Support arrangement for detachably mounting an additional unit to a support area of a working machine

Abstract

A support arrangement for detachably mounting an additional unit (28), in particular a GPS receiver, to a support area of a working machine, the support arrangement comprising a first support assembly (34) fixedly mounted to the support area of the working machine, a second support assembly (44) pivotably and displaceably supported on the first support assembly (34) about a pivot axis and in a displacement direction for displacement between an additional unit operating position and an additional unit mounting position, and a coupling assembly (80) on a support body (48) of the second support assembly (44) for detachably coupling the additional unit (28) to the second support assembly (44).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device by means of which an additional unit (e.g., a GPS receiver) can be detachably installed into the support area (particularly the top cover area) of construction machinery (e.g., a self-propelled ground compactor). Background Technology

[0002] Additional units (such as GPS receivers) are typically installed on the top cover area of, for example, the control panel of construction machinery, to ensure good reception of radio signals and protect it from damage. For subsequent installation of such additional units or removal from the top cover area (e.g., for repair or maintenance work or to prevent theft), it is usually necessary to access the top cover area via a ladder and remove the additional unit from the top cover area, for example, by loosening screw connections or similar methods. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a support device for detachably mounting an attachment unit (particularly a GPS receiver) to a support area (e.g., a top cover area) of engineering machinery. This support device allows for simple installation and removal of the attachment unit while still reliably coupling the attachment unit to the top cover area.

[0004] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a support device for detachably mounting an additional unit (particularly a GPS receiver) to a support area (particularly a top cover area) of engineering machinery, the support device comprising: - The first support component is fixedly installed in the support area of ​​the construction machinery. - A second support assembly, pivotally supported on the first support assembly about a pivot axis and movably supported in the direction of movement, to move between an additional unit operating position and an additional unit mounting position. - A coupling component, located on the support of the second support component, for detachably coupling the additional unit to the second support component.

[0005] In the support device according to the invention, due to the interaction of the two support components, on the one hand, when the second support component is positioned in the operation position of the additional unit, it provides the possibility of protecting the additional unit supported thereon from unauthorized removal while it is stably held. By transferring the second support component to the installation position of the additional unit, access to the additional unit can be obtained, so that the additional unit can be easily removed from or installed onto the second support component.

[0006] To facilitate simple movement of the second support assembly between the additional unit operating position and the additional unit mounting position, it is recommended that the second support assembly be connected to the first support assembly via a pivoting sliding connection, allowing the second support assembly to pivot about a pivot axis and move in the direction of movement. The pivoting sliding connection includes: - Two moving tracks, which are arranged on the first support assembly and substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement, are spaced apart from each other. - A track engagement mechanism, which is on a second support component associated with each moving track and is movable in the direction of movement along the associated moving track.

[0007] In this case, for the interaction between the two support components that allow the required relative mobility between the two support components, each moving track may have an elongated moving opening in the moving direction, and each track engagement mechanism may include a moving protrusion that engages with the moving opening of the associated moving track and can move along the moving opening in the moving direction.

[0008] In order to achieve the pivotability required for transfer between the additional unit operating position and the additional unit mounting position, each movable protrusion is pivotable about the pivot axis in the associated movable opening.

[0009] In an alternative design, due to structural requirements, the track engagement mechanism can only move along the track but cannot rotate or pivot relative to the track. To allow the necessary pivotability, the support body of the second support assembly is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to each track engagement mechanism.

[0010] To protect the two support components from unwanted movement relative to each other, it is recommended to provide a locking device to lock the second support component in the additional unit operating position to prevent pivoting and movement relative to the first support component.

[0011] For example, the locking device may include: - At least one locking groove on one of the first and second support components (preferably the first support component). - A locking mechanism, which is pre-tightened to a locked position in association with each locking groove on another support component (preferably the second support component) of the first and second support components, and is capable of moving from the locked position to the unlocked position against the pre-stress. Wherein, when the second support component is positioned in the additional unit operating position and when the locking mechanism is positioned in the locked position, the locking mechanism is prevented from moving out of the locking groove, and wherein, when the second support component is positioned in the additional unit operating position and when the locking mechanism is positioned in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism is released to move out of the locking groove.

