GB2585099A

GB2585099A - A working machine

Info

Publication number: GB2585099A
Application number: GB1913279.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moizuddin Mohd; Isak Pathan Zameer; Thiemann Steffen; Krishnan Prasad; Becker Marcus; Krishna Patil Amol
Original assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Current assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-26
Filing date: 2019-09-13
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-13
Also published as: GB201913279D0; GB2585099B

Abstract

The machine 10, particularly an articulated soil compactor, comprises a frame comprising a main chassis 12 and a front chassis 14, with the main chassis defining a front end 18, rear end 20 and first 22 and second 24 sides extending therebetween. Also disclosed is an operator seat 26 mounted proximate to the front end of the main chassis and a first working implement 28 mounted to the front chassis. Further disclosed is an engine compartment 30 provided on the main chassis and comprises an engine system housed therein wherein the engine system comprises an internal combustion engine 36 positioned proximate to the operator seat and an SCR (selective catalytic reducer) unit 38 positioned proximate to the rear end of the main chassis. The engine system may further comprise an exhaust outlet 40 proximate the rear end of the main chassis and an exhaust flow path 42 extending from the internal combustion engine to the exhaust outlet and wherein the exhaust flow path is arranged to extend proximate to the first or second side of the main chassis. The positioning of the SCR may improve the weight distribution of the working machine.

Description

A Working Machine

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a working machine for compacting a surface. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Compactors are machines used to compact materials such as rock, asphalt, soil, gravel, etc. to produce a surface that has been condensed and made firmer. Such compaction is an important part of the process in the construction roads, pathways, parking lots and the like.

Various types of compactors are known in the art, and they typically include one or two roller drums for compacting a surface. Compactors may be provided in the form of a self-propelled machine having an engine to drive a roller drum over a surface to be compacted such that the compactor compresses the material.

In order to reduce atmospheric pollution caused by the emission of potentially harmful substances from the engines of the self-propelled compactors, these known compactors have had exhaust after-treatment systems fitted onto the engine. This had led to poor packing of the overall engine compartment and has led to sub-optimal weight distribution of the compactor.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate one or more

problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a working machine comprising: a frame comprising a main chassis and a front chassis, the main chassis defining a front end and a rear end and first and second sides extending therebetween; an operator seat mounted proximate to the front end of the main chassis; a first working implement mounted to the front chassis; and an engine compartment provided on the main chassis and comprising an engine system housed therein, wherein the engine system comprises an internal combustion engine positioned proximate to the operator seat, and an SCR unit positioned proximate the rear end of the main chassis.

In this arrangement, the SCR unit is positioned at the rear of the main chassis, e.g. at the rear of the working machine. This arrangement has been found to improve the packaging of the components within the engine compartment.

Moreover, as the engine is positioned close to, e.g. nearby, the operator seat and the SCR unit is at the rear of the main chassis, the SCR unit is positioned to be spaced apart from the internal combustion engine. Moving the SCR unit away from the hot engine enables the temperature of the SCR unit to be more accurately controlled.

Providing the SCR unit at the rear of the machine also allows operators to access the SCR unit for maintenance/repair.

The SCR unit may be mounted transversely on the main chassis proximate the rear end of the main chassis.

Providing an SCR unit which extends across the rear end of the main chassis, e.g. across the rear of the working machine, improves the packaging within the engine compartment.

The engine system may comprise an exhaust outlet proximate the rear end of the main chassis and an exhaust flow path extending from the internal combustion engine to the exhaust outlet. The exhaust flow path may be arranged to extend proximate to the first or second side of the main chassis.

This arrangement has been found to aid in packaging of the exhaust system.

The exhaust flow path may be connected to a radial inlet of the SCR unit, and the exhaust outlet may be configured to extend from an axial outlet of the SCR unit.

This configuration of 5CR unit has been found to improve the packing of the exhaust flow path and the 5CR unit at the rear of the machine.

The engine system may comprise a reductant reservoir proximate to, e.g. adjacent to, the SCR unit.

Positioning of the reductant reservoir (i.e. a container for a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) close to the SCR unit has been found to improve the packaging of the engine system.

Moreover, the positioning of the reductant reservoir at the rear of the machine has been found to improve the weight distribution of the working machine, thus improving stability thereof.

