Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 1 of 15 PageID #:
`11977
`
`EXHIBIT F
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 2 of 15 PageID #:
`I IIIII
`11978
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US007140693B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Dubay et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`Nov. 28, 2006
`
`(54) MILLING MACHINE WITH RE-ENTERING
`BACK WHEELS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Gregory Henry Dubay, Bologna (IT);
`Michele Orefice, Molinella (IT); Dario
`Sansone, Catello d' Argile (IT)
`
`(73) Assignee: Bitelli SpA (IT)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/476,206
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Apr. 26, 2002
`
`(86) PCTNo.:
`
`PCT /EP02/04638
`
`§ 371 (c)(l),
`(2), ( 4) Date: Oct. 27, 2003
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: W002/103117
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Dec. 27, 2002
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2004/0135421 Al
`
`Jul. 15, 2004
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Apr. 27, 2001
`
`(IT)
`
`........................... VI2001A0092
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`EOJC 231088
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 299/39.1; 404/94; 180/209
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 180/209;
`280/6.155, 43.17; 299/36.1, 37.1, 39.3-39.5,
`299/39.1; 404/84.05, 90, 93, 94
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,188,026 A
`6/1965 Perdue eta!.
`3,236,324 A
`2/1966 Levratto
`3,306,390 A
`2/1967 Jamme
`3,572,458 A
`3/1971 Tax
`3,664,448 A
`5/1972 Rudis
`3,792,745 A
`2/1974 Files
`3,838,885 A
`10/1974 Brennan
`3,843,274 A * 10/1974 Gutman et a!. ............... 404/91
`3,971,594 A
`7/1976 Wirtgen
`4,029,165 A
`6/1977 Miller eta!.
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`
`485 299
`
`10/1929
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Nullity Action Dated; Feb. 1, 2001.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner-Sum] Singh
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John J. Cheek; Stephen L.
`Noe
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A work machine includes a frame (2) supported by a
`plurality of wheels or tracks (5), at least some of which are
`associated with respective lifting colunms (32) adapted to
`raise and lower the frame (2) relative to the respective
`wheels or track (5). A work tool is supported by the frame
`(2), and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the work tool
`and at least one of or tracks (5). An articulation apparatus
`(10) uses a first actuator (20) and a pivoting support arm (11)
`to move one of the wheels or tracks (5) between a projecting
`position and a retracted position relative to the frame (2).
`The articulation apparatus (10) includes a second actuator
`(21) adaped to rotate the wheel or track (5) about a vertical
`axis (Z).
`
`2,090,235 A
`
`8/1937 Schauer
`
`38 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 3 of 15 PageID #:
`11979
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`10/1978 Miller
`4,120,507 A
`4/1980 Tax
`4,200,162 A
`6/1981 Swisher et a!.
`4,270,801 A
`6/1983 Beduhn et al.
`4,387,814 A
`10/1986 Elmer et al.
`4,619,340 A
`3/1993 Swisher
`5,190,398 A
`6,106,073 A * 8/2000 Simons eta!. ............. 299/39.6
`6,173,512 B1
`112001 Bitelli
`6,286,615 B1
`9/2001 Bitelli
`6,435,766 B1 * 8/2002 Titford ........................ 404/75
`6,443,687 B1 * 9/2002 Kaiser ........................ 414/685
`6,705,798 B1
`3/2004 Dubay eta!.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`FR
`JP
`JP
`wo
`
`649 305
`668 783
`690 278
`734 710
`1 430 694
`2 405 292
`25 41 895
`27 35 385
`196 31 042
`0 291 844 B1
`730 154
`01-137903
`07-089696
`wo 97/42377
`
`8/1937
`1111938
`3/1940
`3/1943
`1111968
`8/1974
`3/1977
`2/1979
`2/1998
`1111988
`8/1932
`5/1989
`4/1995
`1111997
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`
`542 839
`547 781
`595 113
`616 503
`646 378
`
`111932
`3/1932
`3/1934
`7/1935
`5/1937
`
`Brief Dated; May 17, 200 1.
`Brief Dated; Apr. 25, 2002.