[0012] To achieve stable locked interactions, the following is recommended: - Each locking groove has a locking groove inlet region (having a first locking groove lateral dimension) and a locking groove receiving region adjacent to the locking groove inlet region (having a second locking groove lateral dimension), wherein the second locking groove lateral dimension is larger than the first locking groove lateral dimension. - Each locking mechanism has a locking portion (having a first locking mechanism lateral dimension) and an unlocking portion (having a second locking mechanism lateral dimension), wherein the second locking mechanism lateral dimension is smaller than the first locking groove lateral dimension, and the first locking mechanism lateral dimension is larger than the first locking groove lateral dimension but smaller than the second locking groove lateral dimension. - When the second support assembly is positioned in the additional unit operating position, each locking mechanism aligns with its associated locking groove in the unlocked position, allowing the unlocked portion of the locking mechanism to move through the locking groove inlet area, and - When the second support component is positioned in the additional unit operating position, each locking mechanism is aligned with the associated locking groove in the locking position, such that the locking portion of the locking mechanism is positioned in the receiving area of ​​the locking groove.

[0013] In addition, for stable locking interaction, a locking groove that is substantially transverse to the direction of movement can be provided on each moving track at a certain distance from the moving opening along the direction of movement, and a locking rod is provided on the second support assembly, which provides a locking mechanism associated with the locking groove on the moving track.

[0014] The locking position lever can move substantially laterally in the direction of movement to move between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0015] To stably but detachably couple the additional unit to the second support assembly, it is proposed that the coupling assembly includes a first coupling structure on the second support assembly, and a second coupling structure on the additional unit that can be coupled to the first coupling structure. One of the coupling structures (preferably the second coupling structure) includes a locking / releasing mechanism for locking one coupling structure to prevent it from decoupling from the other coupling structure, and for releasing one coupling structure to decouple from the other coupling structure.

[0016] The stable coupling of the additional unit can be further supported by the following: the first coupling structure includes two coupling mechanisms, which are preferably arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of movement, and the second coupling structure includes at least one paired coupling mechanism associated with each coupling mechanism, which can establish coupling engagement and disengagement engagement with each coupling mechanism.

[0017] In order to establish or decouple the coupling state in a simple manner, in order to couple the additional unit to the second support assembly and decouple the additional unit from the second support assembly, one of the mating coupling mechanisms can be pivotally supported on the associated coupling mechanism, and the locking / releasing mechanism can cooperate with the other coupling mechanism to lock one coupling structure to prevent it from being decoupled from the other coupling structure.

[0018] To prevent the additional unit from accidentally separating from the second support assembly (e.g., even in the event of vibration), when the additional unit is coupled to the second support assembly and the second support assembly is positioned in the operating position of the additional unit, the locking / releasing mechanism can be locked to prevent movement used to release one coupled structure to decouple it from the other coupled structure.

[0019] In order to produce this locking effect only when actually needed, i.e. when the second support assembly with the additional unit supported thereon is in the additional unit operating position, it is recommended to provide a first locking mechanism on the first support assembly, which locks the locking / releasing mechanism to prevent movement.

[0020] The present invention also relates to an engineering machine, particularly a ground compactor, which includes a support area, preferably a top cover area disposed in association with an operating platform, and a support device constructed according to the present invention on the support area.

[0021] For easy access to the add-on unit or support device, the support area may be a top cover area and may include a skylight that can be closed by a cover plate and is adjacent to the first support component in the direction of movement, such that when the second support component is positioned in the add-on unit operating position, the second support component is positioned not to overlap with the skylight, and when the second support component is positioned in the add-on unit mounting position, the second support component is positioned to partially overlap with the skylight.

[0022] To further protect the additional unit from unauthorized manipulation, the closing cover can be configured to be movable between the closed position of the sunroof and the open position of the sunroof, and when the closing cover is positioned in the closed position and the second support assembly is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the second support assembly is locked by the closing cover to prevent it from moving to the additional unit mounting position.

