U.S. patent application number 12/698247 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for apparatus and method for improving the control of a concrete screeding machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to SOMERO ENTERPRISES, INC.. Invention is credited to Frank E. Anderson, Philip D. Halonen, Matthew A. Kangas, Carl B. Kieranen.
Application Number | 20100196096 12/698247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42396399 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100196096 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Halonen; Philip D. ; et
al. |
August 5, 2010 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE CONTROL OF A CONCRETE
SCREEDING MACHINE
Abstract
A screeding machine including at least one of (a) a boom speed
cruise control for automatically controlling the travel speed of
the screed head assembly, (b) an auto-stabilizer control that
automatically adjusts the stabilizer actuators of the screeding
machine to a preselected degree of extension, (c) a control for
automatically controlling the lowering of the screed head assembly
toward and to the concrete surface and automatically activating the
auger and vibrator at a beginning of each screeding pass and
automatically deactivating the auger and vibrator in response to
the screed head assembly being raised away from the concrete
surface at the end of a screed pass, and (d) an auto-screed mode
that allows the operator to select maximum values for at least one
of a boom extension speed, a boom retraction speed, a boom rotation
speed and a screed head rotation speed.
Inventors: |
Halonen; Philip D.;
(Calumet, MI) ; Kangas; Matthew A.; (Atlantic
Mine, MI) ; Kieranen; Carl B.; (Chassell, MI)
; Anderson; Frank E.; (Atlantic Mine, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN & BURKHART, LLP
SUITE 207, 2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49546
US
|
Assignee: |
SOMERO ENTERPRISES, INC.
Fort Myers
FL
|
Family ID: |
42396399 |
Appl. No.: |
12/698247 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61157401 |
Mar 4, 2009 |
|
|
|
61149092 |
Feb 2, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/84.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 19/405 20130101;
B60K 26/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/84.1 |
International
Class: |
E01C 19/48 20060101
E01C019/48 |
Claims
1. A screeding machine for screeding a concrete surface having a
partially cured concrete area and a newly placed concrete area,
said screeding machine comprising: a wheeled unit having a
plurality of wheels for moving said wheeled unit over a support
surface; a screeding head assembly having a grade setting device
and a vibrating member, wherein said screeding head assembly is
movable over the concrete area via an extendable and retractable
boom assembly extending from said wheeled unit; wherein said
screeding machine comprises at least one of: (a) a boom speed
cruise control for automatically controlling the travel speed of
said screed head assembly during a screeding pass so that the
travel speed of a first screeding pass of said screed head assembly
is substantially the same as the travel speed of at least one
subsequent screeding pass of said screed head assembly; (b) an
auto-stabilizer control that automatically adjusts the stabilizer
actuators of said wheeled unit of said screeding machine to a
preselected degree of extension in response to a user input; (c) a
control for automatically controlling the lowering of said screed
head assembly toward and to the concrete surface and automatically
activating said grade setting device and said vibrator at a
beginning of a screeding pass and automatically deactivating said
grade setting device and said vibrator in response to said screed
head assembly being raised away from the concrete surface at the
end of the screeding pass; and (d) an auto-screed control that
allows the operator to select a maximum value for at least one of a
boom extension speed, a boom retraction speed, a boom rotation
speed and a screed head rotation speed, whereby a respective speed
of at least one of these functions of said screeding machine is
limited to the selected value in response to the operator selecting
an auto-screed mode.
2. The screeding machine of claim 1, wherein said screeding machine
comprises a boom speed cruise control for automatically controlling
the travel speed of said screed head assembly during a screeding
pass so that the travel speed of a first screeding pass of said
screed head assembly is substantially the same as the travel speed
of at least one subsequent screeding pass of said screed head
assembly.
3. The screeding machine of claim 2, wherein said boom speed cruise
control, when activated, allows an operator to store a selected
speed of said screed head assembly, whereby the operator can later
actuate a user input to select to have said screed head assembly
moved at the stored selected speed.
4. The screeding machine of claim 1, wherein said screeding machine
comprises an auto-stabilizer control that automatically adjusts the
stabilizer actuators of said wheeled unit of said screeding machine
to a preselected degree of extension in response to a user
input.
5. The screeding machine of claim 4, wherein said auto-stabilizer
control allows an operator to actuate a user input to store a
degree of extension of each of said stabilizer actuators, whereby
the operator can later actuate a user input to cause said machine
to automatically extend said stabilizer actuators to the stored
degree of extension.
6. The screeding machine of claim 1, wherein said screeding machine
comprises a control for automatically controlling the lowering of
said screed head assembly toward and to the concrete surface and
automatically activating said grade setting device and said
vibrator at a beginning of a screeding pass and automatically
deactivating said grade setting device and said vibrator in
response to said screed head assembly being raised away from the
concrete surface at the end of the screeding pass.
7. The screeding machine of claim 6, wherein said control, when
activated, functions to automatically activate said grade setting
device and said vibrator as said screed head assembly is lowered
toward the concrete surface and automatically deactivates said
grade setting device and said vibrator a period of time after said
screed head assembly is initially moved away from the concrete
surface at the end of the screeding pass.
8. The screeding machine of claim 7, wherein said control
automatically deactivates said grade setting device and said
vibrator at least one second after said screed head assembly is
initially moved away from the concrete surface at the end of the
screeding pass.
9. The screeding machine of claim 1, wherein said screeding machine
comprises an auto-screed control that allows the operator to select
a maximum value for at least one function comprising at least one
of a boom extension speed, a boom retraction speed, a boom rotation
speed and a screed head rotation speed, whereby a respective speed
of said at least one of function is limited to the selected maximum
value for said at least one function in response to the operator
selecting an auto-screed mode.
10. The screeding machine of claim 9, wherein said auto-screed
control is deactivated and said maximum values are reset to a
default setting when said screeding machine is turned off.
11. A screeding machine for screeding a concrete surface having a
partially cured concrete area and a newly placed concrete area,
said screeding machine comprising: a wheeled unit having a
plurality of wheels for moving said wheeled unit over a support
surface; a screeding head assembly having a grade setting device
and a vibrating member, wherein said screeding head assembly is
movable over the concrete area via an extendable and retractable
boom assembly extending from said wheeled unit; and a joy-stick
steering system that is operable to control the steering of at
least two of said wheels, said joy-stick steering system providing
an operator steering control of said at least two wheels by means
of a joy-stick control handle, wherein the steering of said wheels
of said screeding machine is controlled electronically by operator
positional input at said joy-stick control handle.
12. The screeding machine of claim 11, wherein said joy-stick
steering system includes an electronic controller and electrically
controlled proportional hydraulic valves that control flow of
hydraulic fluid to and from steering cylinders located at least one
drive axle assembly of said screeding machine, and wherein said
electronic controller controls said hydraulic valves in response to
a position of said joy-stick control handle.
13. A screeding machine for screeding a concrete surface having a
partially cured concrete area and a newly placed concrete area,
said screeding machine comprising: a wheeled unit supporting a
screeding head assembly having a grade setting device and a
vibrating member, wherein said screeding head assembly is movable
over the concrete area via an extendable and retractable boom
assembly; a right joystick control and a left joystick control for
controlling respective functions of said screeding machine, wherein
said right joystick control at least initially controls first
functions and said left joystick control controls second functions;
and a joystick swap control that is actuatable by an operator of
said screeding machine, whereby said right joystick control
controls said second functions and said left joystick control
controls said first functions in response to actuation of said
joystick swap control.
14. The screeding machine of claim 13, wherein said respective
functions comprise at least one of (a) a steering function, (b) a
boom extension and retract function, (c) a screeding head control
function, (d) a screeding head elevation control function, (e) a
boom speed cruise control function, and (f) an auto-stabilizer
control function.
15. A screeding machine for screeding a concrete surface having a
partially cured concrete area and a newly placed concrete area,
said screeding machine comprising: a screeding head assembly having
an auger and a vibrating member for screeding the concrete surface,
said screeding head assembly comprising auger bearings for
rotatably supporting said auger; and an adjustment mechanism that
allows an operator of said screeding machine to change said auger
bearings and said auger without having to adjust a height
adjustment of said auger after reassembly of said auger bearings
and said auger, whereby the auger height adjustment settings are
maintained without any readjustment.
16. The screeding machine of claim 15, wherein said adjustment
mechanism includes a height adjustment retaining element that is
adjustable to allow for adjustment of the height of said auger, and
wherein the auger height adjustment settings are maintained so long
as said height adjustment retaining element is not loosened.
17. A screeding machine for screeding a concrete surface having a
partially cured concrete area and a newly placed concrete area,
said screeding machine comprising: a screeding head assembly having
an auger and a vibrating member for screeding the concrete surface,
said screeding head assembly comprising auger bearings for
rotatably supporting said auger; and a pair of detachable transport
stands for supporting opposite ends of said screed head assembly at
a support surface when said screeding machine is being
transported.
18. The screeding machine of claim 17, wherein each said transport
stand comprises a base portion and a generally U-shaped attachment
portion for attaching at respective outer end regions of said
screed head assembly.
19. The screeding machine of claim 18, wherein said transport
stands are attached at said respective outer end regions of said
screed head assembly via at least one retaining element that is
inserted through generally aligned holes in said transport stand
and said outer end region of said screed head assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional applications, Ser. No. 61/157,401, filed Mar. 4, 2009,
and Ser. No. 61/149,092, filed Feb. 2, 2009, which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and
method for improving the control and productivity of a concrete
screeding machine during the leveling and smoothing of freshly
poured concrete that has been placed over a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is a continuous and growing need within industry for
flat and level close-tolerance concrete floors used in a variety of
structures such as office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses,
and production and/or manufacturing facilities. Most modern
production and manufacturing plants include high-precision
machinery and equipment which must be set level on a flat surface.
A main benefit from achieving close-tolerance floors is that it
will allow for easier installation and set-up of the precision
machinery and equipment. This allows a facility to reach its
intended level of performance capacity sooner and at a higher level
of quality. Facility maintenance costs are also likely to be
reduced. When changes to the machinery become necessary,
reorganization and set-up of the equipment can also be less
costly.
[0004] For example, high-density warehouse facilities often utilize
narrow aisles and high-reach forklifts to reach tall storage racks
containing shelving or storage racks for material goods. Any offset
error variation from the desired and ideally level floor can
correspond to a proportionally larger vertical offset error at the
raised forks of high-reach forklifts. Large vertical offset errors
at the forklift forks result in an increasingly greater difficulty
in maneuvering the forklift machines along the aisles and while
reaching for materials and goods at the upper most shelves.
