EP2386690B1 - Snow clearing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to snow removal equipment for removing snow from paths and squares, comprising a frame on which a snow shovel for pushing and / or picking up snow and at least one wheel for supporting the frame are mounted, the position of the at least one Rades with respect to the frame and with respect to the blade is variable and wherein the snow blade is pivotable relative to the frame about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one wheel in the forward direction of the snow removal device.

Such snow removal equipment are known per se. Examples of this type of snow removal equipment are in DE1813543U . DE1939144U . DE8413361U . US4214385 . US4865373 or US6457757 described. All of these snow removal equipment, in one way or another, facilitates the user's activities in snow clearing, such as picking up, removing and unloading snow. In none of these known snow removal equipment, however, is a simple adaptation of the device to occur during its use different conditions such as ground properties or snow conditions or a respective simple adaptation of the device to the above activities when snow clearing possible.

That in the CA2228877 Although the snow-clearing device described makes it possible to adapt to such different conditions and activities, the entire frame on which the snow-shovel and the wheels are mounted must be turned about its axis with the foot. This is not only cumbersome for some users, especially elderly or infirm persons, but also dangerous in wintry conditions, because the user has only one foot traction during foot operation of the frame, so that when this foot slips away for the user an increased risk of falling consists.

That in the US5581915 described snow removal device allows the sliding of snow. Since its blade can not be pivoted about a horizontal axis of rotation, however, the picking and unloading of snow is difficult or even impossible depending on the user of the device.

The from the US3748761 and the DE3503328 Known snow removing devices do not contain a blade, which is pivotable relative to the device about a horizontal axis of rotation by means of a blade-linkage. The taking up and unloading of snow therefore proves to be less comfortable for the user.

The document US4302894A shows a sliding carriage on which a blade is arranged, which is pivotable. Due to the fixed arrangement of the wheels handling of this device is difficult.

The document US2005 / 160632A1 shows a snow removal device, in which the wheels are fixed in the extended state with use of this device, and which has a blade, which is provided with a latching device, by means of which the blade can be brought into a tilted position.

The invention has for its object to provide a snow removal device that is simple in construction and which allows wegzuschieben the snow, charge and carry away and unload, the operation of the device remains simple.

In order to achieve this object, the inventions provide snow removal equipment for removing snow from paths and squares having a frame to which a snow shovel for pushing and / or picking up snow and at least one wheel for supporting the frame are mounted of the at least one wheel with respect to the frame and thus with respect to the blade is variable and wherein the snow blade is pivotable relative to the frame about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one wheel in the forward direction of the snow removal device, according to the invention, the blade and the at least a wheel gradually adjustable and can be fixed in different positions. On the one hand, this allows the device to be adapted to different conditions, such as ground properties or snow conditions, and, on the other hand, to be adapted for the activities occurring during snow clearing, such as picking up, transporting away and unloading snow. The frame remains essentially unchanged in its position or spatial orientation. It is only the position of the one or more wheels with respect to the frame and thus changed with respect to the blade.

The pivoting about the axis of rotation, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one wheel in the forward direction of travel of the snow removal device, and which is referred to hereinafter as the horizontal axis, serves to push, pick up, carry away and unload snow for the respective one of them Adjust work steps appropriately. In other words, the device for each of these steps can be brought into a specific overall shape. Thus, it is achieved that either the respectively set rigid shape of the wheel suspension and the blade having rigid device for pushing or carrying away snow is suitable or that the respective changing shape of the wheel suspension and the blade having device for recording or Offloading snow is suitable.

The stepwise adjustability of the blade and the at least one wheel results in optimum usability.

Preferably, in the snow removing apparatus, the frame has handles on which a user can hold the snow removing device. This contributes to the stable attitude of the device, which can be kept spatially stable by at least one wheel and by two handles. It also provides the user with a secure hold or stand by the two handles, which is helpful in winter conditions.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the snow removal device, the device has an operating element, which serves in particular for changing the position of the at least one wheel. This makes it possible to change the position of the at least one wheel with respect to the frame. Thus, e.g. raising and lowering of the frame together with the snow blade attached to it, or it can by increasing the distance between the at least one wheel and the frame ("extension of the wheel or wheels") at the support point of the wheel or the Support points of the wheels are provided a pivot point or an axis of rotation about which the frame and with it the snow-loaded blade can be rotated by acting on the two handles of the device with a force, in particular by pressing down the handles. This is especially helpful when you have to overcome a height difference when removing snow from the device with the snow-loaded snow shovel from a snow cleared area or a lower area of the path / area to a snow covered area or higher area of the path / square. After overcoming this height difference, the position of the at least one wheel with respect to the frame may be changed again, e.g. reducing the distance between the at least one wheel and the frame ("retraction of the wheel (s)"). The device then rests on the bucket and can be slid on this sliding in the forward direction of travel.

Conveniently, along the sliding direction or forward direction of the snow removal device, the snow shovel front, which arranged at least one wheel in the middle and the handles behind. This allows the snow-laden after picking up snow Raise the bucket by depressing the handles of the tool in a particularly ergonomic manner and balance it while moving the snow away. The user has to provide only a small amount of active force by muscle power, since he can apply a large part of the force required for this purpose passively by shifting his weight.

The snow removal device according to the invention can be designed in several variants with respect to its wheels.

