Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 1 of 12 PageID #: 40158
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 1 of 12 PagelD #: 40158
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT 14
`EXHIBIT 14
`
`

`

`(12) United States Patent
`Smolders et al.
`
`USOO648.1924B1
`US 6,481,924 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`Nov. 19, 2002
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) SLIP-FORM PAVER
`(75) Inventors: Raymond Smolders, Herentals (BE);
`Holger Thieme, Kalenborn (DE)
`(73) Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH, Windhagen (DE)
`(*) 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.: 09/716,364
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 21, 2000
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Nov. 26, 1999
`(DE) ......................................... 19957048
`(51) Int. Cl. ............................ E01C 19/12; B62D 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................ 404/105; 180/408
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 404/105, 101;
`180/408, 426, 439; 280/86
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,330,188 A : 7/1967 Layton - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 404/104
`
`3,540,359 A 11/1970 Swisher, Jr. et al...... 198/861.1
`3,710,695 A * 1/1973 Miller et al................. 180/434
`3,970,405 A * 7/1976 Swisher et al. ...
`... 404/105
`4,120,507 A * 10/1978 Miller ......................... 180/41
`4,197,032 A
`4/1980 Miller ........................ 172/108
`
`1/1985 Miles et al. .................. 405/15
`4,493,586 A
`4,778,305 A * 10/1988 Ritchey et al. ............. 404/101
`4,789,266 A 12/1988 Clarke et al. ............... 404/104
`5,127,335 A * 7/1992 Whitaker, Jr. .................. 104/3
`5,590,977 A * 1/1997 Guntert et al. .............. 404/101
`5,615,972 A * 4/1997 Guntert et al. .............. 404/101
`5,647,688 A * 7/1997 Guntert et al. .............. 280/638
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`10/1999
`
`WO
`WO99/50503
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Gary S. Hartmann
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Diller, Ramik & Wight
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`In a slip-form paver comprising a machine frame (4) includ
`ing longitudinal beams (8) extending in parallel to the
`working direction, and transverse beams (1820), and com
`prising a chassis (2) including a plurality of truck assemblies
`(14.15) adjustable in height by means of a lifting column
`(10) and carrying steerable tracks (16) maintaining the plane
`of the machine frame (4) in a predetermined position, it is
`provided that a slidable traverse member (22) is mounted to
`at least one transverse beam (20) of the machine frame (4)
`working direction, and that the front truck assemblies (14)
`are mounted on the slidable traverse member (22)
`
`in a manner allowing for displacement transversely to the
`
`22 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`O).
`2O
`w
`a 19-5 y
`" are
`Er
`9.
`:
`S.
`56-
`
`s
`
`S
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 2 of 12 PageID #: 40159
`
`a-
`
`28
`
`N
`N
`N.
`
`- 15
`
`18
`
`3
`
`N 15
`
`;:
`IF
`se:
`e I-
`L-R
`J.
`B-s:
`FF:
`/
`-
`25 st :
`3G
`n a
`23
`
`t
`
`70
`B
`s
`25:
`at 271
`y2
`33
`
`25
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 19, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`
`
`f
`
`
`
`O
`0.
`
`C
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 3 of 12 PageID #: 40160
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 19, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 4 of 12 PageID #: 40161
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 19, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`
`
`s
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 5 of 12 PageID #: 40162
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 19, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 6 of 12 PageID #: 40163
`
`s
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 19, 2002
`
`Sheet S of 6
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 7 of 12 PageID #: 40164
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 19, 2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 8 of 12 PageID #: 40165
`
`

`

`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`1
`SLIP-FORM PAVER
`
`The present invention relates to a Slip-form paver and a
`truck assembly for a construction machine.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Slip-form pavers of the above type are used, for instance,
`to produce road Surfaces from concrete or to produce
`channels, guiding walls or water grooves from concrete
`laterally of the roadway. Known slip-form paverS have a
`machine frame with a chassis comprising a plurality of truck
`assemblies provided with steerable tracks and with lifting
`columns. The machine frame is adapted for attachment of
`various working devices for Spreading or leveling and
`forming the concrete.
