Slipform Paver

Abstract

Slipform paver for the construction of pavements or structures made of concrete, comprising at least one machine frame, at least two travelling devices, wherein the at least two travelling devices are each connected to the machine frame by means of at least one height adjustment device, at least one motor drive system, which at least drives the at least two travelling devices, at least one working device for the construction of pavements or structures, at least one conveying device for the purpose of transporting concrete to the at least one working device, it is provided that at least one cleaning device is provided on the conveying device for the purpose of cleaning the conveying device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to German Patent Application Ser. No. 10 2023 109 836.5 filed on Apr. 19, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a slipform paver.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Slipform pavers are known, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 of DE 199 57 048 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,924). Slipform pavers are used for the construction of pavements or structures made of concrete. Slipform pavers frequently comprise at least one machine frame and at least two travelling devices, wherein the at least two travelling devices are each connected to the machine frame via at least one height adjustment device. Moreover, at least one motor drive system is provided, which drives the at least two travelling devices. The slipform paver is therefore a self-propelled slipform paver.

Furthermore, at least one working device is provided for the construction of pavements or structures. Furthermore, at least one conveying device is provided for the purpose of transporting concrete to the at least one working device. With the existing slipform pavers, there is frequently the problem that the conveying device cannot be sufficiently cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to create a slipform paver in which cleaning of the conveying device is simplified.

The disclosure advantageously provides that at least one cleaning device is provided on the conveying device for the purpose of cleaning the conveying device.

Arranging the cleaning device on the conveying device means that the cleaning device may be directly or indirectly arranged on the conveying device.

Since the cleaning device is arranged on the conveying device, it is possible to improve the cleaning quality.

The conveying device may be a belt conveyor or an auger conveyor.

In particular when cleaning the auger conveyor, there has to date been the problem in the prior art that not all areas can be sufficiently cleaned.

A guiding device may be provided on the conveying device, on which the cleaning device is movable along the conveying device, wherein the guiding device preferably comprises guiding rails.

As a result of the guiding device being movable along the conveying device, it can be ensured that the conveying device may be evenly cleaned everywhere.

The guiding device is preferably arranged outside the conveying area. The conveying area is preferably the area in which the material is transported on the conveying device.

The cross-sectional profile of a guiding rail may exhibit any given shape. The guiding rails may, for example, be pipes. Alternatively, the cross section of the guiding rails may also exhibit a rectangular profile. Any other type of cross sectional shape may also be provided. It must merely be possible to move a guiding device along the guiding rails.

It may be provided, for example, that the cleaning device is moved along the guiding device in the manner of a carriage.

The conveying device may comprise a first end, into or onto which the concrete is unloadable, and a second end, at which the concrete is unloadable into or in front of the working device, wherein the direction of transport of the conveying device extends from the first end to the second end and the longitudinal axis of the conveying device preferably extends essentially parallel to the direction of transport.

The concrete is therefore fed onto the conveying device at the first end, and is transported to the second end by the conveying device, where the concrete is unloaded into the working device or in front of the working device.

The working device may be, for example, a concrete mold. The concrete mold may also be termed offset mold or inset mold.

A driving device may be provided, by means of which the cleaning device is movable along the guiding device. The driving device may be, for example, a cable winch. Alternatively, the driving device may also be, for example, a chain drive or a toothed belt drive or the like. The driving device may be a hydraulic driving device. An electric driving device, for example, may also be provided as an alternative.

The driving device for driving the cleaning device is preferably entirely independent of the motor drive system for driving the travelling devices. According to the present disclosure, at least the motor drive system is provided, which drives the at least two travelling devices. The motor drive system may be any type of drive that can be used to at least drive the travelling devices. The motor drive system may be a hydraulic, electric and/or pneumatic drive and/or comprise a combustion engine. The motor drive system may also comprise a combustion engine, for example, which drives a hydraulic drive, for example, which in turn drives the travelling devices.

The cleaning device may comprise at least one spraying device.

At least one spraying device may be a spraying nozzle, which may preferably be a high-pressure nozzle.

A high-pressure pump may be provided, for example, which pressurizes a fluid and then transports the fluid to the spraying device in order to clean the conveying device.

A fluid tank may also be provided, for example, from which the fluid is transported to the spraying devices at high pressure.

The at least one spraying device may be adjustable and/or pivotable and/or movable in relation to a basic element of the cleaning device.

