EP1557494A1 - Snowplow - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a ploughshare (2) for removing snow from the ground and an upper part (3) for deflecting the flow of the snow, whereby the ploughshare joins below the upper part and has at least one hinged element (4) mounted on the upper part so that it turns from a positive resting point about a contact point when coming into contact with an obstruction. The hinged element is mounted so that it is forcibly raised simultaneously and before it reaches a negative position so as to jump over the obstruction.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a snow plow with a snow scraping off the ground Ploughshare and a flow of snow deflecting plow shell, the Ploughshare below the ploughshare top connects and at least one hinged element has, which is mounted on the plow shell so that it is at the abutment at an obstacle from a positive rest position first turns around a Anstosspunkt.

State of the art

A snow plow of the type mentioned is known from EP 0 656 086 B1 (Zaugg AG). The hinged element of the ploughshare is connected via a pivot axis with a lever arm, which in the rest position is substantially horizontal and at its rear End is mounted pivotally in the vertical direction. The rotation axis is at the lower end arranged a connected to the plow upper support member. A spring, which attached at one end to the lever arm and at the other end to the support element, pushes the lever arm to its rest position. At a point of attack at the back of the Swivel element engages above the pivot axis to a cable. This one over a deflection roller deflected rope, which at its upper end to a vertically oriented Feather is attached, which in turn supported on the support beam of the plow shell is. If the hinged element hits an obstacle, then the pivoting element becomes swung into a negative evasive position, by first around the Starting point turns. Once the element has turned sufficiently strong into the negative position is, it can break away from the obstacle and skip it. Of particular advantage compared with previously known solutions in which a ploughshare in particular their The upper edge was rotatable, in this arrangement, the large escape path. Thereby become the occurring accelerations and forces in overcoming an obstacle kept low so that plowing is made possible at high speeds without having to when driving over obstacles excessive loads on the ploughshare and their Storage act.

The known construction has springs on both the cable and on the lever arm and is quite expensive. In addition, even with obstacles of low altitude is a big Alternative way necessary.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is a belonging to the aforementioned technical field To create a snow plow, which provides reliable snow removal in the event of obstacles allows.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the Invention, the hinged element is mounted so that it, simultaneously with the rotational movement and before it reaches a negative position, it is forcibly raised, so that the obstacle can be overcome.

The fact that the hinged element is already raised before it is a negative position reached, at least obstacles of low altitude can already be overcome before the ploughshare is vertical. The evasive path is in any case the height of the obstacle customized. It does not necessarily reach a negative position until that Folding element raised enough to overcome the obstacle can. The track on which the hinged element is lifted and no snow can be scraped, is therefore reduced at small obstacles. Nevertheless, they work at all obstacle heights similarly low loads on the hinged element and its Storage. The adapted avoidance path has the further advantage that cross-columns or grooves in the road, as z. B. at transitions between bridge plates occur, even at high speeds can be safely overcome. Such columns have only a small depth, so that already a small force Lifting movement is sufficient so that the ploughshare dissolves from the column. Because in this Situation therefore never a negative position is reached, there is no risk that the plowshare can get caught in the crack. The snowplow can be at full speed be driven over such columns.

Advantageously, the hinged element is stored in such a way that it is in a negative position is foldable. This also allows to overcome obstacles with a high altitude. Once the hinged element reaches a negative position, so if the rotational movement is continued after the ploughshare has reached its vertical position, the raised lower edge of the folding element alone due to the rotational movement. Together with the forced lifting results in an accelerated lifting movement.

Alternatively, the hinged element may be mounted so that the forced lifting movement sufficient to jump over even those obstacles with the highest expected height, without the hinged element to be folded into a negative position got to.

Preferably, the hinged element is pivotable about a first horizontal axis lower lever and on a pivotable about a second horizontal axis upper Lever stored. The two horizontal axes are each with respect to the plow shell firmly, d. H. the levers are on this directly or indirectly (eg on one at the top fixed support) rotatably mounted. These two levers create a mechanical one simple and stable storage for the pivot element and set its pivotal movement clearly stated. In particular, by this determination, the compulsory lifting when turning the element causes. Due to the arrangement and shape of the lever results when the element is folded away, the superimposition of a rotational movement about an effective one Axis which passes approximately through that point of the element in which it is on Obstruction, and a lifting movement.

Alternatively, one of the levers z. B. by a guide, such as a slotted guide or a guide rail to be replaced.