Therefore, flatness or levelness errors in the concrete floor
become a limiting factor in the practical design of high-density
vertical-storage warehouse facilities. Thus the benefit of having
easy to produce smooth and accurately level floors in a high-rise
warehouse increases the investment value and efficiency of the
facility according to a cost per square foot or cost per square
meter basis. In locations where land or real estate values are high
or available space is at a premium, such costs are an important
factor.
[0005] In another example, production facilities containing lines
of high precision machinery that must be both level and accurately
set with respect to one another also significantly benefit from
concrete floors that have been placed accurately and economically.
The effort required to adjust or otherwise place shims under the
supports of the machinery can be reduced or made unnecessary
providing that the concrete floor is accurately level and smooth
from the start. This can significantly reduce the cost of initially
setting up a production line or later making changes or upgrades to
equipment as may be necessary. Smooth and accurately level floors
may also contribute to reducing overall maintenance costs related
to the equipment over the life cycle of the production
facility.
[0006] Close-tolerance concrete floors are generally known in the
concrete construction industry as "super-flat floors" or simply
"super flats". Super-flat floors are typically expensive for
building owners to buy and concrete contractors to produce, since
such projects usually require specialized equipment and experienced
personnel with a thorough working knowledge of the process. Because
of the relatively higher cost of the super-flat floors, often only
specified areas of a building floor will be made to super-flat
specifications, such as within anticipated aisleways of a given
floor plan. When changes for the floor plan are necessary however,
the spacing and location of the aisle ways cannot be easily
adjusted or moved. This limitation increases renovation costs and
possibly reduces the future investment value and long-term
usefulness of the facility.
[0007] Close-tolerance, super-flat concrete floors are specified,
measured and compared in the concrete industry according to
concrete floor profile specification variables. One of these
variables is for floor flatness "F-F" and another is for floor
levelness "F-L". These two specifications together are generally
referred to in the industry as F-numbers. The F-number system
offers a repeatable method for measuring floor quality through
statistical means known in the art. Concrete floors having
F-numbers near or above the range of F-F 80 and F-L 80 are
typically regarded as being super-flat concrete floors.
[0008] Super-flat concrete floors are much more difficult and
expensive to achieve than those conventionally poured. In order to
achieve such super-flat floors, construction work site personnel
must be highly trained and skilled, and special equipment is often
required to place and finish the concrete. Skilled workers using
hand tools can perform the task of striking-off wet, uncured
concrete to a specified grade with a conventional floor. However, a
large number of workers are required to finish the floor.
Production speed of the floor is thus relatively slow with such a
conventional process. Additionally, as even the best skilled worker
continues to use his tools of the trade, over the course of a day,
the worker will fatigue and tire as the day goes on. Human
endurance has its typical limitations. This factor can also have an
adverse effect on the final F-numbers and quality of the floor.
Therefore, because many flat surfaces are finished by manual labor,
the surfaces are likely to have relatively poor or inconsistent
quality with regard to overall levelness and flatness.
[0009] In order to achieve super-flat or otherwise high quality
concrete floors, the use of a laser-guided or laser-controlled
screeding device, such as the patented LASER SCREED.TM. screeding
machine or device, researched, designed and developed by Somero
Enterprises, Inc. of Houghton, Mich., may be used to initially
level and screed the freshly poured concrete. Other devices or
machines for smoothing and screeding uncured concrete that use
similar structural elements could be used also. The Somero LASER
SCREED.TM. machine or apparatus and method are described in detail
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,655,633 and 4,930,935, both entitled SCREEDING
APPARATUS AND METHOD, which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,761, entitled
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONTOURING, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference, discloses a contouring
device and apparatus for producing contoured concrete surfaces over
non-flat areas. These would be concrete surfaces such as, for
example, those found with driveways, parking lots, paved roads,
walkways, and other similar non-planar areas. Additionally, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 7,044,681; 7,175,363; and 7,396,186, which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference, disclose soft landing control
systems for a screeding machine or device that is operable to
automatically lower a vibrating member of a screed head assembly
into engagement with concrete surface at a time and place where the
vibrating member is not positioned over an overlap area of already
screeded concrete, and where the vibrating member is automatically
lowered onto newly placed concrete at or near the junction or cold
joint between the already screeded concrete and the area of newly
place concrete, so as to avoid depressions in the already placed
concrete. A detailed review of these inventions will not be
included herein but may serve as references as to their specific
limitations and help to gain an understanding of the benefits of
the invention disclosed herein.
[0010] A typical Somero LASER SCREED.TM. screeding machine commonly
used to produce large areas of accurately screeded concrete as well
as super flat concrete floors is comprised of basically the same or
similar mechanical elements as that of a standard screeding
machine. These elements may include a base machine having a power
source supporting a rotatable telescopic boom. The telescopic boom
supports a screeding assembly or screed head typically consisting
of three elements, a plow, rotating auger, and a vibrating member.
The support boom is extended outward over the freshly poured
concrete and the screed head is then lowered to the desired grade
elevation. The laser control system takes over from this point and
the boom is steadily retracted allowing the screed head to engage
and smooth the concrete. As the boom is retracted, the elevation of
the screed head is continuously controlled by the laser-controlled
hydraulic system according to a laser reference plane. This
produces a generally level and smoothed concrete surface at the
desired elevation. When the boom reaches its retracted position,
the screed head is raised out of the concrete. The entire machine
is then moved laterally to the next adjacent position and the boom
is again extended for another concrete screeding pass. The screed
head is then once again lowered into the concrete where the process
is repeated until all the concrete has been leveled and
smoothed.
[0011] The plow, auger, and vibrator that are on the Somero LASER
SCREED.TM. screeding machine are pivotable about a horizontal axis
generally perpendicular to the direction of travel over the
concrete, wherein the pivoting motion is controlled by a set of
actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders or the like, via a control
system. The control system maintains the proper relative
orientation of the screed head components relative to the desired
concrete surface throughout any variations of concrete forces
against the plow, auger, and vibrator, as well as any horizontal
inclination or deflection of the telescopic boom or support
structure of the machine. This unique capability is disclosed in
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,935, issued to Quenzi et al., and
referred to in U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,761, issued to Kieranen et al.,
both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0012] An interesting and significant aspect of existing screed
head designs is that the vibrating member is typically set at an
elevation that is just slightly below the desired finished surface
elevation of the concrete during normal screeding operations. In
other words, while the rotating auger cuts, fills, and establishes
the concrete at the desired grade, the vibrating member that
follows is set slightly below grade. Accordingly, as the concrete
is freshly leveled by the auger and the surface is subjected to the
final action of the vibrating member, the concrete is essentially
pressed downward by the working face of the vibrating member. Due
to the resiliency of the freshly poured and smoothed concrete, the
vibrated material almost immediately and effectively "springs back"
or flows upward, returning to the desired elevation set by the
auger. This action is continuous along the full length of the
vibrating member. The concrete returns to the desired grade in the
wake of the action of the vibrating member as it passes over the
concrete. This is a proven characteristic of concrete having
typical or standard slump characteristics. Typically, the trailing
edge of the vibrating member is adjusted or set to about 1/8.sup.th
to 1/4.sup.th of an inch (about 3 mm to 6 mm) or thereabouts below
the desired level of the smoothed concrete.
[0013] There exist, however, limitations toward achieving large
areas of highly accurate and flat screeded concrete of having a
high degree of perfection and super-flat high quality floors that
are a result of the above-described physical aspect. When the
screed head is lowered down onto the concrete at the beginning of a
smoothing pass, it is typically overlapped onto the previously
smoothed concrete of the adjacent and/or previous set of passes.
Because the vibrator is set at a height just slightly lower than
desired grade, the vibrator creates a depression in the concrete
surface roughly equivalent to the length and width of the vibrating
member. With typical concrete floors having non-critical F-number
specifications, the landing depressions created by the vibrating
member can be simply disregarded in the process. On the other hand,
the landing depressions can be typically reduced or possibly
eliminated through manual secondary operations using hand tools
such as by use of a "highway straight edge" or "bump cutter" tools.
However, access to the concrete surface can be a limitation.
Workers using these tools may be greatly limited during "wide
placement" site conditions or high rates of production. Final
concrete trowling and finishing operations can also be used to help
correct or "hide" the landing depressions. However, the actual
accuracy of the finished concrete floor surface is likely to remain
in question. With high quality and super-flat concrete floors,
however, the created landing depressions become an even greater
limitation toward achieving high-quality floors having high
F-number characteristics.
[0014] The degree of the created "landing depression" is often
dependent on a number of machine performance characteristics and
operator related operational factors. An experienced screeding
machine operator can reduce the creation of landing depressions by
the carefully coordinated practice of lowering the screed head into
the concrete while beginning retraction of the boom. The vibrator
may be turned off temporarily, and then quickly turned back on
again just at the correct moment in time during the "landing" of
the screed head. This coordinated technique is known by some
experienced screeding machine operators as a "soft landing".
However, such soft landings can be difficult to achieve on a
consistent or repeatable basis, and are largely dependent on the
level of skill and experience of the screeding machine operator.
Similarly, the speed at which the operator retracts the boom and
advances the screed head during screeding operations can affect the
final quality and flatness of the concrete surface. Variations in
the travel speed of the screed head including accelerations at the
beginning of a screeding pass and decelerations at the end of
various screeding passes can be cause for introducing variations in
the flatness or surface quality of the finished concrete.
[0015] In addition, the slump characteristics, degree of cure, rate
of cure, mix design, aggregate size, type and texture, temperature,
humidity, and several other physical characteristics of the uncured
concrete can play a large role in the final results.
[0016] A further factor beyond that of the control and experience
of the operator becomes apparent when soft landings are made on
concrete that has already begun to set-up or cure. Concrete that
has been leveled and smoothed and then left undisturbed for a
period of time will progressively begin to loose its resiliency or
ability to flow. The length of time whereby this resiliency is lost
is not easily determined and is subject to many variables such as
the prevailing conditions that exist at the site or the mix design
of the concrete. Warm, dry and windy conditions may cause the
concrete to quickly dry and harden at the surface, while cool and
damp conditions may have the opposite effect. Concrete mix designs
may also exhibit varying degrees of allowable working time before
the resiliency or workability of the material is lost. For example,
low slump concrete is by definition stiff and less resilient than
high slump concrete, while high-slump concrete flows more readily
and smoothly than low-slump concrete and is more easily worked.