The spraying device may thus assume different positions and alignments relative to the basic element of the cleaning device. This allows spraying in different directions, for example, and may thus improve the cleaning result.

The cleaning device may comprise a plurality of spraying devices. The plurality of spraying devices may be adjustable and/or pivotable and/or movable collectively or independently in relation to a basic element of the cleaning device.

It is possible to clean the conveying device even better with the aid of the plurality of spraying devices.

At least one actuating device may be provided, by means of which the at least one spraying device is adjustable and/or pivotable and/or movable.

At least one controller may be provided, wherein the at least one actuating device and/or the driving device and/or the spraying device is controllable by means of the controller, wherein the controller is controllable automatically or manually.

The controller may therefore control both the actuating device, which adjusts and/or pivots and/or moves the at least one spraying device or plurality of spraying devices. Additionally or alternatively, the driving device for driving the cleaning device may also be controlled by means of the controller. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the at least one spraying device may also be controlled by means of the controller.

Provided that the controller is controllable automatically, previously specified programs may be stored, for example, based on which the controller controls the actuating device and/or the driving device and/or the spraying device.

The controller may be remotely controllable. A joystick may also be provided, for example, which may be used, for example, to control the actuating device and/or the driving device and/or the spraying device.

At least one spraying device may be connected to at least one spraying line, wherein the spraying line is rotatable, with the at least one spraying device, about a first axis of rotation, wherein the at least one spraying device is arranged at an offset to the axis of rotation in such a manner, and the spraying direction is aligned in such a manner, that the spraying device rotates about the axis of rotation as a result of the spraying action.

The spraying device is preferably arranged at an offset to the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the spraying direction is preferably aligned in such a manner that it extends neither in radial direction nor parallel to the axis of rotation. The spraying direction is therefore aligned at least partially tangentially so that spraying causes a rotation about the axis of rotation.

In this manner, the spraying device may rotate during spraying, wherein the spraying device itself causes the rotation through the spraying action. Through the rotation, different points of the conveying device may be reached, and cleaning may thus be improved.

At least two spraying devices may be connected to the at least one spraying line, wherein the spraying line is rotatable, with the at least two spraying devices, about the first axis of rotation, wherein the at least two spraying devices are arranged on opposite sides in relation to the axis of rotation, and are arranged at an offset to the axis of rotation in such a manner, and the spraying directions are aligned in such a manner, that the spraying devices rotate about the axis of rotation as a result of the spraying action.

As a result of two spraying devices being provided, which are arranged on different sides of the axis of rotation, and the spraying directions being aligned accordingly, the forces acting on the axis of rotation are balanced.

At least one hose may be provided, which is connected to the cleaning device with a first hose end and by means of which a fluid may be supplied to the cleaning device, wherein the first hose end is movable with the cleaning device.

This allows the fluid to be supplied to the cleaning device and thus to the spraying device.

The second hose end is preferably connected to a pump, which is in turn preferably connected to a fluid tank.

The hose may be windable and unwindable on a reel, or may be guidable in an energy chain if the cleaning device is movable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, different embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The following is shown schematically:

FIG. 1 shows a slipform paver according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 2 shows a conveying device according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 3 shows a cleaning device according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 4 shows an alternative cleaning device according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 5 shows a further view of the embodiment according to FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure, and

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure shows a slipform paver 1 for the construction of pavements or structures made of concrete. The slipform paver 1 comprises a machine frame 16. The slipform paver 1 comprises at least two travelling devices. In the embodiment depicted, the slipform paver 1 comprises four travelling devices 14. The travelling devices 14 may be tracks 14 as shown, or alternatively may be wheels. The travelling devices 14 are each connected to the machine frame 16 by means of height adjustment devices 12. The height adjustment devices 12 may be lifting columns 12. The height as well as the transverse and/or longitudinal inclination of the machine frame 16 may be adjusted by means of the height adjustment devices 12. The slipform paver 1 comprises at least one motor drive system 20, which can be used to at least drive the travelling devices 14. Furthermore, the slipform paver 1 comprises at least one working device 8 for the construction of pavements or structures. In the embodiment depicted, the working device 8 is a concrete mold 8 for the construction of concrete structures. Furthermore, the slipform paver 1 comprises at least one conveying device 2 for the purpose of transporting concrete to the at least one working device 8. The conveying device 2 may be attached to the machine frame 16 on a non-depicted pivoting device. Furthermore, the pivoting device may also additionally be attached to the machine frame on a sliding cross member. This allows free positioning of the conveying device 2 relative to the machine frame. Furthermore, the slipform paver 1 comprises at least one operator's platform 18. The slipform paver 1 is self-propelled. Furthermore, the slipform paver 1 comprises a controller 21, which will hereinafter be described in more detail.