Preferably, the upper lever has a curved shape, wherein in the rest position a Bend the upper lever facing down. The upper lever is arranged so that a first bearing on the hinged element is positioned lower than a second bearing on the plow shell (or on the support element). The positioning of the bearings allows the Rotary movement of the hinged element to be executed around an effective axis of rotation can, which runs approximately through the Anstosspunkt. The upper part of the element namely, forcibly initially obliquely upward in the direction of travel of the snowplow guided. The curved shape of the upper lever conflicts with the plow shell avoided.

Preferably, the hinged element on two laterally lateral lower levers and a central upper lever. The hinged element is through the in the transverse direction laterally mounted (lower) lever mechanically stable stored and guided. The laterally offset arrangement of the upper and lower levers becomes conflicts avoided between the levers and their fasteners and bearings, and it results in a uniform force distribution on the storage of the hinged element.

Alternatively, a hinged element by a larger number of lower and / or or it can be held on two laterally arranged upper levers and a central lower lever.

Advantageously, the snow plow has a compression spring, preferably a rubber hollow spring, on, which engages at a point of application of the lower lever such that the hinged Element is pressed into the rest position if there is no obstacle. The upper lever is free to move, so it is not, for example, by spring means in a certain Position pushed. Federmittel for the upper lever so unnecessary, which simplifies the construction and the vote of the folding mechanism is facilitated. Compared to the solution known from EP 0 656 086 B1, for example, in a hinged element which is mounted on two lower and one upper holding means is a spring means, the corresponding storage and optionally a tuning device be saved for the spring means. A rubber duck feather is due to her Robustness and simplicity over other, alternatively usable spring means, such as Coil springs or oil or gas pressure cylinders, preferably.

Preferably, the lower lever has a curved shape. The point of application of the compression spring is arranged in the area of the bend. The lower lever is arranged so that in the Rest position the bend points upwards and a first bearing of the lower lever on the hinged Element is positioned slightly higher than a second bearing on the plow shell (or the support element). Due to the upturned shape of the lower lever is a good power transfer from the compression spring to the lever allows, even if the lever is short and the spring is arranged quite flat. This allows the swivel mechanism be made compact for the ploughshare element. By the specified Positioning the bearings will ensure that the pivoting mechanism is in place Butting against an obstacle pivots upwards and does not jam.

Alternatively, the lower lever may be made longer and straight, with the compression spring steeper should be mounted so that in the rest position good power transmission to the Lever is guaranteed.

Preferably, the compression spring is arranged on a spring rod, which at the point of application engages the lower lever and their position when unloaded in the pressure direction Spring is adjustable, allowing a position of the hinged element in its rest position and a spring force of the compression spring are selectable. This will be an adaptation of the Swing mechanism to external conditions such as driving speed, thickness the snow layer and / or the expected obstacles allows. At the same time the wear of the lower edge of the hinged element can be compensated, and several juxtaposed pivotable elements can be aligned become.

Alternatively, with an oil or gas spring, the spring rod may be integrated with the spring means For example, the spring allows adjustment of the preload, the tension and / or the pressure level.

Advantageously, the upper lever on the plow upper part is mounted in an oval bearing such that he has in the direction of a major axis of the oval bearing a certain game, which an adaptation of the folding element of the ploughshare allowed to uneven floors. For minor bumps, the element deviates first, d. H. before the pivoting movement in a certain way, determined by the dimensions of the oval bearing, Frame to the rear and up. By the return means (eg the compression spring) of the pivoting mechanism, the element is then returned to its rest position pressed. Due to the interaction of the oval bearing and the return means so created a cushioning, which ensures that the ploughshare the soil reliable follows, so that even in unevenness the snow is reliably cleared.

Alternatively, the storage can be free of play and the suspension by pivoting and raising the hinged element, or the support element, on which the hinged element is mounted, can be cushioned against the plow shell.

Preferably, the hinged element is slightly tilted in the transverse direction, in particular in that the levers are held in bearings made of an elastic material. Thereby You can also follow bumps that do not span the full width of the folding Elements are equally pronounced. The elastic material may be polyurethane, for example (PUR) or rubber. The flexible bearings can only on the plow shell or be formed on the hinged element, but preferably at both ends of the lever.

Alternatively, especially with hinged elements of small width, on flexible bearings be waived.