The engine system may comprise a reductant introduction point upstream of the SCR unit for introducing reductant into the exhaust flow path.

The reductant reservoir may be positioned proximate the rear end of the main chassis.

Positioning the reductant reservoir proximate the rear end of the main chassis, e.g. substantially at the rear end of the main chassis, positions the reservoir away from the engine, which helps to prevent the red uctant reservoir from overheating.

The reductant reservoir may be positioned proximate to a first rear corner of the main chassis.

Positioning the reductant reservoir proximate the first rear corner, e.g. substantially at the first rear corner improves the packaging of the engine compartment and the weight distribution of the machine.

The engine compartment may define a first portion that is positioned laterally outward of the first side of the main chassis, in plan view, and the reductant reservoir may be disposed within said first portion.

This arrangement improves the packaging of the engine compartment and the weight distribution of the machine.

The reductant reservoir may be mounted within the engine compartment via one or more insulating members.

This arrangement further isolates the reservoir such that heat transfer to the reservoir via the chassis is reduced, which in turn reduces heating of the reductant within the reservoir.

The SCR unit may be provided within an enclosure.

This arrangement protects the SCR unit from damage from external components. The SCR enclosure may be thermally insulated.

This arrangement further isolates the SCR unit from the heat generating components within the engine compartment, which reduces the build-up of high temperatures within the engine compartment.

The engine system may comprise a heat exchanger for cooling the internal combustion engine. The heat exchanger may be positioned between the internal combustion engine and the operator seat.

The heat exchanger may be a radiator.

The engine system may comprise a fuel tank positioned proximate the rear end of the main chassis.

This arrangement of the fuel tank has been found to improve the packaging of the engine system. This arrangement has also been found to improve the weight distribution of the working machine.

The fuel tank may be positioned adjacent to, and in front of the SCR unit.

The fuel tank may comprise a first tank unit arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main chassis. The first tank unit may be positioned at proximate to second rear corner of the main chassis.

Providing an upright portion of the fuel tank proximate the second rear corner, e.g. substantially at the second rear corner has been found to improve the weight distribution of the working machine.

The engine compartment may define a second portion that is positioned laterally outward of the second side of the main chassis, in plan view, and the first tank unit may be disposed within said second portion.

The fuel tank may comprise a second tank unit arranged to extend between the first and second sides of the main chassis, and the SCR unit may be positioned rearwardly of the second tank unit.

This arrangement of the fuel tank and the SCR unit has been found to improve the packaging of the engine system. This arrangement has also been found to improve the weight distribution of the working machine.

The first and second fuel tank units may be in fluid communication and may be arranged to define a substantially L-shaped fuel tank in side view.

Providing a fuel tank that is substantially L-shaped (i.e. having a first upright corner section and a second central section extending across the chassis) has been found to improve the packaging of the fuel tank within the engine compartment.

The operator seat may be positioned on the frame to be substantially between the first working implement and the engine compartment.

The front chassis may be an articulating front chassis.

The working machine may be a compactor machine for travelling over and compacting a material.

The working implement may be a roller drum rotatable about an axis for travelling over and compacting a material.

The working machine may comprise a vibration assembly for imparting a vibratory force to a material as the roller drum passes over said material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side of a working machine according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a plan view of a main chassis of the working machine of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an alternative isometric view of the main chassis of the working machine of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a working machine is illustrated and is indicated generally at 10.

The working machine 10 includes a frame having a main chassis 12 and a front chassis 14. The working machine 10 includes an operator seat 26 mounted to the main chassis 14. In the arrangement shown, the operator seat 26 is mounted proximate to a front end 18 of the main chassis 12. An engine compartment 30 is provided on the main chassis 12. The engine compartment 30 includes a cover 32 and an engine system housed within said compartment 30.

In the illustrated arrangement, the front chassis 14 is an articulating front chassis 14 connected to the main chassis 12 via an articulating member 16. A first working implement 28 mounted to the front chassis 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the working implement 28 is a roller drum rotatable about an axis for travelling over a surface and compacting the material of said surface. It will be appreciated that in some arrangements, the working machine may include a vibration assembly (not shown) for imparting a vibratory force to the surface material as the roller drum 28 passes over said material.

