CN113645833A

CN113645833A - Processing machine for processing ground, especially a mobile grass cutter or mobile sickle

Info

Publication number: CN113645833A
Application number: CN202080025588.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·戴维森
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-03-28
Filing date: 2020-03-25
Publication date: 2021-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-25
Also published as: DE102019204373A1; WO2020193590A1; CN113645833B

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing machine for processing ground surfaces, in particular grass surfaces, in particular a drivable grass trimmer or a drivable sickle, comprising at least one drive unit (12), at least one housing and/or frame unit (16) and at least one chassis unit (18), wherein the drive unit comprises at least one electric motor (14), wherein the electric motor (14) is arranged on the housing and/or frame unit, and wherein the chassis unit comprises at least two, in particular drivable or undriven wheels (20, 22) which are mounted so as to be rotatable about at least one chassis axis (24) of the chassis unit (18). It is proposed that the processing machine comprises at least one, in particular hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal, ground contact element (26) which is arranged on an output element (30), in particular a rotor shaft of the electric motor (14), of the drive unit (12) which is mounted such that it can rotate about an output axis (28) of the drive unit (12) which extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a chassis axis (24).

Description

Processing machine for processing ground, especially a mobile grass cutter or mobile sickle

Background

Processing machines for processing floors, in particular grass surfaces, are already known, in particular drivable grass trimmers or drivable mobile sickles (Motorsense), wherein the processing machine comprises a drive unit, a housing and/or a frame unit and a chassis unit, wherein the drive unit comprises an electric motor which is arranged on the housing and/or the frame unit, wherein the chassis unit has at least two wheels which are mounted so as to be rotatable about at least one chassis axis of the chassis unit.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates to a processing machine for processing ground surfaces, in particular grass surfaces, in particular a drivable grass trimmer or a drivable sickle, having at least one drive unit, at least one housing and/or frame unit and at least one chassis unit, wherein the drive unit comprises at least one electric motor which is arranged on the housing and/or frame unit, wherein the chassis unit has at least two, in particular drivable or undriven, wheels which are mounted so as to be rotatable about at least one chassis axis of the chassis unit.

It is proposed that the processing machine comprises at least one, in particular hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal, ground contact element which is arranged on an output element of the drive unit, in particular on a rotor shaft of the electric motor, and which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an output axis of the drive unit which extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to a chassis axis. The ground contact element is preferably designed as a ground sliding element with a sliding surface, with which the ground sliding element slides on the ground during the movement of the machine. The sliding surface is preferably a surface of the hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal ground sliding element, in particular a surface of the hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal ground sliding element facing away from the housing and/or the frame unit in the state in which the ground sliding element is arranged on the output element. Preferably, in the state in which the ground sliding element is arranged on the output element, the sliding surface is arranged on the side of the ground sliding element facing away from the output element. The ground contact element is preferably configured differently from a wheel of the chassis unit which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a height axis. Preferably, the output axis extends at least substantially parallel to a vertical axis or height axis of the processing machine. The processing machine is preferably constructed without steerable wheels. The expression "substantially perpendicular" is intended here to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein, in particular, viewed in a plane, the direction and the reference direction enclose an angle of 90 ° and the angle has a maximum deviation, in particular of less than 8 °, advantageously of less than 5 ° and particularly advantageously of less than 2 °. "substantially parallel" is to be understood here to mean, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation relative to the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8 °, advantageously less than 5 °, and particularly advantageously less than 2 °.

The output element, on which the ground contact element is arranged, is preferably configured as a rotor shaft of an electric motor. However, it is also conceivable for the output element to be designed as a further element which is considered to be expedient by the person skilled in the art, for example as an output shaft, in particular a transmission shaft, a gearwheel or the like. Preferably, the electric motor is provided for directly driving a ground working tool, in particular a trimmer line tool or a cutter. "provided" is to be understood in particular to mean specially designed and/or specially equipped. "an object is provided or designed for a specific function" is to be understood in particular as: the object implements and/or implements the particular functionality in at least one application and/or runtime state. Preferably, the ground working tool is connected to the output element, in particular to a rotor shaft of an electric motor, in a rotationally fixed manner. However, it is also conceivable for the drive unit to comprise a transmission via which the ground working tool can be indirectly driven by the electric motor. The drive unit is preferably designed as a drive module. The drive module preferably comprises a drive module housing on which the motor, the transmission and/or the electronics module of the drive unit is arranged and/or supported. Preferably, cooling ribs of the drive module are arranged on the outer side of the drive module housing, which cooling ribs are in particular formed integrally with the drive module housing. Preferably, the drive module has at least one connection interface, in particular a connection interface arranged on the drive module housing, for connection to a control and/or regulating unit and/or an energy supply unit of the processing machine, in particular an energy supply unit comprising at least one battery pack. A "control and/or regulating unit" is to be understood to mean, in particular, a unit having at least one control electronics. The term "control electronics" is to be understood to mean, in particular, a unit having a processor unit, a memory unit and an operating program stored in the memory unit. The operating program is preferably provided for controlling and/or regulating at least the drive unit and/or the processing unit, in particular as a function of signals transmitted by the sensor unit to the control and/or regulating unit.