In a first variant, the frame is movably mounted on a single central wheel. This one-point support of the device on the ground allows any pivoting of the device and thus the bucket. This first variant is suitable for a device with a smaller blade or for picking up, carrying away and discharging smaller amounts of snow in a respective such sequence of steps.

In a second variant, the frame is movably mounted on two central wheels. This two-point support of the device at the bottom defines an axis, around which a pivoting of the device and thus the blade in a defined plane is made possible vertically to the surface of the path or space to be cleared. This second variant is suitable for a device with a larger blade or for picking up, carrying away and unloading large amounts of snow in a respective such sequence of steps.

According to further variants, the frame is movably supported on a multi-wheel arrangement, in particular on a tricycle or a four-wheel arrangement, in which each of the several wheels is arranged in the corner of a polygon, in particular a triangle or a quadrangle. This multi-point support of the device allows a defined positioning or orientation of the device with respect to the surface to be cleared the way or place.

Preferably, the snow shovel is by process (translation) and / or by pivoting (rotation) with respect to the frame and thus height adjustable with respect to the way / place. This allows adaptation to the ground conditions, in particular to unevenness or roughness of the path or space to be cleared.

Preferably, the at least one wheel with respect to the frame and retractable. Thus, the at least one wheel can be used as needed in the extended state for power-saving driving away of the snow load on the blade, or it can allow in the retracted state, that the frame including the blade is lowered and sled, for example. with the underside of the blade acting as a support, is pushed.

For the retractability and extensibility of the at least one wheel two variants are preferred.

In a first variant, the wheel suspension member of the at least one wheel with respect to the frame in its length is variable. This length extends between a suspension bearing, by means of which the wheel suspension member is mounted on the frame, and a wheel bearing, by means of which the wheel is mounted on the wheel suspension member. This wheel suspension link with telescopic mechanism requires little space.

In a second variant, the wheel suspension member of the at least one wheel is variable with respect to the frame in its angle to the frame. In this pivoting mechanism, this wheel suspension member is pivotable about its suspension bearing with respect to the frame. This variant is hardly endangered by freezing of penetrating moisture.

In order to achieve a particularly comfortable operation, one or more blade adjustment controls for adjusting the blade on the first of the two handles are arranged in the snow removal device according to the invention, and / or one or more wheel adjustment controls for the adjustment of the wheels on the second of the arranged two handles.

The stepped adjustment of the bucket or wheels may be done by positive locking means, e.g. Latching be pressed by means of a permanent force acting on this against a connected to the blade or wheels actuator with latching recesses to fix this in a particular position. Here too, the latching pawls can be released by active actuation of the operating elements and the blade or the wheels can be brought into the desired position. After actively operating the controls, the bucket or the wheels are fixed in the desired position by the pawls again.

In order to bring the bucket or the wheels into a respective desired and to be fixed position and to operate the locking devices, preferably linkages and / or cables between the controls and the actuators of the bucket or the wheels are provided. As controls preferably push rods, pivot levers or cranks (winches) are used, with which a respective linkage or a respective cable pull can be actuated. To overcome great forces, such as the lifting of the snow-loaded blade, a long pivoting lever or a crank is preferably used.

In a preferred embodiment, the vane adjustment control is a vane hand lever operable vane cable tether connected to the snow vane and the apparatus includes a vane return member which is adapted to pivot the snow vane with respect to the frame about the horizontal axis of rotation counteracts, and / or is the Radverstellung-control element operable via a wheel lever, connected to the wheel suspension member wheel cable and the device includes a wheel return member, which a method of at least one wheel counteracts the frame. After actuation of the respective cable pull for bucket pivoting or wheel Verfahrens the respective cable is fixed in one of several possible positions, which corresponds to a selected position of the blade or the at least one wheel. As a blade return member and wheel return member springs, for example in the form of coil springs or leaf springs can be used.

In a first particularly preferred embodiment, the snow removal device includes a blade linkage which is operable via a blade control rod and connected to the snow blade, and / or a wheel linkage operable via a wheel control rod and connected to the wheel suspension member is. Preferably, the respective control rod of the blade-linkage and the wheel-linkage is fixable in selected positions, which corresponds to a selected position of the blade or the at least one wheel. Such linkages allow adjustment of the bucket and the at least one wheel in both directions by the operator shifting the control rod in one direction or the other by pushing or pulling. Return members are unnecessary.

In a second particularly preferred embodiment, the snow removal device includes a blade linkage which is operable via a blade adjustment lever and connected to the snow blade, and / or a wheel linkage, which is actuated via a wheel lever and connected to the wheel suspension member is. Again, the respective adjusting lever of the blade-linkage and the wheel-linkage is preferably fixable in selected positions, which in turn corresponds to a selected position of the blade or the at least one wheel. Such linkages allow adjustment of the bucket and the at least one wheel in both Directions by the operator pivots the lever in one direction or the other. Here, too, reset elements are unnecessary.

Conveniently, the underside of the blade is provided in some areas with skids. This improves the tracking of the snowplow when it is operated without, i. with retracted wheels, e.g. is moved on a snow surface.

