DE102018114882A1 - Self-propelled lawn care equipment carrier vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-propelled lawn care device carrier vehicle (10) for a lawn care device (30) for lawn care that can be connected to the lawn care device carrier vehicle (10) can be operated in a working mode or in a transport mode and comprises an operator station (20) designed for an operator (B) the change from the transport mode to the work mode in an operator station work position and due to the change from the work mode to the transport mode in an operator station transport position is movable. Thus, lawn care implement carrier vehicles can be improved with regard to a larger range of uses, improved control of the work result and improved safety during transport.

Description

The invention relates to a self-propelled lawn care equipment carrier vehicle and an operating method thereof.

Self-propelled depth ventilators are currently limited to low to medium machining depths (max 100 mm). In addition, these devices are limited to hand-held operation (walk-behind) and do not provide a driver's cab for the operator. Such a walk-behind aerator is off, for example US Pat. No. 7,096,969 B2 known.

The tillage units are combined directly with the drive and transport system so that they can not be used universally (different processing units on the same carrier vehicle). Due to the adapted drive control and the application-specific chassis design, the processing unit can be controlled via automatic functions and is very easy to maneuver. A corresponding vehicle is for example off US 6,354,388 B1 known.

However, due to the design of the soil tillage units are located far away from the operator, so that only a limited ability to control the quality of work can be made directly by the operator.

Depth ventilators for medium to high machining depths (> 150 mm) and working widths> 1 m have hitherto been mounted using the standardized 3-point attachment on classic universal wheeled tractors in the rear and have been adapted with regard to drive and attachment points. The processing unit is operated via manual tractor operation (cardan shaft, lifting hydraulics) and does not allow automatic functions. Due to the universal tractor design, higher ground pressures and larger turning circles result than with self-propelled depth fans with the same working width.

It should therefore be noted that ordinary wheeled tractors are to be distinguished from the carrier vehicles at issue here because of their weight and dimensions. Carrier vehicles are generally much lighter than wheeled tractors and should not exceed a maximum weight (excluding drivers and attachments) of 500 kg. Also, carrier vehicles in contrast to wheeled tractors usually no driver's cab.

Especially for the application area for lawn care on golf courses self-propelled depth ventilators are required, which have a higher transport speed and greater processing depths than the conventional self-propelled. At the same time, automatic functions should be implementable in the new development.

It can therefore be regarded as the object underlying the invention to improve lawn care vehicle carrier vehicles, in particular a larger range of applications, improved control of the work result and improved safety during transport to allow.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention provides a self-propelled lawn care implement carrier vehicle for a lawn care lawn care device attachable to the lawn care device vehicle, the lawn care device vehicle being operable in a work mode or in a transport mode and comprising an operator level formed by an operator changing from the transport mode to the working mode in an operator standing work position and due to the change from the working mode to the transport mode in an operator position transport position, in particular automatically, is movable.

It is preferable that the operator's stand is movable to an operator's standby position in response to a change from the transport mode to the work mode.

It is preferred that the operator's booth be movable to a service booth transport position in response to a change from the work mode to the transport mode

It is preferred that, due to the movement of the operator's station, the center of gravity of the lawn care appliance carrier vehicle is predominantly movable in the vertical direction.

It is preferred that when changing and / or in response to the change from the transport mode to the working mode, the operator level can be raised to the operator stand working position.

It is preferred that when changing and / or in response to switching from the working mode to the transport mode, the operator's stand can be lowered to an operator's standstill position.

It is preferred that the operator's station is movable predominantly in the vertical direction between the operator stand working position and the operator stand transport position.

Preferably, the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle comprises a control device, which is designed to control the movement of the operator station when changing and / or in response to the change from one operating mode to the other operating mode, in particular the operator level due to the change and / or in response to the Switch to working mode or lower due to changing and / or in response to changing to transport mode.

Preferably, the lawn care appliance carrier vehicle comprises an operator position actuator which can be actuated by means of the control device for moving, in particular raising and lowering, the operator position between the operator standing positions.

The lawn care appliance carrier vehicle preferably comprises a steering device for controlling the direction of movement of the lawn care appliance carrier vehicle, wherein the steering device preferably comprises a steering wheel as an input element.

Preferably, the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle includes a right hand drive actuator and a left hand drive actuator. It is preferred that the steering device is designed to control the traction drive actuators at a differential rotational speed as a function of a steering angle of the steering wheel, in order to control the direction of movement of the lawn care device carrier vehicle.

It is preferable that the track width of front wheels and rear wheels is smaller than the working width of the lawn care device to be connected to the lawn care equipment host vehicle.