In the illustrated arrangement, the working machine 10 is provided with a pair of rear wheels 34 mounted to the main chassis 12. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the wheels 34 may be omitted and the working machine 10 may include a second roller drum mounted to the main chassis 12.

Referring now to Figure 2, the main chassis 12 defines a front end 18, a rear end 20 and first and second sides 22, 24 extending between the front and rear ends 18, 20. The main chassis further defines first and second rear corners 23, 25, associated with the first and second sides 22, 24.

The engine system includes an internal combustion engine 36 disposed within the engine compartment 30. In the illustrated arrangement, the internal combustion engine 36 is positioned proximate to the operator seat 26, which is positioned proximate the front end 18 of the main chassis 12. The operator seat 26 is positioned substantially between the first working implement 28 and the engine compartment 30.

The engine system includes a heat exchanger 50 for cooling the internal combustion engine 36. In the arrangement shown, the heat exchanger is a radiator 50. The heat exchanger 50 is positioned between the internal combustion engine 36 and the operator seat 26.

The engine system is provided with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit 38.

Selective catalytic reduction combines the use of a catalyst such as vanadium, tungsten, copper zeolite (Cu-Zeolite), or iron zeolite (Fe-Zeolite) with a reductant such as anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonia, or more typically, urea, to convert NO and NO2 to nitrogen and water.

As noted above, urea is commonly used as a reductant for an SCR unit 38. In order to thermally decompose into ammonia by the point at which it enters the SCR unit 38, the reductant is injected into the exhaust flow path 42 upstream of the SCR unit 38 via a reductant introduction point 46.

The reduction reactions of the exhaust gas within the SCR unit 38 are optimised at a particular temperature range, depending on the type of catalyst used for the reaction. If the conditions for the reactions are not optimised, e.g. if the temperatures are too low or are too high, a portion of the reductant may pass through the SCR unit 38 unreacted (often referred to as ammonia slip).

The SCR unit 38 is provided within an enclosure on the main chassis 12 so as to protect the SCR unit 38 from damage from external components. In some arrangements, the enclosure may be provided as a thermally insulating enclosure. This arrangement works to thermally isolate the SCR unit 38 from the heat generating components within the engine compartment 30. This reduces the build-up of high temperatures within the engine compartment 30 and improves the controllability of the temperature of the SCR unit 38.

The SCR unit 38 is positioned proximate the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. In the arrangement shown, the SCR unit 38 is positioned at the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. Put another way, the SCR unit 38 is positioned at the rear end 20 of the working machine 10. Positioning the SCR unit 38 at the rear of the engine compartment 30 (i.e. at the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12) helps to improve the packaging of the components within the engine compartment 30 and provides easy access to the SCR unit 38 for maintenance/repair.

The SCR unit 38 is positioned on the main chassis 12 so as to extend in a direction between the first and second sides 22, 24 of the main chassis 12 proximate to the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. Put another way, the SCR unit 38 is mounted transversely on the main chassis 12. Providing the SCR unit 38 extending across the rear end 20 of the working machine 10 improves the packaging of the components within the engine compartment 30.

As discussed above, the operator seat 26 is positioned proximate to the front end 18 of the main chassis 12 and the engine 36 is positioned proximate to the operator seat 26. In this way, the SCR unit 38 is spaced apart from the heat generating engine 36. This reduces the build-up of high temperatures within the engine compartment 30 and improves the controllability of the temperature of the SCR unit 38.

The engine system includes an exhaust outlet 40 proximate the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. An exhaust flow path 42 extends along the main chassis 12 from the internal combustion engine 36 to the exhaust outlet 40.

In order to improve the packaging of the exhaust flow path 42, the exhaust flow path 42 is arranged to extend along the main chassis 12 proximate to a side 22, 24 of the main chassis 12. This positioning of the exhaust flow path 42 within the engine compartment 30 has been found to aid in packaging of the engine system.

In the arrangement shown, the exhaust flow path 42 is shown to substantially extend along the first side of the main chassis 12.

The exhaust flow path 42 extends rearwardly from the internal combustion engine 36 towards the SCR unit 38 proximate the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12.

In the illustrated arrangement, the internal combustion engine 36 and the SCR unit 38 substantially oppose each other on the main chassis 12. The exhaust flow path 42 is configured to connect to a radial inlet of the SCR unit 38. This configuration aids in connection of the exhaust flow path 42 to the SCR unit 38, and improves the packaging thereof.