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 4 of 15 PageID #:
`11980
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 5 of 15 PageID #:
`11981
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 6 of 15 PageID #:
`11982
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`C\1
`10
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 7 of 15 PageID #:
`11983
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 8 of 15 PageID #:
`11984
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.28,2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
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`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 9 of 15 PageID #:
`11985
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`1
`MILLING MACHINE WITH RE-ENTERING
`BACK WHEELS
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates generally to work machines
`for the treatment of roadway surfaces, and more particularly
`to a planer or milling machine for asphalt and concrete.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`2
`direction. With this design the respective load of the work
`machine resting on the rear wheel is distributed to all four
`links of the four-link mechanism, which may result in a
`reduced stability and stiffness of the work machine. Also,
`precise couplings have to be provided which need to be
`inspected frequently so as to keep the wear, which might
`compromise good operation of the work machine, under
`control.
`Further, typical cold planers may be fitted with tracks
`10 instead of wheels which is of advantage especially for very
`heavy machines. As with wheels, it is desirable to be able to
`change the relative position of at least one of the tracks
`relative to the frame, i.e. in a retracted or projecting position
`relative to the frame. However, this also changes the steering
`15 characteristic for the whole machine which is more accen(cid:173)
`tuated when the machine is fitted with tracks instead of
`wheels.
`The present invention is directed to overcoming one or
`more of the problems or disadvantages associated with the
`prior art.
`
`A prospectus entitled "Bitelli Volpe SF 100 T4M deep-cut
`cold planer for asphalt and concrete" describes a work
`machine comprising a frame which is supported by four
`wheels, a pair of oppositely arranged front wheels and a pair
`of oppositely arranged rear wheels. One of the rear wheels
`is adapted to raise and lower the frame relative to the
`respective rear wheel. Means are provided to allow for two
`operating positions of the one rear wheel. In a first operating
`position the rear wheel is mounted at the frame in what is 20
`called a projecting position, in a second operating position
`the rear wheel is mounted at the frame in a retracted position
`relative to the general outline of the frame. To allow for
`movement between the two operating positions a support
`arm is provided, which is, at its one end, pivotally connected 25
`to the frame and carries at its other end a wheel support
`comprising a lifting colunm. Typically, the rear wheel is
`driven by a hydraulic motor located in the hub of the rear
`wheel. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the hydraulic motor
`(and also any other hydraulic motors of other wheels which 30
`need to be driven) from an internal combustion engine
`mounted to the frame. To move the rear wheel from its
`projecting position into its retracted position the operator
`hydraulically lowers the frame with respect to the rear
`wheel. i.e. a hydraulic cylinder located inside the lifting
`colunm provides for this lowering movement. As soon as the
`frame or some other component fixedly mounted to the
`frame comes into engagement with the ground, the lifting
`colunm is lifted further by means of the hydraulic cylinder,
`so that the lower surface of the wheel is eventually spaced
`a certain distance from ground. Preferably, before the lifting
`of the wheel from ground has occurred, a pin locking the
`support arm at the frame is removed. After the wheel is
`spaced from the ground the operator pivots the support arm,
`and also simultaneously rotates the lifting colunm so that the 45
`running direction of the rear wheel is maintained for the two
`operating positions.
`The possibility of positioning at least one of the rear
`wheels in the projecting position improves weight distribu(cid:173)
`tion during operation of the work machine, while the pos- 50
`sibility of positioning the wheel in the retracted position
`allows the work machine to operate flush to a wall or curb.
`However, the manual operation of displacing and locking or
`unlocking the pivotable wheel is somewhat uncomfortable
`for the operator, who is obliged to leave his seat and carry 55
`out the required operations manually.
`EP 0 916 004 A1 discloses a work machine for the
`treatment of roadways having a rear support wheel which
`can be pivoted between an interior or retracted position and
`an exterior or projecting position by means of a guide rod 60
`gear consisting of a four-link mechanism with four vertical
`articulated axles and two guide rods pi votable in a horizontal
`plane connected to the rear support wheel. The guide rod
`gear pivots the rear wheel supported by a non-rotatingly
`locked lifting colunm from the exterior position to the 65
`retracted position such that the rear wheel turns in the
`retracted position and in the exterior position in the same
`
`35
`
`40
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion there is provided a work machine, in which the auto(cid:173)
`mated movement to position a wheel or track assembly
`either projecting or retracted relative to the frame occurs
`with a greater stability in comparison with known machines,
`and which is less prone to wear, requires less maintenance,
`and is easier to manufacture than known machines. At the
`same time, change of rotational direction of the wheel or
`track about a vertical axis is facilitated in a compact and
`robust manner to adapt for the changing steering require(cid:173)
`ments when moving the wheel or track from the projecting
`to the retracted position relative to the frame and vice versa.