Furthermore, one or more brushes can be provided on the underside of the snow removal device, which are arranged downstream along the direction of travel of the snow removal device of the blade or of the blade leading edge. The brushes may be attached to the frame and / or to the blade. Conveniently, elastic means such as metal springs are provided, which are arranged between a respective brush and the frame or the blade, while the brushes are slidably mounted with a vertical movement component. As a result, the brushes are pressed against the ground during operation. Preferably, two respective rotatable about a vertical axis brushes are arranged side by side, whose axes of rotation are coupled to the wheel axle of the snow removal device, so that they also rotate when pushing forward the snow removal device. Alternatively, one or two inclined to the direction of travel, fixed on the underside of the snow removal device brushes may be provided. These brushes are particularly advantageous when the ground facing leading edge of the blade is moved a small distance of, for example, 1cm to 3cm above the ground of the path or space to prevent sliding friction between the blade and the ground. The remaining thin layer of snow can then be brushed off easily by the brushes moving relative to the ground. The brushes thus compensate for unevenness of the soil by protruding into soil depressions and taking along the snow lying in the soil depressions, which is not detected by means of the shovel passing over the depressions. Another significant advantage of the brushes is that even with a thin and / or loose layer of snow with the inventive snow removal equipment without a blade. ie with raised blade leading edge, the soil can get rid of snow very well.

Likewise, a container for salt solution or salt grains can be arranged downstream of the snow removal device along the direction of travel of the snow removal device of the blade, the dispensing device of which can be actuated via an operating element. Thus, salt can be sprayed or sprinkled immediately after snow clearing. This allows snow clearing and salting the way or place in one operation. In addition, it is less likely that one forgets to salt certain areas of the cleared path or place.

Instead of the described separate, i. independent of the adjustability of the snow shovel position and the wheel position of the at least one wheel via the shovel linkage or via the wheel linkage by means of a blade adjustment operating element or by means of a wheel adjustment operating element, these two linkages can also be coupled to one another in such a way that that the adjustment of the position of the snow shovel and the at least one wheel is effected by a single control element.

• Fig. 1 eine Seitenansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Schneeräumgeräts in einer ersten Einstellung ist;
• Fig. 2 eine Perspektivansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in der Einstellung von Fig. 1 von vorne betrachtet ist;
• Fig. 3 eine Perspektivansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in der Einstellung von Fig. 1 von hinten betrachtet ist;
• Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in einer zweiten Einstellung ist;
• Fig. 5 eine Perspektivansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in der Einstellung von Fig. 4 von vorne betrachtet ist;
• Fig. 6 eine Perspektivansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in der Einstellung von Fig. 4 von hinten betrachtet ist;
• Fig. 7 eine Seitenansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in einer dritten Einstellung ist;
• Fig. 8 eine Perspektivansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in der Einstellung von Fig. 7 von vorne betrachtet ist;
• Fig. 9 eine Perspektivansicht des Schneeräumgeräts in der Einstellung von Fig. 7 von hinten betrachtet ist;
• Fig. 10 eine gegenüber der in Fig. 1 bis 9 gezeigten ersten Schaufelvariante des Schneeräumgeräts abgewandelte zweite Schaufelvariante in einer Perspektivansicht von unten zeigt;
• Fig. 11 eine Seitenansicht der zweiten Schaufelvariante ist;
• Fig. 12 eine Seitenansicht einer dritten Schaufelvariante ist;
• Fig. 13 eine Ansicht des teilweise geschnittenen Schneeräumgeräts in der Blickrichtung D von Fig. 1 ist;
• Fig. 14 eine Ansicht des teilweise geschnittenen Schneeräumgeräts in der Blickrichtung D von Fig. 4 ist;
• Fig. 15A eine vergrösserte Seitenansicht des Schaufel-Gestänges mit der Schaufel in einer ersten Stellung ("ausgefahren") ist;
• Fig. 15B eine vergrösserte Seitenansicht des Schaufel-Gestänges mit der Schaufel in einer zweiten Stellung ("eingefahren") ist;
• Fig. 16A eine vergrösserte Seitenansicht des Rad-Gestänges mit dem Rad in einer ersten Stellung ("ausgefahren") ist;
• Fig. 16B eine vergrösserte Seitenansicht des Rad-Gestänges mit dem Rad in einer zweiten Stellung ("eingefahren") ist;
• Fig. 17 eine Perspektivansicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des Schneeräumgeräts ist;
• Fig. 18 eine Seitenansicht der in Fahrtrichtung linken Seite des Schneeräumgeräts von Fig. 17 ist;
• Fig. 19 eine Seitenansicht der in Fahrtrichtung rechten Seite des Schneeräumgeräts von Fig. 17 ist;
• Fig. 20 eine Bodenansicht des Schneeräumgeräts von Fig. 17 ist;
• Fig. 21 eine Draufsicht des Schneeräumgeräts von Fig. 17 ist; und
• Fig. 22A, B, C, D, E, F den inneren Aufbau der in Fig. 21 eingekreisten Abschnitte des Schneeräumgeräts von Fig. 17 zeigen.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the inventive snow removal device with reference to the drawing, wherein:

• Fig. 1 a side view of the first embodiment of the snow removal device in a first setting is;
• Fig. 2 a perspective view of the snow removal device in the setting of Fig. 1 viewed from the front;
• Fig. 3 a perspective view of the snow removal device in the setting of Fig. 1 viewed from the rear;
• Fig. 4 is a side view of the snow removal device in a second setting;
• Fig. 5 a perspective view of the snow removal device in the setting of Fig. 4 viewed from the front;
• Fig. 6 a perspective view of the snow removal device in the setting of Fig. 4 viewed from the rear;
• Fig. 7 is a side view of the snow removal device in a third setting;
• Fig. 8 a perspective view of the snow removal device in the setting of Fig. 7 viewed from the front;
• Fig. 9 a perspective view of the snow removal device in the setting of Fig. 7 viewed from the rear;
• Fig. 10 one opposite the in Fig. 1 to 9 shown modified second blade variant in a first perspective view of the first blade variant of the snow removal device from below;
• Fig. 11 a side view of the second blade variant is;
• Fig. 12 a side view of a third blade variant is;
• Fig. 13 a view of the partially cut snow removal device in the direction D of Fig. 1 is;
• Fig. 14 a view of the partially cut snow removal device in the direction D of Fig. 4 is;
• Fig. 15A an enlarged side view of the blade-linkage with the blade in a first position ("extended");
• Fig. 15B an enlarged side view of the blade-linkage with the blade in a second position ("retracted") is;
• Fig. 16A an enlarged side view of the wheel linkage with the wheel in a first position ("extended") is;
• Fig. 16B an enlarged side view of the wheel-linkage with the wheel in a second position ("retracted") is;
• Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the snow removal device;
• Fig. 18 a side view of the left in the direction of travel of the snow removal of Fig. 17 is;
• Fig. 19 a side view of the right in the direction of travel of the snow removal of Fig. 17 is;
• Fig. 20 a bottom view of the snow removal from Fig. 17 is;
• Fig. 21 a top view of the snow removal of Fig. 17 is; and
• Fig. 22A, B, C, D, E, F the internal structure of in Fig. 21 circled sections of the snowplow of Fig. 17 demonstrate.

In Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are a side view, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a first setting of the snow removal device 1 shown. The apparatus 1 essentially comprises a rigid frame 2, on which a snow shovel 5 is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation Ah1 and on which two wheels 6 are each pivotally mounted about a wheel suspension member 8 about a further horizontal axis of rotation Ah2. The axis of rotation 7 of the two wheels 6 extends between the two lower ends of the two wheel suspension members 8. In this first setting, the snow blade 5 is in a pivoted position, which is suitable for carrying away previously recorded with the blade 5 snow while the Both wheels 6 are in a downwardly pivoted position, so that the removal of the accumulated in the blade 5 snow can be done with little friction, since the leading edge of the blade 5 nowhere slides along and thus generates no sliding friction.

The blade 5 can be pivoted relative to the frame 2 by means of a blade-linkage 3 about the axis of rotation Ah1.

The frame 2 has the shape of a drawbar and contains a plurality of rigidly connected sections 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2j, 2k, 2l, 2m. The at the far end of the frame 2 on both sides arranged portions 2 a, 2 b are handles 2 a, 2 b, where you can hold the frame 2 and the device 1 in a forward direction F can push. Between the two handles extends the section 2c, which represents a two handles 2a, 2b crossbar 2c. Of the first handle 2a and the cross bar 2c extend in the longitudinal direction juxtaposed sections 2d, 2e, 2f, which form a first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f of the dike-shaped frame 2. Of the second handle 2b and the cross bar 2c extend in the longitudinal direction juxtaposed sections 2i, 2j, 2k, which form a second drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k of the dike-shaped frame 2. The portions 2d and 2f are pipe pieces connected by the portion 2e. The section 2e is formed as a rail in which the mutually facing ends of the pipe sections 2d, 2f are fixed. The rail 2e establishes a rigid connection between the pipe sections 2d, 2f, whereby the first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f is formed. The portions 2i and 2k are pipe pieces connected by the portion 2j. The portion 2j is formed as a rail in which the mutually facing ends of the pipe sections 2i, 2k are fixed. The rail 2j establishes a rigid connection between the pipe sections 2i, 2k, whereby the second drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k is formed. At the blade-side ends of the pipe sections 2f and 2k of the first and second drawbar, the blade 5 is pivotally mounted about the horizontal axis of rotation Ah1.

The blade linkage 3 includes a first member 31, a second member 32 and a third member 33. The first member 31 is hinged at its first end to a lug 5d of the blade 5. The second member 32 is articulated at its first end to a lug 2h of the frame 2. The first Member 31 is hinged at its second end to the second end of the second member 32. The third member 33 is hinged with its first end to the second end of the first member 31 and the second end of the second member 32, so that these three members 31, 32, 33 have a common pivot point, wherein the first member 31 and the second member 32 form a toggle. The third member 33 is articulated at its second end to a lug 34c of a blade control rod 34, as best seen in FIG Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B sees. This blade control rod 34 is formed as an elongate member 34b and slidably mounted inside the frame 2 along its longitudinal axis of the adjusting rod. At the far end, the blade control rod 34 has a handle-like operating element 34 a, on which the control rod 34 can be grasped in order to displace the control rod 34 for actuating the blade rod 3.

The wheels 6 can be pivoted relative to the frame 2 by means of a wheel linkage 4 about the axis of rotation Ah2 around.