Also, low slump concrete may be more difficult to work, but often
offers higher cure strength by containing less water in the mixing
ratio. These variables are important factors with respect to the
soft landing of the vibrating member of a LASER SCREED.TM.
screeding machine or other screeding machine when producing large
areas of accurately screeded concrete as well as high-quality
super-flat floors. Improvements have been made to the
controllability and structures of concrete screeding machines, such
as by utilizing aspects of the machines and/or systems and/or
inventions described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,044,681; 7,175,363 and
7,396,186, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
[0017] It is becoming increasingly apparent to the concrete
construction industry that the experience level, know-how, and
consistent ability of the LASER SCREED.TM. operator is beginning to
emerge within the industry as a significant variable and a factor
in the performance of the LASER SCREED.TM. machine, the level of
construction productivity achieved, and the level of quality
achieved in the final concrete surface thus produced. Because of
this human-factor variable inherent in the operation of all current
LASER SCREED.TM. machines, operator fatigue can also contribute
toward the level of quality achieved. Increasingly often, large
area concrete pours are scheduled to be accomplished very late at
night, either to reduce the concrete construction crew's exposure
to the highest temperatures of the day in hot climates, such as
during hot summer months, or simply to help ensure consistent
delivery of the fresh concrete material by concrete trucks that
might often have to travel through congested city freeways and
streets during the day. Night scheduled concrete projects and
deliveries for large concrete pours can often extend entirely
through the night and into the next morning to avoid difficulties
related to city traffic and congestion. Accordingly, due to typical
24 hour 7 days a week construction schedule efforts and maximized
levels of productivity, increased attention is being directed
toward identifying improved methods, machine controls, and other
process and product improvements that can potentially help reduce
the levels of stress and fatigue that might be experienced by the
LASER SCREED.TM. operator. Operational circumstances related to the
productivity of the machines and the operators that can be
identified and improved upon as a result of late night screeding
operations can also potentially extend toward improved operational
performance in all conditions or environments at any time.
Therefore, further development in the area of LASER SCREED.TM.
controls and automated control systems has become an increasingly
and potentially more valuable aspect for further development and
improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention provides a screeding machine that
comprises at least one of (a) a boom speed cruise control for
automatically controlling the travel speed of the screed head
assembly, (b) an auto-stabilizer control that automatically adjusts
the stabilizer actuators of the screeding machine to a preselected
degree of extension, (c) a control for automatically controlling
the lowering of the screed head assembly toward and to the concrete
surface and automatically activating the auger and vibrator at a
beginning of each screeding pass and automatically deactivating the
auger and vibrator in response to the screed head assembly being
raised away from the concrete surface at the end of a screed pass,
and (d) an auto-screed mode that allows the operator to select
maximum values for at least one of a boom extension speed, a boom
retraction speed, a boom rotation speed and a screed head rotation
speed.
[0019] Optionally, the screeding machine may include a joy-stick
steering system that is operable to control the steering of at
least two of the wheels, with the joy-stick steering system
providing an operator steering control of the wheels by means of a
joy-stick control handle, and whereby the steering of the wheels of
the screeding machine may be controlled electronically by operator
positional input at the joy-stick control handle. Optionally, the
screeding machine may include a right joystick control and a left
joystick control for controlling respective functions of the
screeding machine, wherein the right joystick control at least
initially controls first functions and the left joystick control
controls second functions. Optionally, the screeding machine may
include a joystick swap control that is actuatable by an operator
of the screeding machine, whereby the right joystick control
controls the second functions and the left joystick control
controls the first functions in response to actuation of the
joystick swap control.
[0020] Optionally, the screeding head assembly may have an auger
and a vibrating member for screeding the concrete surface, and may
further comprise auger bearings for rotatably supporting the auger.
The screeding head assembly may include an adjustment mechanism
that allows an operator of the screeding machine to change the
auger bearings and the auger without having to adjust a height
adjustment of the auger after reassembly of the auger bearings and
the auger, whereby the auger height adjustment settings are
maintained without any readjustment. Optionally, the screeding head
assembly may include a pair of detachable transport stands for
supporting opposite ends of the screed head assembly at a support
surface when the screeding machine is being transported.
[0021] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the
following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete leveling and
screeding machine that incorporates the improved operator controls
and control systems and screed head apparatus design improvements
and features of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the screed head and
telescopic boom assembly of the concrete leveling and screeding
machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an
optional 12.5 foot screed head assembly of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the area A of the
left end of the screed head assembly of FIG. 3, showing components
of an auger adjustment mechanism of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optional 14.5 foot screed
head assembly of the present invention, shown in a partial state of
disassembly;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the area A of the
auger adjustment mechanism of FIG. 5, shown in a partial state of
disassembly, where the auger and auger bearing subassembly has been
removed from the auger support beam structure of the screed head
assembly;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a detailed view including instructional steps for
removal and reinstallation of the improved auger adjustment
mechanism of the present invention, where the auger and auger
bearing subassembly has been removed from the auger support beam
structure of the screed head assembly (note that this adjustment
mechanism design allows the operator to change the auger bearings
and auger as desired without having to readjust the height
adjustment of the auger after reassembly, or, in other words, the
auger height adjustments settings can therefore be readily
maintained without any necessary readjustment so long as the height
adjustment bolt and locknut are not loosened);
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the auger bearing
subassembly of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of the auger bearing
subassembly of FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the stop plate welded
assembly of the improved auger adjustment mechanism;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the underside of a 14.5
foot auger support beam welded assembly structural member of a
screed head assembly of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the left end area
A of the underside of the 14.5 foot auger support beam welded
assembly structural member of FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the screed elevation beam
structural support assembly of a screed head assembly of the
present invention, showing the screed head hydraulic manifold
access door closed;
[0035] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the area A of the
center portion of the screed elevation beam structural support
assembly of the screed head assembly of FIG. 13, showing the screed
head hydraulic manifold access door closed;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the screed elevation beam
structural support assembly of a screed head assembly of the
present invention, showing the screed head hydraulic manifold
access door open;
[0037] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the area A of the
center portion of the screed elevation beam structural support
assembly of FIG. 15, showing the screed head hydraulic manifold
access door open (with pivot stop pin shown);
[0038] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the screed elevation beam
structural support assembly of the screed head assembly, showing
the screed head hydraulic manifold in a pivoted-out position for
improved access (note that the manifold may be pinned or retained
in the pivoted-out position via a retaining pin or the like being
inserted into a hole or aperture in the beam and engaging the
manifold to limit pivotal movement of the manifold);
[0039] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the area A of the
center portion of the screed elevation beam structural support
assembly of the screed head assembly of FIG. 17, showing the screed
head hydraulic manifold in a pivoted-out position for improved
access (with the pivot stop pin shown above a hole in the manifold
plate that may be aligned with a second corresponding hole or notch
or portion of the screed elevation beam structural support assembly
to limit pivotal movement of the manifold);
[0040] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the 12.5 foot screed head
and telescopic boom assembly of the concrete leveling and screeding
machine shown in FIG. 1, where the screed head assembly is tipped
and the plow is pinned in the raised position for improved access
for ease of cleaning and maintenance;
[0041] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the left end area
A of the 12.5 foot screed head assembly of FIG. 19, where the
screed head assembly is tipped and the plow is pinned in the raised
position for improved access for ease of cleaning and
maintenance;
[0042] FIG. 21 is a left side elevation view of the 12.5 foot
screed head and telescopic boom assembly of the concrete leveling
and screeding machine shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, where the screed
head assembly is tipped for improved access for ease of cleaning
and maintenance;
[0043] FIG. 22 is an enlarged side elevation of the left end area A
of the 12.5 foot screed head assembly of FIG. 21, where the screed
head assembly is tipped for improved access for ease of cleaning
and maintenance;
[0044] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the 12.5 foot screed
head and telescopic boom assembly of the concrete leveling and
screeding machine shown in FIG. 1, where the screed head assembly
is tipped and the plow is pinned in a raised position for improved
access for ease of cleaning and maintenance;
[0045] FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the left end area
A of the 12.5 foot screed head assembly of FIG. 23, where the
screed head assembly is tipped and the plow is pinned in the raised
position for improved access for ease of cleaning and
maintenance;
[0046] FIG. 25 is a left side perspective view of the 12.5 foot
screed head and telescopic boom assembly of the concrete leveling
and screeding machine shown in FIG. 1, where the screed head
assembly is tipped and the plow is pinned in the raised position
for improved access for ease of cleaning and maintenance;
[0047] FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the left end area
A of the 12.5 foot screed head assembly of FIG. 25, where the
screed head assembly is tipped and the plow is pinned in the raised
position for improved access for ease of cleaning and
maintenance;
[0048] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the
12.5 foot screed head assembly of the concrete leveling and
screeding machine shown in FIG. 1, where the plow assembly,
pivoting yoke welded assembly, pivot bushings, hardware, and
self-leveling hydraulic cylinder are shown in exploded view (note
that the self-leveling cylinder mounting bolts have been omitted
for clarity);
[0049] FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view of the area A of the
lower portion of the 12.5 foot screed head assembly of FIG. 27,
where the plow assembly, pivoting yoke welded assembly, pivot
bushings, hardware, and self-leveling hydraulic cylinder are shown
in exploded view (note that the self-leveling cylinder mounting
bolts have been omitted for clarity);
[0050] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lower portion of an
optional 14.5 foot screed head assembly, including a detachable
transport stand for supporting the screed head assembly on a
surface when, the machine is being transported;
[0051] FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the left end area
A of the lower portion of the optional 14.5 foot screed head
assembly of FIG. 29, showing a detachable transport stand for
supporting the screed head assembly on a surface when the machine
is being transported (note that the two attachment hex bolts and
hex nuts or optionally two securable steel hitch pins are not shown
in FIG. 30; and there are two detachable transport stands, one
secured at each end of the screed head for transport, and this
feature limits or prevents damage to the screed head vibrator,
auger, and plow during shipment in containers or transport of the
machine on over highway trailers);
[0052] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a detachable transport
stand welded assembly for supporting the screed head assembly
during shipment or transport;
[0053] FIGS. 32A-C are schematics that depict various degrees of
extension of a large boom and small boom of the screeding machine
of the present invention, with a propel switch and a boom cushion
switch for controlling extension and retraction of the booms in
accordance with the present invention;
[0054] FIGS. 33A-E are perspective views of an operator station and
left and right control panels and right and left joy sticks
suitable for use with a screeding machine in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0055] FIGS. 34-38 depict aspects of the control systems and
control logic diagrams of a screeding machine and/or system in
accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] For the purposes of illustration and disclosure of the
aspects of the present invention, a Somero SXP-D LASER SCREED.TM.
screeding machine will be used as the example. However, clearly
this example is not intended to limit the scope of the present
application and clearly aspects of the present invention are
suitable for use on other types of screeding machines.