`This is accomplished by a work machine that, according
`to the main claim, includes a frame supported by a plurality
`of wheels or tracks, at least some of which are associated
`with respective lifting colunms adapted to raise and lower
`the frame relative to the respective wheels or tracks. Pref(cid:173)
`erably, each of the wheels or tracks is associated with one
`respective lifting colunm. A work tool is supported by the
`frame, and a drive mechanism is adapted to rotate the work
`tool and at least one of the wheels or tracks. An articulation
`apparatus uses a first actuator and a pivoting support arm to
`move one of the wheels or tracks between a projecting
`position and a retracted position relative to the frame. The
`articulation apparatus further includes a second actuator
`adapted to rotate the wheel or track about a vertical axis (Z).
`A method for controlling the position of one of the wheels
`or tracks of a work machine is also provided, including
`pivoting the wheel or track between a projecting and
`retracted position and positioning the wheel or track in a
`selected rotational direction about a vertical axis (Z).
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a work machine, i.e. a cold
`planer, in which the features of the present invention may be
`incorporated;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view-partially in sec(cid:173)
`tion-of a detail of a cold planer similar to the one of FIG.
`1 showing an articulation apparatus of a preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention with a rear wheel arranged in
`a projecting position relative to the frame;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic top plan view similar to FIG. 2 with
`the rear wheel arranged in a retracted position relative to the
`frame;
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 10 of 15 PageID #:
`11986
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the detail
`of FIG. 2; and
`FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating parts of the
`articulation apparatus shown in the detail of FIG. 2.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`4
`can rotate about the vertical axis Z with respect to the
`support arm 11 and is allowed to move in a vertical direction
`along the vertical axis Z.
`In particular, the lifting colmnn 32 is arranged in a first
`5 seat 28 comprising a through hole 29 made in a fork shaped
`portion or end 30 of the support arm 11 as shown in FIG. 4.
`As also can be seen in FIG. 4, a coupling member 13 which
`is preferably formed as a ring is received over the sleeve 132
`of the lifting colmnn 32. The ring 13 is arranged coaxially
`with the vertical axis Z of the lifting column 32 or the wheel
`5 in an axially and radially extending space defined by an
`upper and a lower wall of the fork shaped end 30 of the
`support arm 11.
`The ring 13 is provided with a through hole 113. The
`15 through hole 29 in the fork shaped end 30 of the support arm
`and the through hole 113 are mutually coaxial. The through
`hole 29 receives the outside or support column 133 that ends
`at the upper wall of the seat 28.
`As shown in FIG. 4, the outside colmnn 133 is formed as
`20 a sleeve which is coaxially fixed, for instance by means of
`welding within the through hole 29, i.e. in the upper wall of
`the seat 28 or the fork shaped portion 30. Inside the support
`column 133, the sleeve or inside colmnn 132 is coaxially
`arranged to the support colmnn 133 and passes through the
`25 through hole 113 of the ring 13 and the through hole 29 in
`the lower wall of the seat 28. The through hole 29 receives
`the sleeve 132 rotatably and vertically movable relative to
`the support arm 11.
`In particular, the ring 13 is coupled to the lifting column
`30 32 by means of a longitudinally extending groove 32b
`provided in the sleeve 132. The groove 32b has a certain
`length defining the desirable extent of movement between
`the sleeve 132 and the support column 133. A key 33 is
`fixedly mounted on the ring 13 and engages the groove 32b
`35 so as to rotationally couple the ring 13 with the sleeve 132
`but allowing sliding movement of the sleeve 132 relative to
`the support colmnn 133 and the ring 13 in the vertical
`direction. In the preferred embodiment, a second key 33a
`mounted on the ring 13 engages another groove 32b pro-
`40 vided in the sleeve 132 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
`The lifting colmnn actuator 31 is arranged inside of the
`sleeve 132. Preferably, the lifting colum actuator 31 is a
`hydraulic jack having a body 134 connected to the support
`column 133, while the end of a stem 134b of the hydraulic
`45 jack is connected to the bracket 32a supporting the wheel 5.
