor for detecting the deflection of the probe element is preferably a proximity switch, which operates without contact in order to minimize the risk of interference.
  • the control of the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection preferably provides a switching hysteresis, so that the edge protection is actuated only when the respective reference values are exceeded or undershot by a predetermined amount.
  • This switching hysteresis can be realized in that the lower edge of the probe element is not flush with the lower edge of the edge protection, but is arranged by a predetermined amount above the lower edge edge.
  • a switching hysteresis can also be realized in the control unit.
  • the feeler element for scanning the ground surface is preferably designed as a resilient feeler element, which can yield when hitting obstacles.
  • the probe element can also be rigid. In a rigid embodiment of the probe element, the probe element can be articulated or resiliently mounted.
  • the probe element has a helical tension spring whose spring wire continues at one end of the spring into a rod-shaped portion which is bent relative to the axis of the spring.
  • the spring wire of the coil spring continues into the rod-shaped portion to form a bent portion projecting beyond the diameter of the spring and extending in a direction opposite to the rod-shaped portion.
  • This section extending in the opposite direction preferably forms the part of the probe element which is detected by the proximity switch. A deflection of the probe element causes the distance of this section to the proximity switch decreases or increases.
  • the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is formed.
  • only one device for lifting a loosely guided or suspended edge protection can be provided, which rests on the ground surface due to its weight, so that the edge protection is mounted floating.
  • the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector has at least one piston / cylinder arrangement, the cylinder hinged to the machine frame and the piston hinged to the edge protector or the cylinder hinged to the edge protector and the piston hinged to the machine frame connected is. This piston / cylinder arrangement is controlled in such a way that the edge protection is mounted in a floating manner.
  • the helical tension spring is preferably arranged on the edge protector such that the rod-shaped section extends along a longitudinal side of the edge protector. This makes it possible to place the rod-shaped section on one or the other side of the edge protector. For example, the rod-shaped portion can be placed on the inside of the edge protector to ride flush with the edge protector along an obstacle to which the rod-shaped portion could otherwise strike.
  • the sensing element may be formed as an actuator of a hydraulic valve for driving the piston / cylinder arrangement of the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection.
  • a further alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the means for detecting the distance between the reference point and the ground surface have a sensor measuring the distance to the ground surface without contact.
  • the sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor.
  • Fig. 1 shows in side view an embodiment of a road milling machine, which is a small milling machine.
  • the road milling machine has a machine frame 1, which is supported by a chassis 2.
  • the chassis 2 has a front wheel 3A and two rear wheels 3B.
  • Only the right rear wheel 3B can be seen in working direction A.
  • the chassis can also have, for example, chain drives instead of wheels.
  • the milling machine has a work roll, which is a milling drum.
  • a work roll which is a milling drum.
  • Unrecognizable milling drum is arranged in a milling drum housing 4.
  • the milling drum housing 4 is closed by an edge protection 5.
  • edge protection 5 In Fig. 1 Only the right in the direction A edge protection 5 can be seen.
  • the machine frame 1 of the milling machine is adjustable to lifting columns 10 relative to the surface 11 of the bottom 12 in height.
  • Fig. 2 shows a representation of the milling machine, wherein the rear right wheel 3B and the rear right lifting column 10 is not shown, so that the right edge protection 5 is exposed.
  • the edge protector 5 is formed by a metal plate which extends in the working direction A. Since the left and right edge protectors have the same structure, only the right edge protector 5 will be described below with reference to FIG Fig. 3 described.
  • the edge protection 5 is adjustable between stops (not shown) in height relative to the bottom surface 11. In this case, the edge protector 5 is mounted slightly pendulum between the attacks.
  • the height adjustment of the edge protector 5 takes place with a device 13, which has a piston / cylinder arrangement 14, whose cylinder 14A is articulated on the machine frame 1 and whose piston 14B is articulated on the edge protector 5.
  • a device 13 which has a piston / cylinder arrangement 14, whose cylinder 14A is articulated on the machine frame 1 and whose piston 14B is articulated on the edge protector 5.
  • the piston / cylinder arrangement 13 is actuated by a hydraulic unit 15, in the Fig. 3 is shown only schematically.
  • the components required for this purpose such as hydraulic lines, hydraulic valves, etc., are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the device 13 for raising and / or lowering the edge protector 5 provides a floating position in which the edge protector is mounted or suspended in such a way that the edge protector 5 is pulled over the ground during the advancement of the construction machine, the edge protector 5 always having the tendency to to lower oneself.
  • the edge protection with a defined pressure force on the bottom surface 11, which correspond to the weight of the edge protection or greater or smaller than the weight can be the hydraulic unit 15 is designed for this purpose, that the edge protection slowly lowers until the edge protection with the defined pressure force rests floating on the ground surface.
  • the milling drum housing 4 always remains sealed at the sides.
  • the device 13 for raising and / or lowering the edge protector can also be operated such that the piston-cylinder arrangement raises the edge protector.
  • control unit 16 for the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protection will be described in detail.
  • the control unit 16 comprises means with which the distance a between a reference point R on the edge protector 5 and the ground surface 11 can be detected.
  • the control unit 16 comprises means for controlling the device 13 for raising and / or lowering the edge protection as a function of the distance a between the reference point 12 and the bottom surface 11.
  • the means described above comprise a resilient sensing element 17 and a preferably inductive or capacitive proximity switch 18 (FIG. Fig. 4 ).
  • the resilient sensing element 17 has a helical tension spring 17A.
  • the spring wire of the helical tension spring 17A is bent at one end to form a semicircular portion 17B, and the semicircular portion 17B continues into a rod-shaped portion 17C extending in the opposite direction as the semicircular portion 17B ( Fig. 5 ).
  • the free end of the rod-shaped portion 17C is bent over.
  • the feeler element 17 scans the bottom surface 11.
  • the stylus 17 is disposed at the upper front end of the edge protector 5, with the rod-shaped portion 17C of the stylus 17 following the front contour of the edge protector.
  • the rod-shaped portion 17C is bent between the ends.
  • the helical tension spring 17A of the sensing element 17 is seated in a cylindrical bore 19 of a housing 20 which is fixed to the upper front end of the edge protector 5.
  • the housing 20 consists of two housing halves 20A and 20B, between which the helical tension spring 17A of the probe element 17 is clamped.
  • Above the helical tension spring 17A is located in the housing 20 of the inductive or capacitive proximity switch 18.
  • the proximity switch 18 is arranged such that the sensitive area facing the bent portion 17B of the probe element.
  • the edge protector is pulled over the ground due to the floating bearing, with the feeler element 17 sliding on the bottom surface with the bent end piece 17D or being arranged close above the bottom surface 11.
  • a predetermined distance a is defined between the reference point R and the ground surface 11.
  • the edge protection 5 is raised until the predetermined minimum distance a is reached or exceeded again, so that the feeler element 17 returns to the starting position, in which the proximity switch is not actuated, for example is open. Consequently, the lower edge of the edge protector is again at the level of the ground surface. If the proximity switch is not actuated, for example, is open, the floating position is again specified, so that the edge protection is pulled again with the defined contact pressure on the soil surface. This pressure force should be such that the edge protection does not dig in sufficiently hard ground.
  • FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the control unit 16, which differs from that described with reference to FIGS 3 and 4 described embodiment differs in that instead of a mechanical probe element, a contactless distance measurement, for example by means of an ultrasonic sensor 21 for detecting the distance a between the reference point R and the bottom surface 11 is provided.
  • a contactless distance measurement for example by means of an ultrasonic sensor 21 for detecting the distance a between the reference point R and the bottom surface 11 is provided.
  • the evaluation of the distance signal of the ultrasonic sensor belongs to the prior art.
  • Fig. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of the control unit 16.
  • the sensing element is an actuator 22 of a hydraulic valve 23, which in Fig. 7 is shown only schematically.
  • the hydraulic valve 23 is a valve of the hydraulic unit 15, with which the piston / cylinder assembly 14 is controlled.
  • the piston 14B of the piston / cylinder assembly 14 is retracted, so that the edge protection 5 is raised.
  • Fig. 8 shows a further alternative embodiment of the control unit 16 in a schematic representation, which has a hinged at a pivot point 24, rigid probe element 25 which is resiliently biased to the bottom surface 11.
  • the deflection of the probe element 25 is detected by a switch 26 shown only schematically.
  • the rotational position of the probe element can also be detected by a rotary encoder or the like, wherein a control signal proportional to the distance between the reference point and the floor surface is generated.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine selbstfahrende Baumaschine, insbesondere Straßenfräse, Stabilisierer, Recycler oder Surface-Miner, mit einem Maschinenrahmen und einer Arbeitswalze, wobei die Arbeitswalze in einem nach unten offenen Walzengehäuse angeordnet ist, das an beiden Seiten von einem in der Höhe verstellbaren Kantenschutz verschlossen ist. Darüber hinaus betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer derartigen Baumaschine.The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular road milling machine, stabilizer, recycler or surface miner, with a machine frame and a work roll, wherein the work roll is arranged in a downwardly open roll housing, which is closed on both sides by an adjustable height edge protection , Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating such a construction machine.