`A generic slip-form paver is known e.g. from DE 19814
`052 A.
`It is an object of the invention to provide a slip-form paver
`of the above type which is improved with respect to stability,
`traction, directional accuracy and maneuverability when
`used for offset molding.
`The above object is solved by a slip-form paver compris
`ing the features indicated in the present application.
`According to the instant invention, it is advantageously
`provided that at least one transverse beam of the machine
`frame has a slidable traverse member arranged thereon to be
`moved transversely to the working direction, and that the
`truck assemblies are attached on Said Slidable traverse
`member instead of the machine frame.
`In an arrangement for offset melding, the concrete molds
`are attached on the Sides of the Slip-form paver. Since the
`working tools required for the construction task, e.g. con
`crete molds, are used laterally of the Slip-form paver, con
`siderable yawing moments tend to act on the machine frame
`of the Slip-form paver, thus impairing its Stability, traction
`and directional Stability. The invention makes is possible
`that, in offset molding, a track can be arranged next to the
`outer Side-extending laterally of the machine frame-of
`the path to be formed. In this manner, the machine frame is
`given a more stable Support relative to forces acting thereon
`and is held with directional stability. By means of the
`Slidable traverse member, the track position can be adjusted
`within a wide range So that the width of an obstacle, e.g. a
`protruding concrete reinforcement or a water ditch, is with
`out problems allowed to amount e.g. up to two meters
`laterally of the Slip-form paver. Up to a width in this range,
`the truck assembly can also be used beyond the obstacle.
`Thus, the Slip-form paver according to the invention is
`adaptable with utmost flexibility to different offset molding
`requirements and can be very expediently adjusted to a
`given offset molding requirement.
`At least the leading or front truck assemblies in the
`moving direction can be adjusted in their track width So that,
`in combination with the above mentioned displacement of
`the track position, the truck assemblies can be positioned
`with extreme flexibility. This allows for an adjustment of the
`track width to the working width of the working devices
`between the front and rear truck assemblies while also
`improving the Stability of the Slip-form paver.
`According to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
`the slidable traverse member carries a pivoting device which
`is pivotable in the plane of the machine frame and is
`provided to have a conveyer means attached thereto. Such an
`arrangement of the pivoting device offers the advantage that
`no conversion is required when the truck assemblies have to
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 9 of 12 PageID #: 40166
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`be brought into another track position, Since the conveyer
`means is moved along with the Slidable traverse member.
`This made possible because the mutual attachment is gen
`erally provided between the chassis units, and advanta
`geously Safeguards that no additional yawing forces from
`the conveyer means will act on the machine frame. The
`pivoting device further yields the advantage that the con
`Veyer means can be pivoted to the required Site within the
`desired track position.
`Additionally, it can be provided that the pivoting device
`of the conveyer means is arranged on the slidable traverse
`member for displacement transversely to the working direc
`tion. This option further increases the flexibility of the
`conveyer means and enlarges the Setting range, e.g. the
`working range of the conveyer means.
`The conveyer means is Supported on the free end of the
`pivoting device, which device preferably comprises a par
`allelogram guiding means, for pivoting movement about an
`axis extending orthogonally to the plane of the machine
`frame. Further, it can be provided that the conveyer means,
`for adjustment of its angle of inclination, is Supported to be
`pivoted about an axis in parallel to the plane of the machine
`frame. In this manner, the conveyer means can be pivoted,
`in addition to the pivoting movement through the pivoting
`device, both laterally relative to the working direction and
`with respect to the angle of inclination.
`According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the
`free end of the pivoting device is provided with an auxiliary
`frame in which the conveyer means can be displaced in a
`linear Sliding movement in the longitudinal direction, thus
`offering an additional possibility for positioning the con
`Veyer means.
