초록 ▼

A paving machine employs an electrically heated screed assembly to uniformly heat a screed plate of the machine. Uniform heating is achieved by inserting a thermally conductive plate between electrical heating elements and the screed plate. An insulation layer may be provided above the heating eleme

A paving machine employs an electrically heated screed assembly to uniformly heat a screed plate of the machine. Uniform heating is achieved by inserting a thermally conductive plate between electrical heating elements and the screed plate. An insulation layer may be provided above the heating elements to direct the heat downward into the thermally conductive plate. The heat spreads relatively uniformly throughout the thermally conductive plate, thereby uniformly heating the screed plate. A clamping mechanism is also provided that, when tightened, provides a compressive force, thereby holding the assembly in place. When released, the pressure is alleviated, thus permitting a heating element to be removed for repair or replacement without the need to remove the screed plate.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.]1. An electrically heated screed assembly for use with a paving machine, comprising:a screed plate;a conductive plate disposed above and in thermal communication with the screed plate;an electrical heating element disposed above and in thermal communication with the conductive plate;

[ I claim:] [1.]1. An electrically heated screed assembly for use with a paving machine, comprising:a screed plate;a conductive plate disposed above and in thermal communication with the screed plate;an electrical heating element disposed above and in thermal communication with the conductive plate; anda clamping mechanism that is positioned over the heating element and that is loosenable to permit removal of the heating element from the screed assembly and tightenable to clamp the heating element to the conductive plate and to prevent removal of the heating element from the screed assembly.