Die oben genannten Baumaschinen verfügen über eine rotierende Arbeitswalze zur Bearbeitung von Bodenmaterial, bei der es sich um eine Fräs- oder Schneidwalze handeln kann. Mit der Arbeitswalze können z. B. schadhafte Straßenschichten abgetragen, bestehende Straßenbeläge wiederaufbereitet, das Gelände für den Straßenbau vorbereitet oder Bodenschätze abgebaut werden.The above-mentioned construction machines have a rotating work roll for processing soil material, which may be a milling or cutting roll. With the work roll z. For example, damaged road layers are removed, existing road surfaces are reconditioned, the terrain is prepared for road construction or minerals are mined.

Die Arbeitswalze der bekannten selbstfahrenden Baumaschinen ist in einem nach unten offenen Walzengehäuse angeordnet, das von einem in Arbeitsrichtung vor der Arbeitswalze angeordneten Niederhalter und einem in Arbeitsrichtung hinter der Walze angeordneten Abstreifer verschlossen wird. An den Seiten wird das Walzengehäuse von sich in Arbeitsrichtung erstreckenden Platten verschlossen, die als Kantenschutz bezeichnet werden.The work roll of the known self-propelled construction machines is arranged in a downwardly open roll housing, which is closed by a working direction in front of the work roll arranged hold-down and a working direction behind the roller arranged scraper. On the sides, the roller housing is closed by extending in the direction of plates, which are referred to as edge protection.

Der Kantenschutz der bekannten selbstfahrenden Baumaschinen ist in der Höhe verstellbar. Hierzu ist eine Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes vorgesehen. Das Absenken des Kantenschutzes kann allein unter der Wirkung der Gewichtskraft des Kantenschutzes erfolgen oder von einer zusätzlichen Andruckkraft unterstützt werden. In beiden Fällen übt der Kantenschutz eine Andruckkraft auf die Bodenoberfläche aus. Dabei steht der Kantenschutz mit seiner Unterkante auf der Bodenoberfläche auf.The edge protection of the known self-propelled construction machines is adjustable in height. For this purpose, a device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is provided. The lowering of the edge protection can be done alone under the effect of the weight of the edge protection or be supported by an additional pressure force. In both cases, the edge protection exerts a pressure force on the soil surface. The edge protection stands with its lower edge on the ground surface.

Die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes wird von dem Maschinenführer insbesondere dann betätigt, wenn die Arbeitswalze zugänglich gemacht werden soll. Während des Betriebs der Baumaschine ist der Kantenschutz hingegen immer abgesenkt. Daher verfügen selbstfahrende Baumaschinen über eine Schaltung, die während des Betriebs der Maschine ein Feststellen des Kantenschutzes in der angehobenen Position nicht erlaubt. Der Betrieb der Maschine ist durch eine schwimmende Lagerung des Kantenschutzes gekennzeichnet, bei der der Kantenschutz mit einer definierten Andruckkraft auf der Bodenoberfläche aufliegt.The device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is actuated by the machine operator in particular when the work roll is to be made accessible. During operation of the construction machine, however, the edge protection is always lowered. Therefore, self-propelled construction machines have a circuit that does not allow the edge protection to be locked in the raised position during operation of the machine. The operation of the machine is characterized by a floating bearing of the edge protection, in which the edge protection rests on the ground surface with a defined pressure force.

Während des Betriebs der Baumaschine stellt sich insbesondere bei losem Untergrund das Problem, dass sich der Kantenschutz in den Boden eingräbt. Dies kann von einem erhöhten Fahrwiderstand sowie einem dadurch höheren Kraftstoffverbrauch und Verschleiß bis zum völligen Stillstand der Maschine führen.During operation of the construction machine, the problem arises in particular when loose ground, that the edge protection digs into the soil. This can lead to increased driving resistance as well as higher fuel consumption and wear until the machine is completely stopped.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zu Grunde, eine selbstfahrende Baumaschine, insbesondere Straßenfräsmaschine, Stabilisierer, Recycler oder Surface-Miner, zu schaffen, bei der nicht die Gefahr des Eingrabens des Kantenschutzes in losen Untergrund besteht und die einen benutzerfreundlicheren und ergonomischeren Betrieb ermöglicht. Eine weitere Aufgabe der Erfindung ist, ein Verfahren anzugeben, mit dem eine selbstfahrende Baumaschine benutzerfreundlich und ergonomisch und ohne die Gefahr des Eingrabens des Kantenschutzes in losen Untergrund betrieben werden kann.The invention is based on the object to provide a self-propelled construction machine, especially road milling machine, stabilizer, recycler or surface miner, in which there is no risk of digging the edge protection in loose ground and allows a more user-friendly and ergonomic operation. Another object of the invention is to provide a method by which a self-propelled construction machine can be operated user friendly and ergonomic and without the risk of digging the edge protection in loose ground.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgaben erfolgt erfindungsgemäß mit den Merkmalen der unabhängigen Patentansprüche. Die Gegenstände der Unteransprüche betreffen bevorzugte Ausfiihrungsformen der Erfindung.The solution of these objects is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. The subject matters of the subclaims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

Die erfindungsgemäße Baumaschine verfügt über eine Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes, die eine Schwimmstellung vorsieht, in der der Kantenschutz schwimmend gelagert ist, so dass sich die Höhe des Kantenschutzes selbsttätig einstellen kann. Dadurch kann der Kantenschutz der Geländeoberfläche beim Betrieb der Maschine folgen. Während des Betriebs der Maschine befindet sich die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes grundsätzlich in der Schwimmstellung.The construction machine according to the invention has a device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection, which provides a floating position in which the edge protection is floating, so that the height of the edge protection can automatically adjust. This allows the edge protection to follow the terrain surface during operation of the machine. During operation of the machine is the Device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection basically in the floating position.