[0023] For this purpose, a second locking mechanism can be provided on the closing cover, wherein when the closing cover is positioned in the closed position and the second support assembly is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the second support assembly is locked by the second locking mechanism to prevent pivoting.

[0024] Additional units may include, for example, a GPS receiver. It should be noted in this regard that, in the sense of this invention, such a GPS receiver is any device designed to communicate with a satellite communication system or a terrestrial communication system and configured for receiving corresponding signals for this purpose. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 A side view of an engineering machine designed as a ground compactor is shown; Figure 2 The top cover area of ​​the control panel is shown, which has additional units mounted thereon and an enclosed skylight; Figure 3 It shows a structure with an open skylight. Figure 2 The top cover area; Figure 4 An additional unit coupled to a second support assembly of the support device is shown; Figure 5 It shows in Figure 4 Observed from the direction V in the middle Figure 4 Additional units; Figure 6 It shows in Figure 4 Observation direction VI in the middle Figure 4 An additional unit having a first support component connected to a second support component; Figure 7 A longitudinal sectional view is shown of a support device for mounting the additional unit to the top cover area; Figure 8 It shows the use of Figure 7 A longitudinal sectional view (shown in perspective) of the additional unit of the support device mounted on the roof area when the skylight is closed and in the additional unit operating position of the second support assembly. Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view is shown of an additional unit mounted on the top cover area with the aid of a support device when the skylight is open; Figure 10 It shows the corresponding Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view showing a second support assembly pivoting relative to the first support assembly, and additional units coupled to the second support assembly; Figure 11 It shows the corresponding Figure 10The view shows a second support assembly that has pivoted and moved relative to the first support assembly at the additional unit mounting position, and an additional unit coupled to the second support assembly; Figure 12 It shows the effect of the skylight in Figure 11 The second support assembly and the additional unit coupled to the second support assembly are observed in the observation direction XII. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A side view of a construction machine 10 designed as a ground compactor is shown. The construction machine 10 includes drive wheels 14 driven by a drive unit on a rear carriage 12 and an operating platform 16. A compactor roller 20 is rotatably supported on a front carriage 18 about a roller rotation axis, which is pivotally connected to the rear carriage 12 for steering the construction machine 10. The foundation 22 is compacted by moving the construction machine 10 or the ground compactor on a ground material 22, such as asphalt.

[0027] For example, an add-on unit 28 designed as a GPS receiver is supported on the top cover area 24 of the control panel 16 by means of a support device 26, so that the add-on unit 28 can be removed from or installed on the top cover area 24 in the manner described below.

[0028] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The top cover area 24 of the control panel 16 and the additional unit 28 supported thereon are shown. A skylight 30 is disposed on the top cover area 24, adjacent to the additional unit 28 or the support device 26 mounted on the top cover area 24, as shown. Figure 2 As shown, the skylight 30 can be closed by a sealing cover 32. For example, the sealing cover 32 can be pivoted or moved to open the skylight 30.

[0029] The support device 26 for detachably mounting the additional unit 28 to the top cover region 24 includes a first support assembly 34 fixed to the top cover region 24, for example by screwing, welding, or similar means. The first support assembly 34 includes a support body 36, for example designed as a sheet metal part, which is bent at its two side edge regions to provide two movement tracks 38, 40. Each of the two movement tracks 38, 40 provides a region of pivoting sliding connection, shown generally as 42, by means of which the first support assembly 34 is connected, for example, to... Figure 5 The second support component 44 shown is movable in the direction of movement V and can pivot about the pivot axis S.

[0030] In each of the moving tracks 38, 40, an elongated moving opening 46 is formed in the direction of movement V. A moving rod 50—which extends substantially transversely to the direction of movement V, i.e., substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement V—is fixed to the plate-like support 48 of the second support assembly 44. The moving rod 50 provides track engagement mechanisms 52, 54 in the form of corresponding moving protrusions in its two end regions associated with each of the moving tracks 38, 40 or the moving openings 46 respectively therein. The track engagement mechanisms 52, 54 engage with the moving openings 46. Each track engagement mechanism 52, 54 is movable back and forth in the associated moving opening 46 in the direction of movement V. At the same time, each track engagement mechanism 52, 54 is pivotable about a pivot axis S in the associated moving opening 46, such that, substantially at each moving position of the second support assembly 44 relative to the first support assembly 34, the second support assembly 44 is pivotable about the pivot axis S relative to the first support assembly 34.