Advantageously, the ploughshare has a plurality of juxtaposed, individually hinged Elements on. Obstacles usually have only a small lateral extent. At the To overcome the obstacle, therefore, only that hinged element has to be pivoted which is driven directly over the obstacle. That's how it works when panning moving mass and thus the storage of the hinged element and the entire plow arrangement acting force, which by the vertical division of the Snow plow is already reduced, even further reduced. The individual elements In addition, they can adapt independently of each other to uneven floors and, if necessary be tilted in the transverse direction. The lower edge of the hinged elements becomes also usually formed by wear rails made of steel or plastic. These can be changed independently for different elements.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims result further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemässen Schneepflugs mit dem klappbaren Element in der Ruheposition;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schrägansicht des erfindungsgemässen Schneepflugs;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Aufsicht senkrecht zur rückwärtigen Hauptfläche des erfindungsgemässen Schneepflugs;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemässen Schneepflugs mit dem klappbaren Element in der negativen Endposition; und

Fig. 5

einen Vergleich zwischen der Ruhe- und der negativen Endposition in Seitenansicht.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of the inventive snowplow with the hinged element in the rest position;

Fig. 2

a schematic oblique view of the inventive snowplow;

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view perpendicular to the rear main surface of the inventive snowplow;

Fig. 4

a schematic side view of the inventive snowplow with the hinged element in the negative end position; and

Fig. 5

a comparison between the resting and the negative end position in side view.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a schematic side view of the inventive snowplow, wherein the hinged element is in the rest position; Figure 2 shows a schematic oblique view and Figure 3 is a schematic plan view perpendicular to rearward main surface.

The snow plow 1 comprises a ploughshare 2 with a hinged element 4, for scraping or picking up the snow and a plow shell 3, which the snow for Side deflected. Only one part of the snowplow is shown with a single one hinged element 4. Along the entire width of the ploughshare top 3 are more hinged elements arranged next to the illustrated. Depending on the width of the Plows can be provided with two, three, four or more elements. For narrow plows can satisfy a single element.

Apart from a narrow gap 5 close the ploughshare 2 and the plow shell 3 flush with each other, with the inclinations of the two front surfaces matched are to ensure optimal snow flow.

Ploughshare top 3 and ploughshare 2 are directly or indirectly on a transversely extending Supporting beam 6 supported. This in turn is on a frame (not shown) held, which serves to attach the snowplough 1 front of a vehicle. The plowing top 3 is known per se from the prior art, in the following therefore becomes not discussed in detail. It may, for example, be a fixed plow shell made of plastic or sheet steel or even to a flexible plate like out EP 0 656 086 B1.

The foldable element 4 of the ploughshare 2 is substantially plate-shaped and means two laterally disposed lower lever 7, 7 'and a centrally located upper Levers 8 pivotally mounted on the support beam 6. The following is just one of the two lower lever 7, 7 ', namely the lever 7, and the cooperating parts reference taken. The design and arrangement of the other lever 7 'is identical; in Figures 2 and 3 are the reference numerals of the corresponding parts with a dash Mistake.

The front bearings 9, 10 for the lower lever 7 and the upper lever 8 are at one Main part 11 of the folding element 4 is arranged. The bearing 9 of the lower lever 7th defines a horizontal axis of rotation in the transverse direction, parallel to the main surface of the element 4, and is located approximately halfway up the element 4. The camp 10 of Upper lever 8 in turn defines a horizontal axis of rotation in the transverse direction, but is arranged near the upper end of the hinged element 4.

The lower lever 7 is rotatably mounted at its other end to a support element 12, wherein the support member 12 is fixedly connected to the support beam 6 of the snowplow 1 is. In the illustrated rest position, the corresponding bearing 13 is slightly lower positioned as the other bearing 9 of the lower lever 7 on the hinged element 4. Der lower lever 7 has a curved shape with two legs, which is an upwardly directed Enclose knees. The bearings 9, 13 of the lower lever 7 have an insert elastic polyurethane (PUR) on. Due to this use, the lower lever 7th perform a certain wobbling, and the bearings 9, 13 are self-lubricating and thus practically maintenance free.

The upper lever 8 serves as a control lever for the movement of the folding element 4 and is rotatably mounted at its rear end to a bearing element 14. This bearing element 14 is located directly on the support beam 6, well above the other Bearing 10 of the upper lever 8 on the element 4. The bearing element 14 is by two directly formed on the support beam 6 welded tabs, each having an oval opening have, the long main axis obliquely, in the illustrated rest position approximately extends parallel to the lowermost, resting on the bottom portion of the hinged element 4. The held in the two openings of the tabs upper lever 8 can be a linear Movement along the long main axis, ie approximately parallel to the lowest Plow share 2, the game is about 10-15 mm.