Darüber hinaus verfügt die erfindungsgemäße Baumaschine über eine Steuereinheit für die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes, die Mittel zum Erfassen des Abstandes zwischen einem Referenzpunkt auf dem Kantenschutz und der Bodenoberfläche und Mittel zum Ansteuern der Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes aufweist. Die Steuereinheit ist derart ausgebildet, dass beim Unterschreiten eines vorgegebenen Mindestabstandes zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes aus der Schwimmstellung umgeschaltet wird, so dass der Kantenschutz angehoben wird. Der vorgegebene Mindestabstand zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche sollte derart bemessen sein, dass der Kantenschutz auf der Bodenoberfläche aufliegt und das Walzengehäuse seitlich dicht verschließt. Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Steuereinheit wird wirkungsvoll verhindert, dass sich der Kantenschutz aufgrund seiner Gewichtskraft oder einer zusätzlichen Andruckkraft, die auf den Kantenschutz ausgeübt werden kann, in einen losen Boden eingraben kann.In addition, the construction machine according to the invention has a control unit for the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector, the means for detecting the distance between a reference point on the edge protector and the ground surface and means for driving the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector having. The control unit is designed such that when falling below a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the bottom surface, the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is switched from the floating position, so that the edge protection is raised. The predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the ground surface should be dimensioned such that the edge protection rests on the ground surface and seals the roll housing laterally. With the control unit according to the invention is effectively prevented that the edge protection can dig into a loose soil due to its weight or an additional pressure force that can be exerted on the edge protection.

Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Steuereinheit derart ausgebildet ist, dass bei Erreichen oder Überschreiten eines vorgegebenen Mindestabstandes zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes derart angesteuert wird, dass sie wieder die Schwimmstellung einnimmt.A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the control unit is designed such that when reaching or exceeding a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the bottom surface, the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is controlled such that it again assumes the floating position.

Für den Maschinenführer hat die automatische Steuerung des Kantenschutzes den entscheidenden Vorteil, dass er im Betrieb die Höhe des Kantenschutzes nicht ständig beobachten und auch nicht korrigieren muss. Dies ist insofern von Vorteil, als die Höhe des Kantenschutzes vom Fahrstand aus nur schwer einzuschätzen und ein Eingraben des Kantenschutzes nicht in jedem Fall erkennbar ist.For the machine operator, the automatic control of the edge protection has the decisive advantage that during operation it does not constantly observe the height of the edge protector and does not have to correct it. This is advantageous in that the height of the edge protector is difficult to assess from the control station and digging in of the edge protector is not always recognizable.

Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Mittel zum Erfassen des Abstandes zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche ein Tastelement zum Abtasten der Bodenoberfläche aufweisen. Das Tastelement ist derart an dem Kantenschutz befestigt, dass beim Unterschreiten eines vorgegebenen Mindestabstandes zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche das Tastelement ausgelenkt wird. Bei der besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform weisen die Mittel zum Ansteuern der Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes einen Sensor auf, mit dem die Auslenkung des Tastelements beim Eingraben des Kantenschutzes in die Bodenoberfläche erfasst wird. Der Sensor zum Erfassen der Auslenkung des Tastelements ist vorzugsweise ein Näherungsschalter, der berührungslos arbeitet, um die Gefahr von Störungen zu minimieren.A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the means for detecting the distance between the reference point and the bottom surface of a probe element for sensing the soil surface. The probe element is attached to the edge protector in such a way that the probe element is deflected when it falls below a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and the bottom surface. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the means for driving the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector comprise a sensor with which the deflection of the probe element is detected when digging the edge protector into the ground surface. The sensor for detecting the deflection of the probe element is preferably a proximity switch, which operates without contact in order to minimize the risk of interference.

Die Steuerung der Vorrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes sieht vorzugsweise eine Schalthysterese vor, so dass der Kantenschutz erst bei Über- oder Unterschreiten der jeweiligen Referenzwerte um einen vorgegebenen Betrag betätigt wird. Diese Schalthysterese kann dadurch verwirklicht werden, dass die Unterkante des Tastelements nicht bündig mit der Unterkante des Kantenschutzes abschließt, sondern um ein vorgegebenes Maß oberhalb der Kantenschutzunterkante angeordnet ist. Alternativ kann eine Schalthysterese auch in der Steuereinheit verwirklicht sein.The control of the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection preferably provides a switching hysteresis, so that the edge protection is actuated only when the respective reference values are exceeded or undershot by a predetermined amount. This switching hysteresis can be realized in that the lower edge of the probe element is not flush with the lower edge of the edge protection, but is arranged by a predetermined amount above the lower edge edge. Alternatively, a switching hysteresis can also be realized in the control unit.

Das Tastelement zum Abtasten der Bodenoberfläche ist vorzugsweise als ein federndes Tastelement ausgebildet, das beim Anschlagen an Hindernisse nachgeben kann. Das Tastelement kann aber auch starr ausgebildet sein. Bei einer starren Ausbildung des Tastelements kann das Tastelement gelenkig oder federnd gelagert sein.The feeler element for scanning the ground surface is preferably designed as a resilient feeler element, which can yield when hitting obstacles. The probe element can also be rigid. In a rigid embodiment of the probe element, the probe element can be articulated or resiliently mounted.

Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist das Tastelement eine Schraubenzugfeder auf, deren Federdraht sich an einem Ende der Feder in einen stabförmigen Abschnitt fortsetzt, der gegenüber der Achse der Feder umgebogen ist. Vorzugsweise setzt sich der Federdraht der Schraubenfeder in den stabförmigen Abschnitt unter Bildung eines umgebogenen, über den Durchmesser der Feder hinausragenden Abschnitts fort, der sich in einer dem stabförmigen Abschnitt entgegengesetzten Richtung erstreckt. Dieser sich in entgegengesetzter Richtung erstreckende Abschnitt bildet vorzugsweise den Teil des Tastelements, der von dem Näherungsschalter erfasst wird. Eine Auslenkung des Tastelements führt dazu, dass die Entfernung dieses Abschnitts zu dem Näherungsschalter ab- oder zunimmt.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the probe element has a helical tension spring whose spring wire continues at one end of the spring into a rod-shaped portion which is bent relative to the axis of the spring. Preferably, the spring wire of the coil spring continues into the rod-shaped portion to form a bent portion projecting beyond the diameter of the spring and extending in a direction opposite to the rod-shaped portion. This section extending in the opposite direction preferably forms the part of the probe element which is detected by the proximity switch. A deflection of the probe element causes the distance of this section to the proximity switch decreases or increases.