`The hydraulic jack of the lifting column actuator 31 allows
`lifting and lowering, respectively, the wheel 5 in the vertical
`direction Z. Thus, the height of the support arm 11 relative
`to the ground or pavement to be worked on can be adjusted.
`The second actuator 21 is connected between the support
`arm 11 and the lifting colmnn 32 to cause relative rotation
`between the lifting colmnn 32 and the support arm 11. The
`second actuator 21 is connected to the lifting colmnn 32 via
`the coupling member 13 which, as mentioned above, is
`55 rotatably fixed to the sleeve 132 of the lifting colmnn 32.
`In particular with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the second
`actuator 21 comprises an extendable actuation member in
`the form a body 21b slidably receiving an extendable rod
`21a. The body 21b is pivotably supported on the support arm
`60 11 by means of a third hole 25 in the support arm 11
`receiving a pin 26 hinged or connected to the body 21b of
`the second actuator 21. The extendable actuation member of
`the second actuator 21 may be realised as a hydraulic jack.
`The extendable rod 21a is linked to the coupling member
`65 13 via a first and a second rigid link member 14 and 16 (also
`called first and second connecting rods). The coupling
`member or the ring 13 is pivotably connected to the first
`
`50
`
`The work machine 1 of FIG. 1 comprises a frame 2 10
`supported by a pair of front wheels 4, a pair of rear wheels
`5, and an operator seat 3 for an operator 0. A work tool 6,
`e.g. a cutter or milling drum for removing road surface
`material like asphalt or concrete is supported and rotatably
`connected to the frame 2 by means of a rotary shaft 8 and
`arranged in a work space generally indicated by numeral 7.
`A drive mechanism (not shown), for instance an internal
`combustion engine, is mounted inside of the work machine
`1 on the frame 2 in a position generally indicated by the
`reference numeral 9 behind the operator seat 3. The drive
`mechanism supplies the power for rotating the work tool 6
`and also the front wheels 4 and/or the rear wheels 5 resting
`on the surface of the road paving to be worked on generally
`indicated as plane Jt.
`One of the two rear wheels 5 is adapted to be moved
`between a projecting position (shown) and a retracted posi(cid:173)
`tion, and vice versa. Conceivably, more than one wheel 4, 5
`could be designed to be movable between the two positions.
`Although in FIG. 1 the work machine 1 is illustrated as
`being supported by wheels 4, 5, the term "wheel" is used
`throughout the specification to indicate either a wheel or a
`track assembly.
`Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the work machine 1
`includes an articulation apparatus 10 (FIGS. 2 and 5)
`adapted to pivotally move one of the rear wheels 5 between
`a projecting position 60 (in FIG. 2) and a retracted position
`70 (see FIG. 3) relative to the frame 2. The articulation
`apparatus 10 is arranged between the frame 2 and a rear
`wheel support of the rear wheel 5 as will be described in
`detail below.
`As is shown in FIG. 4 the rear wheel 5 is supported by the
`rear wheel support comprising aU-shaped bracket 32a and,
`fixedly mounted thereto, a vertical lifting colmnn generally
`indicated at 32. The lifting colmnn 32 includes a sleeve or
`inside column 132 slideably mounted inside a support
`colmnn (also called outside colmnn) 133. The sleeve 132
`may be vertically moved relative to the support colmnn 133
`by means of a lifting colmnn acutator 31. The wheel 5 is
`rotatably mounted by a bearing 105 on the bracket 32a
`which is attached to the sleeve 132 such as by welding so as
`to vertically move together with the sleeve 132. The bracket
`32a also rotates with the sleeve 132 about a vertical axis Z
`so as to postion the wheel 5 in a selected rotational direction
`~ about the vertical axis Z.