Preferably, the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle comprises a connection device to which the lawn care device is detachably connectable.

It is preferred that the connection device is designed for raising and lowering the lawn care device.

It is preferred that in the work mode the operator's booth is in the operator stand working position and the docking device is in the lowered state.

It is preferred that in the transport mode the operator's stand is in the operator's standstill position and the connection device is in the raised state.

It is preferred that due to the change and / or in response to the change from the transport mode to the working mode, the connection device is movable to a lowered state.

It is preferable that due to the changing and / or in response to the change from the working mode to the transport mode, the connecting device is movable to a raised state.

It is preferred that the lawn care implement be selected from a group that includes grass suckers, artificial turf care implements, leaf extractors, foliage blowers, mowers, mower decks, lawn sweeping machines, seeders, depth fans, and scarifiers.

It is preferred that the lawn care device, in particular the depth fan, an effective depth of 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably from 15 cm to 30 cm.

It is preferred that the lawn care device, in particular the depth fan, a working width of 1 m to 2 m, preferably from 1.2 m to 1.6 m.

It is preferable that the operator stand work position is vertically higher than the operator stand transportation position.

The invention further provides an operating method for operating a lawn care appliance carrier vehicle for a lawn care device for maintaining lawn, in particular for a preferred lawn care device, by, in particular automatic, moving an operator's booth of the lawn care device carrier vehicle to an operator stand work position due to the changing and / or in response changing from a transport mode to a working mode, and, in particular, automatically moving the operator's station to an operator stall transport position due to the change and / or in response to switching from the work mode to the transport mode.

By combining a drive and transport unit with an integrated driver's cab, and preferably a zero turning radius known from mowing tractors ("zero-turn") steering, the requirements can be fulfilled.

• ◯ Transport: Absenken des Bedienerstandes bei angehobenem Anbaugerät; oder
• ◯ Arbeit: Anheben des Bedienerstandes bei abgesenktem Anbaugerät.

It is proposed a specially designed for the use of turfing on the golf course carrier vehicle with its own power source and a height-adjustable driver's cab, the driver's station having the following operating state-dependent positions:

• ◯ Transport: Lowering the operator's stand when the attachment is raised; or
• ◯ Work: Lifting the operator's stand when the implement is lowered.

As a result, the operator can be ensured a good control of the implement and thus a higher quality of processing during lawn tillage. By lowering the operator position at transport speed, the vehicle can be safely driven over undulating terrain with a low center of gravity.

• • Bedienung der Lenkung über ein Lenkrad;
• • geschwindigkeitsabhängige Übersetzung zwischen den Einschlagwinkel des Lenkrades am Fahrerstand und der Differenzdrehzahl der Antriebseinheiten an den Triebachsen; oder
• • Spurbreiten von Vorder- und Hinterachsrädern innerhalb der Arbeitsbreite der Bearbeitungseinheit.

The carrier vehicle can be characterized by the following additional features:

• • operation of the steering via a steering wheel;
• • Speed-dependent ratio between the steering angle of the steering wheel at the driver's station and the differential speed of the drive units on the drive axles; or
• • Track width of front and rear wheels within the working width of the machining unit.

In one embodiment, the vehicle has a height adjustable via hydraulic cylinder driver's cab. The control system of the hydraulic cylinder or the triggering valve may be coupled to the vehicle electronics, which may also control the valves of the hydraulic supply of the traction drive.

By selecting the operating modes (eg via a switch) by the operator, the vehicle electronics can activate the control valve of the hydraulic cylinder of the driver's cab and change the ratio of the control signal of the valves of the traction drive motors to the sensor signal of the steering wheel angle.

In a further embodiment, the adjusting drive of the driver's station and / or the traction drive motors are electrically operated.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Rasenpflegegeräte-Trägerfahrzeugs in Draufsicht;
• 2 das Rasenpflegegeräte-Trägerfahrzeug aus 1 im Transportmodus;
• 3 das Rasenpflegegeräte-Trägerfahrzeug aus 1 im Arbeitsmodus; und
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht der Steuerung des Rasenpflegegeräte-Trägerfahrzeugs.

Embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

• 1 an embodiment of a lawn care equipment carrier vehicle in plan view;
• 2 the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 1 in transport mode;
• 3 the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 1 in working mode; and
• 4 a schematic view of the control of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle.

It will open 1 to 3 Referring to a self-propelled lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 demonstrate. The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 includes a vehicle frame 12 , The vehicle frame 12 provides a mounting structure for the individual components of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 ready.