Anstelle eines vorzugsweisen induktiven oder kapazitiven Näherungsschalters können aber auch optische Sensoren oder konventionelle mechanische Schaltkontakte vorgesehen sein, mit denen die Auslenkung des Tastelements erfasst wird.Instead of a preferred inductive or capacitive proximity switch but also optical sensors or conventional mechanical switching contacts can be provided with which the deflection of the probe element is detected.

Für die Erfindung ist unerheblich, wie die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes ausgebildet ist. Beispielsweise kann nur eine Einrichtung zum Anheben eines lose geführten oder aufgehängten Kantenschutzes vorgesehen sein, der aufgrund seiner Gewichtskraft auf der Bodenoberfläche aufliegt, so dass der Kantenschutz schwimmend gelagert ist. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes mindestens eine Kolben/ZylinderAnordnung auf, wobei der Zylinder gelenkig mit dem Maschinenrahmen und der Kolben gelenkig mit dem Kantenschutz oder der Zylinder gelenkig mit dem Kantenschutz und der Kolben gelenkig mit dem Maschinenrahmen verbunden ist. Diese Kolben/ZylinderAnordnung wird derart angesteuert, dass der Kantenschutz schwimmend gelagert ist.For the invention is irrelevant how the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protection is formed. For example, only one device for lifting a loosely guided or suspended edge protection can be provided, which rests on the ground surface due to its weight, so that the edge protection is mounted floating. In a preferred embodiment, the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protector has at least one piston / cylinder arrangement, the cylinder hinged to the machine frame and the piston hinged to the edge protector or the cylinder hinged to the edge protector and the piston hinged to the machine frame connected is. This piston / cylinder arrangement is controlled in such a way that the edge protection is mounted in a floating manner.

Die Schraubenzugfeder ist vorzugsweise derart an dem Kantenschutz angeordnet, dass sich der stabförmige Abschnitt entlang einer Längsseite des Kantenschutzes erstreckt. Dadurch ist es möglich, den stabförmigen Abschnitt auf die eine oder andere Seite des Kantenschutzes zu legen. Beispielsweise kann der stabförmige Abschnitt auf die Innenseite des Kantenschutzes gelegt werden, um mit dem Kantenschutz bündig entlang eines Hindernisses fahren zu können, an der der stabförmige Abschnitt ansonsten anschlagen könnte.The helical tension spring is preferably arranged on the edge protector such that the rod-shaped section extends along a longitudinal side of the edge protector. This makes it possible to place the rod-shaped section on one or the other side of the edge protector. For example, the rod-shaped portion can be placed on the inside of the edge protector to ride flush with the edge protector along an obstacle to which the rod-shaped portion could otherwise strike.

Bei einer hydraulischen Steuerung der Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes kann das Tastelement als ein Betätigungsorgan eines Hydraulikventils zum Ansteuern der Kolben/Zylinder-Anordnung der Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes ausgebildet sein.In a hydraulic control of the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection, the sensing element may be formed as an actuator of a hydraulic valve for driving the piston / cylinder arrangement of the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection.

Eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Mittel zum Erfassen des Abstandes zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche einen den Abstand zur Bodenoberfläche berührungslos messenden Sensor aufweisen. Beispielsweise kann der Sensor ein Ultraschall-Sensor sein.A further alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the means for detecting the distance between the reference point and the ground surface have a sensor measuring the distance to the ground surface without contact. For example, the sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor.

Im Folgenden werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die Figuren näher beschrieben.In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the figures.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Straßenfräsmaschine in der Seitenansicht,
Fig. 2
eine Darstellung der Straßenfräsmaschine von Fig. 1, wobei der Kantenschutz freigelegt ist,
Fig. 3
die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes, zusammen mit dem Kantenschutz der Straßenfräsmaschine von Fig. 1,
Fig. 4
den Ausschnitt IV von Fig. 3 in vergrößerter, teilweise geschnittener Darstellung,
Fig. 5
die Ansicht von Fig. 4 aus der Richtung des Pfeils V in vergrößerter Darstellung,
Fig. 6
eine alternative Ausführungsform der Steuereinheit für die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes,
Fig. 7
eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform der Steuereinheit und
Fig. 8
eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform der Steuereinheit zusammen mit dem Kantenschutz.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a road milling machine in side view,
Fig. 2
a representation of the road milling machine of Fig. 1 with the edge protection exposed,
Fig. 3
the device for lifting and / or lowering the edge protection, together with the edge protection of the road milling machine of Fig. 1 .
Fig. 4
the section IV of Fig. 3 in enlarged, partially cut representation,
Fig. 5
the view of Fig. 4 from the direction of the arrow V in an enlarged view,
Fig. 6
an alternative embodiment of the control unit for the device for raising and / or lowering the edge protection,
Fig. 7
another alternative embodiment of the control unit and
Fig. 8
a further alternative embodiment of the control unit together with the edge protection.

Fig. 1 zeigt in der Seitenansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Straßenfräsmaschine, bei der es sich um eine Kleinfräse handelt. Die Straßenfräsmaschine weist einen Maschinenrahmen 1 auf, der von einem Fahrwerk 2 getragen wird. Das Fahrwerk 2 weist ein vorderes Rad 3A und zwei hintere Räder 3B auf. In Fig. 1 ist nur das in Arbeitsrichtung A rechte hintere Rad 3B zu erkennen. Bei den bekannten Baumaschinen kann das Fahrwerk anstelle von Rädern beispielsweise auch Kettenlaufwerke aufweisen. Fig. 1 shows in side view an embodiment of a road milling machine, which is a small milling machine. The road milling machine has a machine frame 1, which is supported by a chassis 2. The chassis 2 has a front wheel 3A and two rear wheels 3B. In Fig. 1 Only the right rear wheel 3B can be seen in working direction A. In the case of the known construction machines, the chassis can also have, for example, chain drives instead of wheels.