The upper lever 8 also has a curved shape, with three approximately C-shaped arranged legs, which with respect to the bearing 10 and the bearing element 14 after pointing down. As a result, the support beam 6 is avoided, which otherwise the mobility would affect the pivoting mechanism.

The upper lever 8 is in the bearing 10 and in the bearing element 14 also on an insert elastic polyurethane, so that he also perform a certain wobbling motion can. Together with the mobility of the lower lever 7 becomes a slight lateral Tilting (by about 1-2 °) of the folding element 4 allows. This can make that happen Foldable element to adapt to uneven floors. Also, the bearing 10 and the bearing element 14 are self-lubricating and therefore practical due to the flexible use maintenance-free.

On the support beam 6 of the snowplow 1 a stop 15 is further arranged, on which in the illustrated rest position of the uppermost region of the hinged element 4 at its Rear is supported. This results in a stable mechanical storage of the element 4, and in particular the upper lever 8 is the pressure of the scraped off and along of element 4 pushed up snow relieved. To adjust the rest position of the hinged element 4 can change the position of the stop 15 by a set screw become.

At the lower end of the main part 11 of the element 4, a holding profile 17 is attached. At this is a knife-like Verschleissschiene 16 removably attached, for example screwed. The wear rail 16 is made in particular of steel or a Plastic such. B. a polyurethane elastomer.

At the lower lever 7 is near the lever knee, slightly in the direction of the rear leg offset, a spring rod 18 rotatably mounted. The point of attack is by another Camp 19 formed. At its other end, the spring rod 18 is adjustable on the fixed stored with the supporting beam 6 supporting element 12. The position of the spring rod 18 in the rest position can be adjusted via an adjusting nut 20. The middle one Area of the spring rod 18 is enclosed by two hollow rubber springs 21, 22. The rear rubber hollow spring 21 is supported on the support element 12 via a sliding disk 23, the front rubber hollow spring 22 via a support plate 25 at one of the spring rod 18 arranged adjusting nut 24. The sliding disk 23 has a double-conical Inside, with the narrowest cross-section, which corresponds to the cross section of the spring rod 18 corresponds, arranged longitudinally between the conical sections is. This allows a certain wobbling movement of the spring rod 18, so that angle deviations can be compensated, which is not exactly straight through the Path of the camp 19 result. Between the hollow rubber springs 21, 22 is one on the spring rod 18 sliding support plate 26 is arranged. Between the support 12th and the adjusting nut 20, a bush 27 is mounted from an elastic material, the dampen the occurring forces during rapid spring back of the hinged element 4. The release force of the folding element 4 can be adjusted via the adjusting nut 24 become.

The support elements 9, 9 'are provided with side covers, so that the hollow rubber springs 21, 22 are protected against contamination. Thus in the oblique view (FIG. 2) the parts contained within the support elements are visible, the side covers but omitted in the illustration.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of the snowplow according to the invention with the hinged element in its rear and upper end position. The lower edge the hinged element 4 is pushed back so far that they are behind the upper Edge lies; the hinged element 4 thus has a negative position. In the final position are the hollow rubber springs 21, 22 maximum compressed, the hinged element 4 pushes in its central region to the stop 15, and the C-shaped legs of the upper lever 8 are directly on the support beam 6. Another rotation is no longer possible.

The negative end position thus determines the maximum lift y and the maximum avoidance travel x (see Figure 3). In the example shown, the maximum lift y is about 8 cm, the maximum avoidance x approx. 35 cm. Unless an obstacle with a lower Height must be overcome as the maximum lift y, the escape path accordingly be smaller than the maximum avoidance path x. Because of the long escape route may obstacles with the normal driving speed of the snowplow of 50-60 km / h are driven over.

The crossing of an obstacle happens as follows. The snow plow 1 comes with the lower edge of the ploughshare 2 on an obstacle located on the ground. At the other Ride the hinged element 4 by the obstacle with respect to the Schneepflugoberteils 3 pushed backwards. First, the springs by the upper lever 8 and the oval Bearing element 14 formed cushioning mechanism until a stop is reached. In this case, the hinged element 4 is slightly on, but the lower edge is still on Ground up. As soon as the upper lever 8 has reached the stop position, in a second Phase the force acting on the hinged element 4 force on the lower lever. 7 transfer, whereby this - overcoming the spring force of the two hollow rubber springs 21, 22 - is pivoted clockwise. The upper lever 8 must be forced also pivot in a clockwise direction, due to the fixed distance of the bearings 9, 10 of the both levers 7, 8 on the hinged element 4. Also in this second phase runs the Movement of the lower edge of the hinged element 4 still approximately parallel to the ground. At the same time, however, a rotational movement of the hinged element 4 results approximately a rotation axis which passes through the Anstosspunkt.