The wheel linkage 4 includes a first member 41, a second member 42 and a third member 43. The first member 41 is hinged at its first end to a lug 8a of the wheel suspension member 8. The second member 42 is hinged at its first end to a lug 2 g of the frame 2. The first member 41 is hinged at its second end to the second end of the second member 42. The third member 43 is articulated with its first end to the second end of the first member 41 and the second end of the second member 42, so that these three members 41, 42, 43 have a common pivot point, wherein the first member 41 and the second member 42 form a toggle. The third member 43 is hinged at its second end to a lug 44c of a wheel control rod 44, as best seen in FIG Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B sees. This wheel-adjusting rod 44 is formed as an elongate member 44b and slidably mounted in the interior of the frame 2 along its adjusting rod longitudinal axis. At the remote end, the wheel control rod 44 has a handle-like control element 44 a, on which the control rod 44 can be engaged in order to displace the control rod 44 for actuating the wheel linkage 4.

In Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are a side view, a perspective view from the front and a rear perspective view of a second setting of the snow removal device 1 shown. In the 4 to 6 Reference numerals used are the same as those in FIG Fig. 1 to 3 used. In this second setting, the snow blade 5 is in a forward pivoted position suitable for pushing snow away with the blade 5 while the two wheels 6 are in an upwardly pivoted position. In this position, the snow removal device 1 corresponds to a conventional snow shovel, but instead of a central simple shaft, the two substantially parallel to each other drawbars 2d, 2e, 2f and 2i, 2j, 2k has.

In Fig. 7 . Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are a side view, a perspective view from the front and a perspective view from behind for a third setting of the snow removal device 1 shown. In the Fig. 7 to 9 Reference numerals used are the same as those in FIG Fig. 1 to 3 or in 4 to 6 used. In this third setting, the snow blade 5 is in the same forward pivoted position as in FIG 4 to 6 , which is suitable for pushing away snow with the blade 5, while the two wheels 6 are in the same downwardly pivoted position as In Fig. 1 to 3 , In this position, the snow removal device 1 over a conventional snow shovel has the advantage that the whole snow space device 1 or its substantially rigid frame 2 can be pivoted about the formed by the two support points of the two wheels 6 at the bottom horizontal axis of rotation Ah3. For this purpose, the operator must act on the frame 2 on the two handles 2a, 2b on the operator-side end of the frame 2 with a downwardly directed force KB. He has to overcome only the caused by the snow load KS on the blade 5 torque with respect to the axis of rotation Ah3. Since the length HS of the blade-side lever of the frame 2 is much smaller than the length of the operator-side lever HB of the frame 2, the force KB to be applied by the operator KB is much smaller than the force caused by the snow load on the blade 5 force. This force KB, which must be substantially in equilibrium with the force KS of the snow load, can also be easily applied by less powerful persons, especially since the person can apply this force using their own weight.

For a better overview was in Fig. 1 to 9 only one blade-linkage 3 relative to the direction of travel F shown on the left side of the frame 2 and only one wheel-linkage 4 relative to the direction of travel F on the right side of the frame 2 shown. Preferably, however, the snow removal device 1 according to the invention has both a blade-linkage 3 and a wheel linkage 4 both on the left side of the frame 2 and on the right-hand side of the frame 2. Preferably, the two operating elements 34a of the two blade linkages are also preferred 3 connected by a crossbar (not shown). Preferably, then in a similar manner, the two operating elements 44a of the two wheel-linkage 4 by a cross bar (not shown) connected to each other. This double version of the linkage 3 and 4 has the advantage that the device 1 is more stable overall and that both left-handers and right-handed people can easily and conveniently operate the two linkages 3, 4 of the device 1 via the respective crossbar.

In Fig. 10 is one opposite the in Fig. 1 to 9 shown second variant of a snow blade 5 'in a perspective view from below shown modified first blade variant of the snow removal device 1. This blade 5 'has on its two sides in each case a side wall 5e or 5f. This allows it to absorb more snow than, for example, the in Fig. 1 to 9 In addition, it has in the region of its two lateral lower edges in each case a recess 5a 'or 5b', in which the portion 2f or 2k of the blade-side end of the first drawbar rods 2d, 2e, 2f and the second drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k can be sunk. The recesses 5a 'and 5b' also serve each as a stop and guide for the blade 5 'in its zurückgeschwenkten position (see Fig. 1 . 2 . 3 . 15B ). On the one hand, this increases the stability of the blade 5 'to be loaded in this position and, on the other hand, reduces the sliding resistance between the underside of the blade 5' and a snow surface along which the snow removing device 1 is pushed with swiveled-in wheels 6. At the rear side of the blade 5 ', ie at the side remote from the blade leading edge, the blade 5' has a first projection 5c 'and a second projection 5d', on each of which the first member 31 (see eg Fig. 15A . 15B ) of a first and a second blade-linkage 3 can be articulated.

In Fig. 11 is a side view of the partially cut second blade variant 5 'shown. It can be seen the indentation 5a ', in which the section 2f of the first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f with the bucket 5' swung back (see eg Fig. 15B ) is present. This indentation 5 a 'thus forms a seat with the function of a stop limiting the blade pivot stroke and a guide stabilizing the device 1. Furthermore, one recognizes the first approach 5c 'and the side wall 5e of the blade 5'. By the sinkability of the drawbar section 2f in the recess 5a ', the blade 5' with little resistance on a snow surface SO slide.

In Fig. 12 3 shows a side view of the third blade variant 5 "It can be seen how the section 2f of the first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f bears against the bottom of the blade 5" when the blade 5 is pivoted back, and the first projection 5c and the side wall 5e of FIG Shovel 5 ". Since the two drawbar sections 2f and 2k (see also Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 ), which come to rest on the two lugs 5a and 5b of the blades 5 or 5 ", and these two lugs 5a and 5b have only a small width in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the direction F), they can indeed in the snow surface SO sink, but still not too much resistance when pushing forward the bucket 5 or 5 "is.