The drive module housing is preferably configured differently from the housing and/or the frame unit of the processing machine. Preferably, the drive module housing is fastened to the housing and/or the frame unit by means of a form-locking and/or force-locking connection. The housing and/or the frame unit are preferably provided for at least partially enclosing the drive unit, in particular the drive module and/or the floor tool, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art, in particular for preventing them from being accidentally touched by the operator. Preferably, the housing and/or the frame unit comprises at least one protective element, in particular a shield, which is arranged on an upper side of the housing and/or the frame unit facing away from the ground contact element. The protective element is preferably designed as a transparent plastic screen. The protective element is preferably provided to protect the operator and/or the housing and/or the electronics housing of the frame unit from objects, in particular from objects which are accelerated by the rotation of the ground working tool and thus fly around. Preferably, at least one handle of the processing machine is arranged on the housing and/or the frame unit. The handle is preferably configured to be adjustable in a manner known to those skilled in the art. However, it is also conceivable for the processing machine to be designed without a handle and, for example, as an autonomous processing machine which operates independently on the ground to be processed. Other configurations of the processing machine which are considered to be significant by the person skilled in the art are likewise conceivable. Preferably, the wheels of the chassis unit are rotatably mounted on the housing and/or the frame unit. However, it is also conceivable for the chassis unit instead of the wheels to have a running belt or a running chain, by means of which the processing machine can be moved over the ground. Preferably, the housing and/or the frame unit comprise at least an electronics housing in which the control and/or regulating unit is arranged and/or on which at least one receiving interface of the processing machine for receiving at least one battery pack is arranged. However, it is also conceivable for the processing machine to have, instead of or in addition to it, at least one power supply line, by means of which the control and/or regulating unit and/or the electric motor can be supplied with electrical energy. Preferably, the processing machine comprises at least two receiving interfaces for receiving at least two battery packs. The battery pack is connected, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art, in the state of being arranged on the receiving interface, via the control and/or regulating unit to the drive unit, in particular to the electric motor of the drive unit, in particular in an electrically conductive manner.

The processing machine preferably comprises at least one rotating mass unit, in particular a flywheel unit, having at least one rotating mass element, in particular a flywheel, which is configured in particular rotationally symmetrically and which can be driven in rotation by means of a drive unit and is provided for compensating rotational irregularities. Preferably, the rotating mass element is arranged, in particular, rotationally fixed, on an output shaft of the drive unit, in particular the rotor shaft. However, it is also conceivable for the rotary mass element to be arranged, in particular, rotationally fixed on the fan wheel of the drive unit and/or for the rotary mass element to be constructed integrally with functional elements of the drive unit, in particular the fan wheel, the rotor shaft, the drive pinion, etc. Preferably, the rotating mass element is arranged on a rotor shaft of the drive unit, which shaft projects from the drive module housing, in particular is arranged on it in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the processing machine to have at least one damping unit with at least one damping element which is arranged on the rotating mass element, in particular between the rotating mass element and the rotor shaft. The damping element can be configured as an elastomer damper, a spring damper, a fluid damper, or the like.

With the configuration according to the invention, energy-saving ground processing can advantageously be achieved. Advantageously, a reliable ground working can be achieved. Advantageously, high operator convenience can be achieved. The machine can be supported easily, in particular in the configuration of the machine as a mobile grass trimmer or mobile sickle. By means of the ground contacting element, it is advantageously possible to maintain an at least substantially constant distance between the ground and the housing and/or the frame unit during machining of the ground. Preferably, by means of the configuration according to the invention of the processing machine, an at least substantially constant cutting height of the grass can advantageously be achieved during processing of the ground.