As soon as a certain limit angle is exceeded, long before the hinged element 4 reaches a vertical position, the shape and arrangement of the two levers 7, 8 leads forcibly causing the lower edge of the hinged element 4 lifted off the ground becomes. The combined turning and lifting movement, during which the lower edge of the hinged element 4 to the rear and to the top and the top edge to the front and is moved upward until the stroke exceeds the height of the obstacle. At this time, the obstacle is overcome and the hinged element 4 instantly returns to its resting position. The movement in the resting position is stopped by that arranged at the rear end of the spring bar 18 bushing 27 comes to rest on the outside of the support member 12. The sleeve 27 from a elastic material dampens the forces occurring.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example The lower and upper levers can move laterally differently on the hinged element to be ordered. The spring mechanism can also be adjusted, for. B. by using coil springs, oil or gas cylinders. The spring mechanism can also - or additionally - act on the upper lever. By adapting the forms and dimensions of the two levers, there are other evasive movements of the hinged element; For example, the invention can be carried out so that the hinged Element can not take a negative position and that by the folding movement already in a positive position a sufficient stroke to overcome the expected Obstacles is reached.

Instead of (not acted upon by a spring) control lever z. B. a slotted guide be used for the hinged element.

In summary, it should be noted that created by the invention, a snow plow which allows safe operation at high speeds.

Claims (11)

Snow plow with a plowshare (2) scraping off the ground and a plow shell (3) deflecting a stream of snow, the ploughshare (2) joining below the plow shell (3) and having at least one hinged element (4) attached to the top of the plow (3) is mounted such that, when abutting an obstacle, it first turns from a positive rest position to an abutment point, characterized in that the hinged element (4) is mounted in such a way that, at the same time and before it reaches a negative position, is forcibly raised, so that the obstacle can be skipped. Snow plow according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinged element (4) is mounted such that it can be folded to a negative position. Snow plow according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hinged element (4) on one about a first, relative to the plow upper part (3) fixed horizontal axis pivotable lower lever (7) and at a second, with respect to the plow upper part (3 ) fixed horizontal axis pivotable upper lever (8) is mounted. Snow plow according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper lever (8) has a curved shape, wherein in the rest position, a bend of the upper lever (8) facing down and a first bearing (10) of the upper lever (8) on the hinged Element (4) is positioned lower than a second bearing (14) of the upper lever (8) on the plow upper part (3). Snow plow according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the hinged element (4) on two laterally lateral lower levers (7, 7 ') and a central upper lever (8) is mounted. Snow plow according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a compression spring (21, 22), preferably a rubber hollow spring, which engages at a point of application of the lower lever (7) such that the hinged element (4) in the Rest position is pressed, as long as there is no obstacle, and that the upper lever (8) is free to move. Snow plow according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower lever (7) has a curved shape, wherein the point of application is disposed in the region of a bend, and wherein in the rest position, the bend of the lower lever (7) facing upward and a first bearing (9) of the lower lever (7) on the hinged element (4) is positioned slightly higher than a second bearing (13) of the lower lever (7) on the plow upper part (3). Snow plow according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the compression spring (21, 22) on a spring rod (18) is arranged, which acts on the point of application of the lower lever (7), and their position in the direction of pressure unloaded spring (21, 22 ) is adjustable, so that a position of the hinged element (4) in its rest position and a spring force of the compression spring (21, 22) are selectable. Snow plow according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the upper lever (7) on the plow upper part (3) in an oval bearing (14) is mounted such that it in the direction of a major axis of the oval bearing (14) a certain amount of play which allows an adaptation of the hinged element (4) of the ploughshare (2) to uneven floors. Snow plow according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the hinged element (4) in the transverse direction is slightly tilted, in particular in that the levers (7, 8) in bearings (9, 10, 13, 14) of an elastic Material are kept. Snow plow according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ploughshare (2) has a plurality of juxtaposed, individually hinged elements (4).

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