[0057] A typical wide-placement concrete pour might consist of a
set of eight to sixteen screeding passes from left to right before
another row is started. This number of consecutive passes can
typically complete the full-width of a typical wide-placement
concrete pour. During each screeding pass made by a LASER
SCREED.TM. screeding machine (or other suitable screeding machine
or device) and its respective human operator, a number of human
factor variables can come into play that can often affect the level
of quality achieved in the final concrete surface. For instance,
the travel speed of the screed head as it travels over the surface
of the concrete during the concrete leveling and screeding process
can vary from one pass to the next, and can even vary even within
the scope of a single screeding pass. The travel speed of the
screed head is a function of the telescopic boom retraction speed
which is controlled by the operator, typically by hand, through an
electro-hydraulic hand-lever or joy-stick controller. Because of
the infinitely variable nature of the joy-stick controller within
its given range of movement and speed adjustment capability, the
operator can often find it difficult or nearly impossible to
accurately make repeatable screeding passes of exactly the same
speed once he has identified a particular ideal travel speed for
retracting the boom and the screed head given the prevailing site
conditions and specific characteristics of the concrete. The
experience and skill level of the operator can often become a
significant and deciding factor in the final outcome or the
resulting quality of the concrete surface. Screeding machine
operators who are less experienced, skilled, or knowledgeable may
not be able to provide the required level of repeatability and
consistency with respect to the ideal travel speed of the boom and
screed head. Additionally, because of the human-factor, operator
fatigue begins to emerge as a factor that can affect the
consistency of travel speed of the screed head and therefore
quality as screeding operations extend over a long number of hours
or late into the night. Therefore, there is an identified need in
the concrete screeding industry for a screeding machine (such as a
Somero LASER SCREED.TM.) with a control system that can readily
provide operators with a repeatable and consistent screed control
functions such as, but not limited to screed head travel speed
(i.e. boom retraction speed) while screeding concrete surfaces.
This particular aspect of screeding machine control, for example,
may be referred to as a "Boom Speed Cruise Control" control
apparatus and method suitable for use with screeding machines, such
as Somero LASER SCREED.TM. screeding machines or other suitable
screeding machines.
[0058] Similarly, and for many of the same reasons previously
stated in the preceding paragraphs, additional control-based
apparatus, improvements, and methods are described herein (see
below discussion and accompanying overview and diagrams and
Figures) and provided to help reduce the human-factor variable of
the operator and operator fatigue while concurrently improving the
control and productivity of screeding machines. The newly developed
control apparatuses, methods, and related design features of the
present invention are described below.
[0059] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative
embodiments depicted therein, a screeding machine 10 includes a
wheeled unit 12 with a boom 14 extending therefrom and supporting a
screeding head or assembly 16 at an outer end thereof (FIG. 1). The
wheeled unit 12 is drivable to a targeted area at a support surface
with uncured concrete placed thereat, and the wheeled unit may
rotate about a base portion to swing the boom and screeding head to
a targeted location. The boom 14 is extendable and retractable to
move the screeding head 16 over the placed concrete, while the
screeding head 16 is operable to establish a desired grade of the
concrete surface and smooth or finish or screed the concrete. In
the illustrated embodiment, the screeding head includes a plow 18,
a grade setting device or auger 20 and a vibrating member 22 (FIG.
3). The screeding machine includes a plurality of stabilizers 24
that are extendable and retractable to support and stabilize the
machine on the support surface during the screeding operation.
Screeding machine 10 and the screeding head or assembly 16 may be
similar in construction and/or operation as the screeding machines
and screeding heads described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,655,633;
4,930,935; 6,227,761; 7,044,681; 7,175,363; and/or 7,396,186, which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties,
such that a detailed discussion of the overall construction and
operation of the screeding machines and screeding heads need not be
repeated herein. The various improvements or aspects of the present
invention are discussed below under the appropriate headings and
sub-headings.
Screeding Machine Screed Head Improvements
[0060] In addition to the control-based apparatus, improvements,
and methods of the present invention (such as discussed in detail
below), a number of design and functional improvements to the
screed head assembly of a screeding machine, such as a Somero LASER
SCREED.TM. machine, are provided by the present invention. These
unique screeding machine design aspects and improvements are
intended to improve performance and reliability by making
adjustment, service and maintenance, and cleaning of the screed
head throughout the life of the machine a much easier task for the
machine operator. These design and functional improvements are
discussed below.
Shim-Less Auger Adjustment
[0061] A typical screeding machine screed head includes the ability
to adjust the auger position vertically with respect to the
vibrating member and strike-off plow. The outer edges of the auger
flighting tend to gradually wear away as the auger is continuously
engaged with and moving the abrasive aggregate-filled concrete
material. Depending upon the specific nature of the concrete and
the rates of wear of the fighting, it is not uncommon for a
screeding machine operator to have to adjust the height or
elevation of the auger with respect to the vibrating member and the
strike-off plow on a periodic basis.
[0062] Typical screeding machines, such as LASER SCREED.TM.
machines, have traditionally relied upon various thicknesses of
specially made aluminum shim plates that are sandwiched between the
pillow-block auger bearings which provide support and allow
rotation of the auger relative to the support structure or what is
generally known as the auger support beam of the screed head
assembly. Various numbers and thicknesses of shims are added or
subtracted at each of the two auger bearings to achieve the desired
height of the auger with respect to the strike-off plow and
vibrating member of the screed head assembly. The loosening and
tightening of the two threaded hex nuts, which are threaded onto
their respective steel threaded rods or studs, which are then
threaded into the auger support beam, has often proven to be
difficult for the operator, since the exposed threads of the
components are typically coated with at least some of hardened
concrete. In severe cases, the hardened concrete can become
substantially thick including small amounts of aggregate and sand.
Such an environment is by no means desirable for threaded fasteners
requiring periodic loosening and tightening, having threads that
are exposed and sometimes directly engaged with the concrete being
screeded. The hardened concrete can also tend to adhere to the
exposed surfaces of the aluminum shim plates and other components
further increasing adjustment difficulties for the operator.
[0063] A screed head assembly in accordance with the present
invention may include an improved auger adjustment mechanism that
eliminates the need for various thickness shims and the necessity
to turn concrete-coated hex nuts and threaded fasteners which are
inherently in direct contact with the uncured concrete during
screeding operations. As shown in FIGS. 3-9, an auger bearing
subassembly 26 provides rotational support for each end of the
auger 20 and by design allows the height or elevation to be readily
adjusted with respect to the auger support beam structure or welded
assembly 28 and the entire screed head assembly 16. FIG. 3
illustrates the lower portion of a 12.5 ft screed head assembly,
while FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the left end of the lower
portion of the screed head assembly in its assembled and functional
state. The left end of the lower portion of the screed head
assembly also includes the hydraulic drive motor 30 which drives
the auger 20 rotationally while concrete is being screeded. The
direction of rotation according to this view (FIG. 4) is
counterclockwise, while the direction of travel of the complete
screed head assembly is generally from left to right. FIG. 5 shows
the lower portion of a comparable 14.5 foot screed head assembly,
while FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating removal of the auger
and auger bearing subassembly from the auger support beam 28.
[0064] The auger motor 30 would also typically be detached from the
auger in this instance for facilitate disassembly of the auger and
auger bearing subassembly. The auger bearing subassembly 26
includes a bearing 26a that receives a shaft end 20b of the auger
20 (with the auger fighting 20a being disposed between the shaft
ends of the auger) therein and that is supported at a lower portion
of a bracket 26b that is secured or fastened (such as via fasteners
32) to an end portion 28a of the auger support beam welded assembly
28. A stop plate welded assembly or bracket 34 functions to support
the auger bearing subassembly 26 and the auger 20 when the
fasteners 32 are loosened. With the two larger fasteners 32 located
within the two vertical slots 28b of the auger support beam welded
assembly 28 loosened or removed, the auger 20 and auger bearing
subassembly 26 are entirely supported against the force of gravity
by stop plate welded assembly 34. As can be seen with reference to
FIGS. 4 and 6, stop plate welded assembly 34 fits into and engages
both a square opening 28c at the end 28a of the auger support beam
welded assembly 28 and a square opening 26c of the bracket 26b of
auger bearing subassembly 26.
[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates the stop plate welded assembly 34, which
includes a dowel pin 34a at the rear for engagement with a
correspondingly-sized hole 28d (FIG. 12) within the inner bearing
support plate 28e of the end portion 28a of auger support beam
welded assembly 28 and a fastener clearance hole 34b centrally
located in the front tab 34c of the stop plate welded assembly 34.
When in the assembled position, the stop plate welded assembly 34
is secured within the square opening 28c of the auger support beam
welded assembly 28 and the square opening 26c of the auger bearing
subassembly 26 by a fastener 35 (such as a small hex head cap screw
and flat washer or the like) that threads into the outer bearing
support plate 28f of auger support beam welded assembly 28. Thus,
when in the assembled position, the stop plate welded assembly 34
provides a horizontal support member between the inner and outer
bearing support plates 28e, 28f of the auger support beam weldment
28.
[0066] When assembled, the head of the fully-threaded auger height
adjustment bolt 26d rests upon the upper surface 34d of the stop
plate welded assembly 34. Turning or adjustment of this adjustment
bolt causes the bearing subassembly 26 to be moved upward or
downward depending in the direction in which it is turned. The
adjustment bolt 26a is threadedly engaged to the central hole 26e
at the top plate 26f of the auger bearing sub assembly 26. A
locknut 26g is provided to secure the adjustment bolt with respect
to the top plate once any adjustments have been completed.
Adjustment is complete when the two larger fasteners 32 are again
tightened while engaged through the two vertical slots 28b of the
auger support beam welded assembly 28 and corresponding internally
threaded holes within the U-shaped solid aluminum block or bracket
26b of the auger bearing subassembly 26. As can be seen in FIGS. 11
and 12, the bracket 26b of auger bearing subassembly 26 is received
between the inner and outer plates 28e, 28f of end portion 28a of
auger support beam welded assembly 28. When so positioned, the stop
plate welded assembly 34 may be inserted through the square holes
28c, 26c to support the auger bearing subassembly 26 at the auger
support beam welded assembly 28.
[0067] Optionally, a tapered aluminum transition plate 26h may be
provided between the U-shaped aluminum block 26b and the auger
bearing 26a to eliminate the step that would otherwise exist at the
top surface outer edges of the auger bearing 26a. These small
surfaces would otherwise tend to collect to excess concrete and
require extra effort in while cleaning the machine at the end of
the day. A small metal cover 28g may be provided to conceal and
otherwise protect the auger height adjustment bolt 26d and its
threads from any excess concrete that could splash into the square
opening 28c of the adjustment mechanism. In the illustrated
embodiment, two fasteners or bolts 26i may serve to secure the
subassembly 26 together while the respective threads of the
fasteners 26i remain protected from exposure to concrete as they
are engaged into the internally threaded holes within the housing
of auger bearing 26a.