`The machine frame can be provided, at least on one Side,
`with an auxiliary frame which is telescopically adaptable
`transversely to the working direction and is provided to
`accommodate working devices. This auxiliary frame is
`Suited for attachment of e.g. concrete molds to be used in
`offset molding for the forming of monolithic profiles in
`numerous different shapes and sizes.
`Below the machine frame, an intermediate frame can be
`arranged. This intermediate frame can be pivotable by at
`least 180° about a central axis extending orthogonally to the
`machine frame. In this manner, adjustment means provided
`in the intermediate frame and arranged to be telescoped
`transversely to the working direction, can be made available
`on both Sides of the machines by pivoting the intermediate
`frame by 180°.
`For instance, using the adjustment means, the auxiliary
`frame can be telescoped out of the intermediate frame. By
`pivoting the intermediate frame by 180, the auxiliary frame
`can be quickly made available on the other Side of the
`machine without extensive conversion procedures.
`Further, it can be provided that the position of the inter
`mediate frame is adjustable relative to the machine frame in
`parallel to the longitudinal beams. Also in this case, the
`positioning of working devices can be performed without
`complex conversion procedures.
`At least the leading truck assemblies in the working
`direction are provided with a steering gear mechanism for
`pivoting the tracks, wherein the Steering angle, to be Set
`relative to the central position in the working direction, is
`larger than an amount of +50 to 60, preferably +75.
`Such a steering angle allows for particularly narrow curve
`radii, e.g. when in offset molding the offset mold has been
`mounted on the right Side and the moving path will take a
`curve to the left. In this case, the slip-form paver must follow
`a particularly narrow inner curve.
`
`

`

`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`3
`For Such purposes, the Steering gear mechanism com
`prises two linkS preferably curved in a circular shape and
`provided to be moved in a moving plane extending orthogo
`nally to the axis of the lifting column.
`Particularly the radius of curvature of the links is adapted
`to the diameter of the lifting column for the truck assembly,
`So that, in one end position of the Stearing gear mechanism,
`the linkS will tightly enclose the lifting column.
`The adjustment device of the Steering gear mechanism is
`provided as a piston-cylinder unit comprising a cylinder
`housing and a piston rod arranged for linear movement in the
`cylinder housing.
`Respectively one end of the two linkS is coupled to a
`respective end of the other link via a common joint on the
`free end of the piston rod, while the other end of the first link
`is coupled to a Second joint with is Stationary relative to the
`truck assembly and the other end of the Second link is
`coupled to a third joint which is Stationary relative to the
`track.
`The cylinder housing of the piston-cylinder unit is piv
`otable about an axis extending in parallel to the axis of the
`lifting column and is Supported on a member which is
`Stationary relative to the lifting column and the truck
`assembly, respectively.
`An embodiment of the invention will be explained in
`greater detail hereunder with reference to the accompanying
`drawings.
`
`4
`blies 15 can be changed to thus change the overall length of
`the Slip-form paver. The machine frame 4 and the longitu
`dinal beam 8, respectively, do not need an adjustment device
`for this purpose Since the extending or Shortening of the
`machine frame 4 can be performed Solely by means of the
`truck assemblies 14,15. A safety chain or safety tow between
`the rear transverse beam 18 and the front transverse beam 20
`can be provided to prevent a too long telescoping movement
`of the longitudinal beams 8. When the longitudinal beam 8
`have taken their correct positions, they will be Secured in
`machine frame 4 by means of bolts.
`The machine frame 4 can further comprise an intermedi
`ate frame 54 arranged below machine frame 4 and provided
`with a telescoping auxiliary frame 48 displaceable trans
`versely to the working direction. The intermediate frame 54
`is connected to a slide unit 56 which, by means of a
`piston-cylinder unit 57, can be reciprocated in the working
`direction so that the position of the intermediate frame 54
`with the auxiliary frame 48 can be changed relative to the
`machine frame 4.
`Using the auxiliary frame 48, working devices Such as e.g.
`concrete molds for offset molding can be laterally mounted
`to the machine and variably positioned as desired. The
`intermediate frame 54 comprises Square profiles having
`piston-cylinder units 55 fastened therein for telescoping the
`auxiliary frame 48.