The conveying device 2 may be a belt conveyor or an auger conveyor. In the embodiment shown, but not visible, the conveying device is an auger conveyor.

The conveying device 2 comprises a first end 4, into or onto which concrete may be fed, and the conveying device 2 comprises a second end 6, at which the concrete may be unloaded into or in front of the working device 8. In the embodiment depicted, the concrete is not unloaded directly into the working device 8 but into a transverse auger conveyor 9 and from there into the working device 8. The transverse auger conveyor 9 may also be a conveying device within the meaning of claim 1. The cleaning device 22 according to the present disclosure may thus alternatively or additionally be arranged on the transverse auger conveyor 9. A cleaning device arranged therein may function in the same manner as the described cleaning device 22.

The direction of transport of the conveying device 2 extends from the first end 4 to the second end 6 and the longitudinal axis of the conveying device 2 extends preferably essentially parallel to the direction of transport.

The conveying device 2 is depicted in more detail in FIG. 2. At least one cleaning device 22 is provided on the conveying device 2 for the purpose of cleaning the conveying device 2. The cleaning device 22 may also be referred to as a movable sprayer assembly 22. It is apparent in FIG. 2 that the conveying device 2 comprises an auger conveyor 40, which is arranged in a trough 42. During operation, the trough 42 may be closed by means of the flaps 38. It is apparent from FIG. 2 that a guiding device 32 is provided on the conveying device 2. The guiding device 32 may also be referred to as a guide 32. The guiding device 32 is arranged outside the area in which the material is transported from the first end 4 to the second end 6. In the present case, the guiding device 32 is therefore arranged outside the trough 42. The cleaning device 22 may be moved along the conveying device 2. As shown in the present embodiment, the guiding device 32 may comprise guiding rails 33, 34. The cross-section of the guiding rails 33, 34 may be of arbitrary design; it may be a round cross-sectional profile or a square cross-sectional profile.

In the embodiment depicted, the guiding device 32 does not extend all the way to the end at the first end 4. The guiding device 32 ends in front of the hopper element 36. However, in an alternative embodiment, it may also be provided that the hopper element 36 can be folded away in the same manner as the flaps 38. In such a case, the guiding device 32 may also extend right up to the end of the first end 4. The guiding rail 33, 34 may extend over the entire length of the conveying device 2 or also only along part of the conveying device 2.

The cleaning device 22 comprises a driving device 30, by means of which the cleaning device 22 is movable along the guiding device 32. In the embodiment depicted, the driving device 30 may comprise a cable winch. By moving the wire cable, the cleaning device 22 may be moved along the guiding device 32. The driving device 30 may also be referred to as a sprayer drive 30.

The cable winch may be hydraulically or electrically driven. The controller 21 depicted in FIG. 1 may, for example, control the driving device 30. The controller 21 may control the driving device 30 automatically, for example, based on a previously stored program, or alternatively the controller 21 may also be controlled manually, which may also be effected by means of remote control.

A controller within the meaning of the present disclosure may comprise a processor, a computer-readable medium, a data base and an input/output module or a control panel with a display, or may be assigned to the same. Also, the controller may comprise an input/output device, such as a keyboard, a joystick or other user interface, or these may be assigned to the controller, so that the human operator may enter instructions into the controller. It is understood that the controller described herein may be a single controller, which comprises the entire functionality described, or that it may contain a plurality of controllers, wherein the functionality described may be distributed to the plurality of controllers.

Different operations, steps or algorithms, which a controller may execute within the meaning of the present disclosure, may be directly embodied, for example, in hardware, in a computer program such as in a software module executed by the processor, or in a combination of both. The computer program may be located, for example, in a RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, register, a hard disk, a removable medium or any other form of computer-readable medium that is known in the state of the art. An example of a computer-readable medium may, for example, be coupled to the processor in such a manner that the processor may read information from the memory/storage medium and may write information on the same. Alternatively, the medium may also be integrated into the processor. The processor and the medium may be located, for example, in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may be located in a user terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and the medium may be located in a user terminal device as discrete components.