The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 includes a drive device 14 , the driving force for locomotion of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 and for driving an attachment unit. The drive device 14 can be designed electrically or as a combustion drive.

The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 has a non-driven pair of front axle wheels 16 in his front area. The front axle wheels 16 are preferred to the vehicle frame 12 supported. Each front axle wheel 16 is preferably horizontally rotatably mounted.

The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 also has a means of the drive device 14 driven pair of rear wheels 18 on. Each rear axle wheel 18 is individually and independently of the other Hinterachsrad 18 drivable. For this purpose, each Hinterachsrad 18 his own traction actuator 19 on.

The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 also includes an operator station 20 for one operator B , The operator status 20 is designed for example as a seat. The operator status 20 in this example is in the longitudinal direction of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 looked behind the front wheels 16 arranged. Furthermore, in this example, the operator level 20 viewed in the longitudinal direction arranged so that the operator's stand 20 in vertical direction over the rear wheels 18 located. The operator status 20 includes at least one operator level actuator 22 to the operator's booth 20 to adjust or raise or lower in height.

Furthermore, the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle includes 10 a steering device 24 , which is arranged such that the steering device 24 from the operator's stand 20 off can be operated. The steering device 24 preferably comprises a steering wheel 26 , To the steering device 24 may include other controls.

The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle also includes 10 a connection device 28 to which a lawn care device 30 can be connected. The connection device 28 has at least one port device actuator 32 on, with which the connection device 28 and with it the lawn care device 30 can be raised or lowered.

The lawn care device 30 is in this example a depth fan 34 but can basically be any other kind of lawn care device. The lawn care device 30 is to the connection device 28 connected.

The following is based on 4 the interconnection of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 explained in more detail. The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 has a force distribution system 36 on to that of the drive device 14 provided driving force to the traction drive actuators 19 , the operator level factor 22 , the connection device actuator 32 and / or the lawn care device 30 to distribute.

The force distribution system 36 For example, a hydraulic system 38 his. In this case, the actuators 19 . 22 . 32 preferably designed as a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic motor.

Also conceivable is an electrical system. In the case of the electrical system are the actuators 19 . 22 . 32 designed as electrical actuators, such as electric motors.

To power the lawn care device 30 For example, a power take-off shaft, a hydraulic connection or an electrical connection may be provided, depending on the type of drive of the lawn care device 30 to enable a driving.

Regardless of the design of the power distribution system 36 becomes the distribution of the driving force in the power distribution system 36 by a control device 40 controlled.

Apart from the usual control operations will be discussed below, in particular the steering operation and the special operation.

The lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 is initially in transport mode, as in 4 shown. In transport mode is the connection device 28 and consequently the lawn care device 30 in the raised state. The operator status 20 is in lowered state, which is also referred to as operator post transport position and in 2 is shown.

In transport mode is thus a focus S of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 lower than in the working mode to be described. Therefore, the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle lies 10 better on the ground when using the lawn care equipment vehicle 10 is moved over onduliertes terrain. Due to the lower center of gravity S it is better to avoid rocking due to the terrain and therefore reduce the risk of lateral tipping over. In addition, in an oblique drive transverse to an inclined plane or a slope smaller torques act around the longitudinal axis lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 so that the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle slips off 10 or a tilt caused by tilting can be better avoided. Thus, even when driving faster in transport mode, the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 be used more safely.

When cornering, the operator operates B the steering wheel 26 in the desired direction of travel. An angle sensor 42 takes the current steering angle of the steering wheel 26 and gives it to the controller 40 further. The control device 40 determined from the turning angle in a known manner a differential speed for the Hinterachsräder 18 , Beat the operator B approximately to the right, the speed of the right traction drive factor 19a decreases and the speed of the left traction drive actuator 19b elevated. This drives the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 a right-hand bend, with the Vorderachsräder 16 follow the movement. In a left turn, the control is reversed accordingly. In this way, the turning circle can be reduced. In extreme cases, this type of steering allows turning on the spot.

To operate lawn care, the operator changes B , for example by pressing a switch 44 , In response to changing the operating mode from the transport mode to the working mode, the controller controls 40 at least the operator level factor 22 such that the operator's stand 20 is raised in a operator stand working position, which in 3 is shown. It can also be provided that when changing and / or in response to the change of the operating mode of the connector device actuator 32 is controlled such that the connection device 28 and consequently the lawn care device 30 be transferred to the lowered state. This can essentially coincide with the movement of the operator 20 or in succession. To the center of gravity S During the change to keep as low as possible and thus to achieve greater stability when changing, can lowering the connection device 28 preferably before lifting the operator's stand B started or completed.