`In FIG. 2, the schematically outlined areas 96 indicate the
`maximal width available for lateral molding. FIG. 2 further
`illustrates the setting ranges 98 for the rear truck assemblies
`15 to be telescoped in the transverse direction. The maxi
`mum molding width laterally of machine frame 4 is obtained
`when the respective rear truck assembly 15 is arranged in its
`position closest to machine frame 4 and the respective front
`truck assembly 14 is arranged in its most remote position
`relative to machine frame 4.
`To be able to use the auxiliary frame 48 also on the
`opposite side of machine frame 4, the intermediate frame 54
`can be lowered and be pivoted by 180. To lower the
`intermediate frame 54, use can be made of a piston-cylinder
`unit 53 positioned in a lifting column 50 which, in a manner
`allowing rotation thereof together with intermediate frame
`54, is mounted to the slide unit 56 arranged for linear
`displacement in the working direction. Upon attaining its
`working position, intermediate frame 54 can be fixed to
`machine frame 4 e.g. by Screws.
`On the front transverse beam 20 in the working direction,
`a slidable traverse member 22 is arranged which by means
`of a piston-cylinder unit 23 can be displaced in parallel to
`transverse beam 20. For this purpose, slidable traverse
`member 22 is formed with a C-profile 21 arranged to grip a
`rail 19 provided on the front side of transverse beam 20. As
`evident from FIG. 1, transverse beam 20 in regions close to
`its free ends is formed with respectively one connecting
`flange 25 for the piston-cylinder unit 23. Also the slidable
`traverse member 22 has its free ends provided with respec
`tive connecting flangeS25; as FIG. 1 illustrates, for displac
`ing the slidable traverse member 22 to the left relative to the
`working direction, the cylinder housing of piston-cylinder
`unit 23 is mounted to the left connecting flange 25 of
`slidable traverse member 22 while the free end of the piston
`of piston-cylinder unit 23 is mounted to the right-hand
`connecting flange 25 of transverse beam 20.
`If the slidable traverse member 22 is to be displaced from
`its central position to the right relative to the working
`direction, use can be made of the same piston-cylinder unit
`23 when the cylinder housing of piston-cylinder unit 23 has
`
`15
`
`25
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a plan view of the slip-form paver;
`FIG. 2 is a plan View of the arrangement according to FIG.
`1 wherein the Setting ranges for the track position of the
`truck assemblies are Schematically indicated;
`FIG. 3 is a side view of the slip-form paver without the
`conveyer means,
`FIG. 4 is a view of the conveyer means arranged for
`displacement on a slidable traverse member;
`FIG. 5 is a view a steering gear mechanism for the tracks,
`and
`FIGS. 5a and 5b are views illustrating different steering
`positions of the Steering gear mechanism.
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 10 of 12 PageID #: 40167
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`As illustrated in FIG. 1 the slip-form paver comprises a
`chassis 2 including a machine frame 4 with longitudinal
`beams 8 extending in parallel to the working direction and
`arranged to be telescoped from machine frame 4 and with
`transverse beams 18.20 extending transversely to the work
`ing direction. The working direction is indicated by an arrow
`in FIG. 1. The rear transverse beam 18 in the working
`direction is rigidly connected to machine frame 4 and in two
`Vertically displaced planes has rear truck assemblies 15
`received therein, which are arranged to be telescoped from
`transverse beam 18 transversely to the working direction.
`Behind the transverse beam 18 in the working direction,
`machine frame 4 has a drive unit 3 connected thereto,
`generating a hydraulic driving force for the advance move
`ment and for the adjustment means of the Slip-form paver.
`The front transverse beam 20 in the working direction is
`rigidly connected to the telescoping longitudinal beams 8
`which can be telescoped out of machine frame 4 in the
`working direction So that, if required, the distance between
`the leading truck assemblies 14 and the trailing truck assem
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

`S
`been mounted to the left connecting flange 25 of transverse
`beam 20, and the free end of the piston rod of piston-cylinder
`unit 23 has been mounted to the right-hand connecting
`flange of slidable traverse member 22.