It is furthermore proposed that the processing machine comprises at least one decoupling unit which is provided for mounting the ground contact element in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state on an output element, which is provided in particular for driving the ground processing tool. Preferably, the decoupling unit is provided for mounting the ground contact element in a manner such that it can rotate freely relative to the output element, in particular the rotor shaft, in at least one operating state. It is conceivable for the decoupling unit to be designed so as to be switchable, in particular so that the ground contact element is mounted on the output element so as to be freely rotatable in at least one operating state and is connected to the output element in a rotationally fixed manner in at least one other operating state. Preferably, the decoupling unit comprises at least one bearing element, with or without a freewheel, for the freely rotatable support of the ground contact element on the output element or the rotationally fixed support on the output element. The bearing element can be designed as a plain bearing, a rolling bearing, a fluid bearing, in particular as a magnetorheological fluid bearing, or as another bearing element which is considered to be expedient by the person skilled in the art. Preferably, the decoupling unit, in particular at least the bearing element of the decoupling unit, is arranged between the ground contact element and the output element, in particular the rotor shaft. Preferably, the ground contact element is arranged on the output element, in particular the rotor shaft, at least by means of a bearing element of the decoupling unit. With the configuration according to the invention, energy-saving ground processing can be advantageously achieved, in particular because a small overall mass can be achieved which can be driven in rotation by the electric motor. Low wear of the ground contacting elements can advantageously be enabled. It may advantageously enable a long service life of the ground contacting elements based on low wear. A gentle ground working can advantageously be achieved, in particular because the following rotation of the ground contact element can be achieved with the ground working tool rotating during standstill of the working machine.

It is furthermore proposed that the decoupling unit has at least one bearing element, which is designed as a sliding bearing or rolling bearing, by means of which the ground contact element is mounted on the output element in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state. The bearing elements can be designed as sliding sleeves, for example copper sleeves, graphite sleeves, etc., as ball bearings, as needle bearings, as roller bearings or as other sliding or rolling bearings which are considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art. It is conceivable for the bearing element and/or the ground contact element to have a coating, for example a graphite coating, a PTFE coating or the like, in particular in the contact region between the bearing element and the ground contact element and/or on the outer surface of the ground contact element, in order to achieve a low coefficient of friction. With the configuration according to the invention, advantageously, a low friction between the ground contact element and the output element can be achieved, in particular in order to achieve a structurally simple solution for the free-pivoting property of the ground contact element. An energy-saving floor finishing can advantageously be achieved, in particular because a small overall mass can be achieved which can be driven in rotation by the electric motor. Advantageously, a low wear of the ground contacting elements can be achieved. Advantageously, a long service life of the ground contacting elements can be achieved due to the low wear. Advantageously, gentle machining of the ground can be achieved, in particular because a carrying rotation of the ground contact element can be achieved with a rotation of the ground machining tool during the standstill of the machine.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the processing machine comprises, in particular in place of or in addition to the decoupling unit, at least one gear shifting unit which is provided for driving the ground contact element in at least one operating state at a rotational speed which differs from the rotational speed of the output element, in particular is lower, about the output axis as a function of, in particular, a rotation of the output element which is provided for driving the ground processing tool. The decoupling unit and the shifting unit can be at least partially constructed in one piece. The expression "the one unit and the other unit are at least partially formed in one piece" is to be understood in particular to mean: the one unit and the other unit have at least one common member. It is conceivable for the transmission unit to be designed as a gear unit, a clutch unit or other units considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art, which is provided for driving the ground contact element in at least one operating state at a rotational speed about the output axis which is different, in particular smaller, than the rotational speed of the output element, depending on, in particular, the rotation of the output element provided for driving the ground working tool. In the embodiment of the gear shift unit as a gear unit, the ground contact element preferably comprises at least one toothing which interacts with at least one further toothing of the gear shift unit designed as a gear unit. In the embodiment of the transmission unit as a gear unit, the transmission unit is preferably designed as a reduction gear. With the configuration according to the invention, energy-saving ground machining can advantageously be achieved, in particular because the mass of the ground contact element can be used as, in particular, an additional rotating mass to compensate for rotational irregularities.