Die Fräsmaschine verfügt über eine Arbeitswalze, bei der es sich um eine Fräswalze handelt. Die in Fig. 1 nicht erkennbare Fräswalze ist in einem Fräswalzengehäuse 4 angeordnet. An der in Arbeitsrichtung A linken und rechten Seite ist das Fräswalzengehäuse 4 von einem Kantenschutz 5 verschlossen. In Fig. 1 ist nur der in Arbeitsrichtung A rechte Kantenschutz 5 erkennbar. Oberhalb des Fräswalzengehäuses 4 befindet sich der Fahrstand 6 der Fräsmaschine mit dem Fahrersitz 7 und dem Bedienpult 8. Der Maschinenrahmen 1 der Fräsmaschine ist an Hubsäulen 10 gegenüber der Oberfläche 11 des Bodens 12 in der Höhe verstellbar.The milling machine has a work roll, which is a milling drum. In the Fig. 1 Unrecognizable milling drum is arranged in a milling drum housing 4. At the left and right in the working direction A, the milling drum housing 4 is closed by an edge protection 5. In Fig. 1 Only the right in the direction A edge protection 5 can be seen. Above the Fräswalzengehäuses 4 is the control station 6 of the milling machine with the driver's seat 7 and the control panel 8. The machine frame 1 of the milling machine is adjustable to lifting columns 10 relative to the surface 11 of the bottom 12 in height.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Darstellung der Fräsmaschine, wobei das hintere rechte Rad 3B und die hintere rechte Hubsäule 10 nicht dargestellt ist, so dass der rechte Kantenschutz 5 freiliegt. Fig. 2 shows a representation of the milling machine, wherein the rear right wheel 3B and the rear right lifting column 10 is not shown, so that the right edge protection 5 is exposed.

Der Kantenschutz 5 wird von einer Metallplatte gebildet, die sich in Arbeitsrichtung A erstreckt. Da der linke und rechte Kantenschutz den gleichen Aufbau haben, wird nachfolgend nur der rechte Kantenschutz 5 unter Bezugnahme auf Fig. 3 beschrieben.The edge protector 5 is formed by a metal plate which extends in the working direction A. Since the left and right edge protectors have the same structure, only the right edge protector 5 will be described below with reference to FIG Fig. 3 described.

Der Kantenschutz 5 ist zwischen nicht dargestellten Anschlägen in der Höhe gegenüber der Bodenoberfläche 11 verstellbar. Dabei ist der Kantenschutz 5 zwischen den Anschlägen leicht pendelnd gelagert. Die Höhenverstellung des Kantenschutzes 5 erfolgt mit einer Einrichtung 13, die eine Kolben/Zylinder-Anordnung 14 aufweist, deren Zylinder 14A gelenkig am Maschinenrahmen 1 und deren Kolben 14B gelenkig an dem Kantenschutz 5 gelagert ist. Durch Ein- und Ausfahren des Kolbens 14B der Kolben/Zylinder-Anordnung 14 kann der Kantenschutz 5 angehoben oder abgesenkt werden. Die Kolben/Zylinder-Anordnung 13 wird von einer Hydraulikeinheit 15 betätigt, die in Fig. 3 nur schematisch dargestellt ist. Die hierzu erforderlichen Bauteile, wie Hydraulikleitungen, Hydraulikventile etc. sind dem Fachmann bekannt.The edge protection 5 is adjustable between stops (not shown) in height relative to the bottom surface 11. In this case, the edge protector 5 is mounted slightly pendulum between the attacks. The height adjustment of the edge protector 5 takes place with a device 13, which has a piston / cylinder arrangement 14, whose cylinder 14A is articulated on the machine frame 1 and whose piston 14B is articulated on the edge protector 5. By extending and retracting the piston 14B of the piston / cylinder assembly 14, the edge protector 5 can be raised or lowered. The piston / cylinder arrangement 13 is actuated by a hydraulic unit 15, in the Fig. 3 is shown only schematically. The components required for this purpose, such as hydraulic lines, hydraulic valves, etc., are known to the person skilled in the art.

Die Einrichtung 13 zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes 5 sieht eine Schwimmstellung vor, in der der Kantenschutz derart gelagert oder aufgehängt ist, dass der Kantenschutz 5 beim Vorschub der Baumaschine über den Boden gezogen wird, wobei der Kantenschutz 5 immer die Tendenz hat, sich abzusenken. Dabei liegt der Kantenschutz mit einer definierten Andruckkraft auf der Bodenoberfläche 11 auf, die der Gewichtskraft des Kantenschutzes entsprechen oder größer oder kleiner als die Gewichtskraft sein kann Die Hydraulikeinheit 15 ist hierzu derart ausgebildet, dass sich der Kantenschutz langsam so lange absenkt, bis der Kantenschutz mit der definierten Andruckkraft auf der Bodenoberfläche schwimmend aufliegt. Dadurch bleibt das Fräswalzengehäuse 4 seitlich immer dicht verschlossen. Die Einrichtung 13 zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes kann aber auch derart betrieben werden, dass die Kolben-ZylinderAnordnung den Kantenschutz anhebt.The device 13 for raising and / or lowering the edge protector 5 provides a floating position in which the edge protector is mounted or suspended in such a way that the edge protector 5 is pulled over the ground during the advancement of the construction machine, the edge protector 5 always having the tendency to to lower oneself. In this case, the edge protection with a defined pressure force on the bottom surface 11, which correspond to the weight of the edge protection or greater or smaller than the weight can be the hydraulic unit 15 is designed for this purpose, that the edge protection slowly lowers until the edge protection with the defined pressure force rests floating on the ground surface. As a result, the milling drum housing 4 always remains sealed at the sides. However, the device 13 for raising and / or lowering the edge protector can also be operated such that the piston-cylinder arrangement raises the edge protector.

Nachfolgend wird die Steuereinheit 16 für die Einrichtung zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes im Einzelnen beschrieben.Hereinafter, the control unit 16 for the means for raising and / or lowering the edge protection will be described in detail.

Die Steuereinheit 16 umfasst Mittel, mit denen der Abstand a zwischen einem Referenzpunkt R auf dem Kantenschutz 5 und der Bodenoberfläche 11 erfasst werden kann. Darüber hinaus umfasst die Steuereinheit 16 Mittel zum Ansteuern der Einrichtung 13 zum Anheben und/oder Absenken des Kantenschutzes in Abhängigkeit von dem Abstand a zwischen Referenzpunkt 12 und Bodenoberfläche 11.The control unit 16 comprises means with which the distance a between a reference point R on the edge protector 5 and the ground surface 11 can be detected. In addition, the control unit 16 comprises means for controlling the device 13 for raising and / or lowering the edge protection as a function of the distance a between the reference point 12 and the bottom surface 11.