`In the central position of the slidable traverse member 22
`relative to the transverse beam 20, the connecting flanges 25
`of slidable traverse member 22 and of transverse beam 20
`are arranged opposite to each other So that an adaptation of
`the piston-cylinder unit 23 can be performed very quickly.
`Such adaptation will be required only when an offset mold
`ing process is to be performed on the other side of the
`Slip-form paver.
`The front truck assemblies 14 are articulated to the outer
`ends of Slidable traverse member 22 by means of a respec
`tive pivoting device 17 configured in the manner of a
`parallelogram. The pivoting devices 17 with the associated
`piston-cylinder units 23 allow for the setting of different
`track widths between the two front truck assemblies 14
`while the track position can be varied by means of the
`slidable traverse member 22.
`In FIG. 2, the Setting ranges for the track position of the
`front truck assemblies 14 are schematically outlined. If the
`slidable traverse member 22 as shown in FIG. 2 has been
`arranged on the left Side relative to the working direction and
`to the transverse beam 20, the Setting range for the left truck
`assembly 14 is the range marked by reference numeral 100,
`and the Setting range for the right truck assembly is the range
`102. Further, with the slidable traverse member 22 arranged
`in its left position, the outermost left position 101 of the
`right-hand truck assembly 14 is indicated in interrupted
`lines.
`The ranges marked by 104 and 106 are the setting ranges
`for the left and the right truck assembly 14, respectively,
`when the Slidable traverse member 22 is arranged on the
`right Side. The appertaining Outermost right position of the
`left truck assembly 14 is marked by the position 103 in FIG.
`2 while the outermost right position of the right truck
`assembly 14 is marked by the position 105 in FIG. 2. The
`foremost range 108 in the working direction is the overall
`range within which the track position of the front truck
`assemblies 14 can be Set.
`Further, the slidable traverse member 22 has a third
`parallelogram-like pivoting device 24 arranged thereon,
`which on its free end carries a conveyer means 28, e.g. a
`conveyer belt. By means of a piston-cylinder unit 27, the
`pivoting device 24 can be displaced relative to slidable
`traverse member 22 in transverse direction relative to the
`working direction So as to move the conveyer means 28 into
`a desired position. A detailed View of conveyer means 28 is
`shown in FIG. 4.
`The pivoting device 24 is provided with a C-profile 31 for
`gripping a rail 29 extending along Slidable traverse member
`22, and is arranged to be disposed along rail 29 transversely
`to the working direction by means of the piston-cylinder unit
`23.
`Pivoting device 24 comprises two parallel links which are
`pivotable by a piston-cylinder unit 33 in manner similar to
`that described in connection with the pivoting devices 17 for
`the truck assemblies 14. Arranged on the free end of pivoting
`device 24 is an auxiliary frame 26 which can be rotated
`about an axis 80 extending orthogonally to machine frame 4
`and whose angle of inclination can be adjusted by means of
`a piston-cylinder unit 82. In the presently described
`embodiment, the conveyer means 28 comprises a conveyer
`belt which on the auxiliary frame 26 can be moved for linear
`displacement in its longitudinal direction by means of a
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 11 of 12 PageID #: 40168
`
`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`6
`piston-cylinder unit 85. Using a piston-cylinder unit 88, the
`lower portion 30 of conveyer means 28 can be folded by
`approximately 180 into a transport position. The conveyer
`means has an infeed hopper 90 arranged on its lower end and
`a discharge hoper 92 on its upper end.
`While the rear truck assemblies are provided with a
`conventional Steering gear mechanism, the front truck
`assemblies 14 are provided with a steering gear mechanism
`32 allowing for a maximum angle of turn of more than +75
`from the central position in the working direction. Each
`truck assembly 14 comprises a lifting column 10, form
`which a track 16 can be extended in downward direction
`orthogonally to machine frame 4. The extendable portion 9
`of lifting column 10 is surrounded by a steering ring 66
`actuated by Steering gear mechanism 32.