It is also proposed that the transmission unit has at least one clutch element, which is arranged between the ground contact element and the output element. Preferably, the clutch element is provided for the ground contact element to be arranged on the output element in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state and to be connected to the output element in a rotationally fixed manner in at least one operating state. The clutch element is preferably designed such that the ground contact element can be driven by the output element at least until a limit value for the rotational speed of the ground contact element is exceeded and then can rotate freely relative to the output element, wherein the clutch element connects the ground contact element to the output element again in a rotationally fixed manner below the limit value for the rotational speed of the ground contact element. With the configuration according to the invention, decoupling of the rotational movement of the ground contact element from the output element can be achieved in a structurally simple manner. An energy-saving ground machining can advantageously be achieved, in particular because, in the state in which the ground contact element is connected to the output element in a rotationally fixed manner, the mass of the ground contact element can be used as, in particular, an additional rotating mass to compensate for rotational irregularities.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the transmission unit be designed as a viscous clutch, a centrifugal clutch or a torque converter. With a transmission unit designed as a centrifugal clutch, it is conceivable to drive the ground contact element with the output element at least until the ground contact element exceeds/falls below a limit value for the rotational speed of the ground contact element and is then able to rotate freely. Preferably, a transmission unit in the form of a viscous clutch, a centrifugal clutch or a torque converter is arranged, in particular in terms of drive technology, between the output element and the ground contact element. With the configuration according to the invention, decoupling of the rotational movement of the ground contact element from the output element can be achieved in a structurally simple manner. An energy-saving ground machining can advantageously be achieved, in particular because, in the state in which the ground contact element is connected to the output element in a rotationally fixed manner, the mass of the ground contact element can be used as, in particular, an additional rotational mass to compensate for rotational irregularities.

It is also proposed that the gear shifting unit is designed to be switchable. Preferably, the transmission unit is configured to be manually switchable by an operator. Preferably, the gear shift unit is configured to be switchable on or off, in particular so as to be switchable between a free rotatability of the ground contact element relative to the output element and at least partial transmission of a rotary movement of the output element to the ground contact element. With the configuration according to the invention, a high degree of flexibility with regard to the possibility of using the ground contact element can advantageously be achieved. Advantageously, a high operational convenience can be achieved, in particular because the operator can make individualized decisions regarding the use of the ground contacting element.

It is furthermore proposed that the processing machine comprises at least one, in particular the aforementioned decoupling unit and at least one tool interface arranged on the output element for receiving, in particular, the aforementioned ground working tool, in particular a trimming cord tool or a cutter, wherein the output element is designed as a rotor shaft and the ground contact element is mounted by means of the decoupling unit in a manner such that it can rotate freely relative to the output element and/or relative to the ground working tool arranged on the tool interface in at least one operating state. The floor tool preferably has at least one cutting blade or at least one trimming cord. The tool interface is preferably connected to the output element in a rotationally fixed manner. With the configuration according to the invention, reliable ground working can advantageously be achieved. An energy-saving floor finishing can advantageously be achieved, in particular because a small overall mass can be achieved which can be driven in rotation by the electric motor. Advantageously, gentle machining of the ground can be achieved, in particular because a carrying rotation of the ground contact element can be achieved with a rotation of the ground machining tool during the standstill of the machine.

It is furthermore proposed that the processing machine comprises at least one fastening element for the loss-proof arrangement of the ground contact element on the output element and at least one closing element which is provided for closing an access opening delimited by the ground contact element, through which access opening the fastening element is accessible. The fastening element is preferably designed as a screw, which can preferably be screwed into the output element. The output element preferably has an internal thread which interacts with an external thread of the fastening element. However, other configurations of the fastening element are also conceivable, for example a nut configured with an internal thread which cooperates with an external thread of the output element, a latching element or a clamping element, or other fastening elements configured as deemed appropriate by the person skilled in the art. Preferably, the closing element can be fastened to the access opening in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. However, it is also conceivable for the closure element to be mounted movably, in particular pivotably, on the ground contact element, in particular in the region of the access opening. The closure element is preferably designed as a closure cap. The closing element preferably comprises an elastically deformable latching portion which is provided for abutting against an edge region of the ground contact element which delimits the access opening in the state in which the closing element is arranged on the ground contact element. With the configuration according to the invention, a closed sliding surface on the ground contact element can advantageously be achieved. Advantageously, gentle machining of the ground can be achieved, in particular because a closed sliding surface on the ground contact element can be achieved by closing the access opening. Advantageously, dirt intruding into the access opening can be kept low.

It is furthermore proposed that the processing machine comprises at least one height adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the ground contact element and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit facing the ground contact element. Preferably, the height adjustment unit is provided instead of or in addition to adjusting the distance between the floor tool and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit facing the floor tool. For example, it is conceivable for the height adjustment unit to be designed as a telescopic unit, by means of which the distance between the ground contact element and/or the ground working tool and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit facing the ground contact element and/or the ground working tool can be adjusted. It is also conceivable for the height adjustment unit to be designed as a hydraulic unit, by means of which the distance between the ground contact element and/or the ground working tool and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit facing the ground contact element and/or the ground working tool can be adjusted. With the configuration according to the invention, reliable ground working can advantageously be achieved. Advantageously, high operator convenience can be achieved. Advantageously, the distance between the floor and the housing and/or the frame unit can be set in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, by means of the configuration according to the invention of the processing machine, a convenient adjustment of the cutting height of the grass can be achieved.