Bei einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel umfassen die oben beschriebenen Mittel ein federndes Tastelement 17 und einen vorzugsweisen induktiven oder kapazitiven Näherungsschalter 18 (Fig. 4). Das federnde Tastelement 17 weist eine Schraubenzugfeder 17A auf. Der Federdraht der Schraubenzugfeder 17A ist an einem Ende unter Bildung eines halbkreisförmigen Abschnitts 17B umgebogen, wobei sich der halbkreisförmige Abschnitt 17B in einen stabförmigen Abschnitt 17C fortsetzt, der sich in die entgegengesetzte Richtung wie der halbkreisförmige Abschnitt 17B erstreckt (Fig. 5). Das freie Ende des stabförmigen Abschnitts 17C ist umgebogen. Mit dem umgebogenen Ende 17D tastet das Tastelement 17 die Bodenoberfläche 11 ab. Das Tastelement 17 ist an dem oberen vorderen Ende des Kantenschutzes 5 angeordnet, wobei der stabförmige Abschnitt 17C des Tastelements 17 der vorderen Kontur des Kantenschutzes folgt. Hierzu ist der stabförmige Abschnitt 17C zwischen den Enden abgeknickt.In a first embodiment, the means described above comprise a resilient sensing element 17 and a preferably inductive or capacitive proximity switch 18 (FIG. Fig. 4 ). The resilient sensing element 17 has a helical tension spring 17A. The spring wire of the helical tension spring 17A is bent at one end to form a semicircular portion 17B, and the semicircular portion 17B continues into a rod-shaped portion 17C extending in the opposite direction as the semicircular portion 17B ( Fig. 5 ). The free end of the rod-shaped portion 17C is bent over. With the bent end 17D, the feeler element 17 scans the bottom surface 11. The stylus 17 is disposed at the upper front end of the edge protector 5, with the rod-shaped portion 17C of the stylus 17 following the front contour of the edge protector. For this purpose, the rod-shaped portion 17C is bent between the ends.

Die Schraubenzugfeder 17A des Tastelements 17 sitzt in einer zylindrischen Bohrung 19 eines Gehäuses 20, das an dem oberen vorderen Ende des Kantenschutzes 5 befestigt ist. Das Gehäuse 20 besteht aus zwei Gehäusehälften 20A und 20B, zwischen denen die Schraubenzugfeder 17A des Tastelements 17 klemmend gehalten wird. Oberhalb der Schraubenzugfeder 17A befindet sich in dem Gehäuse 20 der induktive oder kapazitive Näherungsschalter 18. Der Näherungsschalter 18 ist derart angeordnet, dass der sensitive Bereich dem umgebogenen Abschnitt 17B des Tastelements zugewandt ist.The helical tension spring 17A of the sensing element 17 is seated in a cylindrical bore 19 of a housing 20 which is fixed to the upper front end of the edge protector 5. The housing 20 consists of two housing halves 20A and 20B, between which the helical tension spring 17A of the probe element 17 is clamped. Above the helical tension spring 17A is located in the housing 20 of the inductive or capacitive proximity switch 18. The proximity switch 18 is arranged such that the sensitive area facing the bent portion 17B of the probe element.

Beim Betrieb der Fräsmaschine wird der Kantenschutz aufgrund der schwimmenden Lagerung über den Boden gezogen, wobei das Tastelement 17 mit dem umgebogenen Endstück 17D auf der Bodenoberfläche gleitet oder dicht über der Bodenoberfläche 11 angeordnet ist. Dabei wird zwischen dem Referenzpunkt R und der Bodenoberfläche 11 ein vorbestimmter Abstand a definiert. Wenn der Kantenschutz 5 sich in den Boden eingräbt, nimmt der Abstand a zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche ab, so dass das Tastelement 17 entgegen der Arbeitsrichtung A ausgelenkt wird. Dabei vergrößert sich der Abstand zwischen dem umgebogenen Abschnitt 17B des Tastelements 17 und dem Näherungsschalter 18, so dass der Näherungsschalter betätigt wird, beispielsweise geschlossen wird.During operation of the milling machine, the edge protector is pulled over the ground due to the floating bearing, with the feeler element 17 sliding on the bottom surface with the bent end piece 17D or being arranged close above the bottom surface 11. In this case, a predetermined distance a is defined between the reference point R and the ground surface 11. When the edge protector 5 digs into the ground, the distance a between the reference point and the ground surface decreases, so that the feeler element 17 is deflected counter to the working direction A. In this case, the distance between the bent portion 17 B of the probe element 17 and the proximity switch 18 increases, so that the proximity switch is actuated, for example, is closed.

Der Näherungsschalter 18, der über eine nicht dargestellte Leitung, die entlang der Oberkante des Kantenschutzes geführt sein kann, mit der Steuerung der Hydraulikeinheit 15 verbunden ist, betätigt nunmehr die Hydraulikeinheit 15 der Kolben/ZylinderAnordnung 14 derart, dass der Kolben 14B eingefahren und der Kantenschutz 5 angehoben wird. Der Kantenschutz 5 wird solange angehoben, bis der vorgegebene Mindestabstand a wieder erreicht oder überschritten wird, so dass das Tastelement 17 wieder in die Ausgangslage zurückkehrt, in der der Näherungsschalter nicht betätigt wird, beispielsweise geöffnet ist. Folglich befindet sich die Unterkante des Kantenschutzes wieder auf der Höhe der Bodenoberfläche. Wenn der Näherungsschalter nicht betätigt wird, beispielsweise geöffnet ist, wird wieder die Schwimmstellung vorgegeben, so dass der Kantenschutz wieder mit der definierten Andruckkraft über die Bodenoberfläche gezogen wird. Diese Andruckkraft sollte derart bemessen sein, dass sich der Kantenschutz bei ausreichend hartem Untergrund nicht eingräbt.The proximity switch 18, which is connected via a line, not shown, which may be guided along the upper edge of the edge protection, with the control of the hydraulic unit 15, now actuates the hydraulic unit 15 of the piston / cylinder arrangement 14 such that the piston 14B retracted and the edge protection 5 is raised. The edge protection 5 is raised until the predetermined minimum distance a is reached or exceeded again, so that the feeler element 17 returns to the starting position, in which the proximity switch is not actuated, for example is open. Consequently, the lower edge of the edge protector is again at the level of the ground surface. If the proximity switch is not actuated, for example, is open, the floating position is again specified, so that the edge protection is pulled again with the defined contact pressure on the soil surface. This pressure force should be such that the edge protection does not dig in sufficiently hard ground.

Fig. 6 zeigt ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel der Steuereinheit 16, die sich von der unter Bezugnahme auf die in Fig. 3 und 4 beschriebenen Ausführungsform dadurch unterscheidet, dass anstelle eines mechanischen Tastelements eine berührungslose Entfernungsmessung, beispielsweise mittels eines Ultraschall-Sensors 21 zur Erfassung des Abstandes a zwischen dem Referenzpunkt R und der Bodenoberfläche 11 vorgesehen ist. Die Auswertung des Abstandsignals des Ultraschall-Sensors gehört zum Stand der Technik. Fig. 6 FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the control unit 16, which differs from that described with reference to FIGS 3 and 4 described embodiment differs in that instead of a mechanical probe element, a contactless distance measurement, for example by means of an ultrasonic sensor 21 for detecting the distance a between the reference point R and the bottom surface 11 is provided. The evaluation of the distance signal of the ultrasonic sensor belongs to the prior art.