[0031] At least one resilient stop 58 may be provided on the curved edge region 56 of the support body 36 of the first support assembly 34 (which extends between the two moving tracks 38, 40), which is made of, for example, rubber or similar material, and when the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the second support assembly 44 abuts against the resilient stop 58, for example by means of a moving rod 50.

[0032] For example in Figure 4 and Figure 8 As can be seen, in order to lock the second support assembly 44 in the additional unit operating position to prevent movement relative to the first support assembly 34, a locking device, generally shown at 60, is provided. This locking device includes a locking groove 62 on the first support assembly 34, spaced apart from the corresponding movement opening 46 along the movement direction V in each guide rail 38, 40. The locking groove 62 opens substantially transversely to the support body 36 away from the first support assembly 34 in the movement direction V, and therefore extends substantially transversely to or substantially orthogonal to the movement direction V or respectively relative to the associated movement opening 46.

[0033] Each locking recess 62 includes a locking recess inlet region 64 through which the locking recess 62 opens, and includes a locking recess receiving region 66 in which the corresponding locking mechanisms 68, 70 are received when the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit operating position and a locked state is generated. Each of the two locking mechanisms 68, 70 associated with the locking recess 62 in each case is formed on a locking lever 71, which is movably supported on the support body 48 of the second support assembly 44 substantially transverse to or substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement V along the locking direction R, and includes a locking mechanism locking portion 72 and an adjacent locking mechanism unlocking portion 74.

[0034] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that for each locking groove 62, the locking groove inlet region 64 has a first locking groove lateral dimension, which is a dimension that is substantially transverse to the locking direction R and along the movement direction V. This first locking groove lateral dimension is smaller than the second locking groove lateral dimension in the region of the corresponding locking groove receiving region 66.

[0035] Figure 6 It is shown that for each locking mechanism 68, 70, the corresponding locking portion 72 has a first locking mechanism lateral dimension, specifically the diameter, which is larger than the second locking mechanism lateral dimension in the corresponding locking mechanism unlocking portion 74. The second locking mechanism lateral dimension is also smaller than the first locking groove lateral dimension, such that when the locking lever 71 is positioned in the unlocked position in the locking direction R, the locking mechanism unlocking portion 74 of the two locking mechanisms 68, 70 can pass through the locking groove inlet region 64 of the associated locking groove 62.

[0036] When the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit operating position and the locking lever 71 is positioned in the locking position in the locking direction R, the locking portion 72 of the locking mechanism is located in the associated locking groove receiving area 66, and because the lateral dimension of the first locking mechanism is larger than the lateral dimension of the first locking groove, it cannot be removed from the locking groove 62 by the pivoting of the second support assembly 44 about the rotation axis S.

[0037] To achieve this, the locking lever 71 must first overcome the preload of the preload spring 76 and move from the locked position to the unlocked position relative to the support body 48 of the second support assembly 44 along the locking direction R. This allows the unlocking portion 64 of the corresponding locking mechanism to align with the locking groove 62 in the locking direction R, thereby enabling the locking lever 71 to substantially move out of the locking groove 62, or allowing the second support assembly 44 to pivot. Figure 10 As shown, in this position, the end region of the support body 48 of the second support assembly 44, which also supports the locking lever 71, pivots upward and away from the first support assembly 44.

[0038] Furthermore, when the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit mounting position, the second support assembly 44 is pre-tightened relative to the first support assembly 34 in the direction toward the sunroof 30 along the movement direction V by at least one elastic stop 58, such that the locking lever 71 of the locking portion 72 of the locking mechanism having locking mechanisms 68, 70 is pre-tightened relative to the movement tracks 38, 40 in the portion defining the locking groove receiving area 66. Therefore, the clicking sound caused by the substantially unavoidable movement gap of the locking portion 72 of the locking mechanism in the locking groove receiving area 66 can be avoided.