`The Steering gear mechanism 32 comprises a piston
`cylinder unit 60 including a cylinder housing 62 and a piston
`rod 64 arranged to act on at least two links 36.40 whose
`shape is curved along the contour of a circle. Cylinder
`housing 62 is articulated, in a manner allowing for move
`ment about an axis 63 extending orthogonally to machine
`frame 4, to a lifting column flange 11 connected to lifting
`column 10. The pivot joint 61 in this arrangement is located
`on the end of cylinder housing 62 facing towards piston rod
`64. Provided on the free end of piston rod 64 is a first joint
`68 by which the link 40 connected to steering ring 66, the
`head of piston rod 64 and one end of link 36 are connected
`to each other. Link 36 can be provided as an arrangement of
`two links, wherein, within the joint, 68 link 40 is arranged
`between links 36. The free end of the links 36 is attached to
`the lifting column flange 11 by a Second joint 72 arranged in
`a fixed position relative to the lifting column 10, while the
`free end of link 40 is coupled to steering ring 66 via a third
`joint 76. The link mechanism 32 is moved in a plane
`extending orthogonally to the axis of lifting column 10.
`Steering ring 66 comprises two diametrically opposite
`groove-guided blockS 67 arranged in a groove on the inner
`periphery of Steering ring 66 while projecting radially
`inwardly and engaging corresponding longitudinal grooves
`65 of the lower portion 9 of lifting column 10. This arrange
`ment makes it possible to Steer the track 16 independently of
`the height Setting of track 16.
`FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b illustrate different positions of link
`mechanism 32 and the correspondingly Set maximum angle
`of turn of track 16.
`FIG. 5 shows the central position during straight-lined
`travel in parallel to the longitudinal beams 8 of machine
`frame 4.
`FIG. 5a shows a maximum angle of turn of the track 16
`to the right, with the curved links 36.40 tightly enclosing the
`lower portion 9 of lifting column 11. In this constellation,
`piston rod 64 is in its retracted position.
`FIG. 5b shows a maximum angle of turn to the left, with
`piston rod 64 arranged in its extended position.
`FIGS. 5a and 5b particularly demonstrate the enlarged
`maximum angle of turn in comparison to the usual maxi
`mum angles of turn from +25 to 30. As a result of the thus
`considerably enlarged range of the maximum angles of turn,
`the instant Slip-form paver can be Steered more easily, and
`due to the possible narrow curve radii both when adjusting
`and when operating the Slip-form paver, the paver is maneu
`Verable more conveniently.
`Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has
`been Specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be
`understood that minor variations may be made in the appa
`ratus without departing from the Spirit and Scope of the
`invention, as defined the appended claims.
`
`

`

`US 6,481,924 B1
`
`7
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A slip-form paver comprising a chassis (2) defined by
`a frame (4) including a pair of spaced longitudinal beams (8,
`8) extending Substantially parallel to each other and to the
`working direction and transverse beams (18, 20) extending
`substantially normal to the longitudinal beams (8, 8) and to
`the working direction, a plurality of truck assemblies (14,
`15) each including tracks (16), lifting column means (10) for
`adjusting the heights of Said truck assemblies (14, 15), a
`transverse member (22) mounted to at least one of Said
`transverse beams (18.20) for transverse sliding movement
`relative thereto and for sliding movement Substantially nor
`mal to the working direction, and means (17, 24) for
`mounting at least one of Said truck assemblies (14) and its
`associated lifting column means (10) relative to said slidable
`transverse member (22).
`2. The Slip-form paver according to claim 1 wherein the
`longitudinal beams (8) are arranged to be telescoped and the
`transverse beams (18, 20) are mounted to the free ends of the
`longitudinal beams (8).
`3. The slip-form paver according to claim 1 wherein the
`Slidable traverse member (22) carries a pivoting device (24)
`which is pivotable substantially in the plane of the machine
`frame (4) and is provided to have a conveyer means (28)
`attached thereto.