[0068] As a further advantage related to the adjustable auger
height mechanism and design, it is also practical to provide the
machine operator with a set of optional replacement parts such that
the auger adjustment assembly 26 and related mechanism can offer a
preferred or selected amount or degree of adjustment for each
complete full turn of the threaded auger height adjustment bolt
26d. For example, an initial production machine may include a
threaded auger height adjustment bolt 26d that includes a 1/2 inch
diameter thread with 13 threads per inch (1/2-13 UNC (Unified
Coarse Thread)). The corresponding locknut 26g and top plate 26f
include the same internal thread size for engagement of the bolt.
In such an embodiment, one full turn of the auger height adjustment
screw 26d corresponds to approximately 0.077 inches of advancement
of the adjustment bolt and a corresponding change of height of the
auger relative to the screed head assembly.
[0069] Optionally, alternate adjustment bolt thread sizes can be
provide to the machine operator along with correspondingly threaded
sets of locknuts 26g and top plates 26f, such that a different or
preferred or selected amount or degree of adjustment can be
achieved by a complete full turn of the threaded height adjustment
bolt or screw 26d. For example, various sets of replacement parts
(such as other UNC components or UNF (Unified Fine Thread)
components or metric components) may include the following standard
thread sizes:
[0070] 1/2-13 UNC thread=about 0.077 inches per turn;
[0071] 1/2-20 UNF thread=about 0.050 inches per turn;
[0072] 12 mm.times.1.75 thread=about 1.75 mm per turn (about 0.069
inches per turn);
[0073] 14 mm.times.2.00 thread=about 2.00 mm per turn (about 0.079
inches per turn).
In each application, the machine operator may equip the screeding
machine such that each turn of the auger adjustment bolt or screw
26d can represent a preferred or selected or appropriate amount of
auger height adjustment, thereby making such adjustments easier for
the operator to track and/or monitor.
Screeding Head Manifold Access
[0074] The screed head assembly 16 of screeding machine 10 is
supported by a screed elevation beam structural support assembly
36, which is, in the illustrated embodiment, a generally
horizontally oriented beam structure that is pivotally mounted at
the outer end of the boom assembly 14 and pivotable about a
generally vertical axis, such as via extension and retraction of an
actuator 38a (FIG. 2). The screed head assembly 16 may be
vertically adjusted relative to the screed head elevation beam 36
via a pair of elevation actuators 38b, such as in a known manner.
As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 13-18, the screed elevation
beam 36 may comprise a hollow center portion 36a for encasing a
hydraulic manifold 40 therein, and with a manifold access door 36b
that is openable to access the manifold 40 and closable to conceal
or seal the manifold within the beam 36.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the manifold access door 36b
may be opened by pivoting the door about a generally horizontal
hinge axis at its lower edge, whereby the manifold 40 is viewable
through the opening in the center portion 36a of the beam 36. In
the illustrated embodiment, the manifold 40 is mounted to a
mounting plate 40a, which is pivotally mounted to the beam 36.
Thus, when the door 36b is opened, the manifold 40 may be swung or
pivoted outward from the beam cavity so as to protrude outward
through the door opening for easy access to the manifold.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold 40 and mounting
plate 40a are lockable or securable in either the stowed position
(FIG. 16) or the access position (FIG. 18) via a pivot stop pin or
retaining pin 42. The manifold and/or mounting plate thus may be
pinned or retained in the pivoted-out position or pivoted-in
position via retaining pin 42 being inserted into a hole or
aperture 40b in the mounting plate 40a and engaging or at least
partially inserting into a hole or aperture 36c in the beam to
limit pivotal movement of the manifold at the desired position. For
example, and as shown in FIG. 18, the screed head hydraulic
manifold may be moved or pivoted or swung to the pivoted-out
position for improved access, and the pivot stop pin (shown above
the hole 40b in the manifold plate 40a in FIG. 18) may be aligned
with a hole or notch or portion of the screed elevation beam
structural support assembly to limit pivotal movement of the
manifold in the pivoted-out or access position.
Tip-To-Clean Screed Head
[0077] A typical and desired or necessary aspect of LASER
SCREED.TM. machine operation is periodic pressure washing of the
machine and in particular washing and cleaning of the components of
the screed head assembly that have been exposed to concrete. An
on-board pressure washer powered by the machine's engine and
hydraulic system is typically available as a standard equipment
option on Somero LASER SCREED.TM. screeding machines; however,
other stand-alone industrial pressure washing equipment can also be
used. Water for pressure washing is provided by any number of
sources on available on a construction site. Typically, pressure
washing occurs at the end of the particular screeding job, or at
the end of the day after the machine is no longer expected to be
used in uncured concrete. On some occasions, such as where very
large and lengthy concrete screeding jobs are underway, an operator
may elect to wash the machine periodically throughout the job to
help limit or avoid or prevent concrete from setting-up and
hardening onto the exposed surfaces of the machine. This practice
helps to limit or avoid the possibility of concrete hardening and
curing on the machine before a very lengthy job is complete, where
otherwise proper cleaning of the machine is likely to become
increasingly difficult over time with the passage of several
hours.
[0078] To make pressure washing, cleaning, and even service and
maintenance of the screed head assembly easier for the machine
operator, the present invention may provide a "Tip-To-Clean" design
feature for screeding machines, such as Somero LASER SCREED.TM.
screeding machines. This design aspect provides the operator with
the ability to both raise and further tip the screed head assembly
to a relatively extreme angle in such a way that access to the
screed head and its components is greatly improved, especially with
regard to pressure washing and cleaning.
[0079] Typical Somero LASER SCREED.TM. screeding machines have been
known to have utilized a patented screed head self-leveling system,
whereby the angle-of-attack of the screed head is actively
controlled and maintained within a specific range of levelness by
an electronically-controlled level sensor, controller, a pair of
hydraulic self-leveling cylinders and an hydraulic system. Such a
screed head self-leveling system is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,930,935, entitled SCREEDING APPARATUS AND METHOD, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, such that the
details of this system need not be presented herein.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 19-26, a screeding machine 10 with a
screed head 16 and telescopic boom assembly 14 is illustrated with
the screed head in the "Tip-To-Clean" position. The relatively
extreme angle of the "Tip-To-Clean" position has been developed and
made possible by the specific stroke of the self-leveling actuators
or hydraulic cylinders 44, the specific geometry of the mechanical
elements, freedom of movement, pivot point locations, and the
mechanical clearances thus provided. A specially designed clearance
pocket or depression or cutaway 45 at the upper portion of the
auger support beam is provided at or near each end of the screed
head. These clearance pockets or depressions are designed to allow
greater rotation of the screed head assembly such that the screed
head support yokes 47 will be provided with the necessary clearance
to rotate to a relatively extreme angle with respect to their axis
of rotation without contact or interference with the top portion of
the auger support beam. In the illustrated embodiment, the extreme
angle capability is approximately 30 degrees in the plow up
direction of screed head rotation, which is well beyond the typical
range of motion of approximately 10 degrees in either direction,
which is typical for adjusting and correcting the angle-of-attack
of the screed head assembly during screeding operations.
[0081] The extreme "tip-to-clean" angle position of the screed head
assembly is achieved by the machine operator whereby the automatic
self-leveling control system is de-activated and placed in a manual
mode of operation. With the control system in manual mode of
operation, the operator then manually activates the self-level
control system to further adjust and rotate the screed head to its
maximum plow-up position of rotation. This further manual
activation by the operator is typically well beyond the normal
range of automatic control for the self-leveling control
system.
[0082] In addition to the extreme angle capability of the screed
head in the plow-up direction of rotation, the strike-off plow
assembly 18 can be further lifted by the operator through physical
effort and pinned into a further raised position by use of a spare
bolt or pin 46a (such as, for example, a steel pin of approximately
3/4 inch in diameter), which is mechanically inserted into a boss
46b (FIGS. 24, 26 and 28), which includes a corresponding
thru-hole, and which is welded to the structure of the auger
support beam. The spare bolt or pin thus provides an effective stop
by which the strike-off plow is held in the further raised
position. This combination of design features provides a
significant and useful improvement toward greatly improved access
to the screed head assembly for the purposes of service,
maintenance, inspection, and especially with regard to pressure
washing and cleaning.
[0083] For normal screeding operations, the screed head is readily
returned to its normal position by simply removing the spare bolt
or pin, lowering the plow and manually actuating the self-leveling
control system in order to return it to standard position within
its normal range of automatic angle-of-attack control. Upon return
of the assembly to its normal operation position, no additional
adjustments to the screed head assembly are expected or
necessary.
Detachable Transport Stands
[0084] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 29-31, a detachable
transport stand 48 may be provided for supporting the screed head
assembly 16 on a surface when the machine is being transported.
Although only one detachable transport stand is shown in FIGS.
29-31, there are two transports stands, one secured at each end of
the screed head for transport. This feature limits or prevents
damage to the screed head vibrator, auger, and plow during shipment
of the machine in containers or transport of the machine on over
highway trailers or the like.
[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the detachable transport
stand 48 comprises a generally U-shaped bracket with a generally
planar base portion 48a and upwardly extending arms 48b. The ends
of the arms 48b provide spaced apart arms that receive the inner
and outer plates 28e, 28f of end portion 28a of auger support beam
welded assembly 28, while the U-shaped lower portion of the stand
provides clearance for the auger motor 30 and auger bearing
subassemblies 26 when the stands support the screed head assembly
on a support surface. The upper ends of the arms 48b have holes 48c
therethrough for receiving pins or fasteners (such as two
attachment hex bolts and hex nuts or optionally two securable steel
hitch pins or the like) therethrough for securing or fastening the
stand to the plates 28e, 28f to secure the screed head assembly to
the support stand 48. The holes 48c are typically through-holes but
may optionally be threaded to allow threaded fastening and securing
of the fasteners to the plates 28e, 28f and the support stand
48.
[0086] Optionally, the detachable support stands may be further
fastened or secured to the floor of the container or transport,
such as via one or more fasteners inserting or threading at least
partially through the base portion 48a and the floor of the
container or transport. Thus, when the screed head and/or screeding
machine are to be transported, the support stands 48 may be readily
attached to each end of the auger support beam 28 and may then
support the screed head assembly at a support surface (such as in a
container or the like) during transport of the screed head and/or
screeding machine, while limiting or substantially precluding
contact between the support surface and the vibrating member, auger
and plow. Optionally, elastic rubber or rubber bumpers may also be
optionally attached to the base portion 48a of the support stands
48 to provide additional non-slip capability and cushioning for the
screed head assembly when it is supported at a support surface by
the support stands.