The exhaust outlet 40 is configured to extend from an axial outlet of the SCR unit 38. This configuration of SCR unit 38 has been found to improve the packing of the exhaust flow path 42 and the SCR unit 38 at the rear of the working machine 10.

The engine system includes a reductant reservoir 44 proximate to the SCR unit 38. Urea is commonly used as the reductant for an SCR unit 38. In the USA, commercially available reductant for use with SCRs is referred to as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), whereas in Europe it is referred to as "AdBIueRTM".

Positioning of the reductant reservoir 44 (i.e. the DEF container) close to the SCR unit 38 has been found to improve the packaging of the engine system. The reductant reservoir 44 is positioned proximate the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. This positioning of the reductant reservoir 44 improves the weight distribution of the working machine 10, thus improving stability thereof.

The reductant reservoir 44 is positioned proximate the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. In this way, the reductant reservoir 44 is spaced apart from the hot engine 36, which helps to reduce the heating of the reductant within the reductant reservoir 44.

Although not illustrated, the reductant reservoir 44 is mounted within the engine compartment 30 via one or more insulating members. This arrangement further isolates the reservoir such that heat transfer to the reservoir via the chassis is reduced, which in turn reduces heating of the reductant within the reservoir.

The reductant reservoir 44 is positioned proximate to the first rear corner 23 of the main chassis 12, which has been found to improve weight distribution of the working machine 10.

In the illustrated arrangement, the engine compartment 30 defines a first portion 48 that is positioned laterally outward of the first side 22 of the main chassis 12, in plan view. Put another way, a first portion 48 of the engine compartment 30 is arranged to extend laterally outwardly with respect to the side 22 of the main chassis 12.

The reductant reservoir 44 is positioned within the first portion 48 of the engine compartment 30. Providing a portion 48 at the rear of the engine compartment 30 that extends laterally outwardly with respect to the side 22 of the main chassis enables more components of the engine system to be positioned at the rear of the working machine 10. This increased weight at the rear of the working machine 10 (by providing the reductant reservoir 44 in the portion 48) helps to counterbalance the weight of the working implement 28 at the front of the working machine 10, and so improves the weight distribution of the working machine 10.

Referring now to Figure 3, the engine system is also provided with a fuel tank 52. The fuel tank 52 is positioned proximate to the rear end 20 of the main chassis 12. Providing the fuel tank 52 near the rear of the working machine 10 has been found to improve the weight distribution of the working machine 10.

The fuel tank 52 includes a first tank unit 54 arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main chassis 12. Put another way, the fuel tank 52 includes a first tank unit 54 arranged to be substantially upright on the main chassis 12.

The first tank unit 54 is positioned at the second rear corner 25 of the main chassis 12. Providing an upright tank unit 54 at a rear corner of the main chassis 12 has been found to improve the weight distribution of the working machine 10.

In the illustrated arrangement, the engine compartment 30 defines a second portion 56 that is positioned laterally outward of the second side 24 of the main chassis 12, in plan view. Put another way, a second portion 56 of the engine compartment 30 is arranged to extend laterally outwardly with respect to the side 24 of the main chassis 12.

The first tank unit 54 is positioned within the second portion 56 of the engine compartment 30. Providing a portion 56 at the rear of the engine compartment 30 that extends laterally outwardly with respect to the side 24 of the main chassis 12 enables more components of the engine system to be positioned at the rear of the working machine 10. This increased weight at the rear of the working machine 10 (by providing the fuel tank unit 54 in the portion 56) helps to counterbalance the weight of the working implement 28 at the front of the working machine 10, and so improves the weight distribution of the working machine 10.

The fuel tank 52 also includes a second tank unit 58. The second tank unit 58 is positioned adjacent to the first tank unit 54 and is arranged to extend between the first and second sides 22, 24 of the main chassis 12.

In the arrangement shown, the SCR unit 38 is positioned rearwardly of the second tank unit 58. Put another way, the second tank unit 58 is positioned between the SCR unit 38 and the internal combustion engine 36. This arrangement of the fuel tank and the SCR unit has been found to improve the packaging of the engine system and the weight distribution of the working machine.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second tank units 54, 58 are positioned adjacent to each other and are in fluid communication with each other.