In Fig. 13 is a view of the partially cut snow removing device 1 in the viewing direction D of eg Fig. 1 . 2 or 3 shown. One recognizes the first handle 2a, the blade control element 34a connected to the blade control rod 34, a part of the crossbar 2c and, in section, the section 2e of the first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f and the elongated member 34b of the blade control rod 34, which extends within the first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f. The projection 34c and the handle-like blade operating element 34a (see Fig. 15A and 15B ) protrude through a longitudinal slot at the top of the first drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f and move upon actuation of the vane control rod 34 along this slot. The slot must extend at least at the top of the portion 2d as well as at the top of the portion 2f, so that the control element 34a and the projection 34c of the blade control rod 34 in the each slot can move guided. The drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f may be formed as a continuous tube with a longitudinal slot at the top and, if necessary. Also on its underside. Alternatively, it may be formed of two pipe sections 2d, 2f which are held together and stabilized by an elongate connecting piece 2e having an approximately U-shaped profile extending over the mutually facing end portions of the two pipe sections 2d, 2f.

In Fig. 14 is a view of the partially cut snow removing device 1 in the viewing direction D of eg Fig. 4 . 5 or 6 shown. One recognizes the second handle 2b, the wheel control element 44a connected to the wheel control rod 44, a part of the crossbar 2c and, in section, the section 2j of the second drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k and the elongated member 44b of the wheel control rod 44, which extends within the second drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k. The lug 44c and the handle-like wheel control 44a (see Fig. 16A and 16B ) protrude through a longitudinal slot at the top of the second drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k and move on actuation of the wheel-adjusting rod 44 along this slot. The slot must extend at least at the top of the portion 2i and at the top of the portion 2k, so that the control element 44a and the projection 44c of the wheel-adjusting rod 44 can move out in the respective slot. The drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k may be formed as a continuous tube with a longitudinal slot at the top and, if necessary. Also on its underside. Alternatively, it may be formed of two pipe sections 2i, 2k which are held together and stabilized by an elongate connecting piece 2j having an approximately U-shaped profile extending over the mutually facing end portions of the two pipe sections 2i, 2k.

In Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B is already described above blade-linkage 3 in a partially cutaway side view somewhat larger and shown in more detail. The blade control rod 34 has an elongate member 34b as a base body, which has a handle-like control element 34a at its operator end, on which the control rod 34 can be grasped, and at its blade end has a projection 34c, on which the blade-linkage 3 is articulated. The shovel linkage 3 essentially comprises a toggle lever 31, 32, whose first member 31 is articulated to the blade 5 and the second member 32 is hinged to the neck 2h of the drawbar 2d, 2e, 2f and at the knee joint, the third member 33 is articulated with hinged at its other end to the projection 34c of the blade control rod 34. The elongated base body 34b of the blade control rod 34 is visible in the cut-open region of the drawbar rod formed here as a continuous tube with the sections 2d, 2f. The elongated body 34b has a height (transverse dimension in the drawing plane of Fig. 15A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body), which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the drawbar tube and is a multiple of its thickness (transverse dimension perpendicular to Zeichebne the Fig. 15A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body). Preferably, in the base body 34b, the height to thickness ratio is in the range of 4/1 and 10/1. The thickness of the main body 34b corresponds to the width of the longitudinal slot at the top of the drawbar tube. This ensures a good guidance of the blade control rod 34 in the drawbar tube.

The adjustment of the blade adjustment is carried out, for example, via first formations (not shown) at predetermined locations along the drawbar tube with which the blade control rod 34 can be fixed with second formations (not shown) formed thereon by latching relative to the drawbar tube. Fig. 15A shows the blade-linkage 3 in the position with downwardly pivoted blade 5, wherein the front edge of the blade 5 rests on the ground. Fig. 15B shows the blade-linkage 3 in the position with upwardly pivoted blade 5, wherein the leading edge of the blade 5 is located above the ground.

In Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B is already described above wheel-linkage 4 in a partially cutaway side view somewhat larger and shown in more detail. The wheel control rod 44 has an elongate member 44b as a base body, which has a handle-like control element 44a at its operator end, on which the control rod 44 can be grasped, and at its blade end has a lug 44c, to which the wheel linkage 4 is articulated. The wheel linkage 4 essentially includes a toggle 41, 42, the first member 41 at a neck 8a of the wheel suspension member 8 is hinged and the second member 42 is hinged to the neck 2l of the drawbar 2i, 2j, 2k and at the knee joint, the third member 43 is hinged, with its other end to the lug 44c of the wheel control rod 44 is articulated. The elongate main body 44b of the wheel control rod 44 is visible in the cut-open region of the drawbar rod formed here as a continuous pipe with the sections 2i, 2l. The elongated body 44b has a height (transverse dimension in the drawing plane of Fig. 16A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body), which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the drawbar tube and is a multiple of its thickness (transverse dimension perpendicular to Zeichebne the Fig. 16A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body). In the case of the base body 44b, too, the ratio of height to thickness is preferably in the range of 4/1 and 10/1. The thickness of the main body 44b corresponds to the width of the longitudinal slot at the top of the drawbar tube. As a result, good guidance of the wheel control rod 44 is ensured in the drawbar tube.