The processing machine according to the invention is not limited to the above-described applications and embodiments. In particular, the processing machine according to the invention can have a different number of individual elements, components and units than the number mentioned in this document in order to implement the functional manner mentioned in this document. Furthermore, in respect of the numerical ranges specified in the present disclosure, numerical values within the mentioned ranges should also be regarded as disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

Drawings

Other advantages result from the following description of the figures. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The figures, description and claims contain many combinations of features. Those skilled in the art can also appropriately consider these features individually and generalize them into meaningful other combinations.

The figures show:

figure 1 shows a processing machine according to the invention in a schematic view,

fig. 2 shows a processing machine according to the invention in a schematic view, wherein the electronics housing and the protective element of the housing and/or the frame unit of the processing machine according to the invention are removed,

fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a drive unit of a processing machine according to the invention with a ground-working tool arranged thereon and a ground-contacting element of a processing machine according to the invention arranged thereon, in a state removed from the housing and/or the frame unit, and

fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the drive unit with the ground working tool arranged thereon and the ground contact element arranged thereon in a schematic view.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a processing machine 10, which is designed as a mobile grass trimmer or as a mobile sickle. The processing machine 10 is designed as an electrically operated, in particular battery operated, processing machine 10. The processing machine 10 is provided for processing floors, in particular grass surfaces. The processing machine 10 has at least one drive unit 12, which comprises at least one electric motor 14, at least one housing and/or frame unit 16, on which the electric motor 14 is arranged, and at least one chassis unit 18, which has at least two, in particular drivable or

undriven wheels

20, 22, which are mounted so as to be rotatable about at least one chassis axis 24 of the chassis unit 18. The

wheels

20, 22 of the chassis unit 18 are preferably mounted on the housing and/or the frame unit 16 in a rotatable manner. However, it is also conceivable for the chassis unit 18 instead of the

wheels

20, 22 to have a running belt or a running chain, by means of which the processing machine 10 can be moved over the ground.

The drive unit 12, in particular the electric motor 14, is preferably provided for directly or indirectly driving a floor tool 34 of the processing machine 10. The drive unit 12 preferably comprises at least one output element 30 (see in particular fig. 4) to which a ground working tool 34 can be fastened (see fig. 2 to 4). The output element 30 is preferably designed as a rotor shaft of the electric motor 14. However, it is also conceivable for the output element 30 to have other configurations which are considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art, for example as a transmission output shaft, etc. The floor tool 34 is preferably drivable by means of the drive unit 12 in a rotating manner about an output axis 28 of the drive unit 12 which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the chassis axis 24. The floor tool 34 is preferably configured as a trimmer line tool or cutter. The processing machine 10 preferably comprises at least one tool interface 42, by means of which the ground working tool 34 can be fastened, in particular rotationally fixed, to the output element 30, in particular to the rotor shaft of the electric motor 14, by means of a form-locking and/or force-locking connection. The tool connection 42 can be formed integrally with the output element 30 or separately from the output element 30 and fastened to the output element 30 in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a form-locking and/or force-locking connection.

The drive unit 12 is preferably designed as a drive module. The drive module preferably comprises a drive module housing 52 in which the electric motor 14 and/or an electronics module (not shown in detail here) of the drive unit 12 are arranged and/or supported (see fig. 2 and 3). Preferably, cooling ribs 54 of the drive module are arranged on the outer surface of the drive module housing 52, the cooling ribs 54 being in particular formed integrally with the drive module housing 52. Preferably, the drive module has at least one connection interface 56, in particular a connection interface 56 arranged on the drive module housing 52, for connection to a control and/or regulating unit 58 and/or an energy supply unit of the processing machine 10, in particular an energy supply unit comprising at least one battery pack 70, 72 (see fig. 3). The drive module housing 52 is preferably configured differently than the housing of the processing machine 10 and/or the frame unit 16. Preferably, the drive module housing 52 is fastened to the housing and/or the frame unit 16 by means of a form-locking and/or force-locking connection. The housing and/or the frame unit 16 is preferably provided for at least partially enclosing the drive unit 12, in particular the drive module and/or the ground working tool 34, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art, in particular for preventing an operator from accidentally touching them.