The term “processor”, as used herein, may at least refer to all-purpose or special-purpose processing devices and/or logic, as the person skilled in the art may understand, including, but not limited to, a micro processor, a micro controller, a finite state machine and the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computer devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a micro processor, a plurality of micro processors, one or a plurality of micro processors in combination with a DSP core, or other such configuration.

The cleaning device 22 comprises at least one spraying device 26, which is not visible in FIG. 2. The conveying device 2 may be cleaned by means of the spraying device 26, wherein the cleaning device 22 is movable along the conveying device 2 and may thus clean the entire area of the conveying device 2.

A reel 28 is furthermore depicted in FIG. 2, which can be used to wind a hose 29 shown schematically. The hose 29 may be connected to the cleaning device with a first hose end 29.1 and may be movable with the same. The hose 29 may be windable on or unwindable from the reel 28, respectively, when the cleaning device 22 is moving. Furthermore, the second hose end 29.2 may be connected to a fluid reservoir so that the cleaning device 22 is supplied with fluid for cleaning at all times.

FIG. 3 shows the cleaning device 22 according to FIG. 2. This is merely one embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of spraying devices 26 is provided, which are arranged next to each other. The spraying devices 26 are connected to a spraying bar 46. The spraying bar 46 is connected to a basic element 24 of the cleaning device 22. The spraying bar 46 may be pivoted together with the spraying devices 26 in relation to the basic element 24. The basic element 24 of the cleaning device 22 may also be referred to as a base 24 of the cleaning device 22.

The spraying devices 26 may spray the cleaning fluid in the form of spray cones 44 from the spraying device 26. The spraying devices 26 are preferably nozzles, in particular high-pressure nozzles. In the embodiment depicted, the cleaning device 22 has been realized in the design of a carriage. Said carriage comprises rollers 48, which may be used to move the cleaning device 22 along the guiding rails 33, 34.

An alternative embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4. The spraying devices 26 are attached to a basic element 24 and may be adjusted on the same in the slotted holes 52. To this end, the nuts 51 may be loosened and the spraying devices 26 may then be adjusted in relation to the basic element 24. For the purpose of clarity, not all of the spraying devices and not all of the nuts are depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the embodiment according to FIG. 4 from below. The slotted holes 52 are also depicted therein. The spraying devices 26 are furthermore connected to a spraying line 54. The spraying line 54 is each rotatable, with the two spraying devices 26, about a first axis of rotation 56, wherein the respective spraying devices are arranged on opposite sides relative to the first axis of rotation 56. The spraying devices 26 are arranged at an offset relative to the axis of rotation 56 in such a manner, and the spraying direction of the respective spraying devices 26 is aligned in such a manner, that the spraying devices 26 rotate about the axis of rotation 56 as a result of the spraying action.

It is apparent in FIG. 5 how the spray cones 44 are aligned with each other. The spraying directions of the spray cones 44 thus have at least a tangential portion relative to the axis of rotation, which causes the spraying line 54 and the spraying devices 26 to rotate about the axis of rotation 56 as a result of spraying with the spraying devices 26.

FIG. 6 shows a further alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, at least one spraying device 26 is depicted, which is arranged to move relative to a basic element 24. In this embodiment, the spraying device 26 may be moved in relation to the basic element 24 through the actuator 58. The actuator 58 is connected to a connection element 60, which is pivotable about a pivoting axis 62. The spraying device 26 may thus pivot about the pivoting axis 62 through moving the actuator 58 and by means of the connection element 60, and may thus be adjusted in relation to the basic element 24.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment. In this embodiment, an actuator 58′ is also provided, which is capable of adjusting the spraying devices 26 by means of the connection element 60′. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a spraying line 54 is also provided, on which two spraying devices 26 are arranged and may be rotated about the axis of rotation 56. Furthermore, the spraying line 54, together with the spraying devices 26, may be adjusted relative to the basic element 24 by means of the connection element 60′ and the actuator 58′.

FIG. 7 furthermore depicts the trough 42. A strip 64 is arranged in the trough 42. The strip 64 causes the concrete, which is conveyed in the trough by means of the auger conveyor, not to spill out at the side but to be diverted back into the center of the trough.