The fixation of the wheel adjustment is also done here, for example via (not shown) first formations at predetermined locations along the drawbar tube with which the wheel control rod 44 can be fixed with her formed second formations (not shown) by snapping relative to the drawbar tube. Fig. 16A shows the wheel-linkage 4 in the position with downwardly pivoted wheels 6, the wheels 6 rest on the ground. Fig. 16B shows the wheel linkage 4 in the position with upwardly pivoted wheels. 6

In Fig. 17 is a perspective view, in Fig. 18 a side view of the left in the direction of travel, in Fig. 19 a side view of the right side in the direction of travel, in Fig. 20 a floor view and in Fig. 21 a top view of the snow removal device 1 'of Fig. 17 shown.

The apparatus 1 essentially comprises a rigid frame 50, on which a snow blade 5 "" is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation Ah1 'and about a vertical axis of rotation Av and on which furthermore two wheels 6' each have a wheel suspension element 8 '. another one horizontal axis of rotation (not shown) are pivotally mounted around. In this setting, the snow blade 5 "" is in a forwardly pivoted position suitable for pushing snow away with the blade 5 "" while simultaneously both wheels 6 'are in a downwardly pivoted position. In this position, the snow removal device 1 corresponds to a conventional snow blade, which is supported by the two wheels 6 '. On the underside of the blade 5 "" facing the bottom, a brush 90 with bristles pointing downwards (shown schematically) is arranged. When the snow moving device 1 'is pushed forward, the brush 90 removes residual snow that has not been pushed away by the blade 5 "due to, for example, unevenness in the ground.

The frame 50 is in the form of a drawbar and includes a plurality of rigidly connected sections 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e. The sections 50a, 50b, 50c are each tube sections and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the device 1 '. Inside the pipe section 50a extends a rod 64, inside the pipe section 50b extends a rod 73, and inside the pipe section 50c extends a rod 83 (not shown, but in Fig. 20 indicated). The rods 64, 73, 83 are movably mounted in the respective pipe section 50a, 50b and 50c, respectively. At its blade end, the frame 50 has a crossbar 50d connecting the three tube sections 50a, 50b, 50c. At its operator end, the frame 50 has a further crossbar 50e, which also connects the three pipe sections 50a, 50b, 50c. The crossbar 50e also serves as a handle for pushing and pivoting the frame 50 and thus the entire device 1 '.

The apparatus 1 'includes a wheel linkage 60 having a first member 61, a second member 62 and a third member 63. The first member 61 is hinged at its first end to the wheel suspension member 8'. The second member 62 is hinged at its first end to the second end of the first member 61. The third member 63 is hinged at its first end to the second end of the second member 62. The second member 62 is rotatably supported at a pivot point 62a on a frame 2 ', whereby the wheel linkage 60 is stabilized. The third member 63 is at its second end on the wheel control rod 64 (see Fig. 20 ), how to best in Fig. 18 sees. This wheel-adjusting rod 64 is formed as an elongated member and slidably mounted in the interior of the pipe section 50a along its adjusting rod longitudinal axis. At the operator end, the wheel control rod 64 has a handle-like control element 64 a, on which the control rod 64 can be taken to move the control rod 64 for actuating the wheel linkage 60.

The device 1 'further includes a blade drive 70 for pivoting the blade 5 "" about its horizontal axis of rotation (not shown). The bucket drive 70 includes a cable (cable) 71 fixed to the back of the bucket 5 "'and a pulley 72 in the circumferential groove of which a portion of the rope 71 abuts, as best seen in Figs Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 sees. The pulley 72 is rigidly connected to the above-mentioned rod 73 at its disk center, and the rod 73 extends away from the disk 72 perpendicular to the disk plane. This rotatable blade-adjusting rod 73 is formed as an elongated member and rotatably mounted in the interior of the tube section 50b about its rod longitudinal axis. At the operator end, the blade control rod 73 has a handle-like operating element 73a on which the control rod 73 can be gripped in order to turn it to actuate the blade drive 70.

The device 1 'also includes a blade linkage 80 for pivoting the blade 5''' about its vertical axis of rotation Av. The blade linkage 80 includes a first member 81 and a second member 82. The first member 81 has at its first end a pin 81 a, which projects into a guide slot 80a in the frame 2 '. The first member 81 is hinged at its second end to the first end of the second member 82. The second member 82 is rigidly connected at its second end to the blade control rod 83 or integrally therewith. This blade-adjusting rod 83 is formed as an elongated member and mounted displaceably in the interior of the tube section 50c along its longitudinal axis of the adjusting rod. At the operator end, the blade control rod 83 has a handle-like control element 83 a, on which the control rod 83 can be grasped in order to displace it for actuating the blade linkage 80.

In Fig. 22A, B, C, D, E is the internal structure of in Fig. 21 circled sections of the snowplow of Fig. 17 shown.

In Fig. 22A is a partial length of the respective pipe section 50a, 50b, 50c shown in the region of this part length is a longitudinal slot 51 and axially spaced therefrom another longitudinal slot 52 with branched off curved side slits 52a, 52b, 52c.