Control Systems
[0087] The present invention also provides enhanced performance and
control of the screeding machine. With reference to FIGS. 33A-E, an
operator's platform or station 50 of screeding machine 10 may
include an operator's seat 52, with a left control panel 54a and
left joystick controller 56a at the left side of the operator's
seat 52 and a right control panel 54b and right joystick controller
56b at the right side of the operator's seat 52, whereby the
operator can manipulate or control or adjust the switches and
buttons and inputs at the control panels and joystick controllers
to perform various functions and to select various control features
of the screeding machine. For example, the screeding machine may
include a boom speed cruise control system, boom limit switches, an
auto-stabilizer system, an auger/vibrator auto on/off system, a
joystick steering system, an operator preference mode or
auto-screed system, and a joystick swap system or feature, as
discussed below. The operator's station may include a display 58
for displaying information to the operator during operation of the
machine, as also discussed below.
Boom Speed Cruise Control
[0088] As mentioned previously in the example above, there is an
identified need in the concrete screeding industry for a screeding
machine (such as a LASER SCREED.TM. screeding machine) with a
control system that can readily, provide a repeatable and
consistent screeding control functions, such as screed head travel
speed (i.e. boom retraction speed) to the operator while screeding
concrete. Screeding machines typically include a telescopic boom
assembly that supports a screed head assembly over an area of
concrete to be screeded. The boom is extended and retracted by
means of a hydraulic cylinder mechanically attached to the largest
of the boom sections and the upper frame portion of the machine. An
electronically-controlled proportional control valve controls the
flow of hydraulic oil into and out of the boom cylinder. The
proportional control valve is controlled by the amount of
electrical current it receives from an electro-hydraulic hand
control lever or joy-stick controlled by the operator. An
electronic controller accurately controls the current based upon
the position or setting in which the operator places the variable
hand control lever or joy-stick.
[0089] The present invention may also include an electronic
relative position sensor within the boom cylinder to sense the
relative position and relative speed of extension and retraction of
the boom cylinder rod and piston assembly. Typically, the operator
manually adjusts the travel speed of the boom and screed head by
means of an electro-hydraulic control lever or joy-stick to achieve
the desired travel speed of the screed head while screeding
concrete. During actual screeding operations, the operator normally
and manually adjusts and often repeatedly re-adjusts the travel
speed of the boom and screed head by means of electro-hydraulic
control levers or joy-stick to achieve the desired travel speed
relative to the concrete being screeded.
[0090] The present invention provides an apparatus and method
whereby the operator can depress the "Boom Speed Cruise Control" or
"Screed Speed" button or switch or input (which, in the illustrated
embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 33D, is included on the left side
joy-stick controller of the machine). As shown in the control logic
diagram of FIG. 34, an operator thus may set a stored speed or
clear a stored speed by pressing the screed speed button with the
left joystick controller pulled backwards (to retract the boom).
Once the button is momentarily depressed, the machine control
system receives and stores into electronic memory the present speed
of the boom cylinder as it is being retracted by means of sensing
the amount of current being provided to the proportional valve and
the rate of change of the position sensor within the boom cylinder.
Thereafter, and as needed throughout the day's screeding
operations, whenever the operator desires to or is required to
again repeat the desired boom retraction speed that has been stored
in the machine's control system memory, the operator can simply and
momentarily depress a single button (Boom Speed Cruise Control or
Screed Speed) to automatically engage the desired and previously
pre-set boom and screed head travel speed stored in the control
system memory. When the operator wants to resume manual control,
the operator may simply press the cruise control or screed speed
button a second time or may press another button or input that is
designated to disengage this control function.
[0091] Once the Boom Speed Cruise Control operational mode has been
engaged, the operator can simply relax while maintaining a more
relaxed grip on the joy-stick while simply holding it in a general
and relative position, since the exact relative position of the
controller is no longer critical toward maintaining the correct and
desired boom and screed head travel speed. Should the operator
simply let go of the joy-stick handle, the boom and screed head
will instantaneously or substantially instantaneously stop through
activation of a "dead man" switch or trigger located within the
grip of the handle. Additionally, the pre-set boom speed for Boom
Speed Cruise Control mode can be readily changed or updated within
the control systems stored memory by another single press of a
button once the operator has identified a better or more preferred
setting.
[0092] Thus the "Boom Speed Cruise Control" function and method for
the screeding machine provides the operator with consistent and
repeatable results while having to determine and reestablish the
speed of the screed head during each screeding pass. The operator
can readily store a boom retract speed for a screeding pass so that
the operator can maintain a consistent boom retract and screed head
travel speed throughout the entire pass and through multiple
successive passes. At the end of a pass, the boom speed may clear
or reset to manual control (such as in response to a boom extend
signal or a timed button press and/or hold or the like), whereby
the set or selected speed can again be selected by pressing the
cruise control button at the start of the next pass so that the
screed head is moved along the next pass at the selected or desired
or appropriate or consistent speed.
[0093] The screed speed or cruise control feature and method can
greatly reduce the cycle time of screeding operations, and may
improve the overall control and productivity of the machine. An
additional and further benefit is that this control feature helps
to reduce the effects of operator skill and experience levels,
operator fatigue, and typical screeding machine operational errors
that may be often encountered.
Boom Propel Speed and Boom Cushion Switch
[0094] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 32A-C, the boom 14 may be
extendable and retractable and may include a base or frame portion
14a, a large or intermediate boom 14b and a small or outer boom
14c. FIGS. 32A-C depict various degrees of extension of the boom of
the screeding machine of the present invention, with a propel limit
switch 15a and a boom cushion switch 15b for controlling full
extension of the booms and the travel speed of the machine during
operation of the screeding machine of the present invention. The
propel speed of the machine may be reduced or limited when the boom
is at or near its fully retracted position (such as within four
feet of its fully retracted position as shown in FIG. 32A), and the
machine may have less or no propel speed restrictions when the boom
is further out or fully extended (such as when extended more than
four feet from its fully retracted position, and such as shown in
FIGS. 32B and 32C).
[0095] The degree of retraction of the boom may be detected by the
boom propel switch 15a, whereby the switch detects when the boom
has retracted a threshold amount (such as, for example, within
about four feet or within about 20 percent of its fully retracted
position) and the propel speed of the machine may be automatically
adjusted or reduced or limited in response to actuation of or
triggering of the boom propel switch 15a. In a somewhat similar
manner, the boom cushion switch 15b may detect when the boom nears
its fully extended position (such as shown in FIG. 32C), and the
extension speed of the boom may be automatically adjusted or
reduced or limited (to slow and control the boom extension speed
before the boom reaches its full extension mechanical limit) in
response to actuation of or triggering of the boom cushion switch
15b. Thus, the machine propel speed and/or the boom extension speed
may be controlled or limited or reduced as the boom approaches its
maximum retraction or extension limits, in order to control the
machine speed when the balance of the machine may be affected by
the retraction of the boom and/or in order to control the boom
propel speed when the boom is substantially extended to limit or
avoid sudden stopping of the boom as it reaches its maximum
extension limit or position.
Auto-Stabilizers
[0096] Screeding machines (such as the Somero LASER SCREED.TM.
screeding machines) typically include four telescopic legs or
stabilizers 24 located at each of the four corners of the lower
frame portion of the wheeled unit 12 of the screeding machine 10.
Each of the telescopic legs include a lower inner section and an
upper outer section, whereby the upper outer section is
structurally fixed and attached to the lower frame portion of the
machine, while the lower inner section slides inside the upper
outer section. Both the inner and outer sections are typically
constructed of structural square steel tubing. A hydraulic cylinder
(or other suitable linear actuator or the like) is attached at its
respective ends to both the upper outer section and lower inner
section, such that when the cylinder is either extended or
retracted, the stabilizer leg extends and retracts.
[0097] The function of the four stabilizer legs is to provide rigid
support of the screeding machine on the ground or support surface
while the telescopic boom and screed head is extended outward over
the surface of the concrete to be screeded. The four stabilizer
legs can be controlled in unison or individually by the operator to
accurately position the machine as to height elevation, levelness
or slope with respect to the ground just prior to each screeding
pass during concrete screeding operations. Typically, the operator
manually adjusts the stabilizers by means of electro-hydraulic
control levers or switches to achieve the desired height of the
machine and the desired levelness or slope of the machine. The
essential detail of these components was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,655,633, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0098] The present invention is provided to include electronic
relative position sensors included within each of the four
hydraulic cylinders. These sensors (such as sensors commercially
available from MTS Systems Corp. of Ottawa, Ill.) are able to sense
the relative position between the inner rod and piston assembly of
the cylinder and the outer tube or body of the cylinder. The
relative extension or retraction position of each cylinder is
electronically sensed, whereby each of the respective cylinder
position signals is received by a specialized electronic controller
included within the control system of the screeding machine. During
actual operation and in preparation of the first screeding pass of
a particular screeding job, the operator normally and manually
adjusts the stabilizers by means of electro-hydraulic control
levers or switches (such as shown in FIG. 35A) to achieve the
desired height of the machine and the desired levelness or slope of
the machine relative to the concrete to be screeded.
[0099] Next, the operator can depress the "Auto-Stabilizer" button
included on the control console of the machine (FIGS. 33C and 35B).
Once momentarily depressed, the machine control system receives and
stores into electronic memory each of the four respective
stabilizer cylinder positions. Thereafter, and throughout the day's
screeding operations, whenever the operator is required to again
set the position and levelness of the machine using the machine
stabilizers he can simply and momentarily depress a single button
(All Stabilizers--Extend) to automatically engage the stabilizers
to the desired and previously pre-set positions stored in the
control systems memory (FIG. 35C). Additionally, the pre-set
positions can be readily changed or updated in the control systems
memory by the single press of a button once the operator has
identified a newer or more preferred setting.
[0100] In like fashion, when a predetermined position for raising
each of the four stabilizers has been identified by the operator, a
desired and previously pre-set position for the stabilizers in the
retracted or raised position can also be set. This aspect is useful
in that the operator can have the option of only partially raising
the stabilizer legs off the ground--just enough to clear the ground
while moving or driving the machine into position for the next
screeding pass.
[0101] Thus, the operator may manually adjust the stabilizers to
the desired position (this can be done using the two all-stabs
switches (see buttons 1 and 2 of the right joystick controller in
FIG. 33E) or the individual stabilizer switches (see switches 1 of
the right control panel of FIG. 33C). The machine can be in an
auto-stabilizers or manual stabilizers mode. The operator may
select the auto-stabilizer mode by pressing the auto-stabilizers
on/off switch (see switch 7 of FIG. 33C), and may press and hold
the auto-stabilizers store settings switch (see switch 8 of FIG.