`Referring to FIG. 2, the articulation apparatus 10 extends
`between the frame 2 and the lifting colmnn 32 of the rear
`wheel support. The articulation apparatus 10 comprises a
`support arm 11 connected to the lifting colmnn 32 and
`pivotally mounted on the frame 2 and actuating means 19 for
`positioning the wheel 5. The actuating means 19 comprise a
`first actuator 20 for pivoting the support arm 11 relative to
`the frame 2 and a second actuator 21 for rotating the wheel
`5 about the vertical axis Z which is generally orthogonal to
`the plane Jt on which the wheel 5 rests.
`The support arm 11 is connected to the lifting colmnn 32
`in such a manner that the sleeve 132 of the lifting colmnn 32
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 11 of 15 PageID #:
`11987
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`5
`rigid link member 14 via a hole 13a (see FIG. 5) provided
`on the ring 13, a hole 38 provided in the first rigid link
`member 14 and a pin 15 coupling the holes 13a and 38. The
`first rigid link member 14 in turn is pivotably connected to
`the second rigid link member 16 via a hole 39 in the first 5
`rigid link member 14, a hole 41 in the second rigid link
`member 16 and a pin 18 extending therethrough. The second
`rigid link member 16 again is pivotably connected to the
`support arm 11 via a fourth hole 27 in the support arm 11,
`a hole 40 in the second rigid link member 16 and a pin 17 10
`extending therethrough. In addition, the second rigid link
`member 16 is pivotably connected to the extendable rod 21a
`via a hole 42 in the second rigid link member 16 receiving
`a pivot pin 43 provided in the extendable rod 21a.
`As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, extending the extendable 15
`rod 21a of the second actuator causes rotation of the
`coupling ring 13 in a clockwise direction as viewed from
`above with the rigid link member 14 and 16 acting as torque
`arms. Retracting of the extendable rod 21a rotates the
`coupling ring 13 in a anticlockwise direction.
`With reference to FIG. 4, the support arm 11 comprises a
`second seat 34 adjacent to the first seat 28 and receiving the
`body 35 of a movement detector 36 having a sensing
`element 37 in contact with the coupling ring 13 so as to
`detect any rotation of the coupling ring 13 relative to the 25
`support arm 11. The movement detector 26 can be any
`device known in the art for detecting the position of the ring
`13 relative to the support arm 11.
`The first actuator 20 is adapted to pivot the support arm
`11 so as to position the wheel 5 either to project from the 30
`frame 2, as indicated by reference numeral 60 in FIG. 2, or
`to be retracted inside the frame 2, as indicated by reference
`numeral 70 in FIG. 3, and vice versa.
`The support arm 11 is pivotably connected to the frame 2
`by means of a first hole 22 receiving a pin 12 hinged or 35
`connected to the frame 2. In order to pivot the support arm
`11 relative the frame 2, the first acutator 20 comprises an
`extendable actuation member in the form of a body 20b
`slidably receiving an extendable rod 20a. The body 20b of
`the first actuator 20 is pivotably supported on the frame 2 of 40
`the work machine 1. A second hole 23 provided in the
`support arm 11 receives a pin 24 hinged to the extendable
`rod 20a of the first actuator 20. As is readily seen in FIGS.
`2 and 3, by extending the rod 20a, the support arm 11 is
`pivoted from the projecting position of the wheel 5 to its 45
`retracted postion relative to the frame. Preferably, the first
`actuator 20 is also realised as a hydraulic jack.
`It is noted that the support arm 11 is the only support for
`connecting the rear wheel support including the sleeve 132
`to the frame 2. The second actuator 21 does not take up any 50
`support load. The second actuator 21 is only used for
`rotating the sleeve 132 and consequently the rear wheel
`support about the vertical axis Z of the wheel 5.
`Turning again to the support arm 11, FIG. 4 shows that
`this arm 11 is provided also with a seat 131 receiving an 55
`actuator 50 which is preferably a hydraulic jack. The actua-
`tor 50 is used for blocking a rotary movement of the support
`arm 11 with respect to the frame 2. The actuator 50 is
`mounted in the seat 131 provided in the support arm 11. A
`stem 51 of the actuator 50 can be inserted into holes 52, 52a 60
`provided in the frame 2 so as to block or lock the support
`arm 11 and prevent the articulation apparatus 10 from
`pivoting the support arm 11 relative to the frame 2. Blocking
`or locking the articulation apparatus 10 in this manner will
`also lock or block the wheel 5 supported by the inside 65
`column 132 in the retracted position 70 and in the projecting
`position 60 relative to the frame 2, respectively. However,
`
`6
`the articulation apparatus 10, i.e. its second actuator 21, may
`still rotate the wheel 5 about the vertical axis Z.