In Fig. 22B are the mutually facing ends of two tubes 64b, 64c and two tubes 73b, 73c and two tubes 83b, 83c shown, which can be rotatably connected with respect to their common longitudinal axis with each other to the wheel-adjusting rod 64 and the rotatable blade-control rod 73 and the sliding blade-adjusting rod 83 to form. The two end portions of the two tubes are provided with a respective tube wall hole 55a and 55b in the tube wall. The respective operating element 64a or 73a or 83a is firmly connected to the tube section 64b, 73b, 83b. It protrudes in the assembled state in the radial direction through the longitudinal slot 52 therethrough. A respective fin ("shark fin") 64d or 73d or 83d is fixedly connected to the tube section 64c, 73c, 83c. It protrudes in the assembled state in the radial direction through the longitudinal slot 51 therethrough.

In Fig. 22C a connecting rod 53 is shown, which has two axially spaced, extending in the radial direction through holes 53a, 53b. In addition, two pins 54 are shown, one of which can be inserted through the bore 53a and the tube wall hole 55a and the other through the hole 53b and the tube wall hole 55b can be inserted to the above-mentioned rotationally fixed connection between the two tubes 64b, 64c and 73b, 73c and 83b, 83c produce.

In Fig. 22D is the in Fig. 21 circled section of snow removal equipment shown partially assembled.

In Fig. 22E is the in Fig. 21 circled section of snow removal equipment shown fully assembled.

The two-part construction of the adjusting rods 64, 73, 83 described here simplifies the assembly of the snow removing devices 1 or 1 'according to the invention. At the fins 64d, 73d, 83d, the linkage described above are hinged, so that by a displacement of the control rod 64, 73, 83, the linkage articulated to it is moved.

The projecting through the branched longitudinal slot 52 of the respective pipe section 64b, 73b, 83b control element 64a or 73a and 83a allows a stepwise adjustability of the control rod 64, 73, 83. The control rod 64, 73, 83 is initially moved axially and then to the longitudinal axis is twisted to lock in one of the branched curved side slots 52a, 52b, 52c.

Claims (13)

1. Snow clearing device (1; 1') for removal of snow from paths and squares, which device has a frame (2; 50, 2'), to which a snow shovel (5, 5', 5"; 5'") is attached for shifting and/or receiving snow as well as at least one wheel (6; 6') for supporting the frame (2; 50, 2'), the position of the at least one wheel (6; 6') being changeable with respect to the frame (2; 50, 2') and thereby with respect to the shovel (5, 5', 5"; 5"'), and the snow shovel (5) being pivotable with respect to the frame (2) about a pivot axis (Ah1), which is parallel to the rotational axis of the at least one wheel (6; 6') in the forwards travel direction of the snow clearing device (1; 1'), characterized in that the shovel (5, 5', 5"; 5"') and the at least one wheel (6; 6') are adjustable stepwise and are fixable in different positions.
2. Snow clearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (2) has two handles (2a, 2b) by which a user can hold on to the snow clearing device (1).
3. Snow clearing device (1; 1') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the snow clearing device (1) has at least one operating element (34a, 44a; 64a, 73a, 83a), in particular for changing the position of the at least one wheel (6; 6').
4. Snow clearing device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, in the direction of pushing or respectively of forwards travel (F) of the snow clearing device (1), the snow shovel (5) is disposed in the front, the at least one wheel (6) in the middle and the handles (2a, 2b) are disposed in the rear.
5. Snow clearing device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (2) is movably borne on a single central wheel (6).
6. Snow clearing device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (2) is movably borne on two central wheels (6).
7. Snow clearing device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the snow shovel (5) is height-adjustable with respect to the frame (2).
8. Snow clearing device (1; 1') according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one wheel (6, 6') is extendible and retractable with respect to the frame (2; 50, 2').
9. Snow clearing device (1; 1') according to claim 8, characterized in that a wheel suspension member (8; 8') of the at least one wheel (6; 6') is changeable with respect to the frame (2; 50, 2') in its angle to the frame (2; 50, 2').
10. Snow clearing device (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 9, characterized in that a shovel adjustment control element for the adjustment of the shovel (5) is disposed on the first (2a) of the two handles, and/or in that a wheel adjustment control element for adjustment of the wheels (6) is disposed on the second (2b) of the two handles.
11. Snow clearing device (1; 1') according to claim 10, characterized in that the shovel adjustment control element (73a) is a shovel cable pull (71), able to be operated via a shovel hand lever and connected to the snow shovel (5'"), and the device (1') has a shovel return member, which counteracts a pivoting of the snow shovel (5'") with respect to the frame (50, 2') about the rotational axis (Ah1), and/or in that the wheel adjustment control element is a wheel cable pull able to be operated via a wheel hand lever and connected to the wheel suspension member (8), and the device (1) has a wheel return member, which counteracts a displacement of the at least one wheel (6) with respect to the frame (2).
12. Snow clearing device (1) according to one of the claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the device (1) has a shovel rod system (3), which is able to be operated via a shovel adjusting rod (34) and is connected to the snow shovel (5), and/or in that the device (1) has a wheel rod system (4), which is able to be operated via a wheel adjusting rod (44) and is connected to the wheel suspension member (8).
13. Snow clearing device (1') according to one of the claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the device (1') has a shovel rod system (3), which is able to be operated via a shovel adjusting lever and is connected to the snow shovel (5), and/or in that the device (1) has a wheel rod system (4), which is able to be operated via a wheel adjusting lever and is connected to the wheel suspension member (8).

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