Preferably, the housing and/or the frame unit 16 comprises at least one protective element 60, in particular a shield, which is arranged on an upper side of the housing and/or the frame unit 16 facing away from the ground contact element 34. The protective element 60 is preferably designed as a transparent plastic screen. The protective element 60 is preferably provided to protect the operator and/or the housing and/or the electronics housing 62 of the frame unit 16 from objects, in particular from objects which are accelerated by the rotation of the ground working tool 34 and thus fly around. Preferably, at least one handle 64 of the machine 10 is disposed on the housing and/or frame unit 16. The handle 64 is preferably configured to be adjustable in a manner known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the handle 64 is provided for guiding the machine 10 by an operator. Preferably, an operating unit (not shown in detail here) of the processing machine 10 is arranged on the handle 64 for operating the processing machine 10, in particular for speed regulation of the drive unit 12, for starting the processing machine 10, etc. However, it is also conceivable for the processing machine 10 to be configured without a handle and, for example, as an autonomous processing machine which works independently on the ground to be processed or as a remotely controlled processing machine which can be remotely controlled by an operator. Other configurations of the processing machine 10 that are deemed significant by those skilled in the art are likewise contemplated.

Preferably, the housing and/or frame unit 16 comprises at least an electronics housing 62, in which the control and/or regulating unit 58 is arranged and/or on which at least one receiving

interface

66, 68 of the processing machine 10 for receiving at least one

battery pack

70, 72 is arranged. However, it is also conceivable for the processing machine 10 to have, alternatively or additionally, at least one power supply line, by means of which the control and/or regulating unit 58 and/or the electric motor 14 can be supplied with electrical energy. Preferably, the processing machine 10 includes at least two receiving

interfaces

66, 68 for receiving at least two battery packs 70, 72. In the state of being arranged on the receiving interfaces 66, 68, the battery packs 70, 72 are connected, in particular electrically conductively connected, by the control and/or regulating unit 58 to the drive unit 12, in particular to the electric motor 14 of the drive unit 12, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art.

The processing machine 10 comprises at least one, in particular hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal, ground contact element 26, which is arranged on an output element 30 of the drive unit 12, in particular a rotor shaft of the electric motor 14, which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an output axis 28 of the drive unit 12, which extends transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the chassis axis 24 (see fig. 2 to 4). The ground engaging member 26 and the drive module housing 52, from which the output member 30 preferably extends, are preferably disposed with the ground engaging tool 34 as viewed along the output axis 28. The ground contact element 26 is preferably designed as a ground sliding element with a sliding surface 74, by means of which the ground sliding element slides on the ground during movement of the machine 10. The sliding surface 74 is preferably configured as a surface of a hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal ground sliding element, in particular as a surface of a hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal ground sliding element facing away from the housing and/or the frame unit 16 in the state in which the ground sliding element is arranged on the output element 30. Preferably, in the state in which the ground sliding element is arranged on the output element 30, the sliding surface 74 is arranged on the side of the ground sliding element facing away from the output element 30. The ground contact elements 26 are preferably configured differently from the wheels of the chassis unit 18 which are mounted so as to be pivotable about a height axis. Preferably, the output axis 28 extends at least substantially parallel to a vertical or elevation axis of the converting machine 10. The processing machine 10 is preferably constructed without wheels for steering the processing machine 10, which are mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical or elevation axis at least substantially parallel to the processing machine 10.

Preferably, the processing machine 10 comprises at least one decoupling unit 32, which is provided for mounting the ground contact element 26 in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state on an output element 30, which is provided in particular for driving a ground processing tool 34. The decoupling unit 32 preferably has at least one bearing element 36, which is designed as a sliding bearing or rolling bearing and by means of which the ground contact element 26 is mounted on the output element 30 in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state (see fig. 4). Preferably, bearing element 36 is disposed between output member 30 and ground-contacting elements 26. In the embodiment of the bearing element 36 as a rolling bearing, in particular as a ball bearing, the inner ring of the bearing element 36 designed as a rolling bearing is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the output element 30, and the outer ring of the bearing element 36 designed as a rolling bearing is connected, in particular rotationally fixed, to the ground contact element 26, in particular to the receiving groove 76 of the ground contact element 26. The processing machine 10 preferably comprises at least a decoupling unit 32 and a tool interface 42 arranged at least on the output element 30 for receiving a ground working tool 34, in particular a trimmer line tool or a knife, wherein the output element 30 is designed as a rotor shaft of the electric motor 14 and the ground contact element 26 is mounted by means of the decoupling unit 32 in a manner such that it can rotate freely relative to the output element 30 and/or relative to the ground working tool 34 arranged on the tool interface 42 in at least one operating state. Preferably, the ground contact element 26 is mounted by means of the decoupling unit 32 so as to be freely rotatable relative to the tool interface 42 in at least one operating state.