33C) to store an extend setting (by pressing the forward portion of
the switch) or to store a retract setting (by pressing the rearward
portion of the switch). The display at the control panel may
provide a visual and/or audible signal to notify the operator that
the setting is stored. When the operator desires to use the machine
defaults for extend or retract, the operator may again press and
hold the store settings switch to return to the default settings.
Optionally, the operator may return to manual control of the
stabilizers by again pressing or toggling the auto-stabilizers
on/off switch at the control panel. The display may show whether
the auto-stabilizers function is on or off (active or disabled).
When the auto-stabilizers function is off, the stabs extend buttons
1 and 2 on the right joystick controller (FIG. 33E) will control
the stabilizers manually without any stored position settings being
active.
[0102] To extend the stabilizers to the stored extension, the
operator may press and hold the stabs extend button 1 on the right
joystick controller (FIG. 33E), whereby the stabilizers will
automatically extend to the stored position. Preferably, the
operator need not hold the button during the entire extension, but
may release the button (such as after one second) and the
stabilizers will automatically continue to their destination or
preset degree of extension. Pressing the button again or pressing
the stabs retract button (button 2 in FIG. 33E) or pressing the
auto-stabilizers on/off button will automatically stop stabilizer
movement. To retract the stabilizers, the operator may use the
stabs retract button (button 2 in FIG. 33E) in a similar
manner.
[0103] Thus, the operator may set the stabilizers' extend or
retract position at the beginning of the job. Following a button
press from the operator, the stabilizers will extend or retract to
the preset position. Using the individual stabilizer rocker
switches, the operator can further adjust the stabilizers as
necessary to account for differences in subgrade elevation.
Optionally, the operator can use manual stabilizers if preferred.
Optionally, the auto-stabilizers feature may have a default setting
to be always off (disengaged) on machine startup, and/or the
auto-stabilizers settings may not be affected or erased from memory
when the machine is shutdown or the master switch is shutoff.
Optionally, and desirably, the auto-stabilizers function may not
work if one of the position sensors has malfunctioned, whereby the
machine may automatically default to manual mode. Optionally, if
the auto-stabilizers Extend/Retract Store Setting switch has
malfunctioned, then the auto-stabilizers function may automatically
use default settings for any automated stabilizer positioning.
[0104] Thus, the "Auto-Stabilizers" control function and method for
the screeding machine provides the operator with consistent and
repeatable results while having to re-set the position of the
machine prior to each screeding pass, reduces the cycle time of
screeding operations, and improves the control and productivity of
the machine. The additional benefit is that this feature helps to
reduce the effects of operator skill and experience level, operator
fatigue, and typical screeding machine operational errors that may
be encountered.
Auger/Vibrator Auto On/Off
[0105] The screed head assembly of a screeding machine typically
includes a plow for striking-off excess concrete, an auger for
establishing the desired grade elevation of the concrete, and a
vibrator or vibrating member to vibrate, consolidate, and smooth
the concrete to a flat and accurately level surface. During each
screeding pass while the machine is in operation, the auger 20 and
vibrator 22, powered or actuated by their respective hydraulic
motors, are manually turned off by the operator at the end of each
screeding pass just as the screed head is lifted out of the
concrete. As the boom and screed head are again extended out over
the concrete prior to the next screeding pass, the auger and
vibrator typically remain turned off. The reasoning for this is
that since these functions are not essential to the operation of
the machine at this point, essential hydraulic oil pressure and
volume are made available to the portions of the hydraulic system
that are in operation, thus increasing the speed and efficiency of
the machine as a whole.
[0106] Once the boom and screed head are fully extended from the
base unit, the screed head can be lowered by the operator by
actuating the screed elevation down switches or by depressing the
"Timed Lower" switch (such as switch or button 4 on the right side
joy-stick handle of FIG. 33E), which initiates an automatic and
controlled lowering of the screed head to the concrete surface
where control by the machine's laser control system takes over
(such as by utilizing aspects of the systems described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,044,681; 7,175,363; and/or 7,396,186, which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). In typical
manual control fashion, the operator must remember to turn the
auger and vibrator on just at the ideal or correct instant as the
screed head begins its descent for engagement with the concrete
surface.
[0107] The present invention may include a control feature mode
("Auger/Vibrator Auto--On") whereby the auger and vibrator are
automatically turned on whenever the "Timed Lower" switch is
momentarily depressed by the operator at the beginning of each
screeding pass. This control feature is helpful in that the
operator does not have to remember to always turn on the auger and
vibrator at the beginning of each screeding pass and at the ideal
or correct point in time.
[0108] Once the boom has nearly fully retracted and screed head has
reached the end of its screeding pass, the operator then
momentarily depresses the "Timed Raise" switch which raises the
screed head up out of the concrete. With the control feature mode
(Auger/Vibrator Auto--On) still active, the auger and vibrator are
automatically turned off as the screed head rises out of the
concrete. Again, this automatic control feature is helpful in that
the operator does not have to remember to always turn off the auger
and vibrator at the end of a screeding pass to conserve hydraulic
system oil pressure and flow resources for the other hydraulic
functions of the machine. As an additional control feature and
benefit to the operator, the auger and vibrator may not be turned
off right away, but may remain on for at least one second and
preferably at least two seconds (such as approximately three
seconds) after the "Timed Raise" switch is momentarily depressed.
This delay is helpful in that any excess concrete that may adhere
to the surfaces of the auger and vibrating members is more
effectively shaken off as the screed head is lifted out of the
concrete. This helps to keep the auger and vibrator components
cleaner and as free as possible of any excess concrete during the
operation of the machine. Additionally, by allowing an additional
few seconds of auger and vibrator run-time while the screed head is
raised up out of the concrete, any excess weight at the screed head
due to any adhered excess concrete is reduced.
[0109] As a further benefit, the Auger/Vibrator Auto On/Off control
mode can help to protect the auger and vibrating member from
undesirable fluctuations in hydraulic system pressure and flow as
other machine functions are operated. For example, a pressure spike
in the machine's main hydraulic system can sometimes cause the
vibrator speed to suddenly and temporarily increase beyond its
intended design speed. This can typically occur between screeding
passes when operating the machine's stabilizers or propelling the
machine where full hydraulic system pressure is required. When the
vibrator speed increases in this manner, it can often approach
higher vibrational speeds and modes (or orders) of vibration that
are not desirable toward the expected life and reliability of the
entire vibrator assembly. Therefore, by engaging the Auger/Vibrator
Auto On/Off control feature to the on mode, the reliability and
life of the vibrating member can be increased without necessarily
having to rely upon highly accurate and relatively more expensive
hydraulic flow controls, while improving the performance and
reducing the overall operating costs of the machine by increasing
the useful life of the components.
[0110] For example, and with reference to FIG. 36, when the
Auger/Vibrator Auto mode has been selected or switched to "on"
(such as by pressing the Auger/Vibrator button 6 of the left
joystick controller of FIG. 33D), the operator may press or select
the "timed lower" function (such as by pressing the Timed Lower
button 4 of the right joystick controller of FIG. 33E), whereby the
auger and vibrator automatically turn on at the start of the screed
pass. The auger and vibrator will also automatically turn off, such
as after about 3 seconds, when timed raise function is selected
(such as by pressing the Timed Raise button 3 of the right joystick
controller of FIG. 33E) and when the screed head is at the end of a
screeding pass.
[0111] Thus the "Auger/Vibrator Auto On/Off" control function and
method for the screeding machine provides the operator with
consistent and repeatable results while automatically turning the
auger and vibrator on and off prior to and at the end of each
screeding pass, respectively. This control feature also reduces the
cycle time of screeding operations, and improves the control and
productivity of the machine. The additional benefit is that this
feature helps to reduce the effects of operator skill and
experience levels, operator fatigue, and typical screeding machine
operational errors that may be encountered.
Joy-Stick Steering
[0112] Screeding machines (such as Somero LASER SCREED.TM.
screeding machines) in the past have typically included a steering
wheel at the operator's area for the sole purpose of steering the
machine while it is being driven or propelled around the
construction work site or between set-up and positioning of the
machine during successive screeding passes. The system or apparatus
of the present invention may eliminate the conventional
hydraulically-actuated steering wheel on a screeding machine and
may provide steering control by means of the right-side joy-stick
control handle. The steering of the machine's four wheels thus may
be controlled electronically by operator positional input at the
joy-stick handle, the machine's electronic controller, and
electrically controlled proportional hydraulic valves that control
the flow of hydraulic fluid or oil to and from the four steering
cylinders located on the machine's two drive axle assemblies.
[0113] The immediate benefits to the design of the screeding
machine is that the operator can maintain more complete control of
the machine while keeping both hands on the respective left and
right joy-stick controllers for all phases of machine operation.
Additionally, a typical steering wheel is no longer positioned
directly in front of the operator blocking his view toward the
front of the machine and the screed head either while screeding
operations are underway or simply driving the machine. Even
further, ingress and egress to and from the operator's seating
position is substantially improved by elimination of the typical
steering wheel and its associated control console and structural
components. Complete control of the machine's steered wheels is
accomplished by simply tipping the right-side joy-stick control
handle either left or right to proportionally turn the machine's
wheels either left or right.
[0114] In addition to the operator being able to see the steered
position of the front wheels, the machine may include an on-screen
electronic operator's display that may show the relative steering
positions of all four of the machine's wheels. This may be
accomplished by position sensors located within each of the
machine's four steering cylinders similarly described above with
respect to the position sensors located inside each of the
machine's stabilizer cylinders. These sensors are able to sense the
relative position between the inner rod and piston assembly of the
cylinder and the outer tube or body of the cylinder. The relative
extension or retraction position of each cylinder is electronically
sensed, whereby each of the respective steering cylinder position
signals are received by a specialized electronic controller
included within the control system of the screeding machine.
[0115] During actual operation and steering while driving the
machine, the operator may simply tip the right-side joy-stick
either left or right to steer the machine by means of the
electro-hydraulic proportional control lever. The operator can
watch the front wheels of the machine and also refer to the current
position of the wheels by viewing the operator's display screen
where representations of the steered wheel positions may be
electronically shown. The relative position of the joy-stick within
its range of travel matches the steered position of the wheels
(with the respective hydraulic steering circuit solenoid valve
being controlled proportionally with the joystick position).
[0116] Optionally, the joystick may have a friction hold during the
steering function. This allows the operator to leave the joystick
in the position that he or she would like and the wheels will stay
in that selected or steered orientation. Optionally, the wheels may
automatically realign (center) and stay in alignment when switching
between steering modes.