`The work machine 1 also includes an electric and elec(cid:173)
`tronic control device generally indicated by reference
`numeral 53 in FIG. 1. The control device 53 is installed
`adjacent the drivers seat 3 so as to be conveniently acces-
`sible by the operator 0 in order to control in particular the
`pivoting movement of the support arm 11, its locking or
`unlocking in the projecting and in the retracted position, and
`for rotating the wheel 5 about the vertical axis Z. These
`functions may be controlled either independently or coor-
`dinated, as will be described below.
`Specifically, the control device 53 is connected to opera(cid:173)
`tive means (not shown in the drawings) for the actuating
`means 19. In case of the preferred embodiment, in which the
`first and second actuators 20 and 21 comprise hydraulic
`jacks, the operative means comprise distribution electro
`valves known per se having more ways and more positions
`so as to accurately control the actuation of the hydraulic
`20 jacks by pressurized oil. Also, the control device 53 is
`electrically connected to the motion detector 36 so as to
`detect the rotational direction ~ about the vertical axis Z of
`the wheel 5. The control device 53 may be a separate control
`unit or it may be part of a central control unit operable to
`control a plurality of functions of the work machine 1. It is
`clear that the man skilled in the art will conceive many
`known and practical configurations of the control device 53
`so as to realize the desired control functions.
`
`INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
`
`Operatively, the movement of the rear wheel 5 of the
`working machine 1 is now described by making reference to
`a start condition shown in FIG. 2, in which the rear wheel 5
`is arranged at the position 60 projecting from the frame 2
`and oriented with a vertical rotation track plane a arranged
`parallel to an axis X defining the machine movement direc(cid:173)
`tion.
`The rotation of the support arm 11 is effected by the first
`actuator 20. To pivot the support arm 11 and hence the wheel
`5, the extendable rod 20a of the first actuator 20 is extended,
`with the consequence that the support arm 11 can be rotated
`clockwise as shown by arrow V, until the configuration
`shown in FIG. 3 is reached with the wheel 5 being in its
`retracted position 70.
`When the wheel 5 reaches the retracted position 70 as
`shown in FIG. 3, the stem 51 of the actuator 50 is inserted
`into the hole 52a provided in the frame 2 so as to block the
`wheel 5 in the retracted position 70.
`If it is desired to move the wheel 5 from the retracted
`position 70 of FIG. 3 into the projecting position 60 of FIG.
`2, it is sufficient to actuate the first actuator 20 in the
`opposite direction so as to retract the extendable rod 20a.
`Stability of the wheel 5 in the projecting position 60 is
`provided by the stem 51, which is then inserted into the hole
`52 provided in the frame 2.
`In view of the above it is clear that the articulation
`apparatus 10 of provides for enhanced operational reliability
`compared with prior art work machines. The only weight or
`load bearing element of the articulation apparatus 10 is the
`support arm 11. The support arm 11 requires only one pivot
`point 12 at the frame 2 so as to allow a play-free or rigid
`rotational movement of the wheel 5 between the projecting
`and retracted positions 60, 70, respectively. Thus, a more
`stable motion, less vibration and less wear are obtained with
`the work machine of the invention.
`
`

`

`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 118-6 Filed 11/17/22 Page 12 of 15 PageID #:
`11988
`
`US 7,140,693 B2
`
`8
`Although the invention was described with reference to a
`specific preferred embodiment, it is clear in the light of the
`overall disclosure that the man skilled in the art may easily
`conceive modifications and variations not particularly
`addressed in the above description. For example, it is clear
`that any appropriate connection arrangements for the mov(cid:173)
`able parts of the articulation apparatus 10 in accordance with
`the invention may be used and they are not restricted to the
`above described "pin-and-hole" constructions. Also, the ring
`10 13 could be replaced by a half ring or any other suitable
`coupling member.