The processing machine 10 comprises at least one fastening element 44 for the loss-proof arrangement of the ground contact element 26 on the output element 30 and at least one closing element 46, which is provided for closing an access opening 48 delimited by the ground contact element 26, through which the fastening element 44 is accessible (see fig. 4). The fastening element 44 is preferably designed as a screw, which can preferably be screwed into the output element 30. The output element 30 preferably has an internal thread 78 which cooperates with an external thread 80 of the fastening element 44. However, it is also conceivable for the fastening element 44 to have another configuration, for example a nut configured with an internal thread which cooperates with an external thread of the output element 30, a snap-on element or a clip element, or another fastening element configured as deemed appropriate by the person skilled in the art. The securing element 44 is preferably provided for arranging or fastening at least the ground working tool 34, the bearing element 36 and the ground contact element 26 in a loss-proof manner on the output element 30.

Preferably, the closing element 46 can be fastened to the access opening 48 in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. However, it is also conceivable for the closure element 46 to be mounted on the ground contact element 26 movably, in particular pivotably, in the region of the access opening 48. The closure element 46 is preferably designed as a closure cap or as a closure flap. The closing element 46 preferably comprises an elastically deformable latching section 82 which is provided for abutting against an edge region of the ground contact element 26 which delimits the access opening 48 in the state in which the closing element 46 is arranged on the ground contact element 26. The trim section 82 is preferably configured as a radial extension of the closure element 46. Preferably, the outer surface 84 of the closure element 46 is at least substantially flush with the sliding surface 74 of the ground contact element 26 in the state in which the closure element 46 is arranged on the ground contact element 26.

In particular, in addition or as an alternative to the decoupling unit 32, the processing machine 10 preferably comprises at least one gear shifting unit 38, which is provided to drive the ground contact element 26 about the output axis 28 at a rotational speed which is different from, in particular lower than, the rotational speed of the output element 30, in at least one operating state, depending on, in particular, a rotation of the output element 30 provided for driving the ground working tool 34 (see fig. 4). The decoupling unit 32 and the shifting unit 38 can be at least partially constructed in one piece. It is conceivable for the gear unit 38 to be designed as a gear unit, clutch unit or other unit which is considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art and which is provided for driving the ground contact element 26 in at least one operating state, in dependence on the rotation of the output element 30, in particular for driving the ground working tool 34, about the output axis 28 at a rotational speed which is different from, in particular lower than, the rotational speed of the output element 30. In the embodiment of the gear shift unit 38 as a gear unit, the ground contact element 26 preferably comprises at least one toothing which interacts with at least one further toothing of the gear shift unit 38 designed as a gear unit. In the embodiment of the gear shifting unit 38 as a gear unit, the gear shifting unit 38 is preferably designed as a reduction gear.

The transmission unit 38 preferably has at least one clutching element 40 disposed between the ground contacting element 26 and the output member 30. Alternatively or in addition to bearing element 36, clutch element 40 may be disposed on output member 30, particularly between output member 30 and ground contacting elements 26. The transmission unit 38 is preferably designed as a viscous clutch, a centrifugal clutch or a torque converter. However, other configurations of the transmission unit 38 are also contemplated as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. The shifting unit 38 is preferably configured to be switchable. Preferably, the shift unit 38 is configured to be manually switchable by an operator. Preferably, the gear shift unit 38 is configured to be switched on or off in order to be able to switch between the free rotatability of the ground contacting element 26 relative to the output element 30 and the at least partial transmission of the rotary movement of the output element 30 to the ground contacting element 26.