[0117] Optionally, and desirably, a dead man switch on the
joy-stick may also be engaged in order for the steering to
function. This prevents the wheels from being steered if the
joy-stick is simply bumped unintentionally by the operator or any
other way.
[0118] The steering system may be provided with a mode switch
offering the operator the choice of 2-wheel steering (such as front
wheels only), 4-wheel steering (front and rear wheels are steered
in opposite directions at the same time for minimum turning
radius), and crab-steer (front and rear wheels are steered in like
directions at the same time providing an oblique direction of
travel left or right while driving the machine). Whenever the mode
switch is changed back to 2-wheel steering from the other two
modes, the rear wheels or non-steered wheels of the machine
automatically realign or self-center to the straight position. This
corrective movement of the rear or non-steered wheels may also be
shown on the operator display screen.
[0119] The electronic steering system may provide the operator with
the ability to reset, readjust, or otherwise re-align the centered
or straight ahead steered position of both the front and rear
axles. The system may also provide for an automated
"self-calibration" set-up mode, whereby the system can be set to
automatically cycle the steering cylinders through their respective
ranges of travel, determine and record the limits of travel
positions, and accordingly store these positions in the
controller's memory such that when the steerable limits are reached
at the axles, the hydraulic system flow of hydraulic fluid or oil
is quickly and proportionately reduced to prevent hard-stopping of
the steering cylinders at their respective extreme ranges of
travel.
[0120] Additionally, the steering system control characteristics
can be readily checked or recalibrated by pressing a button once
the operator has identified a need to update the steering control
settings.
[0121] Thus, the "Joy-Stick Steering" control function and method
for the screeding machine provides the operator with increased
operator visibility and improved steering control over that of
previous designs. It also provides consistent and repeatable
steering results while having to re-set the position of the machine
prior to each screeding pass, reduces the cycle time of screeding
operations, and improves the control and productivity of the
machine. The additional benefit is that the operator can keep his
hands on the joy-sticks while operating the machine and this
feature helps to reduce the effects of operator skill and
experience level, operator fatigue, and typical screeding machine
operational errors that may be encountered.
Auto-Screed Mode
[0122] Another screeding machine control improvement feature that
can benefit the machine operator and improve productivity of the
screeding machine relies upon the electronic control systems
capability for setting and storing maximum desired function speeds
for boom extend, boom retract, boom rotate (upper frame portion)
left, boom rotate (upper frame portion) right, and screed head
rotation left and right (counter clockwise and clockwise). For
example, when the Auto-Screed Mode is engaged or on, each of the
functions discussed above may be individually controlled up to a
pre-set maximum speed value as determined by the operator.
Accordingly, the specific maximum speed for that particular
function has been assigned a particular value that the operator
prefers or is more comfortable with as compared to the standard
factory setting. Prior to engaging Auto-Screed Mode, the operator
sets the desired values for each function by means of the operator
electronic display screen and a selection of input control buttons
on the display.
[0123] The screeding machine thus may be operated in either manual
or preset mode. The manual mode allows the machine to operate at
its maximum speeds, while the preset mode can be used to reduce the
speeds of boom extend/retract, frame rotate and head rotate to
speeds selected by the operator. With reference to FIG. 37, an
operator may select the preset mode (such as by toggling or
switching the preset/manual mode switch 6 of the right control
panel of FIG. 33C), whereby the boom extend/retract speeds, frame
rotate speed and head rotate speed may be limited to the selected
speeds as set or selected by the operator. The preset mode allows
the operator to reduce these speeds to improve control and
consistency between passes. The selected maximum speeds may be
adjusted through the display functions or other user inputs. The
operator may change modes at any time by toggling the
present/manual mode switch.
[0124] A benefit of this machine control feature is that new and
less experienced operators can select slower than standard factory
speed settings for these various functions while gradually learning
how to operate the machine. Alternately, highly experienced
operators can elect to select speed settings that are potentially
faster than the factory settings as their operational experience
increases. Also, reducing the head rotate or swing speed allows an
advanced operator to switch between modes to operate slower (with a
preset lower speed) next to walls or columns and then fast again
(at or near the speed's maximum speed) when desired. Reducing the
boom retract speed increases boom controllability to ease the
operation of the machine when desired. Switching the Auto-Screed
Mode off simply returns the speeds of these functions back to the
original factory settings assuming that the pre-set Auto-Screed
settings were different from the original factory settings.
[0125] This control feature provides the operator with more
consistent and repeatable results while having to determine and
adjust the speeds of these machine functions during each screeding
pass. This control feature can also improve and reduce the cycle
time of screeding operations, and improve the control and
productivity of the machine. An additional benefit of this feature
is that the operator can readily adjust the operating
characteristics of the machine and this feature helps to reduce the
effects of operator skill and experience level, operator fatigue,
and typical screeding machine operational errors that may be
encountered.
Joystick Swap
[0126] Another screeding machine control improvement feature that
can benefit the screeding machine operator and improve productivity
of the screeding machine relies upon the electronic control systems
capability for switching the functions of the respective left and
right hand joy-stick control functions. A simple rocker-type switch
(such as switch 10 of the left control panel of FIG. 33B) near the
operator's seat allows the operator to simply swap the functions of
the joy-stick controls (see FIG. 38). This feature is considered
beneficial to operators who may be left-handed or have a preference
for operating the machine according to their experience with
operating other equipment. Optionally, and desirably, the joystick
button layouts are symmetrical between the left and right joystick
controllers to ease the operator's determination of the function of
the buttons on the joysticks when the functions have been swapped.
The Joystick Swap switch is a momentary type switch whereby once
the switch has been activated the joystick control functions are
effectively reversed. The joystick control functions may be
returned to their original or default settings by either pressing
or actuating the swap button a second time or by turning off the
machine. The joystick swap button may have a safety or lock on it
to limit or substantially reduce the possibility of an operator
inadvertently switching the joystick functions.
[0127] In the event that the machine is turned off and once again
restarted at some point, the control system may revert back to the
original joystick control settings. If the machine reverts back to
the original settings, and if the operator should again prefer the
reversed settings, a momentary activation of the Joystick Swap
switch will again swap the left and right joystick functions.
[0128] Additionally, should a malfunction within of one of the
joysticks occur, the Joystick Swap control function can be used to
confirm the existence of a faulty function within the particular
joystick controller. This feature can be an aid for equipment
troubleshooting and can also allow the operator further control
options to continue operation of the screeding machine in the event
of a control malfunction or switch failure.
Auto Throttle
[0129] Optionally, the screeding machine may include an automatic
throttle control that is operable to automatically increase or ramp
the engine throttle to a high engine speed (such as about 2800 rpm)
when a machine function is used, and to automatically decrease or
ramp the engine throttle to a low engine speed (such as about 900
rpm) when the machine is idle for a threshold period of time, such
as, for example, greater than about fifteen seconds. The operator
can select either the automatic throttle control or a manual
throttle control, as desired. Optionally, if the auto/manual
throttle switch malfunctions, the machine may automatically default
to the manual throttle mode. The benefits of such an automatic
throttle control function is that the machine will have reduced
noise, reduced emissions, and greater fuel economy as compared to
the generally known machines in the mobile constructions machine
industry.
Remote Auger and Vibrator Speed Adjust
[0130] Optionally, the screeding machine may include a remote auger
and vibrator speed adjust function, where the operator may adjust a
slider bar or other suitable input, such as at the display, to
increase or decrease the auger and/or vibrator speeds. For example,
the speeds may change as the slider bar is moved. Optionally, the
operator may press or switch a button or input to save the setting.
The slider bars may adjust the auger and vibrator speeds for both
the preset and manual speeds. Thus, the auger and vibrator speeds
may be adjusted by the operator from the operator's station or
platform and while the operator is operating the screeding
machine.
[0131] Optionally, the slider bars may show a percentage of
available speed, such as from 0 percent to 100 percent. The upper
and lower limits may be set by the machine manufacturer for each
machine, such as through a hidden menu in the display. These limits
can be field adjusted as necessary to account for any hydraulic
system changes.
Remote Valve Tuning
[0132] Optionally, the screeding machine may include a remote valve
tuning function, where the operator may adjust an input, such as at
the display, to tune the machine controls to a desired or
appropriate setting depending on the operator preferences and/or
the particular application of the machine. For example, a valve
speeds menu is accessible within the display by using a key
sequence, whereby accessing this menu allows the operator to fine
tune the operating characteristics of the machine. For example, a
slider bar may be adjustable to adjust the controls between 0
percent and 100 percent for each function. The initial target speed
is typically around 50 percent, but each machine may be tuned
differently and may have different default values stored. For
example, the valves may be tuned to set desired boom extend and
retract minimum speeds and/or propel forward and reverse minimum
speeds and/or swing left and right minimum and maximum speeds
and/or head rotate left and right speeds and/or stabilizer extend
and retract speeds. Optionally, the respective hydraulic valves may
be automatically tuned to calibrate the steering, which may allow a
centering adjustment for the front/rear wheels and automatic speed
tuning).
[0133] Therefore, the present invention provides a screeding
machine for screeding placed concrete at a support surface. A
screeding machine in accordance with the present invention may
include one or more of the features described herein and/or
described in U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/149,092,
filed Feb. 2, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. For example, a screeding machine of the
present invention may include an auger height adjustment feature
that allows for adjustment of the height of the auger without
shims, and/or a tip-to-clean feature that allows for enhanced
tipping or rotating of the screed head to enhance the cleaning of
the screed head at the end of a work day or after a screeding job
is completed, and/or a screed head support beam that supports and
encases a hydraulic manifold therein and allows for enhanced access
to the manifold, such as via a swing-out manifold configuration,
and/or a detachable transport stand for supporting the screed head
at a support surface when the screed head is removed from the boom
or support beam, such as during transport of the screeding machine.
Also, for example, a screeding machine of the present invention may
include or provide various control features, such as a boom speed
cruise control feature, and/or an automatic stabilizer control
feature, and/or an automatic on/off control feature of the auger
and vibrator of the screed head, and/or a joystick steering
feature, and/or an operator preference mode where the operator can
preset maximum speeds or the like for various functions so that the
screeding machine speeds are limited to the selected speeds, and/or
a joystick swap function, and/or a remote auger and vibrator speed
adjust function and/or a remote valve tuning function. A screeding
machine of the present invention thus may include or incorporate
any one or more of the above configurations or features or
functions or controls while remaining within the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0134] Changes and modifications to the specifically described
embodiments can be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention, which is intended to be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted
according to the principles of patent law.
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