The first and second tank unit s are arranged to define a substantially L-shaped fuel tank 52 in side view.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A working machine (10) comprising: a frame comprising a main chassis (12) and a front chassis (14), the main chassis (12) defining a front end (18) and a rear end (20) and first and second sides (22, 24) extending therebetween; an operator seat (26) mounted proximate to the front end (18) of the main chassis (12); a first working implement (28) mounted to the front chassis (12); and an engine compartment (30) provided on the main chassis (12) and comprising an engine system housed therein, wherein the engine system comprises an internal combustion engine (36) positioned proximate to the operator seat (26), and an SCR unit (38) positioned proximate the rear end (20) of the main chassis (12).
2. The working machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the SCR unit (38) is mounted transversely on the main chassis (12) proximate the rear end (20) of the main chassis (12).
3. The working machine (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engine system comprises an exhaust outlet (40) proximate the rear end (20) of the main chassis (12) and an exhaust flow path (42) extending from the internal combustion engine (36) to the exhaust outlet (40), and wherein the exhaust flow path (42) is arranged to extend proximate to the first (22) or second (24) side of the main chassis (12).
4. The working machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein the exhaust flow path (42) is connected to a radial inlet of the SCR unit (38), and wherein the exhaust outlet (40) is configured to extend from an axial outlet of the SCR unit (38).
5. The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the engine system comprises a reductant reservoir (44) proximate to, e.g. adjacent to, the SCR unit (38).
6. The working machine (10) according to claim 5, wherein the engine system comprises a reductant introduction point upstream of the SCR unit (38) for introducing reductant into the exhaust flow path (42).
7. The working machine (10) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the reductant reservoir (44) is positioned proximate the rear end (20) of the main chassis (12).
8. The working machine (10) according to claim 7, wherein the reductant reservoir (44) is positioned proximate to a first rear corner (23) of the main chassis (12).
9. The working machine (10) according to claim 8, wherein the engine compartment (30) defines a first portion (48) that is positioned laterally outward of the first side of the main chassis (12), in plan view, and wherein the reductant reservoir (44) is disposed within said first portion (48).
10. The working machine (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the reductant reservoir (44) is mounted within the engine compartment (30) via one or more insulating members.
11.The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the SCR unit (38) is provided within an enclosure.
12. The working machine (10) according to claim 11, wherein the enclosure is thermally insulated.
13. The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the engine system comprises a heat exchanger (50) for cooling the internal combustion engine (36), and wherein the heat exchanger (50) is positioned between the internal combustion engine (36) and the operator seat (26).
14. The working machine (10) according to claim 13, wherein the heat exchanger is a radiator (50).
15. The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the engine system comprises a fuel tank (52) positioned proximate the rear end (20) of the main chassis (12).
16. The working machine (10) according to claim 15, wherein the fuel tank (52) comprises a first tank unit (54) arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main chassis (12), and wherein the first tank unit (54) is positioned proximate to a second rear corner (25) of the main chassis (12).
17. The working machine (10) according to claim 16, wherein the engine compartment (30) defines a second portion (56) that is positioned laterally outward of the second side of the main chassis (12), in plan view, and wherein the first tank unit (54) is disposed within said second portion (56).
18. The working machine (10) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the fuel tank (52) comprises a second tank unit (58) arranged to extend between the first (22) and second (24) sides of the main chassis (12), and wherein the SCR unit (38) is positioned rearwardly of the second tank unit (58).
19. The working machine (10) according to claim 18 when dependent upon claim 16, wherein the first and second fuel tank units (54, 58) are in fluid communication and are arranged to define a substantially L-shaped fuel tank (52) in side view.
20. The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the operator seat (26) is positioned substantially between the first working implement (28) and the engine compartment (30).
21. The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the front chassis (14) is an articulating front chassis.
22. The working machine (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the working machine (10) is a compactor machine for travelling over and compacting a material.
23. The working machine (10) according to claim 22, wherein the working implement (28) is a roller drum rotatable about an axis for travelling over and compacting a material.
24. The working machine (10) according to claim 23, wherein the working machine (10) comprises a vibration assembly for imparting a vibratory force to a material as the roller drum (28) passes over said material.