`4. The slip-form paver according to claim 3 wherein the
`pivoting device (24) is arranged on the slidable traverse
`member (22) for displacement transversely to the working
`direction.
`5. The slip-form paver according to claim 3 wherein the
`pivoting device (24) comprises a parallelogram guiding
`
`CS.
`6. The slip-form paver according to claim 3 wherein the
`conveyer means (28) is Supported on the free end of the
`pivoting device (24) to be pivoted about an axis extending
`orthogonally to the plane of the machine frame (4).
`7. The slip-form paver according to claim 3 wherein the
`conveyer means (28) is pivotally Supported on the free end
`of the pivoting device (24) for changing the angle of
`inclination of the conveyer means (28) about an axis extend
`ing in parallel to the plane of the machine frame (4).
`8. The slip-form paver according to claim 3 wherein the
`free end of the pivoting device (24) is provided with an
`auxiliary frame (26) in which the conveyer means (28) can
`be displaced in a linear Sliding movement in the longitudinal
`direction.
`9. The slip-form paver according to claim 3 wherein the
`conveyer means (28) can be shortened for transport purposes
`by pivoting a lower portion (30) of the conveyer means (28).
`10. The slip-form paver according to claim 1 wherein at
`least the front truck assemblies (14) can be adjusted in their
`track width.
`11. The slip-form paver according to claim 1 wherein the
`machine frame (4) can at least on one side be provided with
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW Document 439-14 Filed 07/31/24 Page 12 of 12 PageID #: 40169
`
`8
`an auxiliary frame (48) arranged to be telescoped trans
`versely to the working direction and provided for attachment
`of working devices.
`12. The Slip-form paver according to claim 11 wherein an
`intermediate frame (54) is arranged below the machine
`frame (4).
`13. The slip-form paver according to claim 12 wherein the
`intermediate frame (54) is pivotable by at least 180° about
`an axis extending orthogonally to the machine frame (4).
`14. The slip-form paver according to claim 12 wherein the
`position of the intermediate frame (54) is adjustable relative
`to the machine frame (4) in the working direction.
`15. The slip-form paver according to claim 11 wherein the
`auxiliary frame (48) can be telescoped out of the interme
`diate frame (54).
`16. The slip-form paver according to claim 1 wherein the
`rear truck assemblies (15) on the rear end of the machine
`frame (4) can be telescoped transversely to the working
`direction.
`17. The slip-form paver according to claim 1 wherein at
`least the front truck assemblies (14) in the working direction
`are provided with a steering gear mechanism (32) for
`pivoting the tracks (16), with the Steering angle, to be set
`relative to the central position in the working direction,
`being larger than an amount of plus or minus 50 to 60.
`18. The device according to claim 17 wherein the steering
`gear mechanism (32) comprises first and Second curved
`links (36.40), and wherein the moving plane of the links
`(36.40) extends orthogonally to the axis of the lifting column
`(10).
`19. The device according to claim 18 wherein the radius
`of curvature of the links (36.40) is adapted to the diameter
`of the lifting column (10) for the truck assembly (14).
`20. The device according to claim 18 wherein respectively
`one end of the two links (36.40) is coupled to a respective
`end of the other link via a common first joint (68) on the free
`end of the piston rod (64), and the other end of the first link
`(36) is coupled to a second joint (72) which is stationary
`relative to the lifting column (10) and the other end of the
`second link (40) is coupled to a third joint (76) which is
`Stationary relative to the track arrangement (16).
`21. The device according to claim 17 wherein the steering
`gear mechanism (32) comprises an adjustment device pro
`vided as a piston-cylinder unit (60) including a cylinder
`housing (62) and a piston rod (64) arranged for linear
`movement in the cylinder housing (62).
`22. The device according to claim 21 wherein the cylinder
`housing (62) of the piston-cylinder unit (60) is supported on
`a portion (11) of the lifting column (10) for pivoting move
`ment about an axis (63) extending orthogonally to the plane
`of the machine frame (4).
`
`