In working mode is the connection device 28 and consequently also the lawn care device in the lowered state. The operator status 20 is in the operator stand working position. Thus, the eyes of the operator are B also in elevated position. Overall, therefore, the operator can B In working mode, you can see a larger floor area than in transport mode. In particular, the operator becomes B able to previously by the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 and / or the lawn care device 30 hidden floor areas BB view. Therefore, the operator B Easier to assess the quality of the work and, if necessary, make corrections to the lawn care device 30 make. It is for the operator B not required by the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle 10 dismount.

With the measures presented herein, lawn care equipment carrier vehicles can be improved. In particular, the safety in use can be increased during transport, with better control of the work result is made possible at work at the same time. In addition, the maneuverability can be increased by the drive wheels are driven at different drive speeds. In extreme cases, turning on the spot may be possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

self-propelled lawn care equipment carrier vehicle

12

vehicle frame

14

driving means

16

Vorderachsrad

18

Hinterachsrad

19

Fahrantriebsaktor

19a

right traction actuator

19b

left traction actuator

20

operator status

22

Bedienerstandsaktor

24

steering device

26

steering wheel

28

connecting device

30

Lawn care device

32

Anschlusseinrichtungsaktor

34

deep aerator

36

Power distribution system

38

hydraulic system

40

control device

42

angle sensor

44

switch

B

operator

BB

previously hidden floor areas

S

main emphasis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7096969 B2 [0002]
• US 6354388 B1 [0003]

Claims (15)

A self-propelled lawn care implement carrier vehicle (10) for a lawn care device (30) for lawn care connectable to the lawn care device vehicle (10), the lawn care device vehicle (10) being operable in a work mode or in a transport mode and one for an operator (B) formed operator station (20), which is movable due to the change from the transport mode to the working mode in an operator stand working position and due to the change from the working mode to the transport mode in an operator position transport position. Lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that due to the movement of the operator's stand (20) of the center of gravity (S) of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) is movable predominantly in the vertical direction. A lawn care implement carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when changing and / or in response to switching from the transport mode to the work mode, the operator stall (20) is liftable to the operator standby work position and / or when changing and / or responding upon switching from the working mode to the transport mode, the operator's stand can be lowered to an operator's station transport position. Lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operator's stand (20) is movable predominantly in the vertical direction between the operator stand working position and the operator stand transport position. Lawn care implement carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by control means (40) adapted to control the movement of the operator station (20) when changing and / or responding to change from one operating mode to the other operating mode in particular to raise or lower the operator station (20). Lawn care appliance carrier vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an operator position actuator (22) which can be actuated by the control device (40) for moving, in particular raising and lowering, the operator station (20) between the operator standing positions. Lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a steering device (24) for controlling the direction of movement of the lawn care device carrier vehicle (10), wherein the steering device (24) comprises a steering wheel (26). Lawn care appliance carrier vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a right traction actuator (19a) and a left traction actuator (19b), wherein the steering device (24) is formed, depending on a steering angle of the steering wheel (26) the traction drive actuators ( 19) at a differential speed to control the direction of movement of the lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10). Lawn care implement carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track width of front wheels (16) and rear wheels (18) is smaller than the working width of the lawn care appliance (30) to be connected to the lawn care appliance carrier vehicle (10). Lawn care appliance carrier vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by and a connection device (28) to which the lawn care appliance (30) can be detachably connected. Lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the connection device (28) is designed for raising and lowering the lawn care device (30). Lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) according to one of Claims 10 or 11 characterized in that due to the changing and / or in response to the change from the transport mode to the working mode, the connecting device (28) is movable to a lowered state and / or that due to changing and / or in response to switching from the working mode to the transport mode, the connection device (28) is movable in a raised state. Lawn care implement carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lawn care device (30) is selected from a group comprising grass suckers, artificial turf care devices, leaf extractors, foliage blowers, mowers, mower decks, lawn sweeping machines, sowing machines, depth ventilators (34) and scarifiers , Lawn care equipment carrier vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lawn care device (30), in particular the depth fan (34), an effective depth of 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably from 15 cm to 30 cm and / or the lawn care device (30), in particular the depth fan (34), a working width from 1 m to 2 m, preferably from 1.2 m to 1.6 m. An operating method for operating a lawn care appliance carrier vehicle (10) for a lawn care appliance (30) for maintaining lawn, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, by moving an operator stand (20) of the lawn care appliance carrier vehicle (10) into an operator stand work position due to the changing and / or or in response to changing from a transport mode to a work mode and moving the operator station (20) to an operator stall transport position due to the change and / or in response to switching from the work mode to the transport mode.

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