[0039] Starting from that location and Figure 9 Starting from the additional unit operating position shown in the diagram, the second support assembly 44, with the additional unit 28 coupled thereto, can be moved along the direction of movement V toward the skylight 30 to the additional unit mounting position. Although in the additional unit operating position or... Figure 10 As shown in the upward pivoting position, the additional unit 28 or the second support assembly 44 has been moved out of the area of ​​the skylight 30 and therefore does not cover the skylight 30, but in Figure 11 As shown in the attached unit installation position, the second support assembly 44 or the attached unit 28 is positioned such that the skylight 30 is partially covered, thereby allowing access, in particular, to the opening 78 formed in the support body 48 of the second support assembly 44.

[0040] To detachably couple the additional unit 28 to the second support assembly 44, a coupling assembly, generally shown as 80, is provided. The coupling assembly 80 at the second support assembly 44 includes a first coupling structure 82 having two coupling mechanisms 84, 86 positioned at a distance from each other along the direction of movement V. These coupling mechanisms 84, 86 are, for example, rod-shaped and extend substantially transversely to the direction of movement V. A second coupling structure 88 associated with the first coupling structure 82 is provided on the additional unit 28. The second coupling structure 88 includes a mating coupling mechanism 90 associated with the coupling mechanism 84 of the first coupling structure 28, the mating coupling mechanism 90 having a downwardly (i.e., toward the second support assembly) opening coupling groove 92.

[0041] The second coupling structure 88 includes, for example, two hook-shaped mating coupling mechanisms 94 associated with another coupling mechanism 86 of the first coupling structure 80, which are positioned laterally to each other in the direction of movement V at a distance from each other. Each mating coupling mechanism 94 has a coupling groove 96 that opens substantially in the direction of movement V away from the other mating coupling mechanism 90 when the second support assembly 44 is not pivotally positioned relative to the first support assembly 34.

[0042] With coupling mechanism 86 received in coupling groove 96 of mating coupling mechanism 94, additional unit 28 is substantially pivotable relative to second support assembly 44 about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation S. When additional unit 28 is coupled to second support assembly 44, coupling mechanism 84 is also received in associated coupling groove 92 of mating coupling mechanism 90. When coupling mechanism 84 is received in coupling groove 92, additional unit 28 is coupled to both coupling mechanisms 84, 86 via, for example, a locking / releasing mechanism 98 pivotally supported on mating coupling mechanism 90, and thus to second support assembly 44, and is locked by locking / releasing mechanism 98 to prevent separation. Locking / releasing mechanism 98 is released from, for example, by overcoming the restoring action of a preload spring. Figure 10 When the locking position is pivoted clockwise to the release position, the coupling mechanism 84 is released, causing the mating coupling mechanism 90 to move away from the coupling mechanism 84, and the additional unit 28 can correspondingly pivot about the coupling mechanism 86. After full pivoting, the additional unit 28 can also be pulled away from the coupling mechanism 86, causing the coupling mechanism 86 to disengage from the associated coupling groove 96, thereby decoupling the additional unit 28 from the second support assembly 44.

[0043] In order to remove the additional unit 28 from the second support assembly 44 or the top cover region 24, for example, the connecting cable 100 passing through the opening 78 in the carrier 48 of the second support assembly 44 can be removed from the connecting plug, for example, provided on the top cover region 24.

[0044] exist Figure 8 As can be seen, for example, a first locking mechanism 102 formed by bending is provided on the support body 36 of the first support assembly 34. When the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the locking / releasing mechanism 98 is locked by the first locking mechanism 102 to prevent pivoting, thereby preventing the release of the coupling mechanism 84. Furthermore, when the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit operating position and the sunroof 30 is closed by the closing cover 32, the second locking mechanism 104 provided on the closing cover 32 is positioned such that it partially engages with the second support assembly 44.