`Other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention
`can be obtained from a study of the drawings, disclosures,
`and the appended claims.
`
`15
`
`PART LIST:
`
`7
`It should be understood that through the use of a rotating
`inside column or sleeve 132 together with a single support
`arm 11 of the articulation apparatus 10 that is also adapted
`to rotate the inside column 132 and the wheelS by a selected
`amount about the vertical axis Z as the wheel shifts from the
`retracted position 70 to the projecting position 60, or vice
`versa, a swinging motion for the wheel assembly may be
`obtained.
`A selected orientation of the vertical plane a of the wheel
`5 relative to the frame can be maintained by sensing the
`rotational position of the ring 13 and thus the lifting column
`32 or its sleeve 132, and accordingly coordinate the rota(cid:173)
`tional position ~ about the vertical axis Z with the extent of
`pivoting of the support arm 11 by the first actuator 20 so as
`to maintain the running direction of the wheel.
`In particular, the control device 53 is adapted to detect
`relative rotation between the support arm 11 and the ring 13
`1 work machine
`by means of the movement detector 36, and may respon(cid:173)
`2 frame
`sively actuate the second actuator 21 so as to rotate the
`20 3 operator seat
`wheel 5 about the vertical axis Z in order to keep the vertical
`4 front wheels
`plane a of the wheel 5 always parallel to the movement
`5 rear wheels
`direction X of the work machine until the rear wheel 5 is
`6 work tool
`placed in the final retracted or projecting position 70 and 60,
`7 work space
`respectively. Thus it is possible to move the wheel 5 between
`8 rotary shaft
`the projecting position 60 and the retracted postion 70 in 25
`9 position of drive mechanism
`such a way that it remains always oriented along the
`10 articulation apparatus
`advancement direction of the work machine, i.e. with the
`11 support arm
`vertical rotation plane a substantially parallel to the frame 2.
`12 pin
`Alternatively, it is possible to modify the wheel orienta(cid:173)
`13 coupling member or ring
`tion ~ about the vertical axis Z either when the wheel is 30
`13a hole
`moved and when it is at a standstill. Specifically, the wheel
`14 first rigid link member
`5 may be positioned by means of the control device 53 in a
`15 pin
`selected rotational direction ~ about the vertical axis Z, i.e.
`16 second rigid link member
`clockwise or anticlockwise relative to the drawing plane of
`17 pin
`FIG. 2, by operating only the second actuator 21 and with 35
`18 pin
`the first actuator 20 for pivoting the support arm 11 inactive.
`19 actuating means
`i.e. the wheel 5 may be rotated about the vertical axis Z, be
`20 first actuator
`it in the projecting position as shown in FIG. 2, or be it
`20a extendable rod
`retracted relative to the frame 2 as shown in FIG. 3. Further,
`20b body
`the rotation of the wheel about the vertical axis Z is also 40
`21 second actuator
`independent of whether the work machine 1 is in motion or
`21a extendable rod
`not, i.e. when it is at a standstill, by actuating the second
`21b body
`actuator 21 via the control device 53. Especially when the
`22 first hole
`work machine 1 is fitted with tracks this ensures maneuver(cid:173)
`ability of the work machine 1 in every position of the track 45 23 second hole
`24 pin
`5 between the fully projecting position 60 and the retracted
`25 third hole
`position 70.
`26 pin
`Thus, advantageously in the work machine 1 in accor(cid:173)
`27 hole
`dance with the invention it is possible to move and steer each
`28 first seat
`wheel or track 5 through a single respective articulation 50
`29 through hole
`apparatus 10. Moreover, said moving and steering opera(cid:173)
`30 fork shaped portion or end
`tions may be facilitated either independent or coordinated
`31 lifting column actuator
`with each other. Particularly, steering may be carried out
`32 lifting column
`both when the wheel or track 4, 5 is in the retracted position
`32a U-shaped bracket
`and when it is arranged in a position projecting from the 55
`32b groove(s)
`frame 2 which is of particular advantage in case the machine
`33 key
`is fitted with tracks instead of wheels. The movement of the
`33a key
`wheel or track 5 from the projecting position 60 to the
`34 second seat
`retracted position 70 relative to the frame 2 as well as its
`35 body of movement detector
`steering can be o