Claims

1. A slipform paver for the construction of pavements or structures made of concrete, comprising: at least one machine frame;at least two travelling devices;at least two lifting columns, the at least two travelling devices being height adjustable relative to the machine frame by the at least two lifting columns;at least one motor drive system configured to drive the at least two travelling devices;at least one concrete mold supported from the at least one machine frame for the construction of pavements or structures;at least one conveyor supported from the machine frame and configured to transport concrete to the at least one concrete mold; andat least one movable sprayer assembly configured to clean the at least one conveyor.

2. The slipform paver of claim 1, wherein the at least one conveyor is a belt conveyor or an auger conveyor.

3. The slipform paver of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of guide rails supported on the conveyor, the at least one movable sprayer assembly being movable along the guide rails.

4. The slipform paver of claim 1, further comprising: a sprayer drive configured to move the at least one movable sprayer assembly along the guide rails.

5. The slipform paver of claim 1, wherein: the at least one conveyor includes a first end into or onto which concrete is unloadable, and a second end at which the concrete is dischargeable into or in front of the at least one concrete mold, the at least one conveyor having a direction of transport extending from the first end to the second end, and the at least one conveyor having a longitudinal axis extending essentially parallel to the direction of transport.

6. The slipform paver of claim 1, wherein: the at least one movable sprayer assembly includes at least one spray nozzle.

7. The slipform paver of claim 6, wherein: the at least one spray nozzle is a high-pressure nozzle.

8. The slipform paver of claim 6, wherein: the at least one spray nozzle is adjustable in position relative to a base of the at least one movable spray assembly.

9. The slipform paver of claim 6, wherein: the at least one spray nozzle includes a plurality of spray nozzles.

10. The slipform paver of claim 9, wherein: the plurality of spray nozzles are adjustable in position relative to a base of the at least one movable spray assembly.

11. The slipform paver of claim 6, wherein: the at least one sprayer assembly includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of the at least one spray nozzle relative to a base of the at least one movable spray assembly.

12. The slipform paver of claim 11, further comprising: at least one controller configured to automatically or manually control operation of the actuator.

13. The slipform paver of claim 12, wherein: the controller is remotely controllable.

14. The slipform paver of claim 6, wherein: the at least one movable sprayer assembly further includes at least one rotatable spraying line rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and the at least one spray nozzle is connected to the at least one rotatable spraying line and is arranged at an offset to the first axis of rotation such that a spraying direction from the at least one spray nozzle is aligned such that the at least one rotatable spraying line and the at least one spray nozzle rotate about the first axis of rotation as a result of spraying action of the at least one spray nozzle.

15. The slipform paver of claim 14, wherein: the at least one spray nozzle includes at least two spray nozzles connected to the at least one rotatable spraying line on opposite sides in relation to the first axis of rotation, and the spraying directions from the at least two spray nozzles are arranged such that the at least two spray nozzles rotate about the first axis of rotation as a result of their spraying action.

16. The slipform paver of claim 1, further comprising: at least one hose including a first hose end connected to the at least one movable sprayer assembly and movable with the at least one movable sprayer assembly.

17. The slipform paver of claim 16, further comprising: at least one hose reel on which the at least one hose is windable or unwindable as the at least one movable sprayer assembly is moved relative to the at least one conveyor.

18. A slipform paver for the construction of pavements or structures made of concrete, comprising: a machine frame;at least two wheels or tracks for supporting the machine frame;at least two lifting columns, the at least two wheels or tracks being height adjustable relative to the machine frame by the at least two lifting columns;at least one motor drive system configured to drive the at least two wheels or tracks;a concrete mold supported from the machine frame for the construction of pavements or structures;a conveyor supported from the machine frame and configured to transport concrete to the at least one concrete mold;a guide mounted on the conveyor;a movable sprayer assembly movably mounted on the guide, the movable sprayer assembly including a base and at least one spray nozzle movably mounted on the base;a sprayer drive configured to move the movable sprayer assembly along the guide; anda controller configured to control the sprayer drive to control the movement of the movable sprayer assembly relative to the conveyor to clean the conveyor.

19. The slipform paver of claim 18, wherein: the movable sprayer assembly includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of the at least one spray nozzle relative to the base; andthe controller is further configured to control the actuator.

20. The slipform paver of claim 18, wherein: the controller is further configured to control operation of the at least one spray nozzle.