Fig. 7 zeigt ein weiteres alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel der Steuereinheit 16. Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Tastelement ein Betätigungsorgan 22 eines Hydraulikventils 23, das in Fig. 7 nur schematisch dargestellt ist. Das Hydraulikventil 23 ist ein Ventil der Hydraulikeinheit 15, mit der die Kolben/Zylinder-Anordnung 14 gesteuert wird. Durch Betätigung des Hydraulikventils 23 infolge einer Auslenkung des Betätigungsorgans 22 wird der Kolben 14B der Kolben/Zylinder-Anordnung 14 eingefahren, so dass der Kantenschutz 5 angehoben wird. Fig. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of the control unit 16. In this embodiment, the sensing element is an actuator 22 of a hydraulic valve 23, which in Fig. 7 is shown only schematically. The hydraulic valve 23 is a valve of the hydraulic unit 15, with which the piston / cylinder assembly 14 is controlled. By actuating the hydraulic valve 23 as a result of a deflection of the actuating member 22, the piston 14B of the piston / cylinder assembly 14 is retracted, so that the edge protection 5 is raised.

Fig. 8 zeigt eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform der Steuereinheit 16 in schematischer Darstellung, die über ein an einem Drehpunkt 24 gelenkig gelagertes, starres Tastelement 25 verfügt, das federnd auf die Bodenoberfläche 11 vorgespannt ist. Die Auslenkung des Tastelements 25 wird durch einen nur schematisch dargestellten Schalter 26 erfasst. Alternativ kann die Drehstellung des Tastelements auch durch einen Drehgeber oder dgl. erfasst werden, wobei ein dem Abstand zwischen Referenzpunkt und Bodenoberfläche proportionales Steuersignal erzeugt wird. Fig. 8 shows a further alternative embodiment of the control unit 16 in a schematic representation, which has a hinged at a pivot point 24, rigid probe element 25 which is resiliently biased to the bottom surface 11. The deflection of the probe element 25 is detected by a switch 26 shown only schematically. Alternatively, the rotational position of the probe element can also be detected by a rotary encoder or the like, wherein a control signal proportional to the distance between the reference point and the floor surface is generated.

Claims (15)

  1. Self-propelled construction machine, in particular road milling machine, stabiliser, recycler or surface miner, comprising a machine frame (1) and an operating drum for processing the ground material, the operating drum being positioned in a drum housing (4) which is open downwards and closed on at least one side by an edge protector (5), which is adjustable in height by a mechanism (13) which is designed for raising and/or lowering the edge protector and provides a floating position in which the edge protector is mounted in a floating manner such that the height of the edge protector can be automatically adjusted.
    characterised in that
    a control unit (16) is provided for the mechanism (13) for raising and/or lowering the edge protector (5), which unit has means (17) for registering the distance (a) between a reference point (R) on the edge protector and the ground surface (11) and means (18) for actuating the mechanism (13) for raising and/or lowering the edge protector, the control unit being configured so that, when the distance between the reference point and ground surface is less than a predetermined minimum distance (a), the mechanism for raising and/or lowering the edge protector is actuated such that the edge protector is raised.
  2. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (16) is configured so that, when a predetermined minimum distance between the reference point and ground surface is reached or exceeded, the mechanism (13) for raising and/or lowering the edge protector is actuated such that the mechanism (13) for raising and/or lowering the edge protector returns to the floating position.
  3. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the means for registering the distance between a reference point (12) on the edge protector and the ground surface (11) comprises a probe element (17) designed for sensing the ground surface and fastened to the edge protector (5) such that, when the distance between the reference point and the ground surface is less than a predetermined minimum distance (a), the probe element is deflected.
  4. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with claim 3, characterised in that the means for actuating the mechanism for raising and/or lowering the edge protector comprise a sensor (18) for registering the deflection of the probe element (17) when the edge protector digs into the ground.
  5. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with claim 4, characterised in that the sensor for registering the deflection of the probe element is a proximity switch (18).
  6. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with any of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the probe element (17) is configured as a resilient probe element.
  7. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that the probe element (17) comprises a helical tension spring (17A), the spring wire of which continues into a rod-shaped portion (17C) at the end of the spring.
  8. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with claim 7, characterised in that the spring wire of the helical tension spring (17A) is bent at the end at which the spring wire continues into a rod-shaped portion, forcing a portion (17B) which extends in a direction opposite to the rod-shaped portion (17C).
  9. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with either claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the helical tension spring (17C) is positioned on the edge protector (5) such that the rod-shaped portion (17C) extends along a longitudinal face of the edge protector.
  10. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the mechanism (13) for raising and/or lowering the edge protector comprises at least one piston/cylinder arrangement (14), the cylinder (14A) having an articulated connection to the machine frame (1) and the piston (17B) having an articulated connection to the edge protector (5), or the cylinder (14A) having an articulated connection to the edge protector (5) and the piston (14B) having an articulated connection to the machine frame (1).
  11. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with claim 3, characterised in that the probe element is configured as an actuating element (22) of a hydraulic valve (23) for actuating the mechanism (13) for raising and/or lowering the edge protector.
  12. Self-propelled construction machine in accordance with either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the means for registering the distance between a reference point (12) on the edge protector and the ground surface (11) comprises a sensor (21), in particular an ultrasonic sensor, which measures the distance from the ground surface in a contactless manner.
  13. Method for operating a self-propelled construction machine, in particular road milling machine, stabiliser, recycler or surface miner, comprising an operating drum which is positioned in a drum housing which is closed at least at one side by an edge protector which is adjustable in height and is mounted in a floating manner such that the height of the edge protector can be automatically adjusted, characterised in that
    the distance between a reference point (R) on the edge protector and the ground surface (11) can be registered and, when the distance between the reference point and ground surface is less than a predetermined minimum distance, the edge protector is raised.
  14. Method in accordance with claim 13, characterised in that, when a predetermined minimum distance (a) between the reference point (R) and ground surface (11) is reached or exceeded, the edge protector is mounted in a floating manner again.
  15. Method in accordance with either claim 13 or claim 14, characterised in that the ground surface is scanned to determine the distance between the reference point and ground surface.
EP13003912.6A 2012-08-06 2013-08-05 Self-propelled construction vehicle Active EP2695994B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012015346.5A DE102012015346A1 (en) 2012-08-06 2012-08-06 Self-propelled construction machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2695994A1 EP2695994A1 (en) 2014-02-12
EP2695994B1 true EP2695994B1 (en) 2015-06-10