[0045] Even when the second support assembly 44 is positioned in the additional unit operating position and the closing cover 32 is positioned in the closed skylight 30 position, the locking lever 71 moves along the locking direction R to the unlocked position, such that the locking mechanism decoupling portion 74 of the locking mechanisms 68, 70 is substantially aligned with the associated locking groove 62 in the moving tracks 38, 40, the second support assembly 44 cannot pivot, allowing it to move along the moving direction V. On the one hand, such movement is prevented by the locking mechanism 102; on the other hand, the second support assembly 44 cannot be brought to a pivot position around the pivot axis S, which would allow the second support assembly 44 to move to the additional unit mounting position after the locking action of the first locking mechanism 102 is released. The locking lever 71 is no longer able to exit from the locking groove 62 due to the second locking mechanism 104 overlapping with the second support assembly 44 in the region of the support body 48 of the second support assembly 44.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the additional unit designed according to the present invention, through the detachable coupling of the support device with the construction machinery, can also be used with construction machinery of different designs or for other working processes, such as wheel loaders, excavators, road milling machines, asphalt pavers, etc. For example, if the operating platform on this type of construction machinery is open, i.e., without a top cover, the support device designed according to the present invention can also be installed in other areas of this type of construction machinery, such as the engine hood or other protective areas.

Claims

1. A support device for detachably mounting an additional unit (28), particularly a GPS receiver, to a support area, particularly a top cover area (24), of an engineering machine (10), said support device comprising: - A first support assembly (34), which is fixedly installed in the support area of ​​the engineering machinery (10), - A second support assembly (44), which is pivotally supported about a pivot axis (S) and movably supported in a direction of movement (V) on the first support assembly (34), so as to move between an additional unit operating position and an additional unit mounting position. - A coupling component (80) on the support (48) of the second support component (44) for detachably coupling the additional unit (28) to the second support component (44).

2. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second support assembly (44) is connected to the first support assembly (34) by means of a pivoting sliding connector (42) such that the second support assembly (44) is pivotable about the pivot axis (S) and movable in the direction of movement (V), wherein the pivoting sliding connector (42) comprises: - Two moving tracks (38, 40) are arranged on the first support assembly (34) and are spaced apart from each other at a distance, substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement (V). - Track engagement mechanism (52, 54), which is on a second support component (44) associated with each moving track (38, 40) and is capable of moving along the associated moving track (38, 40) in the moving direction (V).

3. The support device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each moving track (38, 40) has an elongated moving opening (46) in the moving direction (V), and each track engagement mechanism (52, 54) includes a moving protrusion that engages with the moving opening (46) of the associated moving track (38, 40) and is movable along the moving opening (38, 40) in the moving direction (V).

4. The support device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each movable protrusion is able to pivot about the pivot axis (S) in the associated movable opening (38, 40).

5. The support device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The support (48) of the second support assembly (44) is capable of pivoting about the pivot axis (S) relative to each track engagement mechanism.

6. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A locking device (60) is provided to lock the second support assembly (44) in the additional unit operating position to prevent pivoting and movement relative to the first support assembly (34).

7. The support device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking device (60) includes: - At least one locking groove (62) is located on one of the first support assembly (34) and the second support assembly (44), preferably on the first support assembly (34). - A locking mechanism (68, 70), which is located on another support component of the first support component (34) and the second support component (44), preferably on the second support component (44), wherein the locking mechanism (68, 70) is pre-tightened to the locked position in association with each locking groove (62) and is capable of moving from the locked position to the unlocked position against prestress. When the second support component (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position and when the locking mechanism (68, 70) is positioned in the locked position, the locking mechanism (68, 70) is prevented from moving out of the locking groove (62), and when the second support component (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position and when the locking mechanism (68, 70) is positioned in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism (68, 70) is released to move out of the locking groove (62).

8. The support device according to claim 7, characterized in that: - Each locking groove (62) has: a locking groove inlet region (64) having a first locking groove lateral dimension, and a locking groove receiving region (66) adjacent to the locking groove inlet region (64) having a second locking groove lateral dimension, wherein the second locking groove lateral dimension is larger than the first locking groove lateral dimension. Each locking mechanism (68, 70) has: a locking portion (72) having a first locking mechanism lateral dimension, and an unlocking portion (74) having a second locking mechanism lateral dimension, wherein the second locking mechanism lateral dimension is smaller than the first locking groove lateral dimension, and the first locking mechanism lateral dimension is larger than the first locking groove lateral dimension and smaller than the second locking groove lateral dimension. - When the second support assembly (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position, each locking mechanism (68, 70) aligns with its associated locking groove (62) in the unlocked position, allowing the unlocking portion (74) of the locking mechanism to move through the entrance region (64) of the locking groove, and - When the second support assembly (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position, each locking mechanism (68, 70) is aligned with the associated locking groove (62) in the locking position, such that the locking portion (72) of the locking mechanism is positioned in the receiving area (66) of the locking groove.

9. The support device according to claim 7 or 8, referring back to claim 3, characterized in that, On each moving track (38, 40), a locking groove (62) is provided at a distance from the moving opening (46) along the moving direction (V), which is substantially transverse to the moving direction (V), and a locking rod (71) is provided on the second support assembly (44), the locking rod (71) providing a locking mechanism (68, 70) associated with the locking groove (62) on the moving track (38, 40).

10. The support device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking position lever (71) is capable of moving substantially laterally in the direction of movement (V) to move between the locked position and the unlocked position.

11. The support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The coupling component (80) includes a first coupling structure (82) on the second support component (44) and a second coupling structure (88) on the additional unit (28) capable of coupling with the first coupling structure (82). One of the coupling structures, preferably the second coupling structure (88), includes a locking / releasing mechanism (98) for locking the one coupling structure to prevent it from decoupling from the other coupling structure and for releasing the one coupling structure to decouple it from the other coupling structure.

12. The support device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first coupling structure (82) includes two coupling mechanisms (84, 86), which are preferably arranged at a distance from each other in the direction of movement (V), and the second coupling structure (88) includes at least one paired coupling mechanism (90, 94) associated with each of the coupling mechanisms (84, 86), which is capable of establishing and disengaging coupling with each of the coupling mechanisms (84, 86).

13. The support device according to claim 12, characterized in that, In order to couple the additional unit (28) to the second support assembly (44) and decouple the additional unit (28) from the second support assembly (44), one of the pairing coupling mechanisms (90, 94) is pivotally supported on the associated coupling mechanism (86), and the locking / releasing mechanism (98) cooperates with the other coupling mechanism (84) to lock one coupling structure to prevent it from being decoupled from the other coupling structure.

14. The support device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, When the additional unit (28) is coupled to the second support assembly (44) and the second support assembly (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the locking / releasing mechanism (98) is locked to prevent movement for releasing one coupling structure to decouple from the other coupling structure.

15. The support device according to claim 14, characterized in that, A first locking mechanism (102) is provided on the first support component (34), which locks the locking / releasing mechanism (98) to prevent movement.

16. An engineering machine, particularly a ground compactor, comprising a support area, preferably a top cover area (24) disposed in association with an operating table (16), and a support device (26) on said support area according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The engineering machinery according to claim 16, characterized in that, The support area is the top cover area (24) and includes a skylight (30) which can be closed by a closing cover plate (32) and is adjacent to the first support component (34) in the direction of movement (V) such that when the second support component (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the second support component (44) is positioned not to overlap with the skylight (30), and when the second support component (44) is positioned in the additional unit mounting position, the second support component (44) is positioned to partially overlap with the skylight (30).

18. The engineering machinery according to claim 17, characterized in that, The closing cover (32) is movable between a closed position that closes the skylight (30) and an open position that releases the skylight (30), and when the closing cover (32) is positioned in the closed position and the second support assembly (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the second support assembly (44) is locked by the closing cover (32) to prevent it from moving to the additional unit installation position.

19. The engineering machinery according to claim 18, characterized in that, A second locking mechanism (104) is provided on the closed cover (32), wherein when the closed cover (32) is positioned in the closed position and the second support assembly (44) is positioned in the additional unit operating position, the second support assembly (44) is locked by the second locking mechanism (104) to prevent pivoting.

20. The engineering machinery according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The additional unit (28) includes a GPS receiver.

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