Furthermore, the processing machine 10 preferably comprises at least one height adjustment unit 50 for adjusting the distance between the ground contacting elements 26 and the housing and/or the lower side of the frame unit 16 facing the ground contacting elements 26 (see fig. 2). Preferably, the height adjustment unit 50 is provided instead of or in addition to adjusting the distance between the floor tool 34 and the lower side of the housing and/or frame unit 16 facing the floor tool 34. For example, it is conceivable for the height adjustment unit 50 to be designed as a telescopic unit, by means of which the distance between the ground contact element 26 and/or the ground working tool 34 and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit 16 facing the ground contact element 26 and/or the ground working tool 34 can be adjusted. For example, it is conceivable for the height adjustment unit 50 to be designed such that the length of the output element 30, which is designed, for example, as a telescopic and two-part spline shaft, can be changed by means of the height adjustment unit 50 in order to set the distance between the ground contact element 26 and/or the ground working tool 34 and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit 16 facing the ground contact element 26 and/or the ground working tool 34. It is also conceivable for the height adjustment unit 50 to be designed as a hydraulic unit, by means of which the distance between the ground contact element 26 and/or the ground working tool 34 and the lower side of the housing and/or the frame unit 16 facing the ground contact element 26 and/or the ground working tool 34 can be adjusted.

Furthermore, the processing machine 10 preferably comprises at least one rotating mass unit 86, in particular a flywheel unit, having at least one rotating mass element 88, in particular a flywheel, which is configured in particular rotationally symmetrically and which can be driven in rotation by means of the drive unit 12 and is provided to compensate for rotational irregularities (see fig. 2 to 4). Preferably, the rotating mass element 88 is arranged, in particular rotationally fixed, on the output element 30 of the drive unit 12, in particular on the rotor shaft. However, it is also conceivable for the rotary mass element 88 to be arranged, in particular, rotationally fixed on the fan wheel of the drive unit 12, and/or for the rotary mass element 88 to be constructed integrally with functional elements of the drive unit 12, in particular the fan wheel, the rotor shaft, the drive gear, etc. Preferably, the rotating mass element 88 is arranged on the rotor shaft of the drive unit 12, which projects out of the drive module housing 52, in particular is arranged on it in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the processing machine 10 to have at least one vibration damping unit (not shown in detail here) which has at least one damping element which is arranged on the rotating mass element 88, in particular between the rotating mass element 88 and the rotor shaft. The damping element can be configured as an elastomer damper, a spring damper, a fluid damper, or the like. Other configurations of the processing machine 10 that are deemed significant by those skilled in the art are likewise contemplated.

Claims

1. A processing machine for processing ground, in particular grass surfaces, in particular a drivable grass trimmer or a drivable motorized sickle, comprising:

at least one drive unit (12) comprising at least one electric motor (14),

at least one housing and/or frame unit (16) on which the electric motor (14) is arranged,

at least one chassis unit (18) having at least two wheels (20, 22), which can be driven or non-driven in particular, are mounted so as to be rotatable about at least one chassis axis (24) of the chassis unit (18),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least one ground contact element (26), in particular of hemispherical or semi-ellipsoidal shape, is provided, which is arranged on an output element (30) of the drive unit (12), in particular on a rotor shaft of the electric motor (14), and which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an output axis (28) of the drive unit (12) extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the chassis axis (24).

2. Processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one decoupling unit (32) is provided, which is provided for mounting the ground contact element (26) on the output element (30) in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state, in particular for driving a ground processing tool (34).

3. Processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the decoupling unit (32) has at least one bearing element (36) configured as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing, by means of which the ground contact element (26) is supported on the output element (30) in a freely rotatable manner in at least one operating state.

4. Processing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gear shift unit (38) is provided, which is provided for driving the ground contact element (26) in at least one operating state as a function of the rotation of the output element (30) with a rotational speed about the output axis (28) which is different from, in particular lower than, the rotational speed of the output element (30), which is in particular provided for driving a ground working tool (34).

5. Processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the gear shift unit (38) has at least one clutch element (40) which is arranged between the ground contact element (26) and the output element (30).

6. Processing machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the speed change unit (38) is configured as a viscous clutch, a centrifugal clutch or a torque converter.

7. Processing machine according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the gear change unit (38) is configured to be switchable.

8. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one decoupling unit (32) and at least one tool interface (42) arranged on the output element (30) are provided for receiving a ground working tool (34), in particular a trimmer line tool or a knife, wherein the output element (30) is configured as a rotor shaft and the ground contact element (26) is supported by means of the decoupling unit (32) in a freely rotatable manner relative to the output element (30) and/or relative to the ground working tool (34) arranged on the tool interface (42) in at least one operating state.

9. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fixing element (44) for the loss-proof arrangement of the ground contact element (26) on the output element (30) and at least one closing element (46) are provided, which is provided for closing an access opening (48) bounded by the ground contact element (26), through which access opening the fixing element (44) is accessible.

10. Processing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one height adjustment unit (50) is provided for adjusting the distance between the ground contact element (26) and the underside of the housing and/or frame unit (16) facing the ground contact element (26).