Family

ID=48917323

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13003912.6A Active EP2695994B1 (en) 2012-08-06 2013-08-05 Self-propelled construction vehicle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US9016798B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2695994B1 (en)
CN (2) CN103572693B (en)
DE (1) DE102012015346A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013008939B4 (en) * 2013-05-24 2016-02-18 Bomag Gmbh Self-propelled floor milling machine for working on floor surfaces with a milling device
EP2947053B1 (en) * 2014-05-21 2018-11-07 BV Scheepswerf Damen Gorinchem System and method for cleaning and sterilizing a ballast water flow
DE102014017892B4 (en) * 2014-12-04 2019-03-21 Wirtgen Gmbh Self-propelled construction machine and method for operating a self-propelled construction machine
US20160258119A1 (en) * 2015-03-03 2016-09-08 Caterpillar Inc. Automatic Rotor Speed Control
DE102015014573B4 (en) 2015-11-12 2020-03-19 Wirtgen Gmbh Self-propelled milling machine and method for working a traffic area
DE102016000594A1 (en) * 2016-01-21 2017-07-27 Volkmann & Rossbach Gmbh & Co. Kg Module for covering vulnerable sections or elements on fixed surfaces
US10094078B2 (en) * 2016-03-03 2018-10-09 Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. Cold planer rear door and sliding plates sealing design
DE102018010151A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2020-07-02 Bomag Gmbh Method for height adjustment of a side plate of a floor milling machine and floor milling machine
US10982396B2 (en) 2019-07-11 2021-04-20 Wirtgen Gmbh Slip form paver
DE102019127745A1 (en) * 2019-10-15 2021-04-15 Wirtgen Gmbh Self-propelled construction machine
DE102020003682A1 (en) * 2020-06-19 2021-12-23 Bomag Gmbh SOIL COMPACTION DEVICE FOR COMPACTING A SUBSTRATE LAYER, ASPHALT ROLLER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SOIL COMPACTION DEVICE
DE102020120243B4 (en) 2020-07-31 2022-02-17 Wirtgen Gmbh construction machine
US11692320B2 (en) * 2020-08-04 2023-07-04 Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. Milling machine chamber binding control systems and methods
US11408136B1 (en) 2021-03-18 2022-08-09 Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. Machine and method of resisting debris accumulation on milling enclosure of machine

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5116162A (en) 1991-02-25 1992-05-26 B-J Development Pavement maintenance machine and method
DE19620536A1 (en) 1996-05-22 1997-11-27 Man Takraf Foerdertechnik Gmbh Protective hood for milling cutter
US20090108663A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2009-04-30 Christian Berning Road Milling Machine and Method for Positioning the Machine Frame Parallel to the Ground
US8047741B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2011-11-01 Wirtgen Gmbh Road-milling machine or machine for working deposits

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3528038A1 (en) 1985-08-05 1987-02-12 Reinhard Wirtgen MACHINE FOR MILLING ROAD COVERINGS
US5315770A (en) 1992-12-15 1994-05-31 Astec Industries, Inc. Roadway trenching apparatus
US5378081A (en) * 1994-02-16 1995-01-03 Swisher, Jr.; George W. Milling machine with front-mounted cutter
IT1315336B1 (en) * 2000-05-11 2003-02-10 Bitelli Spa METHOD FOR THE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE PARAMETERS RELATED TO THE MILLING OF ROAD SURFACES AND THE MILLING MACHINE CREATING SUCH
DE102006024123B4 (en) 2006-05-22 2010-02-25 Wirtgen Gmbh Self-propelled construction machine, as well as methods for processing of ground surfaces
US20080153402A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-26 Christopher Arcona Roadway grinding/cutting apparatus and monitoring system
DE102006062129B4 (en) 2006-12-22 2010-08-05 Wirtgen Gmbh Road construction machine and method for measuring the cutting depth
EP2050875B1 (en) 2007-10-17 2014-09-24 Dynapac GmbH Road milling device
WO2009114595A2 (en) 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 Coneqtec Corp. Adjustable planer system
US8061782B2 (en) * 2008-09-12 2011-11-22 Hall David R Sensors on a degradation machine
DE102009059106A1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2011-06-22 Wirtgen GmbH, 53578 Self-propelled construction machine and method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine
DE102010014529A1 (en) 2010-04-10 2011-10-13 Bomag Gmbh Construction machine for processing a road surface

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5116162A (en) 1991-02-25 1992-05-26 B-J Development Pavement maintenance machine and method
DE19620536A1 (en) 1996-05-22 1997-11-27 Man Takraf Foerdertechnik Gmbh Protective hood for milling cutter
US20090108663A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2009-04-30 Christian Berning Road Milling Machine and Method for Positioning the Machine Frame Parallel to the Ground
US8047741B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2011-11-01 Wirtgen Gmbh Road-milling machine or machine for working deposits

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140035343A1 (en) 2014-02-06
US9016798B2 (en) 2015-04-28
CN203603011U (en) 2014-05-21
EP2695994A1 (en) 2014-02-12
CN103572693B (en) 2016-05-04
CN103572693A (en) 2014-02-12
DE102012015346A1 (en) 2014-02-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2695994B1 (en) Self-propelled construction vehicle
EP2037042B1 (en) Road milling machine or machine for exploiting deposits
DE102014017892B4 (en) Self-propelled construction machine and method for operating a self-propelled construction machine
EP2708650B1 (en) Self-propelled construction machine and method for controlling a height-adjustable sealing element.
DE102006062129B4 (en) Road construction machine and method for measuring the cutting depth
EP2640607B1 (en) Device comprising a camera unit and a protection element which has a compact displacement path
EP2698475B1 (en) Self-propelled construction machine and method for operating the same
DE102014015661A1 (en) MILLING MACHINE CONTROL ACCORDING TO FLOOR CHARACTERISTICS
EP3647494B1 (en) Road construction machine and method for operating a road construction machine
DE102006024123A1 (en) Self-propelled construction machine, as well as methods for processing of ground surfaces
EP2840183B1 (en) Self-propelled construction machine and method for operating a self-propelled construction machine
DE102010050441A1 (en) Construction machine e.g. cold milling machine, for soil cultivation, has lifting column comprising distance measuring device for measurement of lifting column displacement with sensor, where sensor is integrated into lifting column
DE102012012395A1 (en) road milling machine
DE102017012124B4 (en) Method for controlling the elevation of a hold-down device of a ground milling machine and ground milling machine
DE102017010919A1 (en) Method for controlling a height adjustment of a scraper blade of a ground milling machine and ground milling machine
DE102015003153A1 (en) Self-propelled construction machine
EP2428614A2 (en) Moveable fitter
EP3825462A1 (en) Self-propelled construction machine and method for determining the use of a construction machine
DE102018010151A1 (en) Method for height adjustment of a side plate of a floor milling machine and floor milling machine
DE2835270A1 (en) ROAD PLANER WITH A SUSPENSION FOR ITS CUTTER
DE10131559B4 (en) Device for soil pressure relief of a working on the ground working tool
EP1716735B1 (en) Method and device for adjusting height
DE19921761A1 (en) Working distance adjustment for e.g. mowing machine involves adjusting length of element of jib arm with working head on free end; lower arm of jib arm with upper, lower arms is adjusted
DE102006019107B4 (en) Method and device for height control
DE10050398C2 (en) Multi-purpose cutter-crusher

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140206

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150109

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 730973

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502013000719

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150910

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150911

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150910

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 502013000719

Country of ref document: DE

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: CATERPILLAR INC.

Effective date: 20151229

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20150610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151010

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151012

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150805

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150805

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20130805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150831

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R100

Ref document number: 502013000719

Country of ref document: DE

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: CATERPILLAR INC.

Effective date: 20151229

PLCK Communication despatched that opposition was rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREJ1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

PLBN Opposition rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009273

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: OPPOSITION REJECTED

27O Opposition rejected

Effective date: 20171023

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150610

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 730973

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180805

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180805

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230525

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230831

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230824

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20230823

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230822

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230822